To get the best gaming experience, you'll need to invest in one of the best gaming monitors. One of the features to look out for in a gaming monitor is the refresh rate. Generally, you want this to be as high as possible as a high refresh rate ensures a smooth and fluid gaming experience.

A 144Hz monitor offers the sweetest spot for gaming performance and budget. They offer smooth and responsive gameplay than standard 60Hz monitors without blowing a hole in your wallet. Today, 144Hz monitors are affordable than ever.

Here are the best cheap 144Hz gaming monitors you can buy.

While most cheap 144Hz monitors come with a 1080p resolution, the LG 27GN800-B 27 Inch Ultragear features a crisper QHD (2560x1440) resolution with an IPS panel. It delivers immersive in-game graphics without breaking the bank. It also supports HDR10 to make gaming worlds and images more realistic.

The 27GN800-B 27 Inch Ultragear is a beast when it comes to gaming. It handles motion pretty well with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. Objects in fast-moving and action-packed scenes appear clearer, which is great for racing and competitive FPS games. You can also turn on crosshair to further improve accuracy when shooting.

This monitor has many gaming-focused features, something you don't get very often in other cheap 144Hz gaming monitors. Admittedly, it costs more than a 1080p monitor of the same size, but if you want the best combination of gaming performance and graphics, this monitor is worth every penny.

Key Features
  • Excellent graphics with 1440p resolution and IPS panel
  • FreeSync and G-Sync support
  • 1ms response time
  • Black Stabilizer and Crosshair
Specifications
  • Brand: LG
  • Screen Size: 27-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Resolution: 2560x1440
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x Headphone Out
Pros
  • Crisper graphics
  • Outstanding motion handling
  • Great gaming-focused features
  • Supports both FreeSync and G-sync
Cons
  • No built-in speakers
Buy This Product
LG 27GN800-B 27 Inch Ultragear
Editors choice

2. Dell S2721HGF

9.60 / 10
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The Dell S2721HGF packs everything a gamer needs in a cheap 144Hz monitor. It may not have a razor-sharp display with a 1080p resolution at 27 inches, but considering the price, you're getting the best bang for your buck.

The monitor is curved for improved immersion and supports variable refresh rates through G-Sync and FreeSync. Whether your gaming PC has an AMD or NVIDIA graphics card, the Dell S2721HGF guarantees a smooth and responsive gaming experience. This model also supports a swift 1ms response time which improves clarity in fast-moving objects.

Even at this price range, the S2721HGF features handy in-game enhancements primarily available in premium gaming monitors. It has a Timer, FPS Counter, and Dark Stabilizer to brighten dark areas to expose hiding opponents. You're also getting a flicker-free display to protect your eyes on longer gaming sessions.

Key Features
  • Curved screen
  • Supports both FreeSync and G-Sync
  • In-game enhancements: Timer, FPS Counter, and Dark Stabilizer
Specifications
  • Brand: Dell
  • Screen Size: 27-inch
  • Display Technology: VA
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x Headphone Out
Pros
  • Solid build quality
  • Curved for immersion
  • Supports VRR on NVIDIA and AMD GPUs
Cons
  • Supports 144Hz through DisplayPort only
Buy This Product
Dell S2721HGF
Best value

3. ASUS VG248QG

9.40 / 10
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The ASUS VG248QG is hands down one of the best budget 144Hz monitors for gaming you can buy today. For one, it has a 24-inch screen, the preferred size by professional gamers.

The VG248QG supports a fiercely fast 0.5ms response time and can be overclocked to a 165Hz refresh rate, better for gaming than a 144Hz screen. It makes games feel more responsive, and objects in motion look sharper, allowing you to react faster to in-game action than your enemies. That way, you can always get the first shot or get away from compromising situations.

It also supports G-Sync and FreeSync, which is impressive for a monitor of this budget. The stand is fully adjustable for a comfortable viewing experience. Overall, if you're looking for a full-blown cheap gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, the ASUS VG248QG is a perfect choice.

Key Features
  • Overclockable refresh rate to 165Hz
  • Very competitive 0.5ms response time
  • Supports G-Sync and FreeSync
  • Full range ergonomics
Specifications
  • Brand: ASUS
  • Screen Size: 24-inch
  • Display Technology: TN
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Ports: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x Dual-Link DVI, 1x Headphone Out, 1x Audio In
Pros
  • Outstanding motion handling
  • Great gaming features
  • A fully adjustable stand
Cons
  • Does not support 144Hz through HDMI
Buy This Product
ASUS VG248QG

The AOC CQ27G2 is another cheap 144Hz gaming monitor with a 1440p resolution. Unlike the LG 27GN800-B 27 Inch Ultragear, this one is curved and comes cheaper. Of course, you lose some features such as HDR and G-Sync support, but the 1440p resolution and VA panel should deliver great in-game visuals.

Plus, this monitor supports FreeSync and 1ms response time, delivering smooth and responsive gameplay without breaking the bank. The 1500R curved screen covers more of your field of view for added immersion.
With two HDMI 2.0 ports, this monitor supports 1440p gaming at 144Hz on both HDMI and DisplayPort.

It ticks all the boxes for the Xbox Series S, which natively supports 1440p at 120Hz with FreeSync. If you don't want HDR, G-Sync, or other fancy features, the AOC CQ27G2 can be the perfect budget 1440p 144Hz monitor for you.

Key Features
  • 1500R curved screen
  • FreeSync Premium support
  • Supports 1440p at 120Hz in the Xbox Series X/S
Specifications
  • Brand: AOC
  • Screen Size: 27-inch
  • Display Technology: VA
  • Resolution: 2560x1440
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x Headphone Out
Pros
  • Curved for immersion
  • Crisper graphics
  • Preset game modes
  • 1ms responsive time
Cons
  • Viewing angles could be better
Buy This Product
AOC CQ27G2

The Sceptre E255B-1658A is a cheap gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate that's overclockable to 165Hz. It is an excellent alternative to the ASUS VG248QG if your PC only has HDMI connectivity or you have a gaming console. The ASUS VG248QG has HDMI 1.4 inputs, so it cannot output 144Hz at 1080p via HDMI.

This monitor features an HDMI 2.0 input and DisplayPort 1.2. It can deliver up to 144Hz refresh rate at 1080p with FreeSync through both HDMI and DisplayPort. It has a fast 1ms response time to reduce ghosting and motion blur in fast-paced games for improved clarity.

However, the Sceptre E255B-1658A costs a tad more than the ASUS VG248QG. If you're comfortable with using DisplayPort only, save your money for the ASUS model.

But for console gamers and PC gamers looking for as much competitive advantage as possible through HDMI connectivity, this is the best budget option out there.

Key Features
  • Overclockable refresh rate to 165Hz
  • Built-in speakers
  • FreeSync Premium support with 1ms response time
Specifications
  • Brand: Sceptre
  • Screen Size: 25-inch
  • Display Technology: TN
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2
Pros
  • Supports 144Hz via HDMI and DisplayPort
  • Higher refresh rate up to 165Hz
  • Supports variable refresh rate
  • Fast response time
Cons
  • No G-Sync
Buy This Product
Sceptre E255B-1658A

The Samsung 24 Inch CRG5 Gaming Monitor is an outstanding cheap 144Hz monitor with a 1800R curved screen. It delivers deeper gaming immersion with great graphics, thanks to its VA panel with an excellent 3000:1 contrast ratio. Even without HDR, this monitor produces deep blacks and punchier colors.

Another outstanding feature of the CRG5 is the Game Mode, which ensures low input lag and improved visibility in dark areas. It also has crosshairs to improve your shooting accuracy further.

The 4ms response time is the only downside with this monitor. It might cause some ghosting in fast-moving objects. But if you don't play a lot of fast-paced games, it should be just fine. Plus, you get FreeSync support for an overall smooth gaming experience.

Key Features
  • 1800R curved screen
  • AMD FreeSync support
  • Game Mode
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Screen Size: 24-inch
  • Display Technology: VA
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x Headphone Out
Pros
  • Excellent contrast ratio
  • Curved for immersion
  • Outstanding in-game enhancements
Cons
  • Does not support 144Hz through HDMI
Buy This Product
Samsung 24 Inch CRG5 Gaming Monitor

The BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P is a bit of an outlier on this guide. It still features the chunky bezels and muted design of some old monitors. However, it remains one of the best cheap 144Hz gaming monitors you can buy today.

The ZOWIE XL2411P was designed for esports and featured in multiple tournaments, including the PUBG Korea League 2018. It combines a 144Hz refresh rate with a 1ms response time to deliver smooth and crystal-clear gameplay. You also get several in-game enhancements to give you a competitive edge.

The design is not all bad, though. It has a fully adjustable stand to ensure viewing comfort on long gaming sessions. You can also wall-mount the screen to save desk space.

Key Features
  • Black eQualizer increases visibility in the dark
  • 1ms response time
  • Fully adjustable stand
Specifications
  • Brand: BenQ
  • Screen Size: 24-inch
  • Display Technology: TN
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Ports: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x DVI-DL, 1x Headphone Out
Pros
  • Outstanding motion handling
  • Game-focused features
  • Great ergonomics
Cons
  • Does not support 144Hz via HDMI
  • Thick bezels
Buy This Product
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P

If your PC uses an NVIDIA graphics card, the Acer XFA240 bmjdpr with G-Sync compatibility can be the perfect cheap 144Hz gaming monitor for you. It is also FreeSync compatible, so you get the best of both worlds.

The monitor features a TN panel to provide the best gaming experience on a budget. It's perfect at handling motion with a 1ms response time. You won't see any smearing or ghosting in fast-moving objects.

The stand is ergonomically designed to offer tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments. It also features Acer EyeProtect to reduce fatigue and eye strain when gaming for long periods.

The only compromise for the lower price is that you can't get 144Hz through HDMI. You must use DisplayPort, which isn't a dealbreaker since most NVIDIA graphics cards have one or more DisplayPort outputs.

Key Features
  • G-Sync compatible monitor
  • Fully adjustable
  • 1ms response time
Specifications
  • Brand: Acer
  • Screen Size: 24-inch
  • Display Technology: TN
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Ports: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x DVI
Pros
  • Fast and responsive TN panel
  • Great ergonomics
  • Supports both G-Sync and FreeSync
Cons
  • No 144Hz via HDMI at 1080p
Buy This Product
Acer XFA240 bmjdpr

FAQ

Q: Is a 144Hz Monitor Worth It?

A 144Hz monitor is worth it for competitive games and fast-paced titles such as FPS, RTS, racing, and sports. It makes games feel smooth and responsive, allowing you to react more quickly to onscreen action than opponents using 60Hz monitors.

Q: Can 144Hz Run 120 FPS?

You can play 120 FPS games on a 144Hz monitor, depending on your graphics card's strength. A monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate can run games at any FPS up to 144. Of course, to get the best of your 144Hz monitor, you should aim for a higher FPS for smoother and responsive gameplay.

Q: Does HDMI Support 1080p at 144Hz?

At least HDMI 2.0 is needed for 1080p gaming at 144Hz. The old HDMI 1.4 specification can only do 60Hz at 1080p. For DisplayPort, you need at least DisplayPort 1.2 for 1080p 144Hz gaming.

Q: Is 1ms Better Than 144Hz?

1ms and 144Hz are like apples and oranges. 144Hz means the monitor refreshes 144 times to display an image, while 1ms means the monitor's pixels take one millisecond to shift from one color to another.

For gaming, it is better to have both. The 144Hz refresh rate makes games more smooth while the 1ms response time makes fast-moving objects clearer. The two combine to deliver a responsive and powerful gaming experience.