For nearly all of us living in this hyperstimulated consumerist ball pit of wonders we call ‘modern society,’ having the best products available is a “must.”
When it comes to capturing the limitless imagination of the gaming world, there is no exception to the rule, and with Riot Games’ newly announced FPS title, ‘Valorant,’ the testament holds truer than ever.
The cornerstone piece of any video game on the market is (you guessed it): the screen!
As such, we are going to take a little jaunt down the virtual monitor aisle to help you determine what the best monitor for Valorant is so you can suit up as Viper this spring, demolish your opponents with your Viper’s Pit, and get yourself straight to the leaderboards.
Best Overall
- 165Hz And 1ms RT
- Sleek And Sturdy Build
- ASUS Eye Care Technology
Budget Pick
- 144Hz Refresh Rate
- 1ms Response Time
- VESA Mount Compatible
Best Monitor For Valorant Comparison Table
The fact of the matter is, there is a whole plethora of gaming monitors available on the market; making it hard to know which one is the right one for you.
With this table we have put together for you, you can see these monitors side by side and see how the specs really measure up.
1. Acer Predator X34 – Premium Pick
With a name like Predator, our minds rush off to assumptions of superior alien technology sponsored by Arnold Schwarznegger or a military weapon that is known for its unparalleled decimation of supposed enemies.
While neither one of these harbors any truth in regards to the Acer Predator X34, it certainly doesn’t disappoint with a strong design, beautiful presentation, and powerful processing that will provide any FPS gamer with just the edge they’ve been looking for.
Our Premium Pick
Acer Predator X34
The Acer Predator X34 is our Premium Pick not just because of its uniquely curved 34 IPS panel with 3440×1440 resolution and 21:9 aspect ratio, but this puppy comes jam packed with all sorts of fun surprises.
Along with its signature feature—the screen—it also features NVIDIA’s G-SYNC technology for extra smooth gameplay. It also comes equipped with 5 USB ports, LED lights underneath to light up your keyboard, and 2 built-in 7-watt speakers with robust and colorful sound quality.
It also comes with an Aim Point feature specifically for FPS gamers who want to improve their shooting, as well as an Overclock setting that juices up your refresh rate to 100Hz. Put all of these features into one package and you’ve got yourself one sexy piece of technology.
Pros
- Immersive and Innovative Design
- USB Hub
- Supports G-SYNC tear-prevention technology
- High-quality performance
- Low latency
- IPS Panels
- 2 well built, 7 watt speakers for clear, robust audio with juicy bass frequencies
- VESA compatible
Cons
- Expensive
- Only two video inputs
- Can't rotate horizontally
2. ViewSonic XG2401
While the ViewSonic XG2401 certainly isn’t the best monitor available on the market, it doesn’t disappoint by keeping up with its competitors and making itself available to customers at a relatively affordable price.
ViewSonic XG2401
Though it doesn’t have the same appeal as larger monitors, this 24” monitor brings the heat with its lightning fast 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make it perfect for those looking to vanquish their enemies on Valorant with quick precision and smooth, buttery visuals.
The stand is highly adjustable, allowing for a full 90° swivel into Portrait mode, as well as 175° horizontal and 27° vertical swivelling capabilities. This undoubtedly makes getting the best view more accessible to avid gamers and can take some of the pressure off your neck when you feel a kink coming on.
The monitor is also equipped with plenty of gamer presets to ensure that you get the full experience of whatever genre of game it is you choose to play, so you aren’t stuck with FPS settings when you decide to switch over an RTS title and impose your rule over your competitors.
Despite the color skewing that comes from the TN panel and the fact that there aren’t any built-in speakers, this is an affordable monitor that will provide you with all the heat needed to spice things up in the arena.
Pros
- AMD FreeSync Anti-tearing technology
- 144Hz refresh rate at 1080p
- 1ms response time
- Highly adjustable stand
- Headphone dock
- Low input lag
- Affordable price
- VESA compatible
- Offers an ECO mode for low energy usage
Cons
- Coloring is slightly skewed
- Mediocre viewing angles
- No speakers
3. AOC Agon AG251FZ
This model in the Agon series is a true testament to gaming superiority with its minimal architectural design and immense processing power.
AOC Agon AG251FZ
Equipped with 240Hz, 1ms of response time and a contrast ratio of 1000:1, it is the only 240Hz monitor on the market with FreeSync support. So for those of you looking to storm the field as Sova or Omen and support your teammates with stealth and precision, you needn’t look any further.
However, in order to use this monitor at its full capacity you will need an AMD graphics card to utilize the fullest of its capabilities.
With its chrome V-shaped stand and the beautiful simplicity of the vibrant red “V” on the back, it delivers just what the gaming community is looking for in a monitor: fast, reliable gameplay with little-to-no lag and a crystal clear picture that will leave you wondering why you have drool stains on your brand new shirt. Or maybe it’s old…Either way, you got drool on yourself.
Pros
- 240Hz with FreeSync support
- Nearly no input lag
- High-quality, solid build
Cons
- Some gamma concerns
- No blur-reduction
4. ASUS ROG Swift PG278QR – Best Overall Pick
This improvement to its predecessor has taken its place at the top of the monitor leaderboards, and with a 27” 1440p screen, hefty (but reliable and insanely adjustable) stand, 165Hz refresh rate and G-SYNC compatibility, it is no surprise that it is a fan-favorite amongst aspiring and competitive gamers alike, as well as our Best Overall Pick.
Our Pick
ASUS ROG Swift PG278QR
Fitted with a matte black finish, it exudes a simple elegance that even the most lavish gamers will find charming. Not only does it look well and bring high-powered processing to the table, but it is also equipped with a small joystick, making the OSD navigation intuitive and extremely user-friendly.
Though it uses a TN panel, this remains a monitor that lays its claim in the gaming community with lightning fast performance, vivid images, and a solid build that will last a lifetime of loving abuse.
Pros
- Can overclock refresh rate to 165Hz
- G-SYNC compatible
- Sleek design with minimal bezels
- High-quality, reliable build
- Intuitive OSD with physical buttons
- Ergonomic stand
- 1440p Screen
Cons
- TN panel
5. BenQ ZOWIE XL2540
BenQ does not disappoint with this highly responsive product that ensures gamers the processing power that they can rely on to keep up with their fast-paced Valorant sessions this spring.
BenQ ZOWIE XL2540
It is fitted with a TN panel and flicker-free technology for blur reduction. While some gamers prefer the IPS panels for greater picture quality, others prefer less intensive visuals and more focus on the low input lag and insanely high refresh rate, which allows for more controllable gameplay that is easier on the eyes—and the ZOWIE XL2540 does just that.
Though it suffers when it comes to the viewing angles of the TN panel, it doesn’t prove to be much of an issue when you are face-to-screen with this beast and balls deep in some Valorant.
The 240Hz and FreeSync compatibility more than make up for the—as some say—sub-par picture quality and awkward viewing angles. In the end, it all comes down to preference as a gamer, and luckily for you (yes, YOU) that means you get to decide for yourself if this monitor is the one for you.
Pros
- 240Hz refresh rate makes for incredibly smooth gaming
- Low input lag
- Portable
- Simple setup
- Peripheral blockers for distractions and glare
Cons
- Average picture quality (1080p)
- Narrow viewing angles
- Limited use beyond gaming
6. AOC G2460PF
In comparison to other high performance models on the market, the G2460PF is affordable in its price and brings all the right features to the table for any serious gamer.
AOC G2460PF
With FreeSync enabled technology and a variable refresh rate of 25-144Hz, this monitor is sure to provide you with the smoothest, lightning-fast gameplay imaginable for when you are Valoranting all over your opponents in the arena.
A highly maneuverable stand allows for you to get the perfect angle that suits your gameplay style best, and it is also fitted with VESA compatibility for those that prefer to have their monitors mounted instead of on their desk.
While it doesn’t wield an IPS panel for the ultimate picture quality imaginable, its TN panel does more than enough to provide you with the gaming experience you desire—as long as you don’t mind tweaking the settings to optimize visual performance. Not to mention, it is also equipped with 2 2-watt speakers to give you a little front-end sound for your sessions.
Pros
- High-quality performance
- AMD FreeSync technology
- 25-144Hz Freesync range
- Ghosting-free overdrive
- Reasonably priced
- Well-built
Cons
- Needs adjustments to optimize picture quality
- Narrow viewing angles
- Slightly skewed colors
7. LG 27GK750F-B
While LG has been revered as a reliable manufacturer of home and business technology, it is expanding its reach into the world of gaming products. This monitor proves self-evident to their growth and what they are truly capable of.
LG 27GK750F-B
With a 27” TN panel and 240Hz refresh rate with FreeSync compatibility, this screen provides users with a buttery smooth experience that will more than keep up with your fast-paced kill streaks as you meander across the map eliminating worthy (or unworthy) adversaries.
In comparison to other monitors, it has a much thinner build, but maintains a sleek and attractive design. It is moderately priced and provides the avid gamer with all the bells and whistles necessary to immerse themselves entirely in whatever game they choose to play.
If you are a fan of LG’s other products, then you surely won’t be disappointed in this monitor and what it offers for the Valorant beta this spring.
Pros
- 240Hz refresh rate
- Motion blur reduction
- AMD FreeSync enabled
- Adjustable stand with swivel and pivot capabilities
- 3H Anti-Glare coating
- Doesn’t require much tinkering for optimization
Cons
- TN panel
- No built-in speakers
8. BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P – Budget Pick
This one is for all the aspiring gamers in the house! What this monitor lacks in flash and pizzazz, it makes up for in top-of-the-line performance quality and gigantic processing power. In short, it delivers in all the right ways for someone who is looking to add to their gaming hardware and up their game.
Our Budget Pick
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P
This is our budget pick, because it is fairly cheap and it comes equipped with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms of response time, making it more than adequate for match after match of Valorant with little-to-no lag or blurring of the screen.
However, it does lack an adaptive sync capability for anti-tearing, which is odd considering the high refresh rate. In the end, such a feature (or lack thereof) is petty to squabble over when you consider the overall value of the monitor and the features it does have.
If you are new to gaming and perhaps are looking to merely dip your toes in the water before diving in, then this monitor is certainly the one for you. Without emptying your wallet, you can get a stellar product that will give you the gaming experience you desire and introduce you to a whole new world of smooth Valorant magic.
Pros
- Accurate colors post-calibration
- Sturdy and reliable build
- Blur reduction technology
Cons
- Gamma lacks accuracy
- No adaptive sync
- Thick bezels
9. Acer XF250Q
This sturdy piece of equipment by Acer brings what you would expect from a 240Hz gaming monitor, and that certainly is not a bad thing, by any means. Despite it using a TN panel (like most 240Hz monitors do), the incredibly smooth refresh rate and response time dull the blow of the seeming lack in picture quality.
However, the picture quality is only considered mediocre in comparison to those that prefer IPS panels.
Acer XF250Q
With thin bezels, an adjustable stand, and a solid design, this monitor is the perfect addition for your gaming desk and will fit right in with all the other toys.
TN panels aside, this monitor utilizes Acer Eye Protect’s Flicker-less technology, Blue Light Filters, Comfy View and Low-Dimming technology for elongated periods of intensive usage so that you can game down for long stints of time without your eyes growing weary and losing their ability to keep up with the shenanigans.
It is also G-SYNC compatible, meaning that you can rest assured that your gameplay will maintain a smooth output at all times. Not only that, but it is extremely Eco-friendly and utilizes less energy to be more energy efficient, and the hardware is not made with any mercury!
So, in a nutshell, this is one hell of a monitor to add to your gaming hardware collection. And with Valorant’s beta release right around the corner, you can’t go wrong with this screaming deal that Acer is throwing at you.
Pros
- Highly adjustable stand
- 240Hz refresh rate
- 1ms response time
- AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatible
- Built-in speakers
- Comfy View technology for extended use
Cons
- TN panel
10. MSI MAG251RX
As you have probably gathered from reading this article, IPS panels are the golden goose of glorious picture quality, though some particular gamers prefer a less intensive vibrance so that the gameplay features can shine through more. Regardless, MSI provides gamers with a product that seems to excel in all realms of monitor scrutiny.
MSI MAG251RX
The monitor wields a 24.5”, 1080p screen with an IPS panel, Motion Blur Reduction technology, G-SYNC compatibility, and a 240Hz refresh rate. Now I don’t know about you, but all that just about made me cream my spinach.
Not only that, but it is also fitted with an adjustable stand, thin bezels and wide viewing angles, meaning that it is easier on the eyes and you can rest assured that you can see all of what is going on during your intensive online gaming sessions. Despite its “low” resolution, this monitor brings vibrant colors and beautiful visuals to the table, and with its IPS panels the color spectrums will be accurate.
All in all, this monitor is a reasonably priced choice for serious and aspiring gamers alike. It delivers in the places where it counts, and can sustain long periods of intensive gameplay. The question is, “Can you?”
Pros
- IPS panel
- Height adjustable stand
- G-SYNC compatible
- Motion Blur Reduction technology
- Thin bezels
Cons
- Little-to-no swivel or tilt adjustability
How To Choose The Best Monitor For Valorant
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “What in the heck am I supposed to do with all this information, and how am I supposed to know which monitor is the one for me?”
Well, that is what the next portion of this article is for. We are going to take a little jaunt through specs lane so that you can get a feel for the most important pieces of a gaming monitor and develop the language and understanding so that you can make that choice for yourself. Capiche? Let’s do it.
Refresh Rate
In short, the refresh rate of your monitor is referring to how many times per second that it “refreshes” the image on it. The higher the number is, the more times per second it refreshes. Refresh rate is measured in Hertz(Hz), so now you can understand all those numbers and letters that were being thrown around earlier.
A high refresh rate keeps the image sharp and yields a high reaction time, so you can make sure that when you do something, it happens in the split second that you do it. Another rule of thumb with refresh rate, is that if you increase the resolution, you tend to decrease the refresh rate. As such, many pro gamers use a less pixelated resolution and put more of their focus into the refresh rates and response times of their machines.
Response Time
Response time is simply the length of time that your monitor takes to shift from one color to another. It is measured in milliseconds(ms) and is often referred to in terms of “black to white,” “white to black,” and most commonly, “gray to gray.”
Unlike the refresh rate, the lower the milliseconds on the response time, the better. The lower the response time value, the less of a chance there is for effects like “blurring” or “ghosting.” When it comes to the fast response times available on the market, they are most commonly found in monitors with TN panels.
Panel Type (TN/IPS)
The core piece of a monitor is the LCD panel. However, not all LCD panels are the same, and their differences will serve different gamers in different ways. The two most popular kinds of panels in gaming monitors are IPS and TN panels.
Let’s get into IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels. IPS panels were created as a response to the areas where the TN panels just weren’t cutting it. As such, they have higher contrast ratios and higher color accuracy, but no good thing is without its shortcomings. Due to its higher performance in the visual realm, they tend to have lower response times, lower refresh rates, are less energy efficient, and will put a bigger dent in your wallet.
As IPS panels were the response to TN panels, TN panels were the response to a much older model of monitor known as a CRT panel. Where TN panels tend to suffer in comparison to IPS panels is in their viewing angles, color distortion, a lack thereof color accuracy and lower contrast ratios, however, they tend to have much lower response times and higher refresh rates than that of IPS panels, making them much more preferable in the world of fast-paced gaming.
Input Lag
Input—or display—lag is the amount of time it takes for your monitor to display and react to your commands that are input by the controller, mouse, keyboard, etc. Input lag is also measured in milliseconds, and the lower the input lag the better! The last thing you want is to have your scope dialed in on someone’s melon only to find that your input lag is a little on the slow side to where you miss your shot and blow the match.
Related: Best Mouse For Valorant
Panel Size & Resolution
As you have probably gathered, these are the values of the monitor that are much easier to dissect and understand. Panel size is obviously referring to the size of the screen itself, and is usually measured in inches (because we don’t use the metric system).
Resolution, on the other hand, is the amount of pixels per display. The higher the resolution, the more clear the images will be and the more vibrant the colors and contrasts. Typically the bigger the panels and the higher resolution is what we think is the best, however, higher resolutions tend to not go so well with higher refresh rates and low response times.
Price
Last, but not least, we have price. This is without a doubt the most obvious one of all and really doesn’t require any explanation. In the end, the price of the monitor is going to be due, in part, to the above-listed factors, as well as the brand, design, materials, etc.
We tend to attach higher price to better quality, but as we have seen throughout this article, that isn’t always so. There are plenty of affordable, high-quality monitors that will give you the top-of-the-line performance that you crave without draining your life savings.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it. 10 monitors that will best suit your needs when Valorant storms the airwaves and you can finally Cypher all over everyone’s faces. You now have the knowledge and the lingo to determine which one of these monitors is the best for you, and I have faith that whichever one you pick will not disappoint.
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