1440p 144Hz monitors are preferred and adored among gamers, as they offer the ideal combination of detail clarity and gaming responsiveness.
But what does this mean?
It means that there are going to be a ton of different 1440p 144Hz models, and choosing the perfect one can sometimes be overwhelming and frustrating. That’s where this buyer’s guide comes in!
We’ve picked the absolute best, and most cost-efficient 1440p 144Hz monitors for gaming, all you have to do is choose which one is most suited for you!
These are the best 1440p 144Hz gaming monitors worth buying right now!
Type | Monitor | Size | Panel | Refresh Rate | VRR | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best 1440p 144Hz HDR Gaming Monitors | 27” | VA | 180Hz | FreeSync | ||
27” | IPS | 165Hz | FreeSync | |||
Best 1440p 144Hz VA Gaming Monitors | 27” | VA | 144Hz | FreeSync | ||
32” | VA | 170Hz | FreeSync | |||
Best 1440p 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitors | 27” | IPS | 180Hz | FreeSync | ||
24” | IPS | 144Hz | FreeSync | |||
32” | IPS | 144Hz | FreeSync |
We also included noteworthy alternatives for each monitor in the reviews below in case our pick isn’t available or if it’s overpriced in your country. Additionally, we’ll mention if there are any similar upcoming monitors you should keep your eyes on.
Now, we will cover the most important details about each monitor in the summaries below, but you may also want to visit our comprehensive gaming monitor buyer’s guide.
This guide includes the models with refresh rates ranging from 144Hz to 180Hz. We have a dedicated best 1440p 240Hz monitors guide!
If you want to view our changelogs for this particular buying guide, you can do so at the end of this article.
Best 1440p 144Hz HDR Gaming Monitor
Want a medium refresh rate 1440p display with proper HDR support? Here are the best models available!
AOC Q27G3XMN
Best Value 27″ 1440p HDR Gaming Monitor
Size: 27”
Panel: IPS
Refresh Rate: 165Hz (180Hz OC)
VRR: FreeSync
The Pros:
- 336-zone mini LED FALD with over 1000-nits peak brightness for true HDR image quality
- Wide DCI-P3 color gamut
- Plenty of gaming features including VRR up to 180Hz
- Fully ergonomic design
The Cons:
- Minor blooming/haloing noticeable in certain scenes
- Minor ghosting behind fast-moving objects
About the Monitor
The AOC Q27G3XMN is the best value medium refresh rate 1440p gaming monitor! It’s cheaper than most models in this list yet it offers an amazing HDR image quality!
Image Quality
To start with, the AOC Q27G3XMN has an exceptionally wide color gamut with 96% DCI-P3 and 90% Adobe RGB gamut coverage for amazing colors!
Moreover, it has a stellar peak brightness of 600-nits for SDR, which can get a boost up to 1200-nits for punchy highlights when watching HDR content!
Its main weapon is the 336-zone mini LED FALD (full-array local dimming) solution!
These zones can individually dim parts of the screen that are supposed to be dark without greatly affecting parts of the image that are supposed to remain bright, thus significantly boosting the contrast ratio!
As a result, you can simultaneously get bright highlights and deep blacks, while the wide gamut coverage ensures gorgeous color vibrancy.
Depending on the scene, small illuminated objects can bleed into the surrounding dimmed zones and create blooming, but this mainly occurs in particularly demanding scenes (fireworks, night sky with stars, etc.), so it’s tolerable.
Further, while the AOC Q27G3XMN is a fair bit faster than the standard high refresh rate VA gaming monitors, some minor ghosting is still noticeable behind fast-moving objects, mainly in darker scenes. For most gamers though, it will be tolerable or even negligible.
Features
The AOC Q27G3XMN supports VRR up to 180Hz for tear-free gameplay
Other features include Shadow Boost, Game Color, a crosshair overlay, on-screen timers and various picture presets.
Check out our full AOC Q27G3XMN review for more information.
Design & Connectivity
The stand offers full ergonomic support with up to 130mm height adjustment, 90° pivot, -5°/23° tilt, +/- 30° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include DP 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports (max 144Hz), and a headphone jack.
Alternatives
- KTC M27T20 – model with 576-zone mini LED FALD, USB-C 90W, KVM, a bit faster response time and a bit wider color gamut. However, it goes for up to ~$150 more and doesn’t have as smooth VRR performance
Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q
Best 27″ 1440p HDR Gaming Monitor
Size: 27”
Panel: IPS
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
VRR: FreeSync
The Pros:
- 576-zone mini LED FALD with over 1000-nits peak brightness for true HDR image quality
- Wide Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color gamut; Quick response time speed
- Plenty of gaming features including VRR and MBR up to 165Hz
- Fully ergonomic design and rich connectivity options, including KVM and USB-C with 90W PD
The Cons:
- Minor blooming/haloing noticeable in certain scenes
- Occasional flickering issues when using VRR and local dimming simultaneously
About the Monitor
If you want the best 27″ 1440p high refresh rate IPS gaming monitor, we recommend the Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q!
Image Quality
The Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q has an even wider color gamut than the Q27G3XMN with 98% DCI-P3 and 99% Adobe RGB gamut coverage! You also get dedicated color modes for different gamuts as well as excellent Delta E < 2 factory calibration.
It also has a high 1200-nit peak brightness and a better 576-zone mini LED FALD (full-array local dimming) solution. However, since its IPS panel has a lower native contrast ratio of 1,000:1, the amount of blooming on these two displays will be similar.
The advantages of IPS technology, on the other hand, include a faster response time speed for no ghosting behind fast-moving objects and wider viewing angles.
VRR is supported up to 165Hz for tear-free gameplay and there’s a Motion Blur Reduction backlight strobing feature, but you can’t use them at the same time.
When using VRR and local dimming simultaneously, you might detect flickering in certain scenes or games, so you might have to disable one of the two features.
Other features include Black Stabilization, crosshair overlays, on-screen timers and various picture presets.
Check out our full GP27Q review for more information.
Design & Connectivity
The stand offers full ergonomic support with up to 110mm height adjustment, 90° pivot, -5°/15° tilt, +/- 15° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include DP 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports (max 144Hz), a USB-C port with DP 1.4 Alt Mode and 90W Power Delivery, a headphone jack, dual 3W built-in speakers and integrated KVM functionality.
Alternatives
Keep in mind that the Acer XV275K P3 with a 27″ 4K 160Hz IPS panel and the same 576-zone mini LED FALD backlight can also be found on sale for $550.
The Innocn 27M2V with an 1152-zone mini LED FALD backlight can also be found on sale for $470 and it is often available for $500 for Amazon Prime members.
Best 1440p 144Hz VA Gaming Monitors
Want a more affordable 1440p 144Hz-180Hz gaming monitor with a VA panel, you’ll find the most models here!
The Pros:
- High contrast ratio
- Wide color gamut
- Plenty of gaming features, including VRR and MBR up to 144Hz
The Cons:
- Minor ghosting in fast-paced games, mainly in darker scenes
- Prone to VRR brightness flickering
- Tilt-only stand
About the Monitor
The Koorui 27E6QC is actually one of the cheapest 1440p 144Hz gaming monitors you can buy, yet it offers an amazing gaming experience!
Image Quality
This monitor uses a VA panel, so its strongest point is the high static contrast ratio of 3,000:1. In comparison, TN and IPS panels usually have a contrast ratio of just 1,000:1.
This results in deep blacks, bright whites and a generally more pronounced relation between the darkest and the brightest colors, which makes for an immersive viewing experience — especially in dark rooms.
The Koorui 27E6QC also has a ~85% DCI-P3 wide color gamut coverage (~125% sRGB gamut size) for more saturated and lifelike colors.
Lastly, the peak luminance of this monitor maxes out at 250-nits, which may sound too low, but under normal viewing conditions, it will be more than enough.
The most significant disadvantage of VA panel displays is the pixel response time speed. Although manufacturers claim ‘4ms’ gray to gray pixel transition time for VA panels, it’s actually notably slower when it comes to transitioning between very dark pixels.
As a result, this creates noticeable black smearing of fast-moving objects in fast-paced games, which can be somewhat distracting if you’re a hardcore FPS gamer. For casual gaming and other game genres, it’s actually negligible, and you most likely won’t even notice it unless you’re really looking for it.
Note that pixel response time isn’t the same as input lag — input and display lag is the time it takes for the monitor to react and display your commands. All monitors in this list have low input lag (below 5ms), which makes for imperceptible delay at 165Hz.
Features
Moving on, the Koorui 27E6QC monitor is equipped with AMD FreeSync, which allows it to change its refresh rate dynamically (Hz = FPS), thus eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for good.
FreeSync works as long as your FPS is within the VRR (variable refresh rate) range of the monitor, which amounts to 48-144Hz/FPS, with LFC support for lower frame rates. You will also need a compatible graphics card, which includes most AMD and NVIDIA’s GTX 10-series or newer cards.
Although this monitor isn’t certified by NVIDIA as G-SYNC compatible, FreeSync works with NVIDIA cards. Unfortunately, some units of the Koorui 27E6QC (and most other monitors based on VA panels) are affected by the brightness flickering issue when FreeSync is enabled.
How does this affect you?
This brightness flickering is mostly visible when your FPS fluctuates a lot or when it gets below 48FPS and triggers LFC. It doesn’t affect all units of the monitor, and it’s not visible in all video games.
Other noteworthy features include Black Equalizer (improves visibility of objects in shadows), crosshair overlays, a refresh rate tracker, on-screen timers and various picture presets.
Additionally, the Koorui 27E6QC also features Motion Blur Reduction (MBR), which via backlight strobing, further reduces the amount of visible trailing behind fast-moving objects. However, it cannot be active at the same time as FreeSync, and the monitor’s brightness will decrease as the strobing frequency becomes higher.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is tilt-only, but the screen is VESA mount compatible via the 75x75mm pattern. The screen also has a subtle 1800R curvature for added immersion.
Connectivity options include HDMI 2.0, HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 and a headphone jack.
Alternatives
If you’d rather have a 27″ 1440p high refresh rate gaming monitor with a more subtle screen curvature, check out the following 1500R models:
- Koorui 27E1QA – flat-screen panel
- Dell S2722DGM – steeper 1500R curvature, better design, more expensive
- AOC CQ27G3S – even steeper 1000R curvature
We’d also like to again bring up the issue of VRR brightness flickering and noticeable dark-level smearing that affects all these monitors. Some users might not be sensitive to it, in which case the monitors are worth considering as you get a higher contrast ratio in comparison to IPS technology.
However, if you want smooth VRR performance and no noticeable ghosting, you can nowadays find 27″ 1440p 144Hz IPS monitors at the same price range and we’ll get into the best models in this guide too.
The Pros:
- High contrast ratio, wide color gamut
- Plenty of gaming features, including VRR + MBR up to 170Hz
- Height-adjustable stand, USB hub, KVM switch
The Cons:
- Minor ghosting in fast-paced games, mainly in darker scenes
- Prone to VRR brightness flickering
- Design lacks swivel
About the Monitor
Next up, we have the Gigabyte M32QC, a 32″ 1440p 165Hz (170Hz OC) gaming monitor with a 1500R curved VA panel.
Image Quality
The Gigabyte M32QC features a large 31.5″ viewable screen, and while a bigger monitor can provide a more immersive gaming and viewing experience, it also has a lower pixel density.
Here’s why: with roughly 93 pixels per inch, you get the same pixel density as that of a 24″ 1080p monitor. So, you will get the same amount of screen space as you would with the 27″ 1440p models (108 PPI), but the details won’t be quite as sharp.
Regardless, at just a bit over 3 ft away from the screen, your eyes won’t be able to distinguish the individual pixels on the monitor, which is a reasonable distance given the size of the screen.
Other panel-related specifications include a wide 94% DCI-P3 color gamut (equivalent to ~130% sRGB), a high 3,000:1 contrast ratio and a decent 350-nit peak brightness (up to 400-nits for HDR content).
Sadly, as it’s the case with most VA panel monitors, there’s noticeable dark-level smearing behind fast-moving objects in dark scenes that will be tolerable to some, but repulsive to others.
So, if you want a big gaming monitor with excellent image quality and decent performance, the Gigabyte M32QC offers exceptional value for the price.
Features
The Gigabyte M32QC supports AMD FreeSync with a 48-170Hz VRR range over DisplayPort and 48-144Hz over HDMI.
Other features include the Aim Stabilizer Sync backlight strobing technology (allows VRR and MBR to be used at the sam time), PiP/PbP, Black Equalizer for better visibility in darker games, custom crosshairs and pre-calibrated picture presets.
Design & Connectivity
The Gigabyte M32QC has a height-adjustable stand (up to 100mm), and you can also tilt the screen by -5°/20° or mount it via the 100x100mm VESA pattern.
Connectivity options consist of two HDMI 2.0 inputs, DisplayPort 1.2, a USB-C port with DP 1.4 Alt Mode and 18W Power Delivery, a headphone jack and a dual-USB 3.0 hub.
It also has an integrated KVM switch, allowing you to control two PCs connected to the screen via one set of keyboard and mouse.
Alternatives
If you’d rather have a flat-screen 32″ 1440p 144Hz VA gaming monitor, check out the LG 32GN650, though it doesn’t have as wide color gamut (only 95% sRGB).
Best 1440p 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitors
For those looking for a medium refresh rate 1440p gaming monitor with an IPS panel, we have three excellent displays picked out for you!
Acer XV271U M3
1440p 180Hz 1ms IPS On A Budget
Size: 27”
Panel: IPS
Refresh Rate: 180Hz
VRR: FreeSync
The Pros:
- Vibrant colors
- High pixel density
- Plenty of gaming features, including VRR and MBR up to 180Hz
- Fully ergonomic design
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About the Monitor
The Acer XV271U M3 is one of the most cost-efficient 1440p 144Hz gaming monitors with an IPS panel providing you with both vibrant colors and quick response time! In fact, it’s by far the cheapest model with a rapid 1ms GtG response time speed.
Image Quality
Thanks to its IPS panel, the Acer XV271U M3 monitor delivers precise, consistent and vivid colors. Naturally, blacks aren’t as deep as that of VA panels, but you also don’t get the visible black smearing in fast-paced games. Instead, the pixel response time is rapid, which ensures minimal motion blur.
Further, the monitor is equipped with a wider color gamut backlight covering 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut (equivalent to ~130% sRGB) for even more eye-catching colors.
Features
Moving on, the Acer XV271U M3 features AMD FreeSync support with a 48-180Hz VRR range and stable G-SYNC Compatible performance.
But that’s not all, you will also find the VRB feature, which reduces perceived motion blur by backlight strobing. Just like it’s the case with most monitors, MBR and VRR cannot work at the same time, and while VRB is enabled, the maximum brightness of the display is decreased.
Other features include pre-calibrated picture presets, custom crosshairs, a refresh rate tracker and Black Boost for better visibility in darker games.
For more information, visit our detailed Acer XV271U M3 review.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers height adjustment up to 120mm, tilt by -5°/25°, 360° swivel, +/- 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports (max 144Hz), a headphone jack and two 2W built-in speakers.
Alternatives
There are plenty of excellent 27″ 1440p high refresh rate IPS gaming monitors available nowadays ranging from $200 to $250 (depending on sale).
So, we recommend checking them all out and choosing whichever is the cheapest or according to your design/feature preference:
- Acer XV272UV
- ASUS VG27AQ3A
- Gigabyte M27Q-P
- Dell G2724D
- KTC H27T22S
- Sceptre E275B-QPD168 – sRGB gamut only
The Pros:
- Precise, consistent, and vibrant colors
- Quick response time speed
- Plenty of gaming features, including FreeSync and Aim Stabilizer Sync
- Ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About the Monitor
Some gamers prefer 24″ sized screens for competitive FPS gaming and the Koorui GP01 is the only 24″ 1440p high refresh rate fast IPS gaming monitor available in the US!
Image Quality
The 1440p resolution looks even sharper on 24″ displays with roughly 123 PPI.
The main reason FPS players prefer smaller screens is that it allows them to see everything that’s happening on the screen without having to move their eyes/neck as much as they would on larger displays.
Now, the Koorui GP01 has a fast IPS panel with a 1ms GtG response time speed and a high 350-nit (400-nit for HDR) peak brightness, but it only covers the basic sRGB gamut, so colors won’t be particularly saturated.
Other specifications include a 1000:1 contrast ratio, basic HDR10 support, VRR up to 165Hz and a standard gaming feature set (crosshairs, presets and on-screen timers).
Check out our Koorui GP01 review for more information.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers full ergonomic support, including up to 110mm height adjustment, -5°/15° tilt, +/- 30° swivel, 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 ports (limited to 144Hz at 2560×1440) and a headphone jack.
Alternatives
There are two more displays based on the same panel, but they’re not available in the US.
Sceptre E325B-QPN168
Best Value 32″ 1440p 144Hz Gaming Monitor
Size: 32”
Panel: IPS
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
VRR: FreeSync
The Pros:
- Precise, consistent, vibrant colors
- Quick response time speed
- Plenty of gaming features, including VRR up to 144Hz
- Fully ergonomic stand
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About the Monitor
The Sceptre E325B-QPN168 is an affordable 32″ 1440p 144Hz IPS gaming monitor yet it offers an ergonomic stand and wide color gamut support!
Image Quality
With the Sceptre E325B-QPN168, you get vibrant colors thanks to its 92% DCI-P3 color gamut (equivalent to ~125% sRGB).
Plus, the colors will remain flawless at basically any angle and across the entire screen due to the IPS technology with 178° wide viewing angles.
You also get a strong peak brightness of 400-nits, but the contrast ratio is limited to 1,000:1, so blacks won’t be quite as deep as they’re on VA models.
You also get a fast pixel response time speed for no prominent ghosting and smooth VRR performance for tear-free gameplay up to 144FPS.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor offers up to 95mm height adjustment, +/- 15° swivel, -5°/15° tilt, 90° pivot and 75x75mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include two HDMI 1.4 ports, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, a headphone jack, and dual 2W integrated speakers.
Alternatives
- Gigabyte M32Q – with built-in KVM
- ASUS PG329Q / PG329Q-W – wider Adobe RGB color gamut and DisplayHDR 600 support, but it’s more expensive
- Gigabyte GS32Q – tilt-only stand, sRGB color gamut only
- LG 32GP750 – sRGB color gamut only
Conclusion
These are the best 1440p 144Hz monitors for gaming to get right now! If you have any questions or aren’t sure what monitor to get, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment below, and we’ll gladly help!
Overall, the AOC Q27G3XMN offers excellent value for the price if you’re on a tighter budget.
In case you can afford something pricier, there’s the Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q for its wider color gamut and faster response time – however, note that the 4K 144Hz mini LED models, such as the Innocn 27M2V can be found for the same price and offer a lot better value for the money.
If you want a larger screen, the Sceptre E325B-QPN168 is a solid option, and if you don’t mind some ghosting in dark scenes and screen tearing (or VRR brightness flickering), the VA models are worth considering as well!
In case you just want a good inexpensive display with smooth performance and vibrant colors, the Acer XV271U M3 offers excellent value for the money.
Updates +
- August 5, 2024:
– Replaced the Acer XV272UV with the Acer XV271U M3, and the ASUS PG329Q with the Sceptre E325B-QPN168. - November 13, 2023:
– Replaced the Gigabyte M32Q with the ASUS PG329Q, and the AOC CQ27G3S with the Koorui 27E6QC.
– Added the Koorui GP01.
– Added a review summary for the AOC Q27G3XMN. - January 20, 2023:
– Replaced the AOC CQ27G2 with CQ27G3S, the MSI G273QF with the Acer XV272UV, the MSI MAG274QRF-QD with the Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q and the Gigabyte G32QCA with the M32QC. - November 24, 2022:
– Checked up on the guide to ensure that our picks are still the best options available. - March 4, 2022:
– Added the Cooler Master GP27-FQS as an upcoming alternative. - December 1, 2021:
– Added more 27″ 1440p 144Hz IPS and VA panel alternatives. - November 26, 2021:
– Checked up on the guide to ensure that our picks are still the best options available. - September 10, 2021:
– Replaced the LG 27GP850 with the MSI MAG274QRF-QD. - August 5, 2021:
– Added the LG 27GP850 and the ASUS PG329Q to the table. - June 11, 2021:
– Removed the Dell S2719DGF and the Samsung CHG70.
– Replaced the Acer XB323UGP with the Gigabyte M32Q. - May 26, 2021:
– Added the LG 27GP850 as an alternative to the LG 27GL83A. - February 10, 2021:
– Replaced the LG 32GK650F with the Gigabyte G32QC and added the LG 32GN650 as a flat-screen alternative.
– Replaced the ViewSonic VX2758-2KP-MHD with the Gigabyte G27Q.