Buying Guide
The Best FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitors
Five monitors compared, from the KG251Q X3 to the VG279QM5A, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
FreeSync Premium adds low framerate compensation, which keeps motion smooth when frame rates fall. Every pick is certified FreeSync Premium, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by refresh rate, resolution and size, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips panel, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
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)
Rapid IPS Panel
MSI MAG 274QF E20
A rapid IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a rapid IPS panel.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 274QF E20 (opens in a new tab)
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)
Premium Pick
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A
A 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A (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 rapid IPS panel. | Buyers who want a rapid IPS panel. | Check price for MSI MAG 274QF E20 (opens in a new tab) |
| 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) |
| A 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A (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 VG259QMR5A (310Hz).
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.
It matches the KG241Y X1 and the MAG 274QF on refresh rate (200Hz). On screen size it ties with the VG259QMR5A at 24.5 inches. You also get 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. It undercut the KG241Y X1 and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the VG259QMR5A (310Hz). If that matters, the VG259QMR5A offers 310Hz.
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 VG259QMR5A (310Hz)
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 screen size matters most to you; the MAG 274QF offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It is a solid first gaming monitor. On refresh rate it ties with the KG251Q X3 and the MAG 274QF at 200Hz. Its 23.8 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the MAG 274QF leads at 27 inches.
An IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the VG279QM5A uses 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. When we checked, only the KG251Q X3 cost less, and the MAG 274QF cost more.
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
- Screen size trails the MAG 274QF (27 inches)
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Rapid IPS Panel3 of 5
MSI MAG 274QF E20 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MAG 274QF runs 1440p at 200Hz on a Rapid IPS panel with FreeSync Premium.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rapid IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the VG259QMR5A offers 310Hz.
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.
It matches the KG251Q X3 and the KG241Y X1 on refresh rate (200Hz). On screen size it ties with the VG279QM5A at 27 inches. It is the only pick here with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution; the KG251Q X3 has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution instead.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Its price falls between the KG241Y X1 and the VG259QMR5A, based on our last check. If refresh rate is your priority, the VG259QMR5A (310Hz) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & 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 VG259QMR5A (310Hz)
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh4 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
- If budget leads, the KG251Q X3 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Nothing else here matches its 310Hz refresh rate; the VG279QM5A comes closest at 240Hz. It matches the KG251Q X3 on screen size (24.5 inches). It shares a fast IPS panel with the VG279QM5A; the MAG 274QF goes with a rapid IPS panel.
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. Another plus is 99% sRGB colour coverage. When we checked, only the MAG 274QF and cheaper picks cost less, and the VG279QM5A cost more.
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 KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG279QM5A is built around a 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz, with a 3-year warranty on top.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the KG251Q X3 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 240Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 240Hz: the VG259QMR5A offers 310Hz, and the MAG 274QF comes in at 200Hz. It matches the MAG 274QF on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a fast IPS panel with the VG259QMR5A; the MAG 274QF goes with a rapid IPS panel. You also get 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the VG259QMR5A the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 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 Premium Gaming 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 as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the KG251Q X3 to the VG279QM5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The KG251Q X3 gives no panel; the VG279QM5A gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the KG251Q X3 ($50 to $100) to the VG279QM5A ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 200Hz on the MAG 274QF to 310Hz on the VG259QMR5A. The VG259QMR5A is the pick for refresh rate.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the KG241Y X1 to 27 inches on the MAG 274QF. Start with the MAG 274QF if screen size decides it.
Panel
The KG241Y X1 lists IPS; the MAG 274QF lists Rapid IPS; the VG259QMR5A and the VG279QM5A list Fast IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Response
The KG251Q X3, the KG241Y X1 and the MAG 274QF list 0.5ms; the VG259QMR5A lists 0.3ms.
Fit and compatibility
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.
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 Premium Gaming 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 rapid IPS panel | MAG 274QF | A rapid IPS panel |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | VG259QMR5A | The highest refresh rate here (310Hz) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | VG279QM5A | A 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The VG259QMR5A leads on refresh rate at 310Hz, ahead of the VG279QM5A 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 |
| MAG 274QF | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
| VG259QMR5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| VG279QM5A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 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 VG279QM5A the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | KG251Q X3, KG241Y X1 |
| About $150 to $250 | MAG 274QF, VG259QMR5A, VG279QM5A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the VG259QMR5A ahead of the VG279QM5A on refresh rate?
The VG259QMR5A leads at 310Hz, with the VG279QM5A at 240Hz. The MAG 274QF is at the other end of this group with 200Hz.
Is the VG279QM5A worth paying more than the KG251Q X3?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 200Hz) and screen size (27 inches against 24.5 inches). The KG251Q X3 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the KG241Y X1 the IPS Panel?
It earns the label for an IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants an IPS panel.
Do the KG251Q X3 and the MAG 274QF differ on resolution?
The KG251Q X3, the KG241Y X1, the VG259QMR5A and the VG279QM5A use 1920x1080 (1080p); the MAG 274QF uses 2560x1440 (1440p).
What should I check before buying the KG251Q X3?
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.
Beyond the specs, what sets the KG251Q X3 and the KG241Y X1 apart?
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 MAG 274QF: a 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p.
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 MAG 274QF for a rapid IPS panel and the VG279QM5A for a 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Turn on adaptive sync in both the monitor menu and the GPU driver.