Buying Guide
The Best 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the VG249QE5A has the highest refresh rate, and the Dell SE2426H costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 144-180Hz IPS panel balances colour and speed at a low price. Every pick fits that, 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
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
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)
FreeSync Adaptive Sync
MSI PRO MP243L E14A freeSync.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync.
Check price for MSI PRO MP243L E14 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QE5AThe highest refresh rate here (146Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QE5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz PortableA built-in kickstand.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in kickstand.
Check price for ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
LG UltraGear 27G414B-BThe largest screen size here (27 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Check price for LG UltraGear 27G414B-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra-thin bezels. | Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels. | Check price for Dell SE2426H 24-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A freeSync. | Buyers who want a freeSync. | Check price for MSI PRO MP243L E14 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (146Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QE5A on Amazon (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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (27 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G414B-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the VG249QE5A (146Hz).
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.
It matches the MSI PRO MP243L E14, the ARZOPA Z1FC and the 27G414B on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the MSI PRO MP243L E14 and the VG249QE5A at 23.8 inches. You get an AMD FreeSync here, which sets it apart from the 27G414B and its a G-SYNC Compatible.
It also offers 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. The main gap: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the VG249QE5A (146Hz). If that matters, the VG249QE5A offers 146Hz.
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
- Refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the VG249QE5A (146Hz)
FreeSync Adaptive Sync2 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 a freeSync.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the VG249QE5A (146Hz).
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. It matches the Dell SE2426H, the ARZOPA Z1FC and the 27G414B on refresh rate (144Hz).
On screen size it ties with the Dell SE2426H and the VG249QE5A at 23.8 inches. A FreeSync is unique to it among these picks, while the 27G414B uses a G-SYNC Compatible. It also comes with 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
- Refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the VG249QE5A (146Hz)
The catch
The main gap: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the VG249QE5A (146Hz). If that matters, the VG249QE5A offers 146Hz.
Fastest Refresh3 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QE5A
The VG249QE5A stands out for 146Hz with overclock, and it adds an HDMI cable in the box.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Dell SE2426H cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 146Hz refresh rate and offers a 23.8 inches screen size. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 146Hz, ahead of the Dell SE2426H (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the Dell SE2426H and the MSI PRO MP243L E14 at 23.8 inches.
It also comes with the lowest ASUS TUF price tier here. At 1080p, 146Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. You also get this: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. Its price falls between the MSI PRO MP243L E14 and the ARZOPA Z1FC, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 146Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 23.8 inches
- Panel
- IPS
Pros
- 146Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 146Hz with overclock
- HDMI cable in the box
Cons
- Costs more than the Dell SE2426H at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable
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
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the 27G414B offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It adds a high refresh rate at a low price. It matches the Dell SE2426H, the MSI PRO MP243L E14 and the 27G414B on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 16.1 inches, while the 27G414B comes in at 27 inches.
You also get 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: 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper VG249QE5A and the pricier 27G414B, at the time of writing.
Key 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
- Screen size trails the 27G414B (27 inches)
- Costs more than the Dell SE2426H at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is screen size; for more, the 27G414B comes in at 27 inches.
Largest Screen Size5 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G414B-B
AOC's 27G414B is a 27-inch 1080p IPS screen at 144Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
It puts a larger screen within a tight budget. It matches the Dell SE2426H, the MSI PRO MP243L E14 and the ARZOPA Z1FC on refresh rate (144Hz). Its 27 inches screen size is the largest here; the Dell SE2426H comes next at 23.8 inches.
A G-SYNC Compatible is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI PRO MP243L E14 uses a FreeSync. You also get built-in stereo speakers and LG Switch app window layouts. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the ARZOPA Z1FC.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- HDR10
- Color gamut
- 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Refresh rate trails the VG249QE5A (146Hz)
- Costs more than the Dell SE2426H at the time of writing
The catch
If refresh rate is your priority, the VG249QE5A (146Hz) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose These 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitors
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: 2 of 5 picks leave out response.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Dell SE2426H to the 27G414B, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution and IPS panel.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The VG249QE5A and the ARZOPA Z1FC give no response; the Dell SE2426H, the VG249QE5A and the ARZOPA Z1FC give no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Dell SE2426H ($50 to $100) to the 27G414B ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Across these 5 picks refresh rate spans 144Hz (the 27G414B) to 146Hz (the VG249QE5A). The VG249QE5A is the pick for refresh rate.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 16.1 inches on the ARZOPA Z1FC to 27 inches on the 27G414B, a 68% spread. For less, the Dell SE2426H is the runner-up at 23.8 inches ($50 to $100 tier).
A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures Extras that separate them
The VG249QE5A: an HDMI cable in the box. The ARZOPA Z1FC: portrait and landscape modes. The 27G414B: a 27-inch IPS panel.
Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the Dell SE2426H and the MSI PRO MP243L E14; $100 to $150 buys the VG249QE5A, the ARZOPA Z1FC and the 27G414B at our last check.
A large monitor showing a game on a low media unit Start from what matters most
Buyers who want a freeSync: the MSI PRO MP243L E14. Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates: the VG249QE5A. Buyers who put screen size first: the 27G414B.
How to Choose a 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels | Dell SE2426H | Ultra-thin bezels |
| Buyers who want a freeSync | MSI PRO MP243L E14 | A freeSync |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | VG249QE5A | The highest refresh rate here (146Hz) |
| Buyers who want built-in kickstand | ARZOPA Z1FC | A built-in kickstand |
| Buyers who put screen size first | 27G414B | The largest screen size here (27 inches) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The VG249QE5A leads on refresh rate at 146Hz, ahead of the Dell SE2426H at 144Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell SE2426H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| MSI PRO MP243L E14 | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| VG249QE5A | 146Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| ARZOPA Z1FC | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 16.1 inches | IPS |
| 27G414B | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Dell SE2426H was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the 27G414B the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Dell SE2426H, MSI PRO MP243L E14 |
| About $100 to $150 | VG249QE5A, ARZOPA Z1FC, 27G414B |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the VG249QE5A ahead of the Dell SE2426H on refresh rate?
The VG249QE5A leads at 146Hz, with the Dell SE2426H at 144Hz.
How does the Dell SE2426H compare with the 27G414B on screen size?
Between the top two, it is 27 inches on the 27G414B against 23.8 inches on the Dell SE2426H, a 13% difference. The ARZOPA Z1FC closes the ranking at 16.1 inches.
What does the 27G414B add over the Dell SE2426H?
What it brings is screen size (27 inches against 23.8 inches). On our last price check the Dell SE2426H was in the $50 to $100 tier and the 27G414B 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 VG249QE5A our Fastest Refresh pick?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (146Hz). On refresh rate it leads the Dell SE2426H, 146Hz against 144Hz, a 1% margin. The Dell SE2426H, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the MSI PRO MP243L E14 and the 27G414B differ on HDR?
The MSI PRO MP243L E14 uses HDR Ready; the 27G414B uses HDR10. The Dell SE2426H, the VG249QE5A and the ARZOPA Z1FC have no HDR listed, so 2 of 5 picks are covered here.
What extras do the Dell SE2426H and the MSI PRO MP243L E14 include?
The Dell SE2426H: ultra-thin bezels. The MSI PRO MP243L E14: a 4-side slim bezel. The VG249QE5A: 146Hz with overclock.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Dell SE2426H, chosen for ultra-thin bezels. Look at the MSI PRO MP243L E14 for a freeSync, the ARZOPA Z1FC for a built-in kickstand and the 27G414B for the largest screen size here (27 inches) if those matter more to you.
Calibrate brightness down for long sessions.
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 Budget 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 4K Gaming
- Similar guideThe Best Fast IPS 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
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