By Robin Owens 21 days ago, Monitors
Top 1440p monitors for gaming with crisp colors.
When choosing a computer rig for gaming, users pay attention to display resolution as it matters a lot. Monitors with 1440p are worthy choices to enhance your gaming experience. 1440p is the shorthand name for QHD (quad high definition) or WQHD (wide quad high definition).
This resolution allows displaying 2560x1440 pixels. Some people also call it 2K resolution. You won’t regret purchasing the best 1440p monitor, as it will take your gaming skills to the next level.
In this article, you will find my tips about the best 1440p options on the market. I’ve tested more than 50 models to help you choose the one that suits your needs best.
Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560x1440 | Brightness: 350 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: 100% sRGB
⊕ Great low input lag
⊕ Good motion control
⊕ Built-in speakers
⊕ 144Hz IPS display
⊖ Inconvenient
⊖ Low level of native contrast
Are you looking for a great gaming monitor? The Acer VG271 is what you need. This 27-inch IPS display has a 144Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution.
With low input lag and excellent motion processing, you will enjoy the game to the fullest. This GHD monitor delivers high-quality images and good brightness. Besides, the screen has great gray uniformity and good viewing angles.
You will not notice any signs of ghosting or color fading as the display offers a minimum response time of 1ms. Like the majority of IPS screens, the Acer VG271 doesn’t work well in poor lighting conditions.
On the downside, it has an ordinary stand that does not offer enough convenience for users. Thus, it might be difficult to find a comfortable viewing position for your screen.
Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560x1440 | Brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: 110% sRGB
⊕ Low input lag
⊕ Nice design and RGB lighting
⊕ Bright colors and contrast
⊕ Backlight strobe feature up to 144Hz
⊖ Limited viewing angles
⊖ Poor accuracy
The MSI MPG27CQ is the best 2560x1440 monitor for gaming. The monitor handles video flawlessly, has high contrast, comes with FreeSync support and 144Hz refresh rate.
Compared to monitors with Full HD 1080p resolution, the MSI MPG27CQ offers a more detailed picture and great real estate. The high refresh rate accounts for a smooth, lag-free gaming.
The curved 1800R panel contributes to great image quality which makes it a good monitor for video editing. This curved 1440p monitor has all the features you need to play comfortably, such as the fast 1ms response time, adaptive sync and LED lighting. The model is on par with the most well-known gaming brands.
Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560x1440 | Brightness: 350 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 165Hz | Response time: 0.4ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: 99%sRGB
⊕ Low-motion blur sync
⊕ 165Hz overclocking
⊕ Convenient stand
⊕ Integrated speakers
⊖ Poor saturation and contrast
The ASUS TUF VG27AQ is the best 27 inch 1440p monitor with impressive gaming performance. The IPS panel delivers an accurate image that is not distorted when viewed at an angle.
Just like many similar models, blacks look gray in a dark environment. Low input lag and fast refresh rates account for responsive gameplay. FreeSync technology (variable refresh rate) reduces screen tearing.
Being one of the best QHD monitors, the TUF Gaming VG27BQ also offers a fast 165Hz frequency and 0.4ms response time. These features are designed specifically for professional gaming to provide players with immersive experience.
Screen size: 32-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560x1440 | Brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: 100% sRGB
⊕ Reasonably priced curved
⊕ Good resolution
⊕ Many settings and features
⊖ Slow response rates
⊖ Poor picture quality
⊖ No HDR
The ViewSonic VX3258 is worth paying attention to. The 1800R, 32-inch, 16:9 screen is aesthetically pleasing. This model is a budget 1440p monitor, which is great for gaming.
The setup is simple and straightforward. The stand can be secured with two screws. Another two attach it to the display.
The monitor is suitable not only for games but also for office tasks. With its 1800R curved display and 85% NTSC color coverage, it’s a perfect monitor with balanced levels of comfort and immersion.
Screen size: 32-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560x1440 | Brightness: 300 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: 122% sRGB
⊕ Perfect contrast and brightness
⊕ Great ergonomics
⊕ Anti-motion blur feature
⊖ Improved MSI Gaming OSD
⊖ Unimpressive response time and color depth
The MSI Optix MAG 321CQR is one of the top 1440p monitors with a great design and 32-inch dimensions. The monitor provides excellent functionality and performance.
What’s more, its 144Hz refresh rate makes it a worthy choice for many gamers. The price of this model was less than $425 at the time of writing this review, which is reasonable enough for this set of features.
The MAG321CQR delivers a high-quality image, although the color depth and response times are quite poor. The monitor comes with an improved OSD gaming application and back panel RGB lighting at the top of the slim bezels.
Screen size: 31.5-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560x1440 | Brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: 88% sRGB
⊕ 144Hz refresh rate
⊕ Clear picture
⊕ Great curve angle
⊕ Classy design
⊖ No VESA mount
The Acer ED323QUR Abidpx is a 1440p FreeSync monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate. Thanks to its panel, the viewing angles are quite wide.
Besides, This Acer monitor does not lose color quality and saturation as you move off-center. The display is designed with a built-in audio headset jack, which is great for gaming sessions.
A 1800R screen curve is designed for better viewing experience and adapted to the curvature of the human eye. Users also prefer this WQHD monitor thanks to a dynamic contrast ratio of 100,000,000:1, 4ms response time and up to 16.7 million color support.
Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560x1440 | Brightness: 350 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: 90% sRGB
⊕ Fast refresh rate
⊕ FreeSync option
⊕ Wide viewing angles
⊖ Poor ergonomics features
⊖ Mediocre black uniformity
The BenQ EX2780Q is the best 1440p monitor for hardcore gamers. High refresh rate, FreeSync technology and fast response times account for smooth gaming sessions.
The monitor comes with an IPS panel that provides low input lag. Thanks to the remote control and built-in speakers, the monitor is also suitable for watching movies or TV shows. The subwoofers have clear bass.
The monitor combines a fast-refresh IPS panel with powerful speakers. It is a perfect monitor for gaming and watching videos.
Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560x1440 | Brightness: 350 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: 99% sRGB
⊕ Great motion handling
⊕ Affordable price
⊕ Low input lag
⊕ Supports FreeSync/G-Sync
⊖ Poor contrast rate and black uniformity
⊖ No USB ports
I would like to present another best 1440p gaming monitor, the LG 27GL83A-B. This is a display with an IPS panel and great functionality, especially for games. Fast response times offer quick motion without blur.
Action-packed games won’t suffer from the input delay. FreeSync variable frequency technology and support of G-SYNC provide a worry-free gaming.
I do not recommend choosing this model if you like to play at night, as, due to low contrast, blacks become grayish. Otherwise, the screen offers high quality and accuracy, which makes it a decent 2560x1440 monitor.
Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560x1440 | Brightness: 300 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: 100%sRGB
⊕ High refresh rate
⊕ Slim bezels
⊕ Seamless motion
⊕ Well-designed menus
⊕ Colors are satisfying for office
⊖ No integrated speakers
The Samsung JG50 is the best 1440p monitor with a high refresh rate. The 144Hz frequency offers you a smooth gaming. You can adjust it to 60Hz / 120Hz to optimize screen performance.
The VA panel offers a 3000:1 contrast ratio and provides rich blacks, bright whites and saturated colors for gaming sessions and movies. AMD FreeSync technology synchronizes the refresh rates of your graphics card and monitor to reduce screen tearing and stuttering.
By choosing the Low Input Lag mode, you can avoid delays between keyboard, mouse or gamepad input. Plus, you will get a fast, lag-free response for smooth gameplay. The display has a curved design.
Screen size: 32-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560x1440 | Brightness: 300 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: 120% sRGB
⊕ Low-priced
⊕ Responsive enough
⊕ Stunning image quality
⊖ Poor brightness
⊖ Inconvenient stand
The CQ32G1 is a 2560x1440 monitor with a 31.5-inch VA panel and a 144Hz refresh rate. The monitor supports FreeSync technology certified by AMD and unofficially supports Nvidia G-Sync with GeForce GTX 10 series cards.
This monitor will meet your gaming needs. It can also be used for running applications and watching movies. With its high resolution, the screen offers maximum comfort.
Game enthusiasts will be especially pleased to use this cheap 1440p monitor, as it offers excellent color reproduction, fast response and smooth performance thanks to the FreeSync option.
Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560x1440 | Brightness: 300 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 165Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: 123.7% sRGB
⊕ Vivid and dynamic color
⊕ Convenient USB hub and audio ports
⊕ OSD is intuitive and well-organized
⊖ Dim LED-backlighting
The MSI MAG272QR is a 1440p 27 inch monitor with AMD FreeSync support. The screen also has 1ms MPRT and boasts a wide range of colors. Its VA panel refreshes at up to 165Hz.
The MSI Optix MAG272QR includes the easy-to-understand MSI Gaming OSD app that allows users to configure settings using the mouse and keyboard.
It has hotkeys for quick brightness adjustments. Moreover, the app has a remote display control option. The model offers a USB hub with a Type-C port that allows connecting it to gaming peripherals.
Image | Name | Features | |
---|---|---|---|
Acer Nitro
Our choice |
CHECK PRICE → | ||
MSI Optix MAG27CQ
Curved |
CHECK PRICE → | ||
Asus TUF Gaming
Fast |
CHECK PRICE → |
2560x1440 monitors usually are equipped with IPS or TN panels. As for a TN type, it features higher refresh rates and great response times in comparison to VA panels. Such TN displays are more suitable for dynamic FPS, sports and action games. IPS panels, on the contrary, boast excellent color rendering but have slower response times. That is why the majority of gamers choose them for the games where detailed graphics matter, such as RPGs.
The refresh rate of a screen refers to the number of times your display’s hardware updates its buffer. By choosing a strong and reliable 1440p 144Hz monitor, you will get a lag-free experience when playing fast and dynamic games.
This parameter shows how fast a pixel can turn white from grey and then become grey again. The majority of the best 1440p gaming monitors offer a response time of less than 5ms. It also depends on a panel type. TN panels are a bit faster, IPS or VA monitors provide a slower response. Low response time reduces lags in action-packed games.
High Dynamic Range accounts for the better contrast between the lightest and darkest areas of an image, as well as for a wider color gamut. Even though most monitors now support HDR, the majority are still struggling to achieve maximum brightness, which makes this feature valuable. If it’s important for you to play games or watch movies in HDR, I recommend choosing monitors that meet high standards, such as HDR10.
Thanks to G-Sync or FreeSync technology, it’s possible to avoid monitor tearing and minimize input lag. G-Sync requires an Nvidia GPU. This technology is integrated into the display and affects its price considerably. FreeSync was developed by AMD. As it is free to use, screens with FreeSync support are usually more affordable.
Nowadays, 1440p monitors are widely used by gamers. Their resolution is high enough for you to see all the details when playing your favorite games but still too low to achieve good performance without a professional gaming computer.
I recommend using the AMD Radeon RX 5700 for gaming if you have a 1400p 60Hz monitor. Though it’s quite expensive, you can find cheaper options at $330. If you are lucky enough, you might find a good discount.
Actually, it’s up to you. A 1440p computer monitor isn’t for everyone. While some budget-conscious gamers buy 1080p 144Hz screens, others prefer amazing visual effects offered by 4K 60Hz monitors.
Definitely. You can find a 1440p 144Hz monitor that provides the best options for different situations. However, 1440p 144Hz screens are usually more challenging for a system to run than 4K 60Hz ones.