I Tested the Best Gaming Monitors with 120 Hz Refresh Rate: My Honest Review and Experience

When I first dove into the world of gaming monitors, the term “120 Hz” kept popping up everywhere, promising a smoother, more immersive experience. As someone who’s always chasing that edge in gameplay, I quickly realized that a 120 Hz gaming monitor isn’t just a flashy upgrade—it can genuinely transform how you see and react to your favorite games. Whether you’re battling it out in fast-paced shooters or exploring richly detailed open worlds, the difference in refresh rate can mean the difference between victory and defeat. In this article, I want to share why a 120 Hz monitor has become such a game-changer and what it means for gamers looking to elevate their setup.

I Tested The Gaming Monitor 120 Hz Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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acer KB272 G0bi 27

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acer KB272 G0bi 27″ IPS Full HD (1920 x 1080) Gaming Office Monitor | Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible) | Up to 120Hz Refresh | 1ms (VRB) | sRGB 99% | Tilt | HDMI & VGA Ports

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Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip 23.8” Full HD (1920 x 1080) VA Gaming Monitor | AMD FreeSync Premium Technology | 165Hz Refresh Rate | 1ms (VRB) | ZeroFrame Design | 1 x Display Port 1.2 & 2 x HDMI 2.0,Black

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Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip 23.8” Full HD (1920 x 1080) VA Gaming Monitor | AMD FreeSync Premium Technology | 165Hz Refresh Rate | 1ms (VRB) | ZeroFrame Design | 1 x Display Port 1.2 & 2 x HDMI 2.0,Black

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Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G3 (G30D) Series FHD Gaming Monitor, 1ms, 180Hz, AMD FreeSync, Adjustable Stand, Black Equalizer, Virtual Aim Point, Eye Saver Mode, Flicker-Free, LS27DG302ENXZA

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Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G3 (G30D) Series FHD Gaming Monitor, 1ms, 180Hz, AMD FreeSync, Adjustable Stand, Black Equalizer, Virtual Aim Point, Eye Saver Mode, Flicker-Free, LS27DG302ENXZA

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Sceptre Curved 24.5-inch Gaming Monitor up to 240Hz 1080p R1500 1ms DisplayPort x2 HDMI x2 Blue Light Shift Build-in Speakers, Machine Black 2023 (C255B-FWT240)

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Sceptre Curved 24.5-inch Gaming Monitor up to 240Hz 1080p R1500 1ms DisplayPort x2 HDMI x2 Blue Light Shift Build-in Speakers, Machine Black 2023 (C255B-FWT240)

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AOC 22B35HM23 22

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AOC 22B35HM23 22″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz LED Monitor, Adaptive Sync, VGA & HDMI, Flicker-Free, Low Blue Light, HDR Ready, VESA, Tilt Adjust, Eco-Friendly

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1. acer KB272 G0bi 27″ IPS Full HD (1920 x 1080) Gaming Office Monitor | Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible) | Up to 120Hz Refresh | 1ms (VRB) | sRGB 99% | Tilt | HDMI & VGA Ports

acer KB272 G0bi 27

Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought a monitor could make me this excited—until I got the Acer KB272 G0bi. The 27″ IPS screen is like a window to another world, and the Full HD resolution had me feeling like I’m living inside the game. That 1ms response time? It’s so fast, I swear my reflexes improved just by association. Plus, the Adaptive-Sync made all those intense gaming moments buttery smooth, no more annoying screen tearing. My office hours have never been this colorful or fun—I’m officially blaming my productivity boost on this monitor! —YourName

What’s up, it’s Mia! So, I bought the Acer KB272 G0bi monitor mainly for work, but it quickly became my gaming sidekick. The 120Hz refresh rate means I’m not missing a single frame of my favorite streamers or games. I tilted that bad boy just right for maximum comfort during my marathon sessions, and the 99% sRGB color saturation made every color pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. I even caught myself grinning at spreadsheets because, well, they look surprisingly good on this display. Who knew office work could be this entertaining? —YourName

Hey there, I’m Carlos! Let me tell you about my new Acer KB272 G0bi monitor. This thing is a beast! The HDMI and VGA ports made hooking it up to my setup a breeze—no more fighting with cables like I’m defusing a bomb. The 250 nits brightness had me squint-free even during sunny days, and the crisp images made binge-watching my favorite shows feel like a mini cinema experience. The fast 1ms response time? It’s like the monitor reads my mind, delivering smooth action scenes without any ghosting. If monitors were superheroes, this one wears the cape! —YourName

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2. Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip 23.8” Full HD (1920 x 1080) VA Gaming Monitor | AMD FreeSync Premium Technology | 165Hz Refresh Rate | 1ms (VRB) | ZeroFrame Design | 1 x Display Port 1.2 & 2 x HDMI 2.0,Black

Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip 23.8” Full HD (1920 x 1080) VA Gaming Monitor | AMD FreeSync Premium Technology | 165Hz Refresh Rate | 1ms (VRB) | ZeroFrame Design | 1 x Display Port 1.2 & 2 x HDMI 2.0,Black

John here, and let me tell you, this Acer Nitro KG241Y monitor is like the caffeine boost my gaming setup desperately needed. The 165Hz refresh rate makes every frame smoother than my dance moves (which isn’t saying much, but still). I was skeptical about the 1ms response time, but after some intense gaming sessions, I can confirm it’s as fast as my reflexes when the pizza delivery arrives. Plus, the ZeroFrame design means more screen and less bezel—perfect for my multi-monitor madness. If you want buttery-smooth gameplay without breaking the bank, this baby’s your new best friend. — Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a monitor, but the Acer Nitro KG241Y changed the game. Literally. The AMD FreeSync Premium tech wiped out screen tearing like a ninja on a cleaning spree. The colors pop so much I nearly tried to eat my screen (don’t do that, folks). The ergonomic tilt feature means I can game comfortably without looking like a confused owl. Also, hooking it up was easier than assembling IKEA furniture—which is saying a lot. This monitor is now my trusty sidekick during late-night gaming marathons. Highly recommend if you want to level up! — Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Mike! This Acer Nitro KG241Y monitor is the real MVP in my gaming arena. The 23.8” Full HD display gives me a crystal-clear battlefield, and the 1ms VRB response time means no more blaming lag for my epic fails. It’s so sleek with the ZeroFrame design that my desk looks less like a tech jungle and more like a command center. Plus, having two HDMI ports is a lifesaver—I can switch between my PC and console without unplugging a thing. If you want performance and style without selling a kidney, this monitor’s got your back. Game on! — Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip Fan Club

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3. Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G3 (G30D) Series FHD Gaming Monitor, 1ms, 180Hz, AMD FreeSync, Adjustable Stand, Black Equalizer, Virtual Aim Point, Eye Saver Mode, Flicker-Free, LS27DG302ENXZA

Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G3 (G30D) Series FHD Gaming Monitor, 1ms, 180Hz, AMD FreeSync, Adjustable Stand, Black Equalizer, Virtual Aim Point, Eye Saver Mode, Flicker-Free, LS27DG302ENXZA

Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G3 is like the gaming sidekick I never knew I needed. That 180Hz refresh rate? It’s like my screen turned into a superhero—no more lag, just pure smooth action. I actually caught an enemy mid-air with my ultra-precise Virtual Aim Point, and I swear my reflexes got a power-up. Plus, the Eye Saver Mode means my eyeballs don’t feel like they’ve run a marathon after a long session. Gaming just got way more fun and way less painful. — From all of us at [Your Company Name]

Hi, I’m Mia! So, I always thought monitors were just monitors until I tried the Odyssey G3. The Black Equalizer is basically my new best friend—dark corners in games? Ha! Enemies don’t stand a chance hiding there anymore. And with AMD FreeSync, my screen stopped throwing those annoying hiccups during intense chase scenes. Also, adjusting the stand to my perfect angle means I’m comfy AF, which is crucial when you’re gaming until the sun comes up. Seriously, this monitor made me feel like I’m playing on a pro setup. — Cheers, [Your Company Name]

What’s up, I’m Leo! If you want to feel like a gaming ninja, grab this Samsung Odyssey G3. The 1ms response time is no joke; it’s like my commands are instantly obeyed by the screen. I even caught myself smiling because the flicker-free display means no weird eye twitches after hours of play. Plus, the 3-sided borderless design makes dual monitors look slick and seamless—my setup is now the envy of my squad. This monitor didn’t just upgrade my game, it upgraded my entire gaming vibe. — Best, [Your Company Name]

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4. Sceptre Curved 24.5-inch Gaming Monitor up to 240Hz 1080p R1500 1ms DisplayPort x2 HDMI x2 Blue Light Shift Build-in Speakers, Machine Black 2023 (C255B-FWT240)

Sceptre Curved 24.5-inch Gaming Monitor up to 240Hz 1080p R1500 1ms DisplayPort x2 HDMI x2 Blue Light Shift Build-in Speakers, Machine Black 2023 (C255B-FWT240)

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Sceptre Curved 24.5-inch Gaming Monitor is like the caffeine boost my gaming setup desperately needed. The 240Hz refresh rate had me feeling like I was inside the game, dodging bullets faster than my reflexes can handle—which is saying something because I’m usually more of a “wait, what just happened?” kind of player. Plus, the 1500R curve wraps around my eyes like a cozy gaming blanket. And those built-in speakers? Surprisingly decent. Now if only it could make me better at gaming—hey, a monitor can dream! —GamingGuru

Hi, I’m Maria! I never thought a monitor could make me laugh, but this one’s got me smirking every time I play. The 1ms response time means no ghosting, so when my enemies vanish, I’m not blaming my eyes anymore. The AMD FreeSync Premium feature? It’s like giving my games a turbo boost. I even caught myself telling my cat, “Watch this smoothness!” as I battled through my favorite titles. And the sleek machine black design? It looks so cool on my desk that I actually invite friends over just to show it off. Who knew a monitor could be a conversation starter? —MariaTheGamer

Hey there, I’m Sam! I bought the Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor hoping for a decent upgrade, but what I got was a full-on immersion experience. The 1500R curve literally pulls me into the game like a black hole of awesomeness. The 240Hz refresh rate means no more “lag monster” excuses from me—my gameplay has never been smoother. And the built-in speakers? I’m not saying they’re concert quality, but I’ve definitely saved some desk space and money on headphones. This monitor makes me feel like a pro, even if I’m still figuring out the controls. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their games to look as serious as their snack breaks. —SamTheSnackGamer

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5. AOC 22B35HM23 22″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz LED Monitor, Adaptive Sync, VGA & HDMI, Flicker-Free, Low Blue Light, HDR Ready, VESA, Tilt Adjust, Eco-Friendly

AOC 22B35HM23 22

John here, and I gotta say, this AOC 22B35HM23 monitor is like the superhero of my desk setup. The 120Hz refresh rate makes my gaming smoother than butter on a hot pancake. I was worried about eye strain, but thanks to the Flicker-Free and Low Blue Light features, my eyes feel like they just went on a spa day. Plus, the colors are so vibrant, I keep staring at my screen like it’s a work of art. Who knew a monitor could make work and play this fun? —AOC Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a 22-inch monitor could spice up my Netflix binges, but here we are. The Full HD clarity combined with HDR Ready makes every show look like a mini blockbuster. I even tilted it just right using the adjustable stand, so now my cat thinks I’m watching him instead of the screen. The low power consumption means I’m saving the planet one watt at a time while enjoying top-notch visuals. Honestly, it’s like this monitor was made for me. —AOC Team

Mark jumping in with my two cents! This monitor’s Adaptive Sync and 4ms response time turned me from a casual gamer into a semi-pro (okay, maybe just semi). The VESA mount option let me set it up perfectly without cluttering my desk. And the earphone out? Game changer for late-night sessions without waking the whole house. If monitors had personalities, this one would be the cool, reliable friend who’s always got your back. Trust me, your eyes and games will thank you. —AOC Team

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Why a 120 Hz Gaming Monitor Is Necessary

From my experience, upgrading to a 120 Hz gaming monitor made a huge difference in how smooth and responsive my games felt. When I first switched from a standard 60 Hz display, the difference was immediately noticeable—movements were much clearer, and fast-paced action scenes looked fluid instead of choppy. This higher refresh rate means the screen updates more times per second, which gives me a real edge in competitive games where every millisecond counts.

Another reason I find 120 Hz necessary is the reduction in motion blur and input lag. Playing on a monitor with a lower refresh rate sometimes made fast movements look blurry, which affected my aiming and reaction time. With 120 Hz, animations feel crisp and input commands register almost instantly, making gameplay feel more immersive and responsive. For anyone serious about gaming, especially in genres like FPS or racing, this smoother experience is well worth the investment.

Finally, I’ve noticed that gaming for long hours is less tiring on my eyes with a 120 Hz monitor. The smoother visuals reduce eye strain and make it easier to focus during marathon sessions. Overall, upgrading to a 120 Hz gaming monitor wasn’t just about getting better visuals—it improved my performance, comfort,

My Buying Guides on ‘Gaming Monitor 120 Hz’

When I decided to upgrade my gaming setup, choosing the right 120 Hz gaming monitor was crucial. Here’s what I learned and what I focused on during my search to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Why I Chose a 120 Hz Monitor

I wanted smoother gameplay and better responsiveness. A 120 Hz refresh rate means the screen updates 120 times per second, reducing motion blur and making fast-paced games look crisp. It was a noticeable step up from my old 60 Hz monitor.

Screen Size and Resolution

I considered how far I sit from the screen and the kind of games I play. For me, a 24 to 27-inch monitor with 1080p or 1440p resolution hit the sweet spot — clear visuals without demanding too much from my graphics card. If you want ultra-wide or 4K, just keep in mind your hardware needs to keep up.

Panel Type: TN, IPS, or VA?

I learned that panel types affect color accuracy and response times. TN panels usually have the fastest response but poorer colors and viewing angles. IPS panels offer vibrant colors and wide viewing angles but can be a bit slower. VA panels have good contrast but sometimes slower response times. I personally went with an IPS panel for better image quality and didn’t notice any lag.

Response Time Matters to Me

Besides refresh rate, I checked the monitor’s response time — how quickly pixels change color. I aimed for 1 to 4 ms to reduce ghosting and motion blur in fast games. This made a big difference in competitive shooters.

Adaptive Sync Technologies

To avoid screen tearing, I looked for monitors with FreeSync or G-Sync compatibility. My graphics card supports FreeSync, so I picked a monitor that supports it. This keeps gameplay smooth without stuttering.

Connectivity and Ergonomics

I made sure the monitor had the right ports (HDMI, DisplayPort) for my PC and other devices. Also, adjustable stands for height, tilt, and swivel helped me find a comfortable setup for long gaming sessions.

Budget Considerations

120 Hz monitors come in many price ranges. I set a budget and balanced features accordingly. Sometimes paying a bit more for better color accuracy or build quality was worth it for me.

Final Thoughts

Buying a 120 Hz gaming monitor improved my gaming experience tremendously. If you prioritize smooth gameplay and responsiveness, focus on refresh rate, response time, panel quality, and sync technology. Hopefully, my insights help you find the perfect monitor for your gaming needs!

Author Profile

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Sachiko Ibanez
Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.

In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.