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10 Best Budget Gaming Monitors with High Refresh Rate – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
Smooth visuals, fast response times, and crisp graphics are no longer exclusive to expensive gaming setups.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly gaming monitor with a high refresh rate, there are now dozens of affordable options offering 144Hz, 165Hz, and even 240Hz refresh rates – all under a few hundred dollars.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 best budget gaming monitors that deliver exceptional performance without draining your wallet. You’ll find full comparisons, pros and cons, and user-style reviews to help you make the right choice.
1. What to Look for in a Budget Gaming Monitor
Before jumping into the models, it’s important to understand what really matters in a gaming display.
| Feature | Why It Matters | Ideal Value |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh Rate | Determines smoothness and motion clarity | 144Hz or higher |
| Response Time | Reduces ghosting and input lag | 1ms-5ms |
| Panel Type | Impacts color and viewing angles | IPS or VA |
| Resolution | Sharpness and detail | 1080p (Full HD) or 1440p |
| Adaptive Sync | Prevents screen tearing | FreeSync or G-Sync compatible |
| Connectivity | Supports modern consoles & PCs | HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2+ |
| Build & Design | Affects comfort and space | Thin bezels, adjustable stand |
A high refresh rate paired with low input lag means smoother aiming, faster reactions, and better visuals – especially in fast-paced shooters or racing games.
2. Quick Comparison – Top 10 Budget High Refresh Rate Monitors
| Rank | Model | Refresh Rate | Resolution | Panel | Price (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AOC 24G2 | 144Hz | 1080p | IPS | $179 | Best Overall |
| 2 | Gigabyte G27F 2 | 165Hz | 1080p | IPS | $189 | Best 27-inch Pick |
| 3 | MSI G24C6P | 165Hz | 1080p | VA | $169 | Best Curved Display |
| 4 | ASUS VG248QG | 165Hz | 1080p | TN | $179 | Best for Competitive FPS |
| 5 | ViewSonic XG2431 | 240Hz | 1080p | IPS | $249 | Best Esports Option |
| 6 | Samsung Odyssey G3 | 165Hz | 1080p | VA | $199 | Best Design |
| 7 | Sceptre E255B-FWD240 | 240Hz | 1080p | TN | $189 | Best Ultra-Fast Budget Pick |
| 8 | LG Ultragear 24GN600-B | 144Hz | 1080p | IPS | $179 | Best Color Accuracy |
| 9 | KOORUI 24E3 | 165Hz | 1080p | VA | $139 | Best Under $150 |
| 10 | Dell S2522DGM | 165Hz | 1440p | VA | $249 | Best Affordable 2K Option |
3. In-Depth Reviews – Top 10 Budget Gaming Monitors
1. AOC 24G2 – Best Overall Budget Gaming Monitor
AOC’s 24G2 remains one of the most recommended budget monitors for good reason: superb color accuracy, 144Hz refresh rate, and IPS panel performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vibrant colors and wide viewing angles | Limited HDR performance |
| Height-adjustable stand | Slight backlight bleed in dark rooms |
| FreeSync & G-Sync compatible | Modest peak brightness |
User Review:
“Amazing performance for the price. Perfect for shooters like Valorant and Apex Legends.”
Price: $179
2. Gigabyte G27F 2 – Best 27-Inch Budget Gaming Monitor
If you prefer a larger screen without sacrificing speed, the Gigabyte G27F 2 delivers 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response, and vivid colors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great size for immersion | Average stand adjustability |
| Excellent color reproduction | Not the brightest in daylight |
| Smooth motion with FreeSync | No USB-C support |
User Review:
“The extra inches make gaming feel more cinematic. No ghosting or lag.”
Price: $189
3. MSI G24C6P – Best Curved Budget Gaming Monitor
This 1500R curved VA monitor gives you deep contrast and an immersive viewing experience. Perfect for racing, RPGs, and casual shooters.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful curved display | Minor color shift at angles |
| Great contrast and blacks | No built-in speakers |
| Excellent value | Limited height adjustment |
User Review:
“Curved screen makes everything feel close and smooth. Great for under $200.”
Price: $169
4. ASUS VG248QG – Best for Competitive FPS Players
A proven eSports favorite, this ASUS model features 165Hz, 1ms, and ELMB motion blur reduction – designed for speed and clarity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-fast response time | TN panel limits color accuracy |
| Great build quality | Narrow viewing angles |
| NVIDIA G-Sync compatible | Slightly dated design |
User Review:
“Perfect for CS2 and Overwatch – super fluid, zero lag.”
Price: $179
5. ViewSonic XG2431 – Best for Esports and Motion Clarity
This is one of the few budget monitors certified by Blur Busters for advanced motion tuning. It delivers 240Hz refresh rate and stunning responsiveness.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True 240Hz with excellent clarity | Slightly higher price |
| Custom motion tuning | Stand takes space |
| Low input lag | Average brightness |
User Review:
“Best sub-$250 esports monitor hands down. Feels buttery smooth.”
Price: $249
6. Samsung Odyssey G3 – Best Design and Reliability
Samsung brings premium design to the budget market with its G3 lineup – combining a 165Hz VA panel and sleek slim-bezel design.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great contrast and style | Slight ghosting in dark scenes |
| Ergonomic height & tilt stand | No HDR support |
| Reliable Samsung build quality | Not ideal for photo editing |
User Review:
“Looks amazing on my desk and plays flawlessly with my PS5.”
Price: $199
7. Sceptre E255B-FWD240 – Best Ultra-Fast Budget Monitor
A hidden gem in the budget market, offering 240Hz refresh rate for under $200. Perfect for twitch-based games like Fortnite or Apex.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Insanely fast 240Hz | TN panel colors are average |
| Affordable price | Limited adjustability |
| Great for eSports beginners | No FreeSync Premium |
User Review:
“240Hz for under $200? Unreal value. Fast and responsive.”
Price: $189
8. LG Ultragear 24GN600-B – Best Color Accuracy on a Budget
LG’s Ultragear line is known for color fidelity and gaming performance. The 24GN600-B offers 144Hz refresh, 1ms, and FreeSync Premium.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent colors and contrast | No height adjustment |
| Great gaming and casual use | Basic stand |
| IPS clarity | No built-in speakers |
User Review:
“Crisp colors and buttery-smooth gameplay – perfect for both work and gaming.”
Price: $179
9. KOORUI 24E3 – Best Budget Under $150
One of the cheapest 165Hz monitors available, yet surprisingly capable. Great choice for students and casual gamers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheapest high-refresh monitor | No VESA mount support |
| Thin bezels, good look | Lacks height adjustment |
| Smooth performance | Limited brightness control |
User Review:
“Didn’t expect this level of quality for $139. Absolutely worth it.”
Price: $139
10. Dell S2522DGM – Best Affordable 1440p Gaming Monitor
For gamers wanting sharper visuals, Dell’s S2522DGM offers 1440p resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, and VA contrast – all at a great value.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp 2K resolution | Slight ghosting in dark games |
| Excellent color depth | On the heavier side |
| Adjustable and sturdy design | Not ideal for FPS purists |
User Review:
“The best 1440p monitor under $250. Perfect for immersive RPGs.”
Price: $249
4. Comparison Table – Specs Overview
| Model | Size | Refresh | Response | Panel | Resolution | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AOC 24G2 | 24″ | 144Hz | 1ms | IPS | 1080p | $179 |
| Gigabyte G27F 2 | 27″ | 165Hz | 1ms | IPS | 1080p | $189 |
| MSI G24C6P | 24″ | 165Hz | 1ms | VA | 1080p | $169 |
| ASUS VG248QG | 24″ | 165Hz | 0.5ms | TN | 1080p | $179 |
| ViewSonic XG2431 | 24″ | 240Hz | 1ms | IPS | 1080p | $249 |
| Samsung Odyssey G3 | 24″ | 165Hz | 1ms | VA | 1080p | $199 |
| Sceptre E255B-FWD240 | 25″ | 240Hz | 1ms | TN | 1080p | $189 |
| LG Ultragear 24GN600-B | 24″ | 144Hz | 1ms | IPS | 1080p | $179 |
| KOORUI 24E3 | 24″ | 165Hz | 1ms | VA | 1080p | $139 |
| Dell S2522DGM | 25″ | 165Hz | 2ms | VA | 1440p | $249 |
5. Tips for Choosing the Right Gaming Monitor
- Don’t chase refresh rate alone – A good 144Hz IPS can outperform a poor 240Hz TN panel.
- Size vs. Distance: For desks under 3 feet deep, 24-27 inches is ideal.
- VA panels = deeper blacks, IPS panels = better color.
- Adaptive Sync (FreeSync or G-Sync) prevents tearing – must-have for smoother gameplay.
- Check VESA mounts if you plan to use monitor arms.
6. How High Refresh Rates Improve Gaming
| Refresh Rate | Frame Clarity | Suitable Games |
|---|---|---|
| 60Hz | Basic | Story-driven, casual |
| 120Hz | Smooth | Action, racing |
| 144Hz | Excellent | FPS, MOBA |
| 165Hz | Competitive | Esports titles |
| 240Hz | Elite | CS2, Valorant, Apex Legends |
Once you experience 144Hz or higher, going back to 60Hz feels sluggish – the difference is immediate and game-changing.
7. Maintenance and Setup Tips
- Use DisplayPort cable for maximum refresh rate.
- Calibrate brightness and contrast for comfort and color accuracy.
- Enable Adaptive Sync in settings for smoother gameplay.
- Keep firmware updated – some brands offer better overdrive tuning.
- Clean screen gently using microfiber cloth (never use alcohol wipes).
8. Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?
| Category | Model | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | AOC 24G2 | Excellent performance and price |
| Best for FPS | ASUS VG248QG | Ultra-fast response and 165Hz |
| Best for 27-inch Lovers | Gigabyte G27F 2 | Balanced size, performance, and price |
| Best Under $150 | KOORUI 24E3 | Great value for casual gaming |
| Best 1440p Option | Dell S2522DGM | Higher resolution, strong colors |
| Best Esports Pick | ViewSonic XG2431 | 240Hz motion clarity |
If you want a well-rounded, affordable option – AOC 24G2 remains unbeatable for the price.
For pure speed, the ViewSonic XG2431 and Sceptre E255B-FWD240 give you pro-level smoothness at a fraction of premium monitor prices.