The best gaming monitors for under $150 should balance refresh rate, screen size, connectivity, and comfortable positioning. The Dell SE2426HGS is the first model to compare: its checked $119.99 price includes a 23.8-inch IPS panel, 240Hz refresh rate, and an adjustable stand. The MSI MAG 245F X24 costs less and also supports 240Hz, while Dell’s SE2726HG offers a larger screen. LG’s 24GS60F-B provides a 180Hz alternative near the budget limit. This shortlist explains what those differences mean without treating advertised response times as measured performance or assuming that every inexpensive gaming monitor offers the same experience.
Quick verdict: best gaming monitors for under $150
Start with the Dell SE2426HGS if you want a compact monitor with useful stand adjustment. Its combination of 1080p, 240Hz, and height adjustment makes it a practical starting point at the checked price.
Choose the MSI MAG 245F X24 if reducing the initial cost matters more, particularly if you already own a compatible monitor arm. Consider the Dell SE2726HG when you want a larger image and accept lower pixel density. The LG 24GS60F-B remains an alternative when its synchronization features or a favorable retailer offer suit your setup.
These recommendations concern verified features and purchase conditions. No model receives a measured motion-clarity or lowest-latency award.
Quick comparison
Prices below were displayed on U.S. manufacturer or retailer pages accessed October 31, 2026. The budget applies to the monitor’s price before tax and any shipping charges. Confirm the final total and availability before ordering.
| Monitor | Best fit within this shortlist | Checked U.S. price | Panel and resolution | Maximum advertised refresh rate | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell SE2426HGS | Compact setup with an adjustable stand | $119.99 at Dell | 23.8-inch IPS, 1920 × 1080 | 240Hz | No comparable motion measurements established here |
| MSI MAG 245F X24 | Lower initial cost for a 240Hz setup | $109.99 at B&H | 23.8-inch Rapid IPS, 1920 × 1080 | 240Hz | Tilt-only supplied stand |
| Dell SE2726HG | Larger image without increasing resolution | $149.99 in Dell’s U.S. listings | 27-inch IPS, 1920 × 1080 | 240Hz | Lower pixel density; tilt-only stand |
| LG UltraGear 24GS60F-B | Alternative with explicitly listed NVIDIA/AMD sync support | $149.99 displayed by LG | Marketed as 24-inch IPS, 1920 × 1080 | 180Hz | Lower refresh ceiling; LG directs buyers to retailers |
How we selected these monitors
The shortlist focuses on new 1080p gaming monitors with documented U.S. prices below $150. Manufacturer specifications establish the screen type, refresh capability, stand features, and relevant connections. Retailer information is used for the exact offer being discussed.
Four models are included because unavailable clearance pages and unresolved offers do not make useful purchase recommendations. A longer list would be less helpful if it relied on prices buyers could not realistically confirm.
No monitors were physically tested for this article. Manufacturer claims such as “0.5ms” and “1ms” are not treated as average response-time measurements, input-lag results, or proof that one panel has cleaner motion than another. Recommendations therefore remain conditional on your needs.
The monitors worth comparing
Dell SE2426HGS: the starting pick for an adjustable setup
The SE2426HGS combines a 23.8-inch 1080p IPS panel, 240Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium, and height, swivel, and tilt adjustment. Dell lists two HDMI inputs and one DisplayPort input, with HDMI support specified for 1080p at 240Hz.
The stand is the main reason to start here rather than automatically choosing the cheapest screen. Being able to set the display height may avoid the need for a separate arm. That makes the complete setup more relevant than the small purchase-price difference alone.
Compared with the MSI, the Dell’s appeal is positioning flexibility rather than a higher refresh ceiling. Compared with the 27-inch Dell, it keeps the same resolution on a smaller surface.
Buy if: You want a compact high-refresh monitor and need height adjustment out of the box.
Skip if: You already have a suitable mount and prefer to minimize the initial purchase cost.
Dell lists a three-year limited warranty with Advanced Exchange Service and Premium Panel Exchange. Coverage remains subject to its terms; those services are not a guarantee that every display issue qualifies.
MSI MAG 245F X24: the lower-cost 240Hz option
The MAG 245F X24 offers a 23.8-inch 1080p Rapid IPS panel, FreeSync Premium, two HDMI inputs, and DisplayPort. MSI explicitly lists up to 240Hz through either input type.
At the checked B&H price, it has the lowest monitor purchase cost in this shortlist. That is especially relevant if your desk already has a suitable arm or the supplied stand places the screen comfortably.
Its stand adjusts for tilt rather than height. Buying an arm solely to correct the position could erase the saving compared with the adjustable Dell. Calculate the complete setup cost before choosing on price alone.
MSI’s minimum response-time specification does not establish average pixel performance. A 240Hz input signal and fast, well-controlled pixel transitions are separate requirements.
Buy if: You want a relatively inexpensive 240Hz-capable display and can work with the stand or an existing mount.
Skip if: You need height adjustment immediately or require comprehensive independent motion testing before purchase.
B&H lists a three-year limited manufacturer warranty. Confirm the applicable terms with the seller before ordering.
Dell SE2726HG: the larger-screen choice
The SE2726HG provides a 27-inch IPS panel with 1080p resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. Dell’s U.S. listings displayed a price just below the ceiling for the tilt-only version.
The larger screen is the reason to consider it. At the same viewing distance, game elements occupy more physical space than on a smaller screen displaying the same image. That may suit someone who wants a larger presentation or sits farther from the desk.
The compromise is pixel density. Spreading 1920 × 1080 pixels across 27 inches produces a coarser image than using the same resolution on a 23.8-inch panel. It also does not provide additional desktop workspace at the same resolution and scaling.
Buy if: You deliberately want a larger 1080p image and have enough desk space.
Skip if: You prioritize close-up text sharpness or need a height-adjustable stand within the same budget.
Confirm the exact SE2726HG configuration. Dell’s similarly named sizes and stand options should not be assumed to share the same price.
LG UltraGear 24GS60F-B: the conditional 180Hz alternative
LG lists a 1080p IPS screen with a 180Hz refresh rate, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible support, and AMD FreeSync. Its U.S. page displayed $149.99 and directed shoppers to retailers.
This is an alternative rather than the automatic first choice at those prices. It costs more than the compact Dell and MSI while advertising a lower refresh ceiling. A better local offer, preferred seller, or useful return arrangement would make its case stronger.
The NVIDIA and AMD synchronization listings help establish relevant features, but they do not prove compatibility through every GPU, cable, and input combination. Confirm the intended connection before purchasing.
Buy if: You find attractive retailer terms for this exact model and 180Hz meets your needs.
Skip if: The Dell or MSI offers a better complete setup for your requirements.
LG’s U.S. support page lists one year of parts and labor coverage. Check the seller, condition, final price, and warranty eligibility rather than treating the manufacturer’s displayed price as a completed retail quote.
How to choose within the budget
Choosing the best gaming monitors for under $150 for your games
Start with the frame rates your computer sustains in demanding gameplay. A high-refresh monitor can accept frequent updates, but it cannot make the computer render frames faster.
For illustration, a PC that usually delivers around 100 FPS creates a different purchase decision from one sustaining around 220 FPS. These are hypothetical examples, not benchmarks. The first buyer may benefit more from screen positioning or image quality; the second has more reason to investigate 240Hz behavior.
Do not buy solely around an empty practice area or a game menu’s FPS counter. Evaluate the scenes you actually play, including busy matches and demanding effects.
Separate refresh rate, response time, and input lag
Refresh rate describes how often the display can update. Pixel response time concerns transitions between image states. Input lag involves delay through the display and, depending on the measurement, other parts of the system.
An advertised minimum response time cannot replace measurements across many transitions. Aggressive overdrive may speed transitions while introducing bright or dark trails around moving objects.
When independent testing is available, look for overshoot and response behavior at maximum refresh and lower refresh rates. A usable setting across your frame-rate range matters more than selecting the most aggressive option.
Decide between a compact screen and a larger image
A 23.8-inch 1080p display and a 27-inch 1080p display show the same number of pixels. Their difference is physical presentation.
Choose the smaller format when you sit close and prefer a denser image. Choose the larger format when its size is a deliberate advantage at your viewing distance. Neither choice is universally better for gaming.
Measure the available space, including stand depth and room for the keyboard and mouse. A larger panel should not force the screen uncomfortably close simply because the desk lacks depth.
Check the input your computer will use
Verify the supported resolution and refresh rate through the intended input. This is particularly important for laptops, docks, and adapters, where the computer’s connection may impose its own limits.
Use a direct connection for initial setup when possible. Once the monitor is working correctly, add other devices and confirm that the target mode remains available.
Console buyers need an additional check: PC refresh capability does not automatically establish console timing or variable-refresh support. Confirm the exact console, game mode, and monitor input combination.
Keep room for tax and essential accessories
A $149.99 monitor is below $150 before tax, but it leaves effectively no room for additional costs. If $150 is your delivered maximum, use a lower monitor-price target.
Include any required cable or mount. The adjustable Dell may be the more useful purchase if the cheaper MSI would immediately need an arm.
Also check return shipping, dead-pixel policies, seller identity, and product condition. A clearance offer with reduced coverage is a different purchase from an ordinary new-unit offer.
What to check after delivery
Use the return window to establish that the monitor suits your system and desk.
- Confirm the exact model and inspect the panel for damage.
- Select the native resolution and intended refresh rate in Windows.
- Enable the appropriate synchronization settings for your GPU.
- Start with moderate overdrive and inspect moving edges.
- Repeat the motion check at lower frame rates.
- Evaluate screen position, reflections, and readable brightness during normal use.
Change one setting at a time. This makes it easier to identify whether an unwanted effect comes from overdrive, synchronization, or another configuration choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is 240Hz automatically better than 180Hz?
No. It provides more frequent refresh opportunities, but the complete experience also depends on pixel response behavior, frame delivery, and your computer’s performance. Compare those factors rather than treating refresh rate as a complete quality score.
Should HDR influence the decision?
Prioritize the features central to your use. HDR signal acceptance alone does not establish strong HDR presentation. Avoid paying more specifically for HDR without evidence about the display’s relevant capabilities.
Should you replace a working 144Hz monitor?
Identify a concrete reason first. Better positioning, a larger image, or verified improvement in motion behavior may justify a change. A higher advertised refresh rate alone may not deliver an improvement large enough to matter to you.
Final verdict
The Dell SE2426HGS is the first monitor to compare because its checked price combines 240Hz capability with useful stand adjustment. The MSI MAG 245F X24 lowers the initial cost when its stand or your existing mount works. Choose the Dell SE2726HG for a deliberately larger 1080p image, and consider the LG when retailer terms make it attractive. Recheck final prices before ordering, especially for models sitting just below the ceiling. The strongest purchase is the one that fits your desk, connection, and games while keeping the complete setup within budget.
