The 20 Best 1440p Monitors for Every Budget
1440p, or QHD or 2K resolution, is becoming an increasingly popular choice for gaming monitors. With 2560 x 1440 pixels, 1440p monitors strike a nice balance between price and high resolution compared to 1080p and 4K options. This comprehensive guide will discuss everything you need to know about getting the best 1440p monitors in 2024 and provide specific recommendations across various budgets and use cases.
Table of Contents
What to Look for in a 1440p Gaming Monitor
When choosing a 1440p gaming monitor, there are several key factors to consider:
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate determines how many frames per second (fps) a monitor can display. You'll want at least 120 Hz, with 144 Hz or higher ideal for gaming.
Response Time
Response time measures how fast pixels can change colours. Lower response times reduce motion blur. Aim for 4 ms or below.
Adaptive Sync
Technologies like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync match the monitor's refresh rate to your GPU's frame rate. This prevents screen tearing and stuttering with smooth gaming visuals.
Panel Type
TN panels have fast response times but poorer viewing angles and colours. VA panels boast rich contrast and colours. IPS panels excel with colour accuracy and wide viewing angles.
HDR Capabilities
HDR produces brighter, more vibrant and detailed visuals. Entry-level HDR support starts from HDR10, while top-end monitors offer HDR600 or 1000 based on peak brightness levels.
Ergonomics and Connectivity
Adjustability features like height/tilt adjustment and swivel are desirable. Connectivity options should include HDMI, DisplayPort and USB ports at a minimum.
Best 1440p Gaming Monitors Under $500
While higher resolutions usually demand premium prices, 1440p monitors can now be sold for under $500. Here are the best budget 1440p gaming monitors currently available:
Gigabyte M27Q
Panel Type: IPS
Refresh Rate: 170 Hz Overclocked
Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x USB 3.0
- 27” 2560×1440 SS IPS Display.Specific uses for product – Business
- Viewing Angle is 178º (H) / 178º (V)
- 165Hz Refresh Rate, 0.5ms (MPRT) Response Time
- Smooth Gameplay with AMD FreeSync Premium
- Studio Grade VESA Display HDR400 and 92% DCI-P3 (140% sRGB) Color Gamut. Tilt(angle) : minus-5° – plus-20°
Priced below $300, the Gigabyte M27Q delivers an exceptional 1440p gaming experience for the money. It has swift response times, making it perfect for competitive gaming. The high 170 Hz refresh rate with VESA DisplayHDR 400 support impresses this price point. Well-built with rich connectivity options, it's the best 1440p monitor you can get on a budget.
ViewSonic VX2768-2KP-MHD
Panel Type: IPS
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x USB 3.0
- BE THE DIFFERENCE: WQHD (2560x1440p) resolution, ultra-fast 1ms (MPRT) response time, and amazing 144Hz refresh rate give you the edge in all your gaming quests
- NO IMAGE TEARING: AMD FreeSync Premium technology enables smooth frame rates to aid you in battle
- AMAZING AT ANY ANGLE: An IPS panel ensures stunning views no matter your vantage point
- COMFORTABLE GAMING: Flicker-Free technology and Blue Light Filter for all-day comfort
- GAME ON: An arsenal of pre-set customizable visual modes keeps you ready for any FPS, RTS, or MOBA games
The ViewSonic VX2768 similarly punches way above its class with a vibrant IPS panel capable of 144 Hz, functional USB ports, integrated speakers and full ergonomic adjustments. Adaptive sync works on AMD and Nvidia cards, completing its excellent value gaming package.
Dell S2721DGF
Panel Type: TN, Nano IPS
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x USB 3.0 Upstream, 2x USB 3.0 Downstream, 1x Headphone out
- 27″ QHD (2560×1440) gaming monitor with blazing-fast In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology for incredible speed and amazing color performance from every angle, stunning color coverage and tear-free, stutter-free gameplay in a revamped bold design.
- A lightning-quick native 165Hz refresh rate allows fast-moving visuals to be seen with incredible clarity so you can react quicker. Enjoy smooth performance during high-speed action thanks to a blazing-fast true 1ms GtG response time that eliminates motion blur.
- NVIDIA G-SYNC Technology and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology adds another layer of seamless, low latency HDR gaming by eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. Game with minimal distractions and a larger surface area thanks to a 3-sided ultrathin bezel.
The Dell S2721DGF runs a premium quality Nano IPS panel capable of blazing 165 Hz speeds. Combined with highly responsive pixel transitions, you get superb sharpness and fluidity in fast-paced competitive multiplayer games. It also offers rich connectivity and a clean, sleek design fitting modern gaming setups.
Overall, these sub-$500 monitors provide optimal gaming performance, visual quality and features at a genuinely budget-friendly price point for 1440p.
Best 1440p High Refresh Rate Monitors (240Hz/280Hz)
E-sports professionals and hardcore competitive gamers demand the smoothest frames for reactive gameplay. 1440p monitors with 240Hz or 280 Hz refresh rates fit that bill perfectly. Here are the top high refresh rate monitors for buttery smooth 1440p gaming.
Alienware AW2721D
Refresh Rate: 240Hz with G-Sync
Panel: Fast IPS
Response Time: 1ms GtG
Ports: DP 1.4, HDMI 2.0 x3, USB-A x4, Headphone Jack
- A lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate.Mounting Type: Wall Mount
- Viewing Angle (CR≧10, H/V) is 178°/ 178°
- 27-inch QHD resolution. Color Support : 1.07 Billion.
- NVIDIA G-SYNC ULTIMATE certified
- VESA DisplayHDR 600
Justifying its premium price tag, the AW2721D delivers extremely fluid gaming performance. Its blistering 1ms GtG pixel response time complements the 240 Hz refresh perfectly with no perceptible ghosting or coronas during fast motion. Rich, vibrant colours and wide viewing angles also tick the right boxes. Built quality is typically stellar from Alienware, with abundant gamer-centric connectivity options.
ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM
Refresh Rate: 240Hz, G-Sync compatible
Panel: Nano IPS
Response Time: 1ms GtG
Ports: DP 1.4 x 1, HDMI 2.0B x 1, USB 3.0 x 2
- 26.5-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) OLED gaming monitor with 240 Hz refresh rate for immersive gaming
- Highly efficient custom heatsink, plus intelligent voltage optimization for better heat management to reduce the risk of burn-in
- Anti-glare micro-texture coating reduces reflections for accurate colors and better viewing experiences
- Ultrafast 0.03 ms response time, plus the darkest black hues, high perceptual 1000 nits peak brightness (3% of the screen with HDR on), 99% DCI-P3 gamut, and Delta E < 2 color difference for astonishing HDR performance
- G-Sync compatible technology delivers seamless, tear-free gaming; and optional uniform brightness setting ensures consistent luminance levels
Touted as the world's first 240Hz 1440p gaming monitor, the ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM is a tour de force combining a 24.5-inch Nano IPS panel with blistering speed. With DCI-P3's 98% comprehensive colour gamut coverage, it produces gorgeous life-like visuals aided by ASUS's excellent proprietary monitor tuning. This cutting-edge monitor satisfies even the most competitive gamers' band and excels in creative workflows.
ViewSonic Elite XG270QG
Refresh Rate: 240Hz Nano IPS
Response Time: 1ms
Panel: Nano IPS
Ports: DP 1.4 x 2, HDMI 2.0B x 2, USB 3.2 x 4
- IMMERSIVE MONITOR: WQHD 1440p resolution, true 1ms (GtG) response time, and 165Hz refresh rate (with DisplayPort) gives you the ultimate enthusiast experience
- Viewing Angle is 178° (H) / 178° (V)
- NVIDIA G-SYNC COMPATIBLE: Experience uninterrupted gaming with synchronized frame rates, variable overdrive, and ultra-low motion blur
- ELITE DESIGN ENHANCEMENTS: Elevate your setup with a built-in mouse bungee, headphone hook, ELITE RGB ambient lighting, and an ultra-thin brushed aluminum base.
- ALL DAY COMFORT: Fully adjustable ergonomic stand delivers the comfort you need for marathon gaming sessions
Very competitively priced among 240Hz options, the Elite XG270QG offers a premium Nano IPS panel with 1440p resolution. It nails critical gaming monitor metrics with a 1ms response, 240 Hz variable refresh rate, and rich colours. Integrated lighting and a stylish aesthetic design give your desktop an instant gaming makeover.
These high refresh monitors take no prisoners when delivering esports-level frame rates. Their blazing speed advantages far outweigh the price premiums over more mainstream gaming monitors.
Best Value for Money 1440p Monitors
While cheaper monitors cut corners somewhere, these monitors provide the optimum price vs performance ratio without significant compromises for flawless 1440p gaming.
Gigabyte M27Q
Budget gaming monitors rarely get better than the M27Q we've already covered. Simply put, no other monitor can match its combination of a 170 Hz IPS panel with high refresh VRR support and rich connectivity at less than $300. Value seekers, look no further.
Dell S2721DGF
For a good reason, another monitor we've previously featured, the Dell S2721DGF, costs less than $350 while incorporating premium niceties like a Nano IPS display, 165 Hz refresh rates and extensive connectivity options. This high-end monitor avoids unwanted budget-oriented cutbacks.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ
ASUS TUF monitors are constantly tempted by their competitive pricing for performance. The VG27AQ keeps up that trend with a vibrant 165Hz IPS display with variable refresh rates and 1ms response time to please discerning gamers. But it manages to keep costs in check via more straightforward aesthetics lacking RGB lighting bling.
LG 27GP850-B
LG makes a strong value play for 1440p gamers with its 27GP850-B model. For its reasonable price tag, you get a consistent 180Hz Nano IPS panel with DCI-P3 98% colour support and FreeSync/G-Sync compatibility. This checks off all the graphical needs for gaming and creative workloads without overspending.
While cheaper 1440p monitors exist, they cut too many corners by compromising panel quality and refresh rates or omitting adaptive sync. The monitors above achieve the optimal value equilibrium.
Best Curved Gaming Monitors
Curved displays are an acquired taste but make gaming more immersive by covering more of your peripheral vision. Their wraparound effect pulls you deeper into the action. Here are some of the best-curved displays for 1440p gaming.
Samsung Odyssey G7
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Panel: VA
Curve: 1000R – Quite aggressive
- UNMATCHED IMMERSION: Get your head in the game with Odyssey’s 1000R panel, which matches the curvature of the human eye for maximum immersion and minimal eye strain.
- WQHD RESOLUTION: Make your gaming world, more lifelike than ever before. Packing in 1. 7 times the pixel density of Full HD, WQHD resolution boasts incredibly detailed, pin-sharp images. Experience a fuller view with more space to take in all the action.
- NVIDIA G-SYNC & FREESYNC: Dropping frames means dropping chances to put your enemy in the dirt. With NVIDIA G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Pro support, Odyssey matches every frame from your graphics card, so you’re never caught short from moment to moment.
This 27-inch 1440p monitor made waves by being the first to combine Quantum dot VA colour quality with a speedy refresh rate. Sporting a steep, aggressive 1000R curve paired with vivid quantum dot colours and HDR600 peak brightness, the immersion level is off the charts, playing games that match its 240 FPS speed potential.
MSI Optix MAG342CQR
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Response Time: 1ms MPRT
Panel: VA
Curve: 1500R
- Curved Gaming display (1500R) – The best gameplay immersion.Specific uses for product – Gaming
- Viewing Angle is 178° (H) / 178° (V); Brightness is 300nits; Aspect Ratio is 21:9
- Mystic Light – The ultimate gaming finish
- UWQHD High Resolution – Game titles will even look better, displaying more details due to the UWQHD resolution
- 144Hz Refresh Rate – Real smooth gaming
MSI's Optix gaming monitors don't get as much attention as the majors. Still, this 32-inch 1440p model has a brilliant S-RGB and DCI-P3 colour gamut to look gorgeous while
playing colourful single-player cinematic games. Its 1500R curvature also hits the visual sweet spot, providing a fascinating field of view without distorting image quality at the edges.
AOC CU34G2X/BK
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Response Time: 1ms MPRT
Panel: VA
Curve: 1500R – Ultrawide!
- 34″ Class (34″ Viewable) AOC Gaming G2 Series monitor with 3440×1440 Ultra wide Quad HD (2K+) resolution VA panel. Pixel Pitch: 0.23175.Response time:1.0 milliseconds.Specific uses for product – Gaming
- Rapid 1ms response (MPRT) and 144Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync for ultra-smooth competitive game play Curve radius: 1500mm
- 3-Sided frameless design with 1500R curvature for immersive gaming and entertainment
- VA panel for wide viewing angles and brilliant colors displaying over 115% sRGB and 98% Adobe RGB color gamut area coverage
- AOC Re-Spawned 3-year zero-bright-dot 3-year advance replacement 1-year (one-time) accidental damage
The AOC CU34G2X/BK offers the best implementation of a curved display by opting for an ultrawide form factor. Spanning 34 inches with a 21:9 aspect ratio, it amplifies its 1500R curvature for expansive, immersive visuals boosted by fantastic colour reproduction. The 144 Hz refresh rate keeps up smoothly in AAA games powered by attractive aesthetics featuring a borderless frameless exterior with integrated lighting effects.
The best-curved monitors dramatically boost gaming immersion but balance it with superb high refresh rate performance for buttery smooth frames. Carefully consider your taste for curvatures, avoiding overly aggressive amounts.
Best Ultrawide Monitors for 1440p Gaming
Ultrawide monitors with 21:9 aspect ratios provide the most enveloping field of view short of multiple monitors. These ultra-wide displays excel for immersive gaming and multimedia entertainment.
LG 34GP83A-B
Refresh Rate: 180Hz
Response Time: 1ms GtG
Panel: Nano IPS
- 34” UltraWide QHD (3440 x 1440) Curved Nano IPS Display
- IPS 1ms response time – 144Hz refresh rate
- NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible
- DCI-P3 98% Color Gamut with VESA DisplayHDR 400
- 3-Side Virtually Borderless Design with Tilt/Height Adjustable Stand
This LG Ultragear model leapfrogs typical 100-144Hz ultrawide with an astounding overclockable 180Hz Nano IPS panel spitting out outrageously smooth frames for competitive gaming. Colours and contrast are impressive and uniform at peak refresh, delivering speed and visuals.
Gigabyte AORUS FI32U
Refresh Rate: 174Hz
Response Time: 1ms
Panel: IPS with RGB lighting!
- 31.5″ SS IPS 3840 x 2160 4K Display Gaming Monitor.Specific uses for product – Gaming
- Aspect Ratio is 16:9
- 144Hz Refresh Rate, 1ms (GTG) Response Time, Supports FreeSync Premium Pro
- 10-bit color / 90% DCI-P3 / 123% sRGB / VESA DisplayHDR 400
- OSD Sidekick, PiP /PbP, Dashboard, Black Equalizer, Game Assist, Auto Noise Cancellation
While pricier than other options, the AORUS FI32U justifies costs by incorporating a brilliant 32-inch 4K IPS panel married to gaming-calibre 174 Hz variable refresh rates and 1 ms response time. You get the best of all worlds – high resolution, speedy frames, and terrific colours, all augmented by integrated SPectra 2.0 RGB lighting matched by a few displays.
ASUS ROG Strix XG49VQ
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Response Time: 4ms
Panel: VA
- 49” DFHD (3840 x 1080) 1800R curved super ultra-wide monitor with 144Hz and FreeSync 2 HDR for immersive, smooth gaming with DisplayPort and HDMI connectivity
- DisplayHDR 400 certified with 90% DCI-P3 coverage ensure high color contrast and cinematic color performance
- Marathon ready with swivel, tilt and height adjustability and VESA mount so you can always find your ideal viewing position
- ASUS Eye Care technology minimizes eye fatigue and ailments with flicker-free backlighting and blue light filters
- Exclusive GamePlus and GameVisual overlays and color modes let you get the most out of your game
Built explicitly for racing/flight simulators, this ridiculously ultra-wide 49-inch ASUS display provides complete peripheral immersion to enhance your driving skills. The 144Hz refresh rate is also adequate for such visually intensive games.
Thanks to expanded screen real estate, ultrawide monitors take you deeper into the action along horizontal and vertical axes. Ensure your GPU can handle game requirements at higher resolutions than 16:9 monitors.
Best Media Consumption & Console Gaming Monitor
For entertainment purposes like streaming videos or hooking up game consoles, these monitors deliver excellent all-round performance at a reasonable cost.
LG 27GN800-B
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Response Time: 1ms GtG
Panel: IPS
This LG Ultragear monitor presents fantastic contrast and colours courtesy of LG's well-regarded IPS technology, which is perfect for movies and videos. Gamers are also kept happy thanks to speedy, fluid 144Hz refresh rates and extremely low input lag, which is ideal for console gaming. The package is nicely rounded with height/tilt ergonomic adjustments and nearly bezel-less modern aesthetics.
ViewSonic VX3276-MHD
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Response Time: 3ms
Panel: VA
- VERSATILE MONITOR: 32 Inch Full HD (1920x1080p) IPS monitor with thin bezels and 75Hz refresh rate
- ENHANCED VIEWING COMFORT: Flicker-Free technology and Blue Light Filter for reduced eye fatigue
- OPTIMIZED VIEW SETTINGS: Offers “Game,” “Movie,” “Web,” “Text,” and “Mono” presets
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: The VX3276-MHD supports laptops, PCs, and Macs with HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA inputs
Sometimes, you only need a primary monitor with good colours that gets the job done reliably. The VX3276-MHD does that with its large 31.5-inch screen real estate, 3000:1 static contrast ratio and frameless exterior. Connect your media player or game console via its dual HDMI ports, which fit most bedroom setups.
BenQ EX2780Q
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Response Time: 5ms
Panel: IPS
- Level Up the Game: 27 Inch QHD 1440P IPS 144 Hz gaming computer monitor features Freesync Premium and color optimizer settings.
- Built-In Speakers: Free up desk space with built-in speakers that delivers premium audio. The 2.1 channel amplifier's 5W subwoofer delivers a vibrant bass note!
- USB-C Connectivity: Synchronize images, videos, data and charge all of your mobile devices with an all-in-one cable!
- Eye-Care Technology: Our exclusive Eye-Care technology reduces eye fatigue for optimal comfort, productivity and allows you to work for an extended period of time.
The BenQ EX2780Q differentiates itself with its audio quality. Integrated 2.1 channel speakers powered by a subwoofer and tweeter provide room-filling sound, augmented further by DTS virtual surround effects. This makes it a fantastic monitor for console gaming without needing external speakers or surround systems. Of course, visual quality remains high, too, making movies pop with vivid details.
These monitors may not boast cutting-edge gaming features, but they make for excellent entertainment displays that don't break the bank. Their good colours and contrast lend well to streaming movies. At the same time, low lag provides smooth console gaming. Some even offer surprisingly decent integrated audio, removing cable clutter.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully, this detailed guide clarifies the critical factors to consider when choosing a 1440p monitor for an exceptional gaming experience in 2024. We've provided diverse recommendations catering to all performance levels and budgets. While 4K understandably captures the imagination with ultra HD gaming visuals, current GPU horsepower and pricing still favour 1440p as the ideal balance for most PC gamers. Temper your expectations, choose wisely using these tips, and your next 1440p monitor will provide countless hours of gaming enjoyment for years. Game on!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is 1440p better for gaming compared to 4K?
While 4 K does offer a vast resolution bump over 1440p, very few graphics cards today can reliably push triple-A games past 60 FPS at 4K. In contrast, 1440p monitors can leverage higher refresh rates more efficiently, from 120 Hz to 144 Hz and beyond, significantly lowering input lag and motion blur for competitive gaming. Plus, they are far more affordable than similarly specified 4K displays.
Does CPU choice also matter for 1440p gaming besides the GPU?
Absolutely yes. At higher resolutions like 1440p, the CPU is equally critical in delivering high frame rates compared to the GPU. Powerful modern CPUs like Intel Core i5/i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 5000/6000 series processors best unlock your 1440p monitor's full gaming potential versus older budget CPUs.
Are flat or curved monitors better for gaming?
This depends significantly on your individual preferences. Curved displays provide a far more immersive and broader field of view, from which gaming naturally benefits. However, some people find overly curved displays uncomfortable or distorting for competitive gaming. Try before you buy, if possible or buy from stores accepting easy returns.
Is display brightness important for gaming?
For standard monitors, 250-350 nits of brightness suffices comfortably for well-lit gaming rooms. However, for monitors featuring HDR capabilities, higher peak brightness like 600-1000 nits dramatically improves contrast and colour vibrancy when viewing HDR content, creating a superior visual showcase.
Which panel technology is best for gaming – IPS, TN or VA?
While TN panels have historically enjoyed dominance for their rapid response times catering to gaming and esports, IPS and VA technologies have bridged the gap while offering superior colour reproduction and viewing angles. Modern VA and especially IPS panel monitors can compete with TN's speeds while overtaking them significantly concerning visual quality. Most well-informed gamers now prefer IPS technology as the right blend for gaming.
Last update on 2024-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
