The PC Journal

Buying Guide

The Best VA Monitors

Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the C27G4ZH has the highest refresh rate; the G24B36N is the cheapest route in.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read5 products evaluated

Desktop monitors on monitor arms above a wooden desk with keyboards and mice
Illustrative image
Jump to
  1. Quick Picks
  2. Our Picks
  3. How We Chose
  4. What to Look For
  5. Comparison
  6. FAQ

VA panels offer much higher contrast than IPS, which suits dark games and films. Every pick is VA, ordered from the lowest price.

Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; if a maker skips HDR, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.

Quick Picks

Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Lowest Price Here

    AOC G24B36N

    Undercutting the Westinghouse 24 Curved on price when we checked.

    Best for: Keeping the cost under $100.

    Check price for AOC G24B36N on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  2. FreeSync Adaptive Sync

    Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor

    A freeSync.

    Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync.

    Check price for Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  3. Also Consider

    AOC C24G42E Curved

    A 1500R curve.

    Best for: Buyers who want 1500R curve.

    Check price for AOC C24G42E Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  4. Fastest Refresh

    AOC C27G4ZH Curved

    The highest refresh rate here (280Hz).

    Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

    Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  5. Largest Screen Size

    AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide

    The largest screen size here (34 inches).

    Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.

    Check price for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide 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.
Check price on Amazon for AOC G24B36N (opens in a new tab)
AOC G24B36N

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. It matches the C24G42E on refresh rate (180Hz).

On screen size it trails the group at 23.8 inches, while the CU34G4H comes in at 34 inches. 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 Westinghouse 24 Curved 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
  • Undercutting the Westinghouse 24 Curved on price when we checked

Cons

  • a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
  • Screen size trails the CU34G4H (34 inches)
Check price on Amazon for AOC G24B36N (opens in a new tab)

FreeSync Adaptive Sync2 of 5

Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor

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 freeSync.

Skip if

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Check price on Amazon for Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor

Why we like it

It adds built-in speakers and FreeSync at one of the lowest prices here. Its 165Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the C27G4ZH leads at 280Hz. On screen size it ties with the C24G42E at 24 inches.

It also comes with 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. Another plus: 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen.

Worth noting: 110% sRGB colour coverage. Its price falls between the G24B36N and the C24G42E, based on our last check.

Key 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 C27G4ZH (280Hz)
  • Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)

Also Consider3 of 5

AOC C24G42E Curved

The C24G42E stands out for a 1500R curve, and it adds a three-sided frameless design.

Best for

Buyers who want 1500R curve.

Skip if

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Check price on Amazon for AOC C24G42E Curved (opens in a new tab)
AOC C24G42E Curved

Why we like it

It also offers a 180Hz refresh rate and offers a 24 inches screen size. The 24-inch 1080p VA panel curves at 1500R. It reaches 180Hz over DisplayPort 1.4 with a 1ms MPRT response.

It also offers a budget price tier. At 1080p, 180Hz 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: 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen.

Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing. Its price falls between the Westinghouse 24 Curved and the C27G4ZH, based on our last check.

Key specs

Refresh rate
180Hz
Resolution
1920x1080 (1080p)
Size
24 inches
Panel
VA
Response
0.5ms
HDR
HDR

Pros

  • 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • 1500R curve
  • Three-sided frameless design
  • Budget price tier

Cons

  • a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
  • Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for AOC C24G42E Curved (opens in a new tab)

Fastest Refresh4 of 5

AOC C27G4ZH Curved

AOC's C27G4ZH curves a 27-inch 1080p VA panel and runs it at 280Hz on a height, tilt and swivel stand.

Best for

Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

Skip if

Look at the others if this bothers you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Check price on Amazon for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab)
AOC C27G4ZH Curved

Why we like it

It trades resolution for speed. It refreshes at 280Hz with a 0.3ms response time. The 1500R curve wraps the image around your view.

The 1500R curve keeps the corners of the 27-inch panel in view. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 280Hz, ahead of the CU34G4H (200Hz). Its 27 inches screen size ranks second of 5 here, behind the CU34G4H (34 inches) and ahead of the G24B36N (23.8 inches).

You also get VESA mounting. At 1080p, 280Hz 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 C24G42E and cheaper picks cost less, and the CU34G4H cost more.

Key specs

Refresh rate
280Hz
Resolution
1920x1080 (1080p)
Size
27 inches
Panel
VA
Response
0.3ms
HDR
HDR
Stand
height, tilt and swivel

Pros

  • a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
  • a stand with height, tilt and swivel
  • 280Hz on a 1500R curve
  • Height-adjustable stand

Cons

  • a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
  • Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab)

Largest Screen Size5 of 5

AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide

AOC's CU34G4H is a 34-inch 3440x1440 VA ultrawide at 200Hz on a height, tilt and swivel stand.

Best for

Buyers who put screen size first.

Skip if

Pass on it if a VA panel that can smear dark transitions rules it out for your setup.
Check price on Amazon for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide (opens in a new tab)
AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide

Why we like it

It is the lowest-priced ultrawide here at the time of writing. Its 200Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the C27G4ZH (280Hz) and ahead of the Westinghouse 24 Curved (165Hz). Its 34 inches screen size is the largest here; the C27G4ZH comes next at 27 inches.

No other pick in this guide offers a 3440x1440 resolution; compare the C24G42E, which has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. You also get this: 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. 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 C27G4ZH and the rest.

Key specs

Refresh rate
200Hz
Resolution
3440x1440
Size
34 inches
Panel
VA
Response
0.3ms
HDR
HDR
Adaptive sync
Adaptive-Sync
Stand
height, tilt and swivel

Pros

  • 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • Adaptive-Sync to reduce screen tearing
  • a stand with height, tilt and swivel
  • 34-inch 1500R ultrawide

Cons

  • a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
  • Costs more than the G24B36N at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide (opens in a new tab)

How We Chose These VA Monitors

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.

A white desk with two monitors and a laptop
A white desk with two monitors and a laptop
What we compared
We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out HDR.
What every pick has in common
All 5, from the G24B36N to the CU34G4H, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share VA panel.
Where the specs have gaps
The G24B36N and the Westinghouse 24 Curved give no HDR; the G24B36N, the C24G42E and the C27G4ZH give no adaptive sync.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the G24B36N ($50 to $100) to the CU34G4H ($150 to $250).

What to Look for in a VA Monitor

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Refresh rate across these picks

    Across these 5 picks refresh rate spans 165Hz (the Westinghouse 24 Curved) to 280Hz (the C27G4ZH). If refresh rate is your first filter, the C27G4ZH sets the ceiling at 280Hz.

  2. How much screen size you need

    The CU34G4H tops screen size at 34 inches and the G24B36N sits lowest at 23.8 inches. For less, the C27G4ZH is the runner-up at 27 inches.

    A monitor showing a desktop app in a dim room
    A monitor showing a desktop app in a dim room

  3. Response

    The G24B36N and the C24G42E list 0.5ms; the Westinghouse 24 Curved lists 1ms; the C27G4ZH and the CU34G4H list 0.3ms.

  4. Extras that separate them

    The C24G42E: a three-sided frameless design. The C27G4ZH: a height-adjustable stand. The CU34G4H: 200Hz at 3440x1440.

    A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop
    A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop

  5. Where your budget lands

    $50 to $100 buys the G24B36N and the Westinghouse 24 Curved; $100 to $150 buys the C24G42E; $150 to $250 buys the C27G4ZH and the CU34G4H at our last check.

How to Choose a VA Monitor

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Keeping the cost under $100G24B36NUndercutting the Westinghouse 24 Curved on price when we checked
Buyers who want a freeSyncWestinghouse 24 CurvedA freeSync
Buyers who want 1500R curveC24G42EA 1500R curve
Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame ratesC27G4ZHThe highest refresh rate here (280Hz)
Buyers who put screen size firstCU34G4HThe largest screen size here (34 inches)

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop

Key specs side by side

The C27G4ZH leads on refresh rate at 280Hz, ahead of the CU34G4H at 200Hz.

MonitorRefresh rateResolutionSizePanel
G24B36N180Hz1920x1080 (1080p)23.8 inchesVA
Westinghouse 24 Curved165Hz1920x1080 (1080p)24 inchesVA
C24G42E180Hz1920x1080 (1080p)24 inchesVA
C27G4ZH280Hz1920x1080 (1080p)27 inchesVA
CU34G4H200Hz3440x144034 inchesVA

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 CU34G4H the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.

Price tierMonitors
About $50 to $100G24B36N, Westinghouse 24 Curved
About $100 to $150C24G42E
About $150 to $250C27G4ZH, CU34G4H

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the CU34G4H compare with the C27G4ZH on refresh rate?

Between the top two, it is 280Hz on the C27G4ZH against 200Hz on the CU34G4H, a 40% difference. The Westinghouse 24 Curved is at the other end of this group with 165Hz.

Which has the largest screen size: the CU34G4H or the C27G4ZH?

The CU34G4H tops screen size at 34 inches; the C27G4ZH follows at 27 inches, 26% apart. The spread runs down to the G24B36N at 23.8 inches.

What does the CU34G4H add over the G24B36N?

What it brings is refresh rate (200Hz against 180Hz) and screen size (34 inches against 23.8 inches). On our last price check the G24B36N was in the $50 to $100 tier and the CU34G4H in the $150 to $250 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate and screen size decide your purchase.

Why is the C27G4ZH our Fastest Refresh pick?

The label rests on the highest refresh rate here (280Hz). On refresh rate it leads the CU34G4H, 280Hz against 200Hz, a 40% margin. The G24B36N, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

Do the G24B36N and the CU34G4H differ on resolution?

The G24B36N, the Westinghouse 24 Curved, the C24G42E and the C27G4ZH use 1920x1080 (1080p); the CU34G4H uses 3440x1440.

What extras do the G24B36N and the Westinghouse 24 Curved include?

The G24B36N: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. The Westinghouse 24 Curved: a 3000:1 contrast ratio from its VA panel. The C24G42E: a 1500R curve.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the G24B36N, chosen for undercutting the Westinghouse 24 Curved on price when we checked. Look at the Westinghouse 24 Curved for a freeSync, the C24G42E for a 1500R curve and the CU34G4H for the largest screen size here (34 inches) if those matter more to you.

VA can smear in dark scenes; use a faster overdrive setting.

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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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