Buying Guide
The Best Monitor Under $100
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the G25F2A has the largest screen size, and the TECLAST 16 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Under $100, the trade-offs are sharper, so it helps to know which spec you can give up. Every monitor here cost $100 or less when we checked, 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 response, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Screen Size
GIGABYTE G25F2A
The largest screen size here (24.5 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
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 KG241Y X1
A 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who want 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
Our take Check price for Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable
Undercutting the KG241Y X1 on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting 144Hz with FreeSync for the least money.
Our take Check price for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable
A built-in kickstand.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in kickstand.
Our take Check price for ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest screen size here (24.5 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | 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 $100 at the time of writing. | Buyers who want 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. | Check price for Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the KG241Y X1 on price when we checked. | Getting 144Hz with FreeSync for the least money. | Check price for TECLAST 16-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab) |
| A built-in kickstand. | Buyers who want built-in kickstand. | Check price for ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Screen Size1 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 put screen size first.
Skip if
- Pass on it if hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certificatio rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the pick for fast games. On refresh rate it ties with the SE2426HG at 240Hz. Its 24.5 inches screen size is the largest here; the SE2426HG comes next at 23.8 inches.
A SuperSpeed IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the KG241Y X1 uses an IPS panel. A 120% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the ARZOPA Z1FC uses a 106% sRGB color gamut. Like the KG241Y X1, it has a FreeSync Premium, while the TECLAST 16 uses 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. When we checked, only the ARZOPA Z1FC and cheaper picks cost less, and the SE2426HG cost more.
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 TECLAST 16 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 price comes first: the TECLAST 16 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It costs about $100 at the time of writing. On refresh rate it ties with the G25F2A at 240Hz. It matches the KG241Y X1 on screen size (23.8 inches).
You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the ARZOPA Z1FC and its an IPS panel. You get a 99% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the TECLAST 16 and its a 100% 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
- Costs more than the TECLAST 16 at the time of writing
Also Consider3 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 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the TECLAST 16, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is a solid first gaming monitor. Its 200Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the G25F2A (240Hz) and ahead of the ARZOPA Z1FC (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the SE2426HG at 23.8 inches.
Like the TECLAST 16 and ARZOPA Z1FC, it has an IPS panel, while the G25F2A uses a SuperSpeed IPS panel. It shares a FreeSync Premium with the G25F2A; the TECLAST 16 goes with a FreeSync. You also get 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper TECLAST 16 and the pricier ARZOPA Z1FC, at the time of writing.
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
- Costs more than the TECLAST 16 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
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
- Getting 144Hz with FreeSync for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the G25F2A offers 24.5 inches.
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.
On refresh rate it ties with the ARZOPA Z1FC at 144Hz. Its 16 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the G25F2A leads at 24.5 inches. You get a 1920x1200 resolution here, which sets it apart from the ARZOPA Z1FC and its a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
It shares an IPS panel with the KG241Y X1 and ARZOPA Z1FC; the SE2426HG goes with a fast IPS panel. You get a 100% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the ARZOPA Z1FC and its a 106% sRGB color gamut. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the KG241Y X1 the next step up.
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
- Screen size trails the G25F2A (24.5 inches)
Strong Alternative5 of 5
ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ARZOPA's Z1FC is a 16.1-inch 1080p IPS portable at 144Hz with 106% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in kickstand.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the G25F2A offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
It adds a high refresh rate at a low price. It matches the TECLAST 16 on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 16.1 inches: the G25F2A comes in at 24.5 inches, and the TECLAST 16 comes in at 16 inches.
Like the KG241Y X1 and TECLAST 16, it has an IPS panel, while the G25F2A uses a SuperSpeed IPS panel. It is the only pick here with a 106% sRGB color gamut; the SE2426HG has a 99% sRGB color gamut instead. It also offers a built-in kickstand and portrait and landscape modes.
At 1080p, 144Hz 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 KG241Y X1 and the G25F2A, based on our last check. If refresh rate is your priority, the G25F2A (240Hz) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 16.1 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 106% sRGB
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 106% sRGB colour coverage
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the G25F2A (240Hz)
- Costs more than the TECLAST 16 at the time of writing
How We Chose
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, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the G25F2A to the ARZOPA Z1FC, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The SE2426HG, the TECLAST 16 and the ARZOPA Z1FC give no response; the KG241Y X1 gives no color gamut.
- Price range
- From the TECLAST 16 to the SE2426HG, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Monitor Under $100
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 ARZOPA Z1FC to 240Hz on the G25F2A. Start with the G25F2A if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 16 inches on the TECLAST 16 to 24.5 inches on the G25F2A. The G25F2A is the pick for screen size.
Panel
The G25F2A lists SuperSpeed IPS; the SE2426HG lists Fast IPS; the KG241Y X1, the TECLAST 16 and the ARZOPA Z1FC list IPS. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Response
The G25F2A lists 1ms; the KG241Y X1 lists 0.5ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Extras that separate them
The KG241Y X1: a 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. The TECLAST 16: USB-C single-cable video and power. The ARZOPA Z1FC: portrait and landscape modes.
How to Choose a Monitor Under $100
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put screen size first | G25F2A | The largest screen size here (24.5 inches) |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | SE2426HG | A fast IPS panel |
| Buyers who want 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing | KG241Y X1 | A 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing |
| Getting 144Hz with FreeSync for the least money | TECLAST 16 | Undercutting the KG241Y X1 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want built-in kickstand | ARZOPA Z1FC | A built-in kickstand |
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.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G25F2A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | SuperSpeed IPS |
| SE2426HG | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | Fast IPS |
| KG241Y X1 | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| TECLAST 16 | 144Hz | 1920x1200 | 16 inches | IPS |
| ARZOPA Z1FC | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 16.1 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the G25F2A ahead of the SE2426HG on screen size?
The G25F2A leads at 24.5 inches, with the SE2426HG at 23.8 inches. The TECLAST 16 is at the other end of this group with 16 inches.
What does the SE2426HG add over the TECLAST 16?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 144Hz) and screen size (23.8 inches against 16 inches). The TECLAST 16 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the SE2426HG our Fast IPS Panel pick?
It earns the label for a fast IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants a fast IPS panel.
Do the G25F2A and the TECLAST 16 differ on resolution?
The G25F2A, the SE2426HG, the KG241Y X1 and the ARZOPA Z1FC use 1920x1080 (1080p); the TECLAST 16 uses 1920x1200.
What extras do the G25F2A and the SE2426HG include?
The G25F2A: a 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. The SE2426HG: 240Hz at a budget price tier. The KG241Y X1: a 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the G25F2A, chosen for the largest screen size here (24.5 inches). Look at the SE2426HG for a fast IPS panel, the KG241Y X1 for a 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing and the TECLAST 16 for undercutting the KG241Y X1 on price when we checked if those matter more to you.
Use the cable in the box; older cables can cap the refresh rate.