Buying Guide
The Best FreeSync Monitors
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the MAG 274QF has the largest screen size; the KG241Y X1 is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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 response is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Acer Nitro KG241Y X1The cheapest way into this group, below the G25F2A.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the G25F2A the next step up.
Check price for Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
GIGABYTE G25F2AA 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who want 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
Check price for GIGABYTE G25F2A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A240Hz at a budget price tier.
Best for: Buyers who want 240Hz at a budget price tier.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A240Hz at 1080p.
Best for: Buyers who want 240Hz at 1080p.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
MSI MAG 274QF E20The largest screen size here (27 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Check price for MSI MAG 274QF E20 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the G25F2A. | Spending as little as possible, with the G25F2A the next step up. | Check price for Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. | Buyers who want 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. | Check price for GIGABYTE G25F2A on Amazon (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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 240Hz at 1080p. | Buyers who want 240Hz at 1080p. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (27 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for MSI MAG 274QF E20 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Acer Nitro KG241Y X1
The Nitro KG241Y X1 gives 200Hz on IPS for well under $100.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the G25F2A the next step up.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the G25F2A (240Hz).
Why we like it
It is a solid first gaming monitor. It matches the MAG 274QF 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 VG259QM5A, 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.
It undercut the G25F2A and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the G25F2A (240Hz). If that matters, the G25F2A offers 240Hz.
Key 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 of 200Hz, behind the G25F2A (240Hz)
Also Consider2 of 5
GIGABYTE G25F2A
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 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
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 VG259QM5A on screen size (24.5 inches).
A SuperSpeed IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the VG249QM5A uses a fast 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 cost less, and the VG249QM5A cost more.
Key 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 KG241Y X1 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A
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 MAG 274QF offers 27 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.
Key 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 MAG 274QF (27 inches)
- Costs more than the KG241Y X1 at the time of writing
The catch
If screen size is your priority, the MAG 274QF (27 inches) is the stronger choice.
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A
The VG259QM5A drops TUF's 24.5-inch panel to 240Hz and keeps 99% sRGB coverage and a three-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want 240Hz at 1080p.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the KG241Y X1 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 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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper VG249QM5A and the pricier MAG 274QF, at the time of writing.
Key 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 KG241Y X1 at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size5 of 5
MSI MAG 274QF E20
The MAG 274QF runs 1440p at 200Hz on a Rapid IPS panel with FreeSync Premium.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the G25F2A offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
It is a balanced step down from the AOC. The Rapid IPS panel is rated at 0.5ms GtG. MSI's AI Vision mode lifts detail in dark scenes and boosts brightness and saturation.
On refresh rate it ties with the KG241Y X1 at 200Hz. Nothing else here matches its 27 inches screen size; the G25F2A comes closest at 24.5 inches. You get a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution here, which sets it apart from the VG259QM5A and its a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
You get a rapid IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the VG259QM5A and its a fast IPS panel. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Only the VG259QM5A came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 200Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Rapid IPS
- Response
- 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Rapid IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the G25F2A (240Hz)
- Costs more than the KG241Y X1 at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on refresh rate, where the G25F2A offers 240Hz.
How We Chose These FreeSync Monitors
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- 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, and response and color gamut are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the KG241Y X1 to the MAG 274QF, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The VG249QM5A and the VG259QM5A give no response; the KG241Y X1 and the MAG 274QF give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the KG241Y X1 ($50 to $100) to the MAG 274QF ($150 to $250).
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
Across these 5 picks refresh rate spans 200Hz (the MAG 274QF) to 240Hz (the G25F2A). The G25F2A is the pick for refresh rate.
Screen size
The MAG 274QF tops screen size at 27 inches and the VG249QM5A sits lowest at 23.8 inches. For less, the G25F2A is the runner-up at 24.5 inches ($50 to $100 tier).
A monitor showing a desktop app in a dim room Panel
The KG241Y X1 lists IPS; the G25F2A lists SuperSpeed IPS; the VG249QM5A and the VG259QM5A list Fast IPS; the MAG 274QF lists Rapid IPS. Settling panel first narrows 5 picks to 2, 1 or 1 or 1.
Response
The KG241Y X1 and the MAG 274QF list 0.5ms; the G25F2A lists 1ms. Settling response first narrows 3 picks to 2 or 1.
A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop Extras that separate them
The G25F2A: a 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. The VG249QM5A: a 3-year warranty. The MAG 274QF: a 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p.
How to Choose a FreeSync Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the G25F2A the next step up | KG241Y X1 | The cheapest way into this group, below the G25F2A |
| Buyers who want 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing | G25F2A | A 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want 240Hz at a budget price tier | VG249QM5A | 240Hz at a budget price tier |
| Buyers who want 240Hz at 1080p | VG259QM5A | 240Hz at 1080p |
| Buyers who put screen size first | MAG 274QF | The largest screen size here (27 inches) |
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.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| MAG 274QF | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The KG241Y X1 was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the MAG 274QF the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | KG241Y X1, G25F2A |
| About $100 to $150 | VG249QM5A, VG259QM5A |
| About $150 to $250 | MAG 274QF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MAG 274QF ahead of the G25F2A on screen size?
The MAG 274QF leads at 27 inches, with the G25F2A at 24.5 inches. The VG249QM5A closes the ranking at 23.8 inches.
What does the MAG 274QF add over the KG241Y X1?
On paper it adds screen size (27 inches against 23.8 inches). On our last price check the KG241Y X1 was in the $50 to $100 tier and the MAG 274QF in the $150 to $250 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size decides your purchase.
Why is the MAG 274QF our Largest Screen Size pick?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (27 inches). On screen size it leads the G25F2A, 27 inches against 24.5 inches, a 10% margin. The KG241Y X1, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at anyone who puts screen size first.
Do the KG241Y X1 and the MAG 274QF differ on resolution?
The KG241Y X1, the G25F2A, the VG249QM5A and the VG259QM5A use 1920x1080 (1080p); the MAG 274QF uses 2560x1440 (1440p).
What extras do the KG241Y X1 and the G25F2A include?
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: 240Hz at a budget price tier.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the KG241Y X1, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the G25F2A. Look at the G25F2A for a 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing, the VG249QM5A for 240Hz at a budget price tier and the VG259QM5A for 240Hz at 1080p if those matter more to you.
Enable FreeSync in both the monitor menu and the AMD driver.
Related Guides
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- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Monitors Under $80
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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