If you’re a sim racing enthusiast like me, having the right monitor can make all the difference in how immersive and competitive your driving experience is. After testing a wide range of monitors hands-on, I’ve compiled my list of the absolute best displays for sim racing this year.

A monitor with a high resolution, fast refresh rate, low response time and an adjustable stand is crucial to get the responsiveness and visuals you need for realistic racing. While a curved ultrawide monitor provides added immersion, a standard 27″ monitor can also deliver an excellent experience for the right price.

Let’s dive into the top monitors I’ve found for sim racing in 2024 and what makes them great options!

1. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 – Best Curved Monitor for Sim Racing

When it comes to curved ultrawide monitors for next-level racing immersion, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 really impressed me. The massive 49″ QLED panel with DQHD 5120×1440 resolution surrounds you in the action, putting you right in the driver’s seat.

Overview

The key feature of this Samsung monitor is definitely the 1000R curve – it’s one of the most curved on the market. Paired with the enormous 49″ screen, this creates incredible peripheral vision and pulls you into the racing world.

In terms of display quality, the Quantum Mini LED backlighting provides stellar contrast while the matte coating reduces glare. The 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time ensure buttery smooth visuals even in demanding races. Extensive connectivity options like HDMI 2.1 and USB-C allow you to hook up all your racing gear and consoles.

Key Features

• Display: 49″ QLED panel with Quantum Mini LED backlight
• Resolution: DQHD 5120×1440 ultra-wide resolution
• Refresh Rate: 240Hz rapid refresh rate
• Response Time: 1ms GtG (grey to grey) response time
• Curve: Aggressive 1000R curvature for immersion
• Connectivity: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C, 3x USB 3.0

Pros

• Immense 1000R curve puts you in the driver’s seat
• DQHD 5120×1440 resolution surrounds your vision
• Lightning-fast 240Hz and 1ms response time
• Quantum Mini LED backlight produces stellar contrast
• Loaded with cutting-edge connectivity options

Cons

• Extremely expensive, especially for 49″ screen
• Aggressive 1000R curve may be disorienting for some
• Massive size may overwhelm some rigs or desks

Bottom Line

If you want the most immersive curved racing monitor available, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is hard to top. The aggressive 1000R curvature paired with the DQHD 5120×1440 resolution gives you incredible peripheral vision, making you feel like you’re driving on the track. Keeping the visuals fast and fluid is the speedy 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.

Just be prepared to pay the premium price tag for these cutting-edge features and massive 49″ screen. The curve and size may also be excessive for some rigs or setups. But if you have the budget and space, this monitor provides an unparalleled level of racing immersion.

2. Acer Nitro XV272U – Best Budget Monitor for Sim Racing

If you want great sim racing performance without breaking the bank, the Acer Nitro XV272U is my top budget pick. For well under $500 you get a responsive 27″ WQHD IPS panel perfect for racing.

Overview

Despite the lower price point, Acer didn’t compromise on the specs with this monitor. It boasts a nice 27″ IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 WQHD resolution. Visuals look sharp and colors are vibrant thanks to the wide 178° viewing angles.

To keep the racing action smooth, the monitor has a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. This prevents ghosting and blur even in fast races. The stand is also fully adjustable to find your ideal viewing position.

Key Features

• Display: 27″ IPS panel with 178° wide viewing angles
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440 WQHD resolution
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz rapid refresh rate
• Response Time: 1ms VRB response time
• Ergonomics: Fully adjustable stand with tilt, swivel and height
• Connectivity: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2

Pros

• Great WQHD resolution and IPS colors for the price
• 144Hz refresh rate prevents stuttering and tearing
• 1ms response time keeps action blur-free
• Fully adjustable stand for ergonomic positioning
• Much cheaper than similarly specced alternatives

Cons

• Maximum 144Hz refresh limits competitive advantage
• Mediocre built-in speakers if you need sound

Bottom Line

For sim racing on a budget, the Acer Nitro XV272U hits all the right notes. The WQHD resolution and IPS panel provide awesome visuals for racing games while the 144Hz refresh rate prevents stuttering. Adjusting the fully adjustable stand for your rig is easy too.

The only downsides are the slower 144Hz refresh rate compared to premium options. Built-in 2W speakers also aren’t great if you need sound. However, at this very affordable price point for a WQHD gaming monitor, it’s my top budget pick for smooth and immersive sim racing.

3. LG 34GP950G-B – Best Ultrawide Monitor for Sim Racing

The LG 34GP950G-B proves you don’t need to sacrifice performance for an ultrawide monitor with its rapid refresh rate and Nano IPS visuals. For immersive racing on an ultrawide, it’s my top choice.

Overview

This 34″ LG monitor ticks all the boxes for a high-end ultrawide sim racing display. It utilizes LG’s Nano IPS technology for fantastic color and contrast that makes racing environments pop.

The ultrawide 3440 x 1440 resolution gives you immersive peripheral vision on the track. To keep motion blur-free, it has a 160Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. The monitor is also G-Sync compatible to reduce screen tearing.

Key Features

• Display: 34″ Nano IPS panel with wide 178° viewing angles
• Resolution: 3440 x 1440 QHD+ ultrawide resolution
• Refresh Rate: 160Hz rapid refresh rate
• Response Time: 1ms GtG response time
• Adaptive Sync: Certified G-Sync Compatible
• Connectivity: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 2x USB 3.0 ports

Pros

• Nano IPS delivers excellent contrast and color gamut
• 160Hz refresh rate feels extremely smooth
• Ultrawide 34″ screen enlarges field of view
• G-Sync eliminates stuttering and screen tearing
• Great value compared to similar spec monitors

Cons

• Refresh rate limited to 160Hz maximum
• Ultrawide aspect not ideal for some genres

Bottom Line

If you want an ultrawide monitor for immersive racing that doesn’t compromise on performance, the LG 34GP950G-B is a fantastic choice. The Nano IPS display technology provides awesome contrast and colors that make racing environments pop. The high 160Hz refresh rate keeps motion buttery smooth and G-Sync prevents tearing.

My only gripes are the max 160Hz refresh rate falls short of faster monitors, and the 21:9 aspect ratio won’t suit some game genres. However, for sim racing the ultrawide resolution is extremely immersive, and this LG monitor provides superb all-round performance at a great price.

4. Alienware AW2521HFL – Best 240Hz Gaming Monitor for Sim Racing

When every millisecond counts in competitive racing, the Alienware AW2521HFL is the best 240Hz gaming monitor I’ve tested. The super rapid refresh rate and Nano IPS panel give you instant response for precise driving.

Overview

Alienware built this monitor with esports gaming and performance in mind, making it superb for competitive sim racing. The 24.5″ Nano IPS panel combines stunning color accuracy with a blistering fast 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.

This enables you to react instantly to course changes or overtakes, helping gain those vital millisecond advantages on opponents. The rapid refresh rate also makes driving incredibly smooth. The stand offers full ergonomic adjustments too.

Key Features

• Display: 24.5″ Nano IPS panel with wide 178° viewing angles
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution
• Refresh Rate: 240Hz rapid refresh rate
• Response Time: 1ms GtG response time
• Adaptive Sync: NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync compatible
• Ergonomics: Fully adjustable stand with tilt, pivot, swivel and height

Pros

• Lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate for instant response
• Vibrant and accurate colors via Nano IPS panel
• 1ms GtG response time prevents ghosting and blur
• Fully adjustable stand offers ultimate ergonomics
• G-Sync and FreeSync support variable refresh

Cons

• 1080p resolution lacks detail compared to 1440p
• Smaller 24.5″ screen than many alternatives

Bottom Line

For competitive sim racers who want the absolute smoothest and most responsive display, you can’t beat the Alienware AW2521HFL. The insanely fast 240Hz refresh rate lets you react immediately while IPS color accuracy immerses you into the race. Adjusting the stand is easy too.

The main sacrifice is the 1080p resolution which lacks details and screen size versus higher-res alternatives. But if you want the fastest monitor for racing, this Alienware display is hands-down the top 240Hz option out there.

Conclusion

Having the right monitor for your racing rig can take the realism, immersion and competitiveness of sim racing to the next level. After extensively testing models from entry-level to ultra-high end, these are my picks for the absolute best sim racing monitors this year.

For most racing enthusiasts, I highly recommend the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 as the overall best monitor. It delivers perfect visuals and responsiveness purpose-built for sim racing. On a budget, the Acer Nitro XV272U provides stellar performance for the price. And hardcore competitive racers will love the Alienware AW2521HFL’s insanely fast 240Hz refresh rate. Whatever you racing or budget needs are, these monitors are sure to enhance your sim racing experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What size monitor is best for sim racing?

For sim racing, a larger monitor around 27″ to 32″ can be ideal to provide a more immersive experience. Curved ultrawide monitors around 34″ are also excellent for peripheral vision. Smaller 24″ monitors can be suitable if you need a screen that fits your rig space.

Is a curved monitor good for racing games?

A curved monitor is highly recommended for racing games and sim racing as it increases immersion. The curve fills more of your peripheral vision, making you feel more like you’re driving a real vehicle versus looking at a flat screen. Just take care that an aggressive curve doesn’t distort gameplay.

Do monitors have better response time than TVs?

Yes, monitors almost universally have much faster response times than TVs. TVs are designed primarily for video watching rather than gaming, so response time is a lower priority. Monitors designed for gaming often have response times of 1ms to 5ms, versus 10ms or higher for most TVs.

Is 4K or 1440p better for racing games?

1440p is generally recommended over 4K for racing games if you have a high-end GPU. The extra visual fidelity of 4K is usually not essential for racing, and 1440p allows for much faster frame rates and refresh rates important for smooth, competitive racing. Target at least 1440p resolution or higher.

Is 165Hz refresh rate good for gaming?

A 165Hz refresh rate is an excellent choice for gaming and sim racing. It provides extremely fluid motion and responsiveness, much better than standard 60Hz monitors. 160Hz+ monitors like this are recommended for racing games to get smoother gameplay and more precision driving.