For most buyers seeking an affordable 1080p gaming monitor, the LG 24GS65F-B is the most balanced starting point: it pairs a 24-inch IPS screen with a 180Hz refresh rate. Choose the Dell SE2426HGS if you put a higher refresh rate ahead of brightness, color and stand flexibility; consider the Lenovo Legion R25F-30 if you want to target up to 280Hz. Prices and stock change, so compare the exact model and regional suffix before buying.
Why choose a 1080p monitor for gaming?
A 24-inch 1080p display can make sense when your budget is tight or your PC is aimed at high frame rates rather than a higher resolution. The lower pixel load can also be a practical match for systems that struggle to drive demanding games at 1440p. These are tradeoffs, not a guarantee of performance: actual frame rates depend on your hardware and games.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Current US-focused coverage lists 24-inch 1080p monitors with refresh rates from 180Hz to 280Hz among its budget options. Category-level market context from TechSpot describes 24-inch 1080p 144Hz IPS models at around $100 in 2026; that is an approximate category observation, not a price for any of the picks below. TechSpot’s 2026 monitor guide
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Which budget 1080p gaming monitor should you choose?
| Model | Reported size and panel | Resolution and refresh rate | Best fit | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG 24GS65F-B | 24-inch IPS LCD | 1920 × 1080; 180Hz | Balanced everyday gaming | Less bright than the Dell comparison; no USB ports |
| Dell SE2426HGS | 24-inch IPS LCD | 1920 × 1080; 240Hz | Prioritizing higher refresh rate | Lower brightness, slightly worse reflection handling, fewer displayed colors, and no vertical rotation on the stand |
| Lenovo Legion R25F-30 | 24.5-inch VA | 1920 × 1080; 280Hz | Performance-focused gaming | Limited ports, weak speakers, plain design |
The LG and Dell specifications and comparative observations are reported by RTINGS; the Lenovo details are listed by TechRadar. These are not firsthand tests for this article. RTINGS’ 2026 1080p monitor roundup · TechRadar’s 2026 gaming monitor guide
#1 Best Overall
- 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the midst of an intense gaming session, our built-in speakers provide rich and seamless audio, all while keeping your desk clutter-free.
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
LG 24GS65F-B: the balanced pick
RTINGS names this its “Best Budget 1080p Monitor.” Its 24-inch IPS panel runs at up to 180Hz, and the reviewer says its response time is fast enough for gaming, with minimal blur behind fast-moving objects. It is the sensible place to start if you want a high-refresh screen without making the refresh-rate number the only priority. RTINGS notes that it is less bright than the Dell comparison and has no USB ports.
LG’s US product page identifies the 24GS65F-B as a 24-inch gaming monitor. Confirm the exact suffix on the listing in your region, since model variants can differ. LG 24GS65F-B product page
Rank #2
- 23.8" Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen VA Monitor | AMD FreeSync Premium Technology
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz | Response Time: 1ms (VRB) | Pixel Pitch: 0.275mm | Color Saturation: NTSC 72%
- Zero-Frame Design | HDR Ready
- VESA mounting compliant (100 x 100mm) | Ergonomic Tilt: -5° to 15°
- Ports: 1 x Display Port 1.2 and 2 x HDMI 2.0 (HDMI Cable Included)
Dell SE2426HGS: choose refresh rate over versatility
RTINGS lists the Dell at 240Hz and says it delivers smoother gaming with less blur, with support for common variable refresh rate (VRR) formats, including with PS5 and PS5 Pro. The tradeoffs in its comparison with the LG are lower brightness, slightly worse reflection handling, fewer displayed colors, and a stand that cannot rotate vertically. It suits a buyer who values a higher refresh rate more than a well-rounded mix of image and ergonomic features.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Lenovo Legion R25F-30: a 280Hz alternative
TechRadar lists this 24.5-inch VA monitor at 280Hz, with 350 nits brightness, 3,000:1 contrast and AMD FreeSync Premium support. Its recommendation describes it as an affordable, performance-focused option, while flagging limited ports, weak speakers and a plain design. Treat any manufacturer-style MPRT response-time figure as a different kind of specification from an independently measured pixel-transition result; it is not directly comparable to one.
Rank #3
- MSI's 23.8-inch Full HD IPS gaming monitor (1920×1080) delivers a 1500:1 contrast ratio with wide 178°/178° viewing angles — producing deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and accurate colors from virtually any position for gaming and productivity.
- TÜV Rheinland certified Flicker Free and Low Blue Light — eliminating the ~200Hz screen flicker common on standard monitors and reducing harmful blue light exposure to minimize eye strain during extended gaming or work sessions.
- 144Hz high refresh rate delivers ultra-smooth motion and sharper tracking versus standard 60Hz or 75Hz monitors — keeping every frame fluid and responsive for fast-paced FPS, racing, and action games without screen tearing or stuttering.
- MSI's built-in Eye-Q Check provides a vision assessment tool to help optimize display settings for healthier long-term viewing — designed for professionals and students spending extended hours in front of a Full HD IPS screen.
- Tilt-adjustable stand (-5°~20°) for comfortable viewing at any desk setup, with VESA 100×100mm wall mount compatibility for monitor arms, brackets, and multi-monitor arrangements — reducing neck strain during long gaming or work sessions.
What to check before buying
- Compare current local listings. Search the exact model name and suffix in your region, then check price, stock and return terms. The reviewed guides are US-focused where noted, and no stable live price is established for these named models.
- Match refresh rate to your system. 180Hz already provides a high-refresh target. The Dell’s 240Hz or Lenovo’s 280Hz is more relevant if your PC can produce similarly high frame rates in the games you play. Refresh rate alone does not establish how quickly pixels transition.
- Consider the room and image tradeoffs. Brightness and reflection handling matter in a bright room; color and contrast may matter more for the games or other content you use. RTINGS’ comparisons flag brightness and color tradeoffs among the LG and Dell, while the Lenovo’s listed VA panel has a different panel type.
- Verify VRR and connections for your device. Check which adaptive-sync mode and input ports the exact listing supports, and confirm they work with your PC or console. A general mention of VRR support does not replace checking the precise monitor and device combination.
- Check the stand and extras. Confirm height, tilt and rotation adjustment, USB ports, speakers and input selection if you rely on them. Budget models can omit convenience features, and the Dell stand’s lack of vertical rotation is a specific limitation.
- Think about screen size and sharpness. These recommendations center on 24- to 24.5-inch 1080p screens. A 27-inch 1080p display may look less crisp at a normal desk distance, so consider the viewing distance and your own preference rather than assuming the larger screen is an upgrade.
Should you spend more on 1440p?
If your budget can stretch, compare current budget 1440p monitors before settling on 1080p. TechSpot’s 2026 guide treats 1440p as a potentially better long-term value for buyers willing to pay more. The right choice depends on the current price gap and whether your PC can run your games smoothly at the higher resolution.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about the AOC 24G4?
TechSpot’s review of the AOC 24G4, published February 9, 2024, describes it as an entry-level 1080p gaming monitor and successor in AOC’s 24G line. That review provides useful product context, but it does not establish a current top-pick ranking; check present-day availability and price before considering it alongside newer recommendations. TechSpot’s gaming monitor coverage
Rank #4
- High-Performance Display: 24.5-inch Full HD (1920x1080) Fast IPS gaming monitor with overclock to 310Hz refresh rate designed for professional gamers and immersive gameplay
- Ultra-Fast Response Time: ASUS Fast IPS technology enables a 0.3ms (GTG) response time(min.) for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates
- Adaptive Sync Technology: FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatible delivers a seamless, tear-free gaming experience
- Advanced Motion Blur Reduction: ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC) technology enables ELMB together with variable refresh rate, eliminating ghosting and tearing for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates
- Convenient Monitor Control: DisplayWidget Center enables easy OSD access and monitor settings adjustments with a mouse
How to use these recommendations
RTINGS says its 2026 recommendations cover monitors available in the United States and take review results, visitor feedback, price and availability into account; its roundup was updated October 2, 2026. Rankings can shift as stock and pricing change. For a US buyer, begin with the LG for balance, move to the Dell if refresh rate is the priority, and consider the Lenovo if you specifically want a 280Hz option. For other regions, verify local model variants and availability rather than assuming the same listings apply.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
