Buying Guide
The Best 180Hz Gaming Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the KG251Q X3 has the largest screen size, and the G24B36N costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
180Hz is the line where motion starts to look noticeably smoother for this kind of setup. Every monitor here refreshes at 180Hz or more and refreshes at 120Hz or more, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these monitors on refresh rate, resolution and size using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and where a maker leaves out panel, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
AOC G24B36N
Undercutting the KG251Q X3 on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Largest Screen Size
Acer Nitro KG251Q X3
The largest screen size here (24.5 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Acer Nitro KG251Q X3 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Acer Nitro KG241Y X1
A 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who want 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
Our take Check price for Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AOC 24G42HE
A 200Hz IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want 200Hz IPS panel.
Premium Pick
Sceptre 24-inch IPS 180Hz
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with two DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Sceptre 24-inch IPS 180Hz (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the KG251Q X3 on price when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for AOC G24B36N (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (24.5 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Acer Nitro KG251Q X3 (opens in a new tab) |
| A 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. | Buyers who want 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. | Check price for Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 (opens in a new tab) |
| A 200Hz IPS panel. | Buyers who want 200Hz IPS panel. | Check price for AOC 24G42HE (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with two DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for Sceptre 24-inch IPS 180Hz (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
AOC G24B36N on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G24B36N runs 180Hz overclocked on a VA panel and includes HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when a VA panel that can smear dark transition is a problem.
Why we like it
VA gives good contrast but can smear dark scenes. It has HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 and a headphone output, with Adaptive Sync and HDR support. It matches the Sceptre 24 IPS on refresh rate (180Hz).
On screen size it ties with the KG241Y X1 at 23.8 inches. It is the only pick here with a VA panel; the KG241Y X1 has an IPS panel instead. You also get an overclocked 180Hz mode above 144Hz native.
At 1080p, 180Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the KG251Q X3 was the next step up. The main gap: refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the KG251Q X3 (200Hz). If that matters, the KG251Q X3 offers 200Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: VA
- Response: 0.5ms
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs
- Overclocked 180Hz mode above 144Hz native
- VA panel, the only one here
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the KG251Q X3 (200Hz)
Largest Screen Size2 of 5
Acer Nitro KG251Q X3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Nitro KG251Q X3 runs 200Hz with FreeSync Premium on a 24.5-inch screen for under $90.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the G24B36N cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the best gaming screen at this price. Its 24.5-inch 1080p panel supports AMD FreeSync Premium to stop tearing. It suits competitive games at high frame rates.
On refresh rate it ties with the KG241Y X1 and the 24G42HE at 200Hz. Nothing else here matches its 24.5 inches screen size; the 24G42HE comes closest at 24 inches. Like the KG241Y X1, it has a FreeSync Premium, while the 24G42HE uses a G-SYNC Compatible.
You also get a 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing. At 1080p, 200Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. When we checked, only the G24B36N cost less, and the KG241Y X1 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Response: 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
- 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing
- Largest screen size of the picks (24.5 inches)
Cons
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Nitro KG241Y X1 gives 200Hz on IPS for well under $100.
Best for
- Buyers who want 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the KG251Q X3 offers 24.5 inches.
Why we like it
It is a solid first gaming monitor. It matches the KG251Q X3 and the 24G42HE on refresh rate (200Hz). On screen size it ties with the G24B36N at 23.8 inches.
Like the 24G42HE and Sceptre 24 IPS, it has an IPS panel, while the G24B36N uses a VA panel. It shares a FreeSync Premium with the KG251Q X3; the 24G42HE goes with a G-SYNC Compatible. It also comes with a 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
At 1080p, 200Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper KG251Q X3 and the pricier 24G42HE, at the time of writing. The trade-off is screen size; for more, the KG251Q X3 comes in at 24.5 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
- 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing
Cons
- Screen size trails the KG251Q X3 (24.5 inches)
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
AOC 24G42HE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 24G42HE matches that 200Hz rate with a wider 116% sRGB colour coverage and G-SYNC Compatible support.
Best for
- Buyers who want 200Hz IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the G24B36N cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It matches the KG251Q X3 and the KG241Y X1 on refresh rate (200Hz). On screen size it ties with the Sceptre 24 IPS at 24 inches. Like the KG241Y X1 and Sceptre 24 IPS, it has an IPS panel, while the G24B36N uses a VA panel.
You get a G-SYNC Compatible here, which sets it apart from the KG241Y X1 and its a FreeSync Premium. At 1080p, 200Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper KG241Y X1 and the pricier Sceptre 24 IPS, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 116% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 116% sRGB colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Sceptre 24-inch IPS 180Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Sceptre 24 IPS stands out for two DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs, and it adds built-in speakers.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the KG251Q X3 offers 200Hz.
Why we like it
It also offers a 180Hz refresh rate and offers a 24 inches screen size. Like the KG241Y X1 and 24G42HE, it has an IPS panel, while the G24B36N uses a VA panel. You also get a low budget price tier.
At 1080p, 180Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. Worth noting too: 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the 24G42HE. If refresh rate is your priority, the KG251Q X3 (200Hz) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- Color gamut: 100% sRGB
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 100% sRGB colour coverage
- Two DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the KG251Q X3 (200Hz)
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
How We Chose These 180Hz Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the G24B36N to the Sceptre 24 IPS, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The KG251Q X3 gives no panel; the G24B36N, the KG251Q X3 and the KG241Y X1 give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the G24B36N ($50 to $100) to the Sceptre 24 IPS ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a 180Hz Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 180Hz on the Sceptre 24 IPS to 200Hz on the KG251Q X3. Start with the KG251Q X3 if refresh rate decides it.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the KG241Y X1 to 24.5 inches on the KG251Q X3. The KG251Q X3 is the pick for screen size.
Response
The G24B36N, the KG251Q X3 and the KG241Y X1 list 0.5ms; the 24G42HE lists 0.3ms; the Sceptre 24 IPS lists 1ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Extras that separate them
The KG241Y X1: a 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. The 24G42HE: a 200Hz IPS panel. The Sceptre 24 IPS: built-in speakers.
Budget
$50 to $100 buys the G24B36N, the KG251Q X3, the KG241Y X1 and the 24G42HE; $100 to $150 buys the Sceptre 24 IPS at our last check.
How to Choose a 180Hz Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | G24B36N | Undercutting the KG251Q X3 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who put screen size first | KG251Q X3 | The largest screen size here (24.5 inches) |
| Buyers who want 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing | KG241Y X1 | A 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want 200Hz IPS panel | 24G42HE | A 200Hz IPS panel |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Sceptre 24 IPS | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with two DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The KG251Q X3 leads on refresh rate at 200Hz, ahead of the KG241Y X1 at 200Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G24B36N | 180Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | VA |
| KG251Q X3 | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Not listed |
| KG241Y X1 | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| 24G42HE | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
| Sceptre 24 IPS | 180Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The G24B36N was the lowest-priced pick and the Sceptre 24 IPS the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | G24B36N, KG251Q X3, KG241Y X1, 24G42HE |
| About $100 to $150 | Sceptre 24 IPS |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest screen size: the KG251Q X3 or the 24G42HE?
The KG251Q X3 leads at 24.5 inches, with the 24G42HE at 24 inches. The KG241Y X1 is at the other end of this group with 23.8 inches.
What does the Sceptre 24 IPS add over the G24B36N?
On paper it adds screen size (24 inches against 23.8 inches). The G24B36N was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the KG251Q X3 our Largest Screen Size pick?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (24.5 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the G24B36N and the KG241Y X1 differ on panel?
The G24B36N uses VA; the KG241Y X1, the 24G42HE and the Sceptre 24 IPS use IPS. The maker of the KG251Q X3 doesn't say.
What extras do the G24B36N and the KG251Q X3 include?
The G24B36N: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. The KG251Q X3: a 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing. The KG241Y X1: a 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the G24B36N, chosen for undercutting the KG251Q X3 on price when we checked. Look at the KG251Q X3 for the largest screen size here (24.5 inches), the KG241Y X1 for a 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing and the 24G42HE for a 200Hz IPS panel if those matter more to you.
Use the cable in the box; older cables can cap the refresh rate.