Finding the best monitor for racing games can be tricky, with specs like refresh rates and response times playing a big role in enhancing gameplay. We've put together a list of top gaming monitors that balance price, reviews, and features to ensure a smooth, responsive, and visually immersive racing experience to help your search.
Gaming monitors are ideal for racing because, as mentioned, often deliver higher refresh rates and lower response times than TVs, keeping up with fast-paced action. We recommend at least a Full HD resolution, though, for sharp visuals, but we've already factored all this into our list. So, no matter what you’re after, we've got options for you—plus answers to common questions at the end!
Best monitors for racing games - Quick list
- Gigabyte AORUS FI32U - best HDMI 2.1 option
- ASUS ROG Strix XG32AQ - 1440p excellence
- Alienware AW2523HF - top pick to max. out settings
- BenQ Zowie XL2411K - a great budget-friendly alternative
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 - best curved option
Gigabyte AORUS FI32U
Best HDMI 2.1 monitor for racing games
* prices are accurate at the time of our last check
Why we chose the Gigabyte AORUS FI32U
The Gigabyte AORUS FI32U is a top-notch display, especially for racing enthusiasts as well as games like Fortnite and Warzone, thanks to its inclusion of two HDMI 2.1 ports, essential for gaming on the latest consoles in 4K at 120Hz.
Another standout feature of this monitor is its impressive 1ms response time, which enables precise braking timing, which might improve your lap times by a few tenths every lap.
It also features a 10-bit display (8-bit + FRC) with 90% of DCI-P3 color space, offering rich color gradients and a variety of tones to bring racing action to life, as if you're watching it in real life on TV.
So, considering all aspects, we believe the Gigabyte monitor is a compelling choice, particularly if you're seeking a slightly larger screen for your gaming and racing experiences.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- HDMI 2.1 Ports for 4K Gaming: Supports the latest consoles with 4K at 120Hz for smooth, high-quality visuals.
- 1ms Response Time: Enhances precision, especially useful for racing games and competitive timing.
- 10-Bit Color & 90% DCI-P3: Delivers vibrant colors and realistic visuals, ideal for immersive gaming experiences.
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ASUS ROG Strix XG32AQ
Best 1440p monitor for racing games
- Amazon - $368.27 / £547.00
- Scan Computers - £548.99
- eBay - £607.80
* prices are accurate at the time of our last check
Why we chose the ASUS ROG Strix XG32AQ
Although not 4K, a 1440p monitor is still a very capable screen for showcasing whatever racing game you're playing in excellent detail. In the case of this ASUS ROG Strix XG32AQ, that slight dip in resolution also means you get a slightly higher refresh rate too.
Alongside that 175Hz refresh speed, this monitor boasts a 1ms response time, NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility to help reduce things like screen tearing and stuttering, plus HDR technology with DisplayHDR 600 compliance for exceptional color and contrast.
This monitor is also pretty sizable at 32", boasts an IPS panel, and has a rich assortment of connectivity options, including several USB ports, for any peripherals you might need to hook up to it.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- 1440p Resolution & 175Hz Refresh Rate: Delivers smooth visuals with enhanced detail and speed for racing games.
- 1ms Response & G-Sync Compatibility: Reduces screen tearing and stuttering, ensuring fluid, responsive gameplay.
- 32" IPS Panel with HDR600: Large screen with vibrant color and contrast, plus ample USB connectivity for peripherals.
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Alienware AW2523HF
Best 360Hz monitor for racing games
* prices are accurate at the time of our last check
Why we chose the Alienware AW2523HF
The Alienware AW2523HF is a fantastic choice for anyone with a powerful console or PC looking to max. out their settings and experience the smoothest gameplay possible. With its unrivaled 360Hz variable refresh rate and lightning-fast 0.5ms Gray to Gray (GtG) response time, this monitor ensures that every frame is displayed with remarkable speed and clarity. This means you can react to every twist, turn, and opponent on the track with precision, giving you a competitive edge in those split-second moments that make all the difference in a race.
The inclusion of AMD FreeSync Premium technology and VESA AdaptiveSync Display Certification essentially guarantee stutter-free and tear-free visuals, even during the most intense, high-speed sequences. For racing games, where every millisecond counts and fluid motion is key, this level of performance ensures that you'll experience a seamless and immersive ride. Plus, the Fast IPS panel with 99% sRGB color coverage and HDR support means that the vivid colors and sharp details of your favorite tracks will pop, enhancing the overall visual experience when you're turning the settings of your favorite game up to 11.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- Ultra-Fast 360Hz Refresh & 0.5ms Response Time: Perfect for smooth, high-speed gameplay with precise, split-second responsiveness.
- FreeSync Premium & AdaptiveSync: Provides tear-free, stutter-free visuals for an immersive, fluid racing experience.
- Fast IPS Panel with 99% sRGB: Delivers vivid colors and sharp detail, with HDR support for enhanced visual depth and clarity.
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BenQ Zowie XL2411K
Best budget monitor for racing games
* prices are accurate at the time of our last check
Why we chose the BenQ Zowie XL2411K
If you're aiming to create a budget racing setup, the BenQ Zowie XL2411K is a gaming monitor that offers a slightly lower price point compared to others.
Despite its lower price tag, it doesn't compromise on important features. With a 1ms response time and a 144Hz refresh rate, the Zowie ensures smooth gameplay for an immersive racing experience.
Moreover, if you prefer a smaller screen size, the 24-inch display of this BenQ monitor is a great option to consider. It provides excellent value for your money and is worth exploring for your gaming needs.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- Budget-Friendly Option: Affordable choice for building a racing setup without breaking the bank.
- 1ms Response Time & 144Hz Refresh Rate: Delivers smooth, immersive gameplay ideal for racing titles.
- 24-inch Display: Compact size with great value, perfect for focused and budget-conscious gaming setups.
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Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
Best curved monitor for racing games
* prices are accurate at the time of our last check
Why we chose the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
Finally, if you're in the market for an ultrawide monitor, the Samsung Odyssey NEO G9 is an excellent option to consider. Measuring in at 49", there's no shortage of screen to keep you immersed in the racing action, especially as it's curved.
Performance-wise, it offers a stunning visual experience thanks to its Quantum Matrix Technology with Quantum Mini LEDs controlling the brightness and delivering optimal contrast for superb in-game definition. With Quantum HDR 2000 as well, every shadow and contrast is displayed in excellent quality.
The monitor also boasts a staggering 240Hz refresh rate and a 1ms GtG response time. This ensures that you never miss a beat as it can deliver a smooth, stutter-free experience with minimal latency or delay.
To top it off, the Infinity Core Lighting feature enables you to illuminate your display to match the rest of your gaming setup. So, as far as curved monitors go, we'd argue this NEO G9 is up there as one of the best.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- 49" Ultrawide Curved Display: Immersive, expansive screen ideal for racing games with a fully curved design.
- Quantum Matrix & HDR 2000: Quantum Mini LEDs for exceptional brightness, contrast, and shadow detail.
- 240Hz Refresh & 1ms Response Time: Ultra-smooth, low-latency visuals with customizable Infinity Core Lighting for a cohesive setup.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When it comes to finding the right monitor for racing, there are usually a few questions that pop up, we’re here to answer some of the more common queries.
Do you need a HDMI 2.1 monitor for 120hz gaming?
The short answer is no, but you will need one if you want to play titles such as Gran Turismo at 120Hz in 4K, which is highly likely if you own one of the next-gen consoles.
Just to be sure, we recommend that you check whether the monitor you plan on purchasing is compatible with the console you’re trying to use. This information can normally be found in the monitor’s specs.
Why choose a monitor over a TV for racing games?
While TVs can work well for gaming, monitors generally boast slightly superior specifications, resulting in smoother and more responsive gameplay. Monitors often feature higher refresh rates and lower response times to achieve this, enhancing your ability to execute precise maneuvers such as braking to perfection, and ensuring optimal performance through every turn.
Furthermore, monitors typically sport smaller screens, making them a more practical fit for gaming setups with a wheel, for example, sitting on your desk.
However, it's important to note that TVs offer the added versatility of television viewing and multimedia entertainment options. Some TVs allow for streaming services, YouTube access, and smartphone connectivity, providing a broader range of entertainment possibilities away from racing.
What size monitor is best for racing games?
This is mostly down to preference as a larger screen might suit anyone who likes to sit back on their sofa to race.
If you have a racing wheel bolted to your desk, for example, you may prefer something slightly smaller as you’ll likely be quite close to the screen and therefore a big display could be detrimental to your view.
The same applies to a racing rig as you'll need something small enough to fit with the setup.
Can normal monitors be used for gaming?
Most modern monitors should be fine to use for racing games, however, you may find spending a little extra to get a premium display to be more beneficial to your gaming experience.
Selecting a monitor with a high refresh rate and low response time should offer a smooth racing ride, and might even help you shave a few seconds off your best lap times.
Also, picking up a monitor with a high resolution can help showcase your favorite racing titles in the best quality possible which, in turn, should improve your overall experience.
What is the best refresh rate for a gaming monitor?
If you're into fast-paced action found in racing games, a monitor with a refresh rate of 120Hz or higher is key, especially when playing online competitively. Hitting your braking zones, for instance, is crucial, so you'll need something smooth and lag-free to ensure you don't miss the right time to hit those brakes and make every corner.
While monitors with refresh rates of 240Hz or even 360Hz offer the ultimate gaming performance, we believe they're almost overkill, with 120Hz being more than sufficient for most racing games.
With all this being said, 60Hz is still a good refresh rate if you're a more casual or solo racer. It can keep up with gameplay with no problem, it just may not be quite as smooth as a higher refresh rate display.