Refresh rate and resolution are two of the most important specs to consider when shopping for a high-performance gaming monitor. This guide will explain what these metrics mean, why 240Hz and 1440p is an ideal combination, provide top monitor recommendations across budgets, and cover everything you need to know before upgrading for silky-smooth framrates.
What Do Refresh Rate and Resolution Mean for Gaming?
Refresh rate determines how many times per second your monitor updates the image onscreen. It‘s measured in hertz (Hz). The higher the refresh rate, the more frames per second (fps) your GPU can render for a smoother, more responsive experience.
Competitive esports gamers strive for refresh rates of 240Hz, 280Hz or even 360Hz to stay on top. Meanwhile, casual gamers typically aim for at least 120Hz or 144Hz for a noticeable improvement over the standard 60Hz office monitors.
Resolution refers to the number of horizontal and vertical pixels on a display. Common HD resolutions include:
- 1920 x 1080 (Full HD or 1080p)
- 2560 x 1440 (QHD or 1440p)
- 3840 x 2160 (UHD or 4K)
Higher resolution equals sharper visuals and finer details in games. But driving higher fps gets harder for GPUs at higher resolutions.
For the best balance of high refresh rate and crisp image quality, many gaming monitors today feature:
- 1080p resolution with 240Hz+ refresh rates – Esports focused with super smooth animation at the cost of lower visual detail
- 1440p resolution with 144-240Hz refresh rates – The gaming sweet spot we focus on here
- 4K resolution with 60-120Hz refresh rates – Cinematic visuals while supporting moderately high refresh for fluid gaming
Now let‘s dive into the top 1440p 240Hz monitors available in 2023!
5 Best 1440p 240Hz Monitors
1. Samsung Odyssey G7 – Best 1440p 240Hz Gaming Monitor Overall
Screen Size: 27, 32 inches
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Adaptive Sync: NVIDIA G-Sync + AMD Freesync
Curve: 1000R
Pros
- Premium 1000R curvature matches human eye
- Quantum dot LED backlighting with HDR 600
- Excellent contrast and color reproduction
- G-sync and Freesync support
Cons
- 27-inch model lacks native contrast of VA panel
- Shallow stand with limited ergonomic adjustments
As Samsung‘s flagship gaming monitor powered by its acclaimed QLED technology, the Odyssey G7 checks every box. It combines a rapid 240Hz refresh rate and crisp 2560 x 1440 resolution across a vibrant curved display.
The high 1000R curvature matches natural field of view for immersive gaming. While QLED backlighting and Quantum HDR 600 provide stellar contrast and vivid colors. Plus it supports variable refresh rates from both NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards.
For a stunning and responsive 27-inch or 32-inch monitor, the Samsung Odyssey G7 is a top choice worthy of its premium price tag.
2. Gigabyte M32U – Best Budget 1440p 240Hz Gaming Monitor
Screen Size: 32 inch
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Adaptive Sync: AMD Freesync Premium Pro + Compatible with G-Sync
Curve: 1500R
Pros
- Excellent price for features
- Vibrant and accurate colors via IPS panel
- KVM switch for convenience
Cons
- Contrast could be better
- Stand only offers tilt adjustment
Delivering a gorgeous 32-inch 1440p IPS panel with 240Hz high frame rate support, the Gigabyte M32U packs incredible value. Despite the budget-friendly price compared to alternatives, it doesn‘t compromise on color or responsiveness.
With vibrant and accurate colors backed by 90% DCI-P3 coverage plus a superb 1ms GtG response time, the M32U checks the two most important boxes. The 1500R curvature also draws you deeper into the action.
While the stand is fairly basic only supporting tilt, having a built-in KVM switch sets it apart. Seamlessly switch between two connected PCs with the touch of a button! Overall if you want big screen 240Hz gaming without breaking the bank, the M32U delivers in spades.
3. Alienware AW2723DF – Best 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
Screen Size: 27 inch
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Adaptive Sync: NVIDIA G-Sync + AMD Freesync Premium
Curve: None
Pros
- Vibrant and vivid IPS image quality
- Anti-glare screen coating
- Fully adjustable stand
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks screen curve
Alienware consistently delivers some of the best gaming monitors around. And the AW2723DF model lives up to expectations with its gorgeous 27-inch IPS panel and buttery-smooth 240Hz refresh rate.
With excellent color accuracy out of the box and nimble pixel response, it‘s a top performing display worthy of competitive gameplay. It also features both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD Freesync Premium support for tear-free variable refresh from all modern discrete GPUs.
While a flat screen panel and somewhat dated styling fail to wow, the stellar performance and Alienware pedigree justify the lofty price tag for hardcore gamers.
4. AOC AG274QG – Best 1440p 240Hz Monitor Under $600
Screen Size: 27 inch
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Adaptive Sync: NVIDIA G-Sync + AMD Freesync Premium Pro
Curve: None
Pros
- Excellent price for performance
- Superb response time with backlight strobing
- Crisp and vibrant image quality
Cons
- Limited ergonomic adjustments
- Mediocre HDR implementation
AOC is renowned for delivering features far above their affordable price points. And the AG274QG 1440p 240Hz gaming monitor keeps up that trend with superb gaming performance beyond its reasonable cost.
It nails the fundamentals with extremely responsive pixel transitions for crystal clear motion clarity. Plus G-Sync and Freesync Premium support variable refresh smoothly across a wide range of frame rates.
Rounding things out, you get rich colors through AOC‘s latest generation IPS panel technology and stylishly thin bezels. If you want no compromise high refresh gaming without weighing down your wallet, the AG274QG is a stellar choice.
5. ASUS ROG Strix XG27UQR – Best Looking 240Hz Gaming Monitor
Screen Size: 27 inch
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Adaptive Sync: AMD Freesync Premium Pro
Curve: None
Pros
- Striking futuristic aesthetic
- Vibrant color and contrast
- Robust stand with ample ergonomic adjustments
Cons
- No native G-Sync support
- Mediocre HDR implementation
In terms of sheer beauty and build quality, no 240Hz gaming monitor surpasses the ASUS ROG Strix XG27UQR. From its distinctive cyberpunk inspired design to fully decked out stand, it looks and feels premium.
Of course, aesthetics only get you so far. But this monitor also delivers silky motion clarity and vivid IPS color to satisfy competitive gameplay needs. Just note, it opts for AMD variable refresh support instead of NVIDIA G-Sync.
If you want your gaming gear to impress while providing buttery smooth visuals, the ROG Strix XG27UQR belongs on your shortlist.
What to Consider When Buying a 240Hz 1440p Gaming Monitor
Beyond specs, there are a few key factors worth considering when choosing a high performance monitor:
Size and Viewing Distance
Get the right monitor size for your available desktop space and typical viewing distance. Bigger screens tend to feel more immersive. But smaller monitors make high resolutions like 1440p shine since UI elements and textures appear crisper.
Adaptive Sync Support
Ensure your monitor supports the variable refresh technology that pairs with your graphics card – either NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD Freesync. This prevents ugly screen tearing and stuttering.
Panel Type
Common options include:
IPS – Best color accuracy and viewing angles
VA – Superior contrast ratio for inky blacks
TN – Fastest response time but worst colors
Ports
Look for modern inputs like DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 that can handle 240Hz at 1440p resolution. Ensure your GPU and cables match to unlock full performance.
Extra Features
Nice to have bonuses like a curved screen for immersion, RGB lighting for style points, and USB ports for convenience. But focus on image and motion quality first.
Experience Going from 60Hz or 144Hz to 240Hz
The difference between 60Hz and 240Hz is profound. Standard 60Hz monitors struggle to keep up with fast paced titles. You‘ll notice significant stuttering, ghosting and input lag.
Meanwhile, a 240Hz refresh rate keeps the visual feedback extremely smooth even during explosive onscreen events. Everything feels instantly more responsive. You can precisely target enemies and line up shots since the crosshairs move in unison with mouse swipes sans delay.
Competitive players report major improvements in scores and rankings after upgrading. Since you can literally see more of the action to react faster using 240Hz compared to 60Hz.
The jump from 144Hz to 240Hz is less monumental. Both provide responsive gameplay. However, at 240Hz animations appear a touch smoother and input feels snappier. Serious esports gamers chasing every last bit of advantage happily take it.
Plus these days 1440p 240Hz monitors are reasonably affordable. So why not treat yourself to buttery smooth frames!
FAQs on 1440p 240Hz Gaming Monitors
What cable do I need for 1440p at 240Hz?
You‘ll need either a DisplayPort 1.4 cable or HDMI 2.1 cable. Avoid HDMI 2.0 cables limited to 1440p 144Hz.
What GPU do I need for 1440p at 240Hz?
Aim for an NVIDIA RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card or better to hit 240 fps reliably in demanding games at 1440p resolution.
Is a curved or flat screen better for gaming?
Curved displays wrap around your field of view for a more immersive experience. But flat screens offer better multi-monitor setup flexibility. Ultimately personal preference.
Is 4k or 1440p better for PC gaming?
1440p is the gaming sweetspot allowing you to balance high framerates and resolution. 4K demands a ton of GPU power limiting frame rates. And 1440p looks quite sharp on 24 to 32 inch monitors.
Game Smoothly After Reading The Best 1440p 240Hz Monitor Guide
That wraps up our deep dive on high refresh rate 1440p gaming monitors. Hopefully you now understand the tangible benefits unlocked by 240Hz displays compared to more common 60Hz and 144Hz models.
While hardcore esports pros chase every last frame, even casual gamers can appreciate the incredibly fluid and responsive experience enabled by screens reaching up to 240 fps.
Pair the lightning quick motion clarity with enhanced 1440p resolution capable of rich detail, and you have the ultimate monitor specs for PC gaming. Just make sure your graphics card and cables can keep up!
Review the top 240Hz 1440p monitors above to find your best match based on size, features, aesthetics and budget. Bask in buttery smooth frames as you gain an enjoyable competitive edge over others still languishing at lower refresh rates.
