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 SE2426H costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
144Hz is the long-standing entry point for smooth PC gaming. Every pick offers 144Hz, ordered from the lowest 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 response, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Dell SE2426H
A 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who want 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing.
Strong Alternative
MSI PRO MP243L E14
Flicker-free and low blue light modes.
Best for: Buyers who want flicker-free and low blue light modes.
Our take Check price for MSI PRO MP243L E14 (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable
144Hz with FreeSync.
Best for: Buyers who want 144Hz with FreeSync.
Our take Check price for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
Solid Runner-Up
ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable
A built-in kickstand.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in kickstand.
Our take Check price for ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Dell 27 SE2726H
The largest screen size here (27 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing. | Buyers who want 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing. | Check price for Dell SE2426H (opens in a new tab) |
| Flicker-free and low blue light modes. | Buyers who want flicker-free and low blue light modes. | Check price for MSI PRO MP243L E14 (opens in a new tab) |
| 144Hz with FreeSync. | Buyers who want 144Hz with FreeSync. | Check price for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab) |
| A built-in kickstand. | Buyers who want built-in kickstand. | Check price for ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (27 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Dell SE2426H on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SE2426H is Dell's 144Hz IPS monitor at the lowest price in this list.
Best for
- Buyers who want 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when screen size of 23.8 inches, behind the SE2726H (27 inches is a problem.
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 MP243L at 23.8 inches. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. Another plus is 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen.
It also brings FreeSync to reduce screen tearing. The main gap: screen size of 23.8 inches, behind the SE2726H (27 inches). If that matters, the SE2726H comes in at 27 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 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
- 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing
Cons
- Screen size of 23.8 inches, behind the SE2726H (27 inches)
Strong Alternative2 of 5
MSI PRO MP243L E14 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MP243L is a 23.8-inch 1080p IPS screen at 144Hz with FreeSync.
Best for
- Buyers who want flicker-free and low blue light modes.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: screen size of 23.8 inches, behind the SE2726H (27 inches).
Why we like it
It is one of the lowest-priced monitors here. On screen size it ties with the SE2426H at 23.8 inches. You also get flicker-free and low blue light modes, 1500:1 contrast and the lowest price tier among these gaming picks.
At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It also brings 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. Worth noting too: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. The main gap: screen size of 23.8 inches, behind the SE2726H (27 inches). If that matters, the SE2726H comes in at 27 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: IPS
- 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
- Flicker-free and low blue light modes
Cons
- Screen size of 23.8 inches, behind the SE2726H (27 inches)
Worth a Look3 of 5
TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
Its 16 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the SE2726H leads at 27 inches. A 1920x1200 resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the MP243L uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. Worth noting too: 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen.
It also brings an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. Screen size is its weakest area, and the SE2726H covers it better at 27 inches.
Key dimensions & 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)
Solid Runner-Up4 of 5
ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ARZOPA's Z1FC is a 16.1-inch 1080p IPS portable at 144Hz with 106% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in kickstand.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SE2426H was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It adds a high refresh rate at a low price. On screen size it sits mid-pack at 16.1 inches: the SE2726H comes in at 27 inches, and the TECLAST 16 comes in at 16 inches. It also offers a built-in kickstand and portrait and landscape modes.
At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. Another plus is 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper TECLAST 16 and the pricier SE2726H, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 16.1 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 106% sRGB
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 106% sRGB colour coverage
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2426H at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size5 of 5
Dell 27 SE2726H on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 SE2426H 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 SE2426H (23.8 inches). At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
It also brings 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. Only the ARZOPA Z1FC 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 SE2426H offers 144Hz.
Key dimensions & 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 SE2426H at the time of writing
How We Chose These 144Hz Monitors for Gaming
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
What to Look for in a 144Hz Monitor for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
Check ports and cables
High refresh rates at 1440p and 4K need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. Consoles need HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz.
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.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
Read HDR labels carefully
HDR10 means the monitor accepts an HDR signal, not that it displays it well. DisplayHDR 600 or True Black 400 certifications say more about real HDR performance.
Size for your desk distance
24 to 25 inches suits 1080p and competitive play at a typical desk. 27 inches pairs well with 1440p and 4K; 32 inches suits 4K at a deeper desk.
How to Choose a 144Hz Monitor for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing | SE2426H | A 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want flicker-free and low blue light modes | MP243L | Flicker-free and low blue light modes |
| Buyers who want 144Hz with FreeSync | TECLAST 16 | 144Hz with FreeSync |
| Buyers who want built-in kickstand | ARZOPA Z1FC | A built-in kickstand |
| 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
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE2426H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| MP243L | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| TECLAST 16 | 144Hz | 1920x1200 | 16 inches | IPS |
| ARZOPA Z1FC | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 16.1 inches | IPS |
| SE2726H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | SE2426H, MP243L, TECLAST 16, ARZOPA Z1FC |
| About $100 to $150 | SE2726H |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on screen size?
The SE2726H, at 27 inches. The SE2426H follows at 23.8 inches, while the TECLAST 16 has 16 inches.
Which pick costs the least here?
That was the SE2426H at our last check; if you can stretch, the MP243L is the next step up and the SE2726H the priciest.
Do I need a GPU that matches the refresh rate?
To benefit fully, yes. A 240Hz monitor still feels smoother at 150fps than a 144Hz one, but the gains shrink when frame rates are far below the refresh rate.
Does a FreeSync monitor work with an NVIDIA card?
Most do as G-SYNC Compatible over DisplayPort. Check the product page or NVIDIA's compatibility list for the model.
Is OLED burn-in still a problem?
It is a risk with static elements over many hours. Current OLED monitors use pixel-refresh routines to reduce it; check the maker's warranty for burn-in coverage.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SE2426H, chosen for a 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing. Look at the MP243L for flicker-free and low blue light modes, the TECLAST 16 for 144Hz with FreeSync and the ARZOPA Z1FC for a built-in kickstand if those matter more to you.
Use DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 or newer to reach 144Hz at 1440p.