144hz and 240hz gaming monitors are super common nowadays, making the choice that little harder to make.
But what's the main difference between the two? Well, as you'd expect, it's not just the case of more is better, there are other elements you'll need to factor in when making your selection.
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So here's everything you need to know so you can find the best gaming monitor for you.
What is Hz?
To understand what Hz is, you need to know what refresh rates are and the good news is, it's actually quite simple.
The refresh rate relates to how many times per second your display (TV or Monitor) can show a new image, and this is measured in Hz.
So if you see a 144hz refresh rate, that indicates that the display can draw new images up to 144 times a second.
If that sounds fast...it is! This is why you'll often come across the debate as to whether high refresh rates are noticeable to the human eye or not.
Typically speaking, the higher the refresh rate the higher frames per second you'll be able to achieve.
144hz vs 240hz - Which Monitor Should You Get?
So it may seem like a somewhat obvious answer, but it's not as straightforward as that.
As is the case with practically anything with tech, you'll find that if you want something, you may have to make a concession.
Resolution
With 144hz, you'll be able to find a number of resolutions available, including 4K with some of the best HDMI 2.1 monitors around.
With 240hz, it's more common to find 1080p/ FHD displays, however, we may see this change in the future.
That does mean that if you're after 240hz, you may be left with a screen-sized under 27" to preserve picture quality, while with a 144hz monitor we've even seen them as big as 43" since they can support anything from 1080p up to 4K.
Price
Generally speaking, most 240hz monitors can come at a higher price than their 144hz counterparts, if they're the same size that is.
Many of the best 144hz monitors are actually quite reasonable, especially at FHD.
Whether you think the price is worth it could be down to more than just budget though.
Compatibility
Put simply, if you haven't got a PC or console that'll make the most out of your monitor's refresh rate there's no point in buying something with Hz to spare unless you're future-proofing that is.
Those who have a PS4 Pro for example won't see any benefits from 144hz monitors over a decent 60hz display. On the other hand, those with a PC powerful enough to run games at 240hz, assuming the game is able to also, can get the most out of it.
It's worth taking stock of what your current setup is capable of doing before diving into your next purchase.
Our Verdict
Do high refresh rates matter? Yes, to some. If you're a competitive gamer we'd say they're a must as they can give you a slight edge, especially in first-person shooters.
But for most, the difference won't be as stark as you'd imagine, and for many, the price won't be worth the slight upgrade.
If you are looking for a great 144hz monitor, check out our top 144hz monitor picks here, but if you think your setup is up to task, head on over to our top 240hz monitors right here to see what we think are the best of the best so far.
Read More: Is a Gaming Monitor Good For Work?