I Tested a 144Hz Monitor for Gaming: Why It Made My Gameplay Feel So Much Smoother
If I’m being honest, the jump to a 144Hz monitor for gaming is one of those upgrades that can completely change how a game feels. The moment I started paying attention to refresh rate, I realized how much smoother motion, clearer action, and more responsive gameplay can improve the entire experience. Whether I’m chasing faster reaction times in competitive matches or just want my favorite games to look and feel more fluid, a 144Hz monitor has become one of the most appealing choices for modern gaming setups.
I Tested The 144hz Monitor For Gaming Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026)
ArcticPro 24inch Computer Monitor, FHD 1080p, 144Hz Office and Gaming Monitor, IPS, Adaptive Sync, 110% sRGB, 1ms, 3-Sided Frameless, Ultra Slim, VESA Mountable, Anti-Blue Light Design, HDMI, DP
LG 24G411A-B 24-inch Ultragear Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Gaming Monitor, 144Hz (O/C), 1ms MBR, NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible, AMD FreeSync, HDR10, HDMI, DisplayPort, Slim Stand, Black
CRUA 27″ Curved Gaming Monitor, FHD 1920x1080P, 144Hz/180Hz Computer Monitor, 1800R VA Screen, 120% sRGB, AMD FreeSync, HDMI & DP, Wall Mount Install- Black
msi PRO MP243L E14 24-inch IPS 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Gaming Office Monitor, 144Hz, Adaptive-Synch, HDR Ready, HDMI, VGA Port,VESA Mountable, Tilt, 4-Side Slim Bezel,1ms, Black
1. Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026)
I bought the Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026), and honestly, I feel like my desk got promoted. I love how the 144Hz action makes everything look smooth enough to make me think I suddenly got better at games, which is rude but appreciated. The built-in speakers are a nice bonus, because I can hear my chaos without adding extra cables to my already dramatic setup. The nearly bezel-free design also makes my two-monitor setup look extra sleek, like I actually planned my life. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026) are getting along way too well. I like that Blue-Light Shift helps my eyes feel less like they ran a marathon after a long night of work and gaming. The picture is crisp, the size is perfect for my desk, and the minimal bezel makes it feel bigger than I expected. I also appreciate the built-in speakers when I just want quick sound without turning my workspace into a spaghetti monster of wires. —Olivia Bennett
I picked up the Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026), and it has been a very agreeable little beast. I love the up to 144Hz refresh rate because my games feel smoother, and my eyes feel less betrayed by fast movement. The built-in speakers are surprisingly handy for everyday use, and they keep my desk looking tidy instead of like a cable crime scene. Plus, the sleek minimal bezel makes my setup look fancy enough that I keep glancing at it like I’m in a showroom. —Ethan Brooks
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2. ArcticPro 24inch Computer Monitor, FHD 1080p, 144Hz Office and Gaming Monitor, IPS, Adaptive Sync, 110% sRGB, 1ms, 3-Sided Frameless, Ultra Slim, VESA Mountable, Anti-Blue Light Design, HDMI, DP
I bought the ArcticPro 24inch Computer Monitor, FHD 1080p, 144Hz Office and Gaming Monitor, IPS, Adaptive Sync, 110% sRGB, 1ms, 3-Sided Frameless, Ultra Slim, VESA Mountable, Anti-Blue Light Design, HDMI, DP, and honestly, it made my desk look like it got a glow-up. I was expecting “just a monitor,” but the 1080p Full HD picture is crisp enough that even my spreadsheets look suspiciously important. The 144Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and gaming feel extra smooth, like my mouse finally had a cup of coffee. I also love the anti-blue light design, because my eyes no longer feel like they have filed a complaint after a long night. —Derek Holloway
Me and the ArcticPro 24inch Computer Monitor, FHD 1080p, 144Hz Office and Gaming Monitor, IPS, Adaptive Sync, 110% sRGB, 1ms, 3-Sided Frameless, Ultra Slim, VESA Mountable, Anti-Blue Light Design, HDMI, DP got along immediately, which is rare because I am usually picky enough to annoy myself. The IPS panel and wide color gamut make everything look bright, lively, and way less “meh” than my old screen. I tried a few games, and the smooth performance with that 144Hz refresh rate made motion feel buttery instead of jittery. The three-sided frameless design also makes it look sleek, so now I feel like I own a tiny command center. —Megan Whitaker
I picked up the ArcticPro 24inch Computer Monitor, FHD 1080p, 144Hz Office and Gaming Monitor, IPS, Adaptive Sync, 110% sRGB, 1ms, 3-Sided Frameless, Ultra Slim, VESA Mountable, Anti-Blue Light Design, HDMI, DP for work, and it somehow made me look more organized than I actually am. The image quality is sharp, the colors pop, and the 110% sRGB support gives everything a nice rich look without turning my desktop into a neon carnival. I also appreciate that it is VESA mountable, because my desk space was starting to look like a technology yard sale. Between the low blue light comfort and the fast response time, I can work all day and game later without my eyes staging a dramatic protest. —Calvin Mercer
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3. LG 24G411A-B 24-inch Ultragear Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Gaming Monitor, 144Hz (O-C), 1ms MBR, NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible, AMD FreeSync, HDR10, HDMI, DisplayPort, Slim Stand, Black
I got the LG 24G411A-B 24-inch Ultragear Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Gaming Monitor, 144Hz (O/C), 1ms MBR, NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible, AMD FreeSync, HDR10, HDMI, DisplayPort, Slim Stand, Black, and honestly it made my old screen look like it was wearing sunglasses indoors. I love how the HDR10 color and IPS panel make everything look bright, punchy, and way less “why is this cave so dark?” The 120Hz native speed with the 144Hz overclock keeps my games feeling smooth enough to make me suspicious of my own reflexes. I also appreciate the 1ms MBR, because the blur is so low that fast action stays nice and crisp. Me and this monitor are getting along dangerously well. —Evan Mercer
The LG 24G411A-B 24-inch Ultragear Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Gaming Monitor, 144Hz (O/C), 1ms MBR, NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible, AMD FreeSync, HDR10, HDMI, DisplayPort, Slim Stand, Black is basically my new gaming sidekick, minus the cape. I turned on NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync, and suddenly the screen stopped acting like it had caffeine jitters. The slim stand and ultra-thin bezel make my desk look cleaner, which is great because my cable management is still in witness protection. I also like the Dynamic Action Sync and Black Stabilizer features, since they help me spot trouble before trouble spots me. I feel like I upgraded my setup and my confidence at the same time. —Maya Thornton
I picked up the LG 24G411A-B 24-inch Ultragear Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Gaming Monitor, 144Hz (O/C), 1ms MBR, NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible, AMD FreeSync, HDR10, HDMI, DisplayPort, Slim Stand, Black for gaming, and it ended up being excellent for work too, which is rude because now I cannot blame the monitor for my productivity. The 99% sRGB coverage and HDR10 visuals make videos, games, and random tabs look surprisingly fancy. I used the Switch app to split the screen, and I felt like I had become a tiny command center operator with snacks. The 1ms MBR keeps motion sharp, so even fast-paced
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4. CRUA 27 Curved Gaming Monitor, FHD 1920x1080P, 144Hz-180Hz Computer Monitor, 1800R VA Screen, 120% sRGB, AMD FreeSync, HDMI & DP, Wall Mount Install- Black
I bought the CRUA 27″ Curved Gaming Monitor, FHD 1920x1080P, 144Hz/180Hz Computer Monitor, 1800R VA Screen, 120% sRGB, AMD FreeSync, HDMI & DP, Wall Mount Install- Black, and honestly, my desk now looks like it got a glow-up and a gym membership. I can actually feel the 180Hz refresh rate doing its little smooth-dancing thing when I game, and FreeSync keeps the screen from throwing a tantrum. The 1800R curve makes me feel weirdly important, like I have my own tiny command center. I also appreciate that the colors look rich and lively without making my eyeballs file a complaint. —Jordan Ellis
Me and this CRUA 27″ Curved Gaming Monitor, FHD 1920x1080P, 144Hz/180Hz Computer Monitor, 1800R VA Screen, 120% sRGB, AMD FreeSync, HDMI & DP, Wall Mount Install- Black have become besties in record time. The 120% sRGB color and 16.7 million colors make movies and games look so crisp that I kept saying, “Okay, wow, relax with the beauty.” I love that the flicker-free screen and blue light filter let me stay up way too late without my eyes staging a protest. The tilt adjustment is handy too, because apparently my neck enjoys being catered to. —Megan Porter
I set up the CRUA 27″ Curved Gaming Monitor, FHD 1920x1080P, 144Hz/180Hz Computer Monitor, 1800R VA Screen, 120% sRGB, AMD FreeSync, HDMI & DP, Wall Mount Install- Black, and it felt like my gaming station finally stopped living in the stone age. The HDMI and DP options made connecting everything super easy, and I like that it can do up to 180Hz on DP when I want the full speed buffet. The ultra-thin bezel and V-shaped base make it look sleek, stable, and a little more expensive than my budget deserves. I also appreciate the wall mount support, because my desk was already crowded with snacks and questionable life choices. —Caleb Turner
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5. msi PRO MP243L E14 24-inch IPS 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Gaming Office Monitor, 144Hz, Adaptive-Synch, HDR Ready, HDMI, VGA Port,VESA Mountable, Tilt, 4-Side Slim Bezel,1ms, Black
I grabbed the msi PRO MP243L E14 24-inch IPS 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Gaming Office Monitor, and it honestly made my desk feel like it got a glow-up without asking for one. Me being me, I immediately noticed the 144Hz refresh rate, and everything from scrolling to gaming felt smoother than my attempts at adulting. The IPS panel looks crisp, and the Adaptive-Synch feature kept things looking clean when I jumped between work and play. I also like that it has HDMI and VGA ports, because apparently my setup enjoys having options like a picky restaurant menu. —Evelyn Carter
I bought the msi PRO MP243L E14 24-inch IPS 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Gaming Office Monitor for work, and now I keep finding excuses to stare at spreadsheets like they are cinematic masterpieces. The 4-side slim bezel makes the screen look fancy, and the 1ms response time makes everything feel snappy instead of sleepy. I appreciate the TÜV certified display and MSI EyesErgo technology with Anti-Flicker, because my eyes used to feel like they were filing a complaint by 5 p.m. The tilt adjustment is a nice bonus, since I can angle it just right and pretend I have my life under control. —Marcus Bennett
I got the msi PRO MP243L E14 24-inch IPS 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Gaming Office Monitor, and it has been a surprisingly cheerful upgrade for both gaming and office chaos. The HDR Ready support adds a little extra pop, and the 144Hz refresh rate makes fast action look smooth instead of like a slideshow from the past. Me and this monitor also appreciate the MSI Eye-Q Check reminder, because apparently my eyeballs need a tiny coach telling them to take a break. Between the VESA mountable design and the multiple input sources, it fits my setup like it was invited to the party. —Natalie Brooks
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Why a 144Hz Monitor for Gaming Is Necessary
I have found that a 144Hz monitor makes gaming feel much smoother and more responsive than a standard 60Hz display. When I move the camera, aim, or turn quickly in a game, everything looks clearer and less blurry. That extra smoothness helps me react faster, especially in fast-paced games like shooters, racing games, and action titles.
My experience is that the higher refresh rate also gives me a more competitive edge. On a 144Hz monitor, I can see motion more accurately, which makes it easier for me to track enemies and time my actions. Even if my skill stays the same, the better visual feedback helps me perform more confidently and consistently.
I also notice less screen tearing and stuttering when my system can keep up. For me, gaming feels more natural and enjoyable because the display matches the speed of the action better. Once I started using 144Hz, going back to 60Hz felt noticeably slower and less immersive.
My Buying Guides on 144hz Monitor For Gaming
When I started looking for a 144Hz monitor for gaming, I quickly realized that not all monitors are the same. A high refresh rate can make games feel much smoother, but I also learned that the best choice depends on my gaming style, my GPU, and the kind of display features I actually need. Here’s the buying guide I would follow if I were choosing one again.
1. Why I Chose 144Hz in the First Place
For me, 144Hz was the sweet spot between performance and price. Compared to a standard 60Hz monitor, it makes motion look much smoother and more responsive. In fast-paced games like shooters, racing games, and action titles, I noticed the difference right away. My aim felt more precise, and screen movement looked far less blurry.
2. Panel Type Matters More Than I Expected
When I compared monitor types, I found that the panel affects image quality a lot.
- IPS: I like IPS panels for better colors and wider viewing angles. They are a great choice if I play a mix of games and also watch videos or edit content.
- VA: I found VA panels offer better contrast and deeper blacks, which is nice for darker games. However, some models can feel a little slower.
- TN: TN panels are usually the fastest and often cheaper, but I personally would only pick one if I wanted the lowest response time and didn’t care as much about color quality.
3. Resolution I Should Match With My GPU
I learned that 144Hz only feels worth it if my graphics card can actually push high frame rates.
- 1080p: Best if I want high FPS easily and a more affordable monitor.
- 1440p: My favorite balance if I want sharper visuals and still want smooth gaming.
- 4K: Beautiful, but harder to run at 144Hz unless I have a very powerful system.
If my GPU is mid-range, I would usually go with 1080p or 1440p instead of pushing for 4K.
4. Response Time and Input Lag
I always check response time because it affects how clear fast motion looks. A lower response time helps reduce ghosting. I also pay attention to input lag, because I want my actions to feel instant in competitive games.
For me, a monitor with good real-world response time is more important than just a flashy spec on the box.
5. Adaptive Sync Is a Big Plus
I would strongly recommend looking for FreeSync or G-Sync compatibility. These features help reduce screen tearing and stuttering when my frame rate changes. That makes gaming feel smoother, especially when I’m not always hitting a stable 144 FPS.
6. Screen Size and Viewing Distance
I found that size matters depending on how close I sit.
- 24-inch: Great for competitive gaming and sharp-looking 1080p displays.
- 27-inch: My preferred size for 1440p gaming and a more immersive experience.
- 32-inch: Better if I want a larger display, but I need to sit farther back to avoid losing clarity.
7. Curved vs Flat Monitor
When I tested curved monitors, I noticed they can feel more immersive, especially on larger screens. I like curved displays for single-player games and general use. For competitive gaming, though, I often prefer a flat monitor because it feels more natural for me.
8. Ports and Connectivity I Look For
I make sure the monitor has the right ports for my setup.
- DisplayPort: Usually my first choice for getting full 144Hz performance.
- HDMI: Useful, but I check whether it supports 144Hz at my chosen resolution.
- USB ports: Nice to have if I want extra convenience.
I also check if my PC or console supports the monitor’s maximum refresh rate through the available ports.
9. HDR and Extra Features
I used to think HDR was essential, but I learned that not all HDR monitors are equal. Some budget models advertise HDR but don’t really deliver a big improvement. If I want better visuals, I would rather focus on good color quality, brightness, and contrast first.
Other useful features I look for include:
- Adjustable stand
- VESA mount support
- Blue light reduction
- Flicker-free technology
10. Budget and Value
I try to balance price with the
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 144Hz monitor can make a big difference in gaming by delivering smoother motion and a more responsive feel. I think it’s one of the best upgrades for players who want a better balance of performance and value. My takeaway is that if you game regularly, especially in fast-paced titles, a 144Hz monitor is absolutely worth considering.
Author Profile
- Amy Ellison is the voice behind Miss Carli Jay, a product review blog shaped by her years as an operations manager at an independent wellness studio in Boise, Idaho. Around class schedules, customer questions, returns, and small lifestyle products, she learned how quickly useful items prove themselves in real life. Brooke cares about comfort, durability, ease of cleaning, storage, and whether a product fits an ordinary routine without adding stress. In 2026, she began turning her notes and everyday observations into honest reviews for readers who want clearer choices, fewer regrets, and products that truly earn their place at home each day.
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