The Best 120Hz Monitors

When quality and performance matter to you, you won’t settle for anything less. A 120Hz monitor provides pristine video quality. Typical consumers may not understand or even see it, but a connoisseur expects and appreciates virtuosity. We’ve done all the research for you, and here are the best 120Hz monitors rounded up on this list.   

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a 120Hz monitor?

The refresh rate is the number of times a monitor refreshes itself to produce a new frame per second, and the measure is Hertz (Hz). It directly affects the smoothness of the visuals. Monitors with a 120Hz refresh rate refresh 120 times per second, resulting in high-quality images.

A 120Hz refresh rate helps eliminate ghosting, stuttering, and blurry images, which can negatively affect your streaming or gaming experience. A high refresh rate can also minimize latency, which can cause your gameplay to lag and your performance to suffer. Lower refresh rates can also cause screen tearing, which refers to fast-moving objects or flashes that may not render correctly or at all.

Is the price of a 120Hz monitor worth it? 

The answer to this question lies in how you intend to use it. A 60Hz refresh rate is not shabby. For video editors, gamers, and movie streamers, 60Hz monitors are sufficient. But there is a difference in what you get from a 120Hz monitor.

A 120Hz display refreshes twice as quickly as a 60Hz one, so it can display up to 120 fps. This faster frame rate decreases the appearance of film judder or blurring, which is noticeable on a 60Hz screen. Some people can detect the difference in the perceived sharpness of a moving image.

If you’re intensely gaming or streaming, you’ll appreciate the sharper visuals during fast action sequences and notice that moving a mouse can feel smoother compared to a more typical 60Hz display. You’ll experience less lag and feel more reactive. 

Buying Guide: Monitors with a refresh rate of 120Hz and more are largely gaming monitors. The information below will help you pick the best 120Hz monitor for your needs.

• Shape: 120Hz monitors can have a flat or curved surface. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Flat monitors are great for multi-monitor setups. They are also cheaper and efficiently use desk space. Curved monitors offer a more immersive experience but are more expensive and take up a lot of space. Weigh the features you like against the costs and pick the one you prefer.
• HDR and Nits: One nit is the amount of light that spreads over one square meter. A nit is another way of describing a brightness of 1cd/m2 (candela per square meter). HDR or High Dynamic Range measures the contrast between the brightest and darkest hues. HDR monitors require 400 nits but many gaming monitors have an HDR of 600 to 800.  
• Location: Outlets and voltage differ internationally, and you may require an adapter or converter for use at your destination. Ensure compatibility before purchasing.

SAMSUNG LC49RG90SSNXZA 49-Inch CRG9 Curved Gaming Monitor, Black, QHD, 120Hz

Best Overall

Ultrawide Curved Gaming Monitors

The SAMSUNG 49-inch dual QHD curved gaming monitor is the equivalent of dual 27-inch QHD displays side by side. It features a viewing angle of 178° (H) / 178° (V) and PBP. With QLED technology, the monitor has a brightness of 600 and an aspect ratio of 32:9. HDR 1000 supports a peak brightness rating of 1,000 nits. 

The monitor features Flicker-free and eye-saver mode, reducing blue light emissions. Connect multiple devices like laptops, PCs, desktops, computers, Macs, and MacBook Pros. 

Pros: 

• Features Dual QHD
• Includes QLED technology 
• Has AMD FreeSync 2 technology

Cons: 

• HDR could be better 

Fiodio (V3L6W) 35” Ultra Wide QHD Curved Gaming Monitor, Black (V3L6W)

Runner up

120Hz Gaming Monitors

The Fiodio 35-inch Ultra Wide QHD gaming monitor features a 120Hz refresh rate and Adaptive Sync. The screen has a resolution of 3440×1440 (an aspect ratio of 21:9) and a 1800R curvature. Picture-in-picture (PIP) and Picture-by-Picture (PBP) allow content viewing from multiple sources simultaneously.

The two HDMI and two DisplayPort inputs facilitate connection to most devices (DP cable included). The monitor has a 3.5mm audio-out port for connection to speakers or headphones. 

Pros: 

• Features PIP and PBP
• 1800R curve
• Includes Adaptive Sync

Cons: 

• No built-in speakers  

ASUS ROG Strix XG438Q 43-Inch UHD Gaming Monitor w/10W Speakers and remote

Good Choice

Large 4K Gaming Monitors

The ASUS ROG Strix features a 43-inch 4K UHD non-glare gaming monitor with a 120Hz refresh rate. The monitor features High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology with 600 certifications and a 90% DCI-P3 professional color gamut. There are PIP and PBP hotkeys, ultra-low blue light and flicker-free technology, and Shadow Boost technology. 

A pair of 10W speakers enhances audio performance, and remote control (included) enables complete control of the on-screen display for quick adjustments and input selection. The monitor has one DisplayPort, three HDMI ports, one earphone jack, and two USB Ports. 

Pros: 

• Features PIP and PBP hotkeys
• Radeon FreeSync 2 HDR technology  
• Includes two 10W speakers and remote control

Cons: 

• Pricey

Sceptre (E448B-FSN168) 43.8-inch UltraWide IPS LED Monitor w/Speakers and remote, Nebula White

Contender

Widescreen 120Hz Gaming Monitors

The Sceptre 43.8-inch, dual FHD, ultra-wide IPS LED gaming monitor features a viewing angle of 178° / 178° (CR≧10, H/V), an aspect ratio of 32:9, and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Brightness (Typ.) is 600cd/m2, illuminating colors up to 600 nits, and Brightness (HDR, Peak) is 600cd/m2. With 125% sRGB, the display reveals brightness and variance in red, green, and blue colors across a wide gamut.

The DisplayPort and HDMI 1 deliver a 120Hz refresh rate, while the HDMI 2 and USB-C ports provide a 60Hz refresh rate. A built-in USB hub lets you expand your connectivity without reaching behind your computer. 

Pros: 

• IPS Panel
• Wide viewing angle
• 125% sRGB
• Built-in speakers

Cons: 

• USB ports are buggy sometimes

Alienware 34-Inch 120Hz UltraWide Curved Gaming Monitor w/WQHD Lunar Light

All-round

UltraWide Curved Gaming Monitor

The Alienware 34-inch, 1900R curved, ultra-wide WQHD monitor has a resolution of 3440×1440 and an aspect ratio of 21:9. It features a viewing angle of 178º (H) / 178º (V); brightness (typ.) of 350 cd/m² of 1900R; NVIDIA G-sync technology; 3H anti glare screen coating and IPS Nano color technology 98% DCI-P3 (134.5% sRGB). 

The monitor has a refresh rate of 120Hz, and the response time is 2ms. It comes with Alienfx customizable lighting featuring LED technology. 

Pros: 

• Features NVIDIA G-sync technology 
• Includes Led display technology 
• Favorable response rate of 2ms

Cons: 

• Alienfx may glitch