Monitors with 144Hz refresh rates aren't new, but they're more popular than ever because, quite frankly, they are pretty awesome. Plus we're just now getting midrange GPUs capable of 100+ FPS on high settings. Back in the ancient days of 2015 that just wasn't possible unless you dropped some major coin, so as performance has increased monitor manufacturers have responded with corresponding features such as ultra-high refresh rates. So if you're in the market for a new display, be sure to check out our list of the best 1080p 144Hz Gaming Monitors.
Instead of updating a screen a measly 60 times a second like most monitors (60Hz), a 144Hz monitor refreshes the screen 144 times every second, which makes action appear smoother and helps eliminate motion blur. If you have enough ponies under the hood, or the stomach to, sniff, lower your game's settings if you're not on a newer GPU, a 144Hz monitor will permanently change your perception of what smooth gameplay looks and feels like, and you'll never be able to go back to 60Hz.
We recently tested five monitors to find the best 1080p 144Hz gaming monitor, and based on our testing there is a clear winner:
The Best 1080p 144Hz Gaming Monitor
The LG 24GM77-B Gaming Monitor
Though the LG 24GM77-B doesn't have a cool name that evokes aggression like some gaming products, it certainly has cool features. The reason it's the best 24" 1080p 144Hz gaming monitor is because it's the full package, and has all the features we want in a monitor and then some. The other monitors we tested all had one or two small flaws ranging from lack of adjustability to no USB ports (or only older 2.0 ports), and poor panel performance, but the LG 24GM77-B excels in all these areas. It's fully adjustable (in every direction, in other words), has excellent overall performance, and a smattering of gaming-specific features that help elevate it above the monitor world's riff raff. We particularly liked its joystick-activated OSD, its input lag reducing Dynamic Action Sync, and its Black Stabilizer for lightening dark scenes.
Overall the LG 24GM77-B is as good as it gets in the world of 24" 1080p 144Hz monitors. You can save some money by going with a different model obviously, but you get what you pay for, and the 24GM77-B is worth every penny.
More Excellent Options
Perhaps three bills is more than you want to pay for a 1080p monitor. We feel you bud, so here are a few alternatives for you to consider.
AOC G2460PQU 144Hz Gaming Monitor
At $249 the AOC G2460PQU is the company's midrange gaming monitor, offering a blistering 144Hz refresh rate but no adaptive refresh rate technology, hence its low-ish price. Still it offers four USB 2.0 ports, decent color reproduction and superb adjustability. It's even got a little bit of that "gamer" look with hints of red strewn about.
Acer GN246HL 144Hz Gaming Monitor
This entry level monitor is priced a smidge below $200, making it a truly affordable way to get in on the 144Hz action. That low price does come at a cost however, as it offers no adjustability aside from tilting the screen forward or back, and it also lacks USB ports as well. However, it gets the job done and works well, so if you're just looking for an affordable high-refresh rate monitor though, the Acer GN246HL is the cheapest option we could find.
Asus VG248QE 144Hz Gaming Monitor
The Asus VG248QE is a well-rounded 144Hz monitor at $259, offering full adjustability in all directions, vibrant colors, and smooth on-screen action. Its only major flaw is that it doesn't offer any USB ports.
ViewSonic XG2401 144Hz FreeSync Gaming Monitor
If you're an AMD gamer on a budget, the Viewsonic XG2401 should be on your radar as it's just $259 and includes FreeSync adaptive technology in addition to its sweet 144Hz refresh rate. It's even got the red highlights to match your GPU and two USB 3.0 ports along with full adjustability.