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1080p gaming used to be the standard.
Emphasis on the “used to be”, by the way.
The thing is, as technological advancements have been made in display technology, manufacturers have been able to keep the costs of gaming monitors low while making substantial improvements. As a result, today’s gaming monitors, specifically, those with high refresh rates, are no longer limited to just 1080p.
As a matter of fact, 1440p and 4K gaming monitors with fast refresh rates as high as 120Hz (and even higher) now exist. However, the latter often comes at a price point that the average gamer would claim is unreasonable.
With that said, we believe that buying the best 1440p gaming monitor is the ideal solution for today’s gaming needs.
Not only are 1440p monitors more reasonably priced than 4K gaming monitors, but 1440p gaming monitors are larger, can fit more on-screen, often have more beautiful displays, and, to top it all off, these monitors won’t require as powerful graphics card as 4K gaming monitors.
But, much like the other peripherals of your gaming PC, there isn’t a single best gaming monitor out there for everybody.
For example, a hardcore esports player might prefer a 1440p gaming monitor with quick refresh rates despite a slight compromise in display quality for optimal performance in competitive titles.
On the other hand, someone who prefers to play single-player games might be willing to make do with a 1440p HDR monitor with slower refresh rates if it means enjoying a more picturesque title.
Because of this, we’ve rounded up some of the best gaming monitors out there.
Regardless of whatever your budget and preferences are, we guarantee that there’s a 1440p gaming monitor out there for you.
Best 1440p Gaming Monitors Reviews
1. ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q
In the PC world, the ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q is what you’d consider a dinosaur.
If only that dinosaur was a Tyrannosaurus Rex, which would very well still be as much of an apex predator today as it was millions of years ago.
Released way back in 2015 as the world’s first gaming display with a 165Hz refresh rate, the 27-inch monitor remains just as relevant today as it was half a decade ago. This is because it hit the sweet spot with its size (27 inches is considered the sweet spot for 1440p gaming) and how taxing it is on gaming hardware.
What this means is that, even if your set-up doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, you’ll be able to make your games look sharp and fluid. Not to mention, at 1440p, you’ll have the benefit of running most Windows programs at 100% scaling.
The same can’t exactly be said for most if not all 4K panels.
With a refresh rate that can be overclocked up to 165Hz, DisplayPort 1.2a and HDMI 1.4 inputs, as well as support for Nvidia’s G-Sync technology, the PG279Q is the best 1440p 144hz monitor available on the market today, and because it has an IPS display panel, it could very well still keep the throne for a few more years.
The only reason why we wouldn’t recommend the PG279Q is if you can’t afford it or you’re an AMD user.
The latter is understandable. The former is not as good of a reason when you consider that this gaming monitor has been going strong for half a decade now, which makes it a worthy investment.
Technical Specifications
Screen size: 27 inches | Panel type: IPS | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Response time: 4ms | Refresh rate: 144Hz (overclockable up to 165Hz) | Weight: 15.4 lbs
Pros
- 144Hz refresh rate that’s overclockable to 165Hz
- IPS panel
- Highly recommended by both casual users and professional gamers
Cons
- No AMD FreeSync
2. Razer Raptor 27
The Razer Raptor 27 is arguably the closest anyone has ever gotten to dethroning the ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q.
In fact, one could argue that it’s already better than the de-facto king of 1440p monitors.
While it matches the PG279Q with its 27-inch display and 2560 x 1440p display, it has arguably a brighter and more vibrant display with 162.1% of the sRGB color gamut and 295 nits of brightness.
More importantly, the PG279Q has a 1ms response time and support for both AMD FreeSync, as well as Nvidia G-Sync. Meanwhile, it matches the PG279Q once again with a 144Hz refresh rate and an IPS display panel.
With support for HDR400 and display presets specifically for FPS, Racing, and MMO titles, as well as for streaming, there’s a lot of hardware packed inside this 1440p gaming monitor.
What really seals the deal though is its aesthetics.
It might not be for everybody, but for those who strike arguably the perfect balance between modern and stylish, the Raptor 27 comes with bright green flat cables and some RGB flair.
As good-looking as it is well-performing, the Raptor 27 shares the same plight as the PG279Q — a high asking price.
Technical Specifications
Screen size: 27 inches | Panel type: IPS | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Response time: 1ms | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Weight: 20.9 lbs
Pros
- Crisp and vibrant IPS display
- HDR400 support
- Modern and sleek aesthetic
- Convenient port access with cable management
- Support for both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync
Cons
- Limited mounting options
3. Alienware AW3418DW
You could argue that the Alienware AW3418DW isn’t exactly a 1440p monitor — it’s an ultrawide monitor — the fact remains that it still plays at a 1440p resolution.
Sure, the difference is significant. The fact that it’s an ultrawide monitor means that it’ll be more hardware-intensive than the typical 1440p gaming monitor. However, the AW3418DW is filled with enough features to warrant the inclusion.
For starters, it’s a curved gaming monitor, which has been said to result in a more immersive gaming experience.
In addition to being a curved gaming monitor, the AW3418DW has a 34-inch IPS display, a 100Hz refresh rate that’s overclockable to 120Hz, and supports Nvidia G-Sync.
Keep in mind that, because it has a resolution of 3,440 x 1440, it has far more pixels at 4,953,600 pixels than the typical 1440p monitor at 3,686,400. This means far greater pixel density and far more detail when gaming.
Of course, this also means that you’ll need a beefier set-up, but that’s already a given when you’re planning to spend as much on a gaming monitor as most would on a complete gaming system.
Technical Specifications
Screen size: 34 inches | Panel type: IPS | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3440 x 1440 | Response time: 4ms | Refresh rate: 100Hz (Overclockable up to 120Hz) | Weight: 26.1 lbs
Pros
- Backed by a 3-year warranty on top an extended 1-year warranty
- Ultra-wide display
- 1900R curved infinity display
Cons
- Unreasonably expensive
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4. Dell S2417DG
Not all gamers need a crisp and vibrant display. Those are just bonuses.
What most gamers want is fast refresh rates and high frame rates at an affordable price point.
The Dell S2417DG is the answer to that need.
Yes, its TN panel display is only 24 inches, but, it’s not half-bad. The monitor supports Nvidia G-Sync with 123 percent sRGB color spectrum coverage.
It’s also got this neat feature where you can pivot the display and use it in portrait mode, which makes it an excellent secondary productivity monitor that you can switch to as your primary when gaming.
Dell also did a good job equipping this value-oriented 1440p monitor with a number of useful presets.
For example, the RTS setting makes it easier for players to tell between enemies and allies. Meanwhile, each preset for different genres such as FPS and RPG help out in their own little ways as well.
For gamers who don’t need more and want to get the most value out of their money, it’s hard to do any better than what the S2417DG has to offer.
Technical Specifications
Screen size: 24 inches | Panel type: TN | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Response time: 1ms | Refresh rate: 150Hz (Overclockable up to 165Hz) | Weight: 19.1 lbs
Pros
- Multiple viewing adjustment options
- Handy game presets
- Fast and responsive
- Affordable
Cons
- TN display panel
- Nvidia G-Sync only
5. Samsung C32HG70
“Beautiful.”
That’s one way to describe gaming on the Samsung CHG70.
Another way to describe it is awesome and perfect, as well as any other adjective that you can think of which describes what arguably is the most picturesque gaming experience that you can find today at a relatively affordable price point.
Costing only pennies compared to the dollars that the other 1440p gaming monitors on our list, the CHG70 will blow you away.
The lack of Nvidia G-Sync support is a bummer, but it makes up for it with AMD FreeSync support. More importantly, the VA panel display covers 154 percent of the sRGB spectrum, allowing for certain scenes that you thought dull before to pop out and look much more amazing than they already did.
One of the best reasons for this is the HDR mode.
In SDR mode, the CHG70’s brightness is only about 365 nits. However, it nearly doubles to 600 nits in HDR mode.
That’s a huge jump.
Throw in the ergonomic stand and you’ve got one hell of a gaming monitor that’s built to accommodate any kind of gaming need or preference.
Technical Specifications
Screen size: 32 inches | Panel type: VA | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Response time: 1ms | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Weight: 15 lbs
Pros
- Priced to perfection
- 600 nits brightness in HDR mode
- Amazing color accuracy and reproduction
- Ergonomic stand
Cons
- No built-in speakers
6. Acer Predator X34P
While not the priciest gaming monitor on our list, the Acer Predator X34P is right up there. However, this 1440p curved monitor more than earns its high asking price by treating gamers to 99 percent of the sRGB color gamut and 261 nits of brightness, all of which are displayed through 34 inches of 3440 x 1440 resolution worth of goodies.
The wide and curved display comes in handy in a lot of titles.
For competitive titles that support the resolution, the added field of view helps give you a bit of a competitive advantage against your opponents.
Meanwhile, watching movies will feel a lot more immersive. So will playing single-player titles as well, albeit, it does come at the expense of requiring a beefier and more powerful set-up.
As an added bonus, the 7-watt speakers are pretty awesome on their own, and with its aesthetics, you’ll be garnering a lot of praise for the thing of beauty that you have sitting on your desk.
Technical Specifications
Screen size: 34 inches | Panel type: IPS | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3440 x 1440 | Response time: 4ms | Refresh rate: 100Hz (Overclockable 120Hz) | Weight: 21.4 lbs
Pros
- Gorgeous design
- 21:9 aspect ratio
- 7-watt speakers are fairly loud
Cons
- Expensive
7. HP Omen X 27
The HP Omen X 27 is the next step in giving 1080p-level refresh rates to 1440p gaming monitors.
Sure, the X 27 is not perfect. In fact, it’s “future-proof” to a fault. The added HDR feature is baffling, to say the least. Because, whether you’d like to admit it or not, there’s not a set-up out there that can run AAA titles at 1440p on ultra settings and reach 240fps or even come close to breaking the 200 fps mark.
One can wonder just how much more affordable the X 27 could have become if it didn’t have an HDR feature.
But, even if that’s the case, the X 27 is very well in play as the best 1440p freesync monitor in the market. Why? Because the X 27 is capable of giving you 240Hz at 1440p without punching a hole in your wallet.
This is all the selling point that the X 27 needs.
If you’re a hardcore gamer who feels that 144Hz just isn’t cutting it and 165Hz isn’t really a noticeable upgrade, then you’ve just found the monitor for you.
Technical Specifications
Screen size: 27 inches | Panel type: LED | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Response time: 1ms | Refresh rate: 240Hz | Weight: 15.65 lbs
Pros
- 240Hz refresh rate
- Low response time
- HDR technology
- AMD FreeSync
Cons
- No Nvidia G-Sync
- TN LED panel
8. MSI Optix MPG341CQR
Not to be outdone by other manufacturers in the gaming space that has since transitioned to making gaming monitors, MSI’s offerings have not been half-bad.
In fact, some have been quite impressive, including the MSI Optix MPG341CQR.
Despite being released into a crowded market, the MPG341CQR finds a way to stand out in every good way possible. Like, for example, using a VA panel over IPS, which translates to better image quality and much lower frame rates, as well as minimal input lag, at a more affordable price point than you’d expect.
The ultrawide 1440p resolution is backed by a 144Hz refresh rate and it even comes with AMD FreeSync functionality to boot.
As an added bonus, MSI decided to add RGB LED lighting, as well as USB-C connectivity.
While some ghosting has been reported with this gaming monitor, the majority of the gaming community likely isn’t finicky enough to notice them, making it a rather inconsequential issue in an otherwise near-perfect gaming monitor.
Technical Specifications
Screen size: 34 inches | Panel type: VA | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3440 x 1440 | Response time: 1ms | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Weight: 21.16 lbs
Pros
- Commendable feature set at its price point
- High-contrast VA panel
- Reasonable pricing
- RGB LED lighting
Cons
- Noticeable ghosting
9. AOC CU34G2X
AOC’s been killing it with their line of feature-filled yet budget-oriented gaming monitors these past few years.
One of the said many gaming monitors is the AOC CU34G2X.
Coming at a price point that’s around half of what most 34-inch 1440p gaming monitors usually ask for, the CU34G2X is the ideal monitor for people who want something more subtle to complete their gaming set-up.
Mind you, in terms of performance, the CU34G2X is anything but subtle.
We already mentioned that it has a display size of 34 inches, but what we haven’t mentioned is that it has a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time.
And, while the VA panel is not the best, it’s not half-bad either, and once again, as far as cost-cutting measures go, AOC deserves props for not making the CU34G2X feel or perform like its price.
Technical Specifications
Screen size: 34 inches | Panel type: VA | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3440 x 1440 | Response time: 1ms | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Weight: 10.32 lbs
Pros
- Much cheaper compared to the competition
- Subtle black design
- Excellent gaming performance
Cons
- Doesn’t support Nvidia G-Sync
10. LG 27GL83A-B
The LG 27GL83A-B is a value-oriented gaming monitor that could very well be the best 1440p gaming monitor for a lot of gamers out there.
An excellent replacement for that aging 144Hz TN panel monitor of yours, the LG 27GL83A-B sells for roughly the same price as other non-IPS models in the past but comes with the benefit of having a bright and vibrant display.
Not to mention, in addition to more vivid colors, the 1ms response time all but eliminates any kind of ghosting and/or motion blur.
If that’s not enough, the 27GL83A-B is also certified compatible with both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync.
With other nifty bonuses such as a height-adjustable and tiltable stand, as well as VESA-mount compatibility, and of course, an attractive price point, finding any more faults in this gaming monitor is the very definition of nitpicking.
Technical Specifications
Screen size: 27 inches | Panel type: IPS | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Response time: 1ms | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Weight: 18.86 lbs
Pros
- Fast and smooth
- Compatible with both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync
- Ergonomic design
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited FreeSync support over HDMI (only up to 100Hz)
Final Thoughts
Think of buying the best 1440p gaming monitor as investing in real estate property.
While your other investments in your gaming hardware will usually depreciate over time and won’t last as long, investing in a quality 1440p monitor will pay off dividends when you don’t have to keep on swapping it out with a “better” monitor three years down the line.
This is why it’s important that you don’t settle for anything less than the best 144p gaming monitor out there.
Lucky for you, that’s where our list of recommendations come in.
If it doesn’t include the one gaming monitor that you eventually will end up with, at the very least, you’ll have learned what it takes to separate the good gaming monitors from the great ones, and be able to make a better, more informed purchasing decision.
