Updated at: 26-06-2023 - By: Leo Hall
Should I upgrade to a 240Hz monitor for gaming; how much better is it over a 144Hz monitor? This article will explain refresh rates and provide a direct answer to that question.

Answer:

The difference between 144 Hz and 240 Hz is subtle and difficult for the human eye to detect.

Thus, 240Hz monitors aren’t for everyone, but if you can tell the difference and find that it improves your gaming performance or makes the experience more enjoyable, then it’s money well spent.

If not, a 144Hz display can give you the boost in performance you need, potentially at a lower cost and/or with improved visuals to boot.

As soon as monitors capable of 144 Hz became widely available, the industry began pushing monitor performance even further.

Monitors with 144Hz refresh rates became the norm before anyone realized it, and then 240Hz became the new benchmark for performance-oriented gamers. However, even 240Hz monitors won’t remain at the top of the food chain for long, as there are already a few 360Hz monitors available.

However, the purpose of this article is to address the question posed in the headline: is a 240Hz monitor worthwhile for 2022-era gaming?

We will compare a 240Hz monitor to a 144Hz monitor in terms of performance, cost, and other factors.

What Are Refresh Rates?

Let’s quickly review the basics for those who are unfamiliar with the topic at hand. What does the refresh rate mean and how is it calculated?

The number of frames that can be shown on a monitor in one second is directly related to its refresh rate (in Hertz). In other words, the maximum number of frames per second that can be displayed in real time by the monitor is directly proportional to its refresh rate.

Best 240Hz monitors in 2023 | Popular Science

You can have as many frames rendered by your graphics card as your monitor can handle; however, the monitor will not be able to show you any more than its maximum refresh rate allows.

You probably already know that most monitors have a refresh rate of 60 Hz, though modern gaming monitors typically have a refresh rate of 144 Hz. However, as was previously mentioned, many monitors are now capable of 240 Hz refresh rates, and a select few can even reach 360 Hz.

Now we’ll examine the benefits and drawbacks of high-refresh-rate monitors in greater detail.

Advantages Of 240Hz Monitors

The benefits of high refresh rates are similar to those of high framerates because the refresh rate primarily determines the maximum FPS that can be displayed by a monitor.

The two main benefits of frequent updates are as follows.

  1. Enhanced reaction time and less motion blur equals a smoother gaming experience.
  2. It’s possible that competitive multiplayer could benefit from slightly faster reaction times.

Obviously, these are two major benefits for many players, especially those who put most of their time into competitive multiplayer games where milliseconds matter greatly. However, we’ll also discuss the downsides of high refresh rates so you can make an informed decision.

Disadvantages Of 240Hz Monitors

The 240Hz monitors, like the 144Hz ones, have to sacrifice some features in order to achieve such a high refresh rate. The panel technology itself should be examined first.

TN panels are still used in a lot of 240Hz gaming monitors because they are cheap and perform well in terms of refresh rate and response time, despite their declining popularity.

Getting a monitor with TN panel technology typically means sacrificing picture quality in exchange for faster response times and wider input lag.

Now, the IPS panel has largely caught up and performs much better than it did only a few years ago, which is one reason why the TN panel is losing popularity. In essence, even 240Hz monitors now offer better colors and viewing angles while being more reasonably priced.

While there are inexpensive 240Hz IPS monitors available, you will need to spend more if you want to get the “full set,” i.e. a monitor that has you covered on the performance and visual fronts.

VA panels are an attempt to find a compromise in all this. Even though 240Hz VA monitors have better color reproduction and viewing angles than TN panels, they aren’t as popular as their IPS counterparts because of problems with ghosting and high response times.

And then there’s the issue of framerates themselves. Although it has been established that higher framerates result in a more fluid and responsive gaming experience, there are still some considerations to take into account.

As framerates increase, the human eye has a harder time distinguishing between them.

It’s simple to distinguish between 30 and 60 frames per second and between 60 and 144 frames per second, but distinguishing between 144 and 240 frames per second becomes increasingly difficult. It’s true that there’s a noticeable improvement in performance, but as the embedded video shows, many people won’t be able to tell the difference between a 240Hz and a 144Hz monitor unless they’re placed side by side.

Furthermore, there is the issue of resolution; the vast majority of 240Hz monitors are still 1080p, so you would likely be reducing image quality in exchange for faster frame rates.

Some gamers don’t value visual fidelity as highly as 1440p or 4K, so they wouldn’t be happy with the performance boost if it meant giving up those extra pixels.

However, a 144Hz 1440p monitor or even a 60Hz 4K monitor may be a better fit for your needs depending on where your priorities lie, as quality high-resolution 240Hz monitors do exist, but they are also more expensive.

Last but not least, you’d need a graphics card that’s strong enough to drive such high framerates.

The more demanding AAA titles are a different story, so it may not make sense to trade resolution for performance there depending on what you play and how powerful your hardware is, whereas achieving a triple-digit framerate in eSports games with even a budget or mid-range GPU is relatively easy.

The 7 Best 240Hz Monitors for Competitive Gamers

Best 240Hz Gaming Monitor 2022

1. Alienware 2521HFL

Need a high-quality 240Hz monitor without breaking the bank? Get the Alienware AW2521HFL right now. That’s how easy it is.

The AW2521HFL stands out not only because it is the best 240Hz gaming monitor, but also because of the exceptional picture quality it provides. This screen has excellent color reproduction, a wide range of colors, and a bright maximum setting. Most competitive video games feature a colorful aesthetic, so it’s great that this monitor makes those games look especially crisp and clear. The contrast is average for a 240Hz display, but adequate.

The fast response times help with both fast-paced scenes and the clarity of moving objects. Only by upgrading to a refresh rate of 360 hertz will you be able to significantly outperform this Alienware, and even then the gap is narrow.

The monitor is both aesthetically pleasing and well-made. The stand’s ability to adjust in height places it among the best available on a 24.5-inch display. Since this is no longer Alienware’s flagship model (that distinction now going to a newer 360Hz model), prices have dropped significantly. This display typically costs $300 or less.

2. Dell S2522HG

The Dell S2522HG represents the cutting edge of a new generation of low-cost 240Hz monitors. Despite having a suggested retail price of over $300, this model can be found online for around $250.

Despite this, serious gamers will find the S2522HG to be an excellent choice. It’s certified to work with both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. The combination of this and the refresh rate makes for a fluid gaming experience with crisp, clear animation.

The monitor sacrifices image quality in order to keep the price low. There is no problem with the monitor’s brightness or color accuracy, but it is obvious that this monitor skimps elsewhere by using a subpar IPS panel. Poor contrast makes dark areas appear murky.

The S2522HG’s height-adjustable stand appears and feels more robust than that of some more expensive competitors, such as LG’s Ultragear line. For use with wired gaming accessories, it also features a number of USB ports.

3. Alienware AW2721D

The Alienware AW2721D is one of the few surviving 27-inch 1440p gaming monitors. This size of 240Hz gaming monitor typically features 1080p resolution. They cost less money, but their lack of sharpness is noticeable. In contrast, the AW2721D’s picture quality is superb.

The handling of motion is superb. With a 240 Hz refresh rate, G-Sync Ultimate, and a high-quality IPS panel, even the fastest-paced action in the most taxing games will look smooth and fluid. After experiencing this monitor, you won’t want to settle for anything less than 240 frames per second.

It’s also a stylish and high-end screen. The stand’s ability to be adjusted for height puts it in the top tier of its field. There are four USB ports available for use with wired accessories.

The AW2721D is a pricey monitor for its size, coming in at $699. The monitor, however, is less expensive than its rivals. Because of that, recommending it is simple.

4. Acer Predator XB323U GXbmiiphzx

Acer’s Predator XB323U GXbmiiphzx is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a 32-inch monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate, which are even less common than 27-inch models.

The monitor’s highlight feature is its 240Hz refresh rate, which can be overclocked to 270Hz. For a 32-inch screen, it delivers exceptionally clear action. This is because, unlike VA panels (which are typically found in 32-inch displays), the IPS panel doesn’t suffer from the “dark smear” problem. The monitor’s high degree of color accuracy and wide color gamut also contribute to its high image quality. HDR games benefit greatly from this monitor’s certification for VESA DisplayHDR 600.

The monitor has a ton of ports, including four USB ones, and a sturdy, height-adjustable stand. Compared to Alienware’s offerings, it falls short in terms of aesthetics, but it still holds its own.

5. Samsung Odyssey G7 (32-inch)

The Samsung Odyssey G7 is distinguished from its rivals by its use of a VA panel and a high refresh rate. Since VA panels tend to have problems with motion, most monitors will avoid this. But Samsung has pretty much eliminated that issue. Motion clarity on the Odyssey G7 is nearly on par with that of IPS panel displays.

When compared to the other IPS monitors on this list, the Odyssey G7’s contrast ratio is more than twice as high. The resulting image is more detailed and rich, making it ideal for horror games and other games with low lighting.

This display has been tested and certified to reach levels of brightness exceeding those of the VESA DisplayHDR 600 standard. The Odyssey G7 is an excellent choice for High Dynamic Range (HDR) thanks to its high brightness and deep black levels. The 32-inch competitor from Acer is just as bright, but it struggles more in low-light settings.

Samsung has included a height-adjustable stand and a stylish design. There are two USB ports for connecting wired devices. However, the monitor’s curve is quite steep, so proceed with caution. Curved-monitor fans will rejoice, but the experience may be too much for others.

6. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

The Odyssey Neo G9 from Samsung is more than just another ultrawide. Its width is so enormous that it defies description. The curved screen of this monitor is wide enough to fill a five-foot workspace. It’s great for simulation and racing games because it really puts you in the game.

The picture quality is superb. The Odyssey Neo G9’s display is a VA panel with Mini-LED backlighting for uniform brightness. That’s about an eight-fold improvement in contrast over a regular IPS monitor at 240 Hz. Also among the best HDR displays is the Neo G9.

High-end video cards, even at full speed, will have trouble delivering 240 fps at the display’s native resolution of 5,120 x 1,440. However, if you have the hardware, motion clarity is fantastic.

It’s not the best screen available. Blooming occurs when a bright object is placed against a dark background due to the Mini-LED backlight. Although the unit we tested performed well, some owners have complained about sloppy quality control.

The average price for the Odyssey Neo G9 is close to its list price of $2,499. That’s tough for most gamers to defend. But if 240 frames per second (FPS) is your goal, the Neo G9 is your best bet.

7. Acer Predator XB253Q GWbmiprzx

The Predator XB253Q GWbmiprzx from Acer is a great option for gamers looking for a refresh rate between 240 and 360 hertz. In terms of motion clarity and smoothness, it’s hard to tell the difference between this and a 360Hz monitor, and the price is much more reasonable.

For an IPS screen, the XB253Q GW offers impressively precise colors and deep blacks. Because of this, it stands out from the crowd of similar products. When exposed to dark scenes, the XB253Q performs noticeably better and appears more lifelike. The brightness is excellent, outperforming other 24.5-inch monitors in comparison. All 24.5-inch 240Hz gaming monitors share this 1080p display’s lack of sharpness.

This is a solid, well-built screen that gives the impression of being tough. Despite its flimsy appearance, the included stand is quite sturdy and offers a wide range of height adjustments. The monitor also has four USB ports for use with wired controllers and other gaming accessories.

8. Asus ROG Swift PG259QN

The Asus ROG Swift PG259QN is a great example of a 360Hz monitor, the gold standard for motion clarity. Incredibly clear and crisp images can be displayed on this monitor. 360 fps makes the action feel like it’s hardwired into your brain, whereas 240 fps is already incredibly smooth. It’s perfect for those who like to compete.

Although its excellent motion performance is its most notable trait, the ROG Swift PG259QN also boasts excellent picture quality. For an IPS panel, the color accuracy, peak brightness, and contrast are all quite good. The color range is on the narrow side, but it should be fine for gaming. When comparing image quality to the Acer XB253Q GW and the Alienware AW2521HF, the PG259QN falls short.

The Swift PG259QN is an exceptionally sturdy monitor that can hold its own against, and even outperform, Alienware’s finest. While the cyclone-shaped base of the stand may not appeal to everyone, it does a good job of keeping the screen steady. You can adjust the height, and there are also two USB ports for additional devices.

The PG259QN has dropped in price from its original $699 to under $500. However, the Asus ROG Swift PG259QNR, which is the version of this monitor recommended by Nvidia Reflex Analyzer, is available for purchase at prices closer to the original $699 MSRP if you have the cash to spare.

Where to Get the Best 240Hz Gaming Monitor in the UK

There are many advantages to pushing your gaming setup to its limits, regardless of whether you live in the United States or the United Kingdom. We’ve tracked down the vast majority of the top 240Hz gaming displays on the market, so you can pick and choose.

What to look for in a 240Hz Gaming Monitor

A monitor with a refresh rate of 240 hertz can be used for gaming. That’s roughly 66% faster than a 144Hz display and four times as fast as a 60Hz display.

The advantages of a 240Hz display over a 144Hz display are debatable. Not everyone will notice a difference between 240Hz and 144Hz because the gap is smaller than that between 144Hz and 60Hz.

However, we find a discernible difference in our experiments. This is not unique to the world of eSports. Smoother scrolling across the map is achieved at 240Hz than 144Hz in games like Civilization VI and Dyson Sphere Program.

Best 240Hz Gaming Monitor In 2022 For Competitive Gaming - GameSpot

IPS panels are commonly used in 240 Hz gaming monitors. Since most monitors in this class use IPS panels, they all have roughly the same level of image quality. High-end 240Hz monitors typically have a wide color gamut and excellent color accuracy. Viewing angles are wide and brightness is strong. Dark scenes may appear hazy due to issues with contrast ratio.

Samsung stands out because it offers VA panel monitors that can match the performance of their IPS rivals in terms of motion. If you’re looking for a 240Hz display, look no further than these. While some gamers may be interested in Samsung’s curved displays and high prices, others will be put off. It’s unfortunate that the company doesn’t offer a 24-inch, 240Hz gaming monitor.

The most common connections for 240 Hz gaming monitors are HDMI and DisplayPort. A 240Hz refresh rate is possible on 1080p monitors via either connection, but on 1440p monitors, it is typically only possible via DisplayPort. While 1440p at 240Hz is possible with HDMI 2.1, very few 240Hz monitors actually support it. If you want to hook up to a 240 Hz display, your best bet is to use a DisplayPort cable.

To get the most out of a 240Hz gaming monitor, you’ll need a powerful graphics card. While a frame rate of 240 FPS is preferred, dropping into the low 200s is not an issue with G-Sync or FreeSync enabled. A 240 Hz monitor can handle 60 FPS gameplay without issue, but it won’t feel any smoother or more responsive than a quality 60 Hz display.

The 240 Hz refresh rate is useless for console players. Since a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz is supported by the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the advantages of a 240Hz refresh rate are nullified. A 4K gaming monitor, ideally one that also supports HDMI 2.1, is ideal for use with a gaming console.

Conclusion – Is A 240Hz Monitor Worth It For Gaming?

Now that we’ve covered all that, let’s circle back to the original question: Is a 240Hz monitor really worth the money, and does it give a noticeable performance boost in games?

The first order of business is to decide whether or not functionality trumps aesthetics. A perfect monitor does not exist, and the cost to get close would be prohibitive.

A 240Hz monitor may be worthwhile if you value smooth gameplay more than the extra detail that higher resolutions provide, and if your graphics processing unit (GPU) is capable of achieving such high refresh rates in the games you primarily play.

However, we believe that a 144Hz display would be preferable for the vast majority of users. If you’re on a tight budget, a 1440p monitor with a refresh rate of 144 hertz would be a great compromise that doesn’t sacrifice either visual quality or responsiveness.

Of course, every gamer needs to find their own answer to this question, and it’s ideal if they have access to a 240Hz monitor to test out for themselves.

Whatever you do, make sure you check out this buying guide for a rundown of the top gaming monitors on the market right now. No matter what your budget is, what kind of screen you prefer, or how often you want a new picture, you’ll be able to find a solid option there.