Gaming Monitor Buying Guide: Refresh Rate, Panel Type and Size

Short answer: for most players, a 27-inch 1440p IPS monitor at 144 to 180 Hz is the best balance. Competitive shooter players should look at 240 Hz. Make sure your PC can actually reach those frame rates.

#Refresh rate

Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen updates. Higher refresh rates make motion smoother and lower the time before you see new information.

#Resolution and size

• 24 inch, 1080p: sharp enough and easy on a budget GPU.
• 27 inch, 1440p: the sweet spot for detail and performance.
• 32 inch, 4K: best for single-player games on a strong GPU.

#Panel types

#IPS

Good colors and viewing angles, fast enough for nearly everyone. The safe default.

#VA

Deep contrast and dark blacks, good for movies and slower games. Some models smear dark scenes in motion.

#OLED

Perfect blacks and extremely fast pixel response. More expensive, and best with some care to avoid burn-in from static images.

#Features worth paying for

1. Adaptive sync (G-Sync compatible or FreeSync) for smooth, tear-free play.
2. A height-adjustable stand so you can sit comfortably for long sessions.
3. DisplayPort input that supports the full refresh rate.