Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Monitors Under $90
Three monitors compared, from the G24B36N to the TECLAST 16, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
A $90 ceiling rules out the premium models, which makes the differences between the rest matter more. Every monitor here cost $90 or less when we checked and refreshes at 120Hz or more, 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 panel is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
Acer Nitro KG251Q X3
The highest refresh rate here (200Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for Acer Nitro KG251Q X3 (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AOC G24B36N
Undercutting the KG251Q X3 on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
IPS Panel
TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Our take Check price for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (200Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for Acer Nitro KG251Q X3 (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the KG251Q X3 on price when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for AOC G24B36N (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 3
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
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the G24B36N was cheaper at our last price check.
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.
Nothing else here matches its 200Hz refresh rate; the G24B36N comes closest at 180Hz. On screen size it leads this guide at 24.5 inches, ahead of the G24B36N (23.8 inches). Like the G24B36N, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the TECLAST 16 uses a 1920x1200 resolution.
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. Its price falls between the G24B36N and the TECLAST 16, based on our last check.
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
- Largest screen size of the picks (24.5 inches)
Cons
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 of 3
AOC G24B36N on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G24B36N runs 180Hz overclocked on a VA panel and includes HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
VA gives good contrast but can smear dark scenes. It has HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 and a headphone output, with Adaptive Sync and HDR support. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 180Hz: the KG251Q X3 offers 200Hz, and the TECLAST 16 comes in at 144Hz.
Its 23.8 inches screen size ranks second of 3 here, behind the KG251Q X3 (24.5 inches) and ahead of the TECLAST 16 (16 inches). It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the KG251Q X3; the TECLAST 16 goes with a 1920x1200 resolution. It also comes with an overclocked 180Hz mode above 144Hz native.
At 1080p, 180Hz 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 KG251Q X3 was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: VA
- Response: 0.5ms
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs
- Overclocked 180Hz mode above 144Hz native
- Screen size of 23.8 inches, ahead of the TECLAST 16
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the KG251Q X3 (200Hz)
IPS Panel3 of 3
TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
TECLAST's 16-inch portable runs 1920x1200 at 144Hz with 100% sRGB coverage and FreeSync.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the KG251Q X3 offers 200Hz.
Why we like it
It combines a taller screen with a high refresh rate. Its 16-inch 1920x1200 panel runs at 144Hz with 100% sRGB, and one USB-C cable carries video and power. HDMI covers consoles.
Its 144Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the KG251Q X3 leads at 200Hz. On screen size it trails the group at 16 inches, while the KG251Q X3 comes in at 24.5 inches. No other pick in this guide offers a 1920x1200 resolution; compare the KG251Q X3, which has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
Worth noting too: 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. Another plus is an IPS panel with wide viewing angles.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1200
- Size: 16 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 100% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 100% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the KG251Q X3 (200Hz)
- Screen size trails the KG251Q X3 (24.5 inches)
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Monitors Under $90
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared three 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 3, from the KG251Q X3 to the TECLAST 16, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The KG251Q X3 gives no panel; the TECLAST 16 gives no response.
- Price range
- From the G24B36N to the TECLAST 16, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Gaming Monitor Under $90
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 144Hz on the TECLAST 16 to 200Hz on the KG251Q X3. For less, the G24B36N is the runner-up at 180Hz.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 16 inches on the TECLAST 16 to 24.5 inches on the KG251Q X3. The G24B36N comes second for less money.
Panel
The G24B36N lists VA; the TECLAST 16 lists IPS. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Features beyond the spec table
The KG251Q X3: a 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing. The G24B36N: an overclocked 180Hz mode above 144Hz native. The TECLAST 16: USB-C single-cable video and power.
How much to spend
All 3 sat in one tier when we checked, from the G24B36N at the low end to the TECLAST 16 at the top, so decide on features first.
How to Choose a Gaming Monitor Under $90
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | KG251Q X3 | The highest refresh rate here (200Hz) |
| Keeping the budget tight | G24B36N | Undercutting the KG251Q X3 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | TECLAST 16 | An IPS panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The KG251Q X3 leads on refresh rate at 200Hz, ahead of the G24B36N at 180Hz. "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 |
| G24B36N | 180Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | VA |
| TECLAST 16 | 144Hz | 1920x1200 | 16 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KG251Q X3 ahead of the G24B36N on refresh rate?
The KG251Q X3 leads at 200Hz, with the G24B36N at 180Hz. The TECLAST 16 is at the other end of this group with 144Hz.
Which has the largest screen size: the KG251Q X3 or the G24B36N?
The KG251Q X3 leads at 24.5 inches, with the G24B36N at 23.8 inches. The TECLAST 16 is at the other end of this group with 16 inches.
Is the TECLAST 16 worth paying more than the G24B36N?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the G24B36N still leads on refresh rate (180Hz) and screen size (23.8 inches). The G24B36N was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
What makes the KG251Q X3 the Fastest Refresh?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (200Hz). It suits competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Do the KG251Q X3 and the TECLAST 16 differ on resolution?
The KG251Q X3 and the G24B36N use 1920x1080 (1080p); the TECLAST 16 uses 1920x1200.
Beyond the specs, what sets the KG251Q X3 and the G24B36N apart?
The KG251Q X3: a 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing. The G24B36N: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. The TECLAST 16: 144Hz with FreeSync.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the KG251Q X3. Look at the G24B36N for undercutting the KG251Q X3 on price when we checked and the TECLAST 16 for an IPS panel if those matter more to you.
Check that your GPU has the port the monitor needs for its full refresh rate.