The Best Gaming Monitors for Competitive Play

When it comes to competitive gaming, every millisecond counts. Your choice of gaming monitor can make all the difference, especially in fast-paced genres like first-person shooters (FPS), real-time strategy (RTS), and multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games. A high-performance monitor with a high refresh rate, low response time, and sharp visuals can give you that competitive edge, improving reaction times and overall gameplay experience.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best gaming monitors of 2025 tailored for competitive players, examining key features such as refresh rate, resolution, and screen size. Whether you’re looking for the perfect 144Hz monitor for FPS gaming or a monitor with an ultra-fast 1ms response time, we’ve got you covered.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gaming Monitor for Competitive Play

Before we dive into the top recommendations, let’s discuss the essential features that will help you choose the right monitor for competitive gaming:

1. Refresh Rate

The refresh rate is one of the most important factors for gamers. It defines how many times per second the image on your screen refreshes, measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate translates to smoother gameplay, especially in fast-paced games where every frame matters.

• 60Hz: Suitable for casual gaming but may not provide the smooth experience needed for competitive play.
• 120Hz to 144Hz: Ideal for most competitive gamers, especially in FPS games.
• 240Hz and above: A top choice for professional esports players, offering the smoothest possible experience.

2. Response Time

Response time refers to how quickly a pixel can change from one colour to another, typically measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower response times reduce motion blur and ghosting, which are critical in fast-moving games like Call of Duty or Overwatch.

• 1ms: Optimal for competitive play, providing the fastest and clearest visuals.
• 3ms to 5ms: Acceptable for most gaming needs but not ideal for top-tier competitive gaming.

3. Resolution

Resolution determines how sharp the images appear on the screen. The higher the resolution, the more detail you’ll see, but it also demands more from your GPU.

• 1080p (Full HD): Standard for most competitive gamers, offering smooth performance without requiring a powerful GPU.
• 1440p (QHD): A sweet spot for those who want better clarity but don’t want to compromise on performance.
• 4K: Best for gamers who demand ultimate clarity and have a powerful GPU to support it, though not essential for competitive gaming.

4. Screen Size

Screen size affects how much of the game world you can see at once. In competitive play, a larger screen can help you spot enemies quicker.

• 24-27 inches: The sweet spot for many gamers, offering enough real estate without being overwhelming.
• 32 inches or more: Great for immersive gaming, but can be too large for some players in fast-paced games.

Best Gaming Monitors for Competitive Play in 2025

Now that we’ve covered the key factors to consider, let’s dive into some of the best gaming monitors for competitive play in 2025. These monitors have been selected based on performance, features, and overall value for competitive gamers.

1. Asus ROG Swift PG259QN

• Refresh Rate: 360Hz
• Response Time: 1ms (GTG)
• Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
• Screen Size: 24.5 inches

Why It’s Great for Competitive Gaming: The Asus ROG Swift PG259QN is the world’s fastest gaming monitor, boasting an insane 360Hz refresh rate. With a 1ms response time, it’s perfect for FPS gaming, where fast reactions and smooth visuals are essential. The Full HD resolution ensures maximum performance without putting too much strain on your GPU, making it ideal for competitive gamers who prioritise speed.

• Features: NVIDIA G-SYNC for tear-free gameplay, IPS panel for vibrant colours, and a fully adjustable stand for ergonomic comfort.
• Best For: Hardcore FPS gamers like those who play Valorant, Apex Legends, and CS:GO.

2. Alienware AW2524H

• Refresh Rate: 500Hz
• Response Time: 0.5ms
• Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
• Screen Size: 24.5 inches

Why It’s Great for Competitive Gaming: The Alienware AW2524H takes gaming monitors to the next level with a 500Hz refresh rate, setting a new standard for professional gaming. With a 0.5ms response time, you’ll experience ultra-fast, ultra-clear visuals. This is perfect for competitive esports players who need the fastest possible performance and the smoothest gameplay.

• Features: NVIDIA G-SYNC Ultimate, RGB lighting for extra flair, and an adjustable stand for comfort during long gaming sessions.
• Best For: Elite-level FPS players looking to maximise their reaction time, such as in Fortnite, Call of Duty, and PUBG.

3. Samsung Odyssey G7 (LC32G75TQSNXZA)

• Refresh Rate: 240Hz
• Response Time: 1ms (GTG)
• Resolution: 1440p (QHD)
• Screen Size: 32 inches

Why It’s Great for Competitive Gaming: For gamers looking for a larger, more immersive experience without sacrificing performance, the Samsung Odyssey G7 is a fantastic choice. Its 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make it perfect for fast-paced competitive games, while the QHD resolution provides extra clarity compared to 1080p. Plus, the curved screen enhances immersion and gives you a more natural field of view.

• Features: QLED technology for vibrant colours, NVIDIA G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Pro support, and a 1000R curvature for immersive gameplay.
• Best For: Gamers who want the best of both worlds—speed and visual quality—ideal for MOBA and FPS games.

4. BenQ Zowie XL2546K

• Refresh Rate: 240Hz
• Response Time: 0.5ms
• Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
• Screen Size: 24.5 inches

Why It’s Great for Competitive Gaming: The BenQ Zowie XL2546K is a popular choice among esports professionals, especially in FPS titles like Overwatch and CS:GO. It offers a 240Hz refresh rate with a 0.5ms response time, making it one of the most responsive monitors available. The DyAc+ technology reduces motion blur, giving you an edge when tracking fast-moving targets.

• Features: Black eQualizer for enhanced visibility in dark areas, Killer performance tuning features, and a height-adjustable stand for comfort.
• Best For: Esports players looking for a monitor that combines ultra-fast response with clear visuals.

5. LG UltraGear 27GN950-B

• Refresh Rate: 144Hz
• Response Time: 1ms (GTG)
• Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
• Screen Size: 27 inches

Why It’s Great for Competitive Gaming: If you want the ultimate 4K gaming experience without compromising performance, the LG UltraGear 27GN950-B is an excellent choice. It offers 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, delivering ultra-fast performance at 4K resolution. While 4K gaming can be demanding on your GPU, this monitor provides an outstanding balance of speed and image clarity.

• Features: Nano IPS technology for vivid colours, NVIDIA G-SYNC, and HDR10 support for more lifelike visuals.
• Best For: Gamers who want the best of both worlds—immaculate detail and fast refresh rates—for competitive MOBA, FPS, and open-world games.

Choosing the Best Gaming Monitor for You

The right gaming monitor for competitive play depends on your preferences and the type of games you play. If you’re a professional or aspiring esports player, prioritise high refresh rates (240Hz or above), low response times (1ms or less), and a smooth, tear-free experience through technologies like G-SYNC or FreeSync.

For those seeking ultra-immersive experiences without sacrificing performance, 1440p or 4K monitors are fantastic choices, especially if you have a powerful GPU to support them.

Ultimately, the best gaming monitor for competitive play is one that balances speed, clarity, and comfort. Whether you opt for a 24-inch, 360Hz monitor like the Asus ROG Swift PG259QN or the Samsung Odyssey G7 with a larger 32-inch screen, the right choice will enhance your gameplay and give you the competitive edge you need.