Best Gaming Monitors for Under $100 Dollars That Play Well (2026)

A tight budget does not have to mean a slow screen, because several real gaming monitors now pair a 1080p panel with a 144Hz or 165Hz refresh rate. The best gaming monitors for under 100 dollars in this guide focus on that sweet spot, with FreeSync support, HDMI and DisplayPort, and honest notes on what you give up at this price.

Quick verdict on the best gaming monitors for under 100 dollars

If you want the fastest panel in this guide, buy the MSI G244F E2, because it lists a 180Hz Rapid IPS panel at 1920 x 1080 with a 1ms GtG response time, two HDMI 2.0b ports, and DisplayPort 1.2a. It is the strongest pick for competitive shooters on a tight budget.

If you would rather spend as little as possible, the Sceptre E248W-19203R is the cheapest route to a 24-inch gaming screen, with a 75Hz VA panel, FreeSync, and built-in speakers. The KOORUI 24E3 and the Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip sit in between, offering 165Hz panels, while the AOC 24G2SP, the ASUS VP249QGR, the LG 24GN60R-B, and the ViewSonic VX2418-P-MHD round out the list with strong IPS or VA options.

Quick comparison table

Use this table to narrow the list before you read the detailed sections. It compares the panel, the refresh rate, and the ports each manufacturer publishes, plus the buyer each model fits best. Every model here is a 23.8-inch or 24-inch screen at 1920 x 1080, so the differences that matter are refresh rate, panel type, and ports.

How we selected these monitors

We started with the budget as the keyword states it: one gaming monitor under 100 dollars, not a pair. That rule shaped every choice below, because a 27-inch QHD screen or a 240Hz panel would break the budget, while a 23.8-inch or 24-inch Full HD monitor with a fast refresh rate can fit it.

We also required a real gaming feature set, not just a cheap office screen, so every model here lists a refresh rate above 60Hz and adaptive sync support. Each one is a real, currently listed monitor with published specifications from its manufacturer or a reliable specification source, and each adds a different strength, such as a 180Hz panel, an adjustable stand, or built-in speakers.

What under 100 dollars really buys in a gaming monitor

A budget of under 100 dollars buys a 23.8-inch or 24-inch Full HD screen with a 75Hz to 180Hz refresh rate, and that is the honest range at this price. You will not find QHD resolution, a 240Hz panel, USB-C video, or HDR that changes how games look, and most of these monitors ship with a tilt-only stand and no built-in speakers.

The trade-off is still worth making for most casual and competitive players, because the jump from 60Hz to 144Hz or 165Hz is the single biggest upgrade a budget gamer can feel. You give up premium extras, but you keep the smooth motion and tear-free play that matter most in fast games.

Why refresh rate and adaptive sync matter most

Refresh rate decides how many frames the screen can show each second, so a 144Hz or 165Hz panel shows motion more smoothly than a 60Hz or 75Hz screen, and fast turns in shooters look clearer. Adaptive sync then matches the monitor to the graphics card output, which reduces tearing and stutter when the frame rate moves up and down during play.

Every model in this guide lists adaptive sync, with most of them carrying FreeSync or FreeSync Premium, so tearing is handled even at this price. The catch is that the full refresh rate often needs DisplayPort, because several models here list 144Hz over HDMI and 165Hz only over DisplayPort, so check the port notes in each section.

What we did not count as evidence

We did not claim any testing of our own, because this guide is based on published specifications and reputable product listings, not on a controlled laboratory test. We also did not count star ratings or retailer rankings as proof of quality, because those scores can reflect shipping, stock, or price as much as picture quality.

We did not treat a manufacturer claim as a measured result, and we did not invent a price for any model.

The eight monitors in detail

Each section below follows the same pattern, so you can compare the monitors without re-reading the whole guide. It starts with who the monitor fits best, then covers the published specifications, the main trade-offs, and when to buy it or skip it. Each profile also notes the stand and ports.

MSI G244F E2

This monitor fits competitive players who want the fastest panel in this guide, because the MSI G244F E2 lists a 180Hz Rapid IPS panel at 1920 x 1080 with a 1ms GtG response time. It uses a 23.8-inch Rapid IPS panel with 300 nits brightness listed and a 1000:1 contrast ratio, plus Adaptive-Sync with FreeSync Premium support.

The port list is strong for the price, with two HDMI 2.0b ports and one DisplayPort 1.2a port, and the listed specifications show Full HD at 180Hz across the inputs. The frameless design keeps the bezels narrow, and the VESA 100 x 100 mm mount fits a standard monitor arm, while the included stand adjusts for tilt from minus 5 degrees to 20 degrees.

The main trade-off is that the stand adjusts for tilt only, so you cannot raise the screen without a riser or an arm, and no built-in speakers are listed. The 180Hz refresh rate also needs a graphics card that can push high frame rates at 1080p, so a weaker card will not show the full benefit, although the panel still feels smooth at lower frame rates.

Pros: Fastest refresh rate in this guide at 180Hz, 1ms GtG Rapid IPS panel, two HDMI 2.0b ports plus DisplayPort, and a VESA mount.

Cons: Tilt-only stand with no height adjustment, no built-in speakers are listed, and the 180Hz speed needs a capable graphics card.

Buy it for competitive shooters where every frame counts. Skip it if you need built-in speakers or a height-adjustable stand.

Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip

This monitor fits buyers who want a 165Hz gaming screen from a major brand, because the Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip lists a 165Hz VA panel at 1920 x 1080 with a 1ms VRB response time. It uses a 23.8-inch VA panel with a 178-degree viewing angle listed, AMD FreeSync Premium support, and a ZeroFrame design with thin bezels on three sides.

The port list covers most setups, with two HDMI 2.0 ports and one DisplayPort 1.2 port, and an HDMI cable is included in the box. The VESA 100 x 100 mm mount fits a standard monitor arm, and the stand adjusts for tilt from minus 5 degrees to 15 degrees, which is enough to set a comfortable viewing angle on a desk.

The VA panel is the main trade-off to understand, because VA panels offer deeper blacks than IPS but can show more smearing in fast dark scenes, and the 1ms figure is a VRB measurement rather than a GtG figure. The 165Hz refresh rate needs DisplayPort for its full speed in some listings, so check the port you plan to use before you buy.

Pros: 165Hz VA panel with FreeSync Premium, two HDMI ports plus DisplayPort, HDMI cable included, and a VESA mount.

Cons: VA panel can smear in fast dark scenes, 1ms is a VRB figure rather than GtG, and the stand adjusts for tilt only.

Buy it for fast gaming with deep blacks on a budget. Skip it if you want an IPS panel or a height-adjustable stand.

KOORUI 24E3

This monitor fits buyers who want the cheapest way into a 165Hz IPS panel, because the KOORUI 24E3 lists a 24-inch IPS screen at 1920 x 1080 with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. It uses a fast IPS panel with a 178-degree viewing angle, 99 percent sRGB color coverage listed, 250 nits typical brightness, and a 1000:1 contrast ratio.

The port list is simple but complete for gaming, with one HDMI 1.4 port and one DisplayPort 1.2 port, and the listed specifications show 165Hz over DisplayPort and up to 144Hz over HDMI. Adaptive Sync is listed with FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility, and the VESA 75 x 75 mm mount fits a compatible monitor arm, while the stand adjusts for tilt.

The main trade-off is the smaller brand and the thinner feature set, because there is only one HDMI port, no built-in speakers are listed, and the stand adjusts for tilt only. The 75 x 75 mm VESA pattern is also smaller than the 100 x 100 mm pattern on most models here, so check your monitor arm before buying if you plan to mount it.

Pros: 165Hz IPS panel at a budget price, 99 percent sRGB coverage listed, Adaptive Sync with FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility, and a VESA mount.

Cons: Only one HDMI port, VESA pattern is 75 x 75 mm rather than 100 x 100 mm, and no built-in speakers are listed.

Buy it for the best value 165Hz IPS panel in this guide. Skip it if you need two HDMI ports or a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount.

AOC 24G2SP

This monitor fits buyers who want the most flexible stand in this guide, because the AOC 24G2SP lists a height-adjustable stand on a 23.8-inch IPS panel. It uses a 23.8-inch IPS panel at 1920 x 1080 with a 165Hz refresh rate over DisplayPort, 144Hz over HDMI, a 1ms MPRT response time, 300 nits typical brightness, and a 1100:1 contrast ratio.

AOC lists a 125 percent sRGB gamut and Game Color modes, plus FreeSync Premium support and a three-sided frameless design. The port list is the widest in this guide for an IPS model, with two HDMI 1.4 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2 port, and one VGA port, plus line-in and earphone jacks, and the VESA 100 x 100 mm mount fits a standard monitor arm.

The main trade-off is the budget position, because this is one of the models most likely to sit at the top of the under-100-dollar range, so the current price needs checking before ordering. The stand is the real strength here, though, because height adjustment is rare at this price and makes it easier to set the screen at eye level without buying an arm.

Pros: Height-adjustable stand with swivel and pivot, 165Hz IPS panel with FreeSync Premium, widest port list in this guide, and a VESA mount.

Cons: Likely to sit at the top of the budget range, no USB-C port is listed, and the 165Hz speed needs DisplayPort.

Buy it if you want an adjustable stand without buying an arm. Skip it if the current price rises above the budget or you only use HDMI.

ViewSonic VX2418-P-MHD

This monitor fits buyers who want deep contrast on a budget, because the ViewSonic VX2418-P-MHD lists a 24-inch VA panel at 1920 x 1080 with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms MPRT response time. It uses a 23.8-inch viewable VA panel with 250 nits brightness, a 4ms GtG response time listed as well, and FreeSync Premium support for tear-free play.

The port list covers PC and console setups, with two HDMI 1.4 ports and one DisplayPort 1.2 port, and the listed frequency range shows 165Hz over DisplayPort and 144Hz over HDMI. The VESA 100 x 100 mm mount fits a standard monitor arm, and the frameless design keeps the bezels thin, which suits a dual-monitor setup later on.

The main trade-off is the VA panel, because it gives deeper blacks than IPS but can show more ghosting in fast dark scenes, and the 1ms figure is an MPRT measurement rather than a GtG figure. The stand adjusts for tilt only, so you cannot raise the screen without a riser or an arm, and no built-in speakers are listed for this model.

Pros: 165Hz VA panel with FreeSync Premium, deep contrast for dark games, two HDMI ports plus DisplayPort, and a VESA mount.

Cons: VA panel can ghost in fast dark scenes, 1ms is an MPRT figure rather than GtG, and the stand adjusts for tilt only.

Buy it for dark games and movies where contrast matters. Skip it if you want an IPS panel or built-in speakers.

ASUS VP249QGR

This monitor fits buyers who want a balanced IPS gaming screen from a major brand, because the ASUS VP249QGR lists a 23.8-inch IPS panel at 1920 x 1080 with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms MPRT response time. It uses an IPS panel with a 178-degree viewing angle, 250 nits typical brightness, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, and a 4ms GtG response time.

ASUS lists Adaptive-Sync with FreeSync support, Extreme Low Motion Blur, Shadow Boost, and GamePlus features such as a crosshair overlay and a frame rate counter. The port list covers most setups, with one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, and one D-Sub port, and the monitor is VESA wall-mountable, so it fits a standard monitor arm for a cleaner desk.

The main trade-off is the 144Hz ceiling, because it is a step below the 165Hz and 180Hz panels in this guide, although the difference is hard to notice outside competitive play. The single HDMI port is also a limit for buyers who want to connect both a PC and a console without swapping cables, and the stand adjusts for tilt only.

Pros: Balanced 144Hz IPS panel, FreeSync with ELMB and GamePlus features, HDMI plus DisplayPort plus D-Sub, and VESA wall mounting.

Cons: 144Hz is slower than the 165Hz and 180Hz models here, only one HDMI port, and the stand adjusts for tilt only.

Buy it for balanced IPS gaming with useful gaming features. Skip it if you want the fastest refresh rate or two HDMI ports.

LG 24GN60R-B

This monitor fits buyers who play on both PC and console, because the LG 24GN60R-B lists a 23.8-inch IPS panel at 1920 x 1080 with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms GtG response time. It uses an IPS panel with 99 percent sRGB coverage listed, HDR10 support, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, and AMD FreeSync Premium for tear-free play.

LG lists 1080p at 120Hz output on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, which matters for console players who want smoother play than a 60Hz screen allows. The port list includes HDMI and DisplayPort, and the monitor is VESA wall-mountable, so it fits a standard monitor arm, while the slim bezel design keeps the screen compact on a desk.

The main trade-off is the budget position, because this is another model that often sits at the top of the under-100-dollar range, so the current price needs checking before ordering. The stand adjusts for tilt only, and no built-in speakers are listed, so console players who need sound should plan for headphones or external speakers.

Pros: 144Hz IPS panel with 1ms GtG, FreeSync Premium, 120Hz console output listed, and VESA wall mounting.

Cons: Likely to sit at the top of the budget range, tilt-only stand, and no built-in speakers are listed.

Buy it for PC and console gaming on one screen. Skip it if the current price rises above the budget or you need built-in speakers.

Sceptre E248W-19203R

This monitor fits buyers who want the cheapest screen in this guide, because the Sceptre E248W-19203R lists a 23.8-inch VA panel at 1920 x 1080 with a 75Hz refresh rate and FreeSync support. It uses a VA panel with 250 nits typical brightness, a 3000:1 static contrast ratio, and an 8ms GtG response time, for deep blacks in dark games and movies.

The port list is practical for a budget setup, with two HDMI ports and one VGA port, plus a 3.5 mm audio input and a headphone output. The two built-in speakers are rated at 2 watts each, which is rare at this price, and the VESA 100 x 100 mm mount fits a standard monitor arm, while the stand adjusts for tilt.

The main trade-off is speed, because 75Hz is the slowest refresh rate in this guide and will not satisfy competitive players who want 144Hz or higher. The 8ms response time is also slower than the 1ms figures listed for the other models here, and there is no DisplayPort, so FreeSync works over HDMI with AMD graphics cards only.

Pros: Cheapest screen in this guide, built-in speakers, two HDMI ports, and a VESA mount.

Cons: Slowest refresh rate in this guide at 75Hz, 8ms response time, and no DisplayPort is listed.

Buy it for casual gaming and everyday use on the tightest budget. Skip it if you play competitive shooters or need a 144Hz panel.

Buying guide for best gaming monitors for under 100 dollars

Start with your graphics card, not the monitor, because a fast panel only helps when the card can push enough frames at 1080p. A mid-range card can reach high frame rates in esports titles, while a weaker card or integrated graphics will sit closer to 60 frames per second, where a 75Hz screen is enough and a 180Hz panel is wasted money.

Then check the ports, because the full refresh rate often needs DisplayPort, while HDMI on several models here tops out at 144Hz. Measure the desk too, because a 24-inch screen needs room for a keyboard and mouse, and a tilt-only stand means you may want a riser or an arm to set the screen at eye level.

How to match refresh rate to your graphics card

A 144Hz or 165Hz panel makes sense when your graphics card can push past 100 frames per second in the games you play most, which is common in esports titles at 1080p. A 180Hz panel only pays off when the card can push close to 180 frames per second, so check the frame rates your card reaches before paying for the fastest screen.

If your card sits below 100 frames per second in most games, a 75Hz screen such as the Sceptre E248W-19203R is a reasonable match, and the money saved can go toward a better graphics card later. Also turn on adaptive sync in the graphics driver after setup, because the feature does nothing until it is enabled, and it is the setting that stops tearing.

What to check before you buy: ports, stand, and VESA

Count the video outputs on your computer before you order, because a monitor with DisplayPort does not help if the computer has only HDMI, and a single HDMI port on the monitor means swapping cables when you add a console. Check whether the monitor includes a cable in the box, because several budget models ship with only one cable.

Check the stand and the VESA pattern too, because most models here adjust for tilt only, and the AOC 24G2SP is the only one with height adjustment. The KOORUI 24E3 uses a 75 x 75 mm VESA pattern while the others use 100 x 100 mm, so confirm your monitor arm matches before you buy either one.

Console gaming and the hidden extras

Console players should check the refresh rate the console can actually use, because a 144Hz monitor does not make a console run at 144 frames per second, and most console games target 60 or 120 frames per second. The LG 24GN60R-B lists 1080p at 120Hz output on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, the realistic ceiling for console play.

Budget for the extras as well, because most monitors here have no built-in speakers, so headphones or external speakers are a separate purchase, and a monitor arm or riser adds to the total if the tilt-only stand leaves the screen too low. A DisplayPort cable is another common extra, because the full refresh rate on several models here needs DisplayPort rather than HDMI.

Frequently asked questions

The questions below cover the choices that cause the most confusion after buyers have read the product sections. They focus on the refresh rate, the budget, and the ports, because those three points decide most purchases for gaming buyers in this group.

Can you buy best gaming monitors for under 100 dollars with a 144Hz panel?

Yes, you can buy a 144Hz or faster panel within the budget, because six of the eight models here list 144Hz or higher, including the MSI G244F E2 at 180Hz and the Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip at 165Hz. The budget applies to one monitor, not a pair, and the current price must be confirmed before ordering.

Confirm the current price first, because some models sit at the top of the budget range and may only fit on sale, while the Sceptre E248W-19203R and the KOORUI 24E3 are the most clearly budget-priced picks. If the current price of a 165Hz model rises above the budget, the Sceptre is the fallback, although it is only a 75Hz screen.

Do you need DisplayPort to reach 144Hz or 165Hz?

It depends on the model, because several monitors here list 144Hz over HDMI and 165Hz only over DisplayPort, including the KOORUI 24E3, the AOC 24G2SP, and the ViewSonic VX2418-P-MHD. The MSI G244F E2 lists Full HD at 180Hz across its HDMI 2.0b and DisplayPort inputs, so it is the exception in this group.

Check the listed frequency range for the port you plan to use, and buy a DisplayPort cable if the monitor does not include one, because the full refresh rate is the main reason to buy a gaming monitor at this price. A graphics card with only HDMI outputs will still work, but it may cap the refresh rate at 144Hz.

Is a 75Hz monitor enough for casual gaming?

Yes, a 75Hz monitor is enough for casual gaming, because story games, strategy games, and relaxed multiplayer do not need the high refresh rates that competitive shooters benefit from. The Sceptre E248W-19203R suits this use well, with a 75Hz VA panel, FreeSync, and built-in speakers for a simple setup without extra purchases.

Choose a 144Hz or faster panel when you play competitive shooters or fast racing games, because the smoother motion helps you track targets and react sooner. If you mostly play single-player games or watch videos, the money saved on a 75Hz screen can go toward better speakers or a more comfortable chair.

Conclusion

Choose the MSI G244F E2 for the fastest panel, the KOORUI 24E3 for the best value 165Hz IPS screen, the AOC 24G2SP for an adjustable stand, or the Sceptre E248W-19203R for the cheapest entry point. Confirm the current price first, then buy the fastest panel your graphics card can use, and enjoy smoother play without overspending.