The biggest challenge while playing Counter-Strike Global Offensive isn’t competing against your friends. It’s winning one of those global competitions where you have to take down the best players from all over the world and win a cash prize.
You probably already know that to get there, it’s crucial to have a killer PC. We’ve been there, done that, and came back to you with the best monitors for CS:GO that can get you easy wins.
You’ll see for yourself that these monitors are top-notch, and we know how difficult it can be for beginners to crack the jargon that comes with the reviews here and there, so we made sure to keep it simple.
These are our choice for the best gaming monitor for CS:GO on the market:
- BenQ ZOWIE XL2546 – Editor’s Choice
- LG 27GL83A-B – Best Value for Money
- BENQ ZOWIE XL2411P – Most Versatile
- AOC G2460PF – Best Color Accuracy
- Acer Predator XB271HU – Best Design
- Asus VG245H – Budget Pick
And without any further ado, let’s dive in!
Top 6 Monitor for CS:GO – (Comparison Table)
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Editor’s Choice  | BenQ ZOWIE XL2546 |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Best Value  | LG 27GL83A-B |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Most Versatile  | BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Best Color Accuracy  | AOC G2460PF |
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Best Design  | Acer Predator XB271HU |
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Budget Pick  | Asus VG245H |
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Best Monitors For CS:GO Reviews
In this section, we’ll go through the key features that give each of these gaming monitors its uniqueness. Also, we’ll point out some downsides that you might not be willing to tolerate, and thus help you make an informed decision and purchase the most suitable monitor.
1#. BenQ ZOWIE XL2546 – Editor’s Choice
This is the current price of these BenQ ZOWIE XL2546 24.5 Inch 240Hz Gaming Monitor available at Amazon .
The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546 monitor goes the extra mile that most hardcore gamers look for while choosing a new monitor, not only for Counter-Strike but for any other FPS game as well.
Starting with the refresh rate, it’s almost double what you can find on most gaming monitors, which gives you a significant advantage over your rivals because you can spot them before they spot you. Accordingly, you’ll be the one making the first attack.
Furthermore, the response time of the BenQ XL2546 is half that offered by most of the other models, so blurring and ghosting effects are not an option. This also means that you’ll get the smoothest gaming experience with the easiest transitions.
BenQ gaming monitors feature Dynamic Accuracy technology that’s implemented for unmatchable clarity with fast motion gameplay. There’s also a Black eQualizer that enhances the visuals and provides the user with various color settings for more accuracy and clarity depending on the graphics of the game you’re playing.
The design isn’t just about a slim screen with thin bezels, but it also comes with external shields that you can use to block any outside distractions and stay focused. You can remove these shields whenever necessary, say if you want to watch a movie with your siblings or friends.
On top of all this, you can adjust the stand according to your preference or even VESA-mount the monitor if that’s what you find best. Last but not least, you get multiple connectivity options making the monitor among the user-friendly options that are easy to deal with.
Other Specs:
| Screen Size | 24.5 inches |
| Contrast Ratio | 12,000,000:1 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Viewing angles | 170 ° / 160 ° |
Pros:
- Outstanding performance
- Bright and sharp colors
- Unique and sturdy design
- Customizable display profiles
- Comes with a 3-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
Verdict
The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546 is a beast that’s hard to take down; even without the new gaming technology, it can beat most of the gaming models on the market, and it’s not even the most expensive monitor you can currently get, so it’s totally worth it.
Click here to buy these BenQ ZOWIE XL2546 24.5 Inch 240Hz Gaming Monitor available at Amazon .
2#. LG 27GL83A-B – Best Value for Money
This is the current price of these LG 27GL83A-B 27 Inch Ultragear QHD Monitors available at Amazon .
The LG 27GL83A-B offers decent performance that’s excellent for gaming, working, watching movies, etc., you name it. It comes in a non-curve design; however, the bigger sizes within the series have a curved design. Otherwise, all the monitors of the LG UltraGear lineup are pretty much similar in appearance.
The stand comes in an adjustable design with a tilting range of -15 to 5 degrees. Although it doesn’t swivel, the tilting range is enough for you to feel comfortable while you’re playing CS:GO, but it will hold you back a smidge if you want to use the screen for other purposes involving more than one person.
As you may already know, the IPS panel technology isn’t per se the best choice for first-person shooter games; however, the LG 27GL83A-B offers excellent graphics and bright colors that make spotting your enemy an easy task.
Moreover, the NVIDIA G-Sync technology, together with a 1ms response time, is ideal for games like CS:GO, allowing you to react to your opponents as fast as possible without any troubles.
The QHD Wide resolution is another reason why this model is only getting more and more popular. Also, a refresh rate of 144 Hz is on the high-end, and with the FreeSync technology, you don’t have to worry about stuttering or tearing images.
Other Specs:
| Screen Size | 27 inches |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 (SCR) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Viewing angles | 178 ° / 178 ° |
Pros:
- Adjustable stand
- QHD Wide resolution
- High refresh rate
- NVIDIA G-Sync compatible
Cons:
- The stand doesn’t swivel
Verdict
Gaming with the LG 27GL83A-B is quite immersive, not only because of its specifications but also because of its simple, non-distracting design that allows you to keep your head in the game.
Click here to buy these LG 27GL83A-B 27 Inch Ultragear QHD Monitors available at Amazon .
3#. BENQ ZOWIE XL2411P – Most Versatile
This is the current price of these BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P 24 Inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor available at Amazon .
The BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P is a monitor that goes with every gaming style out there. Thanks to the pre-loaded gaming modes, you can switch between different color settings and choose the one that suits the gameplay.
Furthermore, there’s a Black eQualizer that allows you to brighten the dark spots on the screen for better visibility while playing games like CS:GO. As mentioned before, this gives you a great advantage over your rivals because you have better chances of finding them before they spot you.
With a 144 Hz refresh rate, the images are running smooth, and your shots are more accurate. You can also personalize the viewing angles by adjusting the height of the stand for long-lasting comfort while you’re playing. Not to mention, you needn’t worry about visual distractions with the LCD frame that’s designed to minimize light reflections that usually throw off gamers.
The BENQ ZOWIE XL2411P offers multiple connectivity options, including DisplayPort, HDMI, a 3.5mm audio jack input, and a Dual-Link DVI-D. Lastly, it comes with a 3-year limited warranty that adds an excellent value to its price.
Other Specs:
| Screen Size | 24 inches |
| Contrast Ratio | 12,000,000:1 (DCR) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Viewing angles | 170 ° / 160 ° |
Pros:
- Affordable
- Ergonomic design
- 20 levels of color vibrance
- Black eQualizer to brighten dark areas
- Multiple connectivity options
- 3-year extended warranty
Cons:
- No FreeSync or G-Sync
Verdict
The BENQ ZOWIE XL2411P offers comfortable viewing during battlefield games like CS:GO, although it comes in such a simple, basic design. It doesn’t feature FreeSync or any other gaming technology, yet it runs smoothly during different games, one of the multiple perks that come with TN panels.
Click here to buy these BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P 24 Inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor available at Amazon .
4#. AOC G2460PF – Best Color Accuracy
This is the current price of these AOC G2460PF 24” Gaming Monitors available at Amazon .
As you can tell from the title, the AOC G2460PF can offer an outstanding display, not only because of the high resolution but also because it has a mind-blowing dynamic contrast ratio. In other words, it offers a wide range of colors that makes it easier for gamers to catch the tiniest details.
Moreover, the monitor features FreeSync technology to provide ultra-smooth images by eliminating stutters and tears. The refresh rate is another aspect that helps with keeping your display running at easy without any lags, coming at 144 Hz.
The design of the AOC G2460PF is pretty simple; it comes with a height and swivel adjustable stand, and it’s VESA 100mm compliant. Accordingly, you can find the perfect position for the monitor while you’re playing without any discomfort, even with long sessions.
We should also give the monitor some credit for the large array of connections that keep you connected to multiple devices without any hassles or restrictions.
Other Specs:
| Screen Size | 24 inches |
| Contrast Ratio | 80,000,000:1 (DCR) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Viewing angles | 170 ° / 160 ° |
Pros:
- A wide dynamic contrast range
- Excellent performance without any lags
- Multiple connectivity options
- Features FreeSync
Cons:
- Expensive
Verdict
The AOC G2460PF is a flawless option for playing CS: GO if you don’t mind the price. As it turns out, there’s a lot that you can do with this monitor, starting from getting it connected to your smartphone to stream various multimedia files, up to the dramatic transition while playing video games that instantly gets you hooked.
Click here to buy these AOC G2460PF 24” Gaming Monitors available at Amazon .
5#. Acer Predator XB271HU – Best Design
This is the current price of these Acer Predator XB271HU bmiprz 27″ WQHD Monitors available at Amazon .
We’re obsessed with zero-frame monitors because they’re way more immersive than the traditional ones that come with thick bezels. However, that’s not it with Acer Predator XB271HU because you also get a headset hook at the top of the adjustable stand, and it’s VESA mountable at 100 millimeters.
The refresh rate is 144 Hz, but you can increase it to 165 Hz using a display port. This makes up for the relatively low response time. However – as we’ll discuss later- 4ms is more than good enough for CS:GO and other battlefield games; it’s just not the lowest on the market.
That said, it’s worth mentioning that we experienced no flicks whatsoever, which is pretty expected once you know that the monitor supports a Flicker-less technology that’s implemented to avoid eye strain with prolonged gaming sessions.
Built-in speakers are another nice touch, but not as rewarding. Sure, it can come in handy if you’re listening to some music from youtube or watching a couple of videos, but when it comes to gaming, they’re just not loud enough, so we wouldn’t count on it.
Other Specs:
| Screen Size | 27 inches |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 (SCR) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Viewing angles | 178 ° / 178 ° |
Pros:
- WQHD Wide resolution
- Supports NVIDIA G-Sync technology
- Adjustable stand
- Mountable design
- Excellent refresh rate
- Multiple connection inputs
Cons:
- Speakers are weak
- Relatively high response time
- Expensive
Verdict
The Acer Predator XB271HU remains among the irresistible options if you’re looking for a durable, well-designed monitor that’s built to last. Although it’s a bit pricy for its specs, it’s not as expensive as monitors go, especially if you’re into vibrant, bright colors.
Click here to buy these Acer Predator XB271HU bmiprz 27″ WQHD Monitors available at Amazon .
6#. Asus VG245H – Budget Pick
This is the current price of these ASUS VG245H 24 inch full HD Monitors available at Amazon .
If you’re low on cash, but you still want to enjoy a couple of games every night, then the Asus VG245H is the way to go. It’s the cheapest monitor on our list, yet you’ll barely be making any compromises in terms of performance.
First off, it features TN panel technology, which is optimal for gaming. The resolution is 1920 x 1080p, similar to the majority of gaming monitors. Also, the response time is 1ms, which is better than some models like the Acer XB271HU we reviewed earlier.
The refresh rate is a bit lower than the other monitors on the list, but 75 Hz is the minimum recommended range for gaming, so you’re not way-off. On the contrary, with some aspects like the contrast ratio, the monitor does an incredible job that no other monitor on the list can provide.
Additionally, with ASUS Eye Care technology and a blue light filter, you won’t experience any of the glare and flickers that most gamers struggle with when settling for a budget monitor.
We didn’t expect to see any of the advanced gaming technology with this monitor, but surprisingly, it supports both FreeSync and Adaptive-Sync technologies, so even with a 75 Hz refresh rate, your enemies won’t be flying around and appearing out of nowhere.
Other Specs:
| Screen Size | 24 inches |
| Contrast Ratio | 100,000,000:1 (DCR) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Viewing angles | 170 ° / 160 ° |
Pros:
- Affordable
- Excellent quality
- Low response time
- Astonishing colors
- Features FreeSync and Adaptive-Sync technologies
Cons:
- Relatively low refresh rate
Verdict
The Asus VG245H is the best budget monitor for CS:GO and other battlefield FPS games. In fact, even if you’re not looking for a pocket-friendly monitor, it’s still an amazing option that offers great value. So, we think that this alone seals the deal for many gamers.
Click here to buy these ASUS VG245H 24 inch full HD Monitors available at Amazon .
How to Pick the Best Monitor for CS:GO?
The key to picking the best monitor lies in choosing the right specs. This will never happen if you don’t have a good understanding of what the specs on the box imply.
1. Resolution
We all know that when it comes to the resolution, the higher, the better. Your bare minimum is 1080p, and settling for less than this will come at a price. Meanwhile, going with higher resolution guarantees an amusing experience with sharper and brighter colors, and of course, excellent details.
2. Refresh Rate
The refresh rate has the most significant impact on your game performance, not just with CS:GO, but with all first-person shooter games as well.
Simply put, the refresh rate describes the rate by which the monitor is updated with new information per second. In other words, if your enemy is moving around, a monitor with a high refresh rate will allow you to pick up on their movement faster than that of a lower refresh rate.
This makes a world of difference if you want to get more kills and more accurate shots. Moreover, with higher refresh rates, the image becomes much smoother with less choppiness in comparison to its lower counterparts. Regardless, you’re better off sticking to monitors with refresh rates higher than 75 Hz.
3. Response Time
The response time is another aspect that can take your gaming experience to a whole new level. It’s defined as the time taken by a single pixel to change its shade.
Getting into the science behind this can take a while. The bottom line is, the lower the response time is, the better because this means that the transition between frames is smoother. Accordingly, you can put blurring and ghosting issues behind while using monitors with a low response time.
It’s worth mentioning that this is the main issue you’ll have with TV screens; thus, they’re not the best option to go to for gaming, particularly with games like CS:GO.
4. Panel Technology
It’s crucial to know what each of the available panel technologies puts on the table so you’re not tricked by marketing claims.
Twisted Nematic (TN)
TN panels are by far the most popular among the majority of gamers, merely because they’re the most affordable. Nonetheless, they’re prone to color shifting, particularly when viewed from an angle.
The TN technology can put up with fast pixels and refresh rates, and despite some viewing issues, they’re still satisfying for most gamers who wouldn’t be looking at the screen from an angle.
Vertical Alignment (VA)
It’s best to steer away from VA panels to avoid ghosting effects. Although such panels offer premium quality with high contrast ratio and robust colors, they’re not the best option for gaming.
You may also Like: best vertical monitor.
In-Plane Switching (IPS)
IPS offers unmatchable color quality with wide viewing angles. They’re great for gaming, although you might get some motion artifacts with some models. The overall performance of IPS panels is hard to compete with, yet, they don’t offer the best response time.
If your game is all about visual quality, then IPS is the way to go; meanwhile, TN panels are better if you’re looking for a low response time.
5. Screen Size
With the screen size, bigger is almost always better, simply because it gives you a better chance to maximize the resolution and end up with a more immersive gaming experience.
However, you should keep in mind that a large screen is only worth it if it comes with a powerful graphics engine that can provide a real estate with an optimal resolution.
6. Connectors
The monitor you choose should be compatible with your gaming console, or else, how are you ever going to use it? If you’re a hardcore gamer and you use more than one gaming console, then picking a monitor that supports them all is a bargain you can’t miss out on. Also, think about other audio outputs.
7. Contrast Ratio
The contrast ratio is the difference between blacks and whites, which in turn defines how clear your image will be. As you might have noticed throughout the article, we’ve mentioned the contrast ratio several times.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the contrast ratio is actually indicated by two numbers: the Static Contrast Ratio (SCR) and the Dynamic Contrast Ratio (DCR).
To cut it short, the SCR is the contrast ratio when there’s no motion, whereas DCR is the one to consider while watching videos.
For games like CS:GO, the most important factor to take into consideration is the DCR, but unfortunately, it’s not always specified by the manufacturer.
Nevertheless, we’ve come to notice that most models that don’t have a specified dynamic contrast ratio tend to have poorer video quality than those that do. It’s no surprise, though, because it’s game-changing, so it’s a selling point that manufacturers are willing to use for marketing whenever possible.
8. Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio is the ratio between the height and the width of the screen. It’s important to keep it in the back of your head while buying any monitor regardless of the purpose because it has a lot to do with how comfortable you’ll find your screen.
Most gaming monitors come with a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is ideal for an immersive gaming experience. Although it remains subjective, we don’t recommend going any higher because it will be difficult to keep your eyes on the entire screen while gaming. In other words, the edges of the screen will be out of your visual field when you sit closer to the screen.
9. Viewing Angles
You should only consider the viewing angles if you’re willing to buy a monitor to use for other purposes, as well as playing CS:GO. This is why we won’t elaborate much. Just keep in mind that wider viewing angles are better if you’ll look at the screen from the side like multiple gameplays and watching videos.
As we already mentioned, more advanced panels like IPS come with wider angles, and the opposite is true for less advanced ones like TN.
Related questions – (FAQ)
1#. Which Panel Technology Is Best for Playing CS:GO?
TN panels are the ultimate best; however, your screen won’t seem as bright and attractive as with IPS ones. That doesn’t mean that you should cross out IPS monitors from your list, it’s a full package, and still, such monitors can do an outstanding job while playing CS:GO, so it’s better to consider the bigger picture.
2#. Can I Use My TV Screen for Playing CS:GO?
Although it might work for some occasional gamers, if you’re a hardcore gamer, you’ll be making a huge sacrifice. Also, the TV screen doesn’t give many advantages so you won’t be making much progress if any.
3#. How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming Monitor?
For a midrange pick, you’ll be spending between $400 to $800. Monitors that lie on the higher end offer premium quality, and those that cost less than $200 or $150 usually have the least to offer.
Final Thoughts
When all is said and done, it’s clear that each of these monitors has what it takes to keep you playing for hours without even realizing how long you’ve been sitting in front of the screen.
If we have to choose a single best monitor for CS:GO, it’d be the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546. However, we understand that most beginners might be looking for something that’s more pocket-friendly, in this case, the Asus VG245H will offer decent performance and save you some cash.
