5 Best 144 Hz Monitors in 2022

A high refresh rate monitor could redefine the gaming experience, transforming choppy graphics into a silky smooth display. Not only does a fast refresh rate look enchantingly slick, but it also gives the player a much-needed competitive edge.  

As a result, a 144 Hz monitor (or faster) is an essential part of any hardcore gamer’s hardware collection. But before you go out and purchase a shiny new display, it’s crucial to understand how the refresh rate affects gaming.

In this post, we’re covering the key things to consider when shopping for a gaming monitor, and presenting the top five models from HP®.

• What is refresh rate?
• Don’t neglect GPU / CPU
• What about resolution?
• Understanding display panels
• G-Sync or FreeSync?
• 5 Best 144 Hz HP Monitors in 2022
• The best gaming monitors in 2022

Refresh rate refers to how fast your monitor can display images on the screen; in other words, the frequency in which the screen refreshes. It is expressed in hertz (Hz), with each hertz representing one new refresh per second.

Therefore, your new 27-inch 144Hz monitor could potentially refresh the screen 144 times per second. We say “potentially” because the actual refresh rate depends on your frame rate.

Refresh rate differs from response time, which measures how many milliseconds (ms) it takes to shift from one colour to another. While a 1ms response time is the gold standard, it’s not strictly necessary for us mere mortals. Only elite eSports athletes will perceive the difference between 4ms and 1ms.

The frame rate, measured in frames per second (FPS), is determined by the power of your graphics processing unit (GPU) or central processing unit (CPU) and the processing requirements of each particular game. The latest AAA titles require much more CPU/GPU grunt than older games or modest indie titles.

Therefore, you’ll need beefy hardware to achieve a respectable FPS – and subsequently, a faster refresh rate – when playing resource-hungry games.

The golden rule is to match your average FPS to your monitor refresh rate. If you never get above 60 FPS while gaming, a 144 Hz (or above) monitor won’t do you much good. 

But don’t fret. There are ways to improve your FPS and justify a high refresh rate monitor.

1.      Upgrade your CPU and/or GPU

2.      Turn down your in-game settings (resolution, light/shadow quality, etc.)

3.      Play a less resource-intensive game (older or indie titles)

A high refresh rate is crucial for rapid reaction times during fast-paced battles, but it’s not the only consideration. Resolution refers to the number of pixels a monitor can display, which makes a massive difference for gamers craving crystal clear clarity.

Modern gaming monitors come in three resolutions: 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. While a state-of-the-art 144 Hz 4K monitor affords breathtaking definition, all but the best graphics cards will struggle to keep up. Gamers with modest rigs should choose 1440p or 1080p to maintain a reasonable frame and refresh rate.

Seasoned eSports professionals forgo 4K entirely because even the best present-day hardware can’t pump out enough FPS. These highly competitive athletes demand lightning-fast response times, so they’re happy to sacrifice resolution for a more rapid frame and refresh rate.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t invest in a drop-dead gorgeous 4K monitor. Just don’t expect to obtain a reasonable refresh rate with low-end specs.

If future-proofing your investment is a priority, a 4K monitor isn’t a terrible idea. Even if your GPU can’t keep up now, your next graphics card could make any resource-intensive game shine in brilliant 4K.

Besides, you can always taper down the resolution now and crank it back up when you upgrade. Some gamers keep 4K on for casual or single-player gaming, then flick it off for faster refresh rates before starting up a competitive first-person shooter.

Another key consideration is the display panel. Should you get TN, IPS, or VA?

These three display panel types use different methods to alter molecule alignment within a liquid crystal display (LCD), dramatically affecting image quality and response time.

The twisted nematic (TN) panel was the first mass-manufactured LCD to replace the bulky cathode ray tube monitors of yesteryear. Although it’s old tech, the monitors are still popular due to their rapid response times (sub one millisecond) and affordability. However, the viewing angles, colour reproduction, and colour gamut (range) aren’t ideal.

In-plane switching (IPS) panels were developed to improve the TN panel’s shortcomings. Expect better viewing angles, accurate colour reproduction, and a relatively good contrast ratio. 

While the IPS panels of a few years ago were notably slower (in terms of refresh rate and response time), the technology has finally caught up. Competition gamers can now enjoy a gorgeous gamut of colours with rapid responsiveness – albeit for an elevated price.

Vertical alignment (VA) panels offer a contrast ratio as high as 3000:1 or 6000:1 (compare that to 1000:1 in a TN), which makes them a hit among TV manufacturers. However, the response times can’t match TN or modern IPS panels so competitive gamers tend to shy away – they’re fine for casual or single-player gaming, though.

The age-old debate on the best adaptive synchronisation standard continues to rage on. The truth is both options perform exceptionally well, so compatibility should be your primary concern.

G-Sync™ is specially designed to work with NVIDIA® graphics cards. FreeSync™, on the other hand, works exclusively with AMD® GPUs. That said, it’s technically possible to run one standard on the competitor’s hardware, although performance may suffer.

Many modern gaming monitors offer compatibility among competing standards to reach a wider audience.  

Now you’re up to speed on the need-to-know gaming monitor info, it’s time to peruse the top options from HP®. We’ve got a wide range of monitors clocking 144 Hz or higher to guarantee blazing fast refresh rates.

·        Refresh rate: 165 Hz

·        Size: 24.5"

·        Resolution: FHD (1920 x 1080)

·        Panel: Flat IPS

·        Adaptive sync: AMD Freesync™ Premium Pro,  G-Sync

·        Response time:  1ms

The cost-effective OMEN 25i packs a punch for budget-conscious gamers seeking lightning-fast speeds. With a rapid 165 Hz refresh rate and a zippy 1ms response time, the display affords buttery smooth gameplay for hyper-competitive players.

The IPS panel boasts a 90% DCI-P3 colour gamut to make those vibrant pixels pop, plus a VESA® DisplayHDR 400 for a brighter gaming experience. In-built HP Eye Ease comes with Eyesafe® certification filters to block out blue light and keep your circadian rhythms in check.

For a cost-effective yet speedy 1080p monitor, the OMEN 25i can’t be beaten.

·        Refresh rate: 165 Hz

·        Size: 27"

·        Resolution: QHD (2560 x 1440)

·        Panel: Flat IPS

·        Adaptive sync: NVIDIA® G-sync

·        Response time:  1ms

Upsize your screen without compromising speed with the zippy OMEN by HP 27i. Boasting a crisp QHD resolution, this 1440p gaming monitor brings out the beauty of any AAA game. A rapid 165 Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time mean you won’t be left in the lurch during blistering battle royals.

The NVIDIA validated G-sync compatible monitor guarantees smooth, tear-free gaming with crystal clear clarity. Its flat Nano IPS panel pumps out DCI-P3 98% colour reproduction to optimise immersion while offering wider viewing angles and better contrast.

If you crave clarity and speed on a sizable 27-inch screen, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect choice.

·        Refresh rate: 165 Hz

·        Size: 27"

·        Resolution: FHD (1920 x 1080)

·        Panel: Flat IPS with Edge-lit

·        Adaptive sync: AMD Freesync™ Premium

·        Response time: 1ms

AMD-powered PC gamers on a budget should check out the blazing fast yet affordable HP X27 FHD. Ultra-wide viewing angles and a broad colour gamut define the pristine ISP screen, where edge-lit technology enhances brightness and contrast.

The spacious 27-inch screen offers a luxurious amount of room for non-stop gaming or your work-from-home chores. Expect next-level responsiveness thanks to its 165 Hz refresh rate at a zippy 1ms. Eyesafe® certification blocks out the blue light while keeping the colours in.

Budget-orientated gamers will struggle to find a better 27-inch monitor than this.

·        Refresh rate: 240 Hz

·        Size: 27"

·        Resolution: QHD (2560 x 1440)

·        Panel: Curve VA

·        Adaptive sync: AMD Freesync™ Premium Pro

·        Response time: 1ms

Gaming will never feel as immersive again after clocking a session on the OMEN by HP 27c. Minimise ocular exertion and maximise the sensation of space on its curved 1000R screen. It’s the highest refresh rate monitor from HP at 240 Hz, enough to obtain the upper hand in even the most frantic online game.

A rapid 1ms response time and state-of-the-art MPRT let you game at breakneck speed without the blur. The sublime VA panel boasts a 3000:1 contrast ratio to create rich dark colours and bright shadows without the washout.

Curved screen fans will adore the fast-paced pixel refresh rate of this premium competitive gaming monitor.

·        Refresh rate: 165 Hz

·        Size: 34"

·        Resolution: WQHD (3440 x 1440)

·        Panel: Flat IPS with Edge-lit

·        Adaptive sync: AMD Freesync™ Premium

·        Response time: 1ms

Wide-screen gaming hits new heights with the stunning HP X34 WQHD. Coming in at 34 inches, the spacious screen offers ample room to admire the finest in-game features in crystal clear detail.

Embark on an extended session without the strain, thanks to an adjustable base and blue light-killing Eyesafe® certification. Despite the impressive 1440p resolution, the zippy monitor refreshes at 165 Hz for high-speed domination in hyper-competitive online play. The crisp IPS panel boasts a broader viewing experience and a rich colour gamut to make those virtual worlds pop.

We’ve covered the key considerations when shopping for a gaming monitor and presented the top five options from HP.

All that’s left to do is calculate your average frame rate and choose a shiny new screen with a suitable amount of hertz. Optimising your refresh rate will help you become a multiplayer master and enjoy a smooth-moving gaming experience.