Modern gaming PCs can run a plethora of games and productivity workloads and nearly all of them can handle mainstream first-person shooter (FPS) titles with ease. That being said, most first-person shooter games, single or multiplayer, tend to have a very different set of requirements compared to most of their alternatives. Users are particularly picky about hardware, using specific low (or high) DPI mice, TKL keyboards, and faster processors to get an edge using smoother gameplay (dictated by higher FPS throughput) on their gaming PC.
How to Choose Great FPS Gaming Monitors
Finding the right monitor for FPS gaming may seem a bit tricky, but it can be super simple, even with specific goals in mind. When buying a monitor for FPS gaming, players should consider the following factors:
- Refresh Rate: Aim for a refresh rate of at least 144 Hz to enjoy great gameplay.
- Response time: Look out for monitors that come with a response time of 1 ms or lower.
- Panel type: Weigh the pros and cons of each panel type before choosing one. For instance, IPS panels offer wide viewing angles, while VA panels are awesome for HDR content due to their terrific color ratio.
- Resolution: Weigh the benefits and drawbacks of 1080p, 2K and 4K before making a decision.
Here Are Game Rant's Best FPS Gaming Monitors
SAMSUNG Odyssey G7 Series 32-Inch Gaming Monitor
A Gaming Odyssey
The 32-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 Series is a high-end gaming monitor. It features a 1000R panel that mirrors the human eye's curve. This device delivers WQHD resolution, offering 1.7 times the pixel density of Full HD. The device is equipped with a rapid 240 Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth action even in the fastest-paced games. In addition, the monitor supports a response time of just 1 millisecond. With Nvidia G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Pro support, the monitor supports the synchronization of frames from graphics cards from both parties.
- Brand
- Samsung
- Resolution
- WQHD (2560 x 1440)
- Refresh Rate
- 240 Hz
- Screen Size
- 32'
- Ports
- DisplayPort, HDMI, USB, Headphone Jack
- Display Technology
- QLED (VA)
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Screen Brightness
- 350 Nits (Typical)
- Mounting Options
- 100 x 100 VESA
- Sound
- No, Has Headphone support
- Tilt
- -9 ~ +13
- HDR
- Yes, HDR 600
- Variable Refresh
- NVIDIA® G-SYNC™ and FreeSync Premium Pro
- Response Time
- 1 ms GTG
- Has a decent 2K resolution on offer
- Offers Up to 240Hz Refresh rates
- Priced fairly for a feature-packed 32' 240Hz, 2K monitor
- Has a VA Panel on offer
- Does not have any built-in speaker
- The 1000R Curvature is hit-and-miss with gamers
The 32-inch version of the Samsung Odyssey G7 Series monitor is one of the best high refresh rate monitors that one can get for gaming in 2023. Thanks to its high 240Hz refresh rate, decent response time, and passable HDR offerings, it comes off as one of the most well-rounded monitors any competitive gamer finds at a price that is relatively better than most of its competition. This includes its 27-inch sibling with the same specs in some cases.
With support for both, the base level of GSync and FreeSync Premium Pro, it has gamers covered when it comes to VRR. Thanks to its 2K resolution, it doesn't look entirely out of place as one of the larger gaming monitors the team considered. It does, however, skip out on audio completely, only offering a headphone jack for audio transmitted via HDMI, making investing in a dedicated gaming headset a somewhat mandatory process.
The 1000R curvature, touted by Samsung as a more immersive experience, is, however, a hit-and-miss affair for gamers, especially those looking for multi-monitor setups or preferring flat screens over those with curves. The 1000R is great for those looking for a curved monitor, but it may prove to be the case that too many users are more used to traditional flat-screen options instead.
ViewSonic OMNI XG2431
Decent Features For Budget-Conscious Gamers
Despite being ideal for gamers with a tight budget, the ViewSonic XG2431 boasts some decent offerings. It features a 240Hz refresh rate, AMD's FreeSync Premium, a response time of 0.5ms, a blue light filter, and more. The 0.5ms response time ensures gamers enjoy smooth visuals without experiencing motion blur and ghosting.
- Brand
- ViewSonic
- Resolution
- 1920x1080
- Screen Size
- 24 inches
- Response Time
- 0.5ms
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 240Hz
- Comes with AMD FreeSync Premium for minimal latency
- Offers a 240Hz Refresh rate
- Has a 0.05ms response time
- Great ergonomic design
- Offers a poor HDR gamut
- Low native contrast
Catering to the needs of budget-conscious gamers, the ViewSonic XG2431 packs a decent number of features for its price point. The 24" IPS FHD monitor is a great blend of rich colors, amazing contrast, and wide viewing angles. It can also offer up to four times the response times of other panels. It offers a terrific refresh rate of 240 Hz which should allow many FPS titles to run smoothly without much trouble. Seeing as it is quite affordable, this makes it a hot prospect for gamers with a limited budget.
Featuring AMD's FreeSync Premium technology, this monitor is less likely to experience screen tearing or input lag which is a good thing for gamers. Equipped with a response time of 0.5ms, this monitor will display smooth images while lowering the chances of motion blur and ghosting. Perks like flicker-free technology and a blue light filter ensure that gamers don't suffer eye strain after long periods of FPS gaming.
LG 27" Ultragear OLED (27GR95QE-B)
Ultra OLED Experience
The LG 27" Ultragear OLED 27GR95QE-B is part of LG's latest and greatest OLED offerings. It targets enthusiast gamers with its 240Hz refresh rate and bleeding edge 0.03ms response times on a QHD OLED panel that delivers the goods on gaming and then some. With excellent color reproduction and HDR support out of the box, the LG 27GR95QE-B OLED monitor is worth a look if players are looking for a premium display option in 2023.
- Brand
- LG
- Resolution
- 2560 x 1440
- Refresh Rate
- 240Hz
- Screen Size
- 26.5"
- Ports
- HDMI x 2, DP x 1
- Display Technology
- OLED
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Screen Brightness
- 1000 Nits
- Sound
- No built-in speaker, headphone out available
- HDR
- Yes, HDR10
- Variable Refresh
- Yes
- Response Time
- 0.03ms
- Weight
- 16.2 lb
- Offers a high 240Hz refresh rate for gaming
- Has an industry-leading 0.03ms response time
- Offers a sharp resolution with QHD on offer at 27 inches
- Has excellent HDR and color reproduction on offer
- Considerably more expensive LED-based monitor alternatives
- Has some limitations with rendering text on an OLED screen
The LG 27-inch 2K 240Hz Ultragear OLED Monitor is an excellent gaming monitor that tends to cost considerably more than the competition but does offer a series of advantages that some of its direct competition does not. It offers a very low-latency OLED panel that does excellent color reproduction and a low response time of just 0.03ms along with a high 240Hz refresh rate, making it an excellent purchase. It does offer perfect blacks and excellent HDR capabilities to make up for its higher cost but also comes with slightly lower brightness than some users might be used to. It also packs mandatory pixel refresh requirements baked into the product to avoid burn-in.
The LG 27-inch Ultragear OLED (27GR95QE-B) is anything but cheap, costing nearly as much as many more expensive ultrawide monitors thanks to it packing some of the latest technology in a much smaller package than normally seen, with more premium options such as the 49-inch Samsung G95SC. All in all, the LG 27GR95QE-B is an expensive but capable FPS gaming monitor that should handle gamers needs with ease.
KOORUI 24.5 Inch FHD 170Hz VA Gaming Monitor
Value-centric Buy
The KOORUI 24.5-inch FHD 170Hz VA Gaming Monitor offers a budget gaming monitor that clubs thin bezels, a high refresh rate, and a VA panel in a package that offers excellent value for money without compromising on its core strengths. It's backed by a comprehensive 3-year warranty, making it easy to see why it is one of the most popular choices on Amazon currently.
- Brand
- KOORUI
- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
- Refresh Rate
- 170Hz (DP), 144Hz (HDMI)
- Screen Size
- 24.5''
- Ports
- HDMI, DisplayPort
- Display Technology
- VA
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Screen Brightness
- 250 Nits
- Mounting Options
- VESA 75 x 75 Mount
- Variable Refresh
- Yes, FreeSync
- Response Time
- 1ms GTG
- Extremely cost-effective option for entry-level gamers
- Offers up to 170Hz via DP and 144Hz via HDMI for gamers
- Comes with an extensive 3-year warranty
- Has AMD FreeSync support built-in
- Monitor menu controls are a bit annoying compared to alternatives
- Offers a VA panel vs other IPS options in this range
- Has no built-in audio
The KOORUI 24.5-inch FHD 170Hz VA gaming monitor is a well-priced compromise that promises excellent value. It delivers, offering an excellent high refresh rate display that can push up to 170Hz (144 Hz via HDMI for consoles) via DisplayPort while costing just a little over $100 a pop. With FreeSync support, it does have a decent VRR experience going for it, along with a decent 1ms response time.
It also supports standard VESA 75 x 75 mounting as well as an extensive warranty period, including a generous replacement period if users run into issues. That being said, it does build all its offerings around a mid-level VA panel, but one is loath to complain at its budget price point. More notably, it does not have any built-in speakers, making headsets and dedicated speakers the only way to get around this on consoles and PCs alike.
All in all, the KOORUI gaming monitor does not claim to be dethroning any high-end monitors anytime soon. At its price, it doesn't need to. What it does is offer excellent value and a capable display that can get entry-level gamers started with their FPS journey without breaking the bank in the process.
Alienware AW2524H Gaming Monitor
Lightning-Fast Refresh Rate
The 24-inch Alienware AW2524H comes with a suite of excellent features for under $1000. Buyers get a mind-blowing 480Hz refresh rate which, along with an NVIDIA G-SYNC certification, translates into tear-free gameplay and lucid visuals. The monitor also prioritizes eye care as the ComfortView Plus Low Blue Light Feature helps prevent fatigue after long periods of gaming.
- Brand
- Dell
- Resolution
- 1920x1080
- Screen Size
- 24.5 inches
- Response Time
- 0.5ms
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 480 Hz
- WEIGHT
- 9.8 lbs (without stand)
- NVIDIA G-SYNC Certification ensures players enjoy stutter-free gaming
- Offers a terrific 480Hz Refresh Rate For Gamers
- Great motion handling
- Considerably more expensive than some market alternatives
- Has low contrast ratio
The Alienware AW2524H is an excellent FPS gaming monitor that boasts an incredible refresh rate of 480Hz and other impressive features for under $1,000. Featuring fast IPS technology, gamers can experience the action with the same color quality regardless of viewing angle. The monitor's GtG response time of 0.5ms delivers a gaming experience free from ghosting and motion blurring. Additionally, an NVIDIA G-SYNC certification reinforces this monitor's ability to offer tear-free gameplay, a fact that should please gamers.
An excellent mid-range offering, the Alienware AW2524H also delivers realistic visuals thanks to VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification and sRGB 99% color coverage. To ensure players can go for extended periods without eye strain, the Alienware monitor comes with the ComfortView Plus Low Blue Light solution.
HP OMEN 27u 4K Gaming Monitor
Console-Ready High-Res Gaming
The HP OMEN 27u 4K Gaming Monitor is an excellent IPS panel that offers an excellent 4K resolution coupled with up to 120Hz on HDMI or 144Hz on DP connections. It allows gamers to experience video games at the maximum fidelity possible.
- Brand
- HP
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160 (4K/UHD)
- Refresh Rate
- 144Hz (DP), 120Hz (HDMI)
- Screen Size
- 27'
- Ports
- 2 x HDMI (1 x 2.1, 1 x 2.0), 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, USB
- Display Technology
- IPS
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Screen Brightness
- 450 nits
- Mounting Options
- 100 mm x 100 mm VESA
- Sound
- Integrated Speakers, Headphone Jack
- HDR
- Yes, DisplayHDR 400
- Variable Refresh
- Yes, AMD Freesync Premium Pro
- Response Time
- 1ms GTG
- Supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
- Has a decent 1ms response time for a gaming monitor
- Has integrated speakers as part of its offerings
- Slightly pricey for a 27' monitor
- Built-in speakers aren't great
The HP OMEN 27u is an excellent 4K gaming monitor that offers considerably better value than most gaming TVs and some of the pricier 4K monitors on the market. It also covers console and PC gamers with its 4K 144Hz support (4K 120Hz for console users via HDMI) across both DisplayPort and HDMI with extra USB ports thrown in. While the HP OMEN 27u 4K Gaming Monitor has console gamers covered, it also does an adequate job for PC gamers. It throws in a higher refresh rate as well as support for AMD's open-source FreeSync VRR tech.
It is an excellent display to play the latest FPS titles on, though 4K at 120Hz or higher would tax all but the highest-end GPUs currently available to purchase. All in all, with an excellent IPS panel, decent brightness, and a higher resolution than many of its peers, the HP OMEN 27u 4K Gaming Monitor is perfect for gaming at the highest possible settings, whether for either FPS titles or other games.
LG 45' UltraGear™ OLED 45GR95QE-B
LG's Ultrawide Tour De Force
The LG 45' UltraGear™ OLED 45GR95QE-B is an excellent Ultrawide OLED monitor that packs the latest from LG's display tech stack into the productivity and gaming-focused ultrawide form factor and does so in style. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time combined on a screen that boasts a unique take on screen real estate.
- Brand
- LG
- Resolution
- 3440 x 1440
- Refresh Rate
- 240Hz
- Screen Size
- 44.5"
- Ports
- HDMI, DisplayPort, USB
- Display Technology
- OLED
- Aspect Ratio
- 21:9
- Screen Brightness
- 1000 Nits Peak
- Mounting Options
- VESA 100 x 100 mm
- Sound
- No Speakers, Headphone Out available
- HDR
- Yes, HDR10
- Variable Refresh
- Yes
- Response Time
- 0.03ms
- Weight
- 24.03 lb
- Has excellent color reproduction compared to its competition
- Offers a high 240Hz Refresh Rate For Gamers
- Has a 0.03ms response time
- Supports VRR with both FreeSync and GSync support
- Considerably more expensive than some market alternatives
- Has no speakers built-in
- Tends to have issues rendering text vs standard LCD display
The LG 45-inch UltraGear OLED 45GR95QE-B offers LG's magnum opus when it comes to gaming monitors. It offers an ultrawide 45' OLED display with all the bells and whistles anyone could ask for, including 21:9 3440 x 1440 resolution, a 240Hz display, and 0.03ms response times. The LG Ultragear OLED does have a few quirks that one should expect with an OLED display when considering a gaming monitor, but none that one does not expect.
Text reproduction is something that it struggles to do well. The lack of built-in audio does leave one somewhat miffed, especially when considering the price point LG's Ultrawide OLED currently commands, even when on sale. All in, the LG 45-inch UltraGear OLED 45GR95QE-B is a flawed product but one that excels where its strengths lie: no-holds-bared gaming. For that reason, it is Game Rant's pick for the best ultrawide FPS gaming monitor in 2023.
LG 32GN650-B Ultragear Gaming Monitor
Affordable 2K Goodness
This LG 32GN650-B Ultragear gaming monitor features a large 32-inch display panel with QHD resolution (2560 x 1440) and a standard 16:9 aspect ratio. It provides a maximum refresh rate of 165 Hz and a superfast response time of 1 ms. While it is designed for gaming and provides smooth gameplay, including AMD FreeSync, it also delivers great colors with sRGB coverage of 95% and HDR 10 support for more vivid media. The monitor is easy to pair in a multi-monitor setup thanks to the virtually borderless design. The stand comes with tilt, height, and pivot adjustments.
- Screen Size
- 32 Inches
- Resolution
- 2560 x 1440 Pixels
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 165 Hz
- Brand
- LG
- Response Time
- 1 Ms
- WEIGHT
- 11.2 pounds
- Fast 165Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay
- 1ms Motion Blur Reduction minimizes lag
- Borderless design looks sleek
- Limited to 95% sRGB color gamut
- Only supports AMD FreeSync, not compatible with NVIDIA G-Sync
The LG 32GN650-B Ultragear is an incredibly capable monitor for competitive titles. Perfect for anyone looking to upgrade from 1080p gaming or can't afford a 4K monitor, the 32GN650-B Ultragear offers a 32" QHD display that's paired with an attractive design. The monitor sports a 3-side borderless display that promises gamers a truly immersive experience. Depending on their preferences, players can adjust the monitor's position via tilt, height, and pivot adjustments.
Gamers also get an above-average refresh rate of 165 Hz, which delivers fluid gameplay, a must-have for FPS titles. While there are a couple of other competent 2K monitors, not many come with AMD FreeSync Premium technology, a perk that minimizes screen tearing and stuttering. This monitor offers FPS gamers a competitive advantage thanks to the special Crosshair feature. Using center-display crosshairs, players get to experience improved precision, which makes for more accurate hits.
How to Choose an FPS Gaming Monitor
Picking out the best FPS gaming monitor can be easy if players pay attention to these key features before purchasing:
Refresh Rate: All gaming monitors come with a certain refresh rate that potential buyers must evaluate before making any purchase. A high refresh rate monitor brings a competitive advantage to FPS gameplay. It allows the player to not only enjoy fluid gameplay but also observe enemy movements when they're taken.
Response Time: For competitive titles like Call of Duty and Fortnite, the monitor used to play should have a low response time. Unlike high latency, which makes certain actions lag, a high response time translates into blurry picture quality. As such, it pays to aim for monitors that come with a response time of 5ms or lower. Remember, lower is better.
Panel Type: While VA, IPS, and TN are available options, TN panels are known for their low response time, which should greatly benefit competitive gamers. Although there's a trade-off in color reproduction, it's worth checking out monitors with TN panels. However, if great color reproduction is a must-have feature, then a VA-panel monitor should suffice.
Resolution: When gaming monitors deliver crisp and sharp images, it's most likely because they have an excellent resolution. Some typical resolutions include 1980 x 1080 (FHD), 2580 x 1440 (QHD), and 3840 x 2160 (UHD/4K). Any of these resolutions is ideal, though personal preferences and budget must be taken into consideration.
FAQ
Q: What is the highest refresh rate for gaming monitors?
Gaming monitors mostly offer a variety of refresh rates with displays able to push from 60Hz to 360Hz depending on their resolution and panel type. There are higher-resolution gaming monitors available such as the Alienware AW2524H Gaming Monitor that push as much as 480Hz (500Hz if OC'ed) on an FHD resolution, making them rare but viable purchases for users only looking for the highest refresh rates possible.
Q: Why is the response time of a gaming monitor so important?
The response time is the time a monitor takes to switch the colors of pixels from one to another. A lower response time allows for reduced blurring and ghosting on your monitor's display. Combined with a high refresh rate, it tends to offer a better, smoother experience when playing games. It is considered a key factor for many monitors and displays used in competitive games where every millisecond counts for professional and competitive gamers alike, especially in FPS games.
Q: How much Hz is good for gaming?
For basic gaming, 60 Hz is pretty good. Competitive gamers like Esports players will require a monitor that delivers at least 144Hz.
Q: What makes a good gaming monitor?
A good gaming monitor will naturally have a decent screen size of around 27" coupled with a refresh rate of between 60 Hz and 144 Hz. Low input lag and HDR are two important must-have features as well.