Best FPS monitor 2023: top picks & Latest news

If you're looking to get a competitive edge, look no further - our best FPS monitor guide has you covered.

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When it comes to competitive first-person shooters, choosing the best FPS monitor can often be the difference between winning and losing. Many of today’s top esports games require fast refresh rates, low response times, and VRR technology (G-Sync and FreeSync) for a silky smooth gaming experience. Choosing a display without these core gaming specifications could put you at a real disadvantage when playing at the highest level.

For that reason, we’ve decided to scour the web to find only the best FPS monitors the market has to offer. With a tonne of experience playing FPS games and using some of the industries leading gaming monitors, we’re more than equipped to recommend the most reliable options for games like CS:GO, Call Of Duty, Apex Legends, Overwatch, and more.

The following FPS monitors have been hand-selected based on our own in-house testing – including build quality, color accuracy, panel uniformity, gaming performance, and value for money.

Best FPS monitor 2023: our top picks

FPS monitor: buying tips

If you’re relatively new to PC gaming, you might find buying the best FPS monitor for your needs a little tricky. For that reason, we’ll outline all the most popular buying tips below:

• Faster refresh rates are better for competitive gaming
• Faster response times reduce screen artifacts such as ghosting and perceived blur
• Input lag references time between pressing the mouse and the monitor reacting
• 360Hz monitors are the fastest on offer right now
• 1080p screen resolution is required for reaching 250+ FPS
• 24.5″ monitors are great for competitive gaming

Best gaming monitors

Best HDMI 2.1 monitor

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Best FPS monitor: in-depth reviews

Below, we take a closer look at the market’s best FPS monitors, highlighting the best features, benefits, and use-cases for each.

Best FPS monitor

01

Best FPS monitor

ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN

Refresh Rate

360Hz

Response time

1ms (GTG)

Screen size

24.5″

Resolution

1920 x 1080

How We Review

Hands-on Review

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Pros

• Rapid response time
• Excellent gaming-tailored features
• 360Hz refresh rate
• IPS panel technology

Cons

• Quite expensive
• A little small for everyday use

The ASUS PG259QN gets our number one pick for best FPS monitor and for good reason. Thanks to a blistering refresh rate, impressive response time, and low input lag, the PG259QN really does give you a competitive advantage in the latest FPS games.

Despite ASUS prioritizing performance for this panel, the styling is still every bit as premium as you might expect. A two-tone metallic stand with complete functionality can be found at the heart of this display, delivering complete ergonomic control over its positioning. The rear offers a couple of RGB zones that, despite looking quite cool, don’t really offer too much as far as ambiance is concerned.

Looking at performance, you really can’t knock this panel at all. The PG259QN features a 360Hz refresh rate, low 1ms (GTG) response time, and excellent input lag on average. Alongside full G-Sync support (ranging between 1-360Hz), the ROG Swift monitor also comes equipped with a tonne of additional gaming-tailored features too.

As you might have guessed, the PG259QN comes with a fairly hefty price tag that might put some users off. However, when you consider the specifications, it’s hard to find anything close for much cheaper.

• Best 360Hz monitor

Best OLED FPS monitor

02

LG UltraGear 27GR95QE-B OLED monitor

Screen size

27″

Refresh rate

240Hz

Response time

0.3ms

Resolution

2560 x 1440

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LG has pushed the boundaries with their latest monitor, introducing the world’s first 240Hz OLED gaming display. This monitor not only boasts the benefits of OLED panel technology but also delivers smooth gameplay with its fast refresh rate. The design of the monitor follows the same sleek and stylish pattern that we’ve come to expect from the LG UltraGear line, with premium materials used to give it a high-end look. The addition of subtle RGB lighting at the back of the monitor adds a nice gaming touch.

But the LG 27GR95QE-B isn’t just about looks – its performance is equally impressive. In addition to the benefits of OLED panel technology, the monitor offers a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.3ms response time, resulting in an outstanding gaming experience. The monitor also comes with G-Sync and FreeSync premium variable refresh rate technology, eliminating any screen artifacts such as screen-tear. It is also equipped with an anti-glare coating, making it suitable for daylight viewing.

Overall, the LG 27GR95QE-B is a top-of-the-line monitor that stands out with its high-end refresh rates and impressive features.

Best 360Hz FPS monitor

03

Best 360Hz FPS monitor

Acer Predator X25

Refresh Rate

360hz

Response time

1ms GTG

Screen size

25″

Resolution

1920 x 1080

How We Review

Hands-on Review

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Pros

• Blistering 360Hz refresh rate
• Excellent response time
• IPS panel technology
• G-Sync support

Cons

• Expensive
• Peak luminance not great

Like our top pick, the Acer Predator X25 seems to tick all the right boxes if you prioritize high-performance FPS gaming. In today’s market, you simply won’t find anything faster than this.

Aesthetically, the X25 isn’t quite as nice as our top pick – however, if you’re into the gaming vibe, you’ll love it nonetheless. The monitor features thin bezels, a sturdy V-shaped stand, and some interesting RGB on the rear. Metal has been used throughout the design of this monitor, giving it a premium look and feel.

Looks aside, it’s the performance where this monitor truly sings. The X25 features an industry-leading 360Hz refresh rate, low 1ms GTG response time, and impressive input lag to boot. Furthermore, with G-Sync support, the X25 delivers silky smooth gameplay that really does exceed slower alternatives.

Unlike gaming monitors of the past, this fast refresh rate monitor also comes with an IPS panel at its heart. This not only delivers stunning color accuracy and vividness but it also boasts decent viewing angles too.

Like our top pick, however, the X25 does come with a steep price tag that will outprice some individuals.

• Best 24 inch monitor

Best 240Hz FPS monitor

04

Best 240Hz FPS monitor

Alienware AW2720HF

Size

27″

Refresh Rate

240Hz

Response Time

1ms

Panel Type

IPS

Resolution

1920 x 1080

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Pros

• Quick 240Hz refresh rate
• 1ms response time
• 27-inch screen size
• IPS panel technology

Cons

• On the expensive side

The Alienware AW2720HF is one of the best FPS monitors on the market, featuring all the core specifications you could want to get the theoretical edge over your competition.

Alongside stunning performance, the Alienware AW2720HF also features the brand’s latest ‘Legend’ design language that really does scream premium. Users can expect thin bezels, an efficient anti-glare panel coating, and solid build construction for the panel itself. A wide V-shaped stand is utilized for great stability and excellent ergonomic functionality. The rear of the panel is where most of the action lies, with subtle RGB and an off-grey color scheme working nicely together to complete a very stylish-looking panel.

Looks aside, the AW2720HF really does shine when it comes to competitive gaming. Users can expect a quick 240Hz refresh rate, low 1ms response time, and excellent input lag on average. Better still, the AW2720HF also features full G-Sync support (1-240Hz) for a crisp, artifact-free visual experience. At the heart of this display lies a very effective 27″ IPS panel that delivers great color accuracy, viewing angles, and HDR performance too. Of course, don’t expect Neo G9 levels of HDR performance with this thing – just know its better than your generic DisplayHDR 400 certified alternatives.

This panel also comes with a forgiving 1080p screen resolution that really allows you to reach the framerates required to enjoy this monitor at its best.

Unfortunately, this monitor isn’t the cheapest option out there. However, it is more respectable than our top two picks and will give you excellent FPS gaming performance for the price.

• Best 240Hz gaming monitor

Best FPS monitor for PC

05

Best FPS monitor for PC

ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM

Size

27″

Refresh Rate

280Hz

Response Time

1ms

Panel

IPS

Maximum Resolution

1920 x 1080

How We Review

Hands-on Review

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Pros

• Quick 280Hz refresh rate
• 1ms response time
• Decent input lag
• IPS panel technology

Cons

• Lacking some key gaming features

The ASUS VG279QM is a great choice for individuals that don’t want to splash out on the premium recommendations in this guide. Despite having a slower refresh rate, the VG279QM still provides a great gaming experience that is above average in today’s market.

Aesthetically, the VG279QM is a little on the basic side. However, that’s not a bad thing – especially for a monitor tailored towards gaming performance. It features ASUS’s boxy TUF Gaming design that really isn’t that bad at all. The rear features very little in the ways of design features, with some simple cable management options for those wanting to keep a clean desk.

Performance-wise, it’s hard to knock this monitor as far as FPS goes. It features a rapid 280Hz refresh (240Hz native) and impressive 1ms GTG average response time, making this panel one of the fastest in today’s market. Unlike the other picks in this guide, the VG279QM features FreeSync support instead (which does come with its limitations). That said, you still get a very smooth, artifact-free gaming experience from this monitor – especially when you crank the refresh rate up to 280Hz. Other features include 99% sRGB coverage, a 400 nit peak luminance, decent viewing angles, and an anti-glare coating that does a great job of mitigating both natural and manmade light sources.

All in all, the VG279QM is an incredibly attractive monitor. Once you put the price into the equation as well, it’s easy to see why this monitor became so popular.

• Best console gaming monitor

Best curved FPS monitor

06

Best curved FPS monitor

Samsung Odyssey G5 (LS32AG550)

Refresh Rate

165Hz

Response Time

1ms

Screen Size

32″

Resolution

2560×1440

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Pros

• Excellent VA panel
• 165Hz refresh rate
• 1440p screen resolution
• 1000R curvature

Cons

• Poor peak brightness

Samsung’s Odyssey G5 (LS32AG550) is the brand’s latest refresh of the hugely popular Odyssey G5. It’s one of Samsung’s less premium 165Hz options, but don’t let that put you off – it still features all the specifications you could want for an excellent gaming experience.

Aesthetically, the Samsung Odyssey G5 seems pretty identical to the G7 – however, on closer inspection, you can clearly see where corners have been cut. Samsung has removed the characteristic Vortex RGB zone from the rear, opting for a simple input solution instead. Again, all RGB from the front of the monitor has been removed as well. Build quality doesn’t do the G5 any favors either, with a tonne of plastic used throughout the design of this panel.

Looks aside, however, this monitor does offer great performance when its price is considered. The G5 features a 165Hz refresh rate (up from 144Hz in 2021) and a low 1ms response time, both working together to provide a very smooth overall gaming experience. The G5 also features Samsung’s audacious 1000R curvature – said to reflect the curvature of the human eye for a more natural viewing experience. We’re not sure about that, but it is incredibly spicy nonetheless. Users can also expect excellent picture quality thanks to a 1440p screen resolution and excellent contrast thanks to the VA panel at its heart.

Overall, while this monitor isn’t the best out there, it certainly offers up something different from the other recommendations in this guide.

• Best curved monitor

Advantages of using an FPS monitor for gaming

There are a tonne of advantages when it comes to using an FPS-tailored monitor for gaming. More traditional monitors don’t deliver the speed and response required for competitive play – falling short in refresh rates, response times, input lag, and gaming features.

Below we’ll list all the major advantages of using an FPS monitor for gaming:

Faster refresh rates deliver information quicker: When it comes to the highest levels of competitive gaming, every millisecond counts. No, we’re being serious. The best esports players in the world use 360Hz gaming monitors for a reason. The difference between a 144Hz monitor and a 360Hz monitor isn’t just about smoothness either. Because the 360Hz monitor delivers almost 3 times the data per second, you are physically seeing information sooner than your opponent.

FPS monitors don’t produce ghosting or perceived blur: Another huge benefit of using an FPS monitor is their quick response times. Response time references the amount of time it takes for a pixel to change color – usually (but not always) using the G2G transition. If you use a monitor with a slow pixel response time, you run the risk of seeing annoying ghosting issues (a ghostly trail left behind fast-moving images). In competitive games like Call of Duty and CS:GO, this is particularly problematic as you want to be able to see your enemy as clearly as possible.

Smaller FPS monitors increase focus: Most of the best FPS monitors will deliver excellent immersion and focus thanks to their smaller 24.5″ screen size. While many will opt for a larger 27″ variant, you should take a second to consider small 24 inch monitors for competitive gaming. Firstly, to get high frame rates, FPS monitors often use 1080p screen resolutions. While this isn’t great for image quality, it’s actually quite well optimized for 24.5″ screens. Furthermore, with a smaller screen and effectively larger images, you can spot enemies easier – great for reflexes and long-range battles.

Are FPS monitors expensive?

That depends. If you’re looking to buy the best FPS monitor available, it’ll likely be more expensive as it features a bunch of premium features like high refresh rates, low response times, G-Sync/FreeSync, and more. That said, not all FPS monitors are expensive – you can just as easily find a 144hz gaming monitor that will do the trick.

Ultimately, however, if you’re looking to take your gameplay to the next level, you’ll likely need to buy a monitor that features some of these premium specifications – pushing the price up.

240Hz vs 360Hz monitors

This is one of the questions we get asked here at WePC all too often. The debate over 240Hz vs 360Hz is one that will go on for some time – mainly because there seems to be very little difference as far as performance goes.

When comparing fast refresh rate monitors like these to 60-144Hz monitors, it’s easy to see the difference with the naked eye. However, as you climb the theoretical refresh rate ladder, the difference in performance becomes much less apparent. That said, you’d have to have an incredibly sensitive eye to see the difference between a 240Hz vs 360Hz monitor – with high-speed cameras arguably the only way to truly detect it.

For me, both 240Hz and 360Hz monitors provide a very high-end gaming experience. That said, the rewards for choosing higher refresh rates after 240Hz do diminish quite a bit, so keep that in mind if you are thinking about buying one of the best FPS monitors.

Best FPS games in 2023

By now, you’ve probably decided whether or not an FPS gaming monitor is right for you. That said, if you’re new to PC gaming, you might be wondering what the best FPS games are right now?

Below we’ve listed all the best FPS games:

• CS:GO
• Apex Legends
• Call of Duty
• Overwatch
• Team Fortress 2
• Rainbow Six
• Destiny 2
• Left 4 Dead 2
• Doom
• Doom eternal
• Valorant
• Borderlands 2
• Bioshock
• Halo Infinite
• Metro Exodus

Best FPS monitor: FAQs

Are FPS monitors expensive?

That depends. If you’re looking to buy the best FPS monitor available, it’ll likely be more expensive as it features a bunch of premium features like high refresh rates, low response times, G-Sync/FreeSync, and more. That said, not all FPS monitors are expensive – you can just as easily find a 144hz gaming monitor that will do the trick.

Ultimately, however, if you’re looking to take your gameplay to the next level, you’ll likely need to buy a monitor that features some of these premium specifications – pushing the price up.

Advantages of using an FPS monitor for gaming

There are a tonne of advantages when it comes to using an FPS-tailored monitor for gaming. More traditional monitors don’t deliver the speed and response required for competitive play – falling short in refresh rates, response times, input lag, and gaming features.

Below we’ll list all the major advantages of using an FPS monitor for gaming:

Faster refresh rates deliver information quicker: When it comes to the highest levels of competitive gaming, every millisecond counts. No, we’re being serious. The best esports players in the world use 360Hz gaming monitors for a reason. The difference between a 144Hz monitor and a 360Hz monitor isn’t just about smoothness either. Because the 360Hz monitor delivers almost 3 times the data per second, you are physically seeing information sooner than your opponent.

FPS monitors don’t produce ghosting or perceived blur: Another huge benefit of using an FPS monitor is their quick response times. Response time references the amount of time it takes for a pixel to change color – usually (but not always) using the G2G transition. If you use a monitor with a slow pixel response time, you run the risk of seeing annoying ghosting issues (a ghostly trail left behind fast-moving images). In competitive games like Call of Duty and CS:GO, this is particularly problematic as you want to be able to see your enemy as clearly as possible.

Smaller FPS monitors increase focus: Most of the best FPS monitors will deliver excellent immersion and focus thanks to their smaller 24.5″ screen size. While many will opt for a larger 27″ variant, you should take a second to consider small 24 inch monitors for competitive gaming. Firstly, to get high frame rates, FPS monitors often use 1080p screen resolutions. While this isn’t great for image quality, it’s actually quite well optimized for 24.5″ screens. Furthermore, with a smaller screen and effectively larger images, you can spot enemies easier – great for reflexes and long-range battles.