Buying Guide
The Best 24-Inch Gaming Monitors
From the SE2426HG to the XQ2566X: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
24 inches is the esports standard because the whole screen fits in view. Every pick is between 23.8 and 24.5 inches, ordered by refresh rate.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out response, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X
The highest refresh rate here (360Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
Alienware AW2525HM
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A
A 310Hz refresh rate for esports.
Best for: Buyers who want 310Hz refresh rate for esports.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz
A lower price than the VG249QM5A and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 240Hz at a budget price tier for the least money.
Our take Check price for Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A
240Hz at a budget price tier.
Best for: Buyers who want 240Hz at a budget price tier.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (360Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab) |
| A 310Hz refresh rate for esports. | Buyers who want 310Hz refresh rate for esports. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the VG249QM5A and the rest when we checked. | Getting 240Hz at a budget price tier for the least money. | Check price for Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab) |
| 240Hz at a budget price tier. | Buyers who want 240Hz at a budget price tier. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XQ2566X uses a Fast TN panel at 1440p with BenQ's DyAc 3 blur reduction, aimed purely at esports.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SE2426HG was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Nothing else here matches its 360Hz refresh rate; the AW2525HM comes closest at 320Hz. Its 24.1 inches screen size ranks third of 5 here, behind the AW2525HM (24.5 inches) and ahead of the VG249QM5A (23.8 inches). You get a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution here, which sets it apart from the VG249QM5A and its a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
You get a fast TN panel here, which sets it apart from the VG249QM5A and its a fast IPS panel. To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. Only the AW2525HM came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 24.1 inches
- Panel: Fast TN
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports
- Screen size of 24.1 inches, ahead of the SE2426HG
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2426HG at the time of writing
IPS Panel2 of 5
Alienware AW2525HM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2525HM runs a 24.5-inch 1080p IPS panel at 320Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SE2426HG was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It targets competitive shooters on a mid-range PC. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 320Hz: the XQ2566X offers 360Hz, and the VG249QM5A comes in at 240Hz. It matches the VG259QMR5A on screen size (24.5 inches).
You get an IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the VG249QM5A and its a fast IPS panel. It also offers a 0.5ms response time and Alienware styling at a mid price tier. At 1080p, 320Hz 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. It was priced above the VG259QMR5A and below the XQ2566X at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 320Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2426HG at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG259QMR5A is the esports pick, with a 310Hz Fast IPS panel at 1080p and a 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want 310Hz refresh rate for esports.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SE2426HG cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 310Hz: the XQ2566X offers 360Hz, and the VG249QM5A comes in at 240Hz. It matches the AW2525HM on screen size (24.5 inches). It shares a fast IPS panel with the SE2426HG and VG249QM5A; the AW2525HM goes with an IPS panel.
At 1080p, 310Hz 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. Worth noting too: 99% sRGB colour coverage. It was priced above the VG249QM5A and below the AW2525HM at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 310Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 310Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2426HG at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SE2426HG is Dell's 23.8-inch 240Hz Fast IPS model with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Getting 240Hz at a budget price tier for the least money.
Skip if
- Pass on it if refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the XQ2566X (360Hz rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It costs about $100 at the time of writing. It matches the VG249QM5A on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the VG249QM5A at 23.8 inches.
Like the VG259QMR5A and VG249QM5A, it has a fast IPS panel, while the XQ2566X uses a fast TN panel. It also comes with 240Hz at a budget price tier and a 23.8-inch size for close desks. At 1080p, 240Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
It undercut the VG249QM5A and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the XQ2566X (360Hz). If that matters, the XQ2566X offers 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- 240Hz at a budget price tier
Cons
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the XQ2566X (360Hz)
Strong Alternative5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG249QM5A is the smallest 240Hz TUF screen at 23.8 inches, with a three-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want 240Hz at a budget price tier.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the XQ2566X offers 360Hz.
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 240Hz monitors here at the time of writing. On refresh rate it ties with the SE2426HG at 240Hz. It matches the SE2426HG on screen size (23.8 inches).
It shares a fast IPS panel with the VG259QMR5A and SE2426HG; the AW2525HM goes with an IPS panel. It also comes with 240Hz at a budget price tier and 99% sRGB coverage. At 1080p, 240Hz 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. When we checked, only the SE2426HG cost less, and the VG259QMR5A cost more. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the XQ2566X covers it better at 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the XQ2566X (360Hz)
- Screen size trails the AW2525HM (24.5 inches)
- Costs more than the SE2426HG at the time of writing
How We Chose These 24-Inch Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up five 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 5, from the XQ2566X to the VG249QM5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The XQ2566X, the SE2426HG and the VG249QM5A give no response; the XQ2566X gives no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SE2426HG ($50 to $100) to the XQ2566X ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 24-Inch Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the VG249QM5A to 360Hz on the XQ2566X. For less, the AW2525HM is the runner-up at 320Hz.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the VG249QM5A to 24.5 inches on the AW2525HM. The VG259QMR5A comes second for less money.
Panel
The XQ2566X lists Fast TN; the AW2525HM lists IPS; the VG259QMR5A, the SE2426HG and the VG249QM5A list Fast IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Response
The AW2525HM lists 0.5ms; the VG259QMR5A lists 0.3ms. Settle this first, then compare prices.
What to check at home
To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. At 1080p, 320Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
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.
How to Choose a 24-Inch Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | XQ2566X | The highest refresh rate here (360Hz) |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | AW2525HM | An IPS panel |
| Buyers who want 310Hz refresh rate for esports | VG259QMR5A | A 310Hz refresh rate for esports |
| Getting 240Hz at a budget price tier for the least money | SE2426HG | A lower price than the VG249QM5A and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 240Hz at a budget price tier | VG249QM5A | 240Hz at a budget price tier |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The XQ2566X leads on refresh rate at 360Hz, ahead of the AW2525HM at 320Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XQ2566X | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 24.1 inches | Fast TN |
| AW2525HM | 320Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | IPS |
| VG259QMR5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| SE2426HG | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | Fast IPS |
| VG249QM5A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The SE2426HG was the lowest-priced pick and the XQ2566X the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | SE2426HG |
| About $100 to $150 | VG249QM5A |
| About $150 to $250 | VG259QMR5A, AW2525HM |
| About $500 to $1000 | XQ2566X |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the AW2525HM compare with the XQ2566X on refresh rate?
The XQ2566X leads at 360Hz, with the AW2525HM at 320Hz. The VG249QM5A is at the other end of this group with 240Hz.
Is the XQ2566X worth paying more than the SE2426HG?
On paper it adds refresh rate (360Hz against 240Hz) and screen size (24.1 inches against 23.8 inches). The SE2426HG was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the XQ2566X the Fastest Refresh?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (360Hz). It suits competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Do the XQ2566X and the AW2525HM differ on resolution?
The XQ2566X uses 2560x1440 (1440p); the AW2525HM, the VG259QMR5A, the SE2426HG and the VG249QM5A use 1920x1080 (1080p).
What should I check before buying the SE2426HG?
At 1080p, 240Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
Beyond the specs, what sets the XQ2566X and the AW2525HM apart?
The XQ2566X: DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports. The AW2525HM: 320Hz at 1080p. The VG259QMR5A: a 310Hz refresh rate for esports.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the XQ2566X. Look at the AW2525HM for an IPS panel, the VG259QMR5A for a 310Hz refresh rate for esports and the SE2426HG for a lower price than the VG249QM5A and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.
Lower the screen so the top edge sits at eye level.