Top 5 Gaming Monitors With 165 Hz Refresh Rate: Models For An Ultimate Experience
Unlock ultra-smooth gaming with our expert review of the top 5 165Hz gaming monitors. Compare specs, response times, features, and find the perfect high-refresh display for your battle station while ensuring high value for money.
The 165Hz refresh rate has become the sweet spot for serious PC gamers, offering a substantial smoothness upgrade over standard 60Hz and 75Hz monitors, and a noticeable edge over the popular 144Hz displays. This frequency provides the rapid frame delivery necessary for competitive titles, minimizing motion blur and input lag to help you react faster.
Choosing the right 165Hz display involves balancing factors like resolution (FHD, QHD, or 4K), panel technology (IPS or VA), response time, and adaptive sync features. Our comprehensive guide breaks down five of the best 165Hz monitors available today, covering everything from core specifications to real-world user feedback, ensuring you make an informed decision that elevates your gaming experience.
The Samsung Odyssey G5 series is engineered for deep immersion, defined by its industry-leading 1000R curvature, which closely matches the human eye's natural field of view. This 32-inch model pairs a sharp QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution with a hyper-fast 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms MPRT response time, creating a visually stunning and responsive gaming environment. The VA panel technology delivers exceptional static contrast, ensuring deep blacks and vivid colors, which is enhanced further by HDR10 support. Key gaming features like AMD FreeSync Premium eliminate screen tearing, while Eye Saver Mode and Flicker-Free technology allow for comfortable extended play sessions. This monitor brings a cinematic, wrap-around experience to every game.
Who Is It Suitable For
This monitor is ideal for immersive gaming enthusiasts, particularly those who play demanding single-player RPGs, racing simulators, and action-adventure games where visual depth and curvature are key to the experience. It is also suitable for competitive players who require QHD clarity without sacrificing high speed.
User Review
Users frequently praise the monitor for its stunning 1000R curvature, calling it a game-changer for immersion. The QHD resolution on the 32-inch screen is noted for providing excellent clarity. While the high contrast ratio is a huge plus, some reviews mention that the VA panel may exhibit minor ghosting in extreme dark-to-light transitions, but overall, the speed and value for money are highlighted.
The BenQ Mobiuz EX271U is positioned as a premium gaming and content creation hybrid, offering a blistering 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution at a 165Hz refresh rate. It uses an IPS panel, guaranteeing superior color accuracy (95% P3 color gamut) and wide viewing angles, making it suitable for professional creative work alongside serious gaming. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 makes it perfect for high-frame-rate console gaming (PS5/Xbox Series X). BenQ’s proprietary HDRi technology and stellar 2.1 channel speakers deliver a high-quality audio-visual experience. The added KVM switch and 65W USB-C power delivery enhance its utility as a versatile productivity hub.
Who Is It Suitable For
This monitor is best for high-end gamers and creative professionals who need uncompromising visual fidelity, maximum resolution, and a host of convenient productivity features like KVM and high-speed USB-C connectivity. It is an excellent choice for users with powerful GPUs (like RTX 4080/4090 or RX 7900 XT/XTX).
User Review
Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the monitor’s 4K picture quality and vibrant color reproduction, often noting the IPS panel’s clarity. The integrated speakers are frequently highlighted as being superior to typical monitor audio. A common positive note is the versatility, allowing seamless switching between PC and console gaming. While expensive, users find the price justified by the premium feature set.
Specifications:
Screen Size:27 inches
Resolution:3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)
Panel Type:IPS (Flat)
Refresh Rate:165 Hz
Response Time:1ms GtG
Reasons to buy:
✓Stunning 4K resolution at 165Hz
✓Excellent color accuracy (IPS)
Reason to avoid:
✗High price point
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acer ED320QR 31.5 Inch Full HD VA Panel 1500R Curved Backlight LED LCD Monitor I 1 MS VRB I 165Hz Refresh Rate I AMD Free Sync Premium I HDR 10 I 2 X HDMI 1 X Display Port I Eye Care Features I Black
The Acer ED320QR P offers a massive 31.5-inch curved display focused on budget-friendly, high-speed gaming. It delivers a 1920x1080 (FHD) resolution paired with a 165Hz refresh rate and a speedy 1ms MPRT response time. This configuration prioritizes refresh rate and screen size over pixel density, making it easier for entry-to-mid-range graphics cards to push high frame rates. Its VA panel provides a high native contrast ratio of 4000:1, offering better depth than standard IPS monitors in this category. The ZeroFrame design enhances the immersive feel of the curve, while AMD FreeSync technology ensures fluid, tear-free visuals.
Who Is It Suitable For
This monitor is perfect for mainstream gamers building a budget-conscious system who prioritize screen size and frame rate over resolution. It suits those playing competitive games on mid-tier hardware, enabling them to achieve the maximum 165 FPS needed for a smooth experience without needing an expensive flagship GPU.
User Review
Customers appreciate the monitor's large, immersive curved screen at a very competitive price point. The 165Hz refresh rate is reported to perform well, significantly enhancing motion clarity. The most common feedback notes that the colors are decent for a VA panel, but some users caution that the FHD resolution on a 31.5-inch screen results in lower pixel density compared to smaller or QHD displays.
Specifications:
Screen Size:31.5 inches
Resolution:1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Panel Type:VA (Curved)
Refresh Rate:165 Hz
Response Time:1ms MPRT / 5ms GtG
Reasons to buy:
✓Large screen and high refresh rate for the price
✓High contrast VA panel
Reason to avoid:
✗Low pixel density (FHD on 31.5")
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ZEBRONICS AC32FHD LED, Gaming Monitor, 32 inch (81.28cm), 300 nits, 165hz, 1800R Curved wide screen, FHD, 1080p, Wall Mountable, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB Port, Metal stand, Built-in Speakers
The ZEBRONICS AC32FHD is a large, affordable 32-inch curved monitor designed purely for multimedia and casual high-refresh-rate gaming. It features a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution and the target 165Hz refresh rate, offering a massive screen space for an engulfing visual experience. The monitor boasts an ultra-slim bezel design and comes with built-in speakers, adding to its appeal as an all-in-one entertainment display. While the quoted response time is higher than competitive gaming models (listed as 12ms/5ms depending on the source), it still provides a noticeable performance boost over standard monitors, making it an excellent option for users prioritizing sheer size on a strict budget.
Who Is It Suitable For
This monitor is best suited for casual gamers, console players, and users who primarily use the monitor for entertainment, like watching movies or streaming, and want a very large, curved screen for maximum immersion without breaking the bank. It is perfect for those running entry-level PCs or non-competitive console setups.
User Review
The majority of positive feedback centers on the monitor's attractive pricing relative to its 32-inch curved size and 165Hz refresh rate. Users generally appreciate the inclusion of built-in speakers and the sleek, ultra-slim design. Critical feedback often points to the slower response time compared to high-tier gaming monitors and the limitations of FHD resolution at this large size.
Specifications:
Screen Size:32 inches
Resolution:1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Panel Type:VA (Curved)
Refresh Rate:165 Hz
Response Time:12ms
Reasons to buy:
✓Extremely budget-friendly for a 32-inch 165Hz curve
The Lenovo Legion R25i-30 is a dedicated eSports monitor focused on speed and competitive performance in a popular 24.5-inch size. It combines a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution with a high-speed IPS panel, offering a native 165Hz refresh rate that can be overclocked to a lightning-fast 180Hz. Crucially, it boasts an extremely low response time of 0.5ms MPRT or 1ms GtG, virtually eliminating motion blur. The IPS panel ensures accurate colors and wide viewing angles, while the fully adjustable, ergonomic stand allows players to find the perfect position for competitive play. Features like DisplayHDR 400 and AMD FreeSync Premium enhance the visual and gameplay quality.
Who Is It Suitable For
This monitor is the top choice for competitive eSports players and those prioritizing raw speed and lowest possible input lag. The 24.5-inch FHD format is the industry standard for fast-paced games like Valorant, CS:GO, and Apex Legends, where visibility and extreme responsiveness are more important than ultra-high resolution.
User Review
Users highly praise the R25i-30 for its exceptional speed and low response time, noting the visibly smooth motion in fast-paced competitive shooters. The adjustable, ergonomic stand is a key highlight for comfortable long gaming sessions. Feedback is positive on the IPS panel's vibrant colors, and many appreciate the inclusion of functional built-in speakers and the reliable AMD FreeSync Premium implementation.
The table below provides a concise, side-by-side comparison of the top five 165Hz gaming monitors reviewed. This summary highlights the critical differences in resolution, panel technology, response time, and key features like Adaptive Sync and HDR support, enabling an easy choice based on specific gaming needs and budget.
Feature
Samsung Odyssey G5
BenQ Mobiuz EX271U
Acer ED320QR P
ZEBRONICS AC32FHD
Lenovo Legion R25i-30
Screen Size
32-inch
27-inch
31.5-inch
32-inch
24.5-inch
Native Resolution
QHD (2560x1440)
4K UHD (3840x2160)
FHD (1920x1080)
FHD (1920x1080)
FHD (1920x1080)
Panel Type
VA
IPS
VA
VA
IPS
Curvature
1000R (High)
Flat
Curved
Curved
Flat
Response Time
1ms MPRT
1ms GtG
1ms MPRT / 5ms GtG
12ms (Max)
0.5ms MPRT / 1ms GtG
Adaptive Sync
FreeSync Premium
FreeSync Premium
AMD FreeSync
N/A (Basic)
FreeSync Premium
HDR Rating
HDR10
VESA DisplayHDR 400
N/A
N/A
DisplayHDR 400
Key Connectivity
DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0
HDMI 2.1, USB-C (65W PD), KVM
DisplayPort, HDMI
DisplayPort, HDMI
2x HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4
Speakers
No
Yes (2.1 Channel)
No
Yes
Yes (2x3W)
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Faq's
Why should I choose a 165Hz monitor over a 144Hz model?
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While the difference between 144Hz and 165Hz is only 21 frames per second, the upgrade offers a tangible improvement in motion clarity, especially in fast-paced games. The increase is marginal but noticeable in competitive environments, providing an even smoother visual experience and theoretically lower input lag. Many 165Hz monitors also feature better overall panel technology, response times, and adaptive sync implementations compared to older 144Hz models.
Do I need a high-end graphics card to benefit from a 165Hz monitor?
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Yes, to fully utilize a 165Hz monitor, your PC must be capable of generating 165 frames per second (FPS) in your games. For FHD (1080p) 165Hz monitors (like the Lenovo or Acer), a mid-range GPU (e.g., RTX 4060 or RX 7600) is often sufficient. However, for QHD 165Hz (like the Samsung G5) or especially 4K 165Hz (like the BenQ EX271U), you will need a powerful, high-end GPU (e.g., RTX 4070 Ti or better) to reach those frame rates consistently.
What is the benefit of a curved screen (like the Samsung or Acer) for a 165Hz gaming monitor?
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The primary benefit of a curved screen in gaming, particularly the 1000R curvature, is heightened immersion. The curve brings the edges of the screen closer to your peripheral vision, making the display feel larger and more encompassing. While it doesn't directly affect the 165Hz performance, it enhances the feeling of speed and depth, making it popular for simulation, RPG, and cinematic games. Flat screens are often preferred for competitive eSports due to minimal image distortion.
