Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for Beginners
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the KG241Y X1 has the highest refresh rate, and the G24B36N costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A first gaming monitor at 1080p and 144Hz or more is easy to drive and affordable. Every pick fits that and cost $200 or less.
The order reflects refresh rate, resolution and size from maker specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and a missing response is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
AOC G24B36NUndercutting the Dell SE2426H on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $100.
Check price for AOC G24B36N on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Dell SE2426H 24-inchUltra-thin bezels.
Best for: Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels.
Check price for Dell SE2426H 24-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
Acer Nitro KG241Y X1The highest refresh rate here (200Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Check price for Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Amazon Basics 24-inch 165Hz Gaming MonitorAdaptive sync support.
Best for: Buyers who want adaptive sync support.
Check price for Amazon Basics 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QE5A146Hz with overclock at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the G24B36N costs less.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QE5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
AOC G24B36N
The G24B36N runs 180Hz overclocked on a VA panel and includes HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $100.
Skip if
- Pass on it if a VA panel that can smear dark transitions rules it out for your setup.
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. Its 180Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the KG241Y X1 (200Hz) and ahead of the Dell SE2426H (144Hz).
It is the only pick here with a VA panel; the Dell SE2426H has an IPS panel instead. You also get 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Dell SE2426H was the next step up.
Key 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
- VA panel, the only one here
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the KG241Y X1 (200Hz)
The catch
The main gap: refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the KG241Y X1 (200Hz). If that matters, the KG241Y X1 offers 200Hz.
Also Consider2 of 5
Dell SE2426H 24-inch
The SE2426H is Dell's 144Hz IPS monitor at the lowest price in this list.
Best for
- Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the KG241Y X1 offers 200Hz.
Why we like it
It covers the basics without extras. It runs at 144Hz with a 1ms MPRT response and carries TÜV Rheinland's 3-star eye comfort certification. The 178-degree viewing angles keep colour consistent off-axis.
Its 144Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the KG241Y X1 leads at 200Hz. You also get ultra-thin bezels and two HDMI inputs. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
You also get this: 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. Its price falls between the G24B36N and the KG241Y X1, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 23.8 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Adaptive sync
- AMD FreeSync
- Stand
- tilt only
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- AMD FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- Ultra-thin bezels
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the KG241Y X1 (200Hz)
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh3 of 5
Acer Nitro KG241Y X1
The Nitro KG241Y X1 gives 200Hz on IPS for well under $100.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the G24B36N was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is a solid first gaming monitor. Nothing else here matches its 200Hz refresh rate; the G24B36N comes closest at 180Hz. 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. Another plus: 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. Worth noting: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Dell SE2426H and the pricier Amazon Basics 24, at the time of writing.
Key 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 G24B36N at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Amazon Basics 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor
The Amazon Basics 24-inch monitor is a plain 1080p IPS screen at 165Hz with adaptive sync.
Best for
- Buyers who want adaptive sync support.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the G24B36N was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It has little beyond that, which suits a first gaming monitor on a tight budget. Its 165Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the KG241Y X1 (200Hz) and ahead of the Dell SE2426H (144Hz). You also get VESA mounting.
At 1080p, 165Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. Another plus: 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. Worth noting: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper KG241Y X1 and the pricier VG249QE5A, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 165Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 23.8 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- Adaptive sync support
- VESA mounting
Cons
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QE5A
The VG249QE5A stands out for 146Hz with overclock, and it adds an HDMI cable in the box.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the G24B36N costs less.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the G24B36N was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 146Hz refresh rate and offers a 23.8 inches screen size. Its 146Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the KG241Y X1 (200Hz) and ahead of the Dell SE2426H (144Hz). You also get the lowest ASUS TUF price tier here.
At 1080p, 146Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. 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 Amazon Basics 24 and the rest. The trade-off is screen size; for more, the G24B36N comes in at 23.8 inches.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 146Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 23.8 inches
- Panel
- IPS
Pros
- 146Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 146Hz with overclock
- HDMI cable in the box
Cons
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
How We Chose These Monitors for Beginners
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick, while response and adaptive sync have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the G24B36N to the VG249QE5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The VG249QE5A gives no response; the G24B36N, the Amazon Basics 24 and the VG249QE5A give no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the G24B36N ($50 to $100) to the VG249QE5A ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Monitor for Beginners
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
The KG241Y X1 tops refresh rate at 200Hz and the Dell SE2426H sits lowest at 144Hz. The G24B36N comes second at 180Hz, in the same price tier as the KG241Y X1.
Response
The G24B36N and the KG241Y X1 list 0.5ms; the Dell SE2426H and the Amazon Basics 24 list 1ms. Sort out response before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 2 and 2.
A monitor showing a desktop app in a dim room Extras that separate them
The KG241Y X1: a 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. The Amazon Basics 24: VESA mounting. The VG249QE5A: an HDMI cable in the box.
Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the G24B36N, the Dell SE2426H and the KG241Y X1; $100 to $150 buys the Amazon Basics 24 and the VG249QE5A at our last check.
A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop Start from what matters most
Keeping the cost under $100: the G24B36N. Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates: the KG241Y X1. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the G24B36N costs less: the VG249QE5A.
How to Choose a Monitor for Beginners
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the cost under $100 | G24B36N | Undercutting the Dell SE2426H on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels | Dell SE2426H | Ultra-thin bezels |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | KG241Y X1 | The highest refresh rate here (200Hz) |
| Buyers who want adaptive sync support | Amazon Basics 24 | Adaptive sync support |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the G24B36N costs less | VG249QE5A | 146Hz with overclock at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The KG241Y X1 leads on refresh rate at 200Hz, ahead of the G24B36N at 180Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G24B36N | 180Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | VA |
| Dell SE2426H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| KG241Y X1 | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| Amazon Basics 24 | 165Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| VG249QE5A | 146Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The G24B36N was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the VG249QE5A the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | G24B36N, Dell SE2426H, KG241Y X1 |
| About $100 to $150 | Amazon Basics 24, VG249QE5A |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the G24B36N compare with the KG241Y X1 on refresh rate?
Between the top two, it is 200Hz on the KG241Y X1 against 180Hz on the G24B36N, an 11% difference. The Dell SE2426H is at the other end of this group with 144Hz.
What does the VG249QE5A add over the G24B36N?
The VG249QE5A matches or trails the G24B36N on refresh rate, so pay more only for a feature the spec sheet doesn't cover. The G24B36N leads on refresh rate (180Hz). On our last price check the G24B36N was in the $50 to $100 tier and the VG249QE5A in the $100 to $150 tier, with 3 other picks between them.
Why is the KG241Y X1 our Fastest Refresh pick?
It carries the badge for the highest refresh rate here (200Hz). On refresh rate it leads the G24B36N, 200Hz against 180Hz, an 11% margin. It suits esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the G24B36N and the Dell SE2426H differ on panel?
The G24B36N uses VA; the Dell SE2426H, the KG241Y X1, the Amazon Basics 24 and the VG249QE5A use IPS.
What extras do the G24B36N and the Dell SE2426H include?
The G24B36N: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. The Dell SE2426H: ultra-thin bezels. The KG241Y X1: a 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the G24B36N, chosen for undercutting the Dell SE2426H on price when we checked. Look at the Dell SE2426H for ultra-thin bezels, the Amazon Basics 24 for adaptive sync support and the VG249QE5A for 146Hz with overclock at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Set the refresh rate in Windows; it often starts at 60Hz.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Monitors to Buy Now
- Related guideThe Best 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Monitors Under $80
- Similar guideThe Best VA Monitors
- ExplainerHow to choose a monitor for your PC
- Explainer24 vs 27 vs 32-Inch Monitor
- Also see: monitor arms and accessoriesThe Best Monitor Stand for Desk
- Similar guideThe Best IPS Monitors
- Topic hubAll monitors for work and everyday use guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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