A 144Hz screen changes how a game feels, yet the cheapest gaming monitors often hide slow panels and confusing refresh rate claims. The best gaming computer monitors under 100 dollars in this guide are seven real 1080p screens with maker published specs, clear response time types, and honest limits for buyers on a tight budget.
Quick verdict on the best gaming computer monitors under 100 dollars
Start with the MSI G244F E2 if speed comes first, because its Rapid IPS panel runs at 180Hz with a 1 ms GtG figure and a 1 ms MPRT figure from the MSI datasheet. The KOORUI 24E3 is the plain value pick, with a 23.8 inch IPS panel at 165Hz over DisplayPort, 144Hz over HDMI, and a 1 ms GtG figure from its manual.
The LG 24GN600-B is the safest brand name pick for buyers who want a 144Hz IPS screen with FreeSync Premium and a 1 ms GtG figure, while the AOC 24G2SP is the best stand in this group, with height, swivel, pivot, and tilt adjustment. The ASUS VP249QGR suits players who want ELMB motion blur reduction, and the Acer KG241Y Sbiip suits players who want deep VA contrast.
The Sceptre E255B-1658A1 is the fastest feeling TN screen here, with a 24.5 inch panel at 165Hz and a 1 ms GtG figure, but its narrow viewing angles make it a poor shared screen. Every model here is a 1080p screen, and no current street figure was confirmed for any model, so confirm the exact model suffix and the current listing before you order.
Quick comparison table
Use this table to narrow the list before you read the detailed sections. It compares panel type and size, resolution and refresh rate, response time type, and the best use for each model, because those four points decide motion clarity, color, and how the screen fits your desk and your games.
| Model | Panel and size | Resolution and refresh | Response time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI G244F E2 | 23.8 inch Rapid IPS | 1920 x 1080, 180Hz | 1 ms GtG, 1 ms MPRT | Fastest refresh rate |
| KOORUI 24E3 | 23.8 inch IPS | 1920 x 1080, 165Hz DP, 144Hz HDMI | 1 ms GtG | Best plain value pick |
| Sceptre E255B-1658A1 | 24.5 inch TN | 1920 x 1080, 165Hz | 1 ms GtG | Fast TN esports pick |
| Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip | 23.8 inch VA | 1920 x 1080, 165Hz | 1 ms VRB | Deep contrast pick |
| ASUS VP249QGR | 23.8 inch IPS | 1920 x 1080, 144Hz | 1 ms MPRT | ELMB motion clarity |
| AOC 24G2SP | 23.8 inch IPS | 1920 x 1080, 165Hz DP, 144Hz HDMI | 1 ms MPRT, 4 ms GtG | Best adjustable stand |
| LG UltraGear 24GN600-B | 23.8 inch IPS | 1920 x 1080, 144Hz | 1 ms GtG | Safest brand name pick |
How we selected these screens
Every model here is a real gaming monitor with a published datasheet or manual, and every figure in this guide comes from the maker or a reliable spec listing. Models were kept only if their published specs showed a high refresh rate panel, a 1920 x 1080 resolution, and a clear role as a gaming screen in the 100-dollar tier.
Why the best gaming computer monitors under 100 dollars are all 1080p
A 1080p panel is the only resolution that makes sense at this budget, because a 1440p panel with a high refresh rate costs far more to build, and a 1080p panel lets a graphics card reach high frame rates. All seven screens here run at 1920 x 1080, so the choice is about refresh rate, panel type, and response time type rather than resolution.
The 24 inch size also fits 1080p well, with about 92 pixels per inch, so text stays readable and games stay sharp at a normal desk distance. A 27 inch 1080p screen at this budget would show larger pixels and softer text, so this guide stays at 24 inch and 24.5 inch sizes, where 1080p looks its best.
Why refresh rate and response time type matter most
Refresh rate and response time type decide how motion looks, and they are the two figures that sellers confuse most often. A 165Hz panel draws a new frame 165 times per second, so fast movement looks smoother than on a 60Hz office screen, while response time decides how fast a pixel changes color and how much blur trails behind moving objects.
Response time type matters because GtG, MPRT, and VRB measure different things, and a 1 ms figure means little without its label. GtG measures a pixel changing from one gray level to another, MPRT measures motion blur with a backlight trick, and VRB is Acer’s name for its blur reduction mode, so this guide states the type with every figure.
How to read a 165Hz claim on HDMI and DisplayPort
A 165Hz claim often applies to only one input, so the port you use decides the speed you get. The KOORUI 24E3 and the AOC 24G2SP both reach 165Hz over DisplayPort and 144Hz over HDMI, because their HDMI ports run an older version, while the MSI G244F E2 reaches 180Hz over both its HDMI 2.0b ports and its DisplayPort 1.2a port.
A console or a laptop with only HDMI may therefore run at 144Hz on some models here, which is still smooth, but it is not the headline figure. Use DisplayPort from a desktop graphics card when you want the full refresh rate, and read the manual for the exact port limits before you buy a cable or an adapter.
The seven monitors in detail
Each section below follows the same pattern, so you can compare the models side by side. It starts with who the screen fits best, then covers the panel, the refresh rate, the response time type, the color, and the ports. Each profile also notes when to buy it and when to skip it.
MSI G244F E2
This monitor fits players who want the fastest panel in this guide, with a 23.8 inch Rapid IPS screen, a 180Hz refresh rate, and a 1 ms GtG figure. The MSI G244F E2 is a 23.8 inch Rapid IPS monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 180Hz refresh rate, and a published 1 ms GtG response time with a 1 ms MPRT figure in the MSI datasheet.
MSI lists 300 nits of brightness, a 1000 to 1 contrast ratio, 118 percent sRGB coverage by the CIE1976 area measure with 93 percent overlap, and Adaptive Sync for tear free play. The Rapid IPS panel holds color steady at wide viewing angles of 178 degrees in both directions, and the 180Hz rate runs over two HDMI 2.0b ports and one DisplayPort 1.2a port, so no input leaves speed behind.
The stand adjusts tilt only, which is the main weakness next to the AOC, and the monitor has no USB hub and no built in speakers listed in the MSI datasheet. Night Vision brightens dark areas in games, Anti-Flicker and Less Blue Light modes reduce eye strain in long sessions, and the frameless design on three sides suits a dual screen desk.
Pros: 23.8 inch Rapid IPS with 180Hz and 1 ms GtG, 1 ms MPRT figure also published, Adaptive Sync, 300 nits brightness, HDMI 2.0b and DisplayPort 1.2a, Night Vision mode.
Cons: Tilt only stand with no height adjustment, no USB hub, no built in speakers listed, 1080p only, and the 180Hz rate needs a graphics card that can feed it.
Buy it for the fastest refresh rate in this guide with a true IPS panel. Skip it if you need a height adjustable stand, built in speakers, or a larger screen for work and media.
KOORUI 24E3
This monitor fits buyers who want a plain 165Hz IPS screen with no fuss, with a 23.8 inch panel, a 1 ms GtG figure, and a simple tilt stand. The KOORUI 24E3 is a 23.8 inch IPS monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate over DisplayPort, 144Hz over HDMI, and a 1 ms GtG figure from its manual.
KOORUI lists 99 percent sRGB color, FreeSync and G-Sync compatible Adaptive Sync, two HDMI 1.4 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2 port, and a 75 x 75 mm VESA mount. The IPS panel gives 178 degree viewing angles, and the monitor includes a timer and a crosshair function in its on screen menu, plus a blue light filter and flicker free operation for long sessions.
The stand adjusts tilt only, and the monitor has no height, swivel, or pivot adjustment, so a VESA arm is the fix if your desk needs a higher screen. There are no built in speakers, and the brand is newer and less known than LG or ASUS, so the long term support picture is thinner than for the big brand models here.
Pros: 23.8 inch IPS with 165Hz over DisplayPort, 1 ms GtG figure, 99 percent sRGB, FreeSync and G-Sync compatible, VESA 75 x 75 mm mount, timer and crosshair tools.
Cons: 144Hz only over HDMI, tilt only stand, no built in speakers, newer brand with thinner support history, and no USB hub.
Buy it for the lowest fuss 165Hz IPS screen in this guide. Skip it if you need height adjustment, built in speakers, or a long established brand name on the box.
Sceptre E255B-1658A1
This monitor fits esports players who want raw speed on a tight budget, with a 24.5 inch TN panel at 165Hz and a 1 ms GtG figure. The Sceptre E255B-1658A1 is a 24.5 inch TN monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, and a published 1 ms GtG response time from Sceptre.
Sceptre lists 300 nits of brightness, a 3000 to 1 contrast ratio, 94 percent sRGB color, AMD FreeSync Premium, three HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and built in 2W speakers. The first HDMI port is version 2.0 and reaches 165Hz, while the other two HDMI ports are version 1.4 and run slower, so the port you pick decides the speed you get.
The TN panel is the trade-off, because its viewing angles are narrower than IPS, with 170 degrees vertical and 178 degrees horizontal, and colors shift when you view the screen from the side. The stand adjusts tilt only, and Sceptre lists a one year limited parts and labor term, which is shorter than the multi year terms on some rival models here.
Pros: 24.5 inch TN with 165Hz and 1 ms GtG, FreeSync Premium, three HDMI ports plus DisplayPort, built in 2W speakers, 300 nits brightness, 94 percent sRGB.
Cons: TN viewing angles are narrower than IPS, color shifts off axis, tilt only stand, one year limited parts and labor term, and HDMI port speeds differ by port.
Buy it for fast esports play on a tight budget with built in speakers. Skip it if you share the screen, watch from an angle, or want IPS color and wide viewing angles.
Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip
This monitor fits players who want deep contrast for dark games, with a 23.8 inch VA panel at 165Hz and a 1 ms VRB figure. The Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip is a 23.8 inch VA monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a published 1 ms VRB response time from Acer, which is not a GtG figure.
Acer lists AMD FreeSync Premium, a ZeroFrame design with thin bezels, one DisplayPort 1.2 port, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and 72 percent NTSC color saturation. The VA panel gives deeper blacks than the IPS screens here, so night scenes and horror games look richer, and the 165Hz rate keeps fast motion smooth in shooters and racers.
The VA trade-off is slower dark pixel transitions than IPS, so some fast dark scenes can smear, and VRB blur reduction dims the screen while it runs. The stand adjusts tilt only, and Acer does not publish a GtG figure for this model, so do not compare its 1 ms VRB figure directly with a 1 ms GtG figure from another screen.
Pros: 23.8 inch VA with 165Hz and 1 ms VRB, FreeSync Premium, deep VA contrast for dark games, ZeroFrame thin bezels, DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 ports.
Cons: VA dark transitions can smear, VRB dims the screen, tilt only stand, no published GtG figure, and 72 percent NTSC color is narrower than the IPS models here.
Buy it for dark games where VA contrast matters most. Skip it if you want IPS color accuracy, a published GtG figure, or a height adjustable stand.
ASUS VP249QGR
This monitor fits players who want motion clarity tools and a trusted brand, with a 23.8 inch IPS panel at 144Hz and a 1 ms MPRT figure. The ASUS VP249QGR is a 23.8 inch IPS monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a published 1 ms MPRT figure using ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur, which is not a GtG figure.
ASUS lists Adaptive Sync with FreeSync, Shadow Boost for dark areas, GamePlus tools with a crosshair and a timer, and low blue light plus flicker free operation certified by TUV Rheinland. Ports include DisplayPort, HDMI, and D-sub, so older hardware can still connect, and the IPS panel gives 178 degree viewing angles in both directions.
The 144Hz ceiling is lower than the 165Hz and 180Hz models here, and ASUS does not publish a GtG figure for this model, so its 1 ms figure cannot be compared directly with a GtG figure. The stand adjusts tilt only, and the monitor has no USB hub, so it suits a simple single screen desk rather than a full docking setup.
Pros: 23.8 inch IPS with 144Hz and 1 ms MPRT, ELMB motion blur reduction, Shadow Boost and GamePlus tools, FreeSync Adaptive Sync, DisplayPort plus HDMI plus D-sub, TUV flicker free certification.
Cons: 144Hz ceiling is lower than rival models here, no published GtG figure, tilt only stand, no USB hub, and no built in speakers listed.
Buy it for motion clarity tools and a trusted ASUS gaming screen. Skip it if you want 165Hz or higher, a published GtG figure, or a height adjustable stand.
AOC 24G2SP
This monitor fits buyers who want the best stand and the widest color, with a 23.8 inch IPS panel at 165Hz and a 1 ms MPRT figure. The AOC 24G2SP is a 23.8 inch IPS monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate over DisplayPort, 144Hz over HDMI, and a 1 ms MPRT figure with a 4 ms GtG figure in an independent spec listing.
AOC lists 300 nits of brightness, a 1100 to 1 contrast ratio, 125 percent sRGB color, Adaptive Sync with G-Sync Compatible certification, and a stand that adjusts height, swivel, pivot, and tilt. Ports include VGA, two HDMI 1.4 ports, and one DisplayPort 1.2 port, plus a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount for an arm or a wall bracket.
The stand is the real win here, because it is the only full ergonomic stand in this guide, and the wide color gamut makes games and video look vivid. The GtG figure of 4 ms is slower than the 1 ms GtG figures on the MSI, KOORUI, Sceptre, and LG models, so fast motion is a touch less crisp than on those screens.
Pros: 23.8 inch IPS with 165Hz over DisplayPort, 1 ms MPRT figure, 125 percent sRGB color, full height swivel pivot tilt stand, G-Sync Compatible Adaptive Sync, VESA 100 x 100 mm mount.
Cons: 4 ms GtG is slower than rival 1 ms GtG models, 144Hz only over HDMI, VGA port adds little for modern PCs, and the design is plain next to the MSI.
Buy it for the best stand and the widest color in this guide. Skip it if you want the fastest GtG figure, a 180Hz panel, or a newer model with HDMI 2.0 throughout.
LG UltraGear 24GN600-B
This monitor fits buyers who want a safe LG gaming screen with a true GtG figure, with a 23.8 inch IPS panel at 144Hz and a 1 ms GtG figure. The LG UltraGear 24GN600-B is a 23.8 inch IPS monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a published 1 ms GtG figure at the Faster setting from the LG spec sheet.
LG lists AMD FreeSync Premium, HDR10, 99 percent sRGB color, 300 nits of typical brightness, a 1000 to 1 contrast ratio, and 178 degree viewing angles. Ports include two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, each able to run 1920 x 1080 at 144Hz, plus Dynamic Action Sync, a Black Stabilizer, and a crosshair for first person shooters.
The 144Hz ceiling is lower than the 165Hz and 180Hz models here, and the stand adjusts tilt only, with no height or pivot adjustment. There are no built in speakers, and the HDR10 label adds little on a 300 nit panel, so treat it as a color label rather than true high dynamic range performance.
Pros: 23.8 inch IPS with 144Hz and 1 ms GtG, FreeSync Premium, HDR10 with 99 percent sRGB, 300 nits typical brightness, Dynamic Action Sync and Black Stabilizer, VESA 100 mm mount.
Cons: 144Hz ceiling is lower than rival models here, tilt only stand, no built in speakers, HDR10 adds little at 300 nits, and no USB hub.
Buy it for a safe LG gaming screen with a true 1 ms GtG figure. Skip it if you want 165Hz or higher, a height adjustable stand, or built in speakers.
Buying guide for best gaming computer monitors under 100 dollars
Start with the panel type, because it decides color, contrast, and viewing angles before any other spec does, then match the refresh rate to your graphics card, and finish with the ports and the stand. A screen at this budget is a set of trade-offs, so the winner is the model whose limits you notice least.
Matching panel type to your games
IPS suits most buyers, because it holds color steady at wide angles and gives clean motion with a true GtG figure on the MSI, KOORUI, and LG models. Five of the seven screens here use IPS, so a buyer who shares the screen, works on it by day, and plays by night should start with IPS and only leave it for a clear reason.
VA suits dark games, because its deeper blacks make night scenes richer, while TN suits pure esports speed at the lowest cost, with the fastest pixel feel and the narrowest viewing angles. Pick VA if you play horror or dark open world games in a dim room, and pick TN only if you sit dead center and want the cheapest fast panel.
Ports, stands, and the daily setup
Ports decide what else can plug in, and the spread in this group is wide enough to matter. The MSI reaches 180Hz over HDMI and DisplayPort alike, while the KOORUI and AOC need DisplayPort for their full 165Hz, so a laptop with only HDMI will run those two at 144Hz and still play smoothly.
Stands decide daily comfort, and only the AOC gives full height, swivel, pivot, and tilt adjustment, while the other six adjust tilt only. A VESA arm fixes a tilt only stand for little extra cost, and every model here supports a VESA mount, with 75 x 75 mm on the KOORUI and Sceptre and 100 x 100 mm on the AOC and LG models.
What to skip and what sits above this group
Several screens sit outside this group for clear reasons, and knowing why helps you avoid a wrong purchase. A 27 inch 1080p screen shows larger pixels and softer text, a 1440p 144Hz screen costs far more than this tier, and a 60Hz office screen with a gaming label gives up the speed that makes a gaming monitor worth buying.
What to skip depends on the mismatch, not the model. Skip a TN screen if you share it or view from an angle, skip a VA screen if fast dark motion smear bothers you, and skip a 144Hz screen if you already own a graphics card that can feed 165Hz or 180Hz. The seven models here cover IPS speed, VA contrast, and TN value, so matching the panel to your games will find a fit.
Frequently asked questions
The questions below cover the choices that cause the most confusion after buyers have read the product sections. They focus on HDMI refresh rate limits, 1080p sharpness, and screen size, because those three points decide most purchases in this group, so read them before you buy.
Can a 144Hz monitor run at 144Hz over HDMI
Yes, a 144Hz monitor can run at 144Hz over HDMI if the HDMI port and the cable support that speed at 1080p, and every model here reaches at least 144Hz over HDMI. The KOORUI 24E3 and the AOC 24G2SP both run at 144Hz over HDMI and need DisplayPort for their full 165Hz, while the MSI, LG, and ASUS models reach their top rate over HDMI as well.
The fix is simple, because a desktop graphics card with DisplayPort gives the full refresh rate on every model here, and a laptop with only HDMI still gets 144Hz, which is smooth for most games. Read the manual for the exact port limits, use the cable that ships in the box when one is included, and set the refresh rate in your display settings after you connect.
Is 1080p enough for a 24 inch gaming monitor
Yes, 1080p is enough for a 24 inch gaming monitor, because the pixel density of about 92 pixels per inch keeps text readable and games sharp at a normal desk distance. All seven screens here run at 1920 x 1080, and a modest graphics card can reach high frame rates at this resolution, which is the point of a high refresh rate screen.
A 1440p screen would look sharper on paper, but it needs a stronger graphics card and costs far more than this tier, so it belongs in a higher budget group. If you sit very close to the screen or you edit photos for a living, a larger 1440p screen may suit you better, but for games at this budget, 1080p at 24 inch is the right call.
Do I need a 27 inch screen for gaming at this budget
No, a 27 inch screen is not needed for gaming at this budget, because a 24 inch 1080p screen gives sharper pixels and a lower cost, while a 27 inch 1080p screen shows larger pixels and softer text. The seven models here are all 23.8 inch or 24.5 inch, and that size keeps the whole screen inside your view without turning your head.
A 27 inch screen suits a deeper desk and a longer viewing distance, or a buyer who wants a bigger image for movies and work as well as games. If you want a bigger screen, save for a 27 inch 1440p model in a higher tier, because a 27 inch 1080p screen at this budget trades sharpness for size with no gain in speed.
Conclusion
Choose the MSI G244F E2 for the fastest 180Hz IPS panel, the KOORUI 24E3 for plain 165Hz value, the Sceptre E255B-1658A1 for TN esports speed, the Acer KG241Y Sbiip for VA contrast, the ASUS VP249QGR for ELMB clarity, the AOC 24G2SP for the best stand, or the LG 24GN600-B for a safe brand name pick, then confirm the model suffix before ordering.
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