Response time is among the most crucial display specifications for gamers, and it influences your monitor choice to a great extent. A lower response time is always better, and the lowest is 1ms. But this can only be achieved by TN panels, while IPS panels have as low as 4ms.
But is 4ms good for gaming? If you’re looking for a new gaming monitor and have this question in your mind, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll answer this question for you and share the best 4ms monitors for gaming.
Contents
What is Response Time?
Response time refers to the time your monitor takes to react to the change in the display, also called the pixel response time.
How Does Response Time Affect gaming? Does Response Time Matter?
Since response time determines how fast a pixel can change color, it affects the accuracy and quality of the moving object being displayed. As a general rule of thumb, the lower the response time, the faster it will display fast-moving images properly.
So, is 4ms Response Time Good for Gaming?
It’s important to have a monitor with a fast response time, especially when playing a fast-paced action game. For competitive gaming like an FPS, Sports game, or even racing, every millisecond matters. Therefore, if you’re a hardcore gamer, you need a faster response time.
When it comes to response time, the lower the better. A 4ms response time is faster or better than a 5 or 6ms response time. This means you’ll be able to handle some fast-paced games with ease.
Best 4ms Monitors for Gaming
SAMSUNG LC24F396FHNXZA 23.5″ FHD Curved LED-Lit FreeSync Monitor
The SAMSUNG LC24F396FHNXZA monitor is an affordable curved monitor ideal for work, gaming, and daily use. This 1080p display uses a VA Panel and has an excellent contrast ratio of 3,000:1, making dark shades more vivid and distinguishable. It comes with wide 178° viewing angles, so the images won’t change in contrast, color, or brightness. It also comes with an easy-to-use On-Screen Display, thanks to the joystick placed at the back of the monitor.
Features
- VA panel type
- 1800R screen curvature
- 23.5-inch screen size
- 16:9 aspect ratio
Pros
- Slim design
- High contrast ratio
- Affordable
Cons
- No DisplayPort
- Tilt-only stand
Acer ED323QUR Abidpx 31.5 Inches WQHD (2560 x 1440) Curved 1800R VA Gaming Monitor
This curved gaming monitor is a widescreen monitor that’s an excellent choice for mixed usage. This 31.5-inch monitor is based on a VA panel and has 2560×1440 resolution, supports true 8-bit color depth, and covers 99% sRGB color gamut. With this monitor, you’ll enjoy a contrast level of 3000:1, giving detailed and sharp images with a certain depth in them. Additionally, it has several connectivity options, including HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort, DVI, and a 3.5m headphone jack.
Features
- 4ms response time
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 2560×1440 resolution
- VA panel type
Pros
- Reasonable price
- FreeSync support
- Low response time
Cons
- Tilt-only stand
SAMSUNG LC24F390FHNXZA 24-inch Curved LED Gaming Monitor
This curved monitor comes with all the must-have features of a good gaming monitor. The SAMSUNG LC24F390FHNXZA 24-inch monitor uses a VA panel with LCD technology offering vivid color and high contrast ratio. It has a 3000:1 contrast ratio and 178-degree wide viewing angles, allowing you to see the colors accurately from any angle.
Additionally, this budget-friendly monitor has several connectivity options, including an HDMI port and VGA port.
Features
- 60Hz refresh rate
- 1800R curvature
- AMD FreeSync
- Eye Saver Mode
Pros
- Brilliant picture quality
- Ultra-slim design
- Low power consumption
- VESA wall mount compatible
Cons
- No built-in speakers
Acer Nitro VG280K bmiipx 28″ UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Gaming Monitor
If you’re looking for a budget monitor with a crisp and vibrant screen for both next-gen consoles and PC, this is a great option. This bezel-free display sports a 28” IPS panel with a 3840×2160 resolution, a 4ms response time, and a 60Hz refresh rate. It also comes with a joystick for convenience when adjusting its numerous settings.
What’s more, this FGC monitor is compatible with both G-Sync and FreeSync, giving you a chance to enjoy VRR regardless of the GPU you have.
Features
- 28-inch screen size
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 1000:1 contrast ratio
- 300cd/m2 brightness
- 2 2W built-in speakers
Pros
- VESA compatibility
- Several connectivity options
- Affordable
Cons
- Tilt-only design
AOC CU32V3 32″ Super-Curved 4K UHD monitor
This monitor offers plenty of clarity and vibrancy at an affordable price point. This display has a decent build quality and doesn’t feel cheap. The AOC CU32V3 32″ Super-Curved 4K UHD monitor packs a 1500R curved VA panel, a 60Hz refresh rate, a 3840×2160 resolution, and a 4ms response time. It has a simplified connectivity layout that includes a single HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, and analog audio.
Features
- 60Hz refresh rate
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- VA panel type
- 250cd/m2 brightness level
Pros
- Affordable
- Decent build quality
- VESA compatibility
- Lightweight
Cons
- Doesn’t support G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility
FAQs
How Do I Check a Monitor’s Response Time?
- Go to the Control Panel, and then adjust screen resolution under Appearance and Personalization.
- On the Screen Resolution page, tap Advanced Settings.
- Check the monitor tab, and you’ll be able to know your refresh rate.
Is a 4ms Response Time Bad?
No. 4ms response time is not bad for competitive gaming. The performance also depends on the input lag, not only the response time. Therefore, a 4ms response time will enable your monitor to display good resolution and graphics.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a gaming enthusiast, ensure you get a monitor with a fast response rate. Most importantly, choose one with a response time faster than 5ms or so. If you’re looking for a monitor with a faster response time, pick one from above and enjoy a flawless gaming experience.