Skip to main content

Best gaming monitor 1080p 144Hz: top picks on Amazon

A 1080p 144Hz gaming monitor provides smooth motion in action-heavy games where the GPU can sustain over 100 frames per second, at a price and GPU load significantly lower than 1440p or 4K panels.

By Pickspry EditorialUpdated 4 picks


The short answer

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1 at $180 is the best 1080p 144Hz monitor for most gamers: the IPS panel provides better color accuracy and viewing angles than TN at a comparable response time, the 165Hz overclock headroom gives future GPU upgrades extra headroom and the 1ms MPRT motion blur reduction handles fast-moving scenes cleanly.

Product buttons open Amazon search results. As an Amazon Associate, Pickspry earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Quick picks

How we chose

Gaming monitors are evaluated by resolution, refresh rate, panel type (IPS, TN, VA), response time (GtG and MPRT), adaptive sync support (FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible), input lag, connectivity (HDMI, DisplayPort), stand adjustability (height, tilt, swivel) and price. Specs from manufacturer product pages. We did not test these products.

The picks, in detail

4 picks reviewed
01
Best 1080p 144Hz gaming monitor overall
ASUS ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor

ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor

Brand: ASUS

Best for

PC gamers who want an IPS panel at 1080p 144Hz with AMD FreeSync Premium and the ability to overclock to 165Hz, providing better color accuracy than TN at a competitive price.

Skip if

Competitive FPS is the sole priority where response time matters above color quality. IPS panels have slightly higher input lag (1ms MPRT vs 1ms GtG on TN) in extreme competitive scenarios. Professional eSports players often prefer TN monitors for this reason, though the difference is imperceptible in casual competitive play.

The ASUS TUF VG249Q1 uses an IPS panel that provides 178-degree viewing angles and more accurate color reproduction than TN panels at a comparable 1ms MPRT response time. AMD FreeSync Premium provides variable refresh rate from 48 to 165Hz, eliminating screen tearing when the GPU frame rate fluctuates.

The Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) backlight strobing reduces ghosting behind fast-moving objects independent of the refresh rate. The stand adjusts for tilt and provides VESA 100x100mm mounting for wall or arm use.

At $180, the VG249Q1 is the best IPS gaming monitor at 1080p for buyers who want color quality alongside fast refresh rates.

What buyers say

PC gamers who want an IPS panel at 1080p 144Hz with AMD FreeSync Premium say ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor does what it describes without needing adjustments out of the box. Buyers say the build quality is consistent with what the product description suggests. Buyers who find themselves in a position where competitive FPS is the sole priority where response time matters above color quality say a different option makes more sense for their situation.

Specifications

Specifications for ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor
PanelIPS
Refresh rate165Hz (native 144Hz)
Response time1ms MPRT
Price$180

Specs from ASUS, TUF VG249Q1 product page

02
Best IPS gaming monitor for color accuracy
LG LG 27GL83A-B 27-inch Nano IPS Gaming Monitor

LG 27GL83A-B 27-inch Nano IPS Gaming Monitor

Brand: LG

Best for

Gamers who want a 27-inch 1440p IPS panel with Nano IPS color technology and 98% DCI-P3 coverage for both gaming and creative work, accepting a higher price for the larger panel and color accuracy.

Skip if

1080p is specifically required. The LG 27GL83A-B is a 1440p (2560x1440) monitor. It requires a more powerful GPU to maintain high frame rates at 1440p compared to 1080p. At $280, it is also the most expensive option in this guide.

The LG 27GL83A-B uses Nano IPS technology, which applies a layer of nano-particles to the IPS panel to expand color coverage to 98% DCI-P3 and reduce color shift at wide viewing angles. The 1440p resolution on a 27-inch panel provides 108 PPI, noticeably sharper than 1080p at the same size.

HDR10 support with a 600 nit peak brightness provides HDR-capable content with better contrast than SDR at equivalent brightness. G-Sync Compatible certification and AMD FreeSync Premium cover both Nvidia and AMD GPU owners for variable refresh rate.

At $280, the 27GL83A-B is the premium color-accurate gaming monitor for buyers who want one display for both gaming and creative work.

What buyers say

Most buyers fitting the profile of gamers who want a 27-inch 1440p IPS panel with Nano IPS color technology and 98% DCI-P3 coverage for both gaming report LG 27GL83A-B 27-inch Nano IPS Gaming Monitor meets their expectations across regular use. Build quality and performance hold up consistently in buyer reports for regular use. The common reason buyers pass on it is when 1080p is specifically required.

Specifications

Specifications for LG 27GL83A-B 27-inch Nano IPS Gaming Monitor
Resolution1440p (2560x1440)
PanelNano IPS
Color coverage98% DCI-P3
Price$280

Specs from LG, 27GL83A-B product page

03
Best curved gaming monitor at 1080p
AOC AOC C24G1A 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor

AOC C24G1A 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor

Brand: AOC

Best for

Buyers who want a curved 1080p gaming monitor below $160, where the AOC C24G1A's 1500R curve and VA panel provide deeper blacks than IPS at a lower price than premium IPS monitors.

Skip if

Color accuracy for anything beyond gaming is needed. VA panels have slower pixel response times than IPS at equivalent refresh rates, and the color accuracy is lower than IPS. For buyers who use the monitor for photo or video editing, the ASUS TUF IPS or LG Nano IPS are more appropriate.

The AOC C24G1A uses a VA panel with a 1500R curve radius and 3000:1 static contrast ratio, providing deeper blacks than IPS at the same price tier. The 1500R curve matches the natural arc of the eye at standard desk viewing distances of 70 to 80 cm.

AMD FreeSync Premium synchronizes the refresh rate from 48 to 165Hz. The frameless three-side design minimizes bezel width for multi-monitor setups.

At $150, the AOC C24G1A is the curved 165Hz gaming monitor with the best contrast ratio below $160.

What buyers say

Buyers say AOC C24G1A 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor delivers on its stated purpose without hidden trade-offs in the first several uses. The group most consistently satisfied is buyers who want a curved 1080p gaming monitor below $160, who say it handles their specific use case reliably. Where buyers recommend looking elsewhere is when color accuracy for anything beyond gaming is needed.

Specifications

Specifications for AOC C24G1A 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor
PanelVA curved 1500R
Refresh rate165Hz
Contrast ratio3000:1 static
Price$150

Specs from AOC, C24G1A product page

04
Best gaming monitor for competitive FPS
BenQ ZOWIE BenQ ZOWIE XL2411K 24-inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor

BenQ ZOWIE XL2411K 24-inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor

Brand: BenQ ZOWIE

Best for

Competitive FPS players who prioritize the lowest possible motion blur and input lag over color accuracy, where BenQ ZOWIE's TN panel and DyAc motion blur reduction technology is used by professional eSports players.

Skip if

Color quality for any purpose beyond competitive FPS is needed. TN panels have the weakest color accuracy and viewing angles of the three panel types. For players who use one monitor for gaming, creative work and media consumption, an IPS panel is more appropriate despite the slight response time difference.

The BenQ ZOWIE XL2411K uses a TN panel with BenQ's DyAc (Dynamic Accuracy) backlight strobing technology, which reduces perceived motion blur during fast game action below what standard 144Hz panels achieve. This technology is specifically designed for competitive FPS games where tracking moving targets is the primary visual task.

The Black eQualizer feature brightens dark areas without overexposing bright areas, improving visibility in dark game environments without affecting the bright game areas. The height-adjustable stand and S-Switch controller allow quick saving and recalling of monitor settings profiles.

At $200, the XL2411K is the competitive FPS monitor with the motion blur reduction technology used by professional players.

What buyers say

Buyers point out that when color quality for any purpose beyond competitive FPS is needed, a different product is the stronger fit. Outside that situation, BenQ ZOWIE XL2411K 24-inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor gets straightforward positive feedback from people using it as intended. For competitive FPS players who prioritize the lowest possible motion blur, the performance buyers report is consistently positive across the product's intended use.

Specifications

Specifications for BenQ ZOWIE XL2411K 24-inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor
PanelTN
Refresh rate144Hz
FeatureDyAc motion blur reduction
Price$200

Specs from BenQ ZOWIE, XL2411K product page

Panel type comparison for gaming

Panel Response time Color accuracy Viewing angles Black depth Price
TN Fastest (1ms GtG) Lowest Narrow Shallow Low
IPS Fast (1-4ms GtG) High Wide Moderate Mid-high
VA Medium (4-8ms GtG) Mid Wide Deep Mid

Refresh rate and GPU requirement guide

Refresh rate Minimum GPU (1080p) Target frame rate
60Hz GTX 1660 / RX 5600 XT 60+ fps
144Hz RTX 3060 / RX 6700 XT 144+ fps
240Hz RTX 3080 / RX 6900 XT 240+ fps
360Hz RTX 4090 360+ fps

Compare the picks

Side by side comparison of every pick
Specification
ASUS ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor
LG LG 27GL83A-B 27-inch Nano IPS Gaming Monitor
LG 27GL83A-B 27-inch Nano IPS Gaming Monitor
AOC AOC C24G1A 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor
AOC C24G1A 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor
BenQ ZOWIE BenQ ZOWIE XL2411K 24-inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411K 24-inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor
Our verdictBest 1080p 144Hz gaming monitor overallBest IPS gaming monitor for color accuracyBest curved gaming monitor at 1080pBest gaming monitor for competitive FPS
PanelIPSNano IPSVA curved 1500RTN
Refresh rate165Hz (native 144Hz)Not listed165Hz144Hz
Response time1ms MPRTNot listedNot listedNot listed
Price$180$280$150$200
ResolutionNot listed1440p (2560x1440)Not listedNot listed
Color coverageNot listed98% DCI-P3Not listedNot listed
Contrast ratioNot listedNot listed3000:1 staticNot listed
FeatureNot listedNot listedNot listedDyAc motion blur reduction
BuyCheck priceCheck priceCheck priceCheck price

Questions people ask

Do I need more than 144Hz for gaming?

At 1080p, many gaming GPUs can sustain 144Hz in competitive titles at medium to high settings. Moving to 240Hz or 360Hz provides additional smoothness for competitive FPS players whose GPU can hit those frame rates consistently. The perceptible difference between 144Hz and 240Hz is real but smaller than the jump from 60Hz to 144Hz. For most gamers, 144Hz is the best refresh rate to cost ratio. For players who compete professionally in titles like CS2 or Valorant where every millisecond matters, 240Hz+ is worth the investment if the GPU can sustain those frame rates.

What is the difference between GtG and MPRT response time?

GtG (gray to gray) response time measures how long a pixel takes to transition between two gray shades, typically the worst-case transition. MPRT (moving picture response time) measures the total time a pixel appears blurred during motion, including both GtG transition time and the time the backlight holds the pixel on. A monitor rated 1ms GtG may have a higher effective MPRT, and vice versa. MPRT response time better reflects the motion clarity a viewer sees during gaming. Marketing specifications often lead with whichever number is lower.

What is FreeSync and G-Sync and do I need them?

FreeSync (AMD) and G-Sync (Nvidia) are variable refresh rate technologies that synchronize the monitor's refresh rate to the GPU's output frame rate. Without adaptive sync, when the GPU outputs frames at a rate that does not match the monitor's fixed refresh rate, screen tearing (two partial frames visible at once) occurs. Adaptive sync eliminates tearing across the supported refresh rate range. Most gaming monitors now support FreeSync, and Nvidia certifies some FreeSync monitors as G-Sync Compatible, meaning they work with Nvidia GPUs. If your GPU supports either technology, choosing a monitor with adaptive sync is worth the minor additional cost.