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 The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
AOC G24B36N
Undercutting the SE2426H on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
FreeSync Adaptive Sync
Dell SE2426H
A freeSync.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync.
Fastest Refresh
Acer Nitro KG241Y X1
The highest refresh rate here (200Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
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)
Premium Pick
Amazon Basics 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor
The top of this price range, adding adaptive sync support.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Amazon Basics 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the SE2426H on price when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for AOC G24B36N (opens in a new tab) |
| A freeSync. | Buyers who want a freeSync. | Check price for Dell SE2426H (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (200Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for Acer Nitro KG241Y X1 (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) |
| The top of this price range, adding adaptive sync support. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for Amazon Basics 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
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
- Pass on it if a VA panel that can smear dark transition 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 ARZOPA Z1FC (144Hz).
On screen size it ties with the SE2426H, the KG241Y X1 and the Amazon Basics 24 at 23.8 inches. It is the only pick here with a VA panel; the 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 SE2426H was the next step up.
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 ARZOPA Z1FC
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the KG241Y X1 (200Hz)
FreeSync Adaptive Sync2 of 5
Dell SE2426H on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SE2426H is Dell's 144Hz IPS monitor at the lowest price in this list.
Best for
- Buyers who want a freeSync.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the G24B36N cost less when we checked.
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.
It matches the ARZOPA Z1FC on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the G24B36N, the KG241Y X1 and the Amazon Basics 24 at 23.8 inches. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
Worth noting too: 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 dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing
Cons
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh3 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
- 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. On screen size it ties with the G24B36N, the SE2426H and the Amazon Basics 24 at 23.8 inches.
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. It also brings an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper SE2426H 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 G24B36N at the time of writing
Also Consider4 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 KG241Y X1 offers 200Hz.
Why we like it
It adds a high refresh rate at a low price. It matches the SE2426H on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 16.1 inches, while the G24B36N comes in at 23.8 inches.
It also comes with 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 Amazon Basics 24, based on our last check. If refresh rate is your priority, the KG241Y X1 (200Hz) 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 KG241Y X1 (200Hz)
- Screen size trails the G24B36N (23.8 inches)
- Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Amazon Basics 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Amazon Basics 24-inch monitor is a plain 1080p IPS screen at 165Hz with adaptive sync.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
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 ARZOPA Z1FC (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the G24B36N, the SE2426H and the KG241Y X1 at 23.8 inches.
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. 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 ARZOPA Z1FC and the rest.
Key dimensions & 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
How We Chose These Monitors for Beginners
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the G24B36N to the Amazon Basics 24, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ARZOPA Z1FC gives no response; the G24B36N, the ARZOPA Z1FC and the Amazon Basics 24 give no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the G24B36N ($50 to $100) to the Amazon Basics 24 ($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
Here refresh rate runs from 144Hz on the ARZOPA Z1FC to 200Hz on the KG241Y X1. The G24B36N comes second for less money.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 16.1 inches on the ARZOPA Z1FC to 23.8 inches on the G24B36N. The G24B36N is the pick for screen size.
Response
The G24B36N and the KG241Y X1 list 0.5ms; the SE2426H and the Amazon Basics 24 list 1ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Fit and compatibility
At 1080p, 180Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
Extras that separate them
The KG241Y X1: a 200Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. The ARZOPA Z1FC: portrait and landscape modes. The Amazon Basics 24: VESA mounting.
Match resolution to your graphics card
1080p suits entry and mid-range cards and high refresh rates. 1440p is the balance for most gaming PCs. 4K needs a high-end card to hold high frame rates.
Pick the resolution your card can drive before looking at refresh rate.
How to Choose a Monitor for Beginners
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | G24B36N | Undercutting the SE2426H on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want a freeSync | SE2426H | A freeSync |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | KG241Y X1 | The highest refresh rate here (200Hz) |
| Buyers who want built-in kickstand | ARZOPA Z1FC | A built-in kickstand |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | Amazon Basics 24 | The top of this price range, adding adaptive sync support |
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 |
| SE2426H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| KG241Y X1 | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| ARZOPA Z1FC | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 16.1 inches | IPS |
| Amazon Basics 24 | 165Hz | 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 and the Amazon Basics 24 the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | G24B36N, SE2426H, KG241Y X1, ARZOPA Z1FC |
| About $100 to $150 | Amazon Basics 24 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the G24B36N compare with the KG241Y X1 on refresh rate?
The KG241Y X1 leads at 200Hz, with the G24B36N at 180Hz. The ARZOPA Z1FC is at the other end of this group with 144Hz.
What does the Amazon Basics 24 add over the G24B36N?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the G24B36N still leads on refresh rate (180Hz). 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.
Why is the KG241Y X1 our Fastest Refresh pick?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (200Hz). It suits esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the G24B36N and the SE2426H differ on panel?
The G24B36N uses VA; the SE2426H, the KG241Y X1, the ARZOPA Z1FC and the Amazon Basics 24 use IPS.
Will the KG241Y X1 work with my setup?
At 1080p, 200Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. In this guide it ranks third of 5, as our Fastest Refresh pick.
What extras do the G24B36N and the SE2426H include?
The G24B36N: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. The SE2426H: a 144Hz IPS panel at the lowest price in this list at the time of writing. 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 SE2426H on price when we checked. Look at the SE2426H for a freeSync, the ARZOPA Z1FC for a built-in kickstand and the Amazon Basics 24 for the top of this price range, adding adaptive sync support if those matter more to you.
Set the refresh rate in Windows; it often starts at 60Hz.