Buying Guide
The Best Budget Gaming Monitors
From the 24G42HE to the VG259QMR5A: 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
A budget monitor can still run above 100Hz if you skip extras. Every pick cost $160 or less and runs at 100Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing response is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A
The highest refresh rate here (310Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AOC 25G51Z
An overclocked 260Hz refresh rate.
Best for: Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz refresh rate.
Strong Alternative
Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz
240Hz at a budget price tier.
Best for: Buyers who want 240Hz at a budget price tier.
Our take Check price for Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz
The largest screen size here (27 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AOC 24G42HE
Undercutting the SE2426HG on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (310Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab) |
| An overclocked 260Hz refresh rate. | Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz refresh rate. | Check price for AOC 25G51Z (opens in a new tab) |
| 240Hz at a budget price tier. | Buyers who want 240Hz at a budget price tier. | Check price for Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (27 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the SE2426HG on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for AOC 24G42HE (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 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
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the 24G42HE cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The 24.5-inch fast IPS panel overclocks to 310Hz and lists a 0.3ms response, with FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility. Its 310Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the 25G51Z comes next at 260Hz. Its 24.5 inches screen size ranks third of 5 here, behind the SE2726HG (27 inches) and ahead of the SE2426HG (23.8 inches).
It shares a fast IPS panel with the SE2426HG and SE2726HG; the 24G42HE goes with an IPS panel. It shares a 99% sRGB color gamut with the SE2426HG and SE2726HG; the 24G42HE goes with a 116% sRGB color gamut. 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. Only the SE2726HG came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
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 24G42HE at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
AOC 25G51Z on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 25G51Z reaches 260Hz overclocked on a 25-inch IPS panel, the highest refresh here.
Best for
- Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz refresh rate.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the 24G42HE cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its 260Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the VG259QMR5A (310Hz) and ahead of the 24G42HE (200Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 25 inches: the SE2726HG comes in at 27 inches, and the SE2426HG comes in at 23.8 inches. Like the 24G42HE, it has an IPS panel, while the SE2726HG uses a fast IPS panel.
At 1080p, 260Hz 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. Its price falls between the SE2426HG and the SE2726HG, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 260Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 25 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 260Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
- Screen size of 25 inches, ahead of the VG259QMR5A
Cons
- Costs more than the 24G42HE at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 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
- Buyers who want 240Hz at a budget price tier.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the SE2726HG offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It costs about $100 at the time of writing. It matches the SE2726HG on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 23.8 inches, while the SE2726HG comes in at 27 inches.
Like the VG259QMR5A and SE2726HG, it has a fast IPS panel, while the 25G51Z uses an IPS panel. Like the VG259QMR5A and SE2726HG, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the 24G42HE uses a 116% sRGB color gamut. It also offers 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper 24G42HE and the pricier 25G51Z, at the time of writing.
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
- Screen size trails the SE2726HG (27 inches)
- Costs more than the 24G42HE at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size4 of 5
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Dell's SE2726HG runs a 27-inch 1080p Fast IPS panel at 240Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the 24G42HE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is a big-screen route to 240Hz for less. FreeSync Premium and HDMI VRR cover both PC and console play. It lists 240Hz, a 0.5ms response, FreeSync Premium with HDMI VRR and 99% sRGB coverage on a fast IPS panel.
On refresh rate it ties with the SE2426HG at 240Hz. On screen size it leads this guide at 27 inches, ahead of the 25G51Z (25 inches). It shares a fast IPS panel with the VG259QMR5A and SE2426HG; the 24G42HE goes with an IPS panel.
It shares a 99% sRGB color gamut with the VG259QMR5A and SE2426HG; the 24G42HE goes with a 116% sRGB color gamut. At 1080p, 240Hz 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 25G51Z and cheaper picks cost less, and the VG259QMR5A cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 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 on a 27-inch 1080p panel
Cons
- Costs more than the 24G42HE at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 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
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the VG259QMR5A offers 310Hz.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it trails the group at 200Hz, while the VG259QMR5A offers 310Hz. Its 24 inches screen size ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the SE2726HG (27 inches) and ahead of the SE2426HG (23.8 inches). It shares an IPS panel with the 25G51Z; the SE2726HG goes with a fast IPS panel.
You get a 116% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the SE2726HG and its a 99% sRGB color gamut. 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. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the SE2426HG the next step up.
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
- Refresh rate trails the VG259QMR5A (310Hz)
How We Chose These Budget Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the VG259QMR5A to the 24G42HE, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The SE2426HG and the SE2726HG give no response; the 25G51Z gives no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the 24G42HE ($50 to $100) to the VG259QMR5A ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Budget Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 200Hz on the 24G42HE to 310Hz on the VG259QMR5A. For less, the 25G51Z is the runner-up at 260Hz.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the SE2426HG to 27 inches on the SE2726HG. The 25G51Z comes second for less money.
Response
The VG259QMR5A and the 24G42HE list 0.3ms; the 25G51Z lists 0.5ms.
Features beyond the spec table
The SE2426HG: 99% sRGB coverage. The SE2726HG: PC and console tear-free play. The 24G42HE: a 200Hz IPS panel.
Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the 24G42HE and the SE2426HG; $100 to $150 buys the 25G51Z and the SE2726HG; $150 to $250 buys the VG259QMR5A at our last check.
How to Choose a Budget Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | VG259QMR5A | The highest refresh rate here (310Hz) |
| Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz refresh rate | 25G51Z | An overclocked 260Hz refresh rate |
| Buyers who want 240Hz at a budget price tier | SE2426HG | 240Hz at a budget price tier |
| Buyers who put screen size first | SE2726HG | The largest screen size here (27 inches) |
| Spending as little as possible | 24G42HE | Undercutting the SE2426HG on price when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The VG259QMR5A leads on refresh rate at 310Hz, ahead of the 25G51Z at 260Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VG259QMR5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| 25G51Z | 260Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 25 inches | IPS |
| SE2426HG | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | Fast IPS |
| SE2726HG | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| 24G42HE | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The 24G42HE was the lowest-priced pick and the VG259QMR5A the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | 24G42HE, SE2426HG |
| About $100 to $150 | 25G51Z, SE2726HG |
| About $150 to $250 | VG259QMR5A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the VG259QMR5A or the 25G51Z?
The VG259QMR5A leads at 310Hz, with the 25G51Z at 260Hz. The 24G42HE is at the other end of this group with 200Hz.
How does the 25G51Z compare with the SE2726HG on screen size?
The SE2726HG leads at 27 inches, with the 25G51Z at 25 inches. The SE2426HG is at the other end of this group with 23.8 inches.
Is the VG259QMR5A worth paying more than the 24G42HE?
On paper it adds refresh rate (310Hz against 200Hz) and screen size (24.5 inches against 24 inches). The 24G42HE was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the VG259QMR5A the Fastest Refresh?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (310Hz). It suits competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Do the VG259QMR5A and the 25G51Z differ on panel?
The VG259QMR5A, the SE2426HG and the SE2726HG use Fast IPS; the 25G51Z and the 24G42HE use IPS.
Beyond the specs, what sets the VG259QMR5A and the 25G51Z apart?
The VG259QMR5A: a 310Hz refresh rate for esports. The 25G51Z: an overclocked 260Hz refresh rate. The SE2426HG: 240Hz at a budget price tier.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the VG259QMR5A. Look at the 25G51Z for an overclocked 260Hz refresh rate, the SE2426HG for 240Hz at a budget price tier and the SE2726HG for the largest screen size here (27 inches) if those matter more to you.
Check the stand adjustments; budget monitors often tilt only.