Best Monitors for CS2 (CS:GO)

Nowadays, there are many ways to improve your gaming skills, such as practicing a lot and purchasing cool devices that are more comfortable, such as mice, keyboards, and headphones. However, this is less important than having a good gaming monitor for CS2.

Today, we will discuss gaming monitors, why they are needed, which are the best to choose, why specifically, and which are used by professional gamers. You will learn all of this from our article.

Tips to Consider When Choosing a New CS2 Gaming Monitor

Before we dive into the topic, it is important to understand that each monitor is unique and has many different parameters that can set it apart from its competitors. You need to understand what you need a monitor for, whether you will play or work, and choose what you need with a clear understanding.

Let’s start with the most popular thing you’ve heard of: refresh rate.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate is the most important parameter when choosing the best gaming monitor for (CS:GO) CS2. It measures how often the screen updates to display a new frame per second. What does this affect when playing CS2? The answer is simple: the higher your refresh rate, the faster you will see your opponent.

For example, here is one of the videos you can find on YouTube that shows how big the difference is between 60hz and 144hz, and the higher the refresh rate (hz), the better your gaming experience will be.

Panel type

Another important factor is the matrix. You may have heard such fashionable words as OLED, IPS, etc. Now, we will figure out what it is and what it affects.

There are four main types of panels:

• TN Monitors: The Cheapest and Simplest.
  • TN monitors are the most affordable and basic type of LCD monitor. Twisted Nematic (TN) technology has been around for decades and has been improved over time. However, TN monitors still have some drawbacks, including poor color reproduction and narrow viewing angles.

• IPS Monitors: The Best All-Around.
  • IPS monitors are the opposite of TN monitors in terms of image quality. In-plane switching (IPS) panels produce stunning images with excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles. IPS monitors are a great choice for gamers, creative professionals, and anyone wanting the best viewing experience.

• VA Monitors: A Good Balance.
  • VA monitors offer a good balance between image quality and response time. Vertical alignment (VA) panels have better color reproduction than TN monitors but are not as good as IPS monitors. VA monitors also have wider viewing angles than TN monitors but are not as fast as IPS monitors.

• OLED Monitors: The Best for Competitive Gamers.
  • OLED monitors offer the best possible image quality but are also the most expensive. OLED panels can produce perfect blacks and infinite contrast, which is ideal for competitive gaming. However, OLED monitors are still relatively new and have some drawbacks, such as burn-in.

Response time

If you consider a pro CS2 (CS:GO) monitor to become a professional gamer, you should also pay attention to the important parameter of response time. In simple terms, response time is the time it takes for a new image to appear on the monitor. The faster, the better, which can be helpful for games that require quick reflexes, like CS2.

Currently, most manufacturers create their monitors with a response time of 4ms, which is a good indicator. However, some manufacturers make monitors with a response time of 1 ms, which may seem better. Still, it is not noticeable to the human eye, so these indicators do not have a big difference.

We recommend getting a monitor with a response time of 4ms or less. It will give you the best gaming experience without breaking the bank.

Resolution

Resolution is the number of pixels that are displayed on a monitor. The higher the resolution, the more detailed the image will be. For example, the most popular is Full HD (1920x1080p), meaning the monitor will contain 2,073,600 individual pixels.

It is a good indicator for a monitor, but technology is moving forward, and more affordable QuadHD (2560x1440p) monitors are already available. After all, the more pixels on the display, the more beautiful and detailed the image will be.

However, finding a balance between resolution and refresh rate is important. It should be remembered that a good balance is currently needed, which primarily depends on the power of your computer.

The best monitors for (CS:GO) CS2 are Full HD and QuadHD, with high refresh rates. It is not worth buying a 240hz monitor with a resolution of 3840×2160, as it may require a powerful computer to run them at their full potential. And the price of such a monitor will be more than $1,500.

Screen size

Most players prefer 24-inch monitors for their limited eye movement. We are sure you’ve had a moment when you glanced at the radar for a second, and then an enemy appeared in front of you.

With a smaller monitor, your eye movement will be shorter and, therefore, faster, so this situation will not happen again. However, the screen size for a CS2 monitor is not always very important. Simply avoid 22-inch or smaller monitors if you can.

Ultimately, the best monitor size for CS2 is a matter of personal preference. However, if you are looking for a monitor that will give you a competitive edge, a 24-inch monitor is a good place to start.

The importance of a monitor stand

When choosing the best CS2 monitor, many people focus on the size, resolution, and refresh rate. However, the size and design of the stand are also important factors to consider. A large, bulky stand can take up valuable desk space. It can be especially problematic for gamers, who often need a keyboard and mouse.

A large stand can also make adjusting the monitor’s height and angle difficult. We recommend that you pay attention to this factor. If you have found a monitor that you like, but the stand is too large, do not rush to reject this option. We found an interesting thing that will help you with this problem, check here.

Here are some of the benefits of using a monitor arm:

• Frees up desk space
• Allows you to adjust the height, angle, and rotation of your monitor
• Offers more flexibility in terms of monitor placement
• It can be mounted to the wall or the edge of your desk

Many eSports players use such mounts, as this mechanism allows you to bring the screen as close to you as possible, and there will be enough space on the table for the keyboard and mouse.

Sitting properly at a computer is very important. A monitor stand, wall mount, or arm can help you with this, but it is also important to remember the basic rules of sitting at a computer.

Here are some tips for proper sitting posture at a computer:

• Sit up straight with your back supported by the back of your chair.
• The monitor should be at least 50 cm away from you.
• Do not cross your legs; keep your feet flat on the floor.
• The desk should be 2-3 cm above your elbows, with your shoulders relaxed and your arms bent at a 90-degree angle.
• Take breaks from time to time or do some stretches.

Remember, these recommendations can help you protect your back and health!

Top Monitors for (CS:GO) CS2

The competitive landscape for monitors is fierce, and there are many great options for CS2. However, we’ve analyzed the monitors that professional players use and the newest. So, we compiled a list of the ten best monitors for CS2.

ZOWIE XL2546

The first monitor on our list is the legendary BenQ ZOWIE XL2546.

This improved version of ZOWIE XL2540, which we will discuss later, became the most popular monitor in 2022. Gamers often choose this monitor for many reasons, the first of which is the very comfortable stand.

The stand is small and will not take up much space on the table, and the height-adjustable base can be controlled with just one finger, making it easy to get the desired viewing angle, providing maximum comfort.

Another convenient feature of this monitor is the special S-Switch switch, designed for easy access to the monitor menu, switching between saved modes, and quickly switching between connected devices – to configure the monitor for different usage scenarios.

S-Switch allows you to save and transfer three profiles with a driver-free design within the same model to select the desired display settings for the selected models. Most ZOWIE monitors have additional protective panels that attach to the sides of the monitor for better concentration on the game so that nothing can distract you.

The most important thing is the internals. It has a 24.5-inch screen with a refresh rate of 240 Hz and is equipped with various technologies that improve the image and gameplay.

The first such technology is DyAc™, ZOWIE’s proprietary technology that reduces blur during movement and equalizes image instability. It allows gamers to see the position of the crosshair, which can help control spray, which is very important for CS2.

Another technology that will help you play and win is Black eQualizer, which improves visibility in dark areas without increasing brightness in other areas which is very useful for many games such as Call of Duty.

Pros

• 240Hz
• Thin design
• S-Switch 
• DyAc

Specs

• Size: 24.5 inches
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• G-Sync: No
• FreeSync: No

This monitor is used by professional gamers such as KennyS, honda, DD, and tudsoN.

ZOWIE XL2546K

ZOWIE XL2546K is the successor to the wildly popular XL2546, and it comes with a number of improvements over its predecessor. After receiving positive feedback, ZOWIE engineers decided to improve their model. After consulting with some pro gamers, they created a truly professional CS2 monitor.

The first noticeable improvements to the monitor are its size and stand. The new stand is designed to take up less space on the desk while maintaining the same stability. It gives gamers more space to move around during gameplay and provides a more comfortable gaming experience.

The engineers also made some interesting curves in the stand, adding a mousepad space. If you’re interested in choosing a mousepad, we have an article about it.

The monitor also received a number of software enhancements. DyAc technology was improved and renamed DyAc⁺ (Dynamic Accuracy). It is a form of motion blur reduction, and DyAc+ combined with the incredibly smooth 240Hz refresh rate provides exceptionally sharp and clear images.

XL2546K also features deep profile customization with multiple levels. However, the most interesting feature is that you can now share your monitor settings. So, for example, setting up a new monitor will only take a few seconds if you’re going to a tournament.

Pros

• 240Hz
• Thin design
• The stand has a small footprint
• Black eQualizer
• S-Switch 
• DyAc+

Specs

• Size: 24.5 inches
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• G-Sync: No
• FreeSync: No

The following professional players use this monitor: m0NESY, Twistzz, ZywOo, and Walco.

ZOWIE XL2566K

It’s time to talk about the heavy artillery in the CS2 monitor world. ZOWIE created a 360 Refresh Rate monitor to make the game incredibly smooth and beautiful.

Visually, the monitor is no different from its predecessor, XL2546K. There are some comfortable stands, a nice design, and additional protective shields to avoid distractions. However, there are many new and interesting features inside this monster.

For example, DyAc⁺™ technology, combined with a TN matrix and a refresh rate of 360 Hz, provides sharper contours of moving images than conventional IPS screens with a refresh rate of 360 Hz. So you can fully focus on the game and not be distracted by the artifacts of the final image.

They also added an interesting feature called “Color Mode,” which improves the color and saturation. With the help of many installed settings, you can find the best option for yourself.

Everything else will be no different from the predecessor. However, do not forget that a 360hz monitor is certainly good if your computer can handle it. But if you are considering improving your computer, we have an interesting article about the best processors for CS2. We recommend paying attention to it.

Pros

• 360hz
• Thin design
• The stand has a small footprint
• Black eQualizer
• S-Switch
• DyAc+
• Color Mode

Specs

• Size: 24.5 inches
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh rate: 360 Hz
• G-Sync: No
• FreeSync: No

s1mple, NiKo, and b1t all use this monitor.

ZOWIE XL2746K

All the good 24.5″ monitors from ZOWIE have already been reviewed. It’s time to move on to larger sizes. XL2746K is identical to XL2546K with one improvement, namely the screen size. This model is equipped with a 27″ screen with a refresh rate of 240Hz.

It may not be the best option for professional esports. Still, if you enjoy other competitive games such as Battlefield 2042 or Apex Legends, this monitor will give you a better immersion into the world of these picturesque games.

Pros

• 240hz
• Size: 27 inches
• Thin design
• The stand has a small footprint
• Black eQualizer
• S-Switch
• DyAc+

Specs

• Size: 27 inches
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
• G-Sync: No
• FreeSync: No

AOC C27G2Z

Continuing the topic of large monitors, we want to tell you about this giant from AOC. The curved C27G2Z has a 27-inch screen. The monitor has a screen with 240 Hz and a brightness of 300 nits, a response time of 0.3 ms, which is lower than its predecessors from ZOWIE, and a low input lag that provides a lag-free display and radiant image quality.

Also, unlike previous CS2 monitors, this giant has AMD FreeSync Premium technology, which synchronizes the refresh rate of the graphics processor and the monitor, providing smooth gameplay with the highest performance without tearing.

AMD FreeSync Premium has a minimum refresh rate of 120 Hz, which reduces blur and increases image sharpness for a more realistic experience. LFC function eliminates the risk of stuttering if the frame rate drops below the refresh rate.

Additional features of the monitor include six gaming modes, AOC Shadow Control, and AOC Game Color. These features will adjust the gray levels for better image detail and brighten dark areas. However, it is worth noting that the curved screen may not be to everyone’s taste.

Pros

• 240hz
• Size: 27 inches
• Shadow Control
• Game Color
• FreeSync

Specs

• Size: 27 inches
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh Rate: 240Hz
• G-Sync: No
• FreeSync: Yes

ROG Swift Pro PG248QP

ROG Swift Pro is for you if you’re looking for a truly monstrous gaming monitor. This ultra-powerful beast has something no other monitor does: 500Hz. It’s capable of delivering incredible smoothness and clarity. It’s one of those monitors that hasn’t yet caught on with pro gamers, as it was just released, but it has the best specs of any competitor.

This monitor has many pros, and we’ll break them down now, starting with the most important. 500Hz is a very large number, and as the engineers of this monitor say, it’s an incredible technological breakthrough.

However, it is worth noting that we can only achieve such results with an NVIDIA RTX 20 series or higher graphics card, which doesn’t look so cool. The monitor also has an integrated NVIDIA® G-SYNC® processor, which provides incredibly smooth gameplay and unmatched realism.

The monitor has the latest E-TN panels that are 50% faster than traditional TN panels, making PG248QP the fastest response time among gaming LCD monitors. It eliminates motion blur and provides unprecedented image clarity even in battle.

The monitor also has a new ULMB 2 technology that reduces ghosting in competitive games even better. This technology offers backlight strobing at the maximum refresh rate, significantly higher brightness than the original ULMB technology, and a complete absence of electromagnetic interference. ULMB 2 turns on the backlight only when all pixels have the correct color value to reduce ghosting.

PG248QP monitor is equipped with an innovative stand with retractable legs that free up space on your desk for comfortable gaming. And the leg looks incredibly beautiful and stylish.

For all the pros of this monitor, there is one very big con: its price. For this monitor, you will currently have to pay more than $900.

Pros

• E-TN panel
• 500Hz
• ULMB 2
• G-SYNC
• The stand has a small footprint
• DisplayHDR
• GamePlus
• ASUS GameVisual

Specs

• Size: 24.1 inches
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh Rate: 500Hz
• G-Sync: Yes
• FreeSync: No

ROG Strix XG249CM

Another Asus monitor deserves to be at our top, and here’s why. XG249CM is a more affordable option than the previous one but has almost the same performance. Let’s start with the fact that the monitor has a 23.8″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) with a refresh rate of 270 frames per second.

This monitor features a fast IPS panel, whose liquid crystals switch four times faster than conventional ones, so the average response time, measured when switching between halftones, is only one millisecond. It means that images are displayed quickly and accurately without ghosting or blurring.

The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync™ Premium technology, reproducing incredible HDR images and reducing display latency when paired with AMD graphics cards.

The monitor is equipped with a USB-C interface that supports video signal transmission via DisplayPort protocol, performs the functions of a USB hub for connecting peripheral USB devices, and can also be used to charge mobile devices. So, if you have a few free ports for charging your phone, this will be a useful bonus.

As with other monitors, XG249CM has additional functionality to improve image quality and visibility in dark areas and various gaming moments. Shadow Boost, GamePlus, GameVisual, Flicker-Free, and Blue Light Filter are all in this monitor. The functions are called differently in different monitors but perform the same function.

The only downside of this monitor may be the stand, which, unfortunately, is not as comfortable as in all the previous monitors we reviewed.

Pros

• 270Hz
• USB Type-C
• HDR
• 1ms

Specs

• Size: 23.8 inches
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh Rate: 270Hz
• G-Sync: No
• FreeSync: Yes

Alienware 25 – AW2523HF

The next monitor from Dell has the interesting name Alienware. AW2523HF is a good gaming monitor with a very attractive price and 360Hz. But not only the price and refresh rate is this monitor good.

The monitor has a very stylish and attractive design, a beautiful and ergonomic stand that does not take up much space on the table. However, unlike its competitors, it contains fewer features, which we will now analyze.

The first distinguishing AW2523HF from other monitors in our review is gaming modes. Usually, all manufacturers create 6-10 different profiles, but there are only 3, and color settings may not be as convenient, but for many, this is not a big problem.

AW2523HF has one feature not found on many other gaming monitors: ComfortView. TÜV Rhienland certified low blue light software solution optimizes eye comfort by reducing blue light emission. In our opinion, it must be in any gaming monitor because the eyes are very important.

Pros

• 360Hz
• Affordable price
• ComfortView

Specs

• Size: 24.5 inches
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh Rate: 360Hz
• G-Sync: No
• FreeSync: Yes

MSI Optix MAG251RX

We couldn’t ignore such beauty as MSI Optix MAG251RX, as this monitor is a great value for its price. It has a good IPS panel, 250Hz refresh rate, and 24.5″. Regarding the technologies in this monitor, first of all, its small visual silhouette and small stand will not take up much space on the table.

Secondly, the Rapid IPS display provides gamers with an ultra-fast GTG response time of 1 ms, significantly reducing monitor blur appearance. The crystal-clear image will give you a competitive edge for making accurate decisions in fast-paced games. And in combination with NVIDIA G-SYNC, this process becomes more efficient and easier.

The monitor also has features such as Night Vision, which helps to see small details in the dark parts of the game. Of course, the monitor also has quick settings, but the only drawback of the monitor may be its small tilt angles. But if you plan to use a bracket, this problem disappears.

Pros

• 250Hz
• Affordable price
• 1ms
• IPS

Specs

• Size: 24.5 inches
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh Rate: 250Hz
• G-Sync: Yes
• FreeSync: No

Acer Predator X25

Finally, let’s talk about Acer Predator. We considered two models that could have made it to this place (X25 and X27), but we chose this one because, as we said, the main parameter for a professional CS2 monitor is the refresh rate, and the X25 model has a whopping 360 frames.

The monitor also looks sleek and has a stylish front and back design. The universal VESA mount and the ability to rotate the monitor 45 degrees gives it a significant advantage in ease of use. Inside, the monitor is equipped with Flickerless and BlueLightShield features that help reduce blue light emission and reduce blur during movement in the game.

The monitor also has a resolution of 1920×1080 and G-Sync support. Additionally, the Predator GameView feature provides a number of useful features, such as adjusting the level of dark boost, precise color tuning, and more.

Pros

• 360Hz
• Flickerless
• BlueLightShield
• HDR

Specs

• Size: 24.5 inches
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh Rate: 360Hz
• G-Sync: Yes
• FreeSync: No

However, it is worth noting that as soon as you have chosen a monitor for yourself, bought it, and brought it home, you will need to configure it, not only the monitor, but you will also need to configure CS2.

After all, the settings of professional players are very different from those of ordinary players. We recommend that you read our article in which we talked about the best CS2 settings that will help you become a real cyber sportsman and achieve success in the game.

To Sum Up

We have told you which are the best monitors on the market and which professional players use them. We hope this information will help you decide which monitor to buy. However, don’t forget that doing your research is also very important to find the one that best meets your needs and budget.

Stay tuned to learn more about everything related to CS2!

FAQ