Top 5 Best Monitors for FPS Gaming

Raise your hand if you’ve been in this situation: it’s a 1-v-1 with only precious few seconds left to plant the bomb or your team loses.

As you sprint around a corner, you notice your lone enemy standing across the room. You both raise your guns in unison, hip firing straight at each other.

It looks like you both shoot at the same time and yet your character drops dead. You scream a few curse words and hurl your mouse at the wall, .

In the back of your head, you start to wonder: is your monitor holding you back?

The short answer is: yes, it probably is!

Preview
BenQ ZOWIE XL2540 24.5...
AOC G2460PF 24” Gaming...
ASUS VG248QE 24" Full HD...
Asus ROG Swift PG258Q...
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P 24...
Title
BenQ ZOWIE XL2540
AOC G2460PF
ASUS VG248QE
ASUS ROG PG258Q
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P
Resolution
1920x1080
1920x1080
1920x1080
1920x1080
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
240Hz
144Hz
144Hz
240Hz
144Hz
Adaptive Sync
-
FreeSync
-
G-SYNC
-
Panel Tech
TN
TN
TN
TN
TN
Response Time
1ms
1ms
1ms
1ms
1ms
Screen Size
24.5"
24"
24"
24.5"
24"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
-
-
-
Price
Price not available
Price not available
$286.99
Price not available
Price not available
Preview
BenQ ZOWIE XL2540 24.5...
Title
BenQ ZOWIE XL2540
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
240Hz
Adaptive Sync
-
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24.5"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
Price
Price not available
More Information
Preview
AOC G2460PF 24” Gaming...
Title
AOC G2460PF
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Adaptive Sync
FreeSync
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
Price
Price not available
More Information
Preview
ASUS VG248QE 24" Full HD...
Title
ASUS VG248QE
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Adaptive Sync
-
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
Price
$286.99
More Information
Preview
Asus ROG Swift PG258Q...
Title
ASUS ROG PG258Q
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
240Hz
Adaptive Sync
G-SYNC
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24.5"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
Price
Price not available
More Information
Preview
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P 24...
Title
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Adaptive Sync
-
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
Price
Price not available
More Information

First Person Shooter Monitor Requirements

There are 5 key features you need to consider when purchasing a first-person shooter gaming monitor.

  • Resolution
  • Refresh Rate
  • Adaptive Sync
  • Panel Tech
  • Response Time

I’ll break down why each of these are important, what to look for, and then I’ve put together an updated list of perfect monitors for Call of Duty, Fortnite, CS:GO, PUBG, or any other FPS!

Resolution

This is the easiest and some might say the most important quality for a FPS gaming monitor: the display resolution.

Standard gaming monitors come in the following resolutions:

While bigger is usually better, especially for immersive gaming, that’s not what we’re going for here. If you look at professional FPS gamers on Twitch, be it Call of Duty to CS:GO to you name it, they’re almost always using smaller monitors that are most optimized for refresh and response time.

You obviously want as crisp and clear an image as possible while also pushing as much performance to your refresh and response time. A 1080 resolution does just that, which is why all of the best FPS gaming monitors are 24-27 inches in size. Even a mid-range graphics card should have no trouble smoothly running current FPS games.

Anything bigger and you’ll notice

Refresh Rate

When you’re playing a game, no matter what shooter it is, the situation is always changing. Players move, bullets are shot, things blow up – you name it, there’s a game that does it.

Monitors have to show all those changes, which means they’re constantly refreshing. A monitor’s refresh rate tells you how many times it can refresh your screen per second.

Most monitors today have one of the following refresh rates:

  • 60Hz
  • 144Hz
  • 240Hz

Obviously, the more times a monitor is able to refresh, the more detailed information you’ll receive. This lets you “see” more.

A monitor’s refresh rate is dependent on your computer’s graphics card! If your GPU can’t process and push enough frames per second, then you won’t be taking advantage of your monitor’s full potential.

For shooters, you want as high a refresh rate as your computer can hreandle.

Adaptive Sync

The two main graphics card makers are AMD and Nvidia. Each have their own adaptive sync technology to reduce screen tearing during gaming. Both adaptive tech synchronizes your monitor directly with your graphics card, which guarantees images always arrive on screen at the exact specif time. This is most noticeable in games where you quickly turn, as in jumping while turning 180 to shoot somebody behind you.

AMD calls their tech FreeSync while Nvidia uses G-Sync. The two options only work with their parent company, so if you have an AMD graphics card, a G-Sync monitor would be wasted on you.

While the reduction in screen tearing is nice, Adaptive Sync isn’t without it’s drawbacks. If you have a compatible Nvidia graphics card, then adding G-Sync to a first person shooter monitor will increase the price tag by at least $150.

However, FreeSync adds virtually no price to a monitor, which means it’s worth getting a FreeSync monitor if you have ANY compatible AMD graphics card! Thankfully AMD has a full database of every FreeSync monitor in case you want to see if you happen to

Since G-Sync adds such a premium, I’d only consider a G-Sync monitor if I already had a powerful Nvidia graphics card. Adaptive Sync is something you want to build around your graphics card, not the other way around. Honestly, I value this the least important of all 5 traits, but eliminating screen tearing will give you the slightest of edges.

Panel Tech

If you purchased a TV over the past 20 years, you’ll remember you had two options when it came to image quality: plasma or LCD.

Panel tech is the modern day equivalent for computer monitors!. These days, monitors rely on two main types of panel tech:

  • TN (twisted nematic)
  • IPS (in-plane switching)

Like the plasma vs LCD debate, both TN and IPS have their strengths and weaknesses. However, only one type of panel works for FPS games!

IPS screens look gorgeous and are found on high-end monitors. IPS benefits include a wide 178 degree viewing angel on the screen, allowing for an immersive gaming experience. However, all this beauty and wonder comes at a cost. IPS panels have lower response times, which is terrible for an FPS. If somebody kills you in Fortnite, are you happy to watch your body crumple onto a brighter, prettier shade of grass?

TN panels, on the other hand, trade a little bit of color rendering power for a higher refresh rate and lower cost.

This is why IPS monitors are more suiting for single player, RPG, or any non-FPS game. That means we want TN panel monitors for FPS games!

Response Time

The response time of an FPS gaming monitor needs to be as low as possible. Your monitor’s pixels measure how long they take to switch colors in milliseconds (ms) and currently, the fastest monitor response times are 1ms monitors.

ANY serious gaming event will have 100% monitors with 1ms response time. Any serious FPS gamer on Twitch has a 1ms

You. Only. Want. 1ms. Monitors.

With a 1ms gaming monitor, the changing of colors on your screen will be as smooth as possible while the camera moves. With no blur, you cut down on vital seconds where you’re essentially blind.

In 2018, there’s really no excuse not to have a 1ms response time monitor. They’re cheap, they’re prevalent, and they’re the absolute best.

Best First Person Shooter Gaming Monitors

Continue below for a full breakdown of each FPS gaming monitor!

Preview
BenQ ZOWIE XL2540 24.5...
AOC G2460PF 24” Gaming...
ASUS VG248QE 24" Full HD...
Asus ROG Swift PG258Q...
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P 24...
Title
BenQ ZOWIE XL2540
AOC G2460PF
ASUS VG248QE
ASUS ROG PG258Q
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P
Resolution
1920x1080
1920x1080
1920x1080
1920x1080
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
240Hz
144Hz
144Hz
240Hz
144Hz
Adaptive Sync
-
FreeSync
-
G-SYNC
-
Panel Tech
TN
TN
TN
TN
TN
Response Time
1ms
1ms
1ms
1ms
1ms
Screen Size
24.5"
24"
24"
24.5"
24"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
-
-
-
Price
Price not available
Price not available
$286.99
Price not available
Price not available
Preview
BenQ ZOWIE XL2540 24.5...
Title
BenQ ZOWIE XL2540
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
240Hz
Adaptive Sync
-
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24.5"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
Price
Price not available
More Information
Preview
AOC G2460PF 24” Gaming...
Title
AOC G2460PF
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Adaptive Sync
FreeSync
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
Price
Price not available
More Information
Preview
ASUS VG248QE 24" Full HD...
Title
ASUS VG248QE
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Adaptive Sync
-
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
Price
$286.99
More Information
Preview
Asus ROG Swift PG258Q...
Title
ASUS ROG PG258Q
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
240Hz
Adaptive Sync
G-SYNC
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24.5"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
Price
Price not available
More Information
Preview
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P 24...
Title
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Adaptive Sync
-
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
Price
Price not available
More Information

BenQ XL2540 Gaming Monitor

It should come as no surprise that a BenQ monitor came in first, as they helped revolutionize how seriously gaming monitors can be. The XL2540 comes in as the top choice in our best FPS gaming monitor list for a variety of reasons. With a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, you’re guaranteed the faster possible picture to go along with an ultra smooth gaming experience.

It’s a bummer the XL2540 doesn’t have a Vesa mount. Thankfully, the build quality of the XL2540 monitor is well above average and comes built with a heavy, solid base so that it won’t fall over easily. To further boot, we loved the rotating, 90° spin that allowed for both horizontal and vertical alignment.

A nice touch are the side panels, which reduce both glare and peripheral distractions.

Setting up the BenQ out of the box is lightning fast, meaning you can get it up and running in just a few minutes. It also comes with software that you can install onto your computer that will allow you to adjust the brightness and contrast, along with other settings, that help give you the best possible picture while winning the battle royale or planting the bomb.

BenQ ZOWIE XL2540 24.5...
442 Reviews
BenQ ZOWIE XL2540 24.5...
  • Lightning-fast 240 Hz refresh rate performance for a smooth gaming experience
  • 1ms response time (GTG) to eliminate ghosting and lag providing the optimal gaming experience
  • Exclusive color vibrancy and black equalizer technology to enhance visual clarity and customized color settings giving players the advantage on the battlefield.Power consumption (On mode)‎:55W
  • Removable Shield that helps players focus on the game by blocking outside distractions paired with our s-switch that allows players to navigate the menu save custom display profiles and change monitor settings in an instant with the press of a button
  • Multiple connectivity options Featuring DisplayPort Dual-link DVI-D HDMI and headphone/Microphone jack input Brightness 400 cd/M2

AOC G2460PF Gaming Monitor

If you have an AMD graphics card, you’ll want to give strong consideration to the AOC G2460PF FPS gaming monitor! It’s great 24″ monitor with a 1ms response time and a 144hz refresh rate that spits out crisp, bright colors making games look absolutely gorgeous.

Another nice perk is the G2460PF comes equipped with a Vesa mount. This allows you to attach the monitor to any Vesa bracket, wall hanger, or mount to give you total control over positioning your monitor.

AMD Owners: Pay Attention

As we mentioned in our opening review, AMD Adaptive Sync tech is called FreeSync and is nice because it doesn’t add to the price. The G2460PF is the only monitor that passed our rigorous standards to also have FreeSync and it comes in at under $200!

As usual with our picks, this AOC FPS monitor has received great reviews from users playing Call of Duty, PUBG, or CS:GO. In fact, I’m an owner of this monitor myself! I use it to play Fortnite every weekend and it’s 👌

AOC G2460PF 24” Gaming...
  • 24" Class LED Monitor (24" Viewable) Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, 144hz Response Rate
  • AMD FreeSync technology provides the smoothest gaming experience. Height adjust amount- 5.1 inches. Pixel Pitch (H) (V)- 0.276
  • Brightness - 350 cd/m2, Dynamic Contrast Ratio - 80,000,000:1, Response Time - 1ms
  • Connectivity - VGA, DVI, HDMI w/MHL, Display Port, (4) USB, (1) USB Hub, Headphone Jack
  • Wall Mountable 100mm, Speakers, Height & Swivel Adjustable. Compatibile with Windows 10. Active screen area (HxW) - 531.36 x 298.89 mm

ASUS VG248QE

If you’re looking to save a little money without skimping on any important features, then the ASUS VG248QE is the perfect solution for you.

The VG248QE has a Vesa mount and also boosts the highest average customer rating on our list.

ASUS VG248QE 24" Full HD...
  • Ultra smooth action with 144 Hertz rapid refresh rate and 1ms (GTG) response time; Display Colors 16.7M; Color Temperature Selection 4 Modes
  • Ergonomically designed stand with Tilt,Swivel,Pivot,Height adjustment plus wall mount capability for comfortable viewing position
  • A comfortable viewing experience with ergonomic tilt, swivel pivot, and height adjustment
  • Built in 2W stereo speakers for an immersive home entertainment experience; Compliance and Standards BSMI, CB, CCC, CE, C Tick, ErP, FCC, Gost R, J MOSS, PSE, RoHS, UL/cUL, VCCI, WEEE, WHQL (Windows 8, Windows 7)
  • Featuring Display Port, Dual link DVI D, and HDMI ports for multi device connections

ASUS ROG PG258Q

The ASUS ROG PG258Q is the most expensive option on our best FPS monitors guide, but the reason is because it’s also the only monitor compatible with G-Sync, Nvidia’s Adaptive Sync technology! Like our earlier selections, you’ll be able to play FPS games in extremely high quality with this monitor.

Nvidia Owners: Pay Attention

As we mentioned in our opening review, Nvidia Adaptive Sync tech is called G-Sync. It’s nice to have, but adds around $100-$150 to a monitor’s price. If you purchase the PG258Q, you should also own an Nvidia graphics card.

Assuming you have an Nvidia GPU, then the PG258Q gaming monitor is worth your attention. The 24.5″ screen gives you just a hint more real estate on your 1920×1080 resolution, but the real kicker is the 240Hz refresh rate.

There’s no Vesa mount, but the customer reviews are through the roof on the PG258Q and it’s a great choice for the Nvidia gamers among us!

Asus ROG Swift PG258Q...
  • 25 inches Full HD (1920x1080p) panel with a 1ms response time and native 240 Hertz refresh rate with a frame less design and customizable LED lighting Effect
  • Viewing angle (cr≧10): 170 degree (h)/160 degree (v).flexible connectivity options with Display Port 1.2, HDMI 1.4 and 2 x USB 3.0 Ports and exclusive game plus hotkey for in game enhancements while Game Visual for optimized visuals.Voltage: 100-240V, 50/60Hz
  • NVidia G SYNC ensures smooth game play by eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. Brightness (maximum): 400 cd/㎡, contrast Ratio (maximum): 1000: 1
  • ASUS Eye Care technology makes marathons even easier, reducing eyestrain and other eye ailments with TUV Rhineland certified Blue light filter and flicker free back lighting
  • Compliance and standards cob, CCC, CE, CEL level 1, cu, Earp, FCC, j moss, kick, PSE, RoHS, UL/CUL, Vici, WEEE, WHQL (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7), RCM, TUV flicker free, standby, TUV low Blue light. Refer to the PDF attached below in technical Specification For user Manual

BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P

The BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P is a wonderful CS:GO monitor that manages to sell at a budget price without sacrificing any important FPS qualities. From a crisp, beautiful 1920×1080 resolution with a TN panel, to a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time – it’s all there.

Literally everything you need in a PUBG monitor for under $200.

One cool thing about BenQ is they use low bluelight technology that provides an easy gaming experience on your eyes. This means you can slay in Call of Duty for hours with little to no eye fatigue!

If you’re looking for a budget gaming monitor than the BenQ XL2411P is definitely the one that’ll make you say ZOWIE.

no

….you’re right, that was bad, I’ll show myself the door.:D

Where was I? Or yes, the XL2411P has everything you could possibly want in a gaming monitor while remaining one of the cheapest on the market AND keeping the BenQ brand. It has multiple video connectivity options as well as built in stereo speakers, a solid frame, and plenty of online guides to help fine tune the settings out of the box so that it’s working perfectly on Call of Duty, Fortnite, or any other FPS game.

BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P 24...
  • Lightning-fast 144 Hz refresh rate performance for a smooth PC gaming experience over DisplayPort or DVI-D
  • ATTENTION: HDMI only outputs 60Hz max; NOT COMPATIBLE with PS5 / XBox Series X/5 at 120Hz; Please check out the XL2411K for full 120Hz compatibility
  • 1ms Response Time (GTG) to eliminate ghosting and lag, providing the optimal gaming experience. Dimensions (HxWxD mm)‎- 559 (Hightest) / 429 (Lowest) x 570 x 219; Dimensions with wall mount (HxWxD mm) (w/o Base)‎- 347x570x59.97
  • Exclusive Color Vibrance and Black eQualizer technology to enhance visual clarity and customized color settings, giving players the advantage on the battlefield
  • Multiple connectivity options featuring DisplayPort, Dual-Link DVI-D to reach 144Hz, HDMI and Headphone/Microphone Jack input
Preview
BenQ ZOWIE XL2540 24.5...
AOC G2460PF 24” Gaming...
ASUS VG248QE 24" Full HD...
Asus ROG Swift PG258Q...
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P 24...
Title
BenQ ZOWIE XL2540
AOC G2460PF
ASUS VG248QE
ASUS ROG PG258Q
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P
Resolution
1920x1080
1920x1080
1920x1080
1920x1080
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
240Hz
144Hz
144Hz
240Hz
144Hz
Adaptive Sync
-
FreeSync
-
G-SYNC
-
Panel Tech
TN
TN
TN
TN
TN
Response Time
1ms
1ms
1ms
1ms
1ms
Screen Size
24.5"
24"
24"
24.5"
24"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
-
-
-
Price
Price not available
Price not available
$286.99
Price not available
Price not available
Preview
BenQ ZOWIE XL2540 24.5...
Title
BenQ ZOWIE XL2540
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
240Hz
Adaptive Sync
-
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24.5"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
Price
Price not available
More Information
Preview
AOC G2460PF 24” Gaming...
Title
AOC G2460PF
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Adaptive Sync
FreeSync
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
Price
Price not available
More Information
Preview
ASUS VG248QE 24" Full HD...
Title
ASUS VG248QE
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Adaptive Sync
-
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
Price
$286.99
More Information
Preview
Asus ROG Swift PG258Q...
Title
ASUS ROG PG258Q
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
240Hz
Adaptive Sync
G-SYNC
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24.5"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
Price
Price not available
More Information
Preview
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P 24...
Title
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P
Resolution
1920x1080
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Adaptive Sync
-
Panel Tech
TN
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
24"
Vesa Mount
Customer Rating
-
Price
Price not available
More Information

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