Buying Guide
The Best Acer Gaming Monitors
We weighed three monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the EDA270U has the largest screen size, and the KG251Q X3 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
Acer's monitor range is wide, so the model number decides what you get. Every monitor here is made by Acer and refreshes at 120Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
The order reflects refresh rate, resolution and size from maker specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and a missing response is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Acer Nitro KG251Q X3
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Acer Nitro KG251Q X3 (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
Acer Nitro KG241Y X1
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Our take Check price for Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Acer Nitro EDA270U Curved
The largest screen size here (27 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Acer Nitro EDA270U Curved (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for Acer Nitro KG251Q X3 (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (27 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Acer Nitro EDA270U Curved (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 3
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 would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Pass on it if screen size of 24.5 inches, behind the EDA270U (27 inches rules it out for your setup.
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 at 200Hz. Its 24.5 inches screen size ranks second of 3 here, behind the EDA270U (27 inches) and ahead of the KG241Y X1 (23.8 inches). It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the KG241Y X1; the EDA270U goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
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. It cost the least of the 3 picks at the time of writing, with the KG241Y X1 the next step up.
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
- Screen size of 24.5 inches, ahead of the KG241Y X1
Cons
- Screen size of 24.5 inches, behind the EDA270U (27 inches)
IPS Panel2 of 3
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 an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the EDA270U offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It is a solid first gaming monitor. It matches the KG251Q X3 on refresh rate (200Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 23.8 inches, while the EDA270U comes in at 27 inches.
Like the KG251Q X3, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the EDA270U uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. 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. Its price falls between the KG251Q X3 and the EDA270U, based on our last check.
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 EDA270U (27 inches)
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size3 of 3
Acer Nitro EDA270U Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The EDA270U stands out for a 1500R curve, and it adds two 2W speakers.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
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 27 inches screen size. The 27-inch 1440p panel curves at 1500R and refreshes at 180Hz with FreeSync Premium. It adds two 2W speakers, a zero-frame design and a 75x75mm VESA mount.
Its 180Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the KG251Q X3 leads at 200Hz. On screen size it leads this guide at 27 inches, ahead of the KG251Q X3 (24.5 inches). It is the only pick here with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution; the KG251Q X3 has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution instead.
You also get 1440p at a budget price tier. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the KG241Y X1.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- HDR: HDR
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 1500R curve
- Two 2W speakers
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the KG251Q X3 (200Hz)
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Acer Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared three monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and response as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 3, from the KG251Q X3 to the EDA270U, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The EDA270U gives no response; the EDA270U gives no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the KG251Q X3 ($50 to $100) to the EDA270U ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in an Acer Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 180Hz on the EDA270U to 200Hz on the KG251Q X3. Start with the KG251Q X3 if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the KG241Y X1 to 27 inches on the EDA270U. For less, the KG251Q X3 is the runner-up at 24.5 inches.
Extras that separate them
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. The EDA270U: two 2W speakers.
Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the KG251Q X3 and the KG241Y X1; $150 to $250 buys the EDA270U at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build: the KG251Q X3. Buyers who want an IPS panel: the KG241Y X1. Buyers who put screen size first: the EDA270U.
How to Choose an Acer Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | KG251Q X3 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | KG241Y X1 | An IPS panel |
| Buyers who put screen size first | EDA270U | The largest screen size here (27 inches) |
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 | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KG251Q X3 | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | 0.5ms |
| KG241Y X1 | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | 0.5ms |
| EDA270U | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The KG251Q X3 was the lowest-priced pick and the EDA270U the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | KG251Q X3, KG241Y X1 |
| About $150 to $250 | EDA270U |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EDA270U ahead of the KG251Q X3 on screen size?
The EDA270U leads at 27 inches, with the KG251Q X3 at 24.5 inches. The KG241Y X1 is at the other end of this group with 23.8 inches.
What does the EDA270U add over the KG251Q X3?
On paper it adds screen size (27 inches against 24.5 inches). It does not win everywhere: the KG251Q X3 still leads on refresh rate (200Hz). The KG251Q X3 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the EDA270U our Largest Screen Size pick?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (27 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the KG251Q X3 and the EDA270U differ on resolution?
The KG251Q X3 and the KG241Y X1 use 1920x1080 (1080p); the EDA270U uses 2560x1440 (1440p).
What extras do the KG251Q X3 and the KG241Y X1 include?
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. The EDA270U: a 1500R curve.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the KG251Q X3, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the KG241Y X1 for an IPS panel and the EDA270U for the largest screen size here (27 inches) if those matter more to you.
Set the refresh rate in Windows display settings; many screens start at 60Hz.