Choosing the right gaming monitor is a crucial part of any PC build. With graphics cards becoming more powerful and games supporting higher frame rates, refresh rate is now a top priority for gamers.
In 2025, the two most popular high-refresh options are 144Hz and 240Hz. While both offer smoother gameplay than standard 60Hz displays, they target different audiences and use cases.
But which one should you choose for your setup? In this guide, we compare 144Hz and 240Hz gaming monitors in terms of performance, image quality, competitive advantage, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Refresh Rate and Frame Rate
Refresh rate refers to how many times per second your monitor updates the image on screen, measured in hertz (Hz). Frame rate (FPS) is how many frames your GPU produces per second.
If your monitor has a refresh rate of 144Hz, it can display up to 144 frames per second. A 240Hz monitor can show up to 240 frames per second. The closer your FPS is to your monitor’s refresh rate, the smoother your gameplay will appear.
However, achieving higher refresh rates requires not only a fast monitor but also a powerful GPU and CPU combination capable of pushing those frame rates.
Visual Smoothness and Motion Clarity
One of the most immediate benefits of high refresh rates is motion clarity. On a 60Hz display, fast-moving objects can appear blurry or choppy. With 144Hz and 240Hz, motion becomes much smoother and easier to track.
- 144Hz is already a significant jump over 60Hz or 75Hz, providing smoother camera panning, less screen tearing, and more responsive input.
- 240Hz improves motion clarity further, especially in fast-paced games like FPS, racing sims, and eSports titles. Targets are easier to track, and animations are ultra-fluid.
However, the improvement from 144Hz to 240Hz is less dramatic than the jump from 60Hz to 144Hz. For most users, 144Hz is already extremely smooth.
Gaming Performance: Competitive Edge vs Casual Use
If you’re a competitive gamer—especially in titles like CS2, Valorant, Apex Legends, or Call of Duty—the difference between 144Hz and 240Hz can be meaningful.
- Reaction time and input delay are slightly lower on 240Hz monitors.
- On-screen movement is easier to track at higher refresh rates, improving aim and precision.
- Professional and semi-pro gamers often use 240Hz or even 360Hz panels.
For casual gaming, story-driven titles, or open-world experiences like Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring, the added refresh rate is often imperceptible. These games prioritize visuals over ultra-high FPS, and most GPUs won’t push 240 FPS at high settings in such titles anyway.
GPU Demands and Frame Rate Realism
To take advantage of a 240Hz monitor, your PC needs to consistently deliver frame rates above 200 FPS. This requires a powerful CPU and GPU combo, especially at 1080p or 1440p resolutions.
Here’s an example using the RTX 4070 Super with a Ryzen 7 7800X3D:
- CS2 (1080p low settings): 500+ FPS
- Valorant (1080p medium): 400–450 FPS
- Apex Legends (1080p competitive settings): 200–250 FPS
- Cyberpunk 2077 (1440p high, no DLSS): 90–100 FPS
- Call of Duty: Warzone (1440p balanced): 140–180 FPS
These numbers show that even with strong hardware, not every game will reach 240 FPS. If you primarily play AAA games with high settings, a 144Hz monitor is a more realistic match.
Resolution and Refresh Rate Balance
Most 240Hz monitors in 2025 are 1080p or 1440p, though there are premium 4K 240Hz models (usually priced above $900). Meanwhile, 144Hz displays are widely available across all resolutions.
- 144Hz 1080p: Great for budget builds and eSports
- 144Hz 1440p: Ideal for modern gaming PCs targeting a balance between detail and speed
- 240Hz 1080p: Focused on ultra-fast competitive gameplay
- 240Hz 1440p: Premium sweet spot for serious gamers with high-end GPUs
Choosing the right combination depends on your GPU and game type. RTX 4060 Ti and RX 6700 XT owners will benefit more from 1080p 144Hz. RTX 4080 and higher users can comfortably push 1440p 240Hz in many games.
Input Lag and System Latency
Higher refresh rates reduce input lag, especially when combined with G-SYNC or FreeSync. The input delay between pressing a key or clicking a mouse and seeing the result on screen is crucial in competitive scenarios.
- 144Hz monitors: Typically have input lag between 4–7 ms
- 240Hz monitors: Reduce that to 2–4 ms
While this might sound like a small number, even minor latency reductions can impact performance in high-level gameplay, especially in twitch shooters.
Price and Availability in 2025
Monitor prices have stabilized in 2025, and both 144Hz and 240Hz models are widely available.
144Hz Monitor Prices:
- 24″ 1080p IPS: $129–$159
- 27″ 1440p IPS: $199–$279
- 32″ 1440p VA/IPS: $249–$350
240Hz Monitor Prices:
- 24″ 1080p IPS: $199–$239
- 27″ 1440p IPS: $299–$399
- 32″ 1440p or 4K: $449–$999+
144Hz monitors offer better value per dollar, especially for users building a system on a budget. 240Hz monitors, while increasingly affordable, still come with a premium—especially at higher resolutions and panel qualities.
Panel Technology and Visual Quality
High refresh doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice visual quality. Many 144Hz and 240Hz monitors use IPS or VA panels with excellent contrast, color accuracy, and HDR support.
- IPS: Best for color reproduction and viewing angles
- VA: Deeper blacks, but slower pixel response (can cause ghosting)
- TN: Fastest response time, but poor color/angle performance (rare in 2025)
Modern 240Hz IPS monitors now offer similar quality to their 144Hz counterparts, but some budget 240Hz displays may still cut corners to achieve speed.
Use Case Breakdown
Choose 144Hz If:
- You play a mix of AAA and competitive games
- You want great smoothness without overspending
- You use a midrange GPU (RTX 4060–4070, RX 6700 XT)
- You care more about visuals than split-second inputs
Choose 240Hz If:
- You play primarily competitive FPS or fast-paced games
- You own a high-end GPU (RTX 4080 or better)
- You want the best edge in eSports performance
- You value ultra-low input lag and motion clarity
Setup Examples for Context
Midrange Gaming Build:
- RTX 4070
- Ryzen 5 7600
- Monitor: 27″ 1440p 144Hz IPS
- Why: Best balance for visuals and performance
Competitive eSports Build:
- RTX 4080 Super
- Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Monitor: 25″ 1080p 240Hz IPS
- Why: Faster refresh, lower latency for FPS gaming
Creator-Gamer Build:
- RTX 4070 Ti
- Ryzen 9 7900X
- Monitor: 32″ 1440p 144Hz HDR IPS
- Why: Great for editing, design, and smooth gaming
Final Verdict: Know Your Priorities
The decision between 144Hz and 240Hz isn’t just about numbers—it’s about your goals, your hardware, and your gaming style.
For most gamers, a high-quality 144Hz monitor is more than enough. It’s smooth, responsive, and visually rich. On the other hand, if you’re serious about competitive performance and have the hardware to support high FPS rates, a 240Hz display can provide the edge you’re looking for.
Think about your favorite games, your current GPU, and your budget. The best monitor is the one that complements your system—not just the one with the highest specs.
