The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Ideal 240Hz Gaming Monitor in 2024
In the world of gaming, having the right equipment can make a world of difference, and when it comes to monitors, 240Hz models are truly in a league of their own. If you’re aiming for gameplay that’s as smooth and responsive as possible, investing in a 240Hz gaming monitor is an option well worth exploring.
These monitors are engineered to offer a remarkable refresh rate. Specifically, they refresh the on-screen image a staggering 240 times within a single second. This high refresh rate capability translates into gameplay that’s characterized by incredibly fluid motion. During those intense, fast-paced action sequences in games, whether it’s a high-stakes competitive shooter where split-second decisions matter or a fast-action sports game, the reduction in blur is significant. This allows gamers to effortlessly track moving objects and react in real-time, giving them a tangible edge over their opponents. One of the standout advantages of a 240Hz monitor is its ability to minimize latency. The higher refresh rate plays a crucial role in reducing the time lag between when your graphics card renders an image and when it actually appears on the screen. This has a direct and positive impact on your in-game response time, enabling you to execute commands more quickly and precisely.
However, to truly unlock the full potential of a 240Hz monitor, your gaming setup needs to be up to the task. You’ll require a powerful gaming PC that’s equipped with one of the latest and most capable graphics cards. The reasoning behind this is straightforward: your computer system must be able to consistently output a high frame rate that matches the monitor’s refresh rate. If your PC falls short in this regard, you won’t be able to fully relish the benefits that the 240Hz display has to offer. For instance, a setup featuring a robust GPU like the NVIDIA RTX 4070 Super or the latest offerings from AMD is essential. This ensures that you can enjoy the seamless, high-performance gaming experience that you’re seeking. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the top 240Hz gaming monitors available in the market today.
Alienware AW2723DF Many 240Hz monitors sacrifice resolution to achieve those high frame rates, often dropping down to Full HD. But the Alienware AW2723DF is an exception. This 27-inch gaming monitor offers crystal-clear images at a 1440p resolution without any compromise on frame rates. In fact, it even has the added bonus of being overclockable, allowing you to push the refresh rate a bit higher to an impressive 280Hz. This results in gameplay that’s not just smooth but downright silky, making for an immersive gaming experience. Thanks to its adaptive sync technology, the monitor works harmoniously with your GPU to eliminate screen tearing. It also boasts excellent response times and low input lag, which means that even in the most frenetic and fast-moving scenes, the motion clarity remains top-notch. While the monitor’s super-fast IPS panel is a major draw, it does have a few areas where it could improve. For example, its native contrast ratio isn’t the best, so when you’re gaming in darker environments, you might notice a lack of deep blacks. Nevertheless, Alienware is renowned for its outstanding build quality. The AW2723DF comes with a highly adjustable stand that’s both robust and allows you to achieve a solid viewing angle from just about any position. Additionally, it features contoured ventilation to keep the monitor cool during extended gaming sessions and a cable management system that helps keep your gaming area tidy and organized.
Dell S2522HG The Dell S2522HG is at the forefront of a new wave of budget-friendly 240Hz displays that have recently entered the market. Although its Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is above $300, it can often be found online for around $200, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious gamers.
Despite its relatively low price point, it offers a great gaming experience, especially for those who are into competitive gaming. It has official compatibility with both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, which, when combined with its refresh rate, ensures a smooth gaming experience with solid motion clarity.
However, when it comes to image quality, it does make some compromises to keep the price down. The monitor relies on a so-so IPS panel, which means that while the color performance is acceptable and brightness isn’t an issue, the contrast leaves something to be desired. Dark scenes, in particular, can look rather hazy. On the plus side, the S2522HG has a sturdy and height-adjustable stand, and it comes with multiple USB ports, making it convenient for connecting various wired gaming peripherals. It also has a more robust build compared to some of its more expensive competitors, such as LG’s Ultragear line.
Corsair XENEON 32QHD240 Finding a 32-inch, 240Hz gaming monitor can be a bit more challenging than locating 27-inch models, but Corsair’s XENEON 32QHD240 is an excellent choice for those who prefer a larger screen. Along with its high refresh rate, this display offers low pixel response times, which effectively minimizes motion blur. The AMD FreeSync Premium support it provides helps keep screen tearing at bay, ensuring a smooth visual experience.
The 1440p resolution on this 32-inch FreeSync monitor might lead to some pixel peeping depending on how close you sit to the screen. However, the added detail from the smaller visible elements on the screen can actually work to your advantage in certain gaming scenarios and is a worthwhile trade-off. The IPS panel on this monitor gets bright enough for comfortable viewing in almost any lighting condition. While the black levels might not be overly impressive and don’t improve significantly in HDR mode, the colors are quite good, with rich and vibrant hues that offer 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut in Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) mode.
The monitor sits on a sturdy and adjustable stand and even comes with cable ties to help you maintain a neat and tidy gaming setup. One drawback is that it doesn’t have built-in speakers, so you’ll need to invest in external computer speakers to complete your audio setup. Fortunately, it has a comprehensive I/O setup that includes a variety of USB ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 port, and an audio output, allowing you to easily connect multiple systems and your favorite gaming accessories.
Samsung Odyssey G7 The Samsung Odyssey G7 stands out from the crowd by combining a high refresh rate with a VA panel. Most monitors tend to avoid using VA panels due to their historical issues with motion, but Samsung has managed to overcome these challenges to a large extent. The result is that the Odyssey G7’s motion clarity is nearly on par with that of IPS panel monitors. What really sets this monitor apart is its contrast ratio, which is more than twice that of the IPS monitors we’ve discussed so far. This leads to a richer and deeper image, making it particularly well-suited for dark-themed games like horror games and many action role-playing games. It’s also VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified, meaning it can achieve a high level of brightness. The combination of its high brightness and deep black levels makes it an excellent option for HDR content. In comparison, Acer’s 32-inch competitor might be equally bright but performs less effectively in dark scenes.
Samsung has also paid attention to the design aspects, providing an attractive monitor with a height-adjustable stand. It includes a pair of USB ports for connecting wired peripherals. However, it’s worth noting that the monitor has a rather aggressive curve. While this will be appealing to fans of curved monitors, some users might find it a bit too extreme for their liking.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 If you’re willing to invest a significant amount of money in a 4K monitor, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 is definitely worth considering. It offers supreme motion clarity in Ultra High Definition (UHD) with a 240Hz refresh rate. The adaptive sync technology it incorporates ensures super smooth, stutter-free gameplay. And if your PC is equipped with an AMD GPU, you’ll appreciate the Free Sync Premium Pro support it provides.
The monitor’s connectivity options are quite impressive. It has a DisplayPort that supports the 240Hz refresh rate in 4K, along with two HDMI ports that make it a great choice for connecting to consoles like the PS5, allowing you to enjoy 4K/120Hz gaming. There are also two USB ports for your other peripherals.
The VA panel of the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 is capable of managing a high peak brightness, which helps combat glare. Coupled with its deep blacks and high contrast ratio, it delivers outstanding HDR performance, even reaching the HDR2000 standard. Beyond that, the screen offers solid color accuracy and features a matte finish to reduce glare, further enhancing the visual experience.
From a design perspective, Samsung has crafted a sleek 32-inch monitor with a slight curvature that wraps around your field of vision, effectively drawing you deeper into the gaming action. It also comes with a height-adjustable stand that has swivel and tilt functions, allowing for ideal ergonomic positioning.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is not your ordinary ultrawide monitor; it’s a super-ultrawide behemoth. Its curved design is so expansive that it can span most of a five-foot-wide desk, providing an incredibly immersive experience that’s perfect for simulation and racing games. The image quality on this monitor is truly excellent. It features a VA panel and utilizes Mini-LED backlighting, which enables precise control of brightness across the entire display. This results in a contrast ratio that’s approximately eight times better than that of a typical 240Hz IPS monitor. It’s also a top-tier HDR monitor, capable of delivering stunning visuals.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. Even the most high-end video cards will struggle to output 240 frames per second at the monitor’s native resolution of 5,120 x 1,440. Despite this, if your gaming rig has the power to drive it, the motion clarity is outstanding. Another issue is that the Mini-LED backlight can cause blooming, where a bright halo appears around bright objects on a dark background. While our review unit was fairly robust, some owners have reported quality control issues. With an MSRP of $2,499, it’s a significant investment, and most gamers might find it hard to justify the cost. Nevertheless, if you’re specifically looking for a 240Hz ultrawide monitor, the Neo G9 remains the top choice.
Acer Predator XB253Q The Acer Predator XB253Q serves as an excellent middle ground between 240Hz and 360Hz gaming monitors. It offers exceptional motion clarity and smoothness that, to be honest, many gamers might have a hard time distinguishing from a 360Hz monitor, all while being available at a more affordable price point.
The XB253Q GW variant has solid image quality, with outstanding color accuracy and strong contrast for an IPS monitor. This gives it an edge over a majority of its similar competitors. It’s noticeably more realistic in its visual representation and struggles less with dark scenes compared to others. The brightness level is high and surpasses that of other 24.5-inch monitors that have been tested. However, as is the case with all 24.5-inch 240Hz gaming monitors, it’s a 1080p display, so the sharpness might not be as high as one would hope.
This monitor is built to last, with a sturdy and robust construction that feels durable when handled. The included stand might look rather spindly at first glance, but it proves to be stable during use and offers plenty of height adjustment options. Additionally, it comes equipped with four USB ports, which makes it convenient for connecting various wired gaming peripherals.
Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN When it comes to 360Hz monitors, they take the already smooth performance of 240Hz options to a whole new level, and the Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN is a prime example of just how impressive that can be. This 27-inch monitor offers a crisp, clear 1440p resolution and delivers insane motion clarity, which is especially valuable for competitive gamers. Even when your games or PC can’t maintain those extremely high frame rates, it still looks great at 120Hz and 60Hz.
While motion performance is clearly its main selling point, the image quality isn’t as remarkable. The IPS panel on this monitor does get bright and offers a wide color gamut, resulting in punchy and vivid visuals. However, the contrast and performance in dark scenes could be improved, and the HDR support doesn’t translate as well in games as one might expect. But these are common characteristics among IPS displays. The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN is also an exceptionally sturdy monitor, featuring an adjustable stand that allows for better viewing angles and improved ergonomics. In terms of connectivity, it has only one DisplayPort 1.4a port that can handle the 360Hz refresh rate, but in most cases, gamers typically only have one capable PC anyway. It also includes three HDMI 2.0 ports for connecting other PCs or consoles, along with two USB-A ports and a 3.5mm audio output. Since it doesn’t have built-in speakers, you might want to consider investing in a good pair of gaming headsets or computer speakers to complete your setup.
Gigabyte M27Q X The Gigabyte M27Q X gaming monitor is a standout choice for gamers who desire a combination of breathtaking visuals, fast performance, and versatile features. Its 27-inch IPS display with a sharp 1440p resolution strikes the perfect balance between size and clarity, ensuring that your games look crisp and detailed. The 240Hz refresh rate and a 1ms (GTG) response time work together to guarantee ultra-smooth gameplay, allowing you to stay ahead in fast-paced action and minimizing any blur or ghosting effects. Whether you’re engrossed in a first-person shooter or exploring vast open worlds, the M27Q X provides the fluidity and responsiveness needed to keep you fully immersed in the gaming experience.
Another aspect that makes the Gigabyte M27Q X truly impressive is its excellent color accuracy and vibrancy. With 10-bit color support, 92% DCI-P3, and 140% sRGB coverage, it brings your games to life with rich, vivid colors and deep contrasts. The VESA Display HDR400 certification further enhances the visual experience by adding brighter highlights and deeper shadows, making every scene pop with more detail and realism. This monitor is equally suitable for gaming, streaming, or working on creative projects, thanks to its outstanding color quality.
Moreover, the Gigabyte M27Q X is designed with versatility in mind. It features a built-in KVM switch with USB Type-C, which enables you to control multiple devices using just a single keyboard and mouse setup. This is particularly useful if you use the monitor with both a gaming PC and a laptop, as it allows for seamless switching between devices without the hassle of reconnecting peripherals. Additionally, it’s VESA wall mount compatible, giving you the flexibility to set up your gaming space according to your preferences, whether you prefer a traditional desk setup or want to save space by mounting it on the wall.
Other Considerations When Choosing a 240Hz Gaming Monitor In addition to the specific features of each monitor, there are several other factors to keep in mind when deciding on the best 240Hz gaming monitor for your needs. Resolution is an important aspect. While 1080p is the norm for many 240Hz monitors, you might be seeking a higher level of visual fidelity. Some models offer higher resolutions like 1440p or even 4K, which can provide sharper images and more intricate details. However, it’s essential to remember that higher resolutions typically require more powerful hardware to fully take advantage of. Your graphics card and CPU need to be capable of pushing the necessary high frame rates to match the monitor’s refresh rate. The choice between a curved and flat monitor is another consideration. A curved monitor can enhance the immersion factor, making you feel more connected to the game world as it wraps around your field of vision. On the other hand, flat monitors offer a more traditional viewing experience with no distortion at the edges. Depending on your personal preference and the types of games you play, one option might be more appealing than the other.
Compatibility with your gaming rig is also crucial. As mentioned earlier, your PC needs to have the power to handle the demands of a 240Hz monitor. Ensure that your graphics card is up to the task of pushing high frame rates consistently, and that your CPU can keep everything running smoothly. Additionally, check the connectivity options on the monitor to make sure they match the ports available on your computer.
Budget is yet another factor that can influence your decision. 240Hz monitors can come with a hefty price tag, especially those with higher resolutions or additional advanced features. While you can look for models with lower resolutions to cut costs, it’s also worth keeping an eye out for discounts during annual sales events. Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday are particularly good times to find deals on gaming monitors. Additionally, 240Hz displays may go on sale when tech companies release new models with even higher refresh rates, like 360Hz monitors.
Looking ahead, there are also many exciting upcoming 240Hz gaming monitors to anticipate. In fact, we’re even expecting to see 500Hz monitors hitting the market soon. For example, due to be released in Q3 2024, the Cooler Master Tempest GP2712 27-inch gaming monitor is projected to feature a 240Hz VA display and HDR1000. Asus is also set to release a new range of monitors, including an impressive 57-inch 240Hz monitor with 11,000 light zones. In conclusion, choosing the best 240Hz gaming monitor depends on a variety of factors, including your gaming style, preferences, budget, and the capabilities of your gaming PC. By carefully considering these aspects and evaluating the different options available in the market, you can find the perfect monitor that will enhance your gaming experience and take it to new heights. Whether you prioritize visual fidelity, fast response times, or a combination of both, there’s a 240Hz gaming monitor out there that’s right for you.