Buying Guide
The Best 120Hz Monitor for Gaming
Five monitors compared, from the SB242Y to the MP243L, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 100Hz to 144Hz monitor is a big step up from 60Hz for smooth motion, and suits consoles that output 120Hz. Every pick offers a refresh rate in that range.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; a missing panel is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Acer SB242Y H1bi
The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Acer SB242Y H1bi (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AOC 24B35H3
100% sRGB colour coverage.
Best for: Buyers who want 100% sRGB colour coverage.
Strong Alternative
LG 24U411A-B
A Reader Mode for long reading sessions.
Best for: Buyers who want Reader Mode for long reading sessions.
Worth a Look
Dell SE2426H
A 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who want 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing.
Solid Runner-Up
MSI PRO MP243L E14
Flicker-free and low blue light modes.
Best for: Buyers who want flicker-free and low blue light modes.
Our take Check price for MSI PRO MP243L E14 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for Acer SB242Y H1bi (opens in a new tab) |
| 100% sRGB colour coverage. | Buyers who want 100% sRGB colour coverage. | Check price for AOC 24B35H3 (opens in a new tab) |
| A Reader Mode for long reading sessions. | Buyers who want Reader Mode for long reading sessions. | Check price for LG 24U411A-B (opens in a new tab) |
| A 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing. | Buyers who want 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing. | Check price for Dell SE2426H (opens in a new tab) |
| Flicker-free and low blue light modes. | Buyers who want flicker-free and low blue light modes. | Check price for MSI PRO MP243L E14 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Acer SB242Y H1bi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SB242Y stands out for the lowest price here at the time of writing.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Pass on it if a 100Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast game rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also offers a 100Hz refresh rate and offers a 23.8 inches screen size. Its 100Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the SE2426H leads at 144Hz. On screen size it ties with the SE2426H and the MP243L at 23.8 inches.
It also brings 4ms response, the only one here. It makes the most sense for buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build, since it offers the lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the 24B35H3 was the next step up. If refresh rate is your priority, the SE2426H (144Hz) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 100Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Response: 4ms
Pros
- The lowest price here at the time of writing
- 4ms response, the only one here
- The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing
Cons
- a 100Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games
- Refresh rate trails the SE2426H (144Hz)
Also Consider2 of 5
AOC 24B35H3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 24B35H3 offers 100% sRGB on an IPS panel at 120Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want 100% sRGB colour coverage.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SB242Y was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is a colour-accurate budget screen. Its 24-inch IPS panel runs at 120Hz with Adaptive Sync, which is smoother than a 60Hz office screen. Wide viewing angles keep colour consistent.
It covers 100% of sRGB with flicker-free backlighting and a low blue light mode. HDMI and VGA inputs plus a headphone jack cover older PCs. Its 84% NTSC coverage gives slightly richer colour than a typical budget office screen.
On refresh rate it ties with the 24U411A at 120Hz. It matches the 24U411A on screen size (24 inches). It was priced above the SB242Y and below the 24U411A at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 100% sRGB
Pros
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 100% sRGB colour coverage
- Refresh rate of 120Hz, ahead of the SB242Y
- Screen size of 24 inches, ahead of the SB242Y
Cons
- Costs more than the SB242Y at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
LG 24U411A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 24U411A offers 99% sRGB colour, HDR10 input and a 120Hz rate.
Best for
- Buyers who want Reader Mode for long reading sessions.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
It suits work and casual games alike. Its 24-inch IPS panel has slim bezels on three sides, which suits a multi-monitor row. Full HD at this size keeps text sharp enough for office work.
It matches the 24B35H3 on refresh rate (120Hz). On screen size it ties with the 24B35H3 at 24 inches. It also offers a Reader Mode for long reading sessions.
Another plus is an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the SB242Y at the time of writing. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper 24B35H3 and the pricier SE2426H, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR10
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
Pros
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- Reader Mode for long reading sessions
- Refresh rate of 120Hz, ahead of the SB242Y
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Costs more than the SB242Y at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Dell SE2426H on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SE2426H is Dell's 144Hz IPS monitor at the lowest price in this list.
Best for
- Buyers who want 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SB242Y cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It covers the basics without extras. It runs at 144Hz with a 1ms MPRT response and carries TÜV Rheinland's 3-star eye comfort certification. The 178-degree viewing angles keep colour consistent off-axis.
On refresh rate it ties with the MP243L at 144Hz. It matches the SB242Y and the MP243L on screen size (23.8 inches). At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
Worth noting too: 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. It was priced above the 24U411A and below the MP243L at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing
Cons
- Costs more than the SB242Y at the time of writing
Solid Runner-Up5 of 5
MSI PRO MP243L E14 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MP243L is a 23.8-inch 1080p IPS screen at 144Hz with FreeSync.
Best for
- Buyers who want flicker-free and low blue light modes.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the 24B35H3 offers 24 inches.
Why we like it
It is one of the lowest-priced monitors here. On refresh rate it ties with the SE2426H at 144Hz. It matches the SB242Y and the SE2426H on screen size (23.8 inches).
You also get flicker-free and low blue light modes, 1500:1 contrast and the lowest price tier among these gaming picks. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It also brings 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen.
Another plus is an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. Screen size is its weakest area, and the 24B35H3 covers it better at 24 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- Flicker-free and low blue light modes
Cons
- Screen size trails the 24B35H3 (24 inches)
- Costs more than the SB242Y at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
What to Look for in a 120Hz Monitor for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Where these picks differ: screen size
Among these picks, screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the MP243L to 24 inches on the 24B35H3. Settle how much you need before comparing prices, since paying for more rarely helps if your use never reaches it.
Match resolution to your graphics card
1080p suits entry and mid-range cards and high refresh rates. 1440p is the balance for most gaming PCs. 4K needs a high-end card to hold high frame rates.
Pick the resolution your card can drive before looking at refresh rate.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
Read HDR labels carefully
HDR10 means the monitor accepts an HDR signal, not that it displays it well. DisplayHDR 600 or True Black 400 certifications say more about real HDR performance.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
How to Choose a 120Hz Monitor for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | SB242Y | The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want 100% sRGB colour coverage | 24B35H3 | 100% sRGB colour coverage |
| Buyers who want Reader Mode for long reading sessions | 24U411A | A Reader Mode for long reading sessions |
| Buyers who want 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing | SE2426H | A 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want flicker-free and low blue light modes | MP243L | Flicker-free and low blue light modes |
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Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SB242Y | 100Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | Not listed |
| 24B35H3 | 120Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
| 24U411A | 120Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
| SE2426H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| MP243L | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on refresh rate?
The SE2426H leads at 144Hz, ahead of the MP243L at 144Hz; the SB242Y sits at the other end with 100Hz.
Which pick costs the least here?
That was the SB242Y at our last check; if you can stretch, the 24B35H3 is the next step up and the MP243L the priciest.
Is OLED burn-in still a problem?
It is a risk with static elements over many hours. Current OLED monitors use pixel-refresh routines to reduce it; check the maker's warranty for burn-in coverage.
Is HDR worth it on a budget monitor?
Rarely. Budget HDR10 monitors accept HDR but lack the brightness and contrast to show it well. OLED or DisplayHDR 600 models do it better.
Do I need a GPU that matches the refresh rate?
To benefit fully, yes. A 240Hz monitor still feels smoother at 150fps than a 144Hz one, but the gains shrink when frame rates are far below the refresh rate.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SB242Y, chosen for the lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. Look at the 24B35H3 for 100% sRGB colour coverage, the 24U411A for a Reader Mode for long reading sessions and the SE2426H for a 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
Consoles reach 120Hz only over HDMI 2.1 in supported games.