Best 165Hz monitor for gaming 2023 (4K, 1440p, 1080p)
Upgrade to a smooth 165Hz with one of our top picks
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Anyone looking to upgrade their gaming monitor should definitely consider the best 165Hz monitor for gaming in 2024. While 144Hz monitors have long been the go-to for people replacing their outdated 60Hz panel, the next step up to 165Hz adds a little extra value, and we’ve been seeing many of these monitors occupying the market lately. We’ve picked out a fantastic selection of monitors from immersive 4K to competitive 1080p. If you’re short on time, definitely take a look at either the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 or LG 27GP850-B.
As always, we keep this guide updated with the latest and best picks, giving you a detailed review to help you make an informed decision. There is plenty out there right now to choose from, no matter if price is no issue or if you want something that is much more budget-friendly. Featuring popular and reliable brands such as Samsung, LG, and AOC, here are our best 165Hz monitor picks.
Best 165Hz monitor for gaming: Samsung Odyssey Neo G7
SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G7
Screen Size
32″
Max Display Resolution
3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate
165Hz
Response Time
1ms
Features
Curved, HDR, G-Sync, FreeSync Premium Pro
- Immersive 32″ curved screen
- Excellent brightness and contrast ratio
- 165Hz refresh rate & 1ms response time
- AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support
- User experience and menus sub-par
We’ve got to go for the impressive Neo G7 as a top pick 165Hz monitor. Having reviewed multiple Samsung monitors, including the high-end Neo G9, we have to say that all of them fared well. While we haven’t yet had to the chance to test the Neo G7, we did get an original Odyssey G7 review done and dusted. However, the Odyssey Neo G7 jumps up to an impressive 32″ 4K display, of course coming with a smooth 165Hz refresh rate and immersive 1000R curved panel. Considering 4K 144Hz monitors are some of the best money can buy, the improved smoothness up to 165Hz is more than welcome.
As part of the Neo range, this is a mini-LED monitor that can reach a peak brightness of 2000 nits, which is thanks to the QLED panel fitted in this Samsung monitor. The high resolution and high refresh rate is great for gamers that want to fully realize the potential of their power gaming PC. Even if you don’t have the resources to comfortably sit at 165 FPS in every game, this monitor is supported by AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (and is G-Sync compatible) – so you won’t have to deal with screen tearing or stuttering issues when dropping frames. The ergonomic stand means you can adjust the height, tilt, or swivel to your liking, and it follows VESA standards for mounting as you’d expect. Overall, a ton of impressed specs packed in if you want a truly high-end gaming monitor.
Next best 165Hz monitor for gaming: LG 27GP850-B
LG 27GP850-B UltraGear Gaming Monitor
Screen Size
27″
Max Display Resolution
2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate
165 Hz
Features
G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium
- Good value for money
- IPS panel delivers accurate colors
- 165Hz overclockable to 180Hz
- Borderless design and great ergonomics
- Lackluster contrast ratio / HDR
Moving on to an excellent 1440p option, the perfect middle-ground between competitive 1080p displays and immersive 4K gaming. Introducing the LG 27GP850-B, which is a 27″ display to feature a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. These two key specs make it an ideal choice for gaming, epsecially with AMD FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility. Gaming at QHD (1440p) is great if you want the best of both worlds in terms of achievable smooth performance and high fidelity visuals. The 3-side ‘virtually borderless’ design and excellent ergonomics makes this fit right in any setup.
This LG monitor looks fantastic due to the Nano IPS panel technology. IPS panels have become a fan-favorite for both gaming and creative work, now they can achieve low response times and high refresh rates without costing a fortune. Its wide DCI-P3 98% color gamut rating means that colors and super accurate, with HDR 10 ensures colors pop and contrast is top-notch. We think this has to be the best all-round display if you’re look for a smooth 165Hz experience. Better yet, this monitor even supports refresh rate overclocking to maximum of 180Hz if you really want to push its limits – you always have the backup of VRR (FreeSync) technology to keep visuals smooth.
Best value 165Hz monitor for gaming: AOC 24G2SP
AOC 24G2SP
Screen size
24″
Refresh rate
165Hz
Response time
1ms
Resolution
1920 x 1080
- Affordable price tag
- IPS panel has accurate colors
- Adaptive Sync and flicker-free tech
- Ergonomic stand
- Lower 1080p resolution
We’ve noticed a trend of the best cheap 144Hz monitors getting 165Hz models as these (slightly) higher refresh rate displays get super affordable. One good example of this is the AOC 24G2SP, which offers everything we like about the AOC 24G2, with the added smoothness of a faster refresh rate. This gaming monitor looks to impress thanks to its IPS panel – which offers both a wide viewing angle and excellent color accuracy with DCI-P3 color gamut certification. While this is a smaller 24″ screen than our other options, it’s perfect for competitive gaming if you prefer to stick to 1080p (like most esports players do).
The fast 165Hz refresh rate goes hand-in-hand with a quick 1ms response time. That makes this monitor fantastic for any kind of game without any blurring or ghosting problems, even fast-paced titles. AOC support this with Adaptive Sync technology to ensure stuttering or screen tearing is minimized, leaving you with a smooth and responsive display. Another benefit to mention for this more modest option is the price tag; it offers great value for money. A high refresh rate, quick response time, luxury IPS panel, and ergonomic thin-border design all come together at an affordable price.
Are 165Hz monitors worth it over 144Hz?
Well, the numbers don’t lie, 165Hz does indeed mean smoother visuals than 144Hz. However, the difference is pretty marginal and hard to notice for most people. We don’t expect to see owners of 144Hz monitors ditching their perfectly functional displays for a 165Hz equivalent at all. That being said, we’ve actually seen a number of 165Hz monitors rival the prices of their 144Hz counterparts.
It could really become the new standard for those of you upgrading from 60Hz, especially as many of these higher refresh rate monitors are newer to the market and therefore feature newer tech. We think they’re definitely worth it over 144Hz if the price tag isn’t too different, so take it on a case-by-case basis to suit your budget.
Best 165Hz monitor FAQs
Is 165Hz refresh rate good for gaming?
Yes, 165Hz is suitable for smooth gameplay. Like many, we’d suggest having at least a 144Hz monitor for gaming, so 165Hz offers the next step up for slightly improved experience.
Is 165Hz refresh rate noticeable?
Going from something like 60Hz to 165Hz is definitely a noticeable improvement – it will look and feel smoother, which is a big positive for gaming. On the flipside, upgrading from 144Hz to 165Hz would be hard to notice.
