Buying Guide
The Best Small 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitors
From the SE2426H to the VG249QE5A: three monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
A 24 or 25-inch IPS at 144Hz is a low-cost upgrade with good viewing angles. Every pick is an IPS panel under 27 inches at 144 to 180Hz, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out adaptive sync, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
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.
Strong Alternative
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)
Fastest Refresh
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QE5A
The highest refresh rate here (146Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QE5A (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| The highest refresh rate here (146Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QE5A (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 3
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
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the VG249QE5A (146Hz).
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. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. Another plus is 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen.
It also brings FreeSync to reduce screen tearing. What it gives up: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the VG249QE5A (146Hz); by contrast, the VG249QE5A offers 146Hz.
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
- Refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the VG249QE5A (146Hz)
Strong Alternative2 of 3
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 refresh rate matters most to you; the VG249QE5A offers 146Hz.
Why we like it
It is one of the lowest-priced monitors here. It lists flicker-free and low-blue-light certification, a tilt stand and a 100x100mm VESA mount. On refresh rate it ties with the SE2426H at 144Hz.
It also comes with 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. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the VG249QE5A offers 146Hz.
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
- Refresh rate trails the VG249QE5A (146Hz)
Fastest Refresh3 of 3
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QE5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG249QE5A stands out for 146Hz with overclock, and it adds an HDMI cable in the box.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SE2426H cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 146Hz refresh rate and offers a 23.8 inches screen size. Its 146Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the SE2426H comes next at 144Hz. You also get the lowest ASUS TUF price tier here.
At 1080p, 146Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. Another plus is an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. Only the MP243L came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 3 picks. It gives ground on screen size, where the SE2426H comes in at 23.8 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 146Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: IPS
Pros
- 146Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 146Hz with overclock
- HDMI cable in the box
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2426H at the time of writing
How We Chose These Small 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up three monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 3, from the SE2426H to the VG249QE5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution and IPS panel.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The VG249QE5A gives no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SE2426H ($50 to $100) to the VG249QE5A ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Small 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 144Hz on the MP243L to 146Hz on the VG249QE5A. The VG249QE5A is the pick for refresh rate.
Features beyond the spec table
The SE2426H: a 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing. The MP243L: 1500:1 contrast. The VG249QE5A: an HDMI cable in the box.
Budget
$50 to $100 buys the SE2426H and the MP243L; $100 to $150 buys the VG249QE5A at our last check.
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.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
How to Choose a Small 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | VG249QE5A | The highest refresh rate here (146Hz) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The VG249QE5A leads on refresh rate at 146Hz, ahead of the SE2426H at 144Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE2426H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| MP243L | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| VG249QE5A | 146Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The SE2426H was the lowest-priced pick and the VG249QE5A the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | SE2426H, MP243L |
| About $100 to $150 | VG249QE5A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the VG249QE5A or the SE2426H?
The VG249QE5A leads at 146Hz, with the SE2426H at 144Hz.
Is the VG249QE5A worth paying more than the SE2426H?
On paper it adds refresh rate (146Hz against 144Hz). The SE2426H was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the VG249QE5A the Fastest Refresh?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (146Hz). It suits competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Beyond the specs, what sets the SE2426H and the MP243L apart?
The SE2426H: a 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing. The MP243L: flicker-free and low blue light modes. The VG249QE5A: 146Hz with overclock.
Should I pick the SE2426H or the VG249QE5A?
The SE2426H suits buyers who want 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing; the VG249QE5A suits competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SE2426H, chosen for a 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing. Look at the MP243L for flicker-free and low blue light modes if those matter more to you.
Check the stand; most small monitors tilt only.