As a tech geek and display analyst who has tested numerous monitors, I‘m thrilled to share my definitive guide to the 5 best 1440p 144Hz gaming monitors you can buy in 2023.
A 1440p 144Hz monitor offers major visual upgrades over standard 1080p 60Hz displays. The higher 2560 x 1440 resolution provides much sharper, detailed images, while the faster 144Hz+ refresh rate makes motion look extremely smooth and makes gameplay feel incredibly responsive.
High resolution 1440p displays paired with high refresh rates have become the gaming monitor sweet spot. Let‘s take an in-depth look at what to consider when choosing one.
Panel Technology Comparison
Choosing the right monitor panel technology – TN vs IPS vs VA – involves striking the ideal balance between image quality and gaming performance.
IPS panels offer the best all-round image quality with vibrant, accurate colors and wide 178° viewing angles. However, some IPS displays still struggle with pixel response times, making them less suited for competitive esports gaming.
TN panels feature the fastest response times but often sacrifice color accuracy and viewing angles. VA panels deliver superior contrast with inky blacks but can exhibit noticeable dark level smearing or ghosting artifacts in motion.
I test monitors across a range of criteria from color gamut coverage, gray-scale tracking, pixel response times and input lag to assess real-world results. No single panel type dominates across all areas. You have to pick based on your priorities.
Refresh Rates and Adaptive Sync
144Hz monitors can make gameplay exceptionally smooth, while even faster 240Hz displays deliver superb motion clarity for esports. But you need a powerful enough graphics card to maintain frame rates that high.
This is where Adaptive Sync comes in – AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync matches your monitor‘s refresh rate to the game FPS output of your GPU for tear-free, lag-reduced gaming.
While early G-Sync monitors required proprietary Nvidia hardware, G-Sync Compatible models work over industry standard DisplayPort and HDMI. FreeSync works with both AMD and Nvidia GPUs. Supporting the right Adaptive Sync technology for your system is vital.
Resolution vs Screen Size
Bigger isn‘t always better when choosing a display. A 24" monitor is best for 1080p, 27" for 1440p and 32"+ for 4K. Matching the right screen dimensions for each resolution ensures your don‘t get sub-optimal image quality from scaling issues.
Input Lag and Response Times
Fast moving competitive multiplayer titles demand pixel response times under 5ms and ultra-low input lag. Even the fastest TN Film panels exhibit some noticeable smearing in high contrast transitions.
Backlight strobing can further improve motion clarity but reduces peak brightness. Benchmarking input lag and real-world response times identifies the monitors best for twitch gameplay.
Connectivity and Ergonomics
Connectivity essentials include DisplayPort 1.2 to handle 1440p at 144Hz along with USB ports for accessories. Adjustability like height, tilt, rotation and swivel provides better ergonomics for long use sessions.
Every key specification and feature impacts real-world results, so let‘s countdown my top recommendations.
The 5 Best 1440p 144Hz Gaming Monitors
5. Best Budget – KOORUI 27E1QA
The KOORUI 27E1QA is the best budget 1440p 144Hz monitor available. It uses a VA panel for strong contrast and colors with AMD FreeSync support, 1ms response time and low input lag all for an very affordable price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vibrant VA panel colors | Mediocre stand adjustability |
| 144Hz & FreeSync under $200 | Visible dark scene smearing |
Buy the KOORUI 27E1QA at Amazon
4. Best Value – Gigabyte M27Q
The Gigabyte M27Q provides tremendous value and versatility as a 1440p 170Hz IPS gaming monitor with excellent response times and a handy integrated KVM switch for controlling two systems with one keyboard and mouse.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vibrant 170Hz 1440p IPS panel | Limited contrast ratio |
| Integrated KVM switch | Stand only offers tilt |
Buy the Gigabyte M27Q at Amazon
3. Best for Work and Play – Dell S2719DGF
The Dell S2719DFG balances performance and image quality with a 155Hz refresh rate and vivid colors that make it great for both gaming and professional usage with its flexible stand and USB hub connectivity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Height/Tilt/Swivel/Pivot stand | Colors not as vibrant as IPS |
| 155Hz refresh & FreeSync | Mediocre contrast ratio |
Buy the Dell S2719DFG at Amazon
2. Best Gaming Experience – LG 27GP850
The LG 27GP850 is a premium 165Hz 1440p Nano IPS gaming monitor that offers stunning colors and clarity with superb response times, making fast paced multiplayer games extremely fluid and immersive.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vibrant colors and contrast | No integrated USB hub |
| 165Hz refresh and 1ms response | HDR performance lags monitors |
1. Best Flagship Option – Samsung Odyssey G7
The Samsung Odyssey G7 is the best 27" 1440p 240Hz curved gaming monitor available. It combines QLED Quantum Dot technology for lifelike colors and contrast with an ultra fast refresh rate and FreeSync Premium Pro support for an exceptional high-end gaming experience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unmatched contrast and colors | Aggressive 1000R curve impacts video |
| Rapid 240Hz refresh rate | Pricier than other options |
Buy the Samsung Odyssey G7 at Amazon
Conclusion
While these gaming monitors range from budget to flagship models, they share common 2560 x 1440 resolution, 144Hz+ refresh rates and extremely responsive performance that makes them perfect for both fun and competitive gameplay.
Maximizing immersion versus visual fidelity still requires picking the best panel technology to match your priorities. Still have questions? Let me know in the comments!
