Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Monitors for Counter-Strike 2
Five monitors compared, from the SE2426HG to the Gigabyte MO27Q2A, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Counter-Strike 2 players tend to favour high refresh rates and fast response over resolution. Every pick is a 1080p or 1440p monitor at 240Hz or more that cost $400 or less, ordered by refresh rate.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; a missing response is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
IPS Panel
Alienware AW2525HM
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI MAG 274QPF X32
AI Vision for dark-area detail.
Best for: Buyers who want AI Vision for dark-area detail.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 274QPF X32 (opens in a new tab)
VA Panel
AOC C27G4ZH Curved
A VA panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a VA panel.
Our take Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED
An AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SE2426HG costs less.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz
A lower price than the C27G4ZH and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 240Hz at a budget price tier for the least money.
Our take Check price for Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab) |
| AI Vision for dark-area detail. | Buyers who want AI Vision for dark-area detail. | Check price for MSI MAG 274QPF X32 (opens in a new tab) |
| A VA panel. | Buyers who want a VA panel. | Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab) |
| An AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SE2426HG costs less. | Check price for GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the C27G4ZH and the rest when we checked. | Getting 240Hz at a budget price tier for the least money. | Check price for Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
IPS Panel1 of 5
Alienware AW2525HM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2525HM runs a 24.5-inch 1080p IPS panel at 320Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SE2426HG cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It targets competitive shooters on a mid-range PC. On refresh rate it ties with the MAG 274QPF at 320Hz. Its 24.5 inches screen size ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the MAG 274QPF (27 inches) and ahead of the SE2426HG (23.8 inches).
It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the C27G4ZH and SE2426HG; the Gigabyte MO27Q2A goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. You get an IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the SE2426HG and its a fast IPS panel. It is the only pick here with a G-SYNC Compatible; the Gigabyte MO27Q2A has a FreeSync Premium Pro instead.
It also offers a 0.5ms response time and Alienware styling at a mid price tier. At 1080p, 320Hz 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 C27G4ZH and below the MAG 274QPF at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 320Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2426HG at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
MSI MAG 274QPF X32 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MAG 274QPF is built around AI Vision for dark-area detail.
Best for
- Buyers who want AI Vision for dark-area detail.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SE2426HG was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 320Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the Gigabyte MO27Q2A; the C27G4ZH goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. A rapid IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the C27G4ZH uses a VA panel.
To see 320Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. When we checked, only the AW2525HM and cheaper picks cost less, and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 320Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Rapid IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 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
- Costs more than the SE2426HG at the time of writing
VA Panel3 of 5
AOC C27G4ZH Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's C27G4ZH curves a 27-inch 1080p VA panel and runs it at 280Hz on a height, tilt and swivel stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want a VA panel.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when a VA panel that can smear dark transitions is a problem.
Why we like it
It trades resolution for speed. It refreshes at 280Hz with a 0.3ms response time. The 1500R curve wraps the image around your view.
The 1500R curve keeps the corners of the 27-inch panel in view. It matches the Gigabyte MO27Q2A on refresh rate (280Hz). On screen size it ties with the MAG 274QPF and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A at 27 inches.
Like the AW2525HM and SE2426HG, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the MAG 274QPF uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It is the only pick here with a VA panel; the AW2525HM has an IPS panel instead. You also get VESA mounting.
At 1080p, 280Hz 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 SE2426HG and the AW2525HM, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 280Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: VA
- Response: 0.3ms
- HDR: HDR
- Stand: height, tilt and swivel
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a stand with height, tilt and swivel
- 280Hz on a 1500R curve
- Height-adjustable stand
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Costs more than the SE2426HG at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Gigabyte MO27Q2A brings to the table is an AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SE2426HG costs less.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements is a problem.
Why we like it
It also offers a 280Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On screen size it ties with the MAG 274QPF and the C27G4ZH at 27 inches. Like the MAG 274QPF, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2525HM uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
No other pick in this guide offers a QD-OLED panel; compare the C27G4ZH, which has a VA panel. You get a FreeSync Premium Pro here, which sets it apart from the AW2525HM and its a G-SYNC Compatible. To see 280Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. 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 MAG 274QPF and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 280Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the SE2426HG at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SE2426HG is Dell's 23.8-inch 240Hz Fast IPS model with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Getting 240Hz at a budget price tier for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2525HM offers 320Hz.
Why we like it
It costs about $100 at the time of writing. Its 240Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the AW2525HM leads at 320Hz. On screen size it trails the group at 23.8 inches, while the MAG 274QPF comes in at 27 inches.
Like the AW2525HM and C27G4ZH, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the MAG 274QPF uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a fast IPS panel; compare the C27G4ZH, which has a VA panel. It also offers 240Hz at a budget price tier and a 23.8-inch size for close desks.
At 1080p, 240Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It undercut the C27G4ZH and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- 240Hz at a budget price tier
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2525HM (320Hz)
- Screen size trails the MAG 274QPF (27 inches)
How We Chose These Gaming Monitors for Counter-Strike 2
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and response and color gamut are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the AW2525HM to the SE2426HG, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte MO27Q2A and the SE2426HG give no response; the MAG 274QPF, the C27G4ZH and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SE2426HG ($50 to $100) to the Gigabyte MO27Q2A ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Gaming Monitor for Counter-Strike 2
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Across these 5 picks refresh rate spans 240Hz (the SE2426HG) to 320Hz (the AW2525HM). If refresh rate is your first filter, the AW2525HM sets the ceiling at 320Hz.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the SE2426HG to 27 inches on the MAG 274QPF, a 13% spread. The C27G4ZH comes second at 27 inches, in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 for the MAG 274QPF.
Panel
The AW2525HM lists IPS; the MAG 274QPF lists Rapid IPS; the C27G4ZH lists VA; the Gigabyte MO27Q2A lists QD-OLED; the SE2426HG lists Fast IPS. Settling panel first narrows 5 picks to 1, 1, 1 or 1 or 1.
Response
The AW2525HM and the MAG 274QPF list 0.5ms; the C27G4ZH lists 0.3ms. Sort out response before price: it splits 3 stated picks into groups of 2 and 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The C27G4ZH: a height-adjustable stand. The Gigabyte MO27Q2A: an AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in. The SE2426HG: 99% sRGB coverage.
How to Choose a Gaming Monitor for Counter-Strike 2
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | AW2525HM | An IPS panel |
| Buyers who want AI Vision for dark-area detail | MAG 274QPF | AI Vision for dark-area detail |
| Buyers who want a VA panel | C27G4ZH | A VA panel |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SE2426HG costs less | Gigabyte MO27Q2A | An AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in at the highest price in the group |
| Getting 240Hz at a budget price tier for the least money | SE2426HG | A lower price than the C27G4ZH and the rest when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2525HM leads on refresh rate at 320Hz, ahead of the MAG 274QPF at 320Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2525HM | 320Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | IPS |
| MAG 274QPF | 320Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
| C27G4ZH | 280Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | VA |
| Gigabyte MO27Q2A | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| SE2426HG | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the SE2426HG, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Gigabyte MO27Q2A at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | SE2426HG |
| About $150 to $250 | C27G4ZH, AW2525HM |
| About $250 to $500 | MAG 274QPF, Gigabyte MO27Q2A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gigabyte MO27Q2A worth paying more than the SE2426HG?
On paper it adds refresh rate (280Hz against 240Hz) and screen size (27 inches against 23.8 inches). The SE2426HG sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate and screen size decide your purchase.
What makes the AW2525HM the IPS Panel?
The label rests on an IPS panel. The SE2426HG, 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 wants an IPS panel.
Do the AW2525HM and the MAG 274QPF differ on resolution?
The AW2525HM, the C27G4ZH and the SE2426HG use 1920x1080 (1080p); the MAG 274QPF and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A use 2560x1440 (1440p).
Beyond the specs, what sets the AW2525HM and the MAG 274QPF apart?
The AW2525HM: 320Hz at 1080p. The MAG 274QPF: AI Vision for dark-area detail. The C27G4ZH: 280Hz on a 1500R curve.
Who should choose the C27G4ZH?
The C27G4ZH carries our VA Panel label for a VA panel. It ranks third of 5 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who wants a VA panel.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2525HM, chosen for an IPS panel. Look at the MAG 274QPF for AI Vision for dark-area detail, the C27G4ZH for a VA panel and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A for an AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Use DisplayPort and set the refresh rate in Windows, not just in the game.