The most used monitors by Apex Legends players
The most popular monitors are calculated based on 67 professional players.
Introduction
Monitors have come a long way in terms of importance as well as performance. Back in the day, gamers didn’t really talk about monitors as peripherals important to gaming and their performance within them. In fact, most of the time, people wouldn’t use anything better than a CRT monitor running at 60Hz.
However, over time, things have changed. While the appearance of the first LCD monitor capable of running 120 FPS had a huge impact on the gaming space when it came out around a decade ago, it took some time for high refresh monitors to reach a price point where they would become affordable for the general public.
Fast forward to today, and we have monitors capable of pushing 240 FPS and even 360 FPS that are running at high resolutions. Gaming at higher refresh rates doesn’t have to be a massive strain on your budget anymore, so if you’re even a little bit competitive-minded you will want to use a high refresh rate monitor. Nowadays, gamers have a ton of options available that offer different blends of image quality, responsiveness, and framerates, so let’s take a look at some of the best monitors out there.
Our Guide
The Pro Usage Top 5 gets updated automatically and every day. In the body of the article itself, we go over the most popular products in no particular order and give you some information on the products themselves.
What makes a monitor good for Apex Legends?
Apex Legends is a fast-paced battle-royale shooter and at its core, it is all about eliminating your opponents before they eliminate you. While this seems very simple at first glance, if you have played Apex Legends before, then you know that things can get pretty complicated pretty quickly. The gameplay in Apex, with its heavy focus on movement and twitch shooting, can get insanely hectic, and that’s where a good gaming monitor can really help you out.
According to many professional gamers and esports players, in order to be competitive in terms of hardware, you will need to play on a monitor that can push 240 frames per second. Unfortunately, such monitors can be pricy, so you might be able to go with a 144Hz monitor, but anything below that is not recommended if your goal is to play Apex Legends competitively.
Some players may also think about using a monitor with a higher resolution, but going above 1080p is not recommended. Most graphics cards wouldn’t be able to display higher resolution gameplay while maintaining 360 fps at the same time, so competitive gamers always opt for performance over beauty. This may change in the future if and when GPUs become more powerful, but for now, we recommend that you stick with 1080p, unless you have a top of the line PC that can churn out enough frames at higher resolutions.
ZOWIE XL2546K
The ZOWIE XL2546K is generally considered by gamers to be one of, if not the best overall gaming monitors, and for good reason. It is a direct successor to the ZOWIE XL2546 and as such, improves upon its predecessor in almost every single aspect.
In terms of specs, the ZOWIE XL2546K comes with a 240Hz refresh rate which when paired up with its 1ms response time makes for a one truly mean gaming screen.
However, what sets it apart from many other monitors is the fact that it lets you save your settings to three different profiles which you can then easily switch between with a single push of a button. This makes it perfect for somebody who competitively plays multiple games and doesn’t want to waste time tinkering with the settings every time they launch a different video game. It also allows you to store and share your settings between screens due to its Setting to Share feature.
As you can see, the ZOWIE XL2546K has a lot going for it, and when it comes to response times and motion clarity it is one of the very best 240Hz monitors out there A small downside of this monitor is the fact that it uses a TN panel. While this offers an advantage in terms of responsiveness, the TN panel also brings with it the cost of not-so-great viewing angles and image quality that is less than stellar.
ZOWIE XL2546K
Used by 17 Apex Legends players ()-
Taxi2g
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ImperialHal
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Senoxe
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psalm
If you’re looking for a competitive gaming monitor this is a fantastic option, and it’s without a doubt one of the best monitors you can buy right now.
Pros
- Stand has a small footprint
- Subtle design
- Markings on all adjustable points to help with achieving the perfect panel position
- S-Switch and joystick make navigating the OSD a breeze
- Lightning fast response times
- Myriad of gaming-focused options to configure and use
Cons
- Viewing angles aren’t great
- Picture quality isn’t the best due to the usage of a TN panel
Specs
| Size | 24.5″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 240 |
| G-Sync | No |
| FreeSync | No |
| Panel Tech | TN |
ZOWIE XL2546
The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546 is the predecessor to the ZOWIE XL2546K which, as we already mentioned above, is an excellent gaming monitor not just for Apex Legends, but in general. The XL2546 is an excellent gaming monitor and is extremely popular among the gaming crowd, however, due to its successor improving on it in so many ways, there is little to no reason to purchase this monitor over the ZOWIE XL2546K.
There aren’t any major differences in terms of gaming experience between the two, so if you already own this monitor, there really isn’t much reason for you to upgrade it. However, the ZOWIE XL2546K comes with so many additional features like the joystick for navigating the OSD as well as a sleeker design that just makes the ZOWIE XL2546K feel like a more premium product in comparison.
The only way it could be worthwhile buying the ZOWIE XL2546 over the K version is if you are able to pick it up at a bargain price. Otherwise, we would recommend that you go for the ZOWIE XL2546K.
ZOWIE XL2546
Used by 9 Apex Legends players ()-
lyr1c
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aceu
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Dizzy
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HAL
The BenQ Zowie XL2546 is, without a doubt, one of the best gaming monitors money can buy right now. From the careful attention to detail (the monitor position markings, the headphone holder, …) aimed at esports enthusiasts to the absolutely superb performance in games; the XL2546 is a complete package for anyone who wants to up their game with a rockstar monitor.
Pros
- Very fast response times
- 240Hz is a noticeable improvement over 144Hz, though the jump is smaller than when going from 60Hz to 144Hz
- Subtle design
- S-Switch makes controlling the OSD extremely easy
- DyAc works as advertised
Cons
- TN panel doesn’t make for the best picture quality
- Viewing angles aren’t good
Specs
| Size | 24.5″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 240 |
| G-Sync | No |
| FreeSync | No |
| Panel Tech | TN |
ZOWIE XL2566K
If pure performance is what you are after and are aiming to achieve it a all costs, the ZOWIE XL2566K is the perfect monitor for you. Marking ZOWIE’s entry into the 360Hz realm, the XL2566K sits at the top as one of the best competitive monitors on the scene due to its responsiveness.
Some of you may scoff at the fact that the XL2566K features a TN panel, and while it is true that an IPS panel will grant the user better image quality and clear view at all angles, the TN panel still offers faster response times and better motion clarity, which is exactly what you need if you are competing at the highest of levels.
It goes without saying that this kind of monitor comes with a high price tag, especially if you consider that it is only a 1080p monitor, so you can always choose to go with the ZOWIE XL2546K if you are not aiming at competing professionally. A 360Hz monitor is better than a 240Hz monitor, but there are diminishing returns with framerates, so going for a 360Hz monitor isn’t an absolute necessity.
ZOWIE XL2566K
Used by 4 Apex Legends players ()-
iiTzTimmy
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Reps
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Ftyan
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Roieee
If you are a competitive gamer who takes their game extremely seriously and you want to get the fastest and smoothest gaming monitor to help you be the best player you can be, then you have to get the ZOWIE XL2566K right now.
Pros
- 360Hz refresh rate along with fast TN panel makes it one of the smoothest monitors out there
- Subtle design
- Small footprint of the base
- Lots of QoL features such as the stand markings, the S switch, the included (and detachable) glare panels, …
- Picture quality is great for a TN panel…
Cons
- … but it doesn’t match IPS panels when it comes to quality
- Expensive for a 1080p monitor
- Low viewing angles
Specs
| Size | 24.5″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 360 |
| G-Sync | No |
| FreeSync | No |
| Panel Tech | TN |
ASUS ROG SWIFT PG258Q
If you want a top-of-the-line gaming monitor with multiple features built in and all the bells and whistles that money can buy, then the ASUS ROG SWIFT PG258Q is the perfect monitor for you.
This particular 240Hz monitor comes with an IPS panel, and a 1ms response time. Everything about it, from its aesthetics and design to additional features, screams “gaming monitor,” so if you’re into that kind of aesthetic, it can be a great option for you.
The ASUS ROG SWIFT PG258Q features ROG GamePlus technology, which lets you do things such as add crosshairs directly to your screen. It also comes with a multitude of profiles allowing you to save different settings for different games and lets you quickly swap between them.
Unfortunately, the ASUS ROG SWIFT PG258Q can be quite expensive when compared to other gaming monitors that feature similar specs and provide a similar experience, and with its IPS panel it’s not the absolute best when it comes to motion clarity. If you’re looking for a monitor that serves up an image that looks nicer (color-wise) than what a TN panel can do while still delivering esports-ready performances, the PG258Q might be for you, but if you’re after pure performance and you absolutely want to get the very best of the best, we would recommend looking towards other alternatives.
ASUS ROG SWIFT PG258Q
Used by 4 Apex Legends players ()-
Viss
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Cloakzy
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Sweet
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stormen
The ASUS ROG Swift PG258Q is a ‘reference monitor’ in the world of 240Hz gaming panels. It has all of the bells and whistles you could ask for out of a high refresh rate gaming monitor.
Pros
- Good response times
- Good motion clarity
- Good image quality for a TN panel
Cons
- Stand has a large footprint
- Limited viewing angles
Specs
| Size | 25″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 240 |
| G-Sync | Yes |
| FreeSync | No |
| Panel Tech | TN |
Alienware AW2521H
The Alienware AW2521H was among the first 360Hz monitors to hit the scene, and it is an excellent gaming monitor, though it perhaps suffers a bit from the ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ problem.
The Alienware AW2521H comes equipped with an IPS panel, providing the user with excellent image quality and wide viewing angles, all of which are excellent features to have in your gaming monitor, but its motion clarity and response times (when compared to other high refresh rate options) aren’t exactly top level.
If you want to get a gaming monitor with excellent response times and a good picture quality (for a high refresh rate monitor) then this might be the one for you, but if you either want a really good picture or top of the line gaming performances, you should look elsewhere.
Alienware AW2521H
Used by 3 Apex Legends players ()-
Nickmercs
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Mendo
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Albralelie
The Alienware AW2521H is a premium 360Hz display with excellent motion clarity and response times. As a dedicated 360Hz 1080p panel, this is a great option.
Pros
- Very good response times
- Low input latency
- Good color reproduction
Cons
- Wide stand can get in the way
- Expensive
Specs
| Size | 25″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 360 |
| G-Sync | Yes |
| FreeSync | No |
| Panel Tech | IPS |
ASUS TUF VG259QM
The ASUS TUF VG259QM is an excellent gaming monitor that comes with an IPS panel and offers its users a very smooth experience. This 25” monitor comes with a refresh rate of 280Hz and is extremely responsive due to its fast IPS technology which enables a 1ms response time while still managing to retain high image quality and sharpness.
The ASUS TUF VG259QM also comes with native FreeSync support as well as G-SYNC compatibility which makes it an excellent choice regardless of what graphics card brand you are using, and its brightness and build quality only further testify to its quality.
If you’re looking for a high quality, high refresh rate 1080p gaming monitor with a fast IPS panel that doesn’t break the bank, this one might be it for you.
ASUS TUF VG259QM
Used by 2 Apex Legends players ()-
Faide
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Snip3down
The ASUS TUG VG259QM is a great option for people who are looking for a high refresh rate monitor with a TN panel and don’t want to invest in a 360 FPS setup.
Pros
- Great response times
- Good image quality
- Great value option
Cons
- Contrast ratio is a bit disappointing
Specs
| Size | 25″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 240 |
| G-Sync | Yes |
| FreeSync | Yes |
| Panel Tech | IPS |
Best Monitor for Apex Legends – Conclusion
If there is one thing that we can take from this article it’s that refresh rate is king and if you are somebody who is serious about playing Apex Legends on a professional and competing with the best of the best, you will at the very least need a 240Hz monitor. This will require the user to invest a hefty amount of funds, so you may opt for a 144Hz monitor instead if professional-level competition is not your goal. The good thing is that there are different monitors that will suit the different needs of every gamer, so it is always possible to find one that perfectly fits your personal needs.
We hope this article has shed some light on what makes a monitor good for Apex Legends, and in turn, helped you at least narrow down the features that you are looking for when performing your own research in order to find the product that suits your needs best.
