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 The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
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
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
AOC G24B36N
Undercutting the Westinghouse 24 Curved on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
FreeSync Adaptive Sync
Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor
A freeSync.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync.
Our take Check price for Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AOC C24G42E Curved
A 1500R curve.
Best for: Buyers who want 1500R curve.
Our take Check price for AOC C24G42E Curved (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
AOC C27G4ZH Curved
The highest refresh rate here (280Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide
The largest screen size here (34 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the Westinghouse 24 Curved 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 Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab) |
| A 1500R curve. | Buyers who want 1500R curve. | Check price for AOC C24G42E Curved (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (280Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (34 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide (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. 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 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
- 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)
FreeSync Adaptive Sync2 of 5
Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
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 is 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen.
It also brings 110% sRGB colour coverage. Its price falls between the G24B36N and the C24G42E, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & 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
Also Consider3 of 5
AOC C24G42E Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
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. Worth noting too: 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 dimensions & 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
Fastest Refresh4 of 5
AOC C27G4ZH Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
Why we like it
It trades resolution for speed. 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 280Hz on a 1500R curve and 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. It makes the most sense for esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates, since it offers the highest refresh rate here (280Hz). When we checked, only the C24G42E and cheaper picks cost less, and the CU34G4H cost more.
Key dimensions & 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
Largest Screen Size5 of 5
AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 transition rules it out for your setup.
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. Worth noting too: 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 dimensions & 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
How We Chose These VA Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- 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.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 165Hz on the Westinghouse 24 Curved to 280Hz on the C27G4ZH. Start with the C27G4ZH if refresh rate decides it.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the G24B36N to 34 inches on the CU34G4H. For less, the C27G4ZH is the runner-up at 27 inches.
Response
The G24B36N and the C24G42E list 0.5ms; the Westinghouse 24 Curved lists 1ms; the C27G4ZH and the CU34G4H list 0.3ms.
What to check at home
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 C24G42E: a three-sided frameless design. The C27G4ZH: a height-adjustable stand. The CU34G4H: 200Hz at 3440x1440.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
How to Choose a VA Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | G24B36N | Undercutting the Westinghouse 24 Curved on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want a freeSync | Westinghouse 24 Curved | A freeSync |
| Buyers who want 1500R curve | C24G42E | A 1500R curve |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | C27G4ZH | The highest refresh rate here (280Hz) |
| Buyers who put screen size first | CU34G4H | The largest screen size here (34 inches) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The C27G4ZH leads on refresh rate at 280Hz, ahead of the CU34G4H at 200Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G24B36N | 180Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | VA |
| Westinghouse 24 Curved | 165Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | VA |
| C24G42E | 180Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | VA |
| C27G4ZH | 280Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | VA |
| CU34G4H | 200Hz | 3440x1440 | 34 inches | VA |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The G24B36N was the lowest-priced pick and the CU34G4H the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | G24B36N, Westinghouse 24 Curved |
| About $100 to $150 | C24G42E |
| About $150 to $250 | C27G4ZH, CU34G4H |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the CU34G4H compare with the C27G4ZH on refresh rate?
The C27G4ZH leads at 280Hz, with the CU34G4H at 200Hz. 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 leads at 34 inches, with the C27G4ZH at 27 inches. The G24B36N is at the other end of this group with 23.8 inches.
What does the CU34G4H add over the G24B36N?
On paper it adds refresh rate (200Hz against 180Hz) and screen size (34 inches against 23.8 inches). The G24B36N was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the C27G4ZH our Fastest Refresh pick?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (280Hz). It suits 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.
Will the C24G42E work with my setup?
At 1080p, 180Hz 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.
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.