Best 1440p monitors

Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165 on a gamimng setup
(Image credit: Corsair)

The best 1440p monitors might just be that sweet spot you’re looking for, and not just for PC gaming. Most 4K monitors are still expensive and limited to the 60Hz refresh rate, and while 1080p displays are still widely used, that 1920 x 1080 is slowly on its way out. Their 1440p peers, on the other hand, combine a higher resolution with fast refresh rates at affordable prices.

If you want better and smoother picture quality without spending a whole lot of money, 1440p displays are just the ticket. You’re getting a higher pixel count and more detail, as well as a 144Hz or higher refresh rate, for typically much less money and while requiring less powerful internals than their 4K counterparts.

Here are the best 1440p monitors you can find today, from gaming panels to displays fit for productivity. 

Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165 against a white background

(Image credit: Corsair)

1. Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165

Best all-around 1440p monitor

Specifications

Input ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x Type-C DP Alt-Mode
Refresh rate: 165Hz
Response time: 1ms
HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400
Color coverage: DCI-P3 98%, AdobeRGB 100%, sRGB 100%

Reasons to buy

+
Fab all-round image quality
+
Good build quality and feature set

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks full-array local dimming

Excellent color coverage and all the ports you’ll need are only two of the many reasons why the Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165 is our best all-around pick for a 1440p monitor. This 32-inch panel also delivers great picture quality, good build, and a strong feature set overall while touting a not-cheap-but-not-expensive price tag. Its 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time are great for budding pro-gamers, its DisplayHDR 400 helps with creative workflows and immersive media consumption, and its multi-mount ergonomic stand makes its very versatile for a whole lot of uses. And, there’s more where that came from.

Read the full review: Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165

Monoprice Dark Matter 27-inch against a white background

(Image credit: Monoprice)

2. Monoprice Dark Matter 27-inch

Best budget 1440p monitor

Specifications

Input ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x HDMI 1.4
Refresh rate: 240Hz
Response time: Up to 1ms
HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400
Color coverage: sRGB 99%, NTSC 72%

Reasons to buy

+
Rock-solid high refresh rate
+
Great price

Reasons to avoid

-
No USB-C

At less than $300/£300, the Monoprice Dark Matter 27-inch is a true budget option. But, it’s its solid feature-set that makes it a compelling one. The 240Hz refresh rate and DisplayHDR 400 you’ll get with it are premium features you’ll typically find in pricier 1440p monitors, and already make it a better value than everything else on this list. Of course, being a cheap display, there are compromises like the lack of USB-C and paltry color coverage. However, if getting a cheap gaming monitor that delivers smooth, high-resolution visuals ideal for fast-paced titles is what you want, it’s definitely an ace.

Read the full review: Monoprice Dark Matter 27-inch

LG UltraGear Ergo 27GN88A against a white background

(Image credit: LG)

3. LG UltraGear Ergo 27GN88A

Best ergonomic 1440p monitor

Specifications

Input ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI
Refresh rate: 144Hz
Response time: 1ms
HDR: HDR10
Color coverage: DCI-P3 98%

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent response
+
Highly adaptable ergo mount

Reasons to avoid

-
Not a true HDR panel

The LG UltraGear Ergo 27GN88A already ticks off a lot of things on the list – nice brightness levels, great color coverage, decent 144Hz refresh rate, and both AMD and Nvidia’s adaptive sync technologies. Even its HDR10 support gives it a bit more value, especially at that very affordable price. However, don’t think this is the jack-of-all-trades choice. It’s got the best ergonomics we’ve seen on a monitor. It doesn’t just turn and tilt; it swivels 280 degrees in both directions, pivots 90-degrees to portrait, has a height adjustment of 130mm, and even extends and retracts up to 180mm. This is the monitor for those who need a lot of versatility in their setup.

Read the full review: LG UltraGear Ergo 27GN88A

SAMSUNG Odyssey G7 against a white background

(Image credit: Samsung)

4. Samsung Odyssey G7

Best curved 1440p monitor

Specifications

Input ports: 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0
Refresh rate: 240Hz
Response time: 1ms
HDR: HDR600
Color coverage: DCI-P3 95%

Reasons to buy

+
Great HDR
+
Impressive VA Panel

Reasons to avoid

-
Needs some calibration before use

There’s value in the curve, especially in gaming, as it immerses you even more in your game without straining your eyes. So, we had to include a curved 1440p option that doesn’t take up a whole lot of space. The Samsung Odyssey G7 naturally gets our vote, its 1000R curvature on a 27-inch panel is just the right amount to be properly immersive. But, this VA monitor goes even further, giving you HDR600, a super-fast 240Hz refresh rate, and LED backlight for the full immersion. And, you can take home all that without breaking the bank, as it’s also surprisingly affordable for what it offers.

Read the full review: Samsung Odyssey G7

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

(Image credit: Samsung)

5. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

Best ultrawide 1440p monitor

Specifications

Input ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1
Refresh rate: 240Hz
Response time: 1ms
HDR: HDR2000
Color coverage: DCI-P3 95%, Adobe RGB 92%, sRGB 125%, NTSC 1976 88%

Reasons to buy

+
Gorgeous panel
+
More lighting zones

Reasons to avoid

-
Super expensive

If you want to fully commit and have the space for it, go ultrawide with the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9. This panel will cost you, probably your entire savings too, but its entire 49-inch goodness is worth it if you can afford it. Among its many excellent features are the 240Hz refresh rate, HDR2000, 1000R curvature, and impressive color gamuts. But, its marquee one is its massive 5,120 x 1,440 resolution that gives you not just plenty of screen real estate, but also a one-of-a-kind experience that puts your right in the middle of the action. Just make sure you’ve got a big enough desk.

Read the full review: Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

Michelle Rae Uy
Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor

Michelle Rae Uy is the Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor here at TechRadar. She's a Los Angeles-based tech, travel and lifestyle writer covering a wide range of topics, from computing to the latest in green commutes to the best hiking trails. She's an ambivert who enjoys communing with nature and traveling for months at a time just as much as watching movies and playing sim games at home. That also means that she has a lot more avenues to explore in terms of understanding how tech can improve the different aspects of our lives.