Buying Guide
The Best FreeSync Monitors
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size; the KG251Q X3 is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
FreeSync Premium adds low framerate compensation, which smooths drops below the refresh range. Every pick lists FreeSync Premium or Premium Pro, ordered from the lowest price.
The order reflects refresh rate, resolution and size from maker specifications; a missing panel is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 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)
SuperSpeed IPS Panel
GIGABYTE G25F2A
A superSpeed IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a superSpeed IPS panel.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE G25F2A (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
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)
Premium Pick
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A
The top of this price range, adding 240Hz at 1080p.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A (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) |
| A superSpeed IPS panel. | Buyers who want a superSpeed IPS panel. | Check price for GIGABYTE G25F2A (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) |
| The top of this price range, adding 240Hz at 1080p. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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 would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the G25F2A (240Hz).
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. It matches the G25F2A and the VG259QM5A on screen size (24.5 inches). It also offers 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the KG241Y X1 was closest. What it gives up: refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the G25F2A (240Hz); by contrast, the G25F2A offers 240Hz.
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
- Refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the G25F2A (240Hz)
IPS Panel2 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 an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the G25F2A offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
It is a solid first gaming monitor. It matches the KG251Q X3 on refresh rate (200Hz). On screen size it ties with the VG249QM5A at 23.8 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers an IPS panel; compare the VG249QM5A, which has a fast IPS panel. It also offers 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 second of 5, between the cheaper KG251Q X3 and the pricier G25F2A, at the time of writing. The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the G25F2A offers 240Hz.
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
- Refresh rate trails the G25F2A (240Hz)
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
SuperSpeed IPS Panel3 of 5
GIGABYTE G25F2A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G25F2A runs a 24.5-inch IPS panel at 240Hz with FreeSync Premium at a price that used to buy 144Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want a superSpeed IPS panel.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
It is the pick for fast games. On refresh rate it ties with the VG249QM5A and the VG259QM5A at 240Hz. It matches the KG251Q X3 and the VG259QM5A on screen size (24.5 inches).
A SuperSpeed IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the KG241Y X1 uses an IPS panel. A 120% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the VG259QM5A uses a 99% sRGB color gamut. It also offers a 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
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 KG241Y X1 and cheaper picks cost less, and the VG249QM5A cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: SuperSpeed IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR10
- Color gamut: 120% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a SuperSpeed IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 120% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Also Consider4 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 screen size matters most to you; the KG251Q X3 offers 24.5 inches.
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 240Hz monitors here at the time of writing. It matches the G25F2A and the VG259QM5A on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the KG241Y X1 at 23.8 inches.
Like the VG259QM5A, it has a fast IPS panel, while the KG241Y X1 uses an IPS panel. Like the VG259QM5A, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the G25F2A uses a 120% sRGB color gamut. It also offers 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. Its price falls between the G25F2A and the VG259QM5A, based on our last check. If screen size is your priority, the KG251Q X3 (24.5 inches) is the stronger choice.
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
- Screen size trails the KG251Q X3 (24.5 inches)
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG259QM5A drops TUF's 24.5-inch panel to 240Hz and keeps 99% sRGB coverage and a three-year warranty.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the KG251Q X3 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It costs less than the 310Hz versions. It matches the G25F2A and the VG249QM5A on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the KG251Q X3 and the G25F2A at 24.5 inches.
Like the VG249QM5A, it has a fast IPS panel, while the KG241Y X1 uses an IPS panel. Like the VG249QM5A, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the G25F2A uses a 120% 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.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the VG249QM5A and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 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
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
How We Chose These FreeSync Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- 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 KG251Q X3 to the VG259QM5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The KG251Q X3 gives no panel; the VG249QM5A and the VG259QM5A give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the KG251Q X3 ($50 to $100) to the VG259QM5A ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a FreeSync Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 200Hz on the KG241Y X1 to 240Hz on the G25F2A. Start with the G25F2A if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the VG249QM5A to 24.5 inches on the KG251Q X3. The KG251Q X3 is the pick for screen size.
Response
The KG251Q X3 and the KG241Y X1 list 0.5ms; the G25F2A lists 1ms. Settle this first, then compare prices.
What to check at home
At 1080p, 200Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
Extras that separate them
The KG241Y X1: a 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. The G25F2A: a 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. The VG249QM5A: a 3-year warranty.
Size for your desk distance
24 to 25 inches suits 1080p and competitive play at a typical desk. 27 inches pairs well with 1440p and 4K; 32 inches suits 4K at a deeper desk.
How to Choose a FreeSync 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 want a superSpeed IPS panel | G25F2A | A superSpeed IPS panel |
| Buyers who want 240Hz at a budget price tier | VG249QM5A | 240Hz at a budget price tier |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | VG259QM5A | The top of this price range, adding 240Hz at 1080p |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The G25F2A leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the VG249QM5A at 240Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KG251Q X3 | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Not listed |
| KG241Y X1 | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| G25F2A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | SuperSpeed IPS |
| VG249QM5A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | Fast IPS |
| VG259QM5A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The KG251Q X3 was the lowest-priced pick and the VG259QM5A the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | KG251Q X3, KG241Y X1, G25F2A |
| About $100 to $150 | VG249QM5A, VG259QM5A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the VG259QM5A add over the KG251Q X3?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 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 G25F2A our SuperSpeed IPS Panel pick?
It earns the label for a superSpeed IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants a superSpeed IPS panel.
Do the KG241Y X1 and the G25F2A differ on panel?
The KG241Y X1 uses IPS; the G25F2A uses SuperSpeed IPS; the VG249QM5A and the VG259QM5A use Fast IPS. The maker of the KG251Q X3 doesn't say.
Will the KG251Q X3 work with my setup?
At 1080p, 200Hz 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 first of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
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 G25F2A: a 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
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, the G25F2A for a superSpeed IPS panel and the VG249QM5A for 240Hz at a budget price tier if those matter more to you.
Enable FreeSync in both the monitor menu and the AMD driver.