Are you planning to buy a gaming monitor and stuck between 2ms and 5ms response time monitors? Which one is worth buying? A monitor with a high response time won’t give you a smooth gameplay experience. But there are other things that need to keep in mind before buying a gaming monitor.
Between 2ms and 5ms response time monitors, the difference is negligible. You can go for any of them but there is something else that can make your choice easier. In today’s article, we have provided the factors which will help you to find out the best monitor for you.
Therefore, be with us till the end and find out which monitor is inch perfect for you. Let’s begin!

What is Response Time? Which Response Time Is Advantageous Low or High?
The response time of a monitor is measured by the time needed for a monitor to change a pixel from fully active to inactive. The relation between changing pixels and response time is inversely proportional. The faster the pixel changing is, the lower the response time.
A monitor with a lower response time can give you better performance. There are other different advantages too. Namely,
- Provides better visual images in games with high FPS.
- Can render faster.
- Faster in color transition.
- Faster control and reactions in games.
- Provides better clarity and reduces picture ghosting.
Basically, response time is measured in milliseconds. For example, a 1ms response time monitor means the monitor’s pixel changing time is one millisecond. The color of the monitor will change per millisecond.
Key Differences Between 2ms and 5ms Response Time Monitor
The difference between 2ms and 5ms monitors is very negligible. If you have a hawk-eye, then you can find differences between them. Response Time monitors are basically preferable among gamers. Let’s find out the differences and make your choice smoother.
Before going into any further detail let’s have a quick look at the difference table about 2ms vs 5ms response time monitor below –
Feature | 2ms | 5ms |
Response time | 2 milliseconds | 5 milliseconds |
Refresh Rate | Higher | Relatively Lower |
Response Speed | Faster | Slower |
Display Panel | TN | IPS |
Motion Blur | Less Motion Blur | High Motion Blur |
Angle View | Good | Better |
Color | Good | Better |
Availability | Limited to High-End Monitors | Widely Available |
Purpose | Ideal for Competitive Gaming | Good for Casual Gaming |
Price | Expensive | Affordable |
Now, let’s discuss the difference between 2ms and 5ms response time monitors in more detail below.
1. Response Time
Let’s point out the first difference, as you can see easily that 2ms is better than a 5ms monitor. We’ve already mentioned that a lower response time provides better quality. In this case, you can keep a 2ms monitor ahead. Although, the performance of a 2ms and 5ms monitor is quite the same with respect to gaming. You’ll find the differences while doing other work but that doesn’t affect that much.
2. Smooth Gameplay
Both the 2ms and 5ms monitors provide smooth gameplay. It’s hard to find any differences between them. You can keep a 2ms response time monitor ahead of a 5ms response time monitor. A 2ms monitor will provide slightly better performance if you are a regular player of competitive multiplayer or Battle Royal games. You’ll get a little bit better control and reactions on a 2ms monitor.
3. Display Value
The difference you can find here. A 2ms monitor will take more money than a 5ms monitor as it is providing slightly better performance. 2ms monitors are quite expensive. Now, if we come to the display panel point, a 2ms monitor has a TN panel whereas a 5ms has an IPS panel.
Basically, an IPS panel provides better color quality and angle than a TN panel. In this case, a 5ms monitor is better than a 2ms monitor.
These are the key differences you can see between 2ms and 5ms monitors. As you can see the differences are not that too much and both of the monitors provide about the same performance. Now, it’s up to your choice.
For Console Gaming Which Monitor is Better: 2ms or 5ms
The main thing you should need to point out is the main monitor feature preference for a console. For console gaming, the mandatory thing is lower response time. A monitor with a lower response time is the suitable one.
Because lower response time provides the accurate quality of pictures. It prevents the picture ghosting issue. If you want to buy a monitor for console gaming then you should go for a 2ms monitor.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Is 1ms vs 5ms noticeable?
No, the difference is negligible. You may notice this when you are playing a high-paced game or doing heavy work. Though, a 1ms monitor will provide you with better gameplay. If you are buying a monitor for gaming, go for a 1ms monitor if you do have enough financial backup.
Is 5ms response time good enough for gaming?
Yes, a response time between 1ms to 5ms is enough for gaming. You’ll get a better display in a 5ms response monitor and you won’t need to break the bank to buy this.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that both 2ms and 5ms monitors provide about the same experience to their users. A 5ms monitor can provide smooth gameplay whichever game that is but in the future it may vary. Maybe it won’t run the upcoming games or maybe it can. If you are thinking about the future and have enough resources then you should buy a 2ms monitor. Otherwise, you may go for a 5ms monitor, you will get a better display than a 2ms monitor at a reasonable price. Happy Gaming!
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