Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Monitors Under $100
Five monitors compared, from the KG251Q X3 to the SE2426HG, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A $100 ceiling rules out the premium models, which makes the differences between the rest matter more. Every monitor here cost $100 or less when we checked and refreshes at 120Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
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.
SuperSpeed IPS Panel
GIGABYTE G25F2A
A superSpeed IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a superSpeed IPS panel.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE G25F2A (opens in a new tab)
Fast IPS Panel
Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz
A fast IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Our take Check price for Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Acer Nitro KG251Q X3
A 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who want 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing.
Our take Check price for Acer Nitro KG251Q X3 (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
AOC 24G42HE
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
VA Panel
Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor
A VA panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a VA panel.
Our take Check price for Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A superSpeed IPS panel. | Buyers who want a superSpeed IPS panel. | Check price for GIGABYTE G25F2A (opens in a new tab) |
| A fast IPS panel. | Buyers who want a fast IPS panel. | Check price for Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab) |
| A 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing. | Buyers who want 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing. | Check price for Acer Nitro KG251Q X3 (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for AOC 24G42HE (opens in a new tab) |
| A VA panel. | Buyers who want a VA panel. | Check price for Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
SuperSpeed IPS Panel1 of 5
GIGABYTE G25F2A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G25F2A runs a 24.5-inch IPS panel at 240Hz with FreeSync Premium at a price that used to buy 144Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want a superSpeed IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
It is the pick for fast games. It matches the SE2426HG on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the KG251Q X3 at 24.5 inches.
It is the only pick here with a SuperSpeed IPS panel; the SE2426HG has a fast IPS panel instead. It is the only pick here with a 120% sRGB color gamut; the SE2426HG has a 99% sRGB color gamut instead. It shares a FreeSync Premium with the KG251Q X3; the Westinghouse 24 Curved goes with a FreeSync.
It also offers a 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. At 1080p, 240Hz 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 24G42HE and the SE2426HG, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: SuperSpeed IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR10
- Color gamut: 120% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a SuperSpeed IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 120% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Fast IPS Panel2 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
- Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the G25F2A offers 24.5 inches.
Why we like it
It costs about $100 at the time of writing. It matches the G25F2A on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 23.8 inches, while the G25F2A comes in at 24.5 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a fast IPS panel; compare the G25F2A, which has a SuperSpeed IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers a 99% sRGB color gamut; compare the 24G42HE, which has a 116% sRGB color gamut. You also get 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.
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
- Screen size trails the G25F2A (24.5 inches)
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Also Consider3 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 want 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the G25F2A (240Hz).
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 24G42HE on refresh rate (200Hz). On screen size it ties with the G25F2A at 24.5 inches. It shares a FreeSync Premium with the G25F2A; the Westinghouse 24 Curved goes with a FreeSync.
It also comes with 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. The main gap: refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the G25F2A (240Hz). If that matters, the G25F2A offers 240Hz.
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 24G42HE
Cons
- Refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the G25F2A (240Hz)
IPS Panel4 of 5
AOC 24G42HE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 24G42HE matches that 200Hz rate with a wider 116% sRGB colour coverage and G-SYNC Compatible support.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the KG251Q X3 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it ties with the KG251Q X3 at 200Hz. It matches the Westinghouse 24 Curved on screen size (24 inches). You get an IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the SE2426HG and its a fast IPS panel.
You get a 116% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the SE2426HG and its a 99% sRGB color gamut. It is the only pick here with a G-SYNC Compatible; the G25F2A has a FreeSync Premium instead. 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. It was priced above the Westinghouse 24 Curved and below the G25F2A at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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 KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
VA Panel5 of 5
Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Westinghouse's 24-inch curved monitor uses a VA panel with a 3000:1 contrast ratio and a 165Hz refresh rate.
Best for
- Buyers who want a VA panel.
Skip if
- Pass on it if a VA panel that can smear dark transition rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It adds built-in speakers and FreeSync at one of the lowest prices here. On refresh rate it trails the group at 165Hz, while the G25F2A offers 240Hz. It matches the 24G42HE on screen size (24 inches).
A VA panel is unique to it among these picks, while the G25F2A uses a SuperSpeed IPS panel. A 110% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the G25F2A uses a 120% sRGB color gamut. No other pick in this guide offers a FreeSync; compare the 24G42HE, which has a G-SYNC Compatible.
You also get a 1500R curved screen. At 1080p, 165Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the G25F2A covers it better at 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24 inches
- Panel: VA
- Response: 1ms
- Color gamut: 110% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 110% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- 3000:1 contrast ratio from its VA panel
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Refresh rate trails the G25F2A (240Hz)
How We Chose These Gaming Monitors Under $100
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the G25F2A to the Westinghouse 24 Curved, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The KG251Q X3 gives no panel; the SE2426HG gives no response.
- Price range
- From the KG251Q X3 to the SE2426HG, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Gaming Monitor Under $100
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 165Hz on the Westinghouse 24 Curved to 240Hz on the G25F2A. The G25F2A is the pick for refresh rate.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the SE2426HG to 24.5 inches on the G25F2A. The KG251Q X3 comes second for less money.
Response
The G25F2A and the Westinghouse 24 Curved list 1ms; the KG251Q X3 lists 0.5ms; the 24G42HE lists 0.3ms. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Features beyond the spec table
The KG251Q X3: a 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing. The 24G42HE: a 200Hz IPS panel. The Westinghouse 24 Curved: a 1500R curved screen.
Budget
All 5 sat in one tier when we checked, from the KG251Q X3 at the low end to the SE2426HG at the top, so decide on features first.
How to Choose a Gaming Monitor Under $100
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want a superSpeed IPS panel | G25F2A | A superSpeed IPS panel |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | SE2426HG | A fast IPS panel |
| Buyers who want 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing | KG251Q X3 | A 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | 24G42HE | An IPS panel |
| Buyers who want a VA panel | Westinghouse 24 Curved | A VA panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The G25F2A leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the SE2426HG at 240Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G25F2A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | SuperSpeed IPS |
| SE2426HG | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | Fast IPS |
| KG251Q X3 | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Not listed |
| 24G42HE | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
| Westinghouse 24 Curved | 165Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | VA |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SE2426HG worth paying more than the KG251Q X3?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz 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.
What makes the 24G42HE the IPS Panel?
It earns the label for an IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants an IPS panel.
Do the G25F2A and the SE2426HG differ on panel?
The G25F2A uses SuperSpeed IPS; the SE2426HG uses Fast IPS; the 24G42HE uses IPS; the Westinghouse 24 Curved uses VA. The maker of the KG251Q X3 doesn't say.
Beyond the specs, what sets the G25F2A and the SE2426HG apart?
The G25F2A: a 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. The SE2426HG: 240Hz at a budget price tier. The KG251Q X3: a 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing.
Who should choose the G25F2A?
The G25F2A carries our SuperSpeed IPS Panel label for a superSpeed IPS panel. It ranks first of 5 here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the G25F2A, chosen for a superSpeed IPS panel. Look at the SE2426HG for a fast IPS panel, the KG251Q X3 for a 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing and the 24G42HE for an IPS panel if those matter more to you.
Measure desk depth before buying a larger screen.