Buying Guide
The Best 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the Sceptre 24 IPS has the highest refresh rate, and the SE2426H costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 144-180Hz IPS panel balances colour and speed at a low price. Every pick fits that, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and if a maker skips response, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Dell SE2426H
A 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who want 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing.
Strong Alternative
MSI PRO MP243L E14
Flicker-free and low blue light modes.
Best for: Buyers who want flicker-free and low blue light modes.
Our take Check price for MSI PRO MP243L E14 (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Amazon Basics 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor
Adaptive sync support.
Best for: Buyers who want adaptive sync support.
Our take Check price for Amazon Basics 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Solid Runner-Up
LG UltraGear 24G414B-B
99% sRGB colour coverage.
Best for: Buyers who want 99% sRGB colour coverage.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 24G414B-B (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
Sceptre 24-inch IPS 180Hz
The highest refresh rate here (180Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for Sceptre 24-inch IPS 180Hz (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing. | Buyers who want 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing. | Check price for Dell SE2426H (opens in a new tab) |
| Flicker-free and low blue light modes. | Buyers who want flicker-free and low blue light modes. | Check price for MSI PRO MP243L E14 (opens in a new tab) |
| Adaptive sync support. | Buyers who want adaptive sync support. | Check price for Amazon Basics 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab) |
| 99% sRGB colour coverage. | Buyers who want 99% sRGB colour coverage. | Check price for LG UltraGear 24G414B-B (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (180Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for Sceptre 24-inch IPS 180Hz (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Dell SE2426H on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SE2426H is Dell's 144Hz IPS monitor at the lowest price in this list.
Best for
- Buyers who want 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the Sceptre 24 IPS (180Hz).
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.
It matches the MP243L and the 24G414B on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the MP243L and the Amazon Basics 24 at 23.8 inches. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. The main gap: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the Sceptre 24 IPS (180Hz). If that matters, the Sceptre 24 IPS offers 180Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 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
- 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing
Cons
- Refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the Sceptre 24 IPS (180Hz)
Strong Alternative2 of 5
MSI PRO MP243L E14 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MP243L is a 23.8-inch 1080p IPS screen at 144Hz with FreeSync.
Best for
- Buyers who want flicker-free and low blue light modes.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the Sceptre 24 IPS (180Hz).
Why we like it
It is one of the lowest-priced monitors here. It matches the SE2426H and the 24G414B on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the SE2426H and the Amazon Basics 24 at 23.8 inches.
It also comes with flicker-free and low blue light modes, 1500:1 contrast and the lowest price tier among these gaming picks. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. The main gap: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the Sceptre 24 IPS (180Hz). If that matters, the Sceptre 24 IPS offers 180Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: IPS
- 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
- Flicker-free and low blue light modes
Cons
- Refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the Sceptre 24 IPS (180Hz)
Worth a Look3 of 5
Amazon Basics 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Amazon Basics 24-inch monitor is a plain 1080p IPS screen at 165Hz with adaptive sync.
Best for
- Buyers who want adaptive sync support.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the 24G414B offers 24 inches.
Why we like it
It has little beyond that, which suits a first gaming monitor on a tight budget. Its 165Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the Sceptre 24 IPS (180Hz) and ahead of the 24G414B (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the SE2426H and the MP243L at 23.8 inches.
It also offers VESA mounting. At 1080p, 165Hz 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 MP243L and the 24G414B, based on our last check. If screen size is your priority, the 24G414B (24 inches) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- Adaptive sync support
- VESA mounting
Cons
- Screen size trails the 24G414B (24 inches)
- Costs more than the SE2426H at the time of writing
Solid Runner-Up4 of 5
LG UltraGear 24G414B-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 24G414B stays at 144Hz but offers 99% sRGB and HDR10 support, a good fit for mixed use.
Best for
- Buyers who want 99% sRGB colour coverage.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it ties with the SE2426H and the MP243L at 144Hz. It matches the Sceptre 24 IPS on screen size (24 inches). You also get 99% sRGB colour coverage.
At 1080p, 144Hz 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 Amazon Basics 24 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Sceptre 24 IPS cost more. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the Sceptre 24 IPS covers it better at 180Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR10
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Refresh rate trails the Sceptre 24 IPS (180Hz)
- Costs more than the SE2426H at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh5 of 5
Sceptre 24-inch IPS 180Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Sceptre 24 IPS stands out for two DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs, and it adds built-in speakers.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SE2426H cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 180Hz refresh rate and offers a 24 inches screen size. Its 180Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the Amazon Basics 24 comes next at 165Hz. You also get a low 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. Worth noting too: 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. 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 24G414B and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- Color gamut: 100% sRGB
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 100% sRGB colour coverage
- Two DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2426H at the time of writing
How We Chose These 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the SE2426H to the Sceptre 24 IPS, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution and IPS panel.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MP243L gives no response; the SE2426H, the MP243L and the Amazon Basics 24 give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SE2426H ($50 to $100) to the Sceptre 24 IPS ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 144Hz on the 24G414B to 180Hz on the Sceptre 24 IPS. The Amazon Basics 24 comes second for less money.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the Amazon Basics 24 to 24 inches on the 24G414B. The 24G414B is the pick for screen size.
What to check at home
At 1080p, 144Hz 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 Amazon Basics 24: VESA mounting. The 24G414B: 99% sRGB colour coverage. The Sceptre 24 IPS: built-in speakers.
Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the SE2426H and the MP243L; $100 to $150 buys the Amazon Basics 24, the 24G414B and the Sceptre 24 IPS at our last check.
Match resolution to your graphics card
1080p suits entry and mid-range cards and high refresh rates. 1440p is the balance for most gaming PCs. 4K needs a high-end card to hold high frame rates.
Pick the resolution your card can drive before looking at refresh rate.
How to Choose a 144Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing | SE2426H | A 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want flicker-free and low blue light modes | MP243L | Flicker-free and low blue light modes |
| Buyers who want adaptive sync support | Amazon Basics 24 | Adaptive sync support |
| Buyers who want 99% sRGB colour coverage | 24G414B | 99% sRGB colour coverage |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | Sceptre 24 IPS | The highest refresh rate here (180Hz) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Sceptre 24 IPS leads on refresh rate at 180Hz, ahead of the Amazon Basics 24 at 165Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE2426H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| MP243L | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| Amazon Basics 24 | 165Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| 24G414B | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
| Sceptre 24 IPS | 180Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The SE2426H was the lowest-priced pick and the Sceptre 24 IPS the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | SE2426H, MP243L |
| About $100 to $150 | Amazon Basics 24, 24G414B, Sceptre 24 IPS |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sceptre 24 IPS ahead of the Amazon Basics 24 on refresh rate?
The Sceptre 24 IPS leads at 180Hz, with the Amazon Basics 24 at 165Hz. The 24G414B is at the other end of this group with 144Hz.
What does the Sceptre 24 IPS add over the SE2426H?
On paper it adds refresh rate (180Hz against 144Hz) and screen size (24 inches against 23.8 inches). The SE2426H was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the Sceptre 24 IPS our Fastest Refresh pick?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (180Hz). It suits esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the 24G414B and the Sceptre 24 IPS differ on color gamut?
The 24G414B uses 99% sRGB; the Sceptre 24 IPS uses 100% sRGB. The makers of the SE2426H, the MP243L and the Amazon Basics 24 don't say.
Will the Amazon Basics 24 work with my setup?
At 1080p, 165Hz 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 third of 5.
What extras do the SE2426H and the MP243L include?
The SE2426H: a 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing. The MP243L: flicker-free and low blue light modes. The Amazon Basics 24: adaptive sync support.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SE2426H, chosen for a 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing. Look at the MP243L for flicker-free and low blue light modes, the Amazon Basics 24 for adaptive sync support and the 24G414B for 99% sRGB colour coverage if those matter more to you.
Calibrate brightness down for long sessions.