Update: Modern Warfare 3 is now here! Check out our updated list of the best monitors for Modern Warfare 3 right here.
Modern Warfare 2 is here, and that means it's high time to do weapons check on your current setup to see if you have the best monitor for the job.
Modern Warfare 2, much like many of the most competitive FPS titles out there, requires more than just pure skill to get the win. Hunting down the best gaming mouse, the best gaming keyboard, the best controller, and even the best headset should be on your shopping list if you want to win big.
However, perhaps the most important piece of your arsenal should be the monitor. But what exactly should you look for in a monitor for Modern Warfare 2?
Well, first off, you'll need something with a high refresh rate and some form of G-Sync / AMD Freesync. High refresh rates allow you to play the game at higher frames per second (depending on your PC, console, or the specific game), which means smoother on-screen movement.
What that does is make it easier for you to keep track of enemy movements and what's going on around you, especially when the action gets hectic.
Low response times are also a must, as they also allow for a smoother image with less chance of screen tearing or ghosting.
You'll also want to ensure the screen isn't too big. Having a screen between 24 - 28" is ideal, as it means you won't have to rely on your peripheral vision as much as you would when playing on a gaming TV or large screen, which can lead to frustrating defeats!
Finally, 4K resolution and HDR aren't massive deals if you're more competitive, but they can be good to have if you're planning on doubling up your monitor as a work or entertainment station too. FHD is fine, but again, keep the screen size smaller so the image doesn't lose quality.
With that in mind, we've selected several monitors that we think fit the bill for Modern Warfare 2 so you can kick your search off in the best way possible.
Here's what we think are some of the best monitors for the game.
Best monitor for Modern Warfare 2
- ASUS TUF VG28UQL1A
- Alienware AW2521HFA
- ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ1B
- BenQ MOBIUZ EX2710S
- ViewSonic Elite XG251G
Best HDMI 2.1 monitor for Modern Warfare 2 - ASUS TUF VG28UQL1A
click to enlarge
+ 5One of the best HDMI 2.1 monitors out there, this display from the ASUS TUF range ticks off more than a few boxes for games like Modern Warfare 2.
It's up to 4K, 144hz, and even features DisplayHDR 400, which as we mentioned isn't essential, but certainly a 'nice-to-have' feature if you're using this for more than just gaming.
If you're interested in sitting back and nailing the campaign of the game, it should look excellent, but for more competitive gaming you may be better off making it less graphically demanding in favour of higher frames per second.
Read More: The best monitors for PS5
This monitor even has a feature named 'GameVisual', which has seven pre-set display modes for different types of content. That can be anything from racing games to watching movies - all easily accessed via a hotkey or on-screen.
Design-wise, we really like it. It seems to tread the line between a 'battle station' and a minimal workstation, so we could see this fit into practically any space you have.
Overall, it's worth considering if you're looking for something for Modern Warfare 2 and for a more general usage monitor as well.
Best 240hz monitor for Modern Warfare 2 - Alienware AW2521HFA
click to enlarge + 5Alienware monitors are, in our opinion, some of the best-looking displays around, but they're far more than just looks.
Case-in-point, the powerhouse AW2521HFA, packs a 240hz refresh rate and blisteringly fast 1ms response time. That's a potent combination for anyone whose Modern Warfare play-style is all about speed.
This monitor also has a small screen, which, as we mentioned, is a real advantage when playing first-person shooters.
Read More: The best 240hz monitors
It also features tilt, swivel, and height adjustment thanks to its amazingly designed stand. That saves you from buying any monitor arms and allows you to find that perfect position for those long Call of Duty sessions.
Another winner from Alienware and well worth checking out if you want to win big.
Best QHD monitor for Modern Warfare 2 - ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ1B
click to enlarge + 5Again, another worthy consideration from ASUS, from their more affordable TUF Gaming range.
1440p is arguably the sweet spot when it comes to gaming on PC, as it allows for higher refresh rates without the need for HDMI 2.1 or even a massively powerful PC.
Some people see this as the perfect balance between detail and performance, and we'd agree. This monitor has a few extras on top of that which make it a good call for games like Modern Warfare 2 though...
Interestingly, it has HDR 10, which makes it quite good for some of the darker in-game environments. Instead of a sort of washed-out gray, you'll get more of an inky black, which makes a big difference visually.
Read More: The best 1440p gaming monitors
But they also have Shadow Boost Technology, which counters this so you can see enemies hiding! That's a huge advantage when it comes to finding (and destroying) any of the more stealthy players in the game.
It's also got a slight curve to the screen, which can help with a sense of immersion if you're using this for pure gaming. If you're planning on doubling it up as a workstation (specifically design-work) we'd say check out some of Stealth Optional's best graphic design monitors instead, as curved screens can make judging proportions tricky!
Best FHD monitor for Modern Warfare 2 - BenQ MOBIUZ EX2710S
click to enlarge + 5BenQ have a great reputation for quality at a reasonable price, as we noted in our BenQ MOBIUZ EX3210U review, so if you're sticking to a budget but want something that'll tick off all the right boxes, then you're in the right place.
The BenQ Mobiuz EX2710S has practically everything you'd need for Modern Warfare 2. It has a 165hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, which, when combined with FreeSync Premium, should provide ultra-smooth visuals for those high-octane moments.
Read More: The best 144hz monitors
They've also made some progress in the design department, most notably the smaller base, allowing you to make the most out of your desk space.
There are also BenQ's famous eye-care solutions here too, designed to reduce strain for those of us playing Modern Warfare 2 into the night!
Built-in speakers are certainly a plus, and if they're anything like the speakers of the Mobiuz we reviewed, they'll actually be quite impressive... Overall, one of the best budget 1080p monitors around in our opinion.
Best 360hz monitor for Modern Warfare 2 - ViewSonic Elite XG251G
click to enlarge + 5The ViewSonic Elite range has some absolute units, and this 360hz beast is a prime example.
Now, while the 360hz may be a little overkill for some, and potentially even a little much for Modern Warfare 2, it is good if you're really looking for that next-level experience.
Make no mistake, this is a serious monitor for serious gamers, which has features such as Nvidia Reflex, which actually reduces latency even further so you can target enemies faster.
Read More: Best 360Hz Monitor
It's also got an anti-glare screen which will be useful if you're playing the game in well-lit rooms. It even packs RGB ambient lighting so you can make your setup look epic - that's great if you're streaming.
There are some more ViewSonic Elite monitors on the way too, which are actually 360hz/ 1440p, so keep an eye out on our best 360hz monitor list for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now there are a bunch of questions that pop up around, which monitor to go for with Modern Warfare 2, so let's see how we can help...
What is the best monitor size for Modern Warfare 2?
We'd say 27" is the best size for the game in general. 24" is good if you're going more towards competitive gaming, but 27" will allow you to experience the campaign on a bigger scale.
Plus, it's worth remembering that, unlike TVs, you'll be sitting close to the screen, which will make a 27" display look pretty big.
We wouldn't say it's worthwhile going for anything about 32", as it'll be tough to win big in multiplayer...take it from someone who's been playing on a 43" TV.
Is 144hz good for Modern Warfare 2?
Yep, we'd say it is, but even 60hz will be typically more than you'd get with an average console/ TV combo.
144hz is the way to go for most people who want to win in the game, with 240hz and 360hz being great, but more of a personal preference.
Why do pro gamers use small monitors?
Put simply, you don't have to rely on your peripheral vision as much. Let's say you have someone in the corner of your screen, you'll be able to spot them quickly on a small screen.
If that happens on a 43" monitor, there's a big chance you'll miss it.
And that, my friends...is where the crying starts.
We'll be back to update this list with the latest and greatest monitor for Modern Warfare 2, so be sure to stop by again soon.
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