Best Monitor for CS GO: Top Displays for Competitive Gaming in 2025

Competitive gaming demands fast response times and crystal-clear visuals. For CS players, having the right monitor can make the difference between winning and losing. A good gaming monitor reduces lag and displays movement smoothly, giving you the competitive edge needed in fast-paced shootouts.

High refresh rates are essential for CS success. While standard monitors operate at 60Hz, serious players prefer 144Hz, 240Hz, or even 360Hz models. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the gameplay appears.

Response time also matters greatly – 1ms is ideal for eliminating motion blur during quick movements.

When choosing a monitor for CS, focus on three key factors: refresh rate, response time, and resolution. Most pro players prioritize speed over pixel count, often selecting 1080p monitors with extremely high refresh rates.

We spent weeks testing dozens of gaming monitors to find the perfect balance of performance and value, with the ASUS ROG Swift 360Hz emerging as our top pick for serious competitors.

Best Monitors for CS in 2025

After countless hours of testing and research, we’ve identified the top monitors that give CS players a competitive advantage. Each monitor on our list offers something special, whether it’s lightning-fast response times or budget-friendly performance.

ASUS ROG Swift 360Hz – Best Overall

The ASUS ROG Swift 360Hz is the pinnacle of CS performance. With its incredible 360Hz refresh rate, this monitor displays six times more frames per second than a standard 60Hz screen. We noticed significantly smoother tracking when flicking to enemies and less motion blur during fast movements.

The 24.5-inch 1080p display might seem modest in size and resolution, but this is intentional. Most professional players prefer this configuration for maximum frames per second and optimal competitive visibility. The TN panel delivers a true 1ms response time with minimal input lag.

During our testing, the difference between 240Hz and 360Hz was subtle but noticeable, especially in scenarios requiring lightning-fast reactions. The NVIDIA G-Sync technology eliminates screen tearing completely, creating butter-smooth gameplay even during the most intense firefights.

BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K – Pro Player Choice

The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K is the monitor you’ll spot at most professional CS tournaments. Its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time create an incredibly responsive gaming experience. What sets this monitor apart is BenQ’s DyAc+ technology, which reduces motion blur better than any other display we tested.

The monitor includes unique features designed specifically for competitive FPS games. The adjustable black equalizer helps spot enemies hiding in shadows, while the shield blocks distractions during intense matches. We especially appreciated the S-Switch controller that lets you quickly change between custom display profiles.

Many top CS pros swear by this monitor, and we can see why. The image clarity during rapid movements is unmatched, making it easier to track targets during sprays and flicks. While it lacks some visual flair of other gaming monitors, its performance is undeniable.

Alienware AW2521HF – Best Value

The Alienware AW2521HF offers premium performance without the premium price tag. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, it delivers nearly everything competitive players need at a more accessible price point. The IPS panel provides better color accuracy than TN alternatives while maintaining excellent speed.

We were impressed by the monitor’s compatibility with both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync, making it versatile for different gaming setups. The slim bezels and sleek design add a touch of style that many competitive monitors lack.

During our testing, this monitor performed admirably in fast-paced scenarios. While not quite matching the blur reduction of the ZOWIE, the difference would only be noticeable to the most discerning professional players. For most competitive gamers, this represents the sweet spot of performance and value.

AOC 24G2 – Budget Pick

Not everyone can spend hundreds on a monitor, which is why we love the AOC 24G2. At just under $200, it offers a very respectable 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT response time. The IPS panel delivers surprisingly good color accuracy for the price point.

The 24-inch 1080p display is the perfect size for competitive CS, allowing you to see the entire screen without moving your eyes too much. We found the built-in AOC dial-point feature particularly useful for maintaining crosshair placement across different games.

Despite its budget price, the stand offers full height, tilt, and swivel adjustments. This flexibility is often missing from monitors in this price range. For players just getting serious about CS or those on a tight budget, this monitor provides the essential competitive features without breaking the bank.

Samsung Odyssey G7 – Best Curved Option

For players who want an immersive experience without sacrificing competitive

Best Monitors for CS

Our team of gamers has tested dozens of monitors to find the absolute best options for CS players. A good gaming monitor can give you a real edge with faster response times and smoother gameplay. We’ve selected monitors with high refresh rates and low input lag that will help you spot enemies quickly and react faster in those critical moments.

MNN Portable Gaming Monitor

The MNN portable monitor offers CS players a responsive and vibrant secondary display that’s perfect for both gaming sessions and on-the-go setups.

Pros

• Crisp 1080p display with excellent color accuracy
• Ultra-portable design with smart protective cover
• Versatile connectivity options for multiple devices

Cons

• Brightness could be better in well-lit environments
• Built-in speakers are adequate but not impressive
• Stand angle isn’t fully adjustable

We recently tested this MNN 15.6-inch portable monitor with CS, and it delivered smooth gameplay with minimal input lag. The full HD resolution keeps everything sharp, while the IPS panel provides good viewing angles when friends want to watch your matches. The matte screen is a huge plus for reducing glare during intense gaming sessions.

Setting up this monitor couldn’t be easier. We just plugged it into our laptop using the included USB-C cable, and it worked instantly without any driver installations. The plug-and-play feature is perfect for gamers who want to spend more time playing and less time configuring equipment.

For older devices without USB-C, the HDMI connection works just as well.

The ultra-slim design makes this monitor perfect for LAN parties or gaming events. It weighs just over 1.5 pounds and is only 0.3 inches thick, so it slides right into a backpack alongside your laptop. The smart cover doubles as a stand and offers decent protection for the screen when traveling.

HDR mode gives CS a nice visual boost, making dark corners more visible and explosive effects more vibrant. We noticed the color accuracy is quite good for a portable monitor in this price range, which helps spot enemies faster in competitive play.

The dual USB-C ports offer flexibility when setting up your gaming station. We appreciate being able to connect power through one port while using the other for display signal, keeping cable management cleaner.

ASUS ZenScreen Portable 15.6″ Monitor

The ASUS ZenScreen is an excellent portable monitor choice for CS players who need a reliable second screen for gaming on the go.

Pros

• Ultra-lightweight at just 1.9 pounds with slim design
• Built-in 7800mAh battery eliminates need for external power
• Eye Care technology reduces eye strain during long gaming sessions

Cons

• Not ideal as a primary gaming monitor for competitive play
• Somewhat dim display compared to dedicated gaming monitors
• Limited connectivity options may require adapters

We recently tested the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AHP while traveling to a small CS tournament, and it proved to be quite handy. The 15.6-inch FHD IPS display delivers crisp visuals with decent color accuracy. For a portable monitor, it handles gaming surprisingly well with minimal motion blur.

The built-in battery was a real lifesaver during our gaming session. We got about 4 hours of continuous use without needing to plug it in. This feature alone makes it stand out from other portable monitors that drain your laptop’s battery.

Connection was straightforward with both micro HDMI and USB-C options. The smart cover doubles as a stand and works in both landscape and portrait orientations. We found the landscape mode perfect for gaming while the portrait option was great for checking Discord or browsing strategy guides.

The anti-glare screen was particularly helpful in the brightly lit venue where we were playing. Many gaming monitors have glossy screens that catch reflections, but this matte display eliminated that problem entirely. The ASUS Eye Care technology also meant we could game for hours without the usual eye fatigue.

For CS specifically, the 60Hz refresh rate isn’t ideal for competitive play, but as a secondary monitor for casual gaming or watching strategy videos, it works perfectly. The built-in speakers are adequate for basic game audio when headphones aren’t an option.

ASUS ZenScreen Portable Monitor

The ASUS ZenScreen Go is an excellent choice for CS players who need a reliable secondary display with wireless capability and good response time.

Pros

• Impressive 5ms response time perfect for CS gameplay
• Wireless connectivity eliminates cable clutter during tournaments
• Built-in battery allows for setup anywhere at gaming events

Cons

• 15.6-inch size might feel small for primary competitive gaming
• Battery life can drain quickly during intense gaming sessions
• Price point is higher than standard wired gaming monitors

We tested this portable monitor extensively during several CS sessions, and its performance surprised us. The 1080p resolution delivers sharp visuals that make enemy spotting clear and precise.

When connected via USB-C, we noticed minimal input lag which is crucial for those split-second decisions in competitive matches.

The anti-glare coating proved incredibly valuable during our LAN tournament setup. The monitor didn’t reflect overhead lights that typically plague gaming events, letting us focus entirely on headshots rather than dealing with screen glare.

Its super-narrow bezels also maximize the viewing area without increasing the overall footprint.

Setting up wirelessly was straightforward, though we recommend using the USB-C connection for competitive play to ensure the lowest latency.

The built-in speakers are decent for casual gaming, but most serious CS players will stick with their headsets for positional audio advantages.

The monitor’s portability factor can’t be overstated. At just 2.4 pounds, we easily transported it between gaming sessions.

The flexibility to position it as a secondary display for Discord, maps, or strategy guides while keeping our main monitor focused on gameplay gave us a genuine tactical advantage during matches.

While primarily designed as a secondary display, we found it could serve as a primary gaming monitor in a pinch. The 5ms response time is respectable enough for competitive play, though dedicated gaming monitors still offer better performance with 1ms response times.

Anyuse 15.6″ Portable Gaming Monitor

The Anyuse portable monitor offers CS players an excellent balance of performance, portability, and value that makes it a smart choice for competitive gaming on the go.

Pros

• Ultra-lightweight design (just 1.37 lbs) perfect for tournament travel
• Crisp 1080p resolution with low blue light technology reduces eye strain
• Simple plug-and-play setup with multiple connection options

Cons

• Built-in speakers lack bass for immersive gaming audio
• Brightness may need adjustment in well-lit environments
• Stand design could be more stable for intense gaming sessions

We recently tested this Anyuse portable monitor during several CS gaming sessions, and it really impressed us. The 15.6-inch screen delivers sharp 1080p visuals with good color accuracy.

When playing maps like Dust II, we could easily spot enemies hiding in shadowy corners thanks to the HDR support.

The monitor’s setup couldn’t be simpler. We connected it to our gaming laptop using just one USB-C cable – no extra power cord needed. This made it super convenient when moving between different gaming setups.

The monitor also works with PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, giving us flexibility for all our gaming needs.

At just 0.04 inches thin, this monitor slides easily into the same bag as our laptop. We noticed the built-in kickstand provides decent stability, though it occasionally wobbled during particularly intense firefights. For serious tournament play, we’d recommend placing it on a firm, flat surface.

Response time felt adequate for casual CS sessions, though professional players might notice slight differences compared to high-end gaming monitors. That said, the 178° viewing angle meant we could share our screen with teammates without color distortion – perfect for reviewing match strategies together.

The dual USB-C ports proved useful for daisy-chaining devices without fumbling with multiple cables. We appreciated the intuitive on-screen controls that let us quickly switch between different display modes depending on whether we were gaming, reviewing strategy videos, or multitasking.

For the price point, this Anyuse monitor delivers exceptional value. While not replacing a primary gaming setup, it’s an excellent secondary screen for CS players who need portability without sacrificing too much performance.

SOTSU FlipAction Portable Gaming Monitor

This lightweight 14-inch portable monitor offers enough speed and versatility for casual CS players who need a secondary display on the go.

Pros

• Ultra-lightweight at just 1.55 pounds
• Versatile 180-degree rotation capabilities
• Bright 400 nits display with 100% sRGB

Cons

• 1080p resolution may limit competitive play
• No dedicated gaming features
• Small 14-inch screen size

We recently tested the SOTSU FlipAction portable monitor for CS gaming sessions, and we were surprised by how well it performed for a secondary display. The 1080p resolution isn’t ideal for pro-level play, but casual gamers will find it perfectly acceptable for practice sessions or LAN parties.

What really impressed us was the monitor’s versatility. We could easily rotate the screen in practically any direction thanks to its pivot hinge. This came in handy when sharing gameplay with friends or adjusting for different seating positions. The passthrough charging feature also meant we didn’t need extra power outlets when connecting it to our gaming laptop.

The build quality feels premium with its metallic gray finish and tempered glass cover. At just 700 grams, it’s incredibly easy to pack in a backpack. We found the 400 nits brightness sufficient even in well-lit rooms, which isn’t always the case with portable monitors. The color accuracy was also impressive for a portable display.

For CS specifically, the monitor handled motion fairly well, though serious competitive players will want a higher refresh rate main monitor. We found it works best as a second screen for Discord, maps, or stream chats while using your primary monitor for actual gameplay. The 5-watt power consumption is remarkably efficient, and we could power it through our laptop’s USB-C port without issue.

Connection options are plentiful with both USB-C and Mini HDMI inputs. We particularly appreciated how the cables can be neatly tucked away behind the monitor, keeping our gaming setup tidy. For gamers who travel frequently or need a compact multi-monitor setup, this is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

Choosing the best monitor for CS can be tricky. We’ll help you understand what features matter most to improve your gaming experience.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate is perhaps the most important feature for competitive gaming. For CS, higher is definitely better.

Response Time

Low response time reduces motion blur and gives clearer images during fast movements. Look for monitors with 1ms response time for optimal CS performance.

Panel Type

TN panels offer the fastest response times but have weaker color accuracy. IPS provides better colors but might be slightly slower. Modern IPS gaming panels now offer good compromises.

Resolution

While 4K looks beautiful, most competitive players prefer 1080p for maximum frames per second. 1440p can be a good middle ground if you have a powerful PC.

Screen Size

24-27 inches is ideal for competitive gaming. Larger screens require more eye movement, which can slow your reaction time.

Extra Features

Look for features like adaptive sync (G-Sync/FreeSync) and adjustable stands. Also, consider low blue light modes for comfortable long gaming sessions.