Do Gamers Really Need 240Hz Monitors?
Find out if upgrading to a 240Hz monitor is right for you. Learn how refresh rates affect gaming, the hardware requirements, and whether it's ideal for casual or competitive players.

As a gamer, you always look for ways to improve your performance. But, when it comes to monitors, 240Hz displays might catch your attention, making you wonder if they’re necessary.
In fact, whether you need a 240Hz monitor depends largely on your gaming style and what you want to achieve.
For instance, a higher refresh rate could give you the needed edge if you play fast-paced, competitive games like first-person shooters.
But what about casual gamers?
You might not notice a significant difference if you enjoy RPGs or strategy games. That being said, it’s important to understand how a 240Hz monitor can affect your overall gaming experience.
As we continue, keep reading to see if upgrading to a 240Hz monitor is the right choice for you.
Understanding Refresh Rate
The refresh rate refers to how often your monitor updates the image per second. For example, a 240Hz monitor refreshes the screen 240 times per second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion, especially during fast-moving scenes like those in competitive games.
Did you know that the 240Hz Monitor Market was valued at USD 9.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 15.23 billion by the end of 2030? Over 2024-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5%.
However, your gaming experience isn’t just about how fast the monitor refreshes the image. It’s about how well it matches your game’s frame rate. A higher refresh rate can help if you have the hardware to support it, but it’s not always necessary unless your system can consistently push enough frames per second (FPS).
The best 240Hz gaming monitor will shine with a high-performance system that can output 240 FPS, providing a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. But if your system can’t hit those high frame rates, even the best 240Hz monitor won’t be able to deliver its full potential.
Smoothness in Competitive Gaming
Competitive gamers often look for the smoothest performance, especially in fast-paced games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, or Valorant. A 240Hz monitor can provide a smoother experience when your game runs at high FPS, helping with quicker reactions and more precise movements. This could give you an edge over others with lower refresh rate monitors.
Are you playing games that take full advantage of a 240Hz refresh rate?
The difference between 144Hz and 240Hz is small, and you may not feel the improvement if you aren’t playing competitive titles. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
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Smooth gameplay in fast-paced games: A 240Hz monitor helps smooth out motion in fast-moving games, giving you a competitive edge.
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Improved response time: The higher the refresh rate, the quicker you can react to in-game actions.
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Better tracking of fast-moving objects: A 240Hz monitor makes it easier to track fast-moving enemies in games like Fortnite.
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More immersive experience: Even for casual gaming, the high refresh rate can make the experience feel smoother and more responsive.
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Hardware requirements: Ensure your system can fully push the necessary frame rates to benefit from a 240Hz display.
What About Your Computer’s Performance?
A 240Hz monitor may sound appealing, but your computer’s performance plays a key role. If your computer can’t output enough frames (say 240 FPS), a 240Hz monitor won’t provide any noticeable advantage. Most gamers may not achieve a consistent 240 FPS in many modern games, especially if playing graphically intensive titles.
Before choosing a 240Hz monitor, ensure your graphics card (GPU) can handle it. If you have a high-end GPU, it can push enough frames for the 240Hz to shine. But if you're using older or mid-tier hardware, you might be better off with a 144Hz monitor, as it will match your performance better without wasting resources.
1. High-End GPU Compatibility
If you’re using a high-end GPU, it can easily push 240 FPS, allowing you to take full advantage of a 240Hz monitor. Your system must be powerful enough to support the high refresh rate.
2. Graphically Intensive Games
For graphically demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Red Dead Redemption 2, most computers won’t consistently hit 240 FPS. In these cases, the 240Hz monitor might not provide any noticeable improvement.
3. System Balance Matters
Balancing your system's components to get the most from a 240Hz monitor. A powerful GPU, fast CPU, and enough RAM are all necessary to ensure the monitor performs at its best.
4. Will It Improve Your Reaction Time?
One of the biggest selling points of a 240Hz monitor is the potential to improve reaction times. With a higher refresh rate, you’ll see changes in the game a little earlier, allowing you to react quicker to fast movements or enemy actions. This is especially important in games that require quick decision-making, like Counter-Strike or Apex Legends.
While it’s true that a higher refresh rate can help you respond faster, the actual impact on reaction times might not be significant enough to give you a huge advantage unless you’re already playing at a very high level. For most gamers, a 144Hz monitor is sufficient for quick reactions.
5. How Much of a Difference Does 240Hz Make?
Is the Jump from 144Hz to 240Hz Worth It? When you upgrade from 60Hz to 144Hz, the improvement in smoothness is easy to notice. The difference in frame rate is huge, and you’ll likely feel more immersed in the game. But when you move from 144Hz to 240Hz, the difference is less obvious. The higher you go in refresh rate, the smaller the increase in smoothness becomes.
For casual gamers or those who aren’t competing at the highest level, 240Hz might feel overkill. A 144Hz monitor will still offer a great gaming experience, and the improvement from 144Hz to 240Hz is often imperceptible for most players.
Here’s why:
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Noticeable jump from 60Hz to 144Hz: The large improvement makes the gaming experience much smoother and more responsive.
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Smaller difference from 144Hz to 240Hz: While 240Hz is smoother, most gamers won’t feel a huge difference from 144Hz.
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Casual gamers might not need 240Hz: If you're not into competitive gaming, 144Hz will provide more than enough smoothness.
Conclusion
Whether or not you need a 240Hz monitor depends on how you game and what you want from your experience. If you’re a competitive player aiming for the fastest reactions, a 240Hz monitor could give you an advantage.
However, for most gamers, a 144Hz monitor offers excellent performance at a lower cost and is more than enough for smooth gameplay. Consider your gaming needs, budget, and hardware before jumping to a 240Hz monitor. For many, a 240Hz monitor might not be necessary, and you’ll get a great experience with a 144Hz screen.
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