There's a lot to consider when searching for the best monitor for racing games, particularly when you start to delve deep into the specs.
Thankfully, we've taken some of that consideration out of the equation as we've put together a list of what we believe are the best gaming monitors based on their price, reviews, and overall features.
Although a TV may be the go-to option for many racers out there, opting for a powerful gaming monitor instead is something we'd recommend, particularly if you're playing the latest games on a next-gen console.
That's because you can usually get high refresh rates and lower response times using a monitor, which should help your display keep up with the immense speeds of the racing action.
We'd also recommend something with at least a 4K resolution to showcase your favourite racing titles in the best quality possible for a more immersive and realistic experience.
So, whether you're after a premium bit of kit, like this ASUS ROG Swift display, or you're looking for something a little cheaper, like this BenQ Zowie XL2411K, we've got you covered right here.
We've also highlighted a few upcoming monitor releases as we enter April for you to mark in your diary for future purchases to upgrade your racing setup.
Best monitor for racing games
- Gigabyte AORUS FI32U
- LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B
- ASUS ROG Swift PG259QNR
- BenQ Zowie XL2411K
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
click to enlarge1. Gigabyte AORUS FI32U
Best HDMI 2.1 monitor for racing games
This Gigabyte AORUS FI32U looks to be a top display for racing, especially as it comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports which are necessary for gaming on the next-gen consoles in 4K at 120Hz.
What we also like about this monitor is its impressive 1ms response time which should help you time your braking to perfection, allowing you to shave a few tenths off your best lap.
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All in all, we feel this Gigabyte monitor is well worth considering, particularly if you're looking for a slightly larger screen.
click to enlarge2. LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B
Best 4K monitor for racing games
We previously featured the LG UltraGear as one of the best monitors for FH5, so it may come as no surprise we're including it again as a top Ultra HD monitor for racing games in general.
The LG UltraGear is packed with technology and features that make it ideal for gaming. For example, it comes with NVIDIA G-Sync to reduce screen tearing and stuttering for a far smoother racing experience.
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Even though this monitor has a 1440p resolution, it doesn't sacrifice speed with its 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time which, we think, makes it a great option to consider.
click to enlarge3. ASUS ROG Swift PG259QNR
Best premium monitor for racing games
ASUS boasts its ROG Swift is built for professional esports gamers thanks to its incredible 360Hz refresh rate and 1ms response which should capture your racing actions smoothly and in crystal clear quality.
Moreover, it comes with NVIDIA's Reflex Latency Analyzer, designed to give you an accurate measurement of system latency to help ensure you're getting the quickest speeds possible from your device.
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It's also worth noting that the ROG Swift is only 24.5", so should suit you if you're looking for a smaller screen to hook on to your racing rig for example.
click to enlarge4. BenQ Zowie XL2411K
Best budget monitor for racing games
Gaming monitors often vary drastically in price, but the BenQ Zowie XL2411K is a slightly cheaper alternative to consider if you're looking to build the ultimate budget racing setup.
The Zowie still boasts a 1ms response time and a 144Hz refresh rate which, as previously mentioned, should be more than suitable for smooth racing gameplay.
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Again, if you'd prefer a smaller screen, then the 24" display of this BenQ bit of kit might be your answer and should, therefore, be well worth considering.
click to enlarge5. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
Best curved monitor for racing games
And 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.
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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.
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'd 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 be more than suitable for gaming, monitors usually come with slightly better specs which should give you far smoother and more responsive gameplay.
For example, monitors typically come with higher refresh rates and lower response times which can be beneficial as you are more likely to time your braking to perfection, thus hitting every apex.
It's also worth mentioning that monitors tend to be smaller screens and, therefore, are more likely to fit at a desk with any wheel setup.
With that being said, TVs do come with the additional benefit of being able to watch television on and, in some cases, you can stream films, watch YouTube videos, and even connect your smartphone to them.
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 favourite 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?
For fast-paced action featured in racing games, you'll likely want something with a 144Hz refresh rate or above.
With a higher frame rate, the gameplay will likely be smoother, helping you to gain an edge over the competition, particularly online.
Monitors with 240Hz or even 360Hz refresh rates are the absolute pinnacle of gaming performance right now; however, we think 144Hz is more than good enough for most racing games as you may struggle to distinguish the difference between the 240Hz and 360Hz monitors at this moment in time.
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