How we chose

We chose four 24-inch 1080p monitors from the makers' pages. We did not test them and we show no prices; budget monitors move fast, so check the listing. Each pick has a refresh rate of at least 144 Hz or tells you to confirm it.

What to keep and what to skip

On a tight budget, put the money into refresh rate and panel, not into extras. 144 Hz is the first step that most players notice over 60 Hz. Skip speakers, curved panels at this size and HDR labels on budget monitors; they add cost without helping the picture. A tilt stand is fine if your desk is at a good height, and you can add a monitor arm later.

60 Hz16.7 ms 144 Hz6.9 ms 240 Hz4.2 ms
Time between frames. Frame time is 1000 divided by the refresh rate. Going from 144 Hz to 240 Hz saves under 3 ms per frame, a smaller step than 60 to 144.
Editorial photograph related to monitor response time ghosting fix
An editorial illustration supporting this guide on monitor response time ghosting fix.

IPS or VA

IPS has wider viewing angles and steadier colour. VA usually has deeper blacks and higher contrast but can smear dark scenes more. Our ghosting checklist covers what to adjust if motion looks smeared.

Setting it up

Set the refresh rate in your display settings, use DisplayPort or a good HDMI cable, and confirm with the Refresh Rate Test. Consoles need an HDMI port that supports the mode you want.

Sponsored

As an Amazon Associate, GameGearLab earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure. Images are generic illustrations, not the exact listing.

Mistakes to avoid

Do not choose by the biggest size at the lowest cost. A 27-inch 1080p screen shows its pixels at normal desk distance, so a 24-inch monitor often looks better. Watch the refresh rate on the listing too: the same model name can come in 75 Hz and 144 Hz versions, and the suffix tells you which one you are buying. Finally, a 1 ms claim describes a best case, not what you will see in every game.

When to spend more

If your PC reaches over 100 frames per second at 1080p, the next step is a 1440p screen, not a faster 1080p one. Our 1080p vs 1440p guide shows the trade. Until then a budget 144 Hz IPS screen is a sound place to stay for years.

Quick checklist

  • Confirm the refresh rate in the listing title and in the specification table, because the model name alone can hide older versions.
  • Check that the stand tilts or adjusts, or plan on a VESA arm if your desk is low.
  • Look at the ports: DisplayPort suits a PC, while a console needs HDMI.
  • Keep the box and test the screen for dead pixels in the first days, using the return window if needed.