Best 144Hz Monitor in 2023 (March Reviews)

More hertz is better, right? Well, not always – but when we’re talking about fast-paced FPS games or high-action competitive gaming, a higher hertz rating on your monitor really can make the difference. Hertz is directly related to how easily your computer can show more frames per second: Frames per second, of course, are directly related to how smooth the gameplay feels and how accurate your controls are. It’s useful to have knowledge on refresh rates if you’re looking to connect a console to your monitor like the top monitor for Xbox Series. If you play more twitchy games or love having an edge in high-speed gaming, then you really need to grab yourself one of our best 144hz monitor picks. For incredible immersive gaming, better graphics, and more control, nothing beats these truly amazing screens. If you plan on buying a new screen, you can also get a good option from the best monitors list.

#1 Pick BenQ XL2730Z

Award: Editor’s Choice/Best for High-Speed Games

Retail Price: $500.00 | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Base: Non-moving | Features: 27-inch, blur reduction, 1ms response time, FreeSync

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: An excellent all-around monitor with top marks in smoothness and image clarity.

For most high-end monitors, like the Alienware AW3418DW, you’ll want the smoothest, clearest picture possible for the best gaming. This 27-inch BenQ XL2730Z 144Hz monitor is one of your best options. It includes several blue reduction features that help improve clarity, a 1ms response time, and all the latest graphic customization and features you could want. While you may have to work at adjusting settings and modes for your own particular gaming habits, this screen guarantees that you can find a place where all the action is as smooth as butter. It’s a perfect setup for FPSs, MOBAs, and similar games where speed, accuracy and action are all key. Plus, with the ultra HD resolution and Sync tech, you’re ready for the future of gaming as well. Ports include – well, everything you may need, including DVI, VGA, and HDMI. That is why it is the best 144Hz monitor on our list.

Please note that this monitor sports FreeSync technology, which is great for you AMD fans out there. However, it will not support any nVidia G-Sync functions. nVidia graphic cards are fine, but if you are depending on G-Sync then you’ll need to find another monitor. That’s why we included a couple more of our favorites! A new 144Hz monitor is one of the top gifts for geeks, so if you want to earn some points, make it happen. Speaking of our favorites, you can find all of the gaming reviews you need here at Gadget Review.

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#2 Pick Acer Predator XB271HU

Award: Best Game/Entertainment Hybrid

Retail Price: $800.00 | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Base: Pivot, swivel, tilt, vertical movement | Features: 27-inch, 4ms response time, G-Sync

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: Powerful G-Sync monitor with plenty of USB 3.0 and versatility.

If you are looking for a great 144Hz monitor, the Acer Predator line is filled with fantastic choices. This is one of the latest models, and has a little bit of everything, making it ideal if you want a screen to serve as your entertainment hub as well as a gaming display. You can expect great image quality. The 27-inch, ultra HD screen comes with overclocking options that can make the high refresh rate even faster, along with automatic eye fatigue prevention features. Unlike our other options, the model is also eminently adjustable, allowing you to tilt, pivot, raise, lower and generally move the screen (which is VESA compatible for mounting) however you want. This is perfect for creating the right viewing angles. A good viewing angle can make or break your game. It is just the right screen size for gaming.

The size might be right, but is the refresh rate the best? Check out our roundup of the highly-rated 240Hz gaming monitors before you settle for 120Hz.

Unlike the BenQ Zowie XL2411P gaming monitor, the port options on this unit are also particularly impressive. There is both HDMI and DisplayPort, and you have your choice of a high-definition connection. Several different USB 3.0 ports give you plenty of options for attaching accessories of all kinds. Also, remember when we talked about not choosing FreeSync if you need Nvidia’s latest tech? This monitor is an excellent alternative if you need Nvidia’s G-Sync compatible with your current setup. If you’re looking for the best monitor for video editing, this could be your pick!

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#3 Pick BenQ XR3501 144Hz Monitor

Award: Best Racing Monitor

Retail Price: $800.00 | Resolution: 2560 x 1080 | Base: Non-moving | Features: 35-inch, 21:9 aspect ratio, PIP/PBP, 4ms response time

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: Huge curved screen, PIP potential, and reduced eye strain make this monitor perfect for serious gamers. It also may be one of the top picks as a leading curved gaming monitor.

Have we been thinking too small for? Our bad: Let’s make it up with this enormous, 35-inch curved 144Hz monitor. While it’s designed specifically for racing, this BenQ can revolutionize any fast-paced gaming experience. Sure, it’s pricey, but you get a massive screen, up to 21:9 aspect ratio options, lots of color optimization, good contrast ratio, three different game modes to experiment with, low blue light levels to reduce eyestrain…and that’s only the beginning. The PIP/PBP tech allows you to watch two different input feeds at once (think playing a game while watching football in the corner), and you have options for HDMI as well as DPI/miniDP for connections. The monitor also comes with an S-Switch to make switches modes or settings on the fly a lot easier. These features are not only great for gaming but also business, so like the best computer monitor for work, you get a great, efficient experience while using this display.

We’re not always fans of curved screens, especially with more than one viewer, but when it comes to serious gaming experiences a curved screen has very little downside, except that it tends to take up lots of room. This is a big monitor, so you may want to measure it first. If you have the room, this could be your best gaming monitor for PS4.

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What to Look for When Buying the Best 144Hz Monitors

• Syncing Tech: Syncing tech (G-Sync, FreeSync, etc.) isn’t absolutely necessary for smooth gameplay, but it is important. If you’re going to spend more on refresh rate 144hz screens, then you may as well look for options that match your GPU preferences, like you’ll find in the top-rated 4K 144Hz monitors. Syncing tech essentially allows your GPU and monitor to talk to each other, making sure they are on the same page when it comes to frame rate and other important matters. This clears up confusion and generally leads to a smoother, more dependable picture…which is probably just what you are looking for.
• Response Time: Response time isn’t the end-all of gaming graphics and indeed it can be difficult to notice the difference between different response times. However, a lower response time can help indicate that your 144hz monitor will perform as intended. Feel free to compare these screens with the best 120hz gaming monitors.
• Size: The larger the screen, the more you will be able to appreciate 144hz features in detail (ditto for ultra HD). Your screen doesn’t have to be massive, but for real quality, we recommend around 27 inches or more and at least full HD. Also, check our best 1080p gaming monitors guide.
• Adjustment Options: When you pick a monitor for its stable picture and image qualities, you can expect it to have a certain amount of customization. Customization options in many monitors are annoying to set up, but with features like handy preset buttons and S-Switches, customizing or switching game modes becomes much, much easier.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Thinking 144hz Will Solve Everything: The frame rates that the game was designed for, what your GPU can handle, and much more all factor into how smooth your image is. A 144hz monitor raises the ceiling on how smooth your action looks, but it doesn’t raise the floor. In other words, you can’t expect it to solve all your problems in one go.
• Getting Too Excited: These are some high-end monitors that have a lot of cool features. But don’t let that affect your final buying decision. Remember, a lot of the terms that get tossed around are marketing lingo, and not all features will be important to you. Take a look at the specs, and just carefully.
• Putting Too Much Emphasis on One Feature: Don’t make your decision based solely on one spec, however important it may be to you. Look at the whole picture. For example, if you care only about hertz then you will miss many other factors that impact your gaming experience. If your decision has come down to two really great monitors – that’s the time to make a decision based on a single spec or two, but not before. This goes for panel type and all other features.

What 144Hz Monitor is for you?

With its lower price and over excellent features, the BenQ XL2720Z is a great fit for anyone…except possible nVidia fans who really need G-Sync. Those fans can find another great monitor with our Acer pick. However, big racing fans or those who want an extra-large monitor should go with the BenQ XR3501. Really, all of these monitors make for excellent choices.