Updated for 2026: Best Gaming Monitors for MLB The Show
Updated February 2, 2026 with new monitor recommendations.
Timing is everything in MLB The Show. Whether you're pitching, hitting, or fielding, those split-second reactions matter. The right monitor can seriously up your game, especially now that The Show supports 120Hz for smoother gameplay.
Still struggling with those 103mph fastballs? A better monitor might be the answer. Here's what to look for:
Refresh Rate
This is how many times per second your screen updates. At 120Hz, you're seeing the action update 120 times every second, making everything smoother and more realistic. If you're not playing at 120Hz, you're definitely at a disadvantage. (FYI: MLB The Show 24 maxes out at 120Hz.)
Total Response Time
This is how quickly your monitor can change colors to keep up with the game. Don't just look at the "response time" on the box - total response time is what matters. Lower is better here, giving you clearer visuals so you can identify pitches faster and make better decisions.
Input Lag
This is the delay between pressing a button and seeing it happen on screen. High input lag is a killer in MLB The Show - you need your actions to register immediately when timing pitches or making plays.
Resolution (Not as Critical)
Higher resolution means sharper visuals. PS5 supports 1440p now, but 1080p works fine for The Show too. We generally do not recommend 4K monitors as MLB The Show only supports 60Hz on 4K.
*Note: Prices are current as of writing and may differ depending on time of viewing.*
Our Top Pick
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED - $630
- Resolution: 1440p
- Refresh Rate: 360Hz
- Total Response Time@120hz: 0.03ms
- Input Lag@120hz: 5.7ms
The $630 price represents nearly a $120 savings from when we originally reviewed this monitor.
The MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED has earned our top recommendation by delivering exceptional response times, minimal input lag, and stunning visual quality that serious gamers demand.
- Elite-Class Response Time: The 0.03ms response time stands among the very best available, virtually eliminating motion blur and ghosting - critical when tracking fast-moving objects like 100+ mph pitches
- Minimal Input Lag: With exceptionally low input lag, your controller inputs translate to on-screen action with virtually zero delay, giving you the competitive edge when timing matters
- Stunning QD-OLED Display: Quantum Dot OLED technology provides incredible contrast, vibrant colors, and perfect blacks that make everything on screen look more vivid and realistic
- High Refresh Rate Value: While many games (including MLB The Show) cap at 120Hz, the 360Hz capability ensures you're never the bottleneck in any gaming scenario
- Ideal Resolution: The QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution hits the sweet spot between visual clarity and performance without sacrificing performance (MLB The Show is only capable of 60Hz on 4K)
- Practical Connectivity: USB-C support, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort give you flexible options for connecting multiple devices
Also available in the MPG 321URX QD-OLED 4K version if you want more screen real estate. While we recommend the 1440p model for MLB The Show (since the game is limited to 60Hz at 4K), the 4K variant lets you enjoy ultra-high resolution in other games while still being able to downscale to 1440p for The Show's smoother 120Hz gameplay.
A New Contender for the Top Pick
Samsung Odyssey OLED G5 (G50SF) – On Sale for $350 (was $500)
- Resolution: 1440p
- Refresh Rate: 180Hz
- Total Response Time@120Hz: 0.03*
- Input Lag@120Hz: N/A*
*Response time and input lag figures pending. Once those are availble, this very well could become our top pick.
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G5 (G50SF) dropped in late 2025 and immediately turned heads as Samsung's most affordable OLED gaming monitor ever. At just $380, it brings QD-OLED technology down to a price that would have been unthinkable a year ago.
- QD-OLED at a Budget Price: You're getting the same display technology found in monitors costing $700+, with the deep blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant colors that OLED is known for
- Blazing Fast Response: Samsung specs a 0.03ms GtG response time – matching the top-tier monitors on this list. While we don't have Rtings' independent measurements yet, QD-OLED panels consistently deliver exceptional pixel response
- Glare-Free Coating: Unlike most QD-OLEDs with glossy screens, the G50SF uses a matte anti-glare coating – great for rooms with ambient light
The Trade-offs: To hit this price, Samsung made some cuts. The stand is tilt-only (no height adjustment), ports are limited to HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, and there are no speakers or smart features. If you want full ergonomic adjustment, you'll need a VESA mount.
The Bottom Line: If you've been waiting for OLED to become affordable, this is it. For MLB The Show players who want elite response times without spending $700+, the G50SF is a game-changer
Best Bang for Your Buck
AOC Q27G3XMN – $279
- Resolution: 1440p
- Refresh Rate: 180Hz
- Total Response Time@120Hz: 4.4ms
- Input Lag@120hz: 5.1ms
The AOC Q27G3XMN delivers premium features at just $279 - unheard of for a mini-LED monitor. Here's why it's a steal:
- Mini-LED Magic: Gets you that sweet brightness and contrast usually reserved for monitors twice the price
- Smooth as Butter: 180Hz refresh rate makes those fastballs and quick plays look silky smooth
- Quick Response: 4.4ms total response time at 120Hz - while not as fast as OLED - is still great
- No Delay: 5.1ms input lag is on par with the more expensive monitors on this list.
- Wallet-Friendly: All this tech for under $250? That's a home run when similar monitors cost way more
This is basically premium performance without the premium price tag - perfect for taking your MLB The Show game to the next level.
Ballin' on a Budget
Acer Nitro KG241Y – $99
- Resolution: 1080p
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Total Response Time@165hz: 11.2ms
- Input Lag@165hz: 3.6ms
The Acer Nitro KG241Y, it is an extremely affordable option that covers the all the necessities you’ll want from a gaming monitor for MLB The Show.
If you’re currently running a monitor that doesn’t support 120Hz and don’t want to break the bank, the Acer Nitro is a great and popular option.
- Refresh rate of 165Hz for smooth and peak performance
- Impressive 3.6ms input lag - better than many much more expensive monitors
- Affordable price under $120, making it a great value
The TV Option
LG C5 Series – $900 (42")
- Resolution: 4k
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Total Response Time@120hz: 2.4ms
- Input Lag@120hz: 5.2ms
For those who prefer a more cinematic gaming experience, stepping up to a TV might be the right choice. The LG C5 Series is not just any television; it’s a gamer’s dream. While monitors are often the go-to for dedicated gaming setups, modern TVs, especially OLEDs like the LG C5, have come a long way in offering features that cater to gamers.
For those wanting an expansive screen without sacrificing gaming performance, the LG C3 Series is an excellent pick.
Final Thoughts
Buying a gaming monitor for the first time can be intimidating. Especially if you’ve only done your console gaming on a television to this point. This list can be your guide in choosing the right monitor for you, based off your personal needs and interests as well as your budget.
It’s also worth pointing out that there will be an adjustment period once you do settle on a monitor. You’ll need to make sure you have all your settings in line with whatever monitor you decide on and from there, getting games in and readjusting your eye and timing will be critical.
So don’t get too discouraged if you’re struggling to get timing down once you plug in one of these bad boys. Like anything, practice makes perfect and the more reps you get with your new monitor – the better your Show skills will ultimately be.
Input lag and response time data obtained from Rtings.com.