Monitors 2026
A gaming monitor is half the experience. Key things to look at: refresh rate (Hz) defines smoothness, panel type (IPS for color, VA for contrast, OLED for perfect black, TN for speed), and resolution balances sharpness against GPU load. For competitive shooters get 240+ Hz; for single-player AAA, 1440p or 4K with IPS/OLED.
How to choose a gaming monitor
The key specs are resolution, refresh rate and panel type. For competitive games prioritize refresh rate (144 to 360 Hz) and low response time; for single-player AAA, image quality (OLED or IPS) and contrast. Choose resolution to match your graphics card: 1080p unlocks high FPS, 1440p is the golden balance, 4K needs a top GPU. Be sure to check for adaptive sync (G-Sync/FreeSync): it removes screen tearing.
FAQ
What matters more: refresh rate or resolution?
It depends on the games. In competitive shooters refresh rate matters more (smoothness and low latency), in story-driven AAA, resolution and panel quality. The all-round balance for 2026 is 1440p at 144–165 Hz.
Is an OLED monitor worth it for gaming?
OLED gives the best image: perfect blacks, infinite contrast and instant response. The downside is a risk of burn-in with long static UI elements, but modern models have protection mechanisms.
What refresh rate do you need?
60 Hz is the minimum, 144 Hz is the comfortable gaming standard, 240+ Hz is for esports. Keep in mind: your graphics card must deliver matching FPS, otherwise a high refresh rate goes to waste.
Key figures
Unique FPSHQ metrics from this page's data
What peripherals are in the FPSHQ catalogue?
The FPSHQ peripherals catalogue: 20 monitors (refresh rate, resolution, panel, response time), 12 mice (weight, sensor, DPI) and 12 keyboards. Monitors are linked to GPUs: for each refresh rate and resolution we compute which of the 121 reference cards holds the needed FPS. Specs come from manufacturer data sheets.
- monitors
- 20
- mice
- 12
- keyboards
- 12
- reference GPU models
- 121
Methodology and sources
This page uses the FPSHQ database: the GPU and CPU catalogue with synthetic benchmark scores, official game system requirements, FPS measurements from users of the FPSHQ app and the FPSHQ performance model. Calculated values are estimates, not a measurement of your exact configuration: the real result depends on drivers, settings and the rest of the hardware. More about the methodology →