Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Monitors for Small Desks
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the XQ2566X has the highest refresh rate, and the KG251Q X3 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A small desk limits how big a screen you can sit in front of. Every pick is 25 inches or smaller with a refresh rate of 144Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and if a maker skips panel, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X
The highest refresh rate here (360Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Alienware AW2525HM
320Hz at 1080p.
Best for: Buyers who want 320Hz at 1080p.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab)
Fast IPS Panel
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A
A fast IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
AOC 25G51Z
The largest screen size here (25 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
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)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (360Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X (opens in a new tab) |
| 320Hz at 1080p. | Buyers who want 320Hz at 1080p. | Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab) |
| A fast IPS panel. | Buyers who want a fast IPS panel. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (25 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for AOC 25G51Z (opens in a new tab) |
| 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) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XQ2566X uses a Fast TN panel at 1440p with BenQ's DyAc 3 blur reduction, aimed purely at esports.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the 25G51Z offers 25 inches.
Why we like it
Nothing else here matches its 360Hz refresh rate; the AW2525HM comes closest at 320Hz. On screen size it trails the group at 24.1 inches, while the 25G51Z comes in at 25 inches. No other pick in this guide offers a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution; compare the 25G51Z, which has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
No other pick in this guide offers a fast TN panel; compare the VG259QMRL5A, which has a fast IPS panel. To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. 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 AW2525HM and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 24.1 inches
- Panel: Fast TN
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports
- Fast TN panel, the only one here
Cons
- Screen size trails the 25G51Z (25 inches)
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Also Consider2 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 320Hz at 1080p.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the KG251Q X3 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It targets competitive shooters on a mid-range PC. Its 320Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the XQ2566X (360Hz) and ahead of the KG251Q X3 (200Hz). On screen size it ties with the VG259QMRL5A and the KG251Q X3 at 24.5 inches.
Like the 25G51Z, it has an IPS panel, while the XQ2566X uses a fast TN panel. It shares a G-SYNC Compatible with the 25G51Z; the KG251Q X3 goes with a FreeSync Premium. 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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper VG259QMRL5A and the pricier XQ2566X, 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 KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Fast IPS Panel3 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's VG259QMRL5A runs a 24.5-inch 1080p Fast IPS panel at 310Hz and adds DisplayHDR 400 and a height-adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the KG251Q X3 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is the esports model in the TUF line. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 310Hz: the XQ2566X offers 360Hz, and the KG251Q X3 comes in at 200Hz. It matches the AW2525HM and the KG251Q X3 on screen size (24.5 inches).
A fast IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the XQ2566X uses a fast TN 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. When we checked, only the 25G51Z and cheaper picks cost less, and the AW2525HM cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 310Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height adjustment
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
Largest Screen Size4 of 5
AOC 25G51Z on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 25G51Z reaches 260Hz overclocked on a 25-inch IPS panel, the highest refresh here.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the KG251Q X3 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 260Hz: the XQ2566X offers 360Hz, and the KG251Q X3 comes in at 200Hz. Nothing else here matches its 25 inches screen size; the AW2525HM comes closest at 24.5 inches. It shares an IPS panel with the AW2525HM; the VG259QMRL5A goes with a fast IPS panel.
Like the AW2525HM, it has a G-SYNC Compatible, while the KG251Q X3 uses a FreeSync Premium. At 1080p, 260Hz 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 KG251Q X3 cost less, and the VG259QMRL5A cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 260Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 25 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 260Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
- Largest screen size of the picks (25 inches)
Cons
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 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
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the XQ2566X offers 360Hz.
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.
On refresh rate it trails the group at 200Hz, while the XQ2566X offers 360Hz. It matches the AW2525HM and the VG259QMRL5A on screen size (24.5 inches). No other pick in this guide offers a FreeSync Premium; compare the AW2525HM, which has a G-SYNC Compatible.
It also offers 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the 25G51Z was closest. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the XQ2566X covers it better at 360Hz.
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 XQ2566X
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the XQ2566X (360Hz)
How We Chose These Gaming Monitors for Small Desks
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up 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 XQ2566X to the KG251Q X3, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The KG251Q X3 gives no panel; the XQ2566X and the VG259QMRL5A give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the KG251Q X3 ($50 to $100) to the XQ2566X ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Gaming Monitor for Small Desks
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 200Hz on the KG251Q X3 to 360Hz on the XQ2566X. The AW2525HM comes second for less money.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 24.1 inches on the XQ2566X to 25 inches on the 25G51Z. The 25G51Z is the pick for screen size.
Panel
The XQ2566X lists Fast TN; the AW2525HM and the 25G51Z list IPS; the VG259QMRL5A lists Fast IPS.
Extras that separate them
The VG259QMRL5A: DisplayHDR 400 certification. The 25G51Z: an overclocked 260Hz refresh rate. The KG251Q X3: a 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing.
How much to spend
$50 to $100 buys the KG251Q X3; $100 to $150 buys the 25G51Z; $150 to $250 buys the VG259QMRL5A and the AW2525HM; $500 to $1000 buys the XQ2566X at our last check.
How to Choose a Gaming Monitor for Small Desks
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | XQ2566X | The highest refresh rate here (360Hz) |
| Buyers who want 320Hz at 1080p | AW2525HM | 320Hz at 1080p |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | VG259QMRL5A | A fast IPS panel |
| Buyers who put screen size first | 25G51Z | The largest screen size here (25 inches) |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | KG251Q X3 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The XQ2566X leads on refresh rate at 360Hz, ahead of the AW2525HM at 320Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XQ2566X | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 24.1 inches | Fast TN |
| AW2525HM | 320Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | IPS |
| VG259QMRL5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| 25G51Z | 260Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 25 inches | IPS |
| KG251Q X3 | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The KG251Q X3 was the lowest-priced pick and the XQ2566X the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | KG251Q X3 |
| About $100 to $150 | 25G51Z |
| About $150 to $250 | VG259QMRL5A, AW2525HM |
| About $500 to $1000 | XQ2566X |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the AW2525HM compare with the XQ2566X on refresh rate?
The XQ2566X leads at 360Hz, with the AW2525HM at 320Hz. The KG251Q X3 is at the other end of this group with 200Hz.
Which has the largest screen size: the 25G51Z or the AW2525HM?
The 25G51Z leads at 25 inches, with the AW2525HM at 24.5 inches. The XQ2566X is at the other end of this group with 24.1 inches.
What does the XQ2566X add over the KG251Q X3?
On paper it adds refresh rate (360Hz against 200Hz). It does not win everywhere: the KG251Q X3 still leads on screen size (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.
Why is the XQ2566X our Fastest Refresh pick?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (360Hz). It suits esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the XQ2566X and the AW2525HM differ on resolution?
The XQ2566X uses 2560x1440 (1440p); the AW2525HM, the VG259QMRL5A, the 25G51Z and the KG251Q X3 use 1920x1080 (1080p).
What extras do the XQ2566X and the AW2525HM include?
The XQ2566X: DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports. The AW2525HM: 320Hz at 1080p. The VG259QMRL5A: a 310Hz overclocked refresh rate.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the XQ2566X. Look at the AW2525HM for 320Hz at 1080p, the VG259QMRL5A for a fast IPS panel and the 25G51Z for the largest screen size here (25 inches) if those matter more to you.
Check the stand footprint; a monitor arm frees desk depth.