To find the best monitors for CS:GO we cut through the clutter of fake reviews and inadequate expert analysis by digging into data and real-world testing. We scrutinized 321,839 reviews (customer & expert) from 196 computer monitors, evaluating essential performance aspects like input lag and contrast ratio. Our research revealed that 71% of experts fall short in their testing, but we’ve identified the credible few. This meticulous process has allowed us to curate a list of 5 top-performing monitors for CS:GO, giving you the confidence to make an informed decision based on reliable test data and genuine insights. Among these selections, you’ll find some of the best gaming monitors tailored for fast-paced gaming, while also being top computer monitors that can handle other tasks with ease.
Below is our list of the 5 best monitors for CS:GO. If you prefer a different shooting game, we also have guides for the top monitors for Fortnite or Call of Duty.
How Did We Rank the Best Monitors for CS GO?
To set us apart from other sites, we use a unique approach that leverages a comprehensive dataset from 200+ trusted sites. We focus on key testing metrics (2 required, 2 nice to have) and 1 specification to rank the top-rated monitors for CS:GO and ensure our recommendations meet your specific needs. Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, which targets low-quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must have a refresh rate of more than 120 Hz.
- Must support AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-Sync.
? Test Criteria
- Input Lag: An input lag of less than 15 milliseconds ensures a highly responsive gaming experience with minimal delay between action and on-screen response.
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 or higher (infinite), offering deep blacks and bright whites for an exceptional viewing experience.
? “Nice To Haves”
- Fast Response Time: 13ms or less, ensuring smooth transitions without motion blur.
- Color Accuracy: At least 90% of the DCI P3 color gamut, providing rich and vibrant colors.
Latest Updates
- 05/06/2024: Republished the list to include the best onitors for CS:GO based on our True Score system.
Top Monitors for CS GO For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Alienware AW2723DF
Best For Fortnite
Tailored for CS: GO 2, Alienware’s AW2723DF excels with rapid responsiveness and vibrant visuals. Despite a premium price, it’s ideal for gamers demanding precision and quality.
True Score
87884Experts
92726Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $70$649.99$579.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Superb image quality
- Low input lag
- High native refresh rate
Reasons to Avoid
- Mediocre contrast ratio
- Adequate response time
- No HDMI 2.1
Specifications
Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers No Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type IPS Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10, HDR600 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 240 Hz Response Time 1 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 403 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,015 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 93 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 90 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 All Retailers
- $579.99$650Save $70
- $637.99$705Save $67
Our Verdict
FPS games demand responsiveness, precision and clear images, and Alienware’s AW2723DF offers all three to CS: GO 2 players with a monitor engineered for high-stakes competitive gameplay. With an 8.6 ms input lag and a 4.6 ms response time, it minimizes motion blur and maximizes responsiveness. The 240 Hz refresh rate ensures exceptionally smooth action, essential for tracking movements accurately, while G-Sync and FreeSync prevent disruptive screen tearing, maintaining a fluid gaming experience.
With a brightness of 402.8 nits and 99.6% sRGB coverage, this monitor delivers vivid, true-to-life colors that can enhance visibility in various game environments. It’s bright enough to work in dim to bright rooms. However, its 7.6% reflectivity could be an issue in direct light, suggesting a strategic setup to avoid glare.
The addition of a flicker-free panel and blue light filter significantly reduces eye strain, a boon for gamers during marathon sessions. Beyond CS:GO 2, its impressive specs make it versatile for other media. It offers exceptional color depth and clarity for movies and TV shows and is conducive to productivity tasks.
Priced on the higher side but offering value for its cost, the AW2723DF’s combination of low input lag, high refresh rate, and adaptive sync support makes it a solid investment for serious CS: GO 2 players. Its balanced performance across gaming and multimedia makes it an excellent choice for those who demand quality and responsiveness in their gaming setup.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Asus ROG PG27AQDM
The Asus ROG PG27AQDM offers unmatched OLED CS: GO 2 performance, with minimal lag and vibrant colors. Pricey, but perfect for the best visual experience.
True Score
868910Experts
906kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $45$799.00$754.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Stellar Picture Quality
- Fast Response Time
- Low Input Lag
- High Refresh Rate and VRR Support
- Wide Viewing Angles
Reasons to Avoid
- No HDMI 2.1 Support
- Low Overall Brightness
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 16:9 Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers Yes Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type LED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 Panel Type OLED Refresh Rate 240 Hz Response Time 0.03 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 26.5″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 311 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 0 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 95 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 90 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 All Retailers
- $754.00$799Save $45
- $754.00$1,451Save $697
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a high performing OLED for CS: GO2, Asus’s ROG PG27AQDM delivers premium performance for a premium price. Its low input lag of 10.8 ms—further reduced at its highest refresh rate—and swift 2.1 ms response time ensure lightning-fast gameplay responsiveness, necessary for the split-second reflexes required in competitive CS: GO 2 matches. Integrated G-Sync and FreeSync technologies, alongside a 240 Hz refresh rate, guarantee smooth, tear-free action. If you’d rather save some money and can push your frame rate to 240 fps with your gaming rig, you might be more interested in Alienware’s AW2723DF, though it doesn’t have an OLED panel.
With 311.2 nits of brightness and minimal reflectivity at 2%, this monitor performs admirably across various lighting situations, ensuring minimal distractions from glare. The OLED panel’s exceptional contrast and extensive color gamut, boasting 99.98% sRGB coverage, bring game visuals to life with unprecedented vibrancy and depth. Additionally, features that reduce eye strain—like a flicker-free panel and blue light filter—support prolonged gaming sessions without discomfort.
It’s not just gaming, though. The Asus ROG PG27AQDM excels in all forms of multimedia, offering unmatched color accuracy and gamut for an optimal viewing experience in activities like movie watching and web browsing.
The Asus ROG PG27AQDM’s price tag is a big hurdle, but the investment is more than worth the money if you’re serious about getting every edge you can. The OLED technology provides unparalleled contrast, color richness, and responsiveness, all of which directly contribute to performing your absolute best in every CS: GO2 match.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
HP OMEN 27QS
The HP OMEN 27QS delivers exceptional value for CS: GO 2 players, balancing affordability with performance. It’s a budget-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise on quality.
True Score
84834Experts
911kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $43$299.99$256.97Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good Image quality
- Low response time
- Low input lag
- High refresh rate
Reasons to Avoid
- Low contrast ratio
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 16:9 Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers Yes Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type LED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10, HDR400 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 240 Hz Response Time 1 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 390 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,014 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 94 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 86 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 All Retailers
- $256.97$300Save $43
- $329.99$429Save $99
- $429.99
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a budget monitor that can still stand up to the demand of competitive CS: GO2, the HP OMEN 27QS is a prime pick that blends fantastic performance with great value. Boasting an 8.5 ms input lag and a 4.2 ms response time, it delivers the snappy responsiveness needed in competitive settings. The 144 Hz refresh rate enhances gameplay smoothness, with FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility ensuring no visual tearing interferes with your match.
Despite what the price tag might suggest, the 27QS produces an impressive peak brightness of 389.5 nits, making it versatile for different lighting conditions. Its 94.4% DCI P3 and 100% sRGB color coverage provide vibrant and true-to-life colors for HDR and SDR content, enhancing visual clarity and immersion in CS: GO 2. Designed with gamers’ comfort in mind, it includes blue light filters and flicker-free technology, reducing eye strain during those long gaming marathons.
Beyond gaming, the 27QS serves well for multimedia purposes, whether you’re watching films, editing photos, or using it for work, thanks to its superb color fidelity and brightness.
HP’s OMEN 27QS offers an unbeatable combination of affordability, speed, and visual quality, making it an excellent choice for CS: GO 2 enthusiasts. It stands out as a budget-friendly gaming monitor that doesn’t compromise on the features that matter most to competitive gamers. Thus, it ensures you stay on top of your game without overspending.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240
The Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 sets the standard for response times, making it a top pick for competitive CS: GO 2 gaming. A premium monitor that justifies its cost with performance.
True Score
828310Experts
88334Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $300$999.99$699.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent OLED Picture Quality
- Ultra-Fast Response Time
- Low Input Lag
- High Refresh Rate and VRR Support
Reasons to Avoid
- Lower Peak Brightness Levels
- Higher Input Lag with Different Refresh Rates
- Potential OLED Burn-In
Specifications
Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers No Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type OLED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 Panel Type OLED Refresh Rate 240 Hz Response Time 0.03 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 318 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 9,473 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 96 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 90 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 107 All Retailers
- $699.99$1,000Save $300
- $699.99$1,000Save $300
- $699.99
Our Verdict
You can’t do better than Corsair’s Xeneon 27QHD240 for unreal response times. Offering a groundbreaking 0.8 ms response time, it’s the best way to get completely blur-free visuals when playing CS: GO2. The 13.6 ms input lag gets progressively lower as you push the refresh rate towards 240 Hz, keeping your reactions smooth and as close to real-time as possible. The onboard G-Sync and FreeSync also give you outstanding smoothness that perfectly matches your frame rate, whether you’re using an Nvidia or AMD GPU.
Although its OLED means the monitor doesn’t get quite as bright as LEDs, it still manages 317.5 nits, which is more than enough for dim and moderately lit rooms and offices. What the panel does excel in, though, is color fidelity; with 96.1% DCI P3 and 106.96% sRGB coverage, the Xeneon brings HDR content and games to life with vivid, accurate colors. Additionally, web browsing and video streaming benefit from the monitor’s superior color range, making all content look stunning.
Whether you’re marathon gaming or just binge-watching YouTube, the monitor also has important eye-comfort features, including a blue light filter and flicker-free technology to minimize eye strain.
The Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240’s exceptional responsiveness, high refresh rates, and superb color accuracy are outstanding for not just CS: GO2 but games in general. The monitor also does a great job with all types of web content and HDR movies. It’s undoubtedly expensive, but the performance is also completely worth it.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
LG 27GP950-B
Best For 4K Gaming
For CS: GO 2 enthusiasts desiring 4K, the LG 27GP950-B combines swift response with stunning visuals. Expensive but an excellent investment for a superior gaming experience.
True Score
82824Experts
87903Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $423$899.99$476.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- 4K resolution delivers great picture quality
- High peak brightness level
- Great color accuracy
- HDMI 2.1 ports for connectivity to modern consoles
- Support for HDR content
Reasons to Avoid
- Low contrast
- Poor reflection handling
- So-so ergonomics
Specifications
Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter n/a Built-In Speakers No Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type IPS Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10, HDR600 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4k) Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 144 Hz Response Time 1 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 410 Contrast Ratio (as ratio x:1) 1,194 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 97 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 88 All Retailers
- $476.99$900Save $423
- $496.99$897Save $400
- $896.99$937Save $40
- $899.99
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a responsive, 4K experience when playing CS: GO2, the LG 27GP950-B emerges as a premium, albeit costly, solution. Boasting a low input lag of 4.2 ms and a rapid response time of 4.4 ms, it ranks as one of the most responsive monitors available, essential for competitive play where reactions need to be instantaneous. Its 144 Hz refresh rate, complemented by G-Sync and FreeSync compatibility, ensures fluid and tear-free gameplay, crucial for maintaining focus during intense matches.
The LG 27GP950-B’s visual quality is exceptional. It has a best-in-class brightness of 410 nits and a DCI P3 color gamut coverage of 96.8%, offering vivid, accurate colors for HDR gaming and movies. The 100% sRGB coverage creates vibrant and accurate visuals and also improves the quality of your web experience, from simple browsing to watching videos.
Beyond CS:GO 2, this monitor shines in various multimedia tasks, from streaming high-definition content to photo editing. Thanks to its superior color accuracy and wide gamut, it provides stunning visual quality across all types of content.
The LG 27GP950-B’s price is undeniably going to be an issue if you don’t have the budget for it, but its 4K resolution and superior performance justify the investment. Offering excellent response times, great refresh rates, and exceptional visual fidelity, the 27GP950-B should be at the top of your list for a monitor that’ll handle CS: GO2 with exceptional 4K visual fidelity.
Which Criteria Matters for Testing Monitors for CS GO?
Focusing on these 2 required and 2 nice-to-have criteria, anyone can quickly and easily compare these computer monitors and their performance. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase the best monitors for CS GO!
CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
---|---|---|---|
Input Lag | < 15 ms | Yes | The time it takes for the monitor to register inputs from the user and process them as action. |
Contrast Ratio | >1000:1 | Yes | The difference in brightness between the whites (lit sections) and blacks (dim or unlit sections) of a monitor panel. |
Color Gamut (DCI P3 xy) | > 90% | No (Nice to have) | How much of the DCI P3 xy color gamut is covered by the monitor, which helps indicate color accuracy for HDR content, which includes certain movies. |
Response Time | < 13 ms | No (Nice to have) | The time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 110+ computer monitor reviewers and found that 33 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for computer monitors.
- Samuel Breton – Rtings, MuckRack
- Chris Eberle – Tom’s Hardware, LinkedIn
- Tony Hoffman – PC Mag, MuckRack
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every computer monitor review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Computer Monitor Test Data & Results
1. Input Lag (ms) Test Results
Input Lag (ms)
< 15 ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of time it takes for a monitor to register an input from the user and display it.
Units of Measurement: Milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Input Lag Meter
Why It’s Important:
Input lag introduces artificial delay when gaming, which creates a mismatch between your reactions and on-screen action and creates frustration.
Input lag is more of a concern when it comes to gaming, but if you plan on using a monitor for a bit of gaming when you aren’t focused on productivity, editing or other tasks, lower values help improve responsiveness. High input lag means your actions take longer to register on the monitor, effectively introducing an artificial delay to your reactions.
It’s for this reason that we generally recommend an input lag under 15 ms. This ensures the delay that’s introduced has minimal impact on your reactions to what’s happening on screen. It’s important to note that a high input lag won’t have any real effect on anything that isn’t gaming, so it can be safely ignored if you don’t plan on gaming on your monitor.
Input Lag (in ms; lower is better)
2. Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) Test Results
Contrast Ratio
> 1000:1
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How bright the monitor will get, usually under specific testing conditions, like 10% windows (which means 10% of the screen is a white box.)
Units of Measurement: Ratio
Tools to Measure: Luminance meter or photometer or colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
Contrast ratio is how dynamic images are given detail and dramatic effect, with very dark areas appearing truly dark, while bright areas are bright and pop.
Contrast ratio is responsible for making images appear “dynamic” and “dramatic.” By having a good contrast ratio, a monitor is able to recreate dramatic differences between light and dark spots in scenes, images and games accurately.
At a minimum, we recommend a contrast ratio of 1000:1, as this will do a good enough job at allow for detail in dark scenes and images. If contrast ratio gets too low, the picture quality suffers, and the monitor performs worse across the board, no matter the lighting condition. By getting a monitor with a sufficiently high contrast ratio, you can ensure the picture quality doesn’t suffer, and dramatic scenes with stark shifts in lighting, whether they be in games or videos, are created as accurately as possible.
Contrast Ratio (higher is better)
3. Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) Test Results
Color gamut is responsible for making a monitor produce accurate colors when displaying a variety of content. The DCI P3 xy gamut is considered a “standard” gamut of sorts, and is used to help color grade films. Most HDR content will use this gamut at the very least (though other gamut exist) and it’s a commonly used gamut for films.
When it comes to a computer monitor, having a panel that covers at least 90% of the DCI P3 gamut means it’ll output accurate colors when watching HDR content and movies that use the gamut. If a monitor doesn’t cover enough of the gamut, it causes color inaccuracies and shifts the image quality. If you care about maintaining accuracy in the movies you watch so they look the way they were intended, this gamut needs to be properly covered.
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy)
> 90%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of the DCI P3 xy gamut that the monitor covers.
Units of Measurement: %
Tools to Measure: Colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
Color gamut coverage is important for ensuring that a monitor is able to accurately output colors. The DCI P3 xy gamut is responsible for making movies and HDR content look the way they were intended.
Color Gamut P3 XY (in %; higher is better)
4. Response Time (ms) Test Results
Response time measures how long it takes pixels to change from one color to another, often gray to gray. Low response times means the monitor is able to keep up with constant shifts in colors, and helps prevent motion blur from being introduced whatever you’re watching.
We generally recommend a response time that is 13 ms or less, as this will keep motion blur to a minimum, but if you don’t watch a lot of very high intensity videos or play fast-paced games, response time isn’t going to matter much. It’s important to note that monitors will often advertise a 1ms or 2ms or 5ms response time, to name a few, but response time tests measure full color to color shifts, as well as overshoots, which produces different times than what the monitor often claims on the box. This is why response time is a listed spec, but also a testable criterion.
Response Time (ms)
< 13 ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of time it takes for pixels on a monitor to shift from one color to another.
Units of Measurement: Milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Response time tool, camera
Why It’s Important:
Faster response times keep the screen from becoming muddied and blurred when fast-paced action scenes in movies or games start.
Response Time (in ms; lower is better)
Best Monitors for CS GO: Mistakes To Avoid
- Disregarding Panel Type: Different panel types (TN, IPS, VA) offer varying levels of color accuracy, viewing angles, and response times. TN panels typically have the fastest response times but poorer color reproduction and viewing angles compared to IPS and VA panels. Choose a panel type that suits your preferences for gaming performance and visual quality.
- Overlooking Resolution: While CS:GO isn’t as demanding on resolution as some other games, a higher resolution monitor (such as 1080p or 1440p) can provide sharper visuals and clearer details. However, higher resolutions, like those of 4K monitors, may require more powerful hardware to maintain high frame rates.
- Not Considering Adaptive Sync: Adaptive Sync technologies like AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync can help eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, providing a smoother gaming experience. Ensure your monitor supports the adaptive sync technology compatible with your graphics card.
- Focusing Solely on Gaming Features: While gaming-specific features like customizable crosshairs and game modes can be helpful, don’t overlook other important factors like color accuracy, contrast ratio, and viewing angles.
The Best Monitors for CS GO Tests Compared
Product | True Score
|
Brightness
|
Contrast Ratio
|
Color Gamut (DCI P3)
|
Color Gamut (sRGB)
|
Input Lag
|
Response Time (ms)
|
Reflections %
| |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $579.99 $650 $70 |
| 86 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $754.00 $799 $45 |
| 84 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $256.97 $300 $43 |
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $699.99 $1,000 $300 |
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $476.99 $900 $423 |