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Best 120Hz monitor in 2024 – our top picks for gaming

We look at the best 120HZ gaming monitors

Updated: Feb 21, 2024 2:44 pm
Best 120Hz monitor in 2024 – our top picks for gaming

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The 21st century has played host to some very impressive display options over the years. Gamers, in particular, have benefited hugely thanks to increased specs and reduced pricing across the board. They now have the luxury of choosing between hundreds of monitors with high refresh rates and low response times – the two main features in any display that affect the smoothness of your gameplay.

For that reason, we’ve decided to go out and find the best 120Hz monitors the market has to offer. That means you won’t have to waste your time trawling through the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. We’ve done all the work for you. Our selections have been chosen based on hard research, in-house testing, and a number of other considerations, which will be discussed further in the article.

So, with that in mind, let’s take a brief look at what we’ve chosen as the best 120Hz monitors for 2024.


Best 120Hz monitor for gaming

Now we can get straight into our list of the very best 120Hz displays. These days, many gaming monitors have outgrown the 120Hz refresh rate standard, with even many high resolution displays offering 144Hz or higher. However, you can always tinker with your settings to drop down to a lower refresh rate if you so wish.

Best 120Hz gaming monitor: PHILIPS EVNIA 42M2N8900

PHILIPS EVNIA 42M2N8900

PHILIPS EVNIA 42M2N8900

Screen size

41.5″

Resolution

3840 x 2160 (4K)

Refresh rate

138Hz

Response time

0.1ms

Panel technology

OLED

Pros
  • Large 41.5″ screen size
  • 4K visuals at up to 138Hz
  • USB-C docking
  • Ideal for consoles with HDMI 2.1
Cons
  • Requires suitable desk space
  • Expensive

If you’re looking for the best 120Hz monitor for your gaming setup, then we think that this Philips Evnia model might be suitable, especially for console gaming at 4K 120Hz. Now, Philips is not exactly known for manufacturing gaming equipment, but this monitor does pack in some impressive specs. The monitor works well with Xbox Series X, PS5, and even with PCs where you can get up to 138Hz refresh rates.

The monitor offers 4K resolution, which should translate into highly detailed, crisp picture quality. To add to that, you also get HDR10 support, so you can expect higher contrast while gaming, especially thanks to the OLED panel with per-pixel control. Plus, the TV-like monitor has a super thin-bezel design to look sleek in any setup.

Coming to gaming performance, the monitor offers compatibility with AMD FreeSync Premium, which should give smooth gameplay even during framerate stutters in a particularly demanding game. You also get a 0.1ms GTG response time, which should ensure that your graphics are smooth and motion handling is top-notch.

As far as connectivity is concerned, the monitor offers multiple ports, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and even USB-C – so connectivity should not be a problem for you. Plus, for more convenience, the monitor also has an audio jack.

Best budget 120hz monitor: Gigabyte GS34WQC curved gaming monitor

Gigabyte GS34WQC curved gaming monitor

71BDSLlq1SL. AC SL1500

Screen size

34″

Resolution

3440 x 1440

Refresh rate

120Hz

Response time

1ms

Panel type

VA

Pros
  • 34-inch QHD display
  • 1ms MPRT response time
  • FreeSync Premium
Cons
  • HDMI 2.0

If you want a 120Hz monitor with an affordable price tag, then you should check out this model from Gigabyte.

To start with, the Gigabyte GS34WQC monitor offers a 34-inch screen, which is slightly larger than the usual size of 24 to 27 inches that gamers usually go for. However, a bigger curved screen should translate into a more immersive experience, which might be suitable if you play graphic-heavy games. 

Further, the monitor offers a 1440p resolution, which should deliver better picture quality than FHD displays. Plus, it also gives you a 120% sRGB wide color gamut, which should deliver better color accuracy for graphics-related tasks. 

As far as gaming is concerned, the monitor offers a 120Hz refresh rate, which should ensure smooth performance for most of your games. And with support for FreeSync Premium, you can expect smoother performance. Plus, you also get a 1ms MPRT response time, which is better than GTG and delivers better color transition. 

Coming to connectivity, the monitor has a DisplayPort 1.4, and HDMI 2.0, as well as a headphone jack, so connecting devices should not be a problem. 

Best 1080p 120Hz monitor: BenQ ZOWIE XL2411K Gaming Monitor

BenQ ZOWIE XL2411K Gaming Monitor

61MrApgW+UL. AC SL1200

Screen size

24″

Resolution

1920 x 1080

Refresh rate

144Hz

Response time

1ms

Panel type

TN

Pros
  • 24-inch FHD display
  • Up to 144Hz on PC
  • Budget-friendly
Cons
  • Lacks extra features

If you are looking for an FHD monitor with a 120Hz refresh rate, then you should check out the BenQ ZOWIE XL2411K monitor.

This BenQ monitor is a 24-inch model, which is suitable for you if you play fast-paced FPS games or if you sit too close to the monitor. As mentioned earlier, this is an FHD monitor, so you can expect clear, high-quality visuals.

Coming to performance, the monitor offers a 120Hz refresh rate, which should be sufficient to play most AAA games without a hitch. If you plug this monitor into PS5 or Xbox consoles, then you will get a 120Hz refresh rate. However, if you add this monitor to your PC setup, then you can get up to 144Hz refresh rate.

As far as the design goes, the monitor sports a slim profile, which should not take up much space on your desk or overwhelm it. Plus, the stand has a small base, which adds to its compactness.

Best 48″ 4K 120Hz monitor: LG 48GQ900-B 48-inch UHD OLED monitor

LG 48GQ900-B 48-inch UHD OLED monitor

710zVnlJBnL. AC SL1500

Screen size

48″

Resolution

3840 x 2160

Refresh rate

120Hz

Response time

0.1ms

Panel technology

OLED

Pros
  • 48-inch OLED monitor
  • 4Kresolution
  • AMD FreeSync Premium built-in
Cons
  • Might be too big for some

If you want a premium 4K monitor with a 120Hz refresh rate, then we think that this LG UltraGear monitor might be a fit.

The 48-inch LG monitor features an OLED panel, which means you should get realistic picture quality along with high contrast. Plus, this is a 4K monitor, so you can expect high-quality, crisp images. To add to this, the monitor promises low reflections and an anti-glare coating, which should eliminate glares.

Further, the monitor also offers a 99% DCI-P3 wide color gamut, which should deliver better color accuracy. Plus, you get HDR 10 support and 1.5M: 1 contrast ratio, so you get a more immersive experience and realistic visuals.

For your games, the monitor offers a 120Hz refresh rate, which should be enough for you to run AAA games smoothly. Plus, you also get a 0.1ms GTG response time, which is incredibly fast and shouldn’t compromise your gaming. In addition to this, the monitor has AMD FreeSync Premium built-in (and support for NVIDIA G-Sync), which can further ensure a smoother performance.

Along with visuals, the monitor offers DTS Headphone:X support, which promises to deliver accurate spatialization and localization in games for 3D audio over compatible headphones

For your convenience, the LG monitor also offers a remote control that can switch the monitor on and off, adjust sound, and more, just like a TV.

Best curved 120Hz monitor: Alienware AW3420DW Curved Gaming Monitor

The Best 120Hz Monitor
Editor’s pick

Alienware AW3420DW Curved Gaming Monitor

Alienware AW3420DW

Size

34″

Refresh Rate

120Hz

Response Time

2ms

Panel Type

IPS

Maximum Resolution

3440 x 1440

Pros
  • Stunning design
  • Brilliant gaming performance
  • Excellent color recreation
  • G-Sync support
Cons
  • Expensive

If you want a curved monitor for your setup, then you should check out the increasingly popular Alienware AW3420DW Curved gaming monitor. It doesn’t just offer fantastic aesthetic appeal and great gaming specs; it also showcases the highest levels of immersive gameplay and color accuracy in this list.

As far as aesthetics go, this is one of the best-looking monitors in our guide. With a 1900R curvature, the design is certainly striking, but in the best possible way. The Alienware branding works superbly well with a monitor of this ilk, creating a futuristic look that (surprisingly) works with a lot of different settings.

Looks aside, the AW3420DW is a 32-inch 1900R curved monitor that boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and 2ms response time, all packaged in an IPS panel. As you may already know, IPS panels are highly regarded by creative sorts because they offer the best color recreation. With a 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, this monitor is going to showcase film, TV, and games in superb realism.

From a gaming point of view, this thing handles itself very well. With a 21:9 aspect ratio, you get the sense of real immersion when playing almost every style of game. The 2ms response time is also rapid compared to other curved monitor offerings. Pair this with its high 120hz refresh rate, and you have a serious gaming display.


How We Choose

Whether we’re reviewing new budget monitors or the best GPU on the market, we always like to educate our readers on exactly how we choose the products we come to recommend.

It requires hours of product research, performance benchmarking, and reviewing user feedback to get anywhere close to a definitive conclusion on what to recommend.

If you aren’t tech-savvy and struggle to put the time aside to go through the above requirements, you may end up purchasing a GPU that simply isn’t right for you.

Fear not, though, friends! Here at WePC, we like to take the stress of research away, and transform the whole process into an easy-to-follow, complete buyers guide. That’s right, our team of PC enthusiasts has done all the hard work for you!

How We Test

Testing the products we recommend is a huge part of the overall selection process in our best of guides. It’s a way to make sure what we recommend is, without a doubt, the best option in its specific category.

To be sure a product is “the best,” it must show excellent performance in our tests and display better qualities and features than the competition it faces.

Most of the products we recommend here at WePC have gone through a strict testing process that involves everything from price and performance to building quality, efficiency, and aesthetics. Each product is pushed to the limit to see how it performs under intense stress to make sure it warrants our coveted top spot.

Doing this enables us to provide you with the most accurate review of how the product performs and, ultimately, whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.

How to pick the best 120Hz monitor

All monitors are different. Some offer fantastic aesthetics and excellent color recreation; others might have a fairly basic design but high-end features for gamers. That makes choosing the right one for your needs a much more difficult task, especially if you aren’t fully up-to-speed with the latest tech.

That’s why we always like to educate our readers on the main areas to consider when looking to purchase a new hardware component. This will ensure that your next purchase is the right one for you.

So, with that in mind, let’s dive into what you should be considering before buying a 120Hz monitor.

Screen Size

The right screen size for you will depend on your budget and preferences. But to give you an idea usually monitors between 24-inch and 27-inch are suitable for PC setups. These monitors do not take up too much space on your desk, give you an immersive experience without overwhelming you, and are great for fast-paced games. Meanwhile, monitors beyond 27 inches are generally used for graphics-intensive games that do not demand speed and are good for multitasking as well. However, these might occupy more space on your desk and might be too big for some.

Resolution

Screen resolution is an interesting factor when it comes to gaming monitors. Most people probably think a higher resolution is immediately better (we can thank manufacturers for flogging the 4K dream like it’s going out of fashion for that), but that might not always be the case.

Resolution refers to how many physical pixels your monitor can display both vertically and horizontally. A standard 24-inch monitor comes to the table with a 1920 x 1080 max resolution (most of the time), which means it has 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically. The higher you get up the “resolution ladder,” the better the overall picture quality will be. That’s because more pixels are being displayed – leading to images that are crisper and more detailed.

That being said, finding the display with the best picture quality doesn’t just come down to screen resolution. Due to pixel density and screen real estate, you won’t be able to truly appreciate higher screen resolution on a 24-inch monitor. A larger 32-inch monitor is far better equipped to handle said resolutions.

Response Time

A monitor’s response time tells us how fast (or slow) it takes the pixels in the display to change color. It is usually measured in milliseconds (ms), and anything below 5ms is deemed acceptable for gamers. That being said, 2ms is much more desirable when it comes to fast-paced FPS games like CS:GO.

Response time is usually measured using the grey-to-grey transition, with slower response time panels showcasing visual artifacts such as motion blur on fast-moving objects. This is particularly problematic for both casual and professional players as it can hugely distort your image.


Frequently Asked Questions

60Hz Vs. 120Hz Monitor – which Is Right For You?

By now, you should have a pretty good understanding of how the refresh rate affects your experience when using a monitor. Having said that, what exactly is a good refresh rate? Why shouldn’t I just get a cheaper 60Hz monitor over a 120Hz+ monitor? Well, that’s easy. It all comes down to how powerful your PC is, and by that, I mean how much FPS your PC drives in the games you play.

As you know, screen tearing is something that affects the quality of your video playback hugely. It occurs in setups where your monitors refresh rate doesn’t match your PC’s FPS output — resulting in a distorted image. See below.

Thanks to the increasing performance power of today’s hardware components, having a higher refresh rate has never been more essential when it comes to smooth gameplay. Ultimately, if you’re a serious gamer who wants the best gaming experience, don’t look for anything less than 100Hz.

Final Word

So, there you have it, our complete breakdown of the best 120Hz monitors available right now. If you want a good monitor for gaming, then we think that the Philips Momentum is a good choice. The 27-inch monitor offers QHD resolution and up to 144Hz refresh rate on PC – so it should be suitable for most setups. However, if you’re someone who likes to do it all; video gaming, creative workflows, multi-tasking, TV, & film viewing, then the Alienware AW3420DW curved gaming monitor is going to tick all the boxes for you.


For as long as he can remember, Charlie has always been interested in computers and gaming. It all started with the Sega Mega Drive and then evolved into PC gaming in his early teens.

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