If you’re a PC game enthusiast, or even if you’re just a casual gamer, picking the right monitor can mean the difference between enjoying your time, or really not.
Using a bad monitor really becomes noticeable after you’ve used one which features options more gaming-oriented. Things like lower gray-to-gray response times, using IPN panels over TN, and supporting refresh rates above 60Hz all make significant differences across all types of games.
With 4K gaming becoming somewhat of a standard, you might even be able to get a decent 4K monitor for under $300 in the near future, but not quite yet. Although, there might be a 1440p monitor in this list for under $300, which would be nice, wouldn’t it?
Well, let’s get down to our top 3 24-inch gaming monitors for under $300!
3 Best 24″ Gaming Monitors
for Under $300
#3 – BenQ XL Series XL2411Z
BenQ makes some of my favorite gaming monitors, and the XL24 definitely stands out enough that I consider it one of the best gaming monitors for under $300.
Boasting refresh rates all the way up to 144Hz, makes the XL24 amazing for PC gaming. Combine that with a 1ms GTG response time, and you’ve got crystal clear picture quality with 0 blurring or ghosting.
The base comes off nice and easy, and the XL24 supports VESA mounts, which means you can slap your monitor on the wall, or into a multi-monitor setup.
The one major downside to the XL24, and honestly, basically all BenQ monitors, is the out-of-the-box colors suck. But, don’t let that discourage you, because once things are calibrated, BenQ monitors are absolutely amazing.
Pros
Cons
Summary
The BenQ XL24 is an amazing 1920×1080 gaming monitor, and with the recent price drop, you would be missing out big-time by not upgrading to it. Unless your PC can handle 1440p resolution, then maybe you should wait until our #1 to make your decision.
#2 – Asus VG248QE
The ASUS VG248QE is a great gaming monitor which features everything you would need for seamless 1080 gaming. Including 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms GTG response time, and a TN panel which is geared to lower response times.
This monitor and the BenQ XL24 feature the exact same base features, including the same TN panel, the same refresh rates, the same contrast ratios, etc.
One of the primary reasons that the Asus VG24 outranks the BenQ XL24 is the whole BenQ color problem when you first plug it in and turn it in. The Asus requires very minimal tweaking from the get-go. Not to mention it’s $30 cheaper, and can slap a crosshair in the middle of the screen for those games that don’t give you one 🙂
Between #2 and #3, you would basically be picking which one’s built-in feature list sounds nicer, and which one looks better, to you. But don’t pick either yet, because our #1 is amazing!
Pros
Cons
Summary
The ASUS VG248QE is only slightly better than the BenQ X24, primarily due to the fact that it offers basically the exact same features and performance, for about $30 less.
#1 – Acer G257HU
So maybe the Acer G257HU isn’t a 24″ monitor, maybe it’s 25″, but does that little point really matter when it’s the cheapest brand-name 1440p monitor you can get? I’m sure you could get an off-brand Korean replica for pretty cheap, but that’s too much like gambling for me.
The Acer G25 offers up amazing picture quality at 1440p, 100million:1 contrast ratio, and all on a low-glow IPS panel which really delivers the high-quality picture you need.
Keep in mind that when you’re getting a 1440p monitor for under $300, you have to expect some sacrifices to be made. For instance, the G25 only puts out a 4ms GTG response time, and isn’t VESA mountable.
With all things considered, the Acer G25 is easily the best gaming monitor you could get for under $300 to date. Running at the same price as the BenQ XL24, if your PC can support 1440p resolution, definitely pick the Acer G25 over the BenQ.
Pros
Cons
Summary
If your PC can run games in 1440p, this is definitely the monitor you want. Although it’s 25″ and not 24″, it still makes the list as #1 for the sole reason that nothing can compete with it, not in this price range, not yet.
Conclusion
This list of monitors might be updated in the near future, depending on price changes, etc. But for now, this is our list of the 3 best 24 inch gaming monitors for under $300!
The fact that you’re able to finally get a 1440p monitor for under $300 is incredible! Hopefully 4K monitors will drop in price soon as well.
What’s your opinion? Which 24″ monitor do you think is the best for under $300?
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