ASUS TUF VG27AQ -- Best Overall
The ASUS TUF VG27AQ is a 27-inch 1440p IPS monitor running at 144Hz, with ELMB Sync technology that enables motion blur reduction and adaptive sync simultaneously. G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync support covers both AMD and NVIDIA users. The IPS panel delivers accurate colors with 125% sRGB coverage and HDR support that is functional rather than just a marketing badge. The stand is fully adjustable with height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. 1ms MPRT response time keeps fast-action scenes sharp. For a primary gaming monitor that also handles color-sensitive creative work, this hits a strong balance across all categories.
Check price on Amazon →The best 144Hz computer monitors in 2026 deliver buttery-smooth motion for gaming, video editing, and fast-paced productivity without breaking the bank.
A 144Hz monitor transforms how motion looks on screen. Games feel responsive rather than sluggish, scrolling through long documents becomes smooth, and fast-moving video plays without the judder visible at 60Hz. In 2026, 144Hz panels are available across a wide price range with no meaningful reason to settle for less when building or upgrading a desktop setup.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
| — | — | — |
| LG 27GL83A-B | 1440p IPS precision | 4.7/5 |
| AOC C24G1A | Curved budget gaming | 4.4/5 |
| ASUS TUF VG27AQ | G-Sync Compatible + HDR | 4.7/5 |
| MSI Optix G273 | Fast IPS esports | 4.4/5 |
| ViewSonic XG2405 | FHD with strong color | 4.5/5 |
How we picked
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Top picks compared
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS TUF VG27AQ -- Best Overall | Check price | ||
| LG 27GL83A-B -- Best 1440p IPS | Check price | ||
| AOC C24G1A -- Best Budget Curved | Check price | ||
| MSI Optix G273 -- Best IPS for Esports | Check price | ||
| ViewSonic XG2405 -- Strong Color, Fair Price | Check price |
Our picks up close
ASUS TUF VG27AQ -- Best Overall
The ASUS TUF VG27AQ is a 27-inch 1440p IPS monitor running at 144Hz, with ELMB Sync technology that enables motion blur reduction and adaptive sync simultaneously. G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync support covers both AMD and NVIDIA users. The IPS panel delivers accurate colors with 125% sRGB coverage and HDR support that is functional rather than just a marketing badge. The stand is fully adjustable with height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. 1ms MPRT response time keeps fast-action scenes sharp. For a primary gaming monitor that also handles color-sensitive creative work, this hits a strong balance across all categories.
LG 27GL83A-B -- Best 1440p IPS
LG's 27GL83A-B is a 27-inch Nano IPS monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time that is widely regarded as one of the cleanest 1440p gaming panels available. The Nano IPS technology extends the color gamut to 98% DCI-P3, meaning games and creative work look richly saturated without oversaturation. FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible support gives you tear-free gaming regardless of GPU brand. HDR10 support adds punch to high-contrast content. The stand adjusts for height, tilt, and pivot. Build quality is solid throughout. At the 1440p tier, this monitor remains a consistent top pick year after year.
AOC C24G1A -- Best Budget Curved
The AOC C24G1A brings a 24-inch curved VA panel with 165Hz refresh rate (backward-compatible with 144Hz systems) to a price. The 1500R curve draws you into the screen and reduces peripheral distraction during long gaming sessions. The VA panel produces deep blacks and strong contrast for dark-scene gaming. AMD FreeSync Premium reduces tearing and stutter. The stand is height-adjustable, which is rare at this price point. Response time of 1ms MPRT handles fast motion cleanly. If you want a curved 144Hz experience without paying mid-range prices, the AOC C24G1A is the clear recommendation in this tier.
MSI Optix G273 -- Best IPS for Esports
The MSI Optix G273 uses a 27-inch IPS panel with 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms IPS-level response time. Its flat panel design suits competitive gaming where screen distortion from curves is unwanted. The display covers 99% sRGB, producing accurate, vivid colors that help you spot enemies in varied lighting environments in-game. FreeSync Premium is included. The frameless design on three sides allows tight multi-monitor configurations. MSI includes its Gaming OSD app for adjusting settings from your desktop. At the Optix G273 is a practical choice for esports players who want IPS accuracy at competitive frame rates.
ViewSonic XG2405 -- Strong Color, Fair Price
The ViewSonic XG2405 is a 24-inch FHD IPS gaming monitor at 144Hz with strong color coverage and a clean feature set. Its panel covers 99% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3, which is above average for a monitor in this price range. AMD FreeSync support handles screen tearing. The stand offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustments plus a 90-degree pivot for portrait orientation. A USB 3.1 hub on the back provides two USB-A ports for connecting peripherals. ViewSonic includes a three-year warranty. For FHD gaming at 144Hz with better-than-average color accuracy, the XG2405 is a well-rounded pick that does not cut corners where it matters.
Before you buy
What to consider
Decide on resolution first. FHD (1080p) pairs well with mid-range GPUs and keeps costs lower. QHD (1440p) delivers noticeably sharper text and detail and is worth the premium if your GPU supports it. For panel type, IPS offers better colors and viewing angles while VA delivers deeper blacks. Choose IPS for general use and color-sensitive work; VA for dark-room gaming where contrast matters more. Confirm adaptive sync support matches your GPU: FreeSync for AMD, G-Sync or G-Sync Compatible for NVIDIA. An adjustable stand with height adjustment is worth prioritizing to protect your posture during long sessions.
What to consider
For related monitor coverage, see our [best computer monitors for coding](/articles/best-computer-monitors-for-coding) and [best computer monitor value](/articles/best-computer-monitor-value) articles. Full evaluation criteria are on the [methodology](/methodology) page.
Quick answers
To actually display 144 frames per second, your GPU needs to render games at that frame rate. If your GPU only outputs 60 fps in a given title, the monitor will still cap at 60 fps for that game. That said, even pushing 80 to 100 fps on a 144Hz monitor looks noticeably smoother than 60 fps on a 60Hz panel. A mid-range GPU gets meaningful benefit from 144Hz.
Yes. Even for productivity tasks, 144Hz makes scrolling through documents and browsers feel notably smoother than 60Hz. Cursor movement appears crisper. For video editing, smoother playback preview helps when scrubbing timelines. The difference is subtle compared to gaming but real enough that most people who switch to 144Hz do not want to go back.
Tom Reeves has reviewed consumer electronics for over a decade, with a focus on televisions, monitors, laptops, and smart home devices. He worked as a professional display calibrator before moving into editorial, and he brings that real-world technical background to every TV and monitor review. At TheTestedHub, Tom covers display calibration, computer monitors, laptops and 2-in-1s, smart home platforms, home theater setups, and HDR performance.
More to explore
5 Best Computer Monitors to Use as a TV 2026 | Dual-Purpose Picks
5 Best Computer Monitors Under 100 2026 | Sharp screen, tight budget
5 Best Computer Monitors for Coding 2026 | Sharp text, wide screen
5 Best Computer Monitors for MacBook 2026 | Sharp color, one cable
5 Best Computer Monitors for Productivity 2026 | More screen, less switching
5 Best Computer Screens for Graphic Designers 2026 | Colour-Accurate Displays That Deliver
5 Best Computer Monitors With Speakers 2026 | Built-In Audio Done Right
