
Counter-Strike 2 has been out for a while now, and with that time, the skill ceiling has only climbed higher, as has the skill floor. These days, if you want a real competitive edge, it’s not just about grinding aim trainers or perfecting your game sense; sometimes it comes down to upgrading your setup. And one of the best places to start is with your monitor.
For CS2, a great gaming monitor usually comes down to one thing first: refresh rate. Once you’ve experienced the difference between a standard 60Hz display and a silky-smooth 120Hz (or better) panel, it’s impossible to go back, especially in a high-speed shooter. Pair that with a lightning-fast response time, a crisp resolution of 1080p or higher, and tech like NVIDIA G-Sync to eliminate screen tearing, and you’ve got the essentials of a winning display.
To make things even easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best monitors for CS2 across a variety of categories, covering everything from 4K detail to budget-friendly options like the AOC 25G42E. Each pick balances price, performance, and, most importantly, real-world gaming experience, including our own hands-on testing, to ensure only the finest gaming monitors make our selection.
What is the Best Monitor for Counter-Strike 2
While the LG UltraGear 27GX790A-B is one of the fastest, most well-rounded monitors for CS2, the AOC AGON PRO AG276UZD is one of the best monitors I've personally used.
These options, and more, are outlined in more detail below.
- Best monitor for CS2 overall — LG UltraGear OLED 27GX790A-B
- Best budget monitor for CS2 — AOC 25G42E
- Fastest monitor for CS2 — BenQ Zowie XL2586X+
- Best 4K monitor for CS2 — AOC AGON PRO AG276UZD
- Best 1440p monitor for CS2 — Philips Evnia 27M2N3501PA
Detailed Breakdown of Each Monitor
Specs:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27-inch, 16:9
- Resolution: QHD (2560 x 1440)
- Panel Type: OLED
- Refresh Rate: 480Hz
- Response Time: 0.03ms (GtG)
Why we chose the LG UltraGear OLED 27GX790A-B
While there are a few strong contenders that could earn the place of being the best gaming monitor for Counter-Strike overall, the LG UltraGear OLED 27GX790A-B stands a touch higher than the competition, thanks to a balance of speed, responsiveness, and relative value for money.
The main highlight is this monitor's impressive 480Hz refresh rate, which is coupled with an equally impressive 0.03ms response time. As someone who has dabbled with some seriously high refresh rates in the past, it really does become a challenge to adjust once you drop back down. Not only that, but this combination essentially ensures you're going to be one step ahead of almost any other player you come across, and that should stand you in good stead to pick up more kills and, ultimately, win more games.
Put it this way, LG UltraGear monitors have been used by pros in the Esports World Cup, and while part of the reason they're used comes down to sponsorship, it doesn't take away from the fact that UltraGear monitors, particularly this GX7, are some of the very best for competitive gameplay, CS2 included.
Specs:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio — 24.5-inch, 16:9
- Resolution — FHD (1920 x 1080)
- Panel Type — IPS
- Refresh Rate — 180Hz
- Response Time — 1ms (GtG)
Why we chose the AOC 25G42E
While it might not boast the flashy specs of premium displays, the AOC 25G42E has carved out a spot as one of the best budget gaming monitors you can buy, especially for a game like CS2. Typically costing less than $100, it offers features that usually come with a much higher price tag, making it an excellent entry point for competitive players who don’t want to spend a fortune.
Considering its price, the 180Hz refresh rate, paired with a 1ms response time, help this screen stand out, as they deliver smooth, responsive gameplay once properly calibrated. In CS2, this combo makes a real difference, allowing you to track enemies more clearly and react faster in tight situations. After some initial tweaking, motion felt fluid and ghosting-free, and from then on, it performed far above what I expected for the price.
Of course, there are a few trade-offs, including limited ports, no height adjustment, and the standard 1080p resolution, but none of these get in the way of what really matters: performance in fast-paced shooters. Add in useful extras like an anti-glare panel, Adaptive Sync, and AOC’s G-Menu software for quick customization, and you’ve got a monitor that punches well above its weight.
Specs:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 24.1-inch, 16:9
- Resolution: FHD (1920 x 1080)
- Panel Type: TN
- Refresh Rate: 600Hz
- Response Time: 1ms (GtG)
Why we chose the BenQ Zowie XL2586X+
Earlier, it was mentioned that with the LG UltraGear 27GX790A-B, you would always be one step ahead of almost any rival player you come across. While that is mostly true, the GX7 isn't actually the fastest gaming monitor you can buy. No, that crown goes to the BenQ Zowie XL2586X+, boasting a staggering 600Hz refresh rate at its peak.
Put simply, the XL2586X+ has one of the highest refresh rates you can get your hands on today, and that alone is enough to make it one of the best monitors for CS2. That said, features like its faster, sharper TN panel, BenQ's Dynamic Accuracy Technology to reduce motion blur, and its built-in gaming presets certainly help make it one of the very best monitors you can buy for FPS games, in general.
The screen is also only 24 inches, which is the monitor size that a lot of pro players use, as it keeps all the action within their immediate field of view, ensuring nothing is lost of peripheral vision. This size just adds to what is a very fast, well-thought-out gaming monitor that is built to thrive in FPS combat.
Specs:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 26.5-inch, 16:9
- Resolution: UHD (3840 x 2160)
- Panel Type: QD-OLED
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Response Time: 0.03ms (GtG)
Why we chose the AOC AGON PRO AG276UZD
When it comes to 4K gaming monitors, few manage to balance speed, visuals, and value quite like the AOC AGON PRO AG276UZD. With its stunning QD-OLED panel, blistering 240Hz refresh rate, and ultra-fast 0.03ms response time, it stands out as one of the best high-resolution options for CS2.
What makes it shine is its ability to deliver both sharp, cinematic 4K detail and the fluid motion competitive players demand. In CS2, movements felt incredibly smooth and responsive during my own testing, while the 99.3% DCI-P3 color coverage and HDR True Black 400 support made maps look vibrant and detailed without sacrificing clarity. With Adaptive Sync and G-Sync compatibility, too, this display really can handle both performance and visuals in equal measure.
At 26.5 inches, it gives you plenty of screen real estate while still keeping the action within easy view, and the strong port selection (HDMI 2.1, DP 2.1, USB-C with 65W, plus a USB hub) makes it versatile for both PC and console setups. Sure, the built-in speakers aren’t great, and the glossy finish can pick up some glare, but those feel like small compromises when you’re getting this much display for under £700, depending on where you look.
Specs:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27-inch, 16:9
- Resolution: QHD (2560 x 1440)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Refresh Rate: 260Hz
- Response Time: 0.3ms
Why we chose the Philips Evnia 27M2N3501PA
The Philips Evnia 27M2N3501PA is one of those monitors that makes you double-take when you see the price. For just over $250 (or £200), you get a 1440p IPS display with an overclockable 260Hz refresh rate, ultra-low input lag, and HDR support, which are all features usually locked behind far more expensive screens. On paper, it sounds almost too good to be true, but in practice, it genuinely delivers.
Gaming felt smooth and responsive throughout my own testing, with Smart MBR helping to keep motion sharp and blur-free in fast shooters. And at 27 inches, it hits a pretty good sweet spot for CS2, with it big enough for immersion but still compact enough to keep everything comfortably in view. While the colors aren’t quite as punchy as OLED alternatives, tweaking HDR and presets gives the vibrancy a boost, and the anti-glare panel makes sure bright conditions never become a distraction.
There are compromises, of course, like the built-in speakers and the mostly plastic build. Still, those aren't really issues when it comes to on-screen speed and performance in CS2. With strong ergonomics, handy extras like a Smart Crosshair, and genuinely competitive performance, the 27M2N3501PA is easily one of the best budget-friendly 1440p monitors for CS2 right now.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Monitor for Counter-Strike 2
- Refresh Rate – Aim for 240Hz+ for smoother motion and faster reactions.
- Response Time – Look for 1ms (or lower) to reduce motion blur and ghosting.
- Resolution – 1080p is common for competitive play (higher FPS), while 1440p offers sharper visuals.
- Panel Type – TN for speed, IPS for better colors and viewing angles, OLED for both, but at a higher cost.
- Adaptive Sync – G-Sync or FreeSync helps minimize screen tearing.
- Input Lag – Prioritize low-latency monitors designed for esports if you play competitively.
- Screen Size – 24–27 inches is the sweet spot for visibility, focus, and speed when spotting enemies.
- Ergonomics – Adjustable stand (height, tilt, swivel) for comfortable long sessions.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Counter-Strike 2, the right monitor can genuinely be the difference between landing the shot and missing it. So whether you're chasing the absolute fastest refresh rates, looking for high-end 4K visuals, or simply upgrading on a budget, there’s a great option out there to match your setup.