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New! Sceptre 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor DisplayPort x227 inches6.7 x 24.2 x 17.4 inches7 poundsCheck on Amazon
The best budget gaming monitor for most people is a 24-inch 1080p IPS screen at 144Hz or higher, because it keeps pixels sharp, asks little of a modest graphics card and still feels fast. Of these twelve listings, the Dell SE2426HG and the ASUS TUF VG249QE5A fit that description most closely, and the ASUS TUF VG259QMR5A is the speed-first option. Budget screens save money by dropping stand adjustment, ports and panel certainty, so each entry below notes what is given up.
All twelve compared
KTC 32 Inch Curved Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p 165Hz Curve Monitor, H32S17C | 1500R, 1ms MPRT, Adaptive Sync, 122% sRGB, DP/HDMI, Tiltable, Eye Care, VESA, HDR10 for Gaming Home Office Business
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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24" QHD 320Hz IPS Gaming Monitor, 0.5ms, FreeSync Premium, HDR, HDMI 2.1 | QHD 320Hz 0.5ms IPS FreeSync HDR600 HDMI 2.1 Gaming Monitor Height Adjustable for Xbox PS5 Switch gaming office
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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KOORUI 22 Inch Computer Monitor FHD 120Hz VA VESA Low Blue Light, E2212H | Adaptive Sync, 4000:1 Contrast Ratio, Ultra-Slim Display, HDMI 1.4/VGA, Tilt Adjust, Compact for Dorms, Study and Office
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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SANSUI Curved Monitor 27 inch 120Hz USB Type-C Computer Monitor | with Speakers Built in丨FHD 1080p丨HDR丨110% sRGB丨1500R丨VESA Compatible,for Laptop and PC Work Gaming(Type-C Cable Included)
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026)
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
View on AmazonNew! Sceptre 27-inch Prime Gaming Monitor DisplayPort x2 180Hz HDMI x2 180Hz Build-in Speakers, Machine Black 2027 (E275B-FW180T Series)
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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ASUS TUF Gaming 24” (23.8” viewable) 1080P Monitor (VG249QE5A) - FHD, 144Hz Overclock to 146Hz, IPS, Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync, 1ms, Speakers, Variable Overdrive, DisplayWidget Center, 3yr Warranty
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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New! Sceptre 24-inch Prime Gaming Monitor DisplayPort x2 165Hz HDMI x2 165Hz Build-in Speakers, Machine Black 2027 (E248B-FW165T Series)
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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Dell 24 240Hz Gaming Monitor - SE2426HG - 23.8-inch FHD (1920x1080) 240Hz Display, in-Plane Switching (IPS) Technology, AMD FreeSync™ Premium, TÜV 3-Star, 2X HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, Tilt
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
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Amazon Basics 24 Inch (23.8 inch viewable) Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080P, 165Hz, VESA Compatible, Adaptive sync, 1ms Response, Black
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
View on Amazon| Model | Key point from title | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTC H32S17C 32-inch | FHD, 165Hz, 1500R curve | Budget | Big screen, casual play |
| Unnamed 24-inch QHD | QHD, 320Hz, IPS, HDMI 2.1 | Mid-range | Fast QHD, brand unknown |
| KOORUI E2212H 22-inch | FHD, 120Hz, VA, HDMI 1.4/VGA | Budget | Dorm or study |
| SANSUI 27-inch curved | FHD, 120Hz, USB-C, speakers | Budget | Laptop plus light gaming |
| Sceptre 22-inch (E225W) | FHD, up to 144Hz, speakers | Budget | Smallest desks |
| Sceptre 27-inch Prime (E275B) | 180Hz, 2 DP plus 2 HDMI, resolution unstated | Budget | Many inputs |
| ASUS TUF VG249QE5A | FHD IPS, 144Hz, 3-year warranty | Mid-range | Dependable 24-inch |
| Sceptre 24-inch Prime (E248B) | 165Hz, 2 DP plus 2 HDMI, resolution unstated | Budget | Value 24-inch |
| Dell SE2426HG | FHD IPS, 240Hz, FreeSync Premium | Mid-range | High refresh at 1080p |
| Amazon Basics 24-inch | FHD, 165Hz, 1ms, VESA | Budget | No-frills 165Hz |
| Westinghouse 24-inch curved | FHD, 165Hz, 1500R, speakers | Budget | Curved on a budget |
| ASUS TUF VG259QMR5A | 1080p, 310Hz, Fast-IPS, G-SYNC | Premium | Esports |
The twelve screens, one by one
KTC H32S17C 32-Inch Curved
The title lists FHD at 165Hz on a 1500R curve with 1ms MPRT, adaptive sync, 122% sRGB and HDR10. At 32 inches, 1080p is only about 69 pixels per inch (an estimate), so text looks coarse. The curve is gentle and the screen suits sitting a little further back, such as at a console-style setup. HDR10 here is a basic label and should not be treated as true high-brightness HDR. The stand details are not given in the title, so check them before assuming any height adjustment.
Pros
- Large curved canvas
- 165Hz is easy on the GPU
Cons
- Soft sharpness at this size
- 1ms is an MPRT claim
Who it’s for: living-room or casual use at a distance.
24-inch QHD 320Hz IPS (unnamed brand)
The title names no brand but lists QHD at 320Hz, 0.5ms, FreeSync Premium, HDR600 and HDMI 2.1 on a height-adjustable stand. HDR600 on a small budget screen is a claim worth doubting. A 24-inch QHD panel is a dense 122 pixels per inch (an estimate). Being unnamed, it is harder to judge warranty and support, so read the seller’s return terms and recent buyer feedback closely before committing.
Pros
- Dense QHD picture with height adjustment
- HDMI 2.1 for consoles
Cons
- Unknown brand and support
- 320Hz at QHD needs a strong card
Who it’s for: buyers comfortable with a lesser-known maker.
KOORUI E2212H 22-Inch
This is the weakest class here: a 22-inch FHD VA panel at 120Hz with HDMI 1.4 and VGA, tilt only, marketed for dorms, study and office. It is not a gaming-focused model, and HDMI 1.4 limits high-refresh use. The 120Hz figure is still smoother than a basic 60Hz office screen, which is its one gaming-relevant strength. Treat it as a study screen, not a first gaming monitor.
Pros
- Very low cost and compact
- 4000:1 contrast figure
Cons
- Basic ports and stand
- Office-first design
Who it’s for: a secondary screen for study.
SANSUI 27-Inch Curved USB-C
The title lists FHD at 120Hz, 1500R, USB Type-C with a cable, speakers, 110% sRGB and HDR. USB-C helps a laptop connect with one cable, but 27-inch 1080p is about 82 pixels per inch (an estimate). It reads as a work screen that can game. If you mostly use a laptop for school or office tasks and want to game in the evening, the single-cable connection is genuinely useful. The 110% sRGB and HDR labels are seller claims, and 120Hz is the lowest refresh rate among the gaming-focused entries.
Pros
- USB-C simplifies laptop use
- Built-in speakers
Cons
- Only 120Hz
- Soft density at 27 inches
Who it’s for: laptop owners who play occasionally.
Sceptre 22-Inch Gaming Monitor (E225W)
Sceptre lists a 22-inch FHD screen at up to 144Hz with HDMI, DisplayPort and speakers. Panel type and adjustment are not stated. At 22 inches 1080p is about 100 pixels per inch (an estimate), which looks crisp. It is a sensible fit for a shallow desk or a dorm room, and its modest size means a basic graphics card can reach the full 144Hz in many lighter games. The title says up to 144Hz, so confirm which port reaches that rate, since HDMI and DisplayPort limits sometimes differ.
Pros
- 144Hz on a compact body
- DisplayPort and HDMI both present
Cons
- Panel type unlisted
- Small for some tastes
Who it’s for: small desks and first PCs.
Sceptre 27-Inch Prime (E275B)
Two DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs, 180Hz on both, and speakers are named, but the title never states resolution. Confirm it on the listing; if it is 1080p, density falls to about 82 pixels per inch. The title gives 180Hz for both input types, which is useful if you connect a console and a PC at once. The speakers are a convenience only. With so much left unstated, verify panel type and stand adjustment on the listing before choosing it over the 24-inch options.
Pros
- Four inputs
- 180Hz on HDMI and DisplayPort
Cons
- Resolution and panel unstated
- Stand details unknown
Who it’s for: multi-device desks who verify specs first.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QE5A
A 23.8-inch FHD IPS panel at 144Hz, overclockable to 146Hz, with ELMB Sync, 1ms, speakers, variable overdrive and a three-year warranty. It is the most reassuring spec sheet among the 144Hz options, with clear warranty wording. The 23.8-inch size is a common choice for a competitive player who sits close, and Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync is the maker’s name for a motion-clarity feature, and how it behaves alongside adaptive sync is worth confirming on the listing.
Pros
- IPS with a stated 3-year warranty
- Motion-blur tools named
Cons
- Only 144Hz
- No stand details in title
Who it’s for: dependable everyday gaming.
Sceptre 24-Inch Prime (E248B)
This one lists two DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs at 165Hz with speakers. Again the title omits resolution and panel type, so check both before ordering. Four inputs is generous for the price tier and lets a PC, a console and a laptop share the screen. As with the other Sceptre listings, the speakers are best seen as a backup for casual audio rather than a main output.
Pros
- 165Hz with four inputs
- Lower price tier
Cons
- Key specs missing from title
- No stated warranty
Who it’s for: value hunters willing to confirm details.
Dell SE2426HG 24 240Hz
Dell lists 23.8-inch FHD IPS at 240Hz with FreeSync Premium, TUV 3-star, two HDMI inputs, DisplayPort 1.4 and a tilt stand. 240Hz at 1080p is attainable for modest cards in lighter esports titles, though a 240Hz screen only pays off if your frame rate approaches that number. The three-star eye-comfort certification refers to low blue light and flicker behaviour and says nothing about gaming speed. Response time is not given in the title, so check the listing. The stand only tilts, so a monitor arm may help with posture.
Pros
- 240Hz IPS from an established brand
- Eye-comfort certification named
Cons
- Tilt-only stand
- Response time unstated
Who it’s for: competitive players on a tight budget.
Amazon Basics 24-Inch 165Hz
A 23.8-inch FHD screen at 165Hz with adaptive sync, 1ms and VESA mounting. The title offers few extras, which is the point: basic features at the lowest price tier. Adaptive sync is named but not its exact brand, so confirm compatibility with your graphics card. The 1ms response is probably an MPRT-style claim, as with many budget titles. VESA mounting means you can add a monitor arm later, which solves the stand problem for most desks.
Pros
- 165Hz with VESA mount
- Simple and familiar
Cons
- Panel and ports not stated
- Few comfort features
Who it’s for: buyers who want basics only.
Westinghouse 24-Inch Curved
Westinghouse lists a 24-inch FHD 1500R curve at 165Hz, 1ms, 3000:1 contrast, 110% sRGB, FreeSync, speakers, VESA, DisplayPort and HDMI. A curve is a minor effect at this size, and a 24-inch panel at 1500R may look almost flat from a normal seat. The 3000:1 contrast figure is a typical IPS-class number, which is lower than some VA claims, and the title does not state the panel type, so verify it. Speakers and VESA mounting round out a sensible, plain package.
Pros
- Curve plus speakers at a low cost
- DisplayPort and HDMI
Cons
- Lower contrast number than VA rivals
- Lesser-known brand
Who it’s for: players wanting a curve on a small budget.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A
A 25-inch 1080p Fast-IPS screen at 310Hz with G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium, ELMB Sync, 0.3ms, 99% sRGB and a three-year warranty. It is the premium end of this group and only pays off with a card that reaches 250 or more frames. Since it stays at 1080p, the 310Hz figure is achievable in lighter esports games on a strong card, which is the point of the product. The 99% sRGB claim suggests fuller colour than most screens here. It sits alone at the premium end of this group, so only choose it if refresh rate is your top priority.
Pros
- Very high refresh and clear warranty
- Named blur-reduction tools
Cons
- Costs more than the rest
- Needs a strong card to use 310Hz
Who it’s for: esports players with a fast GPU.
How we picked these
We compared twelve low-cost listings using titles, published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. We flagged missing resolutions, unnamed brands and mixed claims, and sorted price tiers relative to each other only. Where a title quotes several numbers, such as 320Hz and 300Hz in one listing, we tell you to check rather than choose one. We say nothing about build quality, panel uniformity or durability, because those need handling the products, which no one on the team has done.
What budget screens give up
Refresh rate or resolution
Pixel density tells the story. At 24 inches, 1080p is about 92 pixels per inch and QHD about 122; at 27 inches, 1080p drops to about 82.
| Size and resolution | Pixels per inch |
|---|---|
| 22-inch 1080p | about 100 |
| 24-inch 1080p | about 92 |
| 24-inch 1440p | about 122 |
| 27-inch 1080p | about 82 |
| 32-inch 1080p | about 69 |
Budget buyers should favour 24 inches at 1080p, or accept softness on bigger sizes.
Response claims and panel type
1ms MPRT is not the same as 1ms grey-to-grey. IPS panels offer consistent colour; VA offers contrast but can smear. Budget titles often skip panel type, so verify it. HDMI and DisplayPort versions matter as well, because an older port can cap high refresh rates at full resolution.
Ports and stand
Expect tilt-only stands, HDMI 1.4 or 2.0 on cheaper units and fewer inputs. If you plan to add a keyboard or a new PC, see our picks for a PC gaming keyboard and our prebuilt gaming PC guide.
Checklist before you buy
Confirm the resolution, the panel type, the HDMI and DisplayPort versions, the warranty and the return window. Match the refresh rate to the frames your card delivers. A simple rule is to check what your favourite games average at 1080p, then pick a refresh rate at or slightly above that number. If you play slower single-player games, 120Hz to 165Hz is plenty. Competitive shooters reward 240Hz only when the frames are there to match.
Mistakes buyers make
- Paying for refresh you cannot use. 240Hz needs 200 or more frames to make a visible difference, so check your card first.
- Buying a big 1080p screen. 32 inches at 1080p looks soft up close.
- Trusting vague titles. A missing resolution means you must check the listing yourself.
- Ignoring ports. HDMI 1.4 and VGA suit office use, not fast gaming, and a console needs a suitable HDMI version.
- Skipping warranty wording. Only the ASUS titles state one, so check the seller’s terms for the rest.
- Judging by the headline refresh rate. Panel type, response behaviour and ports shape daily use as much as the number does.
- Forgetting the cable. A bundled or compatible DisplayPort cable matters if the screen will run above 144Hz.
Verdict
For most buyers, the Dell SE2426HG is the best value on stated features: IPS, 240Hz and a recognised brand. The ASUS TUF VG249QE5A is the dependable pick with a stated warranty, and the Amazon Basics 24-inch is the no-frills option. Avoid treating the KOORUI E2212H as a gaming screen, and verify the Sceptre specifications before buying. The ASUS TUF VG259QMR5A only makes sense if your card can feed 250 frames or more; otherwise a 165Hz or 240Hz IPS screen gives most of the benefit.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 1080p at 144Hz or 1440p at 100Hz better on a budget?
It depends on your card and screen size. On a 24-inch panel 1080p stays sharp and keeps frame rates high, so 144Hz or more is a good pairing. On 27 inches 1440p looks noticeably cleaner but asks more of the graphics card. For most budget builds, a fast 1080p screen at 24 inches is the safer choice.
What is the difference between MPRT and GtG response time?
Grey-to-grey measures how fast a pixel changes colour, while MPRT estimates perceived motion blur and can include a backlight strobing effect. A 1ms MPRT figure is therefore not equal to a 1ms grey-to-grey claim. Several titles here quote 1ms or less without saying which measure, so treat them as marketing claims.
Are budget monitors worth it if the panel is VA?
VA panels can look rich thanks to high contrast, and they are often cheap, but fast dark transitions may smear. For slower games and general use they are fine. For fast shooters, an IPS panel with a quick refresh rate is usually the safer pick. The KOORUI E2212H is the clearest VA example here.
Do I need built-in speakers?
Not usually. Monitor speakers are small and rarely compete with a headset or desktop speakers, though they are useful for system sounds or a spare room. Six of the twelve titles mention speakers. Treat them as a convenience, and do not choose a monitor for them if sound quality matters to you.
Which listing details should I double-check?
Check the resolution on the Sceptre 24-inch and 27-inch Prime listings, since their titles do not state it, and the brand of the unnamed 24-inch QHD screen. Also confirm the refresh rate claims on any title with several numbers, and read warranty terms, since only the ASUS titles mention a 3 year term.
