What Is the Best Monitor Refresh Rate for FPS Games?

Every FPS gamer has experienced the frustration of missing a crucial shot or being eliminated due to screen tearing, motion blur, or input lag. These issues often stem from using a monitor with a low refresh rate, which can significantly impact performance in fast-paced games. 

With so many monitors on the market, from amazing gaming displays and high refresh rate dual-resolution monitors to exceptional Full HD panels and portable options like the Acer PD3, what exactly should FPS gamers choose? Do they need a specific kind of monitor, or will any high-spec screen do the job? 

In this guide, we'll discuss the importance of monitor refresh rates for FPS gaming, help you determine the best refresh rate to enhance your gaming experience, and explore the top monitors for FPS games in 2025. Keep reading to find out which one gives you the winning edge! 

Understanding Monitor Refresh Rate: What Exactly Is It? 

In simple terms, a monitor's refresh rate refers to how many times per second the display updates the image on your screen. Measured in Hertz (Hz), a 60Hz monitor refreshes the image 60 times per second, while a 144Hz monitor does it 144 times per second, and so on. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion appears on screen, specifically during fast-paced scenes.  

In FPS games, this performance boost can be the difference between spotting an opponent first or being taken out. Higher refresh rate monitors don’t just make games look better, they make them feel better and more responsive, directly enhancing your reaction time and accuracy when every millisecond counts.  

Just getting started with monitor specs? Learn more about monitors and key terms like refresh rates in our comprehensive monitor buying guide! 

What is the Best Monitor Refresh Rate for FPS Games? 

When it comes to the best monitor refresh rate for FPS games or choosing a high Hz gaming monitor, the general rule is simple: the higher the refresh rate, the better, but only if your system can keep up. 

With a wide range of refresh rates available, here’s a breakdown of what each level offers and why it matters when finding the ideal refresh rate for FPS gaming. 

Best Monitor Refresh Rates for FPS Games at a Glance 

Refresh Rate	Best For	Why It’s Great for FPS	System Requirements	Key Features
144Hz	Most FPS gamers starting out	Fluid motion and precise aiming over 60/75Hz	Mid-range GPUs running 1080p @144FPS	1ms response time, affordable pricing
165Hz	Serious players wanting smoother motion	Extra frames help with quick movements and reactions	Upper mid-range GPUs handling 165+ FPS at 1080p/1440p	1ms or lower, better fluidity than 144Hz
240Hz	Competitive players chasing faster response	Reduces motion blur, great for twitch shooters	High-end GPU for 240+ FPS at 1080p	Very low input lag, ideal for 1080p
360Hz	Esports-level competitive play	Near-zero input lag and motion distortions	Top-tier system pushing 300–360 FPS	1ms or better response, 1080p clarity
480Hz	Ultra-competitive players needing maximum speed	Unmatched fluidity for critical split-second advantage	Extreme GPUs with DisplayPort 2.1 for 400–480 FPS	OLED/Fast IPS, 0.03ms, G-SYNC/FreeSync, DisplayPort 2.1

165Hz – The Precision-Performance Zone 

A 165Hz monitor builds on the strengths of 144Hz and offers an even smoother visual experience, making it a popular choice among serious FPS players. While the difference may seem slight on paper, in fast-paced games, that extra fluidity can offer a noticeable edge. 

A 165Hz monitor is fantastic for gamers looking to step beyond the basics into higher-tier performance, offering a competitive advantage without the premium price tag of 240Hz or 360Hz models. 

240Hz – For Serious Competitive Players 

If you’re already used to 144Hz and want an even faster experience, stepping up to a 240Hz monitor could be game-changing. 

If you're a competitive gamer chasing every millisecond, 240Hz could be the best refresh rate for you.  

360Hz – Peak Performance for Elite Gamers 

At the cutting edge of monitor technology, 360Hz monitors are designed for esports professionals and elite-level players who leave nothing to chance. 

360Hz is the best monitor refresh rate you can get for FPS games but only if your system can keep up and you’re playing at the most competitive level. 

480Hz – The Ultimate Frontier in FPS Performance 

480Hz monitors represent the highest standard in refresh rate performance, crafted for ultra-competitive gamers who demand the absolute fastest gaming performance. 

Other Factors to Consider When Buying a Monitor for FPS Games 

Aside from refresh rate, several other key factors affect your experience in FPS titles: 

Important Considerations for Choosing the Right Refresh Rate Monitor for Your Setup 

 

The Best Refresh Rate Monitors for FPS Games in 2025 

 

Want to gain the upper hand in fast-paced shooters? In FPS games, every millisecond counts and your monitor’s refresh rate can make all the difference. Whether you're aiming for pinpoint accuracy or tracking rapid movement, a high refresh rate display ensures flawless frame delivery and ultra-responsive gameplay. In this section, we’ve rounded up the best refresh rate monitors for FPS games in 2025, ready to sharpen your reflexes and precision. 

HP OMEN 27q 27" IPS QHD 165Hz 1ms FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitor (MPN: 780H4AA#ABU)- Precision and Speed for Competitive FPS Gamers 

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Specifications 

 
Performance Overview 

The HP Omen 27Q at Box.co.uk stands out as a top choice for FPS enthusiasts demanding ultra-responsive performance. Its 165Hz refresh rate ensures exceptionally smooth frame transitions, allowing players to react faster and track motion with pinpoint accuracy — a critical advantage in fast-paced shooters like CS:GO and Call of Duty. Paired with a rapid 1ms GtG response time, the monitor virtually eliminates motion blur and input lag, maintaining clarity during sudden flicks and high-speed chases. 

Built with AMD FreeSync Premium support, it synchronises the monitor’s refresh rate with your GPU’s frame output to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, essential for maintaining visual consistency during competitive matches. The QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution strikes an ideal balance between visual sharpness and high frame rates, ensuring enemies are clearly visible without overtaxing your graphics card. Plus, with HDR support, the panel enhances contrast and colour vibrancy, giving you a more immersive and visually rich experience without compromising performance. 

In short, the HP Omen 27Q isn’t just a 165Hz monitor, it’s a finely tuned weapon for serious FPS gameplay, delivering elite responsiveness, fluid visuals, and outstanding value. 

ViewSonic XG2431 24" IPS Full HD 240Hz 1ms Height Adjustable Built in Speakers Gaming Monitor (MPN: XG2431) – Elite-Level Precision for Competitive FPS Players 

Specifications 

 
Performance Overview 

Building on the high refresh rate pedigree of the HP Omen 27Q, the ViewSonic XG2431 takes competitive performance to the next level with its ultra-fast 240Hz refresh rate, delivering exceptionally fluid motion that's remarkable for twitch-reaction gameplay in titles like Apex Legends and Valorant. Its 1ms GtG response time drastically reduces motion blur and ghosting, ensuring crisp visuals even during intense, fast-paced action. With AMD FreeSync Premium, the monitor synchronises frame rates with your GPU to eliminate tearing and stutter, key for maintaining frame stability during sudden firefights. Furthermore, the fast IPS panel combines speed with colour accuracy, giving you true-to-life visuals without sacrificing response time, while its 178° wide viewing angles keep image consistency intact, even during side-glance play. Unlike standard HDR implementations, VESA DisplayHDR 400 boosts dynamic range and contrast, making in-game environments and enemy outlines more defined, a major advantage when scanning for threats in dark corners. For pro-level players and competitive aspirants alike, the XG2431’s high refresh rate, rapid pixel response, and visual fidelity make it one of the best FPS monitors available in 2025. 

Sony InZone M9 II 27" IPS 4K 144Hz 1ms Height Adjustable Built in Speakers Gaming Monitor (MPN: SDM27U9M2B.CEI) – 4K Precision Meets High Refresh Rate Performance 

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Specifications 

 
Performance Overview 

Next up in our list of the best refresh rate monitors for FPS games is the Sony INZONE M9 II. This display elevates competitive FPS gaming with a premium feature set built for precision and immersion. Its 27" 4K Ultra HD IPS panel (3840 x 2160) delivers razor-sharp clarity, allowing players to spot enemies and fine details with unmatched accuracy. While its native refresh rate is 144Hz, the DisplayPort refresh range extends up to 160Hz, ensuring ultra-smooth visuals during high-intensity action. A 1ms response time guarantees rapid pixel transitions, eliminating motion blur and ghosting during sudden movements and quick camera pans, a crucial advantage for tactical shooters. 

What sets this monitor apart is its NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility and Adaptive-Sync support, delivering a stutter-free, tear-free experience across both NVIDIA GPUs and AMD GPUs. The inclusion of DisplayHDR 600, Full Array Local Dimming, and DCI-P3 95%+ wide colour gamut results in deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant, true-to-life colours, a major edge in visually demanding titles like Escape from Tarkov and Battlefield 2042. With a height-adjustable stand, built-in speakers, and premium design, the M9 II isn’t just about speed, it’s about the highest level of performance, visual depth, and practical functionality, making it one of the best high refresh rates 4K monitors for FPS games in 2025. 

MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED 27" QD-OLED QHD 360Hz 0.03ms USB-C Gaming Monitor (MPN: MPG 271QRX QD-OLED) – Cutting-Edge Speed and Clarity for Pro-Level FPS Gaming 

 

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Specifications 

 
Performance Overview 

Pushing the boundaries of high refresh rate performance, the MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED is a next-gen powerhouse designed for elite FPS players who demand nothing less than perfection. Its 360Hz refresh rate paired with an extraordinary 0.03ms GtG response time offers virtually instantaneous pixel transitions, effectively eliminating input lag, ghosting, and motion blur, essential for precision aiming and split-second reactions in fast-paced shooters like Overwatch 2 and Call of Duty: Warzone. 

The 26.5" QHD (2560 x 1440) QD-OLED panel combines vibrant quantum dot colour with OLED contrast, producing ultra-deep blacks and lifelike highlights. This is enhanced by DisplayHDR True Black 400 and 99% DCI-P3 colour gamut, delivering stunning clarity and visual depth even in low-light environments. With AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, the monitor maintains seamless synchronisation with your GPU, ensuring tear-free, ultra-fluid gameplay even during dramatic framerate shifts. Add in versatile connectivity including USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort, and this high Hz gaming monitor becomes a fantastic centrepiece for any competitive gaming setup. For serious FPS gamers, the MPG 271QRX QD-OLED is one of the most advanced monitors you can get in 2025. 

Sony InZone M10S 27" OLED Quad HD 480Hz 0.03ms Height Adjustable Gaming Monitor (MPN: SDM27Q10SB.CEI) – The Pinnacle of Refresh Rate Innovation for Competitive FPS 

 

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Specifications 

 

Performance Overview 

Topping the charts for refresh rate supremacy, the Sony INZONE M10S redefines responsiveness for ultra-competitive FPS gamers. Its 27" Quad HD OLED display (2560 x 1440) delivers phenomenal pixel clarity and colour contrast, making enemy outlines, shadows, and fine details effortlessly visible. What truly sets it apart is the jaw-dropping 480Hz refresh rate paired with an ultra-fast 0.03ms response time, allowing for real-time reaction speeds and absolute motion clarity, great for twitch shooters where every frame counts. 

Equipped with NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility, it ensures smooth synchronisation with your GPU, eliminating screen tearing and input stutter for consistently fluid performance. The DisplayHDR True Black 400 standard and OLED panel provide deep blacks and realistic highlights, adding vital visual depth to FPS environments. With a height-adjustable stand and comprehensive connectivity, the M10S isn't just one of the fastest displays available, it’s a precision tool for serious gamers pushing the limits of reaction and performance. 

MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED 32" UHD 4K 240Hz 0.03ms USB-C Gaming Monitor (MPN: MPG 321URX QD-OLED) – 4K Powerhouse for Tactical Dominance 

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Specifications 

Performance Overview 

Another standout in the elite lineup of best refresh rate monitors for FPS games is the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED. This MSI gaming monitor is a 32" behemoth built for high-stakes competitive gameplay. With a crisp 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution, a lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate, and a class-leading 0.03ms GtG response time, it delivers both cinematic detail and competitive-grade speed. FPS players benefit from split-second visual feedback with zero blur, making it perfect for titles where spatial awareness and tracking precision are vital. Moreover, the MPG 321URX’s QD-OLED panel offers incredible colour fidelity, deep contrast, and amazing brightness, thanks to DisplayHDR True Black 400, enhancing target visibility even in dimly lit game environments. Add to that Adaptive Sync, USB-C 90W power delivery, and wide I/O support, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB, and you've got a monitor that performs just as impressively as it looks. Whether you're climbing the ranks or streaming top-level play, the MPG 321URX is an uncompromising display designed for high refresh rate excellence. 

LG UltraGear 27GX790A-B 27 Inch OLED Quad HD 480Hz 0.03ms Height Adjustable FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitor (MPN: 27GX790A-B.AEK) – Blistering Speed Meets OLED Brilliance 

 

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Specifications 

 
Performance Overview 

Rounding off the best refresh rate monitors for FPS games in 2025, the LG UltraGear 27GX790A-B at Box.co.uk sets a new standard for competitive-grade speed and visual clarity. Armed with a 27" OLED QHD panel (2560 x 1440), it delivers hyper-responsive gameplay with a staggering 480Hz refresh rate and an ultra-low 0.03ms response time, crucial for delivering blur-free action and pinpoint accuracy in shooters like Rainbow Six Siege and Fortnite. 

Backed by AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and G-SYNC compatibility, it ensures smooth synchronisation across all platforms, whether you're on PC or the top next-gen consoles. Its DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification and 98.5% DCI-P3 colour coverage enhance contrast and vibrancy, letting you spot enemies clearly in both bright and shadow-heavy scenes. With DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI, and USB ports, as well as a height-adjustable stand, this monitor doesn’t just offer performance , it delivers a commanding edge in every match. 

Shop all these superb high refresh rate monitors for FPS games—only at Box.co.uk! 

Other Top Monitors for FPS Gamers in 2025 

In addition to these incredible displays, you'll find a wide range of monitors perfect for FPS gamers at Box.co.uk Monitors Store. From other lightning-fast 144Hz to ultra-smooth 480Hz monitors, and everything in between, we offer a massive selection tailored to every play style and competitive need. 

Discover top gaming monitors from trusted brands like ASUS, Acer, AOC, Samsung, iiyama, HP, MSI, and more, including the best monitors for RTX 50 Series builds. 

At Box.co.uk, we also offer a curated range of fantastic portable monitors like the all-new Acer PD193QE 18.5 Dual Portable Foldable Monitor, perfect for on the go gaming, and USB-C monitors including spectacular gaming options. Plus, find all the reasons why your next monitor should come from Box.co.uk! 

Conclusion 

In the world of competitive gaming, particularly FPS titles, the monitor refresh rate is not just a spec, it’s a performance-defining factor. Whether you’re new to the scene or climbing the esports ladder, choosing the best refresh rate for your system and gameplay style is crucial.  

A 144Hz monitor offers a brilliant upgrade from standard displays and is perfect for entry-level FPS players. Stepping up to 240Hz or 360Hz delivers ultra-smooth responsiveness ideal for twitch shooters and seasoned gamers. For elite performance, 480Hz models like those from Sony and LG push the boundaries of speed and fluidity. 

But the right monitor isn’t just about Hertz. Response time, input lag, and even extras like resolution and adaptive sync matter. For instance, a 4K gaming monitor with speakers can offer immersive detail without compromising performance, if your GPU can handle it. 

Ultimately, the best refresh rate comes down to your hardware, playstyle, and competitive needs.  

Searching for the ultimate monitor for FPS games? Find reliable 144Hz displays, the best 240Hz gaming monitors, and beyond at Box.co.uk. Here at Box, we offer a full spectrum of high Hz gaming monitors to suit every FPS gamer’s arsenal. Browse our collection and explore our top FPS gaming monitors to enhance your FPS experience with precision and performance!