Best Gaming Monitors to Buy in January 2026
Samsung 27" Essential S3 (S36GD) Series FHD 1800R Curved Computer Monitor, 100Hz, Game Mode, Advanced Eye Comfort, HDMI and D-sub Ports, LS27D366GANXZA, 2024
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IMMERSIVE CURVED DESIGN: WRAP YOUR VISION FOR DEEPER ENGAGEMENT AND FOCUS.
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100HZ SMOOTH PERFORMANCE: ENJOY FAST-PACED ACTION WITHOUT LAG OR BLUR.
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EYE CARE TECHNOLOGY: MINIMIZE STRAIN AND COMFORT FOR EXTENDED GAMING SESSIONS.
Sceptre Curved 24-inch Gaming Monitor 1080p R1500 98% sRGB HDMI x2 VGA Build-in Speakers, VESA Wall Mount Machine Black (C248W-1920RN Series)
- IMMERSIVE 1800R CURVED DISPLAY FOR A CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY: HDMI, VGA & PC AUDIO PORTS INCLUDED.
- FAST 75HZ REFRESH RATE ENHANCES GAMING AND STREAMING.
SANSUI Gaming Monitor, 24 Inch 200Hz 180Hz, FHD 1080P 1ms 110% sRGB Computer Monitor, HDMI DP Ports VESA Support for Game Office (HDMI Cable Included)
- UNMATCHED SMOOTHNESS: 200HZ REFRESH RATE & 1MS RESPONSE FOR GAMING.
- VIBRANT COLORS: 110% SRGB & HDR FOR STUNNING VISUALS IN EVERY GAME.
- RISK-FREE PURCHASE: 30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE & LIFETIME SUPPORT.
ASUS TUF Gaming 27” 1440P HDR Monitor (VG27AQ3A) – QHD (2560 x 1440), 180Hz, 1ms, Fast IPS, 130% sRGB, Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync, Speakers, Freesync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible, HDMI, DisplayPort
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EXPERIENCE FLAWLESS GAMEPLAY WITH 180HZ REFRESH RATE AND ELMB SYNC.
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ENJOY TEAR-FREE VISUALS WITH FREESYNC PREMIUM AND G-SYNC COMPATIBILITY.
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ENHANCE YOUR CREATIVITY WITH A FREE 3-MONTH ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD OFFER!
SANSUI 24 Inch Gaming Monitor 160Hz FHD 1080P Computer Monitor, FreeSync 1ms 4000:1 Contrast, HDMI DP Ports VESA Support Eye Care Monitor for Gaming Office (HDMI Cable Included ES-G24F4M)
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EXPERIENCE ULTRA-SMOOTH GAMEPLAY WITH 160HZ REFRESH AND 1MS RESPONSE!
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ENJOY VIBRANT VISUALS WITH 72% SRGB AND HDR FOR STUNNING GRAPHICS.
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HASSLE-FREE CONNECTIVITY WITH HDMI/DP PORTS AND A 30-DAY GUARANTEE!
AOC C27G4ZH 27" Curved Frameless Ultra-Fast Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, 0.3ms HDMI 240Hz/DP 280Hz, 1500R, AMD FreeSync, HDR, Height Adjustable, 3-Year Zero Dead Pixel Guarantee
- EXPERIENCE ULTRA-FAST GAMING WITH 280HZ AND 0.3MS RESPONSE TIME!
- IMMERSE YOURSELF WITH A 1500R CURVED DISPLAY FOR AN ENGAGING VIEW.
- ENJOY VIBRANT VISUALS WITH HDR READINESS AND HIGH DYNAMIC CONTRAST!
New! Sceptre 27-inch Gaming Monitor 100Hz 1ms DisplayPort HDMI x2 100% sRGB AMD FreeSync Build-in Speakers, Eye Care Frameless Machine Black 2025 (E275W-FW100T Series)
- EXPERIENCE VIBRANT VISUALS WITH 100% SRGB COLOR ACCURACY!
- ENJOY SEAMLESS GAMING WITH 100HZ REFRESH RATE AND MULTIPLE PORTS!
- PROTECT YOUR EYES WITH BLUE LIGHT SHIFT WHILE GAMING OR WORKING!
SANSUI 24 Inch Gaming Monitor 200Hz 180Hz 1Ms FreeSync HDR 110% sRGB FHD 1080P Computer Monitor HDMI DP Ports Eye Care Frameless VESA Mount Cable Management (ES-G24F4L HDMI Cable Included)
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200HZ REFRESH RATE & 1MS RESPONSE: ENJOY SEAMLESS GAMING BLISS!
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VIBRANT COLORS WITH HDR: EXPERIENCE LIFELIKE VISUALS AND DEEP CONTRASTS.
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VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY & MODES: CONNECT EASILY AND OPTIMIZE VISUALS FOR ANY GAME.
As technology evolves, so do the standards in gaming peripherals, especially monitors. If you're deeply entrenched in the gaming world, one question you might find yourself asking is whether a 144Hz refresh rate monitor is sufficient for gaming in 2026. Let’s explore the importance of refresh rates in gaming and how to choose the right monitor for your needs.
Understanding Refresh Rates
Refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), is the number of times your monitor updates with new information per second. A 144Hz refresh rate means the display is refreshing 144 times per second. This can significantly impact smoother gameplay and can enhance your gaming experience, especially in fast-paced competitive games.
Is 144Hz Still Relevant?
The relevance of a 144Hz monitor is tightly linked to both your gaming style and your hardware. For many casual and competitive gamers, 144Hz continues to be a sweet spot that balances smoothness and performance. As of 2025, new advancements have made higher refresh rates like 240Hz and even 360Hz more common, yet 144Hz remains a viable option for many.
The Benefits of Higher Refresh Rates
Higher refresh rates provide a noticeably smoother experience. This can be advantageous in fast-paced shooters and games where quick motion and reflexes are key. It also reduces motion blur and input lag, enhancing the overall visual clarity during intense moments.
How to Choose the Right Monitor for Gaming
When choosing a gaming monitor, consider these critical factors:
Panel Type
The type of panel used in a monitor affects image quality, response time, and price. Common types include:
- IPS Panels: Known for better color accuracy and viewing angles.
- TN Panels: Offer faster response times but can lack in color reproduction.
- VA Panels: Provide better contrast ratios, often used in darker scenes.
For more information on choosing monitors for specific scenarios, you might find these resources useful:
- OLED Monitors for Movies: Are OLED Monitors Better for Watching Movies and TV?
Resolution
Alongside refresh rates, resolution has a significant impact on picture quality. As of 2025, options range from 1080p to 4K and beyond. Higher resolutions offer better detail and immersive experiences, though they also require more powerful hardware.
Screen Size and Aspect Ratio
Larger screens and ultra-wide monitors are becoming more popular, offering immersive experiences. Ultra-wide monitors can sometimes replace dual monitors depending on your preferences and workspace.
Price Considerations
While it’s tempting to go for the highest specs, balance is crucial. Determine your budget and strive for the best combination of refresh rate, resolution, and panel type within that range. For those looking for deals, exploring affordable studio monitors could provide insights into balancing performance and cost.
Conclusion
In 2025, a 144Hz monitor still offers a robust experience for most gamers. While higher refresh rates and resolutions offer enhanced experiences, a 144Hz display remains a solid choice for a balance of performance, price, and visual gratification. Evaluate your gaming habits, hardware specifications, and budget to make an informed decision for your setup.