The 5 Best High Refresh Rate Monitors - Winter 2024

The best high refresh rate monitor is the LG 32GS95UE-B. While it normally operates at 4k @ 240Hz, it also has a 1080p @ 480Hz Dual-Mode, ideal for competitive and esports gamers. It has exceptionally low input lag of 1.8 ms in 480Hz Dual-Mode, so it's remarkably responsive. Additionally, if you prefer a smaller screen size, it has 27-inch and 24-inch virtual screen modes, adding only 0.1 ms of lag. It also has an exceptionally low response time, with an average transition time of 0.3 ms in Dual-Mode. This means that scenes with lots of motion are extremely sharp, and the screen rapidly transitions to a new scene. In total, the monitor's signal-to-response latency is 2.1 ms, so it has remarkable responsiveness overall.

Additionally, it has outstanding picture quality, so you'll enjoy vivid colors and bright highlights during long gaming sessions. However, it has distracting VRR flicker with changing frame rates. If you're looking for a monitor with an option to reduce VRR flicker, check out the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDP. However, its flicker control setting causes stuttering, and this monitor has considerably higher input lag in its 24.5" and 27" modes.

If you want an even higher refresh rate, look at the ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP. However, despite its higher refresh rate, it's significantly less responsive than the LG 32GS95UE-B. It has the same 1080p input lag as the LG, but its signal-to-display latency is much higher at 3.5 ms, as it has a slower response time. Additionally, because of its TN panel, it has worse picture quality, as deep blacks look gray, highlights don't pop in HDR, and colors aren't vivid, so it's not as engaging for long gaming sessions.

However, despite this, it has a few features that the LG doesn't. It has backlight strobing with NVIDIA's ULMB 2, which helps reduce persistence blur without image duplication. Unlike the LG, it also has no visible VRR flicker, which is great if you experience rapidly changing frame rates and find VRR flicker distracting.

If you don't need such a high refresh rate like the ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP, there are some great 360Hz options available. The MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED is an OLED similar to the LG 32GS95UE-B for gaming. It's nearly as responsive as the LG, as its signal-to-response latency is 2.2 ms, which is only 0.1 ms slower. As an OLED, it has the same ultra-fast response time as well, so fast-moving scenes are extremely crisp.

Some gamers may even prefer the MSI over the LG, as it has a more detailed 1440p image than the LG's 1080p @ 480Hz mode. It also has better picture quality, with more vivid colors and bright highlights, creating an engaging and immersive experience. However, it does have noticeable VRR flicker with changing frame rates.

If you only need a 240Hz display, look at the 27-inch 1440p ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG. It has a slightly higher input lag than the MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED but is still very responsive. As an OLED, it still has the same fast response times as the MSI. This means its signal-to-response latency is 2.9 ms, only 0.7 ms more than the MSI, so it still feels extremely responsive.

Like other OLEDs, it has fantastic picture quality, with vivid colors and highlights that pop for an engaging experience during long sessions. Additionally, it has a flicker reduction feature, though it adds a bit of stuttering. However, if you want a larger 240Hz monitor with a 4k resolution, check out the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80. It has more vivid colors than the ASUS, but it requires a powerful graphics card to maintain the high resolution and costs more.

If you're on a budget but still want a monitor with a high refresh rate, check out the ViewSonic XG2431. It has a 240Hz refresh rate and extremely low input lag. However, unlike the ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG, it has an IPS panel with a comparatively high response time. This means fast-moving scenes are less crisp, and resolving an image takes longer. Its signal-to-response latency is 9.2 ms, which is far higher than the other monitors here, so it doesn't feel as responsive. It also has a lower 1080p resolution and a less detailed image. However, you have to expect this with a much less expensive monitor.

As an IPS model, it also doesn't have the same picture quality. Deep blacks appear gray in a dark room, highlights don't pop, and colors aren't vivid, so it's not as engaging or immersive. However, it doesn't have noticeable VRR flicker, which is great if you're sensitive to it.