The best budget gaming monitor for competitive play should match the frame rates your PC can sustain without consuming money better spent elsewhere in the setup. The MSI MAG 245F X24 is the first model to consider in this shortlist: its checked U.S. listing combines 1080p, 240Hz, and a relatively low asking price. The Alienware AW2525HM offers a higher refresh ceiling and more stand adjustment for a larger budget. Below, five models are compared by verified specifications, purchase conditions, and practical trade-offs. These are researched recommendations, with no claim of detailed research or a measured motion-performance winner.
Quick verdict: best budget gaming monitor for competitive play
Start with the MSI MAG 245F X24 if its checked $109.99 offer remains available. Its combination of 240Hz, a compact IPS screen, and support for that refresh rate through both HDMI and DisplayPort makes it the strongest starting point on specifications and price.
That recommendation has a boundary: refresh rate alone does not establish how cleanly pixels transition. Without comparable response-time and overshoot measurements, the MSI cannot be declared the fastest-looking monitor here.
Choose the Alienware AW2525HM instead if your PC regularly produces very high frame rates and you want its adjustable stand. Consider the ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3A for its documented overdrive and motion-blur-reduction features, or the LG 24GS60F-B for a straightforward 180Hz option with explicitly listed NVIDIA and AMD synchronization support.
The MSI G244F E2 is a restock alternative. Its checked consumer listing was unavailable, so its displayed price should not be treated as an immediately purchasable deal.
Quick comparison
Prices below were displayed on U.S. pages accessed October 31, 2026. They exclude any applicable tax and shipping and may change. A displayed price does not guarantee checkout availability.
| Monitor | Best fit within this shortlist | Size and resolution | Maximum advertised refresh rate | Checked U.S. price | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI MAG 245F X24 | First price-and-specification comparison | 23.8-inch, 1920 × 1080, Rapid IPS | 240Hz through HDMI or DisplayPort | $109.99 at B&H | Tilt-only stand; no comparable motion measurements established here |
| Alienware AW2525HM | Higher-refresh setup with an adjustable stand | 24.5-inch, 1920 × 1080, Fast IPS | 320Hz DisplayPort; 255Hz HDMI | $229.99 at Dell | Higher cost; requires DisplayPort for 320Hz |
| ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3A | Buyers interested in adjustable motion features | 23.8-inch, 1920 × 1080, Fast IPS | 180Hz | $139.99 through an Adorama offer on Best Buy | Lower refresh ceiling than the MSI MAG |
| LG UltraGear 24GS60F-B | A simple 180Hz NVIDIA/AMD shortlist option | Marketed as 24-inch, 1920 × 1080, IPS | 180Hz | $149.99 displayed by LG | Manufacturer page directs buyers to retailers |
| MSI G244F E2 | Restock watch for a basic 180Hz setup | 23.8-inch, 1920 × 1080, Rapid IPS | 180Hz through HDMI or DisplayPort | $99.99 displayed at Walmart | Consumer listing showed out of stock |
How we selected these monitors
This shortlist focuses on compact 1080p desktop monitors for competitive PC games. That scope favors buyers who prioritize refresh rate, manageable GPU demands, and price over a larger workspace or higher resolution.
Manufacturer specifications were used to establish panel type, refresh rate, connectivity, and relevant features. U.S. manufacturer and retailer pages supplied the price observations. Five models are included because they illustrate distinct buying decisions without padding the list with near-identical products.
No units were tested for this article. Manufacturer claims such as “0.5ms” and “1ms” are not treated as average response-time measurements or evidence of lower total system latency. The recommendations therefore distinguish verified capabilities from performance that still requires independent measurement.
The monitors worth comparing
MSI MAG 245F X24: the first price-and-specification pick
The MAG 245F X24 offers a particularly relevant feature set for this search: a 23.8-inch 1080p Rapid IPS panel, 240Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium, two HDMI inputs, and DisplayPort. MSI explicitly lists 1080p at up to 240Hz through either connection type.
Its checked B&H price puts pressure on the more expensive 180Hz models in this article. If your main objective is accessing a higher refresh ceiling without spending much, the MAG deserves the first comparison. HDMI support at its maximum listed refresh rate also gives an HDMI-connected PC a useful option, provided the PC’s output supports the required mode.
The compromises are straightforward. Its supplied stand adjusts for tilt, so reaching your preferred screen height may require an additional mount. More importantly, MSI’s minimum response-time claim does not establish average transition speed or overshoot across refresh rates.
Buy if: You want an inexpensive route to a 240Hz-capable 1080p setup and can evaluate motion behavior during the return window.
Skip if: You require a height-adjustable stand out of the box or a purchase decision supported by comprehensive, comparable motion testing.
Alienware AW2525HM: the higher-refresh upgrade
The AW2525HM increases the advertised refresh ceiling to 320Hz through DisplayPort. Dell lists 255Hz through HDMI, making connection choice part of the buying decision. Its 24.5-inch Fast IPS panel remains at 1080p.
The stand provides height, swivel, pivot, and tilt adjustment. That can make the complete package more useful than a cheaper monitor that immediately needs an arm. Dell also lists three years of limited hardware coverage and Advanced Exchange Service, subject to its service terms.
At the checked price, this is a deliberate budget stretch. Its case is strongest when your existing PC consistently produces frame rates that can use the extra refresh capacity. Paying more becomes harder to justify when your games run well below the cheaper MSI’s ceiling.
Dell’s advertised response-time figures are mode-dependent manufacturer claims. They do not establish that the most aggressive setting produces the best image in motion.
Buy if: You have a high-frame-rate PC, a DisplayPort connection, and a practical need for the adjustable stand.
Skip if: Your budget is tight or the extra refresh headroom would mostly go unused.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3A: an alternative with motion controls
The VG249Q3A combines a 23.8-inch 1080p Fast IPS panel with 180Hz, FreeSync Premium, variable overdrive, and ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur.
Those controls are the reason to consider it rather than treating all inexpensive IPS monitors as interchangeable. They provide options to investigate when tuning motion presentation. Their presence, however, does not prove that this model looks clearer than a competing monitor, and separate feature listings should not be interpreted as confirmation that every feature operates simultaneously.
At the checked offer, the ASUS costs more than the MSI MAG while advertising a lower maximum refresh rate. It therefore needs a specific justification: a preferred feature, seller arrangement, or a favorable price change. Brand familiarity alone does not establish superior competitive performance.
Buy if: You specifically want to explore ASUS’s documented motion controls and are comfortable with 180Hz.
Skip if: Your priority is the highest verified refresh capability per dollar at the prices shown here.
Check the exact VG249Q3A model number before ordering; similar ASUS names can identify different products.
LG UltraGear 24GS60F-B: a straightforward 180Hz option
LG’s U.S. page lists a 1080p IPS display with a 180Hz refresh rate, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible support, and AMD FreeSync. That makes it a relevant option for buyers who want those synchronization capabilities explicitly identified by the manufacturer.
The important price comparison is against the MSI MAG. The LG’s displayed price is higher while its refresh ceiling is lower. Choosing it should therefore rest on a useful purchase condition—such as a better local offer or return arrangement—rather than an assumption that all products from one brand have faster pixel response.
LG’s U.S. support page lists one year of parts and labor coverage. Its product page displayed a price but directed buyers to retailers, so confirm the final seller, condition, and total before comparing it with a direct purchase.
Buy if: You want a simple 180Hz shortlist option and find attractive purchase terms for this exact model.
Skip if: You can buy the MSI MAG at the checked price and have no specific reason to prefer the LG.
MSI G244F E2: a restock alternative
The G244F E2 provides a 23.8-inch 1080p Rapid IPS panel, Adaptive-Sync, two HDMI inputs, and DisplayPort. MSI lists up to 180Hz through both input types. Its stand is tilt-adjustable.
Its role is narrower than it first appears. Although a Walmart page displayed a low price, the consumer listing showed out of stock when checked. An unavailable listing is useful for monitoring, but it should not anchor a claim about the cheapest monitor someone can buy today.
Even if it returns at the displayed price, compare the small saving against the MAG 245F X24’s checked offer. A modest difference may not justify choosing the lower refresh ceiling. Conversely, a materially lower delivered price could make the G244F E2 sensible for a PC that rarely exceeds its refresh range.
Buy if: It returns at a meaningfully lower total price and 180Hz fits your actual games.
Skip if: You need a monitor immediately or its price approaches the 240Hz MAG.
How to choose for your PC and games
Match refresh rate to sustained performance
Before choosing a refresh tier, check frame rates during the demanding parts of the games you actually play. An empty practice area can give a misleading picture of what happens during a busy match.
The interval between refreshes helps explain the difference:
| Refresh rate | Approximate interval between refreshes |
|---|---|
| 144Hz | 6.94ms |
| 180Hz | 5.56ms |
| 240Hz | 4.17ms |
| 320Hz | 3.13ms |
These figures are calculated as 1,000 divided by refresh rate. They are not measured input latency or pixel response time.
A faster monitor offers more frequent refresh opportunities, but the benefit depends on the rest of the system. For illustration, a PC usually producing around 140 FPS presents a different purchase case from one sustaining around 300 FPS. Those examples are decision scenarios, not benchmarks for any particular game or computer.
Finding the best budget gaming monitor for competitive play at checkout
Compare the complete usable setup rather than the monitor price alone. Include any required cable, mount, shipping charge, and differences in return terms.
The price order can change quickly. If the MAG’s offer disappears, reassess the alternatives instead of preserving the ranking automatically. If the Alienware receives a substantial discount, its stand and higher refresh capability may become easier to justify.
Also confirm that a low price applies to a new unit with the expected coverage. Clearance, refurbished, open-box, and final-sale offers can have different terms. A cheaper listing with materially reduced protection is a different proposition from an ordinary retail purchase.
Distinguish response time from refresh rate
Refresh rate describes how often the display can update. Pixel response time describes how quickly pixels change between states. Input latency concerns the delay through the processing and display chain. These concepts interact, but they are not interchangeable.
An aggressive overdrive setting can accelerate transitions while introducing visible overshoot, often seen as bright or dark trails. That is why a minimum advertised response-time number cannot establish the best competitive monitor.
When reading independent testing, look for transition behavior and overshoot at both maximum refresh and lower refresh rates. A setting that works well in one condition may be less suitable when frame rates fall.
Check the connection before paying for extra hertz
The Alienware illustrates why this matters: its listed HDMI ceiling is below its DisplayPort ceiling. A laptop buyer should verify the actual capabilities of the laptop’s output, rather than assuming the monitor’s highest advertised number will be available.
Docks, adapters, and switches introduce additional limits. Establish a direct connection first where possible, then verify the selected refresh rate in Windows. A high-refresh monitor running at a default 60Hz setting does not provide the intended setup.
For consoles, confirm the exact supported timing and synchronization behavior separately. A PC refresh-rate specification does not automatically establish console compatibility.
Setup checks after delivery
Use the return window to evaluate the monitor in the conditions that matter to you.
- Select the native resolution and intended refresh rate.
- Enable the appropriate adaptive-sync options for your GPU and connection.
- Begin with a moderate overdrive setting.
- Inspect moving edges for persistent trails or inverse ghosting.
- Repeat the check at a lower frame rate.
- Confirm that the stand, brightness range, and screen position suit your desk.
Change one setting at a time. That makes it easier to identify whether an unwanted effect comes from overdrive, synchronization, or another setting.
Frequently asked questions
Is 180Hz enough for competitive gaming?
It can be a sensible choice when it fits your frame rates and budget. There is no universal refresh threshold that makes a player competitive. Higher refresh offers additional display opportunities, but it does not replace stable system performance or guarantee better match results.
Should you replace an existing 144Hz monitor with one of these?
Identify what is limiting the existing setup first. Moving from 144Hz to 180Hz changes refresh interval less dramatically than moving from 60Hz to either. If the current display works well, a replacement needs a concrete benefit such as substantially higher refresh capability, better verified motion behavior, or improved positioning.
Should HDR influence this purchase?
For this shortlist, prioritize motion behavior, connectivity, and price. HDR signal acceptance alone does not establish strong HDR image quality. Do not pay extra specifically for HDR unless the monitor’s relevant capabilities have been verified and HDR matters to your use.
Final verdict
The MSI MAG 245F X24 is the first model to compare at its checked price because it combines a compact 1080p IPS panel with 240Hz support through HDMI and DisplayPort. The Alienware AW2525HM is the more expensive option for buyers who can use its higher refresh ceiling and adjustable stand. ASUS and LG remain conditional alternatives when their features or purchase terms fit better, while the G244F E2 is a restock watch. Recheck delivered prices before ordering, and treat advertised response-time numbers as specifications rather than proof of superior motion clarity.
