Best Monitor for Valorant In 2023

There’s no shortage of choices regarding gaming monitors, which can make it feel daunting to find a gaming monitor that perfectly fits your needs. That theme is especially true when buying the best monitor for Valorant.

Winning matches in Valorant requires accurate and fast aiming. A gaming monitor with the wrong specs can put you at a disadvantage to gamers on better monitors with the right specs. Below, we cover our shortlist of the best gaming monitors for Valorant, provide some helpful buying tips, and discuss the gaming monitors Valorant pros use to dominate the map.

The best monitor for Valorant

• Top pick overall: BenQ Zowie XL2546K
• Alternate top pick: Alienware AW2723DF
• High refresh rate pick: Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN
• OLED pick: LG 27GR95QE-B
• 4K pick: Gigabyte M28U
• Ultrawide pick: Gigabyte M34WQ
• Curved pick: Samsung Odyssey G7
• 25-inch pick: Alienware AW2521H
• Budget 1440p pick: Gigabyte M27Q
• Budget 1080p pick: Asus VG279QM

At a glance

• Size: 25”
• Resolution: 1080p
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Response time: 1.0 milliseconds
• Panel type: TN
• Ports: HDMI 2.0 (3), DisplayPort 1.2 (1)
• Variable refresh rate technology: G-Sync compatible, FreeSync
• HDR: No

BenQ’s Zowie monitors are the de facto standard for esports enthusiasts, and the BenQ Zowie XL2546K is one of the most popular models Valorant pros use. There are several performance-oriented reasons why.

The BenQ Zowie XL2546K is a 25-inch gaming monitor with a high 240Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution. Most Valorant and FPS pros play at 1080p resolution to prioritize frame rates over eye candy since there can be a competitive tracking and aiming advantage to being the player with the higher refresh rate. There’s no competitive advantage to a higher resolution, though the visual experience is better at higher resolutions and is a consideration. We’ll discuss more about the visual quality shortly below.

But let’s get back to performance. Another area where the BenQ Zowie XL2546K stands out is with its input lag and various proprietary technologies. The 1.0 millisecond response time results in low input lag.

As for BenQ’s proprietary technologies, its DyAc and black eQualizer functionalities explain some of the widespread popularity for FPS gamers. With DyAc, you can adjust the level of motion blur reduction, which is excellent for improved tracking, aiming, and visual recoil reduction in Valorant.

The black eQualizer function also helps spot enemies in shadows or dimly lit areas. In short, the technology brightens dark areas without overexposing brighter areas of the image.

There are a few significant downsides to consider before hitting the buy button. Since the BenQ Zowie XL2546K is focused on esports, you won’t get many bells and whistles elsewhere. There are no USB ports. The TN panel also doesn’t have excellent color performance. TN panels also don’t have the widest viewing angles, but that can be mitigated partly by the solid ergonomics of this gaming monitor.

These sacrifices are expected in this gaming monitor category, where lightning-fast performance and best-in-class motion handling are the focus.

At a glance

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 1440p
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Response time: 1.0 milliseconds
• Panel type: IPS
• Ports: HDMI 2.0 (2), DisplayPort 1.4 (1), USB-A (4)
• Variable refresh rate technology: G-Sync compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
• HDR: Yes, DisplayHDR 600

The Alienware AW2723DF is one of the best 240Hz monitors for Valorant. You get an outstanding esports-grade monitor with lightning-fast performance and image quality in one at a competitive price.

The Alienware AW2723DF sits squarely in the sweet spot of the market that has the best balance of price, performance, and future-proofing. Importantly, you’ll get a 1440p resolution and low input lag with a 1.0 millisecond response time.

You’ll also get a high native refresh rate of 240Hz that can be overclocked to 280Hz by adjusting some basic in-monitor settings. Either refresh rate is more than enough for most casual gamers.

Many casuals, myself included, don’t have the FPS gaming expertise to take advantage of targeting enemies accurately with the smoothness offered with a higher refresh rate.

Some gamers may also not have enough CPU and GPU power in their current gaming PCs to render more than 240 frames per second, though this is less of a problem in Valorant and more an issue in games like Apex Legends and Warzone 2.

This all explains why many gamers are best to skip the more niche esports monitors such as the BenQ XL2546K and the Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN below in favor of the Alienware AW2723DF’s more balanced specs.

As with many gaming monitors, you won’t get a KVM switch or USB-C ports, though the Alienware AW2723DF does have good port coverage with four USB ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and one DisplayPort 1.4 port.

At a glance

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 1440p
• Refresh rate: 360Hz
• Response time: 1.0 milliseconds
• Panel type: IPS
• Ports: HDMI 2.0 (3), DisplayPort 1.4 (1), USB-A (2)
• Variable refresh rate technology: G-Sync compatible, FreeSync compatible
• HDR: No DisplayHDR certification

It’s easy to sing the praises of the Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN. This model is among the esports gaming monitor leaders. The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN is the gaming monitor to buy if you like everything about the BenQ Zowie XL2546K but want a bigger 27-inch panel and better image quality.

Let’s cover the performance essentials first. The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN has a 1440p resolution, a high native refresh rate of 360Hz, and a low input lag of 1.0 milliseconds. These are the calling card features for gamers who demand smooth gameplay and performance.

But the Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN sprinkles in several other features that most competing fast gaming monitors can’t boast. You’ll get NVIDIA G-Sync certification, high DCI-P3 color coverage, and DisplayHDR 600 certification.

This overall combination of specs results in some of the best HDR, color performance, motion clarity, blur reduction, and tear-free gameplay we’ve come across, great for tracking enemies accurately and firing off fast headshots in Valorant. It isn’t the perfect monitor for content creation, though it surpasses some competing IPS panels.

Some of the following gaming-specific features are worth mentioning as well. You’ll get Esports Dual Mode to run games at a 16:9 aspect ratio at 25 inches, a popular size for FPS pros. There are also GameVisual, GamePlus, and NVIDIA’s Latency Analyzer features, which are excellent if you like to nerd out on settings and performance.

As for the downsides, they’re admittedly hard to come by. One consideration is the Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN is pricey. You also won’t get a KVM switch or USB-C connectivity, though there is a USB hub for your peripherals.

At a glance

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 1440p
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Response time: 0.03 milliseconds
• Panel type: OLED
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 (2), DisplayPort 1.4 (1), USB-A (2)
• Variable refresh rate technology: G-Sync compatible, FreeSync Premium
• HDR: No DisplayHDR certification

Consider buying the LG 27GR95QE-B if you want a 1440p gaming monitor on the bleeding edge of performance and image quality and have the budget to support the lofty price tag. If that sounds like you, this gaming monitor is stunning, and you won’t be disappointed.

The LG 27GR95QE-B is one of the first OLED gaming monitors that supports a 240Hz refresh rate at 1440p resolution. The response time is also ridiculously low at just 0.03 milliseconds, and you get G-Sync compatibility and FreeSync premium. The result is excellent motion handling and a tear-free experience with a near-infinite number of colors that can be displayed.

OLED panels work differently than IPS, TN, and VA panels, which require backlights to render dark colors. Not relying on a backlight explains why OLED panels can render perfect blacks and the most vibrant colors you’ll see in any panel type.

One potential downside to OLED panels is the brightness, which doesn’t make them ideal for brightly-lit setups. That said, adjusting some in-monitor settings on the LG 27GR95QE-B can resolve much of this problem after setting it up for the first time.

Console gamers may also want to consider buying the LG 27GR95QE-B, even knowing Valorant isn’t available on console. The gaming monitor includes two HDMI 2.1 ports, required to run a PS5 or Xbox Series X at 4K and 120 frames per second. The monitor isn’t 4K-capable but the combination of downscaling to 1440p and the OLED image quality results in a stunning experience.

At a glance

• Size: 28”
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Response time: 2.0 milliseconds
• Panel type: IPS
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 (2), DisplayPort 1.4 (1), USB-A (3), USB-C (1), KVM switch
• Variable refresh rate technology: G-Sync compatible, FreeSync
• HDR: Yes, DisplayHDR 400

The Gigabyte M28U is the best 4K monitor for Valorant for the price. There are other more expensive 4K gaming monitors with better specs in some areas, like the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 and Samsung Odyssey Neo G7. Both are best-in-class and worth considering if you have the budget and want a bigger display size. But the Gigabyte M28U is more versatile and has performance-oriented specs where it matters. Plus, it’s priced lower.

The Gigabyte M28U is a 28-inch monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and 2.0 millisecond response time. The refresh rate is at the low end we recommend for the best performance in Valorant. The response time is sufficiently fast, even if models on the bleeding edge can beat it.

It’s safe to say you’ll get smooth gameplay, good motion handling, and low input lag with the Gigabyte M28U. The major differentiators are the crisp and detailed 4K resolution, the build quality and design, and the versatility for hybrid setups and console gaming.

Only in the last few years has 4K gaming in FPS shooters become a reality, more so in Valorant, which is a highly-optimized game that can run at high frame rates on budget rigs. The 4K resolution also makes this gaming monitor more versatile for gaming, productivity, console gaming, and content creation.

Hybrid setups are what Gigabyte’s M-series of gaming monitors are built for. You’ll get a ton of ports with the Gigabyte M28U, including two HDMI 2.1 ports, a USB-C port with 15 watts of passthrough power delivery, and a KVM switch.

The HDMI 2.1 ports are particularly useful if you game on the newest-gen consoles and want to run at the max 4K resolution and 120 frames per second.

But before buying this monitor, it’s worth considering if you’re gaming PC is equipped with sufficient GPU and CPU power to take advantage of the high resolution and refresh rate in the games you play.

At a glance

• Size: 34”
• Resolution: 1440p
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Response time: 1.0 milliseconds
• Panel type: IPS
• Ports: HDMI 2.0 (2), DisplayPort 1.4 (1), USB-A (2), USB-C (1), KVM switch
• Variable refresh rate technology: G-Sync compatible, FreeSync Premium
• HDR: Yes, DisplayHDR 400

Since Valorant offers ultrawide support, you know we need to include an ultrawide pick. The Gigabyte M34WQ is the best ultrawide monitor for Valorant, offering outstanding performance and versatility for the price. Gigabyte’s M-series monitors are designed for gaming and productivity in one. So, this is a great choice if you want a single monitor to pull double duty.

Importantly for Valorant and gaming in general, the Gigabyte M34WQ has the right specs where it matters most. The display is a 1440p resolution panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1.0 millisecond response time. G-Sync compatibility and AMD’s FreeSync Premium variable refresh rate technology are also included. These combined features ensure fast-paced games are fluid with good motion blur reduction, low input lag, and reduced screen tearing.

As capable as the Gigabyte M34WQ is for gaming, the standout features are its versatility. First, the 34-inch IPS panel has 30% more screen real estate than a 27-inch gaming monitor, perfect for productivity.

The Gigabyte M34WQ also includes a KVM switch, a USB-C port with passthrough charging, and picture-by-picture (PbP) mode.

The KVM switch allows you to use a single mouse and keyboard to control two devices, whereas the PbP mode allows you to display two video sources simultaneously on the screen. These features are great for convenience and efficiency if you plug two sources into the same gaming monitor, such as a PC and console setup or a PC and Mac setup.

One downside to consider if you want an ultrawide is there are other potentially better options with more flashy specs. For example, the Alienware AW3423DW is a 34-inch OLED with better color performance and a slightly higher refresh rate. The Samsung Odyssey NEO G9 is insane with its 49-inch curved display and 240Hz refresh rate.

But consider that both models are far more expensive than the Gigabyte M34WQ and are primarily gaming-focused alternatives that can’t match the Gigabyte M34WQ’s productivity and versatility features. All are excellent picks. The right one for you just depends on your needs and budget.

At a glance

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 1440p
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Response time: 1.0 milliseconds
• Panel type: VA
• Ports: HDMI 2.0 (1), DisplayPort 1.4 (2), USB-A (2)
• Variable refresh rate technology: G-Sync, FreeSync Premium Pro
• HDR: Yes, DisplayHDR 600

The Samsung Odyssey G7 is the best curved gaming monitor for Valorant, especially when considering performance for the price. Sure, the newer Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 is fantastic with its higher 4K resolution. But it’s roughly double the price of the Samsung Odyssey G7, a 1440p gaming monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate. We want to ensure you’re putting your money where it matters most, which is why the Samsung Odyssey G7 made the cut.

The stand-out feature for the Samsung Odyssey G7, beyond its low input lag and high refresh rate, is the 1000R curve. The curve creates a more immersive gaming experience than a flat display.

But curved gaming monitors aren’t for everyone. Some gamers don’t like curved panels on 27-inch monitors. Arguably, there’s a point to that argument. Bigger curved gaming monitors better wrap around your field of vision than a smaller display.

If that’s a concern, the Samsung Odyssey G7 32-inch is better. But for gamers wanting to save some money and get performance to boot, it’s hard to beat the 27-inch model.

This gaming monitor also uses a VA panel. The better contrast ratio than IPS panels creates richer colors and better blacks. But VA panels have narrower viewing angles, which is more or less an issue depending on your setup.

At a glance

• Size: 24.5”
• Resolution: 1080p
• Refresh rate: 360Hz
• Response time: 1.0 milliseconds
• Panel type: IPS
• Ports: HDMI 2.0 (2), DisplayPort 1.4 (1), USB-A (4)
• Variable refresh rate technology: G-Sync
• HDR: Yes, DisplayHDR 400

Consider adding the Alienware AW2521H to your shortlist if you want a 25-inch gaming monitor but want a higher refresh rate and better color performance than the BenQ Zowie XL2546K.

Both 1080p models have the same response time, but the Alienware AW2521H packs a 360Hz refresh rate. This jump in refresh rate produces better blur reduction, but it may go unnoticed by most casual gamers.

The divide between the two models becomes clearer regarding color performance. The Alienware’s IPS panel and higher peak brightness produce richer colors, though not on par with OLED panels.

The Alienware AW2521H also has a better lineup of ports, including four USB ports, whereas the BenQ model doesn’t have any.

Otherwise, the two esports-grade gaming monitors match equally, including their versatile ergonomics.

So, choosing between the two 25-inch gaming monitors ultimately comes down to your needs. If you want a more versatile esports-grade monitor for your setup, the Alienware AW2521H is an easy recommendation.

At a glance

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 1440p
• Refresh rate: 170Hz
• Response time: 0.5 milliseconds
• Panel type: IPS
• Ports: HDMI 2.0 (2), DisplayPort 1.2 (1), USB-A (2), USB-C (1), KVM switch
• Variable refresh rate technology: G-Sync compatible, FreeSync Premium
• HDR: Yes, DisplayHDR 400

Gigabyte made a name for itself by packing its gaming monitors with unmatched specs for the price, including the Gigabyte M27Q, which is the best budget monitor for Valorant.

This hybrid gaming and productivity-focused monitor matches well with its intended market, sprinkling in the right performance specs where it matters and making sacrifices in other areas that won’t make a difference for budget-oriented gamers.

The performance specs are impressive for a monitor that is typically priced below $300. You’ll get a 1440p display with a fast 170Hz refresh rate. Interestingly, the response time of 0.05 milliseconds is lower than many models double its price. So, we know that the Gigabyte M27Q will handle motion blur well and it will be lightning fast in Valorant.

Gigabyte’s M-series monitors are also highly versatile for gaming, productivity, and multi-device setups, considering features such as USB-C passthrough charging and a KVM switch are included.

But it may be more important for budget gamers to know where the sacrifices are made. The most apparent lacking feature is the stand’s ergonomics. There is only height adjustment and tilt functionality, no swivel and pivot options.

This design approach is on brand for Gigabyte when considering the features that matter most. Most gamers adjust the height and tilt of their displays, fewer have the need to swivel their monitor to each side or rotate it vertically.

The Gigabyte M27Q also has two USB ports, which does limit the peripherals that can be plugged into your display.

Otherwise, the Gigabyte M27Q is a fantastic pick if you want an all-in-one monitor that is just as capable for gaming as productivity.

At a glance

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 1080p
• Refresh rate: 240Hz (280Hz overclock)
• Response time: 1.0 milliseconds
• Panel type: IPS
• Ports: HDMI 2.0 (2), DisplayPort 1.2 (1)
• Variable refresh rate technology: G-Sync compatible, FreeSync compatible
• HDR: Yes, DisplayHDR 400

The Asus VG279QM has been a hit for Asus, primarily because it packs unmatched performance for the price. Let’s explore why the Asus VG279QM is the best 1080p gaming monitor for Valorant.

The Asus VG279QM has a high native 240Hz refresh rate that is overclockable to 280Hz. Those refresh rates are incredibly high in the budget category.

Equally impressive, there’s a low response time, and Asus included FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility.

These specs combine to produce smooth gameplay, reduced motion blur, and limited screen tearing that compete with much higher-priced gaming monitors.

One drawback is the Asus VG279QM’s 1080p display isn’t as highly detailed and crisp as a 1440p display, and there are no USB ports for your peripherals.

However, the Asus VG279QM has good build quality and rare ergonomics at this price point. The display has height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot functionality.

Valorant monitor buying tips

The gaming monitor market doesn’t lack choice, which can feel daunting when trying to find the best Valorant monitor for your setup. But there are several essentials to focus on when buying the best monitor for Valorant.

Refresh rate

Refresh rate is one of the most important specs to pay attention to when buying a monitor for Valorant. There is a competitive advantage to high refresh rates. We suggest buying the highest refresh rate your budget can support. 240Hz refresh rates are the sweet spot currently for mid-range and higher gaming monitors. A 144Hz refresh is the minimum we recommend for Valorant.

Resolution

While there is no competitive advantage to increasing your gaming monitor resolution, it’s hard to deny the eye candy of gaming at 1440p or 4K. Most FPS esports athletes game at 1080p to prioritize frame rates over visuals. But we suggest aiming for 1440p resolution for the best Valorant graphics settings.

Panel type

IPS panels are popular due to their balance of performance, visual quality, and price. Fast OLED gaming monitors are becoming more popular with their true blacks and rich colors, but you’ll need to spend much more money than for an IPS panel to get an equivalent refresh rate, response time, and resolution.

VA panels are commonly used in curved gaming monitors, offering improved contrast over IPS panels.

Esports athletes almost exclusively use TN panels due to their fast performance and crisp motion handling. But the color performance can’t compete with the other panel types, which are catching up in many performance areas.

Size

The best monitor size for Valorant is 27 inches. At this size, you get the best combination of price and performance. Moving down to a 25-inch display can save money, but several great 27-inch budget options are more immersive.

Ultrawide gaming monitors are highly immersive in Valorant, which offers ultrawide 21:9 support. But increased monitor size usually comes with a higher price tag. That said, ultrawide gaming monitors are great options if you have a single monitor setup or want a monitor to pull double duty for gaming and productivity.

Comparing the best Valorant monitors

We compare all of our picks below across several important factors to help you easily find the right gaming monitor for your needs.

Display

There is a balance with gaming monitors where image quality can sometimes suffer in favor of fast performance. That theme holds true with the BenQ Zowie XL2546K, the most performance-focused gaming monitor of the bunch. The combination of it having a TN panel, low peak brightness, and 1080p resolution explains why.

Our other picks have IPS, VA, and OLED panels. Each panel type performs well. The LG 27GR95QE-B’s OLED panel is unmatched with the high contrast ratio and perfect blacks that are only possible with an OLED panel.

Next in line, the Samsung Odyssey G7’s VA panel has much more vibrant colors and better black performance than our IPS panel picks. The difference between the two panel types is noticeable, particularly in Valorant and other games with colorful scenery.

Otherwise, the 1440p IPS panel picks perform similarly, though the gaming monitors with higher DCI-P3 color coverage and peak brightness will look more vibrant, particularly when watching HDR content.

Ergonomics

All of our Valorant monitor picks include stands with height adjustment and tilt functionality. The Gigabyte M28U and the Gigabyte M27Q are the only two gaming monitors without both swivel and pivot functionality.

Swivel functionality is nice to have but isn’t critical for most setups with a monitor placed directly in front of where you are seated. Swivel functionality becomes more useful for dual-monitor setups, as does pivot functionality to rotate your second monitor vertically.

I/O and more

There are a few considerations for ports included when buying a new gaming monitor. At least one DisplayPort and at least one HDMI port are included with most gaming monitors. One of each is typically enough for a single monitor setup.

The same can’t be said for USB ports. It’s best to have as many USB-A ports as possible, especially for gamers who tend to use more peripherals than a basic productivity setup. The BenQ Zowie XL2546K and the Asus VG279QM are the only two models that don’t include USB-A ports.

If you want to max out the performance of your PS5 or Xbox Series X then you’ll need a 4K gaming monitor with an HDMI 2.1 port. This port type has the required bandwidth to game at 120 frames per second and 4K resolution. HDMI ports are mostly relevant for console gaming since the newest-gen consoles don’t include DisplayPort connectivity, which is what should be used to connect your gaming monitor to your PC.

USB-C ports and KVM switches can be helpful in specific situations. Some peripherals have USB-C connectors, which can be plugged into a gaming monitor with USB-C ports. Monitors with power delivery can also charge those peripherals.

KVM switches are convenient when running two different sources with the same mouse and keyboard. Hybrid PC and Mac and PC and console setups can benefit from having a KVM switch to seamlessly switch between sources and to keep gaming or working. The Gigabyte M28U, the Gigabyte M34WQ, and the Gigabyte M27Q all include KVM switches.

Honorable mentions

Arguably, there are many great Valorant monitors on the market, including our honorable mentions you can’t go wrong with.

The BenQ Zowie XL2566K is a fantastic 360Hz refresh rate monitor with a 1080p resolution panel. But we favor the Asus ROG Swift PG279AQN with its better picture quality and higher resolution.

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 is a fantastic option with its 4K resolution and 240Hz refresh rate, rare for gaming monitors with such high resolution. But it is expensive, and many gaming PCs can’t render games at 4K and 240 frames per second, though Valorant is easier to hit high framerates than most FPS titles.

The Gigabyte M32U is also an outstanding 32-inch Valorant monitor with a 4K resolution in between the price of the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 (includes a higher refresh rate) and our pick, the Gigabyte M28U (includes a smaller display).

The Asus ROG Swift PG259QN 25-inch gaming monitor is popular with streamers and pros due to its 360Hz refresh rate. But we prefer 27-inch gaming monitors. That said, this is an excellent option if you want lightning-fast performance at a lower price.

The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQM is very similar performance-wise to the Alienware AW2723DF, which has slightly better image quality for a comparable price.

The Alienware AW3423DW is absolutely stunning, primarily due to the immersion offered with a 34-inch OLED panel. If you’ve got the budget, this ultrawide OLED should be on your shortlist.

The Gigabyte M27Q-X beats our budget 1440p pick in a few areas: a slightly better refresh rate and response time. But the jump in specs isn’t noticeable for most casual gamers. We suggest saving some money and sticking with the Gigabyte M27Q.

The LG Ultragear 27GL850-B is a solid mid-range 1440p gaming monitor. But we think it’s either best to go with our budget 1440p pick for its higher refresh rate and versatility or upgrade to a 1440p display with a 240Hz refresh rate.

The AOC 24G2 is a solid 1080p gaming monitor to consider if neither of our budget picks fits your needs or if you want to save more money.

What monitors do Valorant pros use?

The Benq Zowie XL2546 is the most popular gaming monitor among Valorant players. In fact, 44% of pro Valorant players and streamers tracked on Setup.gg use the Benq Zowie XL2546.