Buying a new gaming monitor in 2026 doesn't have to cost a fortune. Whether you're building a budget gaming PC, upgrading an older screen, or looking for a competitive advantage in games like Fortnite, Counter-Strike 2, and Valorant, there are plenty of monitors worth considering.
The trick is finding the right balance between resolution, refresh rate, image quality, and price. A monitor with an impressive specification sheet isn't automatically the best deal.
In this guide, we've selected 10 gaming monitors worth considering, from affordable 1080p displays to sharper 1440p screens and premium options.
Note: This is a recommendation guide based on specifications, product positioning, and published reviews, not a hands-on test of all 10 monitors. Prices are indicative US-dollar ranges and can change depending on sales and availability.
1. AOC 24G4 — Best Budget Gaming Monitor
Why it's worth considering: Affordable gaming performance without unnecessary extras.
The AOC 24G4 is a strong starting point for anyone building a gaming PC on a limited budget. Its 24-inch Full HD IPS display and refresh rate of up to 180Hz make it suitable for fast-paced games.
The 1080p resolution also makes sense for entry-level graphics cards because rendering fewer pixels is generally easier than driving a 1440p or 4K screen.
Main advantages
Up to 180Hz for smooth gameplay.
IPS panel with good viewing angles.
Compact 24-inch size suited to 1080p.
A sensible upgrade from an old 60Hz office monitor.
Potential downside: You won't get the extra sharpness of a 1440p screen or the contrast performance of a good HDR display.
Verdict: A good candidate for gamers who want a fast monitor without spending too much.
2. LG 24GS65F-B — Best All-Round Value
The LG 24GS65F-B combines a 24-inch Full HD IPS panel with a refresh rate of up to 180Hz. It is a practical choice for people who use one screen for gaming, schoolwork, browsing, and video streaming.
Its resolution is well suited to smaller desks, and its high refresh rate can make compatible games feel noticeably smoother than they do on a traditional 60Hz display.
Main advantages
180Hz refresh rate.
IPS image quality.
Good balance between gaming and everyday use.
Doesn't require an especially powerful GPU to run at 1080p.
Potential downside: It isn't a major resolution upgrade over older Full HD screens, and HDR performance is not its main selling point.
Verdict: Worth comparing against similarly priced AOC, ASUS, and MSI monitors before buying.
3. ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3A — Best for Competitive Gaming
If you mainly play competitive games, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3A deserves a place on your shortlist.
This 23.8-inch Full HD gaming monitor offers a refresh rate of up to 180Hz, making it suitable for games where clear motion and quick reactions matter.
Games such as Valorant, Fortnite, and Counter-Strike 2 can benefit from a high-refresh-rate display, provided your PC can produce enough frames per second.
Main advantages
Up to 180Hz.
Fast gaming-oriented display.
Compact size for competitive setups.
FreeSync support for compatible systems.
Potential downside: The Full HD resolution and basic LCD contrast are not designed for premium cinematic image quality.
Verdict: A sensible option for esports-focused gamers who value smooth gameplay over high resolution.
4. MSI G244F E2 — Best Fast IPS Option
The MSI G244F E2 is another 24-inch-class Full HD monitor aimed at gamers who want high refresh rates at a reasonable cost.
Its IPS technology offers wide viewing angles and generally vibrant colors, while the high refresh rate helps fast movement look smoother.
It can work well as a general-purpose screen, too, so you don't need a separate monitor for everyday computer use.
Main advantages
Up to 180Hz.
IPS panel.
Suitable for competitive and casual gaming.
A compact screen size that works well at 1080p.
Potential downside: Similar monitors can offer comparable performance, so its value depends heavily on the price at your local retailer.
Verdict: Buy it when it is competitively priced against the AOC 24G4 and LG 24GS65F-B.
5. Dell SE2426HGS — Best Affordable High-Refresh Alternative
The Dell SE2426HGS is worth checking if you want an affordable gaming screen from a major PC manufacturer.
This 24-inch Full HD model is advertised with a refresh rate of up to 200Hz, giving it an advantage on paper over many entry-level 144Hz displays.
For everyday gaming, the difference between 60Hz and 144Hz is usually more noticeable than the difference between 180Hz and 200Hz. Therefore, don't pay a large premium just for the extra number.
Main advantages
Up to 200Hz.
Full HD resolution.
Suitable for budget gaming systems.
An alternative to the usual AOC, LG, and MSI choices.
Potential downside: Check its panel performance, ergonomics, ports, and local price before deciding.
Verdict: A promising budget option if it costs less than competing 180Hz models.
6. GIGABYTE GS27Q — Best Budget 1440p Monitor
Ready for a sharper image? The GIGABYTE GS27Q moves up to 27 inches and 2560 × 1440 resolution.
Compared with 1080p, 1440p provides approximately 78% more pixels. This helps text look sharper and game environments appear more detailed, especially on a 27-inch display.
The GS27Q combines that resolution with a refresh rate of up to 170Hz, making it attractive for gamers who want both image detail and smooth movement.
Main advantages
27-inch QHD resolution.
Up to 170Hz.
More screen space for work and multitasking.
A useful balance between visual detail and gaming performance.
Potential downside: Your graphics card needs to render more pixels than it would at 1080p, so demanding games may run at lower frame rates.
Verdict: One of the first models to compare when moving from Full HD to 1440p on a budget.
7. Dell G2724D — Best All-Round 1440p Gaming Monitor
The Dell G2724D is a well-known 27-inch QHD gaming monitor with a refresh rate of up to 165Hz.
It offers a balanced combination of resolution, smooth gameplay, and IPS image quality. This makes it a good choice for people who play a mixture of competitive games, single-player adventures, and everyday PC applications.
A 1440p display can be particularly attractive for games with detailed scenery, where the extra resolution improves the overall image.
Main advantages
2560 X 1440 resolution.
Up to 165Hz.
IPS panel with wide viewing angles.
A versatile size for gaming and productivity.
Potential downside: It is an older model, so availability and price can vary. A newer monitor may be a better deal if heavily discounted.
Verdict: Worth buying when its price is competitive with current 27-inch QHD alternatives.
8. MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 — Best for Gaming and Rich Colors
The MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 targets gamers who want more than just a high refresh rate.
Its 27-inch QHD display combines a refresh rate of up to 180Hz with Quantum Dot color technology. This can provide a wider color gamut than ordinary displays, making supported content look more vibrant.
It is particularly appealing if you play visually rich games and also use your computer for creative projects or media consumption.
Main advantages
1440p resolution.
Up to 180Hz.
Quantum Dot technology for a wide color gamut.
A versatile combination of gaming performance and image quality.
Potential downside: It may cost more than basic QHD monitors, and a wider color gamut does not automatically mean perfect color accuracy.
Verdict: A worthwhile step up if color reproduction matters as much as gaming performance.
9. Samsung Odyssey G5 G50D — Best for an Immersive Gaming Setup
The Samsung Odyssey G5 G50D is a 27-inch QHD gaming monitor designed for high-refresh-rate gameplay.
Its combination of 1440p resolution and a refresh rate of up to 180Hz makes it suitable for people who want detailed graphics without giving up smooth movement.
The G50D is a flat-panel model, which is worth noting because Samsung sells several Odyssey G5 monitors with different panel types, resolutions, and curved designs.
Main advantages
27-inch QHD display.
Up to 180Hz.
Good balance of resolution and refresh rate.
Suitable for both competitive and cinematic games.
Potential downside: Be careful when comparing it with other Odyssey G5 models. Similar product names do not guarantee identical specifications.
Verdict: A strong candidate for a mid-range gaming setup when priced competitively.
10. AOC Q27G3XMN — Best Budget HDR Experience
The AOC Q27G3XMN stands out because it offers something many affordable gaming monitors lack: Mini LED backlighting.
This 27-inch QHD monitor has a refresh rate of up to 180Hz and uses a VA panel with Mini LED local dimming. The backlight is divided into zones that can dim independently, helping the display produce deeper dark areas and brighter highlights.
That makes it particularly interesting for atmospheric games, dark environments, and supported HDR content.
Main advantages
2560 X 1440 resolution.
Up to 180Hz.
Mini LED backlighting with local dimming.
Strong contrast and HDR potential for its class.
Potential downside: Local dimming can produce halos around bright objects on dark backgrounds. VA panels can also exhibit some dark-scene smearing, depending on the implementation.
Verdict: A compelling choice if you want more impressive HDR and contrast without paying flagship OLED prices.
What Should You Look for Before Buying?
Choosing the right monitor is about matching its specifications to your PC and your needs.
1080p vs. 1440p
1080p (1920 X 1080): Best for tight budgets, smaller screens, and PCs that struggle with demanding games.
1440p (2560 X 1440): A great middle ground for 27-inch monitors, offering a sharper image and more desktop space. It does require more GPU power.
4K (3840 X 2160): Offers the most detail of these three resolutions, but high-refresh-rate 4K gaming can require a powerful graphics card and a larger budget.
144Hz, 180Hz, or 240Hz?
A higher refresh rate allows the display to show more frames per second. It can improve motion clarity and responsiveness when your PC produces enough frames.
60–75Hz: Fine for everyday use and casual gaming.
144–180Hz: An excellent target for most gaming PCs.
240Hz and above: Best considered if you play competitive games and your hardware can deliver very high frame rates.
Remember that refresh rate alone doesn't determine quality. Pixel response times and input lag also matter.
IPS vs. VA vs. OLED
IPS: A versatile option with good viewing angles and generally strong colors.
VA: Usually offers higher native contrast, although some models show more dark-scene smearing.
OLED: Excellent contrast and near-instantaneous pixel response, but typically more expensive and subject to potential burn-in over time.
Mini LED is a backlighting technology rather than a separate LCD panel type. It can improve HDR performance by controlling brightness in local zones.
Don't Ignore Connectivity and Ergonomics
Before purchasing, check whether the monitor has the HDMI or DisplayPort connections you need, whether its stand supports height adjustment, and whether it supports adaptive sync with your graphics card.
Also check the included cables and whether the monitor can reach its advertised maximum refresh rate at your desired resolution.
Final Verdict: Which Monitor Offers the Best Value?
There is no single best monitor for everyone, but these are the models we would compare first:
Best budget choice: AOC 24G4.
Best everyday 1080p option: LG 24GS65F-B.
Best competitive gaming option: ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3A.
Best budget 1440p option: GIGABYTE GS27Q.
Best all-round 1440p option: Dell G2724D.
Best budget HDR option: AOC Q27G3XMN.
For most people buying a gaming monitor in 2026, a good 24-inch 1080p display at 144Hz or higher offers excellent value on a limited budget. If your graphics card can handle the extra workload, a 27-inch 1440p display at 144Hz or higher is a very attractive upgrade.
Our biggest tip: Compare actual prices before buying. A discounted monitor from the previous generation can offer better value than a newer model with similar specifications.
Prices and availability vary by region. Always verify the exact model number and specifications with the retailer before purchasing.
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