Buying Guide
The Best 1080p 144Hz Gaming Monitors
Five monitors compared, from the G24B36N to the C24G42E, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 1080p high-refresh monitor is the cheapest real upgrade over 60Hz. Every pick is a 1080p panel between 144Hz and 200Hz, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; where a maker leaves out adaptive sync, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
AOC G24B36NUndercutting the Dell SE2426H on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $100.
Check price for AOC G24B36N on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Dell SE2426H 24-inchUltra-thin bezels.
Best for: Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels.
Check price for Dell SE2426H 24-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
AOC 24G42HEThe highest refresh rate here (200Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Check price for AOC 24G42HE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Dell 27 SE2726HThe largest screen size here (27 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AOC C24G42E CurvedThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 1500R curve.
Best for: Buyers who want a 1500R curve and can spend more than the SE2726H costs.
Check price for AOC C24G42E Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the Dell SE2426H on price when we checked. | Keeping the cost under $100. | Check price for AOC G24B36N on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Ultra-thin bezels. | Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels. | Check price for Dell SE2426H 24-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (200Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for AOC 24G42HE on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (27 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 1500R curve. | Buyers who want a 1500R curve and can spend more than the SE2726H costs. | Check price for AOC C24G42E Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
AOC G24B36N
The G24B36N runs 180Hz overclocked on a VA panel and includes HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $100.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when a VA panel that can smear dark transitions is a problem.
Why we like it
VA gives good contrast but can smear dark scenes. It has HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 and a headphone output, with Adaptive Sync and HDR support. On refresh rate it ties with the C24G42E at 180Hz.
It matches the Dell SE2426H on screen size (23.8 inches). It shares a VA panel with the C24G42E; the SE2726H goes with an IPS panel. It also comes with an overclocked 180Hz mode above 144Hz native.
At 1080p, 180Hz 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 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Dell SE2426H the next step up.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 180Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 23.8 inches
- Panel
- VA
- Response
- 0.5ms
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs
- Overclocked 180Hz mode above 144Hz native
- Undercutting the Dell SE2426H on price when we checked
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the 24G42HE (200Hz)
The catch
What it gives up: refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the 24G42HE (200Hz); by contrast, the 24G42HE offers 200Hz.
Also Consider2 of 5
Dell SE2426H 24-inch
The SE2426H is Dell's 144Hz IPS monitor at the lowest price in this list.
Best for
- Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the SE2726H offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It covers the basics without extras. It runs at 144Hz with a 1ms MPRT response and carries TÜV Rheinland's 3-star eye comfort certification. The 178-degree viewing angles keep colour consistent off-axis.
On refresh rate it ties with the SE2726H at 144Hz. It matches the G24B36N on screen size (23.8 inches). It shares an IPS panel with the 24G42HE and SE2726H; the C24G42E goes with a VA panel.
It is the only pick here with an AMD FreeSync; the 24G42HE has a G-SYNC Compatible instead. It also offers ultra-thin bezels and two HDMI inputs. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It was priced above the G24B36N and below the 24G42HE at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 23.8 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Adaptive sync
- AMD FreeSync
- Stand
- tilt only
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- AMD FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- Ultra-thin bezels
Cons
- Screen size trails the SE2726H (27 inches)
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on screen size, where the SE2726H comes in at 27 inches.
Fastest Refresh3 of 5
AOC 24G42HE
The 24G42HE matches that 200Hz rate with a wider 116% sRGB colour coverage and G-SYNC Compatible support.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the G24B36N was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Nothing else here matches its 200Hz refresh rate; the G24B36N comes closest at 180Hz. It matches the C24G42E on screen size (24 inches). It shares an IPS panel with the Dell SE2426H and SE2726H; the C24G42E goes with a VA panel.
No other pick in this guide offers a G-SYNC Compatible; compare the Dell SE2426H, which has an AMD FreeSync. 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. When we checked, only the Dell SE2426H and cheaper picks cost less, and the SE2726H cost more.
Key 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
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size4 of 5
Dell 27 SE2726H
The SE2726H is built around a 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz, with wide IPS viewing angles on top.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the 24G42HE offers 200Hz.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the Dell SE2426H on refresh rate (144Hz). Nothing else here matches its 27 inches screen size; the 24G42HE comes closest at 24 inches.
Like the Dell SE2426H and 24G42HE, it has an IPS panel, while the G24B36N uses a VA panel. You get a FreeSync here, which sets it apart from the 24G42HE and its a G-SYNC Compatible. At 1080p, 144Hz 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 fourth of 5, between the cheaper 24G42HE and the pricier C24G42E, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the 24G42HE (200Hz)
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the 24G42HE offers 200Hz.
Premium Pick5 of 5
AOC C24G42E Curved
The C24G42E stands out for a 1500R curve, and it adds a three-sided frameless design.
Best for
- Buyers who want a 1500R curve and can spend more than the SE2726H costs.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
It also offers a 180Hz refresh rate and offers a 24 inches screen size. The 24-inch 1080p VA panel curves at 1500R. It reaches 180Hz over DisplayPort 1.4 with a 1ms MPRT response.
It shares a VA panel with the G24B36N; the Dell SE2426H goes with an IPS panel. It also offers a budget price tier. At 1080p, 180Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. Only the SE2726H came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 180Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 24 inches
- Panel
- VA
- Response
- 0.5ms
- HDR
- HDR
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1500R curve
- Three-sided frameless design
- Budget price tier
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
How We Chose These 1080p 144Hz Gaming 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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and adaptive sync is missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the G24B36N to the C24G42E, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The G24B36N and the C24G42E give no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the G24B36N ($50 to $100) to the C24G42E ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a 1080p 144Hz Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 144Hz on the SE2726H to 200Hz on the 24G42HE, a 39% spread. For less, the G24B36N is the runner-up at 180Hz.
How much screen size you need
The SE2726H tops screen size at 27 inches and the Dell SE2426H sits lowest at 23.8 inches. The 24G42HE comes second at 24 inches, in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 for the SE2726H.
A large monitor showing a game on a low media unit Response
The G24B36N and the C24G42E list 0.5ms; the Dell SE2426H and the SE2726H list 1ms; the 24G42HE lists 0.3ms. Settling response first narrows 5 picks to 2 or 2 or 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The 24G42HE: a 200Hz IPS panel. The SE2726H: wide IPS viewing angles. The C24G42E: a three-sided frameless design.
A gaming monitor on a desk with purple bias lighting How much to spend
$50 to $100 buys the G24B36N, the Dell SE2426H and the 24G42HE; $100 to $150 buys the SE2726H and the C24G42E at our last check.
How to Choose a 1080p 144Hz Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the cost under $100 | G24B36N | Undercutting the Dell SE2426H on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels | Dell SE2426H | Ultra-thin bezels |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | 24G42HE | The highest refresh rate here (200Hz) |
| Buyers who put screen size first | SE2726H | The largest screen size here (27 inches) |
| Buyers who want a 1500R curve and can spend more than the SE2726H costs | C24G42E | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 1500R curve |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The 24G42HE leads on refresh rate at 200Hz, ahead of the G24B36N at 180Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G24B36N | 180Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | VA |
| Dell SE2426H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| 24G42HE | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
| SE2726H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| C24G42E | 180Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | VA |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the G24B36N, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the C24G42E at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | G24B36N, Dell SE2426H, 24G42HE |
| About $100 to $150 | SE2726H, C24G42E |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the 24G42HE or the G24B36N?
Between the top two, it is 200Hz on the 24G42HE against 180Hz on the G24B36N, an 11% difference. The SE2726H is at the other end of this group with 144Hz.
How does the 24G42HE compare with the SE2726H on screen size?
The SE2726H leads at 27 inches, with the 24G42HE at 24 inches. The Dell SE2426H closes the ranking at 23.8 inches.
Is the C24G42E worth paying more than the G24B36N?
What it brings is screen size (24 inches against 23.8 inches). The G24B36N sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the C24G42E in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size decides your purchase.
What makes the 24G42HE the Fastest Refresh?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (200Hz). The G24B36N is next on refresh rate at 180Hz, so this pick's 200Hz is 11% further out. It makes sense for competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Do the G24B36N and the Dell SE2426H differ on panel?
The G24B36N and the C24G42E use VA; the Dell SE2426H, the 24G42HE and the SE2726H use IPS.
Beyond the specs, what sets the G24B36N and the Dell SE2426H apart?
The G24B36N: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. The Dell SE2426H: ultra-thin bezels. The 24G42HE: a 200Hz IPS panel.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the G24B36N, chosen for undercutting the Dell SE2426H on price when we checked. Look at the Dell SE2426H for ultra-thin bezels, the SE2726H for the largest screen size here (27 inches) and the C24G42E for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 1500R curve if those matter more to you.
Set the refresh rate in Windows; many monitors start at 60Hz.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Monitors to Buy Now
- Related guideThe Best 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget Gaming Monitors
- Higher budgetThe Best FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitors
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1080p Monitor
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1440p Monitor
- Also see: graphics cardsWhen Is Integrated Graphics Enough for a PC?
- Similar guideThe Best 27-Inch 144Hz Gaming Monitors
- Topic hubAll gaming monitors guides
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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