Refresh rates play a big part in making some of the greatest monitors as good as they are. A high refresh rate monitor can benefit a range of professional or recreational functions including gaming, video editing, or watching films, TV, and other high-quality media. There’s nothing wrong with seeking out a new piece of tech based on individual specs, there’s a lot to love with a high refresh rate monitor after all.
A monitor with a higher refresh rate will guarantee a far more fluid and uninterrupted viewing experience, no matter the device that it’s connected to. In the instance of gamers, a high refresh rate will minimise input lag and provide extremely responsive and near seamless gameplay. Of course, other important specs like display resolution and viewing angle will only add to that desired atmosphere and immersion.
The best high refresh rate monitors at a glance:
• The best high refresh rate monitor overall: Alienware AW2723DF 27 Inch QHD Monitor - View at Amazon
• The best budget high refresh rate monitor: Samsung Odyssey AG320 LS24AG320NUXXU - View at Argos
• The best high refresh rate monitor for PS5: Dell G3223Q 32 Inch 4K UHD (3840x2160) Gaming Monitor - View at Amazon
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a monitor with a high refresh rate, then there’s a good chance you have an eye for detail and you prioritise performance. At What’s the Best, we’ve tracked down some of the best high refresh rate monitors from across the web. You'll still find budget monitors here, as well as high-end performers. All with impressive numbers, these monitors can deliver that pristine viewing experience that has become so sought after.
The best high refresh rate monitors in 2024:
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
The best high refresh rate monitor overall
AmazonThe Alienware AW2723DF 27-inch QHD Monitor is a cutting-edge choice for gamers and professionals alike. Offering an impressive 280Hz refresh rate, this monitor delivers ultra-smooth, crystal-clear visuals that are essential for high-speed gaming. With QHD resolution, expect vivid, detailed images that bring your digital world to life. Its sleek design and adjustable features ensure a comfortable viewing experience, making it the premier choice for those who demand the best in high refresh rate monitors. There's serious value to be had here, especially considering the specs and features that are on offer.
Pros
- Refresh rate is through the roof
- Superb colour support delivers a beautiful display
- Very well ventilated
- Solid value considering the high specs
Cons
- May be too much for someone who isn't a regular gamer
The best high refresh rate monitor for PS5
AmazonThe Dell G3223Q 32 Inch 4K UHD Gaming Monitor is the ultimate choice for PS5 loyalists. Boasting a 144Hz refresh rate, it provides exceptionally smooth gameplay and razor-sharp clarity at 3840x2160 resolution. Tailor-made for console gaming, it enhances every detail and colour with stunning accuracy. Featuring VESA DisplayHDR 600, it illuminates your gaming world with lifelike visuals. Optimal for immersive PS5 sessions, it's a top-tier monitor for a true gaming experience on console.
Pros
- Breathtaking 4K resolution
- Robust build and lasting design
- Some of the best 144Hz gaming around
Cons
- May be too bright for some users
The best budget high refresh rate monitor
Amazonwww.argos.co.uk
The Samsung Odyssey AG320 LS24AG320NUXXU is a standout budget-friendly monitor, suited for those seeking high performance without making a hefty dent in the budget. This 24-inch display offers a blistering 165Hz refresh rate, ensuring seamless, fluid motion for demanding jobs. With Full HD resolution, it delivers sharp, vibrant visuals, and its ergonomic design allows for comfortable extended use. Perfect for the budget-conscious, this monitor combines affordability with high refresh capabilities for a superior experience.
Pros
- Fantastic display for the price
- Ultra-modern design
- 165Hz is seriously impressive
Cons
- You are better quality screens out there
The best high refresh rate monitor for Xbox Series X
AmazonUpgrade your Xbox Series X gaming with the AOC AGON AG324UX monitor. This 32-inch powehouse is equipped with a 4K UHD display and a 144Hz refresh rate, guaranteeing ultra-smooth and rich visuals that keep pace with fast-action games. HDR10 compatibility boosts every scene with striking contrasts and glowing colors, perfect for immersive gaming. With adaptive sync technology to minimize lag and tearing, it's the ultimate monitor for Xbox Series X gamers seeking a flawless gaming experience.
Pros
- Lovely 4K resolution
- 144Hz refresh rate is mighty
- Features FreeSync Premium
Cons
- HDR is HDR400, good for the price - but not HDR10
The best 4K high refresh rate monitor
Curryswww.currys.co.uk
4K like never before. The Samsung Odyssey G7 28-inch 4K Monitor, is a stellar choice for even the most demanding tasks. This monitor combines a stunning 4K resolution with a high 144Hz refresh rate, delivering crisp, vibrant visuals and the potential for silky-smooth gameplay. Featuring AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for seamless synchronization, it eliminates screen tearing and stuttering. The sleek, curved design and HDR400, provide immersion when you need it, making it the best 4K high refresh rate monitor available.
Pros
- One of Samsung's all-time best monitors
- Has built-in WiFi for TV and cloud gaming
- Solid connection options and built-in speakers for an easy setup
Cons
- The speakers aren't brilliant
The best high refresh rate monitor for working from home
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
Transform your home office with the Samsung Odyssey G8 LS34BG850SUXXU, the ultimate monitor for remote workers. This 34-inch ultrawide display offers a 175Hz refresh rate, which is brilliant for multitasking and video conferencing. With a 5K2K resolution, it provides expansive, crystal-clear visuals perfect for complex workflows. Its ergonomic design and HDR10+ support enhance comfort and visual clarity during long hours of work. Ideal for work-from-home setups, it's the top choice for a productive and efficient workspace.
If you happen to be a gamer when you've clocked off, this monitor will have no trouble supporting your most intense sessions.
Pros
- Rare OLED monitor
- Refresh rate is fantastic
- Ultra-wide is great for multi-tasking
Cons
- Monitor stand shape won't be for everyone
The best portable high refresh rate monitor
AmazonThe ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHP is the go-to portable high refresh rate monitor. This 15.6-inch panel delivers a 144Hz refresh rate for fluid, tear-free visuals, ensuring peak performance anywhere. It provides true portability and an adjustable kickstand for optimal viewing angles. With its full HD resolution and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility, it offers crisp, smooth imagery for both competitive gaming, editing, and everyday use. Ideal for dynamic lifestyles.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Super lightweight and portable
- Extremely high refresh rate for on the go use
Cons
- If connected to a laptop via USB-C, power drains quicker than others
The best super-budget high refresh rate monitor
AmazonThe Acer EK241YHbif 24-inch Monitor is a super-budget choice for those needing high performance at a low cost. It offers a 75Hz refresh rate, providing smoother visuals compared to standard 60Hz displays, which'll benefit both work and play. With its Full HD resolution, you can expect clear, vibrant images across countless apps. Its sleek design and wide viewing angles make it a welcome addition to any setup.
Pros
- 100Hz at under £100 is superb
- Very good resolution with bright colours
- Bezel-less design shines
Cons
- Build quality doesn't impress
The best high refresh rate monitor for dual screens
AmazonThe AOC Gaming Q27G2S 27 Inch QHD Monitor is a great option for those seeking a dual-screen setup, combining high performance with modern aesthetics. You get a 165Hz refresh rate and QHD resolution, it offers exceptionally smooth and detailed visuals, perfect for both intensive gaming and multitasking. The slim bezels allow for seamless integration with multiple monitors, creating a virtually uninterrupted view. With its superior color accuracy and adjustable stand, it's the top monitor for creating a powerful, expansive workstation.
Pros
- Super high refresh rate means it can tackle nearly anything
- A first choice for many gamers
- Hassle-free switching between two connected systems
Cons
- It has G-Sync, but no Freesync - so check if your PC's video card supports it
The best ultra-wide curved high refresh rate monitor
AmazonThe ASUS ROG Strix XG349C makes a strong case as the ultimate ultra-wide curved monitor, delivering an immersive 34-inch display with a 1900R curvature. A 180Hz refresh rate guarantees fluid, super-smooth visuals, enhancing gaming sessions and enriching digital work. With a 3440x1440 resolution and HDR400, it produces bright colors and deep contrasts. Featuring ASUS-exclusive Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync technology, it reduces ghosting and tearing. Perfect for gamers and professionals seeking a panoramic view that won't ever sacrifice performance.
Pros
- 180Hz refresh rate does exactly what it says on the tin
- Fantastic looking monitor - screen and frame
- Plenty of connections
Cons
- No built-in speakers (but, external is always better)
What are refresh rates?
It's critical to understand the importance of refresh rates. Typically the higher the number, the better – this is a good place to start. They usually start at 60Hz, and go up to 120Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz, and even 360Hz. Refresh rate is simple, it refers to how often your screen refreshes its image, or how many times per second the screen updates. The higher the refresh rate, the more seamless and smoother the viewing experience will be.
Different refresh rates are suited to different functions and will meet certain performance expectations. 60Hz is more than sufficient for watching movies, TV, carrying out basic tasks, and even casual gaming. 120Hz would be the entry point for high-speed gaming, you’ll see the most noticeable difference between 60Hz and 120Hz. It’s reasonable to say that any refresh rates above 120Hz will be for those users looking for the most refined display possible, especially serious, competetive gamers.
Considerations when choosing a high refresh rate monitor
It’s not as simple as a high refresh rate makes the best monitor. There are some other elements to take into consideration if you’re looking to buy a high refresh rate monitor.
If you’re after a smooth monitor experience that looks great too, you’ll want to consider both refresh rate and resolution. Resolution refers to the number of pixels on the screen, so a higher refresh rate and a greater resolution is going to result in quite a formidable display. If either the refresh rate or the resolution are considerably less than the other, a lack of display quality will become clear.
We all have preferences, whether it be speed, colour, viewing angle, or contrast. Depending on the monitor panel you go for, you’ll have a slightly different experience, and this has nothing to do with refresh rate or resolution. The three panel types include TN, VA, and IPS.
TN – The best option for speed, gamers swear by TN panels for their often-sub-1ms response time and flawless refresh rate. You also get good black levels, but viewing angles are limited, and this can impact colour shift and image fade.
VA – A solid all-rounder choice. You’re getting the best panel contrast, richer colours, but you will sadly sacrifice some speed. VA is still a sound choice for gamers and creatives alike, just perhaps not for those seeking that high-demand experience.
IPS – For the outright best colour delivery and viewing angles, you can’t go wrong with an IPS panel. Sure, black level is a clear weakness, and speeds don’t compete with TN panels, but there’s still a lot to admire from these displays.
Getting the right value for your money
When shopping for a high refresh rate monitor, it’s important that you get the most value for your money. You don’t want to invest in a monitor that has such a high refresh rate, but you’ll never use it to its full potential. Equally, you don’t want to undershoot on your choice either. Risking a lower refresh rate for a more modest price point is no good for a competitive gamer. The best gaming monitors require 120Hz as an entry level refresh rate, but it's totally worth the investment.
Jack Barrell is a Tech and Fitness Writer for What’s the Best. He is invested in all things entertainment and keeps well up to date with the latest sports and exercise trends too. On his off days Jack can usually be found doing one of two things; lifting heavy weights – or watching his favourite Star Wars for the thousandth time.