In the world of competitive gaming, milliseconds can mean the difference between victory and defeat. A 240Hz gaming monitor isn’t just a luxury – it’s a competitive advantage. The ultra-high refresh rate delivers buttery-smooth motion, lightning-fast response, and an immersive feel that even the best 144Hz screens can’t match.
Whether you’re a professional esports player or a serious gamer chasing the lowest input lag, investing in a 240Hz monitor can dramatically enhance your reaction times and visual precision.
This detailed guide dives into the best 240Hz monitors for competitive gaming, covering performance, price, design, panel type, and user feedback. You’ll also find comparison tables, pros and cons, and expert insights to help you pick the perfect monitor for your setup.
Why a 240Hz Monitor Makes a Difference
A 240Hz refresh rate means the screen refreshes 240 times per second, offering smoother motion and less blur compared to 60Hz, 120Hz, or even 144Hz monitors.
| Refresh Rate | Frames Displayed Per Second | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 60Hz | 60 | Casual gaming, general use |
| 120Hz | 120 | Fast-paced games, console gaming |
| 144Hz | 144 | Mid-tier esports, smooth experience |
| 240Hz | 240 | Competitive esports, FPS titles, pro-level play |
At 240Hz, input lag is significantly reduced. The result?
- Sharper motion clarity – every frame of your opponent’s movement is visible.
- Faster reaction times – vital in shooters like Valorant, CS2, Apex Legends, and Fortnite.
- Reduced screen tearing and ghosting.
If you already have a powerful GPU (RTX 3070 or higher), a 240Hz monitor can help unleash your system’s full potential.
Key Features to Consider
Before investing in a 240Hz display, here’s what really matters:
| Feature | What It Means | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Type | Affects color, speed, and viewing angles | IPS = Best all-round; TN = Fastest; VA = Best contrast |
| Response Time | Time for pixels to change color | 1ms GtG ideal |
| Sync Tech | Reduces tearing (G-Sync/FreeSync) | Ensure GPU compatibility |
| Resolution | Detail level | 1080p for speed, 1440p for clarity |
| Ergonomics | Adjustability and comfort | Height, tilt, and pivot options |
| Connectivity | HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4 | Required for 240Hz at 1080p+ |
240Hz vs 144Hz – Is the Upgrade Worth It?
| Feature | 144Hz | 240Hz |
|---|---|---|
| Motion Clarity | Smooth | Ultra-smooth |
| Input Lag | ~6 ms | ~3 ms |
| Competitive Edge | Strong | Professional-level |
| GPU Requirement | Moderate | High-end GPU needed |
| Cost | More affordable | Higher but worth it for esports |
If you play competitively or stream fast-paced FPS games, the difference is noticeable. Casual gamers may not need it, but once you experience 240Hz, going back feels impossible.
Top 10 Best 240Hz Gaming Monitors
| # | Model | Size | Panel | Resolution | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BenQ Zowie XL2546K | 24.5″ | TN | 1080p | $379 | Esports FPS |
| 2 | ASUS ROG Strix XG2431 | 24″ | IPS | 1080p | $349 | Color accuracy & speed |
| 3 | Alienware AW2523HF | 25″ | IPS | 1080p | $329 | Smooth FreeSync gameplay |
| 4 | Samsung Odyssey G7 (27″) | 27″ | VA | 1440p | $579 | Immersion + sharpness |
| 5 | ViewSonic XG2431 | 24″ | IPS | 1080p | $299 | Budget esports |
| 6 | Acer Nitro XV252Q F | 24.5″ | IPS | 1080p | $289 | Entry-level 240Hz |
| 7 | MSI Oculux NXG253R | 24.5″ | IPS | 1080p | $469 | Nvidia Reflex certified |
| 8 | Dell Alienware AW2723DF | 27″ | IPS | 1440p | $649 | Competitive + high-res |
| 9 | Gigabyte M27Q X | 27″ | IPS | 1440p | $539 | Versatile for work & play |
| 10 | AOC C27G2Z | 27″ | VA | 1080p | $239 | Affordable curved gaming |
In-Depth Reviews
1. BenQ Zowie XL2546K
Best for Esports Professionals
- Panel: TN
- Resolution: 1080p
- Features: DyAc+ blur reduction, Black eQualizer, customizable presets
- Pros: Exceptional motion clarity; used in pro tournaments
- Cons: Narrow viewing angles (TN panel)
- User Review: “Fastest and smoothest monitor I’ve ever used – perfect for CS2.”
Verdict: If every millisecond counts, this is the monitor to beat.
2. ASUS ROG Strix XG2431
Best Overall IPS Monitor
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response Time: 0.5ms MPRT
- Pros: Great color accuracy, excellent motion handling
- Cons: Limited HDR brightness
- User Review: “A perfect mix of competitive performance and vivid visuals.”
Verdict: Ideal for competitive gamers who don’t want to sacrifice color quality.
3. Alienware AW2523HF
Best for FreeSync Users
- Panel: IPS
- Sync: AMD FreeSync Premium & G-Sync Compatible
- Pros: Stunning build quality, vibrant color, ultra-low latency
- Cons: Slight IPS glow
- User Review: “Everything feels instantaneous – great for Valorant and Overwatch.”
Verdict: Stylish and lightning-fast with impressive color depth.
4. Samsung Odyssey G7 (27″)
Best for Immersive High-Resolution Gaming
- Panel: VA
- Resolution: 2560×1440
- Pros: Deep contrast, curved screen for immersion
- Cons: Slight smearing in dark scenes
- User Review: “240Hz and 1440p – a dream combo for competitive and cinematic gaming.”
Verdict: A premium choice for those who want both clarity and speed.
5. ViewSonic XG2431
Best Budget Esports Option
- Panel: IPS
- Features: Blur Busters certified, 1ms GtG
- Pros: Affordable, responsive, vivid colors
- Cons: Average build quality
- User Review: “Incredible performance for under $300.”
Verdict: A top-tier experience at a reasonable price.
6. Acer Nitro XV252Q F
Best Entry-Level 240Hz Monitor
- Panel: IPS
- Pros: Excellent motion handling, low input lag, affordable
- Cons: Basic design, limited adjustability
- User Review: “Perfect starter 240Hz for FPS gamers – zero ghosting.”
Verdict: A fantastic first step into ultra-high refresh gaming.
7. MSI Oculux NXG253R
Best for NVIDIA Users (Reflex Certified)
- Panel: Rapid IPS
- Pros: Reflex Latency Analyzer, near-zero input lag
- Cons: Expensive for 1080p
- User Review: “Instant response. Every shot in Apex Legends feels razor sharp.”
Verdict: Built for pro-level Nvidia setups.
8. Dell Alienware AW2723DF
Best 1440p 240Hz Monitor
- Panel: IPS
- Resolution: 2560×1440
- Pros: Excellent color gamut, G-Sync Ultimate support
- Cons: Premium pricing
- User Review: “It’s like having two monitors in one – smooth gameplay and stunning visuals.”
Verdict: The ideal high-end monitor for serious gamers who multitask.
9. Gigabyte M27Q X
Best for Dual-Use (Work + Gaming)
- Panel: SuperSpeed IPS
- Resolution: 1440p
- Pros: Sharp text for productivity, smooth performance
- Cons: Weak HDR contrast
- User Review: “I use it for design by day, gaming by night – flawless.”
Verdict: Balanced performance across professional and gaming use.
10. AOC C27G2Z
Best Curved 240Hz Value Monitor
- Panel: VA
- Curve: 1500R
- Pros: Immersive curve, rich contrast, budget-friendly
- Cons: Color accuracy not ideal for editing
- User Review: “The curve makes shooters and racers feel intense.”
Verdict: A great pick for gamers who love immersion on a budget.
Price-to-Performance Comparison
| Model | Price | Resolution | Panel | Sync Tech | Avg. Rating | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ Zowie XL2546K | $379 | 1080p | TN | None (DyAc+) | 4.9/5 | Tournament-grade clarity |
| ASUS XG2431 | $349 | 1080p | IPS | FreeSync | 4.8/5 | Balanced performance |
| Alienware AW2523HF | $329 | 1080p | IPS | FreeSync | 4.8/5 | Vibrant visuals |
| Samsung Odyssey G7 | $579 | 1440p | VA | G-Sync/FreeSync | 4.9/5 | Immersive curve |
| ViewSonic XG2431 | $299 | 1080p | IPS | FreeSync | 4.7/5 | Budget excellence |
| Acer Nitro XV252Q F | $289 | 1080p | IPS | FreeSync | 4.6/5 | Entry-level performance |
| MSI Oculux NXG253R | $469 | 1080p | IPS | G-Sync | 4.9/5 | Reflex analyzer |
| Dell AW2723DF | $649 | 1440p | IPS | G-Sync | 4.9/5 | Pro color + speed |
| Gigabyte M27Q X | $539 | 1440p | IPS | FreeSync | 4.8/5 | Hybrid use |
| AOC C27G2Z | $239 | 1080p | VA | FreeSync | 4.6/5 | Best budget curved |
Real User Feedback Summary
| Monitor | Highlights from Reviews |
|---|---|
| BenQ Zowie XL2546K | “Used in LAN tournaments – no ghosting or lag at all.” |
| ASUS XG2431 | “Certified by Blur Busters, insanely smooth for the price.” |
| Alienware AW2523HF | “A beautiful, fast panel – zero screen tearing.” |
| Samsung G7 | “Amazing curve and 1440p clarity – unbeatable immersion.” |
| MSI Oculux NXG253R | “Feels like the game reads my mind – ultra-responsive.” |
| AOC C27G2Z | “Best budget curved monitor I’ve owned.” |
Panel Technology Comparison
| Panel Type | Pros | Cons | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPS | Best colors, wide angles, fast response | Slight glow, higher price | All-around gaming |
| TN | Lowest input lag, fastest transitions | Poor color, narrow angles | Esports professionals |
| VA | Excellent contrast, deep blacks | Minor motion blur | RPGs and immersive play |
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your 240Hz Monitor
- Use DisplayPort, not HDMI 1.4, to enable full 240Hz refresh rate.
- Enable 240Hz in Windows settings after setup – many forget this step.
- Turn off motion blur reduction when using adaptive sync to prevent conflicts.
- Calibrate color settings – default factory modes can be too bright for dark rooms.
- Pair with a GPU capable of pushing 240+ FPS (e.g., RTX 3070/4070 or RX 6800 XT).
Final Verdict – Which 240Hz Monitor Should You Buy?
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | ASUS ROG Strix XG2431 | Perfect balance of price, speed, and visuals |
| Best for Pros | BenQ Zowie XL2546K | Used in esports; unmatched clarity |
| Best for High Resolution | Dell AW2723DF | 1440p + 240Hz = pure perfection |
| Best Budget Option | ViewSonic XG2431 | Affordable without performance loss |
| Most Immersive | Samsung Odyssey G7 | Deep curve and striking visuals |
Conclusion
A 240Hz gaming monitor isn’t just about speed – it’s about consistency, precision, and immersion. Whether you’re grinding competitive ranks or simply want smoother visuals, these displays provide unmatched responsiveness.
From the affordable AOC C27G2Z to the elite BenQ Zowie XL2546K, there’s a 240Hz option for every gamer and every budget. Once you experience true 240Hz fluidity, you’ll never want to go back.