Elevate Your Gaming Setup with These High Refresh Rate Screens

Gaming Screens with high refresh rates change how you experience motion, responsiveness and competitive play. You will feel smoother frame delivery, reduced motion blur and lower input lag when you choose the right panel for your rig.

Elevate Your Gaming Setup with These High Refresh Rate Screens

Gaming Screens with high refresh rates change how you experience motion, responsiveness and competitive play. You will feel smoother frame delivery, reduced motion blur and lower input lag when you choose the right panel for your rig. This guide focuses on 24–34 inch screens that prioritise refresh rate, panel type and connections so you can match a monitor to your GPU, console or desk space. Read on to find the models that give you the best balance of performance, ergonomics and value.

Top Picks

Category

Product

Price

Score

💰 Best Budget Curved

KOORUI 27

£109.99

80/100

🎯 Best for Console Gaming

Samsung Odyssey

£198.95

88/100

🚀 Best Immersive Ultrawide

AOC CU34

£229.00

91/100

🔰 Best Compact 120Hz

ASUS VY24

£64.00

75/100

⚡ Best Competitive 240Hz

AOC 27G2

£129.99

89/100

How We Chose These Gaming Screens

You want a monitor that matches how you play. We prioritised refresh rate and response time because they directly affect motion clarity and input latency.

Resolution and panel type (IPS, VA) were weighed to balance image fidelity and contrast versus frame performance. We checked available inputs (HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort) so you can use consoles and high-frame-rate PCs without bottlenecks.

Ergonomics, build quality, VESA compatibility and real-world reliability from user feedback were included to make sure the pick works on your desk long term. Finally, price-to-performance and unique strengths (ultrawide immersion, console features, compact footprint) determined the specific award each screen received.

💰 Best Budget Curved

KOORUI 27

KOORUI 27

27-inch QHD (2560x1440) curved 1500R VA panel, 180 Hz refresh, 1 ms MPRT, Adaptive-Sync/FreeSync, HDMI/DP, VESA compatible, tilt adjustable with eye-care features.

£109.99

Learn More

If you want a step up without blowing your budget, this KOORUI 27 is the kind of Gaming Monitors pick that makes sense. It pairs QHD clarity with a 180 Hz refresh and 1500R curve for smoother, more immersive play, and the VA panel brings punchy colours for both games and streaming.

For daily use it’s great for multitasking, coding or watching shows; for special sessions it handles fast-paced shooters and console gaming nicely. It’s easy to mount or tuck into a multi-monitor setup, and I’d recommend it if you want strong performance for the price.

What People Say

Most buyers highlight the monitor’s excellent value—you get smooth, responsive performance and noticeably better image clarity compared with budget 60 Hz screens. People frequently praise the curve, the QHD detail and the included DisplayPort cable for hitting higher refresh rates.

A few folks mention fiddly port access, an occasionally flimsy power lead, or preference for a sturdier stand, but overall the consensus is solid performance for the price.

Ease of Use

Feature

Ease Level

Setup

Easy

OSD Menu (joystick control)

Moderate

Tilt Adjustment

Easy

Port Access (HDMI/Power)

Difficult

Response Time

1 ms (MPRT)

Reliability

Generally reliable for everyday and gaming use; a small number of users report finicky power cables or awkward port access but many run it months without issues.

Key Benefits

  • Smooth 180 Hz refresh rate for fluid gameplay
  • QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution on a 27" curved VA panel
  • 1 ms MPRT response reduces motion blur
  • AMD FreeSync/Adaptive-Sync support to cut tearing
  • Eye-care features and narrow bezels for comfortable long sessions

Current Price: £109.99

Rating: 4.3 (total: 2267+)

Learn More

🎯 Best for Console Gaming

Samsung Odyssey

Samsung Odyssey

27" curved QHD (2560x1440) smart gaming monitor with 240Hz refresh, 1 ms response, HDMI 2.1, built-in speakers, Gaming Hub, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and height-adjustable stand.

£198.95

Learn More

If you want Gaming Screens that put console play front and centre, this Samsung Odyssey is built for that. You get a 27" curved QHD panel, HDMI 2.1 support and Samsung’s Gaming Hub so you can hop into console games and streaming apps without fuss.

For daily use it’s great for browsing, media and multitasking; for special sessions it smooths out fast action thanks to 240Hz and a 1 ms response. The curve and DisplayHDR600 add a nice immersion and punchy colours, and the adjustable stand makes it easy to find a comfortable viewing angle — a solid pick if your setup leans console-first but still needs PC performance.

What People Say

Buyers frequently call out the crisp QHD picture, immersive curvature and buttery motion at high refresh rates. People also like the convenience of the Gaming Hub and the joystick control for quick menu navigation. A number of users report long stretches of flawless performance, though a minority have experienced durability issues or uneven brightness over time.

Ease of Use

Feature

Ease Level

Setup

Easy

Gaming Hub / Smart Features

Easy

Stand Adjustments (tilt/height)

Easy

OSD Menu (joystick)

Moderate

Port Access (HDMI/USB)

Moderate

Response Time

1 ms

Reliability

Mostly dependable for everyday and gaming use; many owners report months of solid performance, though a small number note issues like screen failure or inconsistent brightness after extended use.

Key Benefits

  • 240 Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth motion
  • 1 ms response time to reduce blur in fast games
  • QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution with DisplayHDR600 for richer colors
  • HDMI 2.1 + Gaming Hub for seamless console integration
  • AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to cut tearing and stutter
  • Height-adjustable, VESA-compatible stand and built-in speakers

Current Price: £198.95

Rating: 4.2 (total: 788+)

Learn More

🚀 Best Immersive Ultrawide

AOC CU34

AOC CU34

34-inch WQHD (3440x1440) curved VA gaming monitor with 180 Hz refresh, 1 ms response, FreeSync/Adaptive Sync, HDMI & DisplayPort and a built-in USB hub (black/red).

£229.00

Learn More

If you want an ultrawide that actually changes how games feel, this AOC CU34 is a great place to start. You get a 34" WQHD curved VA panel that widens your view without taking over the whole room, and 180 Hz plus a 1 ms response keeps motion smooth whether you’re racing, shooting, or just scrolling through tabs.

As a daily driver it’s excellent for multitasking—that 21:9 aspect ratio makes spreadsheets and video editing feel less cramped—while for bigger gaming sessions it delivers proper immersion and snappy frame pacing. The adjustable stand, USB hub and multiple inputs mean you can switch between PC and console with minimal fuss, so it’s a solid choice if you’re shopping Gaming Monitors that do both work and play well.

What People Say

Customers commonly praise the AOC for its immersive ultrawide image and smooth high-refresh performance, noting that games and movies feel more engaging. Many also appreciate the practical extras like the USB hub, height adjustment and included cables, while a few mention minor annoyances such as the lack of USB-C, occasional packaging or accessory issues, and subtle brightness/haloing in very dark scenes.

Ease of Use

Feature

Ease Level

Setup

Easy

Stand Adjustments (height/tilt)

Easy

OSD Menu / Presets

Moderate

Input Switching (HDMI/DP)

Moderate

USB Hub Access

Moderate

Response Time

1 ms

Reliability

Generally dependable for everyday and gaming use—most owners report long stretches of solid performance. A small number of users note isolated issues like damaged packaging on arrival, missing cables, or slight uniformity quirks after prolonged use.

Key Benefits

  • 180 Hz refresh rate for smoother motion than typical 60/144 Hz panels
  • 1 ms response time helps reduce motion blur in fast-paced games
  • 34" WQHD ultrawide (3440 x 1440) for immersive, multitasking-friendly workspace
  • 1500R curved VA panel for a more cinematic, enveloping view
  • Built-in USB hub and multiple inputs (HDMI, DisplayPort) for easy connectivity
  • Height-adjustable stand and VESA mount support for flexible setups

Current Price: £229.00

Rating: 4.5 (total: 5125+)

Learn More

🔰 Best Compact 120Hz

ASUS VY24

ASUS VY24

24-inch FHD (1920x1080) IPS gaming monitor with 120Hz (OC), 1 ms MPRT, Adaptive Sync, ASUS Eye Care Plus (blue light filter, flicker free) and HDMI & DisplayPort inputs.

£64.00

Learn More

This compact ASUS VY24 is a great pick if you want a small, snappy Gaming Screen that doesn’t hog your desk. You get a 24" IPS panel with solid colours for everyday work, streaming and casual editing, plus a 120 Hz overclock option and 1 ms MPRT for noticeably smoother motion in games.

It’s handy for bedrooms, small desks or as a secondary monitor — the eye-care features make long sessions easier on your eyes, and the GamePlus tools are a nice touch if you play competitively now and then. If you want a dependable, affordable monitor that covers both daily use and higher-refresh gaming without fuss, this one’s worth a look.

What People Say

Shoppers often highlight the excellent value—good colour accuracy and smooth refresh for the price. Many appreciate the eye-care features and easy setup, while common gripes include limited ports (one HDMI on some variants), occasional packaging or plug issues, and the fact that some users had to tweak settings to hit the overclocked 120 Hz.

Ease of Use

Feature

Ease Level

Setup

Easy

Stand Adjustments (tilt)

Easy

OSD Menu / Presets

Moderate

Overclocking to 120 Hz

Moderate

Input Handling (HDMI/DP)

Moderate

Response Time

1 ms MPRT

Reliability

Generally reliable for everyday and gaming use—most users report steady performance and solid build for the price. A small number mention packaging or plug mismatches, and isolated hardware issues, but those appear uncommon.

Key Benefits

  • 120 Hz (OC) refresh for smoother gameplay compared with 60 Hz panels
  • 1 ms MPRT response time to help reduce motion blur in fast action
  • IPS panel for wide viewing angles and accurate colours
  • Adaptive Sync to minimise tearing and stuttering
  • ASUS Eye Care Plus with blue light filter and flicker-free tech for comfortable long sessions
  • Compact 24" size fits smaller desks and multi-monitor setups

Current Price: £64.00

Rating: 4.2 (total: 1353+)

Learn More

⚡ Best Competitive 240Hz

AOC 27G2ZNE

AOC 27G2ZNE

27-inch FHD VA gaming monitor with Low Blue Light, FreeSync Premium, 240 Hz refresh, 0.5 ms MPRT response and ports including 2×HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2.

£129.99

Learn More

If you want a Gaming Monitors upgrade that prioritises speed without breaking the bank, this AOC 27G2ZNE is a solid pick. You get a 27" FHD VA panel with a 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.5 ms MPRT, so fast-paced shooters and racing games feel smooth and responsive.

It’s handy for daily work too — the high contrast and built-in presets make text and video look clean, while the USB hub and multiple inputs mean swapping a laptop or console in is painless. For competitive play or a responsive all-round screen, this one balances performance and value in a way that’s easy to live with.

What People Say

Most buyers praise the value — many say the high refresh and low input lag make a noticeable difference in gameplay, while the VA contrast gives punchy blacks for movies and darker games. Users also like the presets and the extra USB ports, though a few report minor packaging or accessory hiccups and would have preferred USB-C.

Ease of Use

Feature

Ease Level

Setup

Easy

Stand Adjustments (tilt/height)

Moderate

OSD Menu / Presets

Moderate

Input Switching (HDMI/DP)

Easy

USB Hub Access

Moderate

Response Time

0.5 ms MPRT

Reliability

Generally dependable for everyday use and gaming; most owners report steady performance and solid build quality for the price. A small number mention packaging or missing accessory issues, but hardware failures appear uncommon.

Key Benefits

  • 240 Hz refresh for very smooth motion in fast games
  • 0.5 ms MPRT response time to reduce motion blur
  • FreeSync Premium and Adaptive Sync to cut tearing and stutter
  • High 3000:1 contrast from the VA panel for deeper blacks
  • Multiple inputs (2×HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2) for PC and console
  • Built-in presets and Low Blue Light mode for long sessions

Current Price: £129.99

Rating: 4.5 (total: 5122+)

Learn More

FAQ

How Do High Refresh Rate Screens Improve Your Gaming Experience?

You get perceptible benefits from a high refresh rate when your system can deliver matching frame rates. A 120 Hz, 144 Hz, 180 Hz or 240 Hz Gaming Screen redraws the image more often than a 60 Hz panel, which translates to smoother motion, lower perceived input lag and easier target tracking in fast-paced titles.

Refresh rate is only one part of the equation: response time and input latency matter too, and adaptive sync (G‑Sync/FreeSync/Adaptive Sync) helps eliminate tearing when your GPU and monitor are out of sync. Understand that returns diminish as rates climb — the jump from 60 Hz to 144 Hz is dramatic for most players, while 180 Hz or 240 Hz benefits are most obvious if you consistently reach high FPS.

Also remember that higher resolution at high refresh rates requires a more powerful GPU; a QHD 2560×1440 180 Hz panel will demand more from your graphics card than a 1080p 240 Hz panel.

What Should You Consider When Choosing A High Refresh Rate Gaming Screen?

You should match the monitor to how you play and the hardware you own. Prioritize refresh rate and resolution that your GPU can sustain, choose the panel type that suits you (VA panels deliver strong contrast and curved immersion, IPS offers wider viewing angles and faster colour response), and check connectivity: DisplayPort typically supports the highest refresh rates at higher resolutions for PC, while HDMI 2.1 is important for current consoles.

Look for adaptive sync support, a low response time, and ergonomics such as VESA mount and height adjustment if you sit long hours. Evaluate features versus price using real examples: the KOORUI 27

How Do You Set Up And Troubleshoot High Refresh Rate Gaming Screens?

You should start with the basics: use the cable that supports the monitor's maximum bandwidth (DisplayPort for most PC high‑Hz/ high‑res setups, HDMI 2.1 for modern console 4K/120 Hz scenarios), set the refresh rate in your OS display settings and in your GPU control panel, and enable adaptive sync both in the monitor OSD and the GPU software. If the advertised refresh rate isn’t available, confirm the cable and port, ensure the monitor driver/firmware is up to date, and verify the GPU can output that resolution at that refresh rate—many high refresh specifications at QHD or ultrawide require a recent GPU. For common issues like flicker or no signal check power and cable seating (some users report flimsy included power leads), try an alternate cable or input, and reduce the color-depth or chroma subsampling temporarily to test bandwidth limits.

If image looks washed out or too bright, adjust colour temperature or use the monitor’s eye‑care modes; note that some picture modes can limit available refresh rates, so switch to a game or custom profile when you need full performance. Finally, use an in‑game FPS counter and an on‑screen display to confirm you’re hitting target frame rates and that adaptive sync is active for the smoothest experience.

Wrapping Up

Pick the right Gaming Screens for how you play. If you want immersive single-player worlds, an ultrawide 34" 3440×1440 at 180Hz gives space and presence.

If competitive play matters, a 240Hz 27" FHD panel reduces motion blur and helps you react faster. Console-focused setups benefit from HDMI 2.1 and adaptive features on models like the Samsung Odyssey. For tight budgets or secondary displays, compact 24–27" high-refresh options deliver most of the competitive advantages without a large outlay.

Use the criteria above to match refresh rate, resolution and inputs to your GPU or console so you get smoother motion, lower latency and a display that fits your desk and goals.

Product Image Rating Screen Resolution Refresh Rate Response Time Price
KOORUI 27 Inch Gaming Monitor
Product Image
4.3/5 (2267 reviews) 2560 x 1440 (QHD) 180 Hz 1 ms £109.99
Samsung Odyssey G6 LS27BG650EUXXU
Product Image
4.2/5 (788 reviews) 2560 x 1440 (QHD) 240 Hz 1 ms £198.95
AOC Gaming CU34G2XPD
Product Image
4.5/5 (5125 reviews) 3440 x 1440 (WQHD) 180 Hz 1 ms £229.00
ASUS VY249HGR Eye Care Gaming Monitor
Product Image
4.2/5 (1353 reviews) 1920 x 1080 (FHD) 120 Hz 1 ms £64.00
AOC Gaming 27G2ZNE
Product Image
4.5/5 (5122 reviews) 1920 x 1080 (FHD) 240 Hz 0.5 ms £129.99

This Roundup is reader-supported. When you click through links we may earn a referral commission on qualifying purchases.