A monitor with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels (1440p) is considered by many gamers to be the “sweet spot” for gaming. It’s not as demanding and expensive as 4K monitors, while still offering a significant step up in quality when compared to 1080p monitors. A 1440p monitor with a high refresh rate and VRR support can provide an excellent gaming experience without breaking the bank. That said, here’s our round up the best 1440p monitors for gaming.
Best 1440p Monitors Comparison Chart
Samsung Odyssey G7
Best 32 inch 1440p gaming monitor
If you are looking for a widescreen gaming monitor, few can match up to the Samsung Odyssey G7. It’s an impressive display that delivers a max refresh rate of 240Hz, and along with its native FreeSync support and G-Sync compatibility, it gives you a tear-free and stutter-free gaming experience. It sports a VA panel for deep blacks and excellent color accuracy.
The Samsung Odyssey G7 is available in two sizes (27-inch and 32-inch). They don’t have any significant performance difference, except for their pixel densities. The 27-inch model will have sharper text and images due to having a smaller screen size.
One notable feature that gives the Samsung Odyssey G7 an edge over other monitors is its curved panel. The curvature allows you to see the edges more clearly, and this is particularly useful for the 32-inch variant.
MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD
Best 27 inch 1440p gaming monitor
For those looking to get a 27-inch 1440p gaming monitor, our recommendation is the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD. It’s a very good monitor that boasts various gaming features such as 165Hz refresh rate, FreeSync and G-Sync, and HDR10 support. At 27 inches, the monitor displays crisp and sharp text and images that carry over to gaming.
Aside from the standard gaming features, what made the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD stand out for us is the inclusion of its ergonomic stand. The ergonomic stand allows you to adjust the monitor to get the best viewing angle that you’re comfortable with. Monitors at this price point usually have stands that are limited in adjustability.
Gigabyte M27Q
Best budget 1440p gaming monitor
If you are on a budget, the Gigabyte M27Q is a good match for you since it offers all the important gaming features that you’ll want, without the price tag of more premium monitors. The Gigabyte M27Q is a 27-inch 1440p monitor that has a max refresh rate of 170Hz and it also has FreeSync and G-Sync support.
Sporting an IPS panel, the Gigabyte M27Q displays vibrant colors. However, having an IPS panel means that you can’t get the best HDR performance out of this monitor as it can’t produce deeper blacks. HDR gaming is still acceptable though, but it won’t wow anyone.
Other notable features of the Gigabyte M27Q include its built-in USB hub with KVM function and PIP and PBP modes. These features are excellent for productivity, so if you are looking to get a monitor for both gaming and work, the Gigabyte M27Q provides excellent value.
Alienware AW3423DW
Best ultrawide 1440p gaming monitor
For the most immersive 1440p gaming experience, the Alienware AW33423DW is our top pick. It’s a 34-inch ultrawide monitor with a resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels and a max refresh rate of 175Hz. It also has VRR (FreeSync & G-Sync) support so it can deliver a stutter-free and tear-free gaming experience.
However, what makes it unique is its QD-OLED panel. OLED panels are a step up over IPS and VA panels when it comes to color accuracy and overall image quality. They also have a faster response time that translates to a better gaming experience. Also, HDR gaming with an OLED or QD-OLED panel is so much better compared to monitors with IPS and VA panels due to their deep blacks and near-infinite contrast ratio. This is the best 1440p gaming monitor currently, but it is quite expensive.
Check out our list of the best ultrawide monitors here
Verdict
With a 1440p gaming monitor, you can get an immersive gaming experience that’s better than 1080p but still less demanding than 4K.
Samsung Odyssey G7
Best 32 inch and curved 1440p gaming monitor
MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD
Best 27 inch 1440p gaming monitor
There are many good 1440p monitors out there, but if you want the best value for your money, the Samsung Odyssey G7 is the clear pick. It’s a 240Hz monitor with VRR support that will give you the smoothest gaming experience at a reasonable price. It doesn’t beat the Alienware AW3423DW in immersion, image quality and HDR performance, but it also doesn’t cost as much.
If you are a more budget-conscious buyer, the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD and the Gigabyte M27Q are both excellent options. These two are 27-inch 1440p monitors that have all the gaming features that you’ll want, such as high refresh rate, VRR support and HDR support. The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD provides better ergonomics while the Gigabyte M27Q offers versatility due to its excellent productivity features.
FAQs
It will depend on how far you are sitting from the screen, but 27 inches is considered to be the best size for a 1440p monitor.
The Samsung Odyssey G7 is the best 1440p widescreen gaming monitor with a curved panel.
Yes, a 1440p monitor is worth it if you play mostly single player games or you play online games casually. The improvement in picture quality over 1080p is pretty substantial.
No, 1440p has less pixels than 4K.