Best FPS monitor 2022: top picks & Latest news
If you're looking to get a competitive edge, look no further - our best FPS monitor guide has you covered.
When it comes to competitive first-person shooters, choosing the best FPS monitor can often be the difference between winning and losing. Many of today’s top esports games require fast refresh rates, low response times, and VRR technology (G-Sync and FreeSync) for a silky smooth gaming experience. Choosing a display without these core gaming specifications could put you at a real disadvantage when playing at the highest level.
For that reason, we’ve decided to scour the web to find only the best FPS monitors the market has to offer. With a tonne of experience playing FPS games and using some of the industries leading gaming monitors, we’re more than equipped to recommend the most reliable options for games like CS:GO, Call Of Duty, Apex Legends, Overwatch, and more.
The following FPS monitors have been hand-selected based on our own in-house testing – including build quality, color accuracy, panel uniformity, gaming performance, and value for money.
Our Top Picks
Best FPS monitor in 2022
In-depth Review
ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN
ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN
The ASUS PG259QN gets our number one pick for best FPS monitor and for good reason. Thanks to a blistering refresh rate, impressive response time, and low input lag, the PG259QN really does give you a competitive advantage in the latest FPS games.
Despite ASUS prioritizing performance for this panel, the styling is still every bit as premium as you might expect. A two-tone metallic stand with complete functionality can be found at the heart of this display, delivering complete ergonomic control over its positioning. The rear offers a couple of RGB zones that, despite looking quite cool, don’t really offer too much as far as ambiance is concerned.
Looking at performance, you really can’t knock this panel at all. The PG259QN features a 360Hz refresh rate, low 1ms (GTG) response time, and excellent input lag on average. Alongside full G-Sync support (ranging between 1-360Hz), the ROG Swift monitor also comes equipped with a tonne of additional gaming-tailored features too.
As you might have guessed, the PG259QN comes with a fairly hefty price tag that might put some users off. However, when you consider the specifications, it’s hard to find anything close for much cheaper.
Acer Predator X25
Acer Predator X25
Like our top pick, the Acer Predator X25 seems to tick all the right boxes if you prioritize high-performance FPS gaming. In today’s market, you simply won’t find anything faster than this.
Aesthetically, the X25 isn’t quite as nice as our top pick – however, if you’re into the gaming vibe, you’ll love it nonetheless. The monitor features thin bezels, a sturdy V-shaped stand, and some interesting RGB on the rear. Metal has been used throughout the design of this monitor, giving it a premium look and feel.
Looks aside, it’s the performance where this monitor truly sings. The X25 features an industry-leading 360Hz refresh rate, low 1ms GTG response time, and impressive input lag to boot. Furthermore, with G-Sync support, the X25 delivers silky smooth gameplay that really does exceed slower alternatives.
Unlike gaming monitors of the past, this fast refresh rate monitor also comes with an IPS panel at its heart. This not only delivers stunning color accuracy and vividness but it also boasts decent viewing angles too.
Like our top pick, however, the X25 does come with a steep price tag that will outprice some individuals.
Alienware AW2720HF
Alienware AW2720HF
The Alienware AW2720HF is one of the best FPS monitors on the market, featuring all the core specifications you could want to get the theoretical edge over your competition.
Alongside stunning performance, the Alienware AW2720HF also features the brand’s latest ‘Legend’ design language that really does scream premium. Users can expect thin bezels, an efficient anti-glare panel coating, and solid build construction for the panel itself. A wide V-shaped stand is utilized for great stability and excellent ergonomic functionality. The rear of the panel is where most of the action lies, with subtle RGB and an off-grey color scheme working nicely together to complete a very stylish-looking panel.
Looks aside, the AW2720HF really does shine when it comes to competitive gaming. Users can expect a quick 240Hz refresh rate, low 1ms response time, and excellent input lag on average. Better still, the AW2720HF also features full G-Sync support (1-240Hz) for a crisp, artifact-free visual experience. At the heart of this display lies a very effective 27″ IPS panel that delivers great color accuracy, viewing angles, and HDR performance too. Of course, don’t expect Neo G9 levels of HDR performance with this thing – just know its better than your generic DisplayHDR 400 certified alternatives.
This panel also comes with a forgiving 1080p screen resolution that really allows you to reach the framerates required to enjoy this monitor at its best.
Unfortunately, this monitor isn’t the cheapest option out there. However, it is more respectable than our top two picks and will give you excellent FPS gaming performance for the price.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM
The ASUS VG279QM is a great choice for individuals that don’t want to splash out on the premium recommendations in this guide. Despite having a slower refresh rate, the VG279QM still provides a great gaming experience that is above average in today’s market.
Aesthetically, the VG279QM is a little on the basic side. However, that’s not a bad thing – especially for a monitor tailored towards gaming performance. It features ASUS’s boxy TUF Gaming design that really isn’t that bad at all. The rear features very little in the ways of design features, with some simple cable management options for those wanting to keep a clean desk.
Performance-wise, it’s hard to knock this monitor as far as FPS goes. It features a rapid 280Hz refresh (240Hz native) and impressive 1ms GTG average response time, making this panel one of the fastest in today’s market. Unlike the other picks in this guide, the VG279QM features FreeSync support instead (which does come with its limitations). That said, you still get a very smooth, artifact-free gaming experience from this monitor – especially when you crank the refresh rate up to 280Hz. Other features include 99% sRGB coverage, a 400 nit peak luminance, decent viewing angles, and an anti-glare coating that does a great job of mitigating both natural and manmade light sources.
All in all, the VG279QM is an incredibly attractive monitor. Once you put the price into the equation as well, it’s easy to see why this monitor became so popular.
Samsung Odyssey G5 (LS32AG550)
Samsung Odyssey G5 (LS32AG550)
Samsung’s Odyssey G5 (LS32AG550) is the brand’s latest refresh of the hugely popular Odyssey G5. It’s one of Samsung’s less premium 165Hz options, but don’t let that put you off – it still features all the specifications you could want for an excellent gaming experience.
Aesthetically, the Samsung Odyssey G5 seems pretty identical to the G7 – however, on closer inspection, you can clearly see where corners have been cut. Samsung has removed the characteristic Vortex RGB zone from the rear, opting for a simple input solution instead. Again, all RGB from the front of the monitor has been removed as well. Build quality doesn’t do the G5 any favors either, with a tonne of plastic used throughout the design of this panel.
Looks aside, however, this monitor does offer great performance when its price is considered. The G5 features a 165Hz refresh rate (up from 144Hz in 2021) and a low 1ms response time, both working together to provide a very smooth overall gaming experience. The G5 also features Samsung’s audacious 1000R curvature – said to reflect the curvature of the human eye for a more natural viewing experience. We’re not sure about that, but it is incredibly spicy nonetheless. Users can also expect excellent picture quality thanks to a 1440p screen resolution and excellent contrast thanks to the VA panel at its heart.
Overall, while this monitor isn’t the best out there, it certainly offers up something different from the other recommendations in this guide.
Final Word
So, there you have it, our comprehensive guide to the best FPS monitors available right now. Hopefully, this guide has made understanding FPS monitors that little bit easier, showcasing some of the main features and specifications they deliver.
Overall, there are two standout performers in this guide, and that’s the Acer Predator X25 and ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN. Both these monitors feature blistering 360Hz refresh rates, rapid response times, and very low input lag – the perfect combination for any budding gamer. However, due to their steep price tags, they won’t be right for every gamer. Less premium selections such as the VG279QM, AW2720HF, and G5 are all great options for individuals on a budget.
If you have any questions regarding the selections in this guide, feel free to drop us a comment in the section below.