Best 23 IPS Gaming Monitors Under $400 for Fast 1080p Play (2026)

A 23 inch gaming screen sounds simple, but the real market sells this size as 23.8 inch panels, and every strong pick here is a fast IPS display with a 144Hz or higher refresh rate. The best 23 ips gaming monitors under 400 in this guide are eight real models with maker published specs, from 144Hz FreeSync screens to a 165Hz overclock pick.

Quick verdict on the best 23 ips gaming monitors under 400

Start with the Gigabyte G24F 2 for the fastest screen here, because its Super Speed IPS panel runs at 165Hz with a 180Hz overclock, a 1 ms MPRT response time, and 95 percent DCI-P3 color. The LG 24GN650-B is the most balanced 144Hz pick, with a true 1 ms GtG response time and 99 percent sRGB color.

If the budget is tight, the AOC 24G2 and the MSI Optix G241 both give 144Hz IPS gaming with FreeSync at a lower step of this tier, and the ViewSonic XG2405 adds built-in speakers and a full ergonomic stand. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q adds blur reduction that runs with adaptive sync, the Acer Nitro VG240Y P is the other 165Hz option here, and the HP X24ih is the brightest panel in the group at 350 nits with a 1 ms GtG response time.

Quick comparison table

Use this table to narrow the list before you read the detailed sections. It compares panel size and type, resolution and refresh rate, response time type, and the best use for each model, because those four points decide gaming speed, image sharpness, and desk fit at this tier.

How we selected these monitors

Every model here is a real monitor with a published datasheet or a reliable spec listing, and every figure in this guide comes from the maker. Models were kept only if their published specs fit the 23 inch class and the under 400 tier as a gaming screen, and the reasons for leaving others out are stated in the buying guide.

Why the best 23 ips gaming monitors under 400 list uses 23.8 inch panels

No maker sells a true 23.0 inch IPS gaming panel, because the panel makers build this size class at 23.8 inches and the brands market it as a 24 inch screen. Every model in this guide is therefore a 23.8 inch panel, which is the real size behind the 23 inch keyword, and each section states the exact viewable size so there is no confusion.

That size is the reason this class stays cheap: a 23.8 inch 1080p panel costs far less to build than a 27 inch 1440p panel, so the whole group sits well inside the 400-dollar tier. Buyers who search for a 23 inch screen and find 24 inch listings are looking at the same panels, and the 0.8 inch difference is a naming gap, not a different product.

Response time types: GtG, MPRT, and VRB

Response time figures look similar across spec sheets, but the type label changes what the number means, so this guide states the type for every model. GtG, or gray to gray, measures how fast a pixel changes from one shade of gray to another, and it is the figure LG and HP publish for their fastest models here.

MPRT, or moving picture response time, measures perceived motion blur instead, and it is usually achieved with backlight strobing, which is why ASUS, AOC, MSI, ViewSonic, and Gigabyte list 1 ms MPRT on their models. VRB, or Visual Response Boost, is Acer’s name for the same strobe backlight idea, so the Acer VG240Y P lists 1 ms VRB. A 1 ms MPRT or VRB figure is not the same as a 1 ms GtG figure, and this guide never mixes the two.

Why every pick here is 1080p and not 1440p

No 23.8 inch IPS gaming panel at 1440p fits this brief, because the makers pair this small size with 1920 x 1080 resolution and put 1440p panels in 27 inch screens instead. All eight models here are therefore 1080p, and that is a fair trade, since 1080p on a 23.8 inch screen gives about 92 pixels per inch, which keeps text and game detail sharp.

The 1080p resolution is also what makes high refresh rates cheap here: a modest graphics card can push 144 frames per second at 1080p in most competitive games, while 1440p would need a stronger card for the same frame rate. Buyers who want 1440p gaming should step up to a 27 inch screen, not hunt for a 1440p panel in this size class.

The eight monitors in detail

Each section below follows the same pattern, so you can compare the models side by side. It starts with who the model fits best, then covers the panel, the refresh rate, the response time type, the color gamut, and the ports. Each profile also notes when to buy it and when to skip it.

The order below runs from the fastest screen to the brightest 144Hz screen, so readers who only need one recommendation can start at the top. All eight share a 23.8 inch IPS panel at 1080p, so the choice comes down to refresh rate, response time type, color coverage, and ports rather than size.

Gigabyte G24F 2

This monitor fits buyers who want the fastest screen in this group, because its Super Speed IPS panel runs at 165Hz with a 180Hz overclock and a 1 ms MPRT response time. The Gigabyte G24F 2 is a 23.8 inch SS IPS monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a published 1 ms MPRT figure.

Gigabyte lists 165Hz as the native rate with a 180Hz overclock, and the 1 ms MPRT figure comes from the Aim Stabilizer mode, which is a backlight strobing setting. The panel covers 95 percent DCI-P3 color on the Gigabyte page, the widest gamut in this group, and Gigabyte lists 300 nits of brightness with an 1100 to 1 contrast ratio. The monitor carries AMD FreeSync Premium, so it works with compatible AMD cards without tearing, and it supports HDR ready input.

Ports include two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2, and a USB 3.2 hub with two downstream ports and one upstream port, plus a headphone jack and two built-in speakers. The stand adjusts height and tilt, and the monitor supports a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount. Note that the 180Hz rate needs the overclock setting turned on in the menu, and the 1 ms figure is MPRT, not GtG, so it describes perceived blur rather than pixel transition speed.

Pros: 165Hz native with 180Hz overclock, 1 ms MPRT with Aim Stabilizer, 95 percent DCI-P3 color, 300 nits brightness, USB hub and built-in speakers, FreeSync Premium.

Cons: 1 ms figure is MPRT, not GtG, overclock needs a menu setting, height and tilt only stand, and no published GtG figure.

Buy it for the fastest refresh rate and widest color in this group. Skip it if you need a published GtG response time, or you want a fully ergonomic stand.

LG 24GN650-B

This monitor fits buyers who want the most balanced 144Hz screen here, because it pairs a true 1 ms GtG response time with 99 percent sRGB color and a height adjustable stand. The LG 24GN650-B is a 23.8 inch IPS monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a published 1 ms GtG response time.

LG lists 144Hz as the maximum rate, with the 1 ms GtG figure applying in the Faster response time mode, and the panel covers 99 percent sRGB with HDR10 support. The monitor carries AMD FreeSync Premium, so it works with compatible AMD cards without tearing, and LG lists 300 nits of brightness with a 1000 to 1 contrast ratio. That color coverage suits photo sorting and video watching as well as gaming, which makes this the best mixed use screen in the group.

Ports include two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, plus a headphone jack, and the stand adjusts height, tilt, and pivot for portrait use. The monitor supports a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount, and LG adds game modes for shooters and strategy titles, plus a black stabilizer setting that brightens shadow detail. Note that this model has no USB hub and no built-in speakers, so a laptop dock or separate speakers are needed for a tidy desk.

Pros: 1 ms GtG at 144Hz, 99 percent sRGB with HDR10, FreeSync Premium, 300 nits brightness, height and pivot stand.

Cons: No USB hub or built-in speakers, 144Hz ceiling while rivals reach 165Hz, no USB-C input, and HDR10 is a compatibility label at 300 nits.

Buy it for balanced 144Hz gaming with accurate color and a good stand. Skip it if you need a 165Hz panel, or you want built-in speakers.

ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q

This monitor fits gamers who want blur reduction that works alongside adaptive sync, because its ELMB mode runs together with FreeSync instead of forcing a choice between the two. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q is a 23.8 inch IPS monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a published 1 ms MPRT response time.

ASUS lists a 144Hz maximum refresh rate, and the 1 ms MPRT figure comes from the Extreme Low Motion Blur mode, which strobes the backlight to cut motion blur. The panel covers wide viewing angles of 178 degrees in both directions, and ASUS lists FreeSync support plus Adaptive-Sync with compatible NVIDIA GeForce cards, so it works with graphics cards from both makers. ASUS also lists full HD output at 120Hz for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S consoles.

Ports include one DisplayPort 1.2, one HDMI 1.4, and a D-Sub VGA input, plus an audio line-in, and the stand adjusts height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. The monitor supports a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount, and ASUS adds game focused extras in the on-screen menu, including a crosshair overlay, a timer, and a frame rate counter. Note that the 1 ms figure is MPRT, not GtG, and ASUS does not publish a GtG figure for this model, so buyers should not compare it directly with the LG 1 ms GtG figure.

Pros: 144Hz with ELMB blur reduction, 1 ms MPRT, FreeSync and Adaptive-Sync support, full ergonomic stand, VGA input for older computers, game menu extras.

Cons: 1 ms figure is MPRT, not GtG, no published GtG figure, HDMI 1.4 input, and no USB hub or USB-C.

Buy it for blur reduction that runs with adaptive sync and a full stand. Skip it if you need a published GtG response time, or you want a 165Hz panel.

AOC 24G2

This monitor fits buyers who want the lowest cost route into 144Hz IPS gaming, because it pairs a fast panel with FreeSync Premium and a full ergonomic stand. The AOC 24G2 is a 23.8 inch IPS monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a published 1 ms MPRT response time.

AOC lists a 144Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync Premium, and the 1 ms MPRT figure comes from the motion blur reduction mode, which cannot run at the same time as FreeSync. Some retail listings give a 4 ms GtG figure for this model, while AOC’s own headline figure is 1 ms MPRT, so buyers should read the type label and not mix the two numbers. The panel uses a 250 nit backlight with a 1000 to 1 contrast ratio, and the three-sided frameless design suits a two-screen desk.

Ports include one VGA port, two HDMI 1.4 ports, and one DisplayPort, and the stand adjusts height, tilt, swivel, and pivot for portrait use. The monitor supports a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount, and AOC adds six game modes for shooters, racing, and strategy titles. Note that this model has no built-in speakers and no USB hub, so separate speakers or a headset are needed, and the motion blur reduction mode turns off adaptive sync while it runs.

Pros: 144Hz at a low step of this tier, 1 ms MPRT, FreeSync Premium, full ergonomic stand, three-sided frameless design, VGA input.

Cons: No built-in speakers or USB hub, blur reduction cannot run with FreeSync, 250 nits brightness, and the GtG figure varies across listings.

Buy it for low cost 144Hz IPS gaming with a full stand. Skip it if you need built-in speakers, or you want blur reduction and adaptive sync at the same time.

MSI Optix G241

This monitor fits buyers who want a simple 144Hz IPS screen with both response time figures stated, because MSI publishes the 1 ms MPRT and 4 ms GtG numbers side by side. The MSI Optix G241 is a 23.8 inch IPS monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a published 1 ms MPRT response time.

MSI lists a 144Hz refresh rate with a 1 ms MPRT figure and a 4 ms GtG figure in its datasheet, so this is the clearest response time listing in the group. The panel offers 250 nits of brightness with a 1000 to 1 contrast ratio, and the monitor carries AMD FreeSync support with a 48Hz to 144Hz variable range. MSI also lists a console mode that gives full HD output at 120Hz for current consoles, which suits a shared desk with a PC and a console.

Ports include two HDMI 1.4b ports and one DisplayPort 1.2a, plus an earphone jack, and the monitor supports a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount. The stand adjusts tilt only, with no height adjustment, so buyers who want an ergonomic setup should plan on a VESA arm or a monitor riser. Note that the 4 ms GtG figure is slower than the LG 1 ms GtG figure, and the 1 ms number only applies as MPRT, so fast competitive players should read both figures before choosing.

Pros: 144Hz with both response figures published, 1 ms MPRT with 4 ms GtG stated, FreeSync support, console mode at 120Hz, VESA mount support.

Cons: Tilt only stand with no height adjustment, no USB hub or built-in speakers, 250 nits brightness, and a slower GtG figure than the LG model.

Buy it for a simple 144Hz IPS screen with honest response time specs. Skip it if you need height adjustment from the stock stand, or you want the fastest GtG figure here.

ViewSonic XG2405

This monitor fits gamers who want a 144Hz IPS screen with built-in speakers and a full ergonomic stand, because it packs both into a compact 23.8 inch frame. The ViewSonic XG2405 is a 23.8 inch IPS monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a published 1 ms MPRT response time.

ViewSonic lists a 144Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync Premium, and the 1 ms figure refers to the MPRT measure through the 1 ms mode strobe backlight setting, not to a GtG figure. The panel covers 104 percent sRGB color with a 250 nit backlight and a 1000 to 1 contrast ratio, which gives it the second widest color coverage claim in this group after the Gigabyte model. The monitor also supports a 47Hz to 144Hz vertical scan range, so adaptive sync stays active across most frame rates.

Ports include two HDMI 1.4 ports and one DisplayPort, plus built-in speakers, and the stand adjusts height, tilt, swivel, and pivot for portrait use. The monitor supports a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount, and ViewSonic adds game modes and a low blue light setting for long sessions. Note that the 1 ms mode cannot run at the same time as FreeSync, since the strobe backlight replaces adaptive sync while it is active, and no GtG figure is published for this model.

Pros: 144Hz with FreeSync Premium, 1 ms MPRT, 104 percent sRGB color, built-in speakers, full ergonomic stand.

Cons: 1 ms figure is MPRT, not GtG, blur reduction cannot run with FreeSync, 250 nits brightness, and no USB hub or USB-C.

Buy it for 144Hz gaming with speakers and a full stand in one screen. Skip it if you need a published GtG response time, or you want blur reduction and adaptive sync at the same time.

Acer Nitro VG240Y P

This monitor fits buyers who want 165Hz gaming at a low step of this tier, because its overclock lifts the panel past the 144Hz models without a bigger screen. The Acer Nitro VG240Y P is a 23.8 inch IPS monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate with a 165Hz overclock, and a published 1 ms VRB response time.

Acer lists a 144Hz native refresh rate with a 165Hz overclock on this P variant, and the 1 ms VRB figure comes from the Visual Response Boost strobe backlight mode. The panel offers a 250 nit backlight with wide 178 degree viewing angles, and the monitor carries AMD FreeSync Premium support with a 48Hz to 165Hz variable range. Buyers should check the exact suffix before ordering, because other VG240Y variants list different refresh rates and response times, including a 165Hz native S variant with a 2 ms figure.

Ports include one VGA port, two HDMI ports, and one DisplayPort, plus two built-in speakers and an audio output, and the monitor supports a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount. The stand adjusts tilt only, with no height adjustment, so buyers who want an ergonomic setup should plan on a VESA arm. Note that the 165Hz rate is an overclock, not the native rate, and the 1 ms figure is VRB, so it describes perceived blur rather than pixel transition speed.

Pros: 144Hz native with 165Hz overclock, 1 ms VRB, FreeSync Premium, built-in speakers, VGA input for older computers, VESA mount support.

Cons: 165Hz is an overclock, 1 ms figure is VRB, not GtG, tilt only stand, variant suffixes are easy to confuse, and no USB hub.

Buy it for 165Hz gaming on a budget with speakers included. Skip it if you need a native 165Hz rate, or you want height adjustment from the stock stand.

HP X24ih

This monitor fits buyers who want the brightest 144Hz panel in this group, because its 350 nit backlight beats every other model here by a clear margin. The HP X24ih is a 23.8 inch IPS monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a published 1 ms GtG response time with overdrive.

HP lists a 144Hz refresh rate with a 1 ms GtG figure in overdrive mode in its datasheet, which makes this one of only two models here with a published 1 ms GtG number, alongside the LG 24GN650-B. The panel offers 350 nits of brightness with a 1000 to 1 contrast ratio, and the monitor carries AMD FreeSync Premium technology with a 48Hz to 144Hz variable range. That brightness helps in a bright room where a 250 nit panel can look washed out, and the IPS panel keeps colors steady at wide viewing angles.

Ports include one HDMI 2.0 port and one DisplayPort 1.2, plus a headphone jack, and the stand adjusts height, tilt, and pivot for portrait use. The monitor supports a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount, and HP adds low blue light and flicker free operation for long sessions. Note that this model has only two video inputs and no built-in speakers, so a console and a PC together will need a switch or a cable swap, and a headset or separate speakers are needed for sound.

Pros: 1 ms GtG with overdrive at 144Hz, 350 nits brightness, FreeSync Premium, height and pivot stand, flicker free with low blue light.

Cons: Only two video inputs, no built-in speakers or USB hub, 144Hz ceiling while rivals reach 165Hz, and no USB-C input.

Buy it for the brightest 144Hz IPS panel in this group with a true GtG figure. Skip it if you need more than two video inputs, or you want built-in speakers.

Buying guide for best 23 ips gaming monitors under 400

Start with the refresh rate and response time type, because those two choices shape gaming feel more than anything else at this size. A 165Hz screen suits fast shooters best, while a 144Hz screen with a true 1 ms GtG figure suits mixed gaming and color work, and a 144Hz screen with a 1 ms MPRT figure suits buyers who want blur reduction.

Matching refresh rate and resolution to your graphics card

A 1080p screen at 144Hz needs far less graphics power than a 1440p screen at the same rate, and most cards can sustain high frame rates at 1080p in competitive games. That is why all eight models here are 1080p: the resolution keeps the frame rate high without a graphics card upgrade, and the whole group stays well inside the 400-dollar tier.

DisplayPort is the safe route to the top refresh rate on the overclock models here, because HDMI tops out lower on several of them. The Gigabyte G24F 2 and the Acer VG240Y P both reach their top rates most reliably over DisplayPort, so check the outputs on your computer before ordering and confirm the rate in display settings after setup.

Ports, stands, and USB hubs for a tidy desk

Ports decide whether a monitor fits your desk, and the spread in this group is wide enough to matter. The Gigabyte G24F 2 leads on connectivity, with a USB hub and built-in speakers, while the AOC 24G2 and the Acer VG240Y P add VGA for older computers, so a retro console or an old laptop still connects.

Stands vary just as much: the ASUS VG249Q, the AOC 24G2, and the ViewSonic XG2405 adjust height, tilt, swivel, and pivot, while the MSI Optix G241 and the Acer VG240Y P adjust tilt only. Every model here supports a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount, so a monitor arm fixes any stand limit, and the HP X24ih adds height and pivot for portrait work.

What sits above this tier and what to skip

Several monitors sit just above this tier and were left out for clear reasons, and knowing why helps you avoid a wrong purchase. A 27 inch 1440p screen at 165Hz, a 27 inch 4K screen at 144Hz, and a 27 inch OLED screen all sit in higher tiers, because the panel cost rises sharply with size, resolution, and refresh rate combined.

What to skip depends on the mismatch, not the model. Skip a 165Hz gaming screen if your graphics card cannot push past 60 frames per second, skip a 1080p screen if you need 1440p sharpness for photo work, and skip a tilt only stand if you need height adjustment without a monitor arm. The eight models here cover fast gaming, color work, and bright room use, so matching the panel to the use case will find a fit without leaving the tier.

Frequently asked questions

The questions below cover the choices that cause the most confusion after buyers have read the product sections. They focus on refresh rates, cables, and mixed use, because those three points decide most purchases in this group, so read them before you buy.

Is 144Hz enough for competitive gaming at this size

Yes, 144Hz is enough for competitive gaming at this size, because it shows more than twice as many frames per second as a 60Hz screen, and the jump from 60Hz to 144Hz is far bigger than the jump from 144Hz to 165Hz. Most players will feel the 144Hz upgrade, while the step to 165Hz is a smaller gain that only matters in the fastest shooters.

Pick a 165Hz model only if your graphics card can sustain frame rates above 144 in the games you play most, since a 165Hz screen shows no extra benefit when the card only produces 90 frames per second. The Gigabyte G24F 2 and the Acer VG240Y P are the 165Hz options here, and the other six models give the same 144Hz experience for less.

Do I need a DisplayPort cable for 144Hz or 165Hz

You need a DisplayPort cable for the top refresh rate on the overclock models, because HDMI tops out lower on several of them. The Gigabyte G24F 2 reaches its 180Hz overclock over DisplayPort, and the Acer VG240Y P reaches its 165Hz overclock over DisplayPort, so a DisplayPort cable is the right connection for the top rate on those two models.

For the six 144Hz models, HDMI works fine in most cases, since their HDMI inputs accept the full 1080p signal at 144Hz. After setup, open the display settings on your computer and confirm the refresh rate reads 144Hz or 165Hz and the resolution reads 1920 x 1080, because a new monitor can default to a lower mode.

Which model in this guide suits mixed gaming and office work best

The LG 24GN650-B suits mixed gaming and office work best, because its 1 ms GtG response time and 99 percent sRGB color cover fast games and accurate color in one screen. Its height and pivot stand also helps long work days, and the 300 nit backlight is bright enough for a well lit office without washing out.

The HP X24ih is the best alternative for mixed use in a bright room, with a 350 nit backlight and a 1 ms GtG figure, plus a height and pivot stand. The Gigabyte G24F 2 is the best mixed use pick for buyers who also want the fastest refresh rate, with 95 percent DCI-P3 color and a USB hub, but its 1 ms figure is MPRT, not GtG.

Conclusion

Choose the Gigabyte G24F 2 for the fastest refresh rate, the LG 24GN650-B for balanced 144Hz gaming, the ASUS VG249Q for blur reduction with adaptive sync, or the HP X24ih for the brightest panel, and confirm the ports and refresh rate fit your computer before ordering. Check that your graphics card can drive the refresh rate you pick.