Quick verdict
For most gamers, the **Samsung Odyssey G7 27"** offers the best overall package: 1440p sharpness, 240Hz smoothness, and a deep curve that actually transforms how games feel. Competitive FPS players who prioritize pure speed should look hard at the **ASUS ROG Strix XG259QNS** - 360Hz is a genuine advantage at high ranks. Budget-conscious buyers who want solid 240Hz performance without paying a premium brand tax will b

Samsung Odyssey G7 27" (240Hz)
The Odyssey G7 is the heavy hitter of this list. Samsung's 1000R deep curve wraps around your field of view more aggressively than most monitors, which feels genuinely immersive in single-player titles and surprisingly natural in competitive games once you adjust. The VA panel delivers deep blacks that IPS simply cannot touch.
Check price on Amazon →Discover why the Samsung Odyssey G7 27 inch leads our list of curved gaming monitors with 240Hz refresh, plus top picks for competitive FPS players on a budget.
Quick verdict
The Samsung Odyssey G7 27″ is the best overall pick. Its 1000R deep curve and VA panel deliver immersive depth and blacks that IPS rivals cannot reach, while the 240Hz refresh keeps fast competitive play sharp. It is the most well-rounded monitor on this list for both single-player and multiplayer gamers.
Key takeaways
- Best overall: Samsung Odyssey G7 27″, deep 1000R curve and VA blacks balance immersion with 240Hz speed.
- Best for pure FPS speed: ASUS ROG Strix XG259QNS, 360Hz ceiling and 0.3ms response for the fastest play here.
- Best value for competitive play: MSI Optix MAG251RX, 240Hz IPS at a price competitive gamers will appreciate.
- Best build quality and warranty: Alienware AW2521HFL, premium stand, tasteful lighting, strong support.
- Best IPS at 27″: LG 27GN750-B, IPS colors and viewing angles where VA usually dominates.
Why you should trust this guide
I built this guide by reading the stated specifications, manufacturer feature claims, and the realities of panel technology for each of these five monitors, then comparing them against what gamers actually need at 240Hz and above. I did not rely on marketing taglines alone. Where a spec sounded impressive, I asked what it means in practice, whether a 1000R curve really helps in competitive titles or whether a 360Hz panel matters for someone who mostly plays single-player games.
I also stayed honest about trade-offs. Every panel technology here, whether VA, IPS, or OLED, has a weakness, and no monitor on this list is perfect for every player. My goal was to match each monitor to the kind of gamer it actually serves best, rather than ranking them on a single number. That means a 240Hz IPS panel can be the right call for one person and the wrong one for another, and I have tried to make those distinctions clear in each section.
How we researched
We evaluated each monitor against a consistent set of criteria that matter most for high refresh rate gaming: refresh rate and how it pairs with response time, panel type and its effect on color and contrast, curve geometry and immersion, adaptive sync support, stand ergonomics, and overall value relative to the rest of the list. We treated each manufacturer’s published specifications as the product’s stated specs and reasoned from there, rather than inventing numbers of our own.
We weighted the criteria differently depending on the intended use case. For competitive FPS players, refresh rate and response time carried the most weight, since those determine motion clarity and input feel. For players who care about visuals and immersion, contrast, color accuracy, and curve depth mattered more. We also factored in practical details like cable quality, warranty support, and stand adjustability, because those affect daily use long after the spec sheet stops being interesting.
Samsung Odyssey G7 27″ (240Hz)
The Odyssey G7 is the heavy hitter of this list and my pick for the best all-around monitor here. Samsung’s 1000R deep curve wraps around your field of view more aggressively than most monitors, which feels genuinely immersive in single-player titles and, after a short adjustment, surprisingly natural in competitive games. The VA-derived panel delivers deep blacks that a standard IPS simply cannot touch, and Samsung leans into that strength with HDR10 support that brings brighter highlights and more nuanced shadows for added depth.
Samsung’s stated features push the visual side hard. The Pantone Validated screen is rated to reproduce 2100 or more lifelike colors and 110 or more skin tones, Glare Free technology helps keep the screen clear of reflections from external light sources, and on the OLED variants in this family, OLED Safeguard technology actively helps prevent burn-in. Combined with the 240Hz refresh rate, the result is a monitor that does not force you to choose between looking good and playing fast.
The trade-off is the curve itself. A 1000R curve is the most aggressive geometry here, and it is polarizing. If you do any productivity work, editing, or design on the same screen, straight lines can appear to bow, and some players never fully warm to the wrap. VA panels can also show slightly slower pixel transitions than the fastest IPS options on this list, so the very quickest FPS players may notice a touch more smearing in dark scenes than they would on the ASUS or LG.
ASUS ROG Strix XG259QNS (24.5″, 360Hz)
The ASUS ROG Strix XG259QNS is the pick for serious FPS players who want the highest ceiling. It is technically overqualified for a 240Hz list because it runs a 24.5-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) fast IPS panel rated at 380Hz overclocked, but it earns its place by pricing competitively against true 240Hz panels while delivering the fastest response times here. If you chase every frame, this is where the limit sits.
ASUS Fast IPS technology enables a rated 0.3ms minimum response time for sharp gaming visuals, and Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC) lets you run motion blur reduction together with variable refresh rate, which is a combination many monitors force you to pick between. FreeSync Premium delivers tear-free play, and the DisplayWidget Center lets you access the OSD and adjust settings with a mouse instead of fumbling for buttons. The 24.5-inch size keeps pixel density high at 1080p, so the image still looks crisp despite the lower resolution.
The honest limitation is that all of that speed is wrapped around a 1080p flat panel. This monitor is not curved, so if immersion and a wraparound feel are what drew you to this list, the ASUS works against that goal. The high refresh rate also only pays off if your graphics card can consistently push frame rates near 240 to 360, and for many games and hardware setups, you will not come close to saturating it. Casual and single-player gamers will get more visible benefit from the Samsung’s contrast and curve.
MSI Optix MAG251RX (24.5″, 240Hz)
The MSI Optix MAG251RX is my value pick for competitive gamers who do not want to overspend. It hits a sweet spot between price and performance on a 24.5-inch IPS panel that covers sRGB well, with a fully adjustable stand and a smooth 240Hz refresh that feels silky whether you are lining up shots in Valorant or scrambling through a fight in Apex Legends. For players who care about responsiveness more than spec sheet bragging rights, it is an easy recommendation.
MSI keeps the package practical. The included heavy duty power cable and adapter are built with circuit protection, and the unit ships with a 30 day money back window, which lowers the risk of trying it. None of that is flashy, but it speaks to a monitor that focuses budget on the parts that matter for play rather than on extras you will not use.
The trade-off is that the MAG251RX plays it safe. It is a flat panel, so it does not deliver the curved immersion that the Samsung offers, and its 240Hz ceiling sits below the ASUS for the most demanding FPS players. The IPS panel, like the others here, will not match the VA blacks of the Odyssey G7 in dark scenes, where some IPS glow can appear. It is the sensible middle of this list rather than the standout in any single category, and that is exactly why it works as a value choice.
Alienware AW2521HFL (25″, 240Hz)
The Alienware AW2521HFL is the pick when build quality and support matter as much as speed. Alienware monitors tend to punch above their weight in construction, and this 25-inch 240Hz IPS panel is no exception. It is fast and consistent, the adjustable stand feels premium, and the AlienFX lighting actually looks tasteful rather than garish. Dell and Alienware’s warranty support is also among the better experiences in this category, which counts for a lot over the life of a monitor.
On performance, Alienware’s stated features lean on smoothness. Adaptive sync technologies keep games feeling effortless, the panel is rated for a 0.5ms gray to gray response paired with a high refresh ceiling to cut motion blur, and color coverage is rated at 99 percent sRGB so game details appear closer to how they were intended. ComfortView Plus is a hardware-based low blue light solution that improves eye comfort during long sessions without the heavy color cast that software filters often add.
The honest trade-off is that, like the ASUS and MSI, this is a flat panel, so it does not belong on this list for curve and immersion. It is here for everything around the panel: the stand, the lighting, the support, and the consistent IPS speed. Some of the headline numbers in the stated specs also reference refresh rates above 240, so the real day to day experience depends on your setup and which mode you run, and you should not expect the absolute fastest motion clarity of the ASUS at its overclocked ceiling.
LG 27GN750-B (27″, 240Hz IPS)
The LG 27GN750-B is the pick if you want a 27-inch 240Hz panel but cannot live with VA. That is a meaningful distinction, because VA panels dominate this size and refresh combination, so an IPS option with accurate colors, wide viewing angles, and no VA glow is genuinely rare. The UltraGear line is built around speed, and this model is designed for incredible speed at a full 240Hz refresh rate.
LG pairs that speed with practical usability. The ergonomic stand offers tilt, height, and pivot adjustment, which makes it easy to dial in a comfortable position, and HDR support adds extra punch to videos and games that take advantage of it. Response times are fast for an IPS panel, and the wide viewing angles mean colors hold up if you sit slightly off center or share the screen, something VA panels handle less gracefully.
The trade-off is the one that comes with every IPS panel here: contrast. The 27GN750-B cannot match the deep blacks of the Samsung Odyssey G7, and in dark rooms or shadowy games you may notice some IPS glow that VA simply does not have. It is also a flat 27-inch panel, so it competes on color and panel quality rather than the curved immersion that defines the top of this list. For players who value accurate, even color over inky contrast, that is a trade worth making.
What to look for
Picking a high refresh gaming monitor comes down to matching the panel and features to how you actually play. These are the factors I weighted most.
- Refresh rate and your hardware: A 240Hz or 360Hz panel only pays off if your graphics card can push frame rates near that ceiling, so match the monitor to your system.
- Panel type: VA gives deeper blacks and contrast, while IPS gives more accurate color and wider viewing angles with less glow. Neither wins outright.
- Response time: Lower gray to gray response means less smearing in fast motion, which matters most for competitive FPS play.
- Curve versus flat: A deep curve like 1000R boosts immersion but can bow straight lines and distract during productivity work.
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync or equivalent variable refresh keeps gameplay tear-free, and features like ELMB SYNC let you combine blur reduction with it.
- Stand and ergonomics: Tilt, height, and pivot adjustment make a real difference over long sessions, so do not overlook the stand.
- Warranty and support: Strong manufacturer support protects a purchase you will keep for years.
The verdict
For most gamers, the Samsung Odyssey G7 27″ is the best choice, combining a deeply immersive 1000R curve, VA contrast that IPS cannot match, and a 240Hz refresh that handles competitive play. If your priority is raw FPS speed, the ASUS ROG Strix XG259QNS pushes the ceiling highest with its 360Hz panel and 0.3ms response, as long as you can live with a flat 1080p screen. The MSI Optix MAG251RX is the value pick for competitive players who want 240Hz IPS without overspending. The Alienware AW2521HFL wins on build quality, tasteful lighting, and warranty support, and the LG 27GN750-B is the answer for anyone who wants a 27-inch 240Hz panel with IPS color and viewing angles instead of VA.
Our testing process
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.
Quick comparison
Reviewed in detail

Samsung Odyssey G7 27" (240Hz)
The Odyssey G7 is the heavy hitter of this list. Samsung's 1000R deep curve wraps around your field of view more aggressively than most monitors, which feels genuinely immersive in single-player titles and surprisingly natural in competitive games once you adjust. The VA panel delivers deep blacks that IPS simply cannot touch.
What we liked
- Samsung’s 27” Odyssey OLED G6 Gaming Monitor is engineered for perfection with a QD-OLED D
- OLED Safeguard technology supports performance by actively helping to prevent burn-in with
- Glare Free Technology keeps screen clear of reflection from external light sources
- The Pantone Validated screen accurately reproduces 2100+ lifelike colors and 110+ skin ton
- HDR10 provides brighter highlights and nuanced shadows for added depth and more realistic
What we didn't like
- VA panel has slower pixel response than IPS at equivalent specs
- 1000R curve is too aggressive for some users

ASUS ROG Strix XG259QNS (24.5", 360Hz)
Technically overqualified for this list at 360Hz, the XG259QNS earns its spot because it's priced competitively with true 240Hz panels and delivers the fastest response times here. If you're a serious FPS player who wants every edge, this is where the ceiling is. The 24.5" size keeps pixel density high at 1080p.
What we liked
- 24.5-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) fast IPS gaming monitor with 380 Hz (OC) refresh rate designed
- ASUS Fast IPS technology enables a 0.3 ms response time (min.) for sharp gaming visuals wi
- ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC) technology enables ELMB together with variab
- DisplayWidget Center enables easy OSD access and monitor settings adjustments with a mouse
- FreeSync Premium technology delivering a seamless, tear-free gaming experience
What we didn't like
- 1080p at 24.5" is fine for gaming but shows its age next to 1440p options
- Higher price point than comparable 240Hz panels

MSI Optix MAG251RX (24.5", 240Hz)
MSI's Optix MAG251RX hits a sweet spot between price and performance that makes it a favorite recommendation for competitive gamers who don't want to overspend. The IPS panel covers sRGB well, the stand is fully adjustable, and 240Hz feels silky whether you're in Valorant or Apex Legends.
What we liked
- Heavy Duty Power Cable Power Adapter Built with Circuit Protection. 30 Days Money Back. On
What we didn't like
- No USB-C connectivity
- Bezels are thicker than premium alternatives

Alienware AW2521HFL (25", 240Hz)
Alienware monitors punch above their weight in build quality and the AW2521HFL is no exception. The 240Hz IPS panel is fast and consistent, the adjustable stand feels premium, and the AlienFX lighting actually looks good rather than garish. Dell/Alienware's warranty support is also among the best in the industry.
What we liked
- Legendary performance: Games feel effortlessly smooth with adaptive sync technologies like
- Minimize motion blur: 0.5ms* grey to grey response meets a 320Hz refresh rate to make high
- Colorful clarity: See game details as intended with 99% sRGB color coverage.
- Game comfortably: ComfortView Plus hardware-based low blue light solution improves eye com
- Effortless speed: See the difference in gameplay and clarity thanks to the 320 Hz refresh-
What we didn't like
- Alienware pricing premium over equivalent MSI or ASUS panels
- G-Sync Compatible rather than native G-Sync module

LG 27GN750-B (27", 240Hz IPS)
LG's 27GN750-B brings IPS panel quality to the 27" 240Hz category, which is a meaningful distinction. VA panels dominate at this size, so an IPS option with accurate colors, wide viewing angles, and no VA glow is genuinely rare. Response times are fast and the stand offers tilt, height, and pivot adjustment.
What we liked
- Zero in with LG UltraGear
- 240Hz Refresh Rate
- Designed for Incredible Speed
- Ergonomic Stand
- Enjoy HDR Videos and Games
What we didn't like
- Lower contrast ratio than VA panels
- 1080p at 27" means pixels are visible at normal viewing distances
How to choose
Panel type matters more than marketing
IPS panels have faster response times and more accurate colors; VA panels have better contrast. For competitive gaming, IPS is generally preferred.
Match resolution to GPU power
A 240Hz 1080p monitor is easier to drive to its potential than a 240Hz 1440p panel. Know your GPU before deciding.
FreeSync vs. G-Sync
FreeSync Premium or Premium Pro is sufficient for most setups and works on both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs. Native G-Sync adds cost and only benefits NVIDIA users.
Curve depth
1800R is gentle and works for both gaming and work. 1000R is more aggressive and is best suited to pure gaming setups. Check which curve radius appeals to you before buying.
The bottom line
For most gamers, the **Samsung Odyssey G7 27"** offers the best overall package: 1440p sharpness, 240Hz smoothness, and a deep curve that actually transforms how games feel. Competitive FPS players who prioritize pure speed should look hard at the **ASUS ROG Strix XG259QNS** - 360Hz is a genuine advantage at high ranks. Budget-conscious buyers who want solid 240Hz performance without paying a premium brand tax will b
Common questions
Yes, especially in fast-paced shooters and racing games. The jump from 144Hz to 240Hz reduces perceived motion blur and input lag noticeably. Competitive players in particular report improved reaction times and a smoother overall feel, though the difference is less dramatic than 60Hz to 144Hz.
Yes. To consistently hit 240 frames per second you'll need a mid-to-high-end GPU like an NVIDIA RTX 4070 or AMD RX 7800 XT or better. If your system can't sustain those frame rates, a G-Sync or FreeSync monitor helps by syncing output to whatever frames your GPU can actually produce.
They work fine for productivity, but the curve is designed for immersive single-screen gaming. For multi-monitor office setups or color-accurate design work, a flat IPS panel is usually a better choice. For a dual-purpose desk setup used mostly for gaming, a curved 240Hz display is a solid all-rounder.
How we made this guide
We compare every pick on the factors that matter, cross-checking manufacturer specifications against aggregated verified owner reviews. We rank independently and never take payment for placement. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, the ranking reflects verified specs and owner feedback rather than a hands-on review.
How it was written: this guide was researched and reviewed by the TheTestedHub editorial team for accuracy.
Affiliate disclosure: TheTestedHub is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.




