Key takeaways
- GPU match: A 240Hz or 360Hz display needs a graphics card and CPU that can sustain high frame rates. A midrange GPU such as the RTX 5060 Ti or RX 9060 XT suits 1080p high-refresh play, while 1440p high refresh needs a stronger card.
- Cable: Use the DisplayPort cable in the box, or a certified replacement, to reach the full refresh rate.
- Console use: Consoles are limited to certain refresh rates and resolutions, so check what your console supports.
- Desk depth: A 24-inch panel with a wide base can still hog desk space. Check the stand footprint.
- Wall or arm mounting: Look for a standard VESA 100 pattern if you want to free up desk room.
The best 24-inch monitor for competitive gamers is a fast 1080p IPS panel such as the Dell SE2426HG, KOORUI G2411P or LG UltraGear 24G411A-B, while players who want a sharper image should look at 1440p models like the Innocn 25M2S, and esports specialists chasing the lowest latency can choose the BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X at 360Hz. Pick by refresh rate, panel type, resolution and stand ergonomics, since the screen size is the same across the group. This guide compares the models reviewers name most often and explains who each suits.
24-Inch Monitors at a Glance
| Model | Best for | Key stated or reported specs | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X | Competitive FPS with very high frame rates | 360Hz refresh, named best 24 to 25 inch monitor by RTINGS | Needs a strong GPU and CPU to use 360Hz; premium tier cost |
| Dell SE2426HG | Budget esports with high refresh | 240Hz IPS, 0.5ms response listed in roundups | 1080p resolution, basic HDR support |
| LG UltraGear 24G411A-B | All-round gaming | Frequently listed as a top overall 24-inch pick, with HDR mentioned in one roundup | Feature level varies, read the maker’s spec page |
| KOORUI G2411P | Tight budgets | Named WePC value pick | Build quality and stand are simpler |
| Samsung Odyssey G3 (24-inch) | Entry competitive gaming with full stand | 180Hz refresh and a fully adjustable stand cited by reviewers | VA or IPS variants differ, check the model code |
| AOC C24G42E (curved) | Curved-screen fans | Named best 24-inch curved by Display Ninja | Curve is subtle and not for everyone |
| Innocn 25M2S | A sharper 1440p image | Named best 24-inch 1440p by Display Ninja | Slightly larger at 25 inches, sharper but costs more |
Specs reflect what outlets such as RTINGS, Display Ninja and WePC report and what makers list. Monitor model codes, panel suppliers and revisions change, so confirm the exact variant on the maker’s page before buying.
Why a 24-Inch Monitor?
A 24-inch screen is compact enough to see the whole display without moving your head, which suits fast shooters such as Counter-Strike, Valorant and Apex Legends. It fits small desks, sits nicely in dual-monitor setups and leaves room for mouse swings. At normal desk distance, 1080p looks acceptable on this size, while 1440p looks noticeably crisper.
What to Look For
Resolution
Most 24-inch models are 1080p. At this size, 1080p offers a pixel density around 92 pixels per inch, which is fine for gaming but can look soft for text. 1440p models, usually at 24.5 to 27 inches, offer sharper text and image detail, but require more GPU power. Reviewers note that true 24-inch 1440p options are less common and cost more.
Refresh rate
144Hz is a baseline for smooth play, while 180Hz to 240Hz benefits fast-paced shooters. 360Hz is for experienced players with high-end hardware and games that run at hundreds of frames per second. Make sure your GPU can feed the refresh rate you choose.
Panel type
IPS panels offer wide viewing angles and good colour. VA panels often have higher contrast but may smear in dark scenes. TN panels are fast but less colourful. Newer fast-IPS panels have narrowed the speed gap, which is why many esports monitors now use IPS.
Response time and motion clarity
Makers quote grey-to-grey response times, and these are measured under best-case conditions. Independent reviewers such as RTINGS measure real transitions and overshoot, so check them for the model you plan to buy.
Adaptive sync
Look for G-Sync Compatible or FreeSync Premium support to remove tearing. Most modern gaming monitors list one or both.
Ergonomics
Height adjustment, tilt, swivel and pivot matter more than they seem. Some budget monitors only tilt. Check VESA mount compatibility if you want an arm.
Connectivity
DisplayPort delivers the highest refresh at the monitor’s native resolution on most models, while HDMI versions vary. Check the port version for the refresh rate you want, especially at 1440p.
Fit and Compatibility Notes
- GPU match: A 240Hz or 360Hz display needs a graphics card and CPU that can sustain high frame rates. A midrange GPU such as the RTX 5060 Ti or RX 9060 XT suits 1080p high-refresh play, while 1440p high refresh needs a stronger card.
- Cable: Use the DisplayPort cable in the box, or a certified replacement, to reach the full refresh rate.
- Console use: Consoles are limited to certain refresh rates and resolutions, so check what your console supports.
- Desk depth: A 24-inch panel with a wide base can still hog desk space. Check the stand footprint.
- Wall or arm mounting: Look for a standard VESA 100 pattern if you want to free up desk room.
Budget Tiers
Budget
The KOORUI G2411P and Dell SE2426HG sit at the value end according to reviewers. They give you high refresh IPS gaming without the cost of premium options, though HDR, stands and extras are limited.
Mid-range
The LG UltraGear 24G411A-B, Samsung Odyssey G3 and AOC C24G42E balance features and cost. They add a better stand or curved option and consistent quality.
Premium
The BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X and 1440p options like the Innocn 25M2S cost more but deliver either extreme speed or extra sharpness. BenQ’s esports line also includes tuning features such as black equaliser and motion-clarity settings aimed at competitive play.
Pick X If You Want Y
| Pick this | If you want |
|---|---|
| BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X | The fastest competitive experience at 360Hz |
| Dell SE2426HG | A strong budget 240Hz esports screen |
| LG UltraGear 24G411A-B | A balanced all-round gaming monitor |
| KOORUI G2411P | The lowest outlay for a gaming monitor |
| Innocn 25M2S | A sharper 1440p image for gaming and work |
| AOC C24G42E | A gently curved screen |
Alternatives to Consider
- 27-inch 1440p monitors: They offer a bigger, sharper picture for general use and single-player games, and many gamers consider them the sweet spot.
- Ultrawide monitors: Great for immersion and productivity, but less ideal for competitive shooters.
- 24-inch OLED or 25-inch OLED: New high-refresh OLED options are appearing, with deep contrast, though burn-in care and higher cost apply.
- Used or refurbished panels: This can stretch a budget, but warranty and dead-pixel policies matter.
Setup Tips
Set the refresh rate in your operating system’s display settings after plugging in, because it often defaults to 60Hz. Enable adaptive sync in your graphics driver. Position the top of the screen at or just below eye level and sit about an arm’s length away. Take regular breaks to rest your eyes.
Matching a Monitor to Your Games
Different games reward different monitor traits. Competitive shooters such as Counter-Strike 2, Valorant and Apex Legends benefit most from high refresh and low input lag, so a 240Hz or faster IPS screen is a sensible target if your hardware can hold those frame rates. Battle royale and open-world titles with heavier graphics may run at lower frame rates, in which case 144Hz to 180Hz is plenty and the extra budget is better spent on resolution or panel quality.
Single-player story games and strategy titles benefit from colour accuracy, contrast and sharpness, which points toward 1440p. If you play both genres, a 1440p monitor at 165Hz to 240Hz is a common compromise, although the 24-inch class has fewer such options than the 27-inch class.
Streaming and content creation add another angle. If you edit video or photos, look for sRGB coverage listed by the maker and independent colour accuracy measurements from outlets such as RTINGS. Budget gaming panels often favour speed over colour precision.
Reading monitor reviews critically
Many online roundups list the same few models and repeat maker claims. Look for reviews that publish measured response times, input lag and overshoot, and check whether the reviewed model code matches the one on sale. Panel suppliers, firmware revisions and stand variations between regions can change the experience. Warranty length and the maker’s dead-pixel policy are worth reading before you commit.
Setting up for the best picture
After connecting, select the native resolution and the highest refresh rate in your display settings, turn on adaptive sync in the graphics driver, and use the maker’s recommended overdrive mode rather than the most aggressive one, which can add visible trails. Calibrate brightness for your room, and consider a monitor arm to free desk space and set the height precisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 24-inch monitor big enough for gaming?
For competitive and esports titles, many players prefer it because the whole screen is easy to see at a glance. For immersive single-player games, 27 inches is a common alternative.
Is 1080p fine on a 24-inch screen?
Yes for gaming, particularly high-refresh play. Text appears softer than at 1440p, so choose a 1440p model if you also work on documents often.
Do I need 240Hz or 360Hz?
Only if your system can sustain those frame rates in the games you play. For many gamers, 144Hz to 180Hz already feels smooth, and the gain from 240Hz and beyond is smaller.
IPS, VA or TN?
IPS is the common balance of colour, viewing angles and speed. VA offers deeper blacks but can smear, and TN is fast but weaker in colour. Many 2026 budget gaming monitors use IPS.
Which port should I use?
DisplayPort is typically the safest way to reach the full refresh rate on a PC. HDMI works, but check the version and the maker’s listed limits at your resolution.
Are curved 24-inch monitors worth it?
The curve on a 24-inch panel is subtle. Some people like the immersion, while others find it unnecessary. If you share your desk or want wall mounting, a flat panel is simpler.
