Being a casual gamer is one thing, but if you’re serious about competing with the best, a high refresh rate monitor isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential. With one of the best on your desk, you can say goodbye to on-screen latency and respond to every in-game moment almost instantly. But what makes these monitors so game-changing?
At its core, a refresh rate is simply how many times per second your screen updates its image. Measured in Hertz (don’t ask why), a higher refresh rate translates to more frames per second—something critical for the split-second decisions demanded by fast-paced games like Warzone or Rainbow Six Siege.
That’s why high refresh rate monitors have become the standard for the pros. If you’re eyeing a spot in the competitive scene, investing in one of these lightning-fast screens could be your first big step. To make the choice easier, we’ve rounded up the top five options to get you started.
Best Highest Refresh Rate Monitors - Top 5 Quick List
- LG 27GX790A-B - 480Hz
- ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP - 480Hz
- Sony Inzone M10S - 480Hz
- Alienware AW2524HF - 500Hz
- ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP - 540Hz
Why we chose the LG 27GX790A-B
Coming in strong at joint third is LG's lightning-fast 27GX790A-B OLED Gaming Monitor, boasting an incredible 480Hz refresh rate. That’s blisteringly quick, paired with an ultra-responsive 0.03ms response time—meaning this screen can transition between colors faster than you can blink. With this powerhouse on your desk, you’ll have the edge over almost any opponent, making it a must-have for anyone serious about dominating their games.
Another standout feature is its OLED technology, delivering vivid visuals that pop with exceptional brightness (98.5% DCI-P3 color coverage and a 1.5M:1 contrast ratio). What's more, it can deliver 1440p visuals with ease, and thanks to dual HDMI 2.1 ports, it’s equally perfect for console gaming.
Rounding out the feature set, this monitor supports both FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync for buttery-smooth gameplay. Plus, its fully adjustable design—height, tilt, swivel, and pivot—lets you fine-tune your setup for maximum comfort and performance to help you secure more wins, Victory Royales, or that next big esports title.
Why we chose the ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP
Equalling the speed of the LG 27GX790A-B is the ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP, boasting a similar 480Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time for just as sharp and ultra-fast gaming visuals. This speed is aided by G-Sync compatibility and Exclusive Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology designed to deliver crisper and clearer motion in fast-paced action.
Similar to the LG 27GX790A-B, the ROG Swift PG27AQDP features WOLED technology, i.e. White OLED, which is essentially just an OLED panel that emits white light. The upshot of this is bright and vivid visuals, and it features OLED anti-flicker technology to ensure the beautiful OLED picture isn't interrupted by on-screen disruptions.
Interestingly, the monitor also features an exclusive AI gaming assistant that brings dynamic AI Crosshair, AI Shadow Boost, AI Sniper, AI Visual, and MOBA Map Helper to the table to give you an even greater competitive edge, particularly when playing top FPS titles like Call of Duty.
Why we chose the Sony INZONE M10S
If you’re chasing blistering speeds and cutting-edge tech, the Sony INZONE M10S is a monitor that demands attention—especially if you’re after one of the highest refresh rates on the market.
At the heart of this beastly display are its self-illuminating OLED pixels, delivering a 0.03ms GtG response time for an ultra-smooth, blur-free experience. But the real showstopper, and the reason it places joint third, is the staggering 480Hz refresh rate that redefines what fast-paced gaming can feel like. Pair this with two HDMI 2.1 ports, and you’ve got a monitor primed to handle lightning-fast gameplay with virtually zero input lag.
It’s not just about the specs, though, as the design is as sleek as the performance. Its minimalist 4mm base is perfect for saving desk space, while its ±180° tilt adjustments add a ton of flexibility. Plus, with development input from esports powerhouse FNATIC, the INZONE M10S is built to give competitive gamers an edge, whether you're playing at home or in the tournament spotlight.
Why we chose the Alienware AW2524HF
We're coming to the real big hitters now as, coming in at number two, is Dell's extremely quick Alienware AW2524HF. While the 1080p resolution and smaller 24.5-inch size may not be as impressive as some of the other monitors in this list (although a smaller screen is typically preferred for professional esports), it's all overlooked by the 500Hz refresh rate this monitor is capable of (overlocked). That means it just edges the competition so far, even when its native refresh rate is 480Hz like the rest of them.
Thanks to its fast IPS panel, the Alienware AW2524HF also boasts a 0.5ms GtG response time which is more than good enough for current esports standards. Let's not forget that a really good gaming monitor usually operates at around 1ms, so at 0.5ms, you're still gaining a split-second advantage, even if it's not quite the 0.03ms seen above.
FreeSync Premium technology helps to ensure near tear- and stutter-free gameplay at high speeds, all while TUV ComfortView Plus helps to keep your eyes protected by reducing low blue light emissions—trust us, you're going to need this when putting in long hours of practice to become the best.
Why we chose the ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP
At the top of the leaderboard, we have the absolute fastest monitor on the market today—the ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP. Brace yourself, because this screen pushes an eye-watering 540Hz refresh rate, made possible by the world’s fastest TN panel. The E-TN panel, as it's known, is actually around 50% more responsive than traditional TN panels, which is why ASUS has managed to squeeze even more out of this display's refresh rate.
Every aspect of this monitor is built to outclass the competition. Its 24.1-inch size, for instance, means none of the action is lost to your peripheral vision, while the lightning-fast 0.2ms GtG response time keeps you steps ahead of almost any opponent.
ASUS has also paired it nicely with NVIDIA's technology, with the monitor boasting a Reflex Analyzer to give you accurate measurements of system latency, and G-Sync Ultra Low Motion Blur 2 (ULMB 2) for the best motion blur reduction possible (over 2000Hz of effective motion clarity). As a result, this is one of the quickest and smoothest screens money can buy, hence it topping this list of the best high refresh rate monitors around.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Understanding refresh rate and monitor performance can be tricky, so we've answered some of the most commonly asked queries to help you out.
Why is a high refresh rate important?
A higher refresh rate means the screen updates more frequently per second. For example, a 144Hz monitor refreshes 144 times per second, compared to just 60 times on a standard 60Hz monitor. This increased refresh rate is important as it helps to reduce motion blur and ensures smoother transitions, making moving objects and animations appear more fluid and natural.
Is a high refresh rate monitor good for gaming?
High refresh rates are particularly beneficial for gaming, especially in fast-paced genres such as:
- First-Person Shooters (FPS): Quick movements and precise aiming feel more responsive, giving players a competitive edge.
- Racing Games: Fast-moving visuals stay crisp, allowing players to react more effectively.
For esports, where staying ahead is paramount to being competitive, high refresh rates are a must. Smoother gameplay can make the difference between winning and losing in competitive matches. Additionally, combining a high refresh rate with technologies like G-Sync or FreeSync can eliminate screen tearing, further enhancing gameplay.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're aiming for the top of the leaderboard or simply want to experience games at their absolute best, these cutting-edge screens deliver the speed and clarity needed to stay ahead. Choose wisely, and gear up for victory!