Buying Guide
The Best 144Hz Monitors for Gaming
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the SE2726H has the largest screen size, and the AHXJKA 16 portable costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
144Hz is the long-standing entry point for smooth PC gaming. Every pick has 144Hz, ordered from the lowest listed price.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and if a maker skips panel, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
AHXJKA 16-inch portable gaming monitor 144HzThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $100.
Check price for AHXJKA 16-inch portable gaming monitor 144Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Dell SE2426H 24-inchUltra-thin bezels.
Best for: Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels.
Check price for Dell SE2426H 24-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI PRO MP243L E14A 4-side slim bezel.
Best for: Buyers who want 4-side slim bezel.
Check price for MSI PRO MP243L E14 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable144Hz with FreeSync.
Best for: Buyers who want 144Hz with FreeSync.
Check price for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Dell 27 SE2726HThe largest screen size here (27 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Keeping the cost under $100. | Check price for AHXJKA 16-inch portable gaming monitor 144Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Ultra-thin bezels. | Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels. | Check price for Dell SE2426H 24-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 4-side slim bezel. | Buyers who want 4-side slim bezel. | Check price for MSI PRO MP243L E14 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 144Hz with FreeSync. | Buyers who want 144Hz with FreeSync. | Check price for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (27 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
AHXJKA 16-inch portable gaming monitor 144Hz
The AHXJKA 16 portable stands out for built-in speakers and VESA mounting, and it adds support for variable refresh rate.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $100.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: screen size of 16 inches, behind the SE2726H (27 inches).
Why we like it
It also offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 16 inches screen size. Like the TECLAST 16, it has a 1920x1200 resolution, while the Dell SE2426H uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. Worth noting: 133% sRGB colour coverage.
Worth noting: FreeSync to reduce screen tearing. It makes the most sense for keeping the cost under $100, since it offers the lowest price of the group at our last check. It undercut the Dell SE2426H and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: screen size of 16 inches, behind the SE2726H (27 inches). If that matters, the SE2726H comes in at 27 inches.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1200
- Size
- 16 inches
- Color gamut
- 133% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 133% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- Built-in speakers and VESA mounting
Cons
- Screen size of 16 inches, behind the SE2726H (27 inches)
Also Consider2 of 5
Dell SE2426H 24-inch
The SE2426H is Dell's 144Hz IPS monitor at the lowest price in this list.
Best for
- Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the AHXJKA 16 portable was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It covers the basics without extras. It runs at 144Hz with a 1ms MPRT response and carries TÜV Rheinland's 3-star eye comfort certification. The 178-degree viewing angles keep colour consistent off-axis.
On screen size it ties with the MSI PRO MP243L E14 at 23.8 inches. Like the MSI PRO MP243L E14 and SE2726H, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the AHXJKA 16 portable uses a 1920x1200 resolution. You get an AMD FreeSync here, which sets it apart from the SE2726H and its a FreeSync.
It also comes with ultra-thin bezels and two HDMI inputs. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper AHXJKA 16 portable and the pricier MSI PRO MP243L E14, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 23.8 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Adaptive sync
- AMD FreeSync
- Stand
- tilt only
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- AMD FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- Ultra-thin bezels
Cons
- Costs more than the AHXJKA 16 portable at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
MSI PRO MP243L E14
MSI's MP243L is a 23.8-inch 1080p IPS screen at 144Hz with FreeSync.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4-side slim bezel.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the AHXJKA 16 portable cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is one of the lowest-priced monitors here. It lists flicker-free and low-blue-light certification, a tilt stand and a 100x100mm VESA mount. On screen size it ties with the Dell SE2426H at 23.8 inches.
Like the Dell SE2426H and SE2726H, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the AHXJKA 16 portable uses a 1920x1200 resolution. You also get a 4-side slim bezel, VESA 100x100mm mounting for monitor arms and multi-monitor setups and HDMI 2.0 and VGA inputs. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 23.8 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- HDR Ready
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
- Stand
- tilt only (-5 to 20 degrees)
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- 4-side slim bezel
Cons
- Costs more than the AHXJKA 16 portable at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable
TECLAST's 16-inch portable runs 1920x1200 at 144Hz with 100% sRGB coverage and FreeSync.
Best for
- Buyers who want 144Hz with FreeSync.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the SE2726H offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It combines a taller screen with a high refresh rate. Its 16-inch 1920x1200 panel runs at 144Hz with 100% sRGB, and one USB-C cable carries video and power. HDMI covers consoles.
It matches the AHXJKA 16 portable on screen size (16 inches). It shares a 1920x1200 resolution with the AHXJKA 16 portable; the MSI PRO MP243L E14 goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. You also get this: 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen.
When we checked, only the MSI PRO MP243L E14 and cheaper picks cost less, and the SE2726H cost more. Screen size is its weakest area, and the SE2726H covers it better at 27 inches.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1200
- Size
- 16 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Color gamut
- 100% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 100% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Screen size trails the SE2726H (27 inches)
- Costs more than the AHXJKA 16 portable at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size5 of 5
Dell 27 SE2726H
The SE2726H is built around a 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz, with wide IPS viewing angles on top.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the AHXJKA 16 portable was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On screen size it leads this guide at 27 inches, ahead of the Dell SE2426H (23.8 inches). It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the Dell SE2426H and MSI PRO MP243L E14; the TECLAST 16 goes with a 1920x1200 resolution.
At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. Only the TECLAST 16 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the AHXJKA 16 portable offers 144Hz.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz
Cons
- Costs more than the AHXJKA 16 portable at the time of writing
How We Chose These 144Hz Monitors for Gaming
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out panel.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the AHXJKA 16 portable to the SE2726H, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The AHXJKA 16 portable gives no panel; the AHXJKA 16 portable and the TECLAST 16 give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the AHXJKA 16 portable ($50 to $100) to the SE2726H ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a 144Hz Monitor for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much screen size you need
The SE2726H tops screen size at 27 inches and the TECLAST 16 sits lowest at 16 inches. The Dell SE2426H comes second at 23.8 inches, in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 for the SE2726H.
Extras that separate them
The MSI PRO MP243L E14: VESA 100x100mm mounting for monitor arms and multi-monitor setups. The TECLAST 16: USB-C single-cable video and power. The SE2726H: wide IPS viewing angles.
A gaming monitor on a desk with purple bias lighting Budget
$50 to $100 buys the AHXJKA 16 portable, the Dell SE2426H, the MSI PRO MP243L E14 and the TECLAST 16; $100 to $150 buys the SE2726H at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Keeping the cost under $100: the AHXJKA 16 portable. Buyers who put screen size first: the SE2726H.
A gaming monitor above a keyboard and mouse on a black desk Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
How to Choose a 144Hz Monitor for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the cost under $100 | AHXJKA 16 portable | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels | Dell SE2426H | Ultra-thin bezels |
| Buyers who want 4-side slim bezel | MSI PRO MP243L E14 | A 4-side slim bezel |
| Buyers who want 144Hz with FreeSync | TECLAST 16 | 144Hz with FreeSync |
| Buyers who put screen size first | SE2726H | The largest screen size here (27 inches) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The SE2726H leads on screen size at 27 inches, ahead of the Dell SE2426H at 23.8 inches. "Not listed" marks panel where the AHXJKA 16 portable leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHXJKA 16 portable | 144Hz | 1920x1200 | 16 inches | Not listed |
| Dell SE2426H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| MSI PRO MP243L E14 | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| TECLAST 16 | 144Hz | 1920x1200 | 16 inches | IPS |
| SE2726H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The AHXJKA 16 portable was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the SE2726H the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | AHXJKA 16 portable, Dell SE2426H, MSI PRO MP243L E14, TECLAST 16 |
| About $100 to $150 | SE2726H |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dell SE2426H compare with the SE2726H on screen size?
Between the top two, it is 27 inches on the SE2726H against 23.8 inches on the Dell SE2426H, a 13% difference. The TECLAST 16 closes the ranking at 16 inches.
What does the SE2726H add over the AHXJKA 16 portable?
On paper it adds screen size (27 inches against 16 inches). On our last price check the AHXJKA 16 portable was in the $50 to $100 tier and the SE2726H in the $100 to $150 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size decides your purchase.
Why is the SE2726H our Largest Screen Size pick?
It carries the badge for the largest screen size here (27 inches). On screen size it leads the Dell SE2426H, 27 inches against 23.8 inches, a 13% margin. The AHXJKA 16 portable, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who puts screen size first.
Do the AHXJKA 16 portable and the Dell SE2426H differ on resolution?
The AHXJKA 16 portable and the TECLAST 16 use 1920x1200; the Dell SE2426H, the MSI PRO MP243L E14 and the SE2726H use 1920x1080 (1080p).
What extras do the AHXJKA 16 portable and the Dell SE2426H include?
The AHXJKA 16 portable: built-in speakers and VESA mounting. The Dell SE2426H: ultra-thin bezels. The MSI PRO MP243L E14: a 4-side slim bezel.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AHXJKA 16 portable, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the Dell SE2426H for ultra-thin bezels, the MSI PRO MP243L E14 for a 4-side slim bezel and the TECLAST 16 for 144Hz with FreeSync if those matter more to you.
Use DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 or newer to reach 144Hz at 1440p.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Monitors to Buy Now
- Related guideThe Best 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Cheap 144Hz Gaming Monitors
- Higher budgetThe Best FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitors
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1080p Monitor
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1440p Monitor
- Also see: graphics cardsHow to Choose a Graphics Card for 1080p Gaming
- Similar guideThe Best 1440p 144Hz Gaming Monitors
- Topic hubAll gaming monitors guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
View all articles