Best cheap 144Hz gaming monitor 2024 – top picks, reviews & buyer’s guide
Taking a look at some of the best budget-tailored 144hz monitors in today's market
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Looking for the best cheap 144Hz gaming monitor in 2024? If so, look no further, our experienced team of monitor experts have rounded up the market’s leading displays that offer excellent value for money – while still offering high refresh rates up to 144Hz. Like always, we’ll be regularly updating this guide as new 144Hz monitors are released, ensuring our guides are always recommending the market’s best gaming monitors. It’s actually worth mentioning that we’ve seen a trend of popular 144Hz monitors being phased out in favor of their 165Hz counterparts, so we’re going to talk about them too, as they slowly become the new cheap gaming monitor standard. Right now though, we definitely have to recommend either the AOC 24G2 or Samsung Odyssey G3.
Over time, refresh rates have become increasingly important for both casual and competitive gamers. And whilst monitors now boast refresh rates of up to 360Hz, the humble 144Hz gaming monitor still holds a place in today’s market. There’s plenty to like about 144Hz monitors – they offer good gaming performance for cheaper gaming PCs, they often come with good response time, and they are much less costly than 240Hz and 360Hz monitors.
Today’s best monitor deals
- LG 49″ UltraGear Curved gaming monitor – Save 35% NOW!
- SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G8 – Save 23% now!
- INNOCN 49″ Curved Monitor Ultrawide Gaming – Save 26% NOW!
- Acer Nitro XZ306C Curved Gaming Monitor – Save 37% NOW!
- ViewSonic Omni VX2418C 24 Inch Curved Gaming Monitor – Save 38% NOW!
- SAMSUNG 43-Inch Odyssey Neo G7 – Save $500 NOW!
- Corsair XENEON 27QHD240 27-Inch OLED Gaming Monitor – Save $100 now!
- Alienware AW3423DW Curved Gaming Monitor – Save 8% NOW!
- Acer Nitro XFA243Y Sbiipr 23.8” Full HD (1920 x 1080) VA Gaming Monitor – Save 44% NOW!
- BenQ Mobiuz EX2710U – Save 24%
Best budget 144Hz monitor for gaming
Gaming on the cheap gets easier and easier as the years go by. For monitors, a 144Hz refresh rate has become an entry-level spec for gaming and it’s more affordable than ever.
AOC 24G2
AOC 24G2
Screen size
24″
Refresh rate
144Hz
Response time
1ms
Resolution
1920 x 1080
- 1ms response time
- Frameless bezels
- Excellent value for money
- Decent contrast
- Peak brightness isn’t great
If you’re looking for one of the best 1080p 144Hz monitors on the market, the AOC 24G2 still holds up as a top pick, offering great value for money now that AOC introduced a 165Hz model. This monitor is a great budget option if you want to jump up to a higher refresh rate for 1080p without spending a fortune (for those on you still at 60Hz). It’s got everything you need for an entry-level competitive gaming monitor – 144Hz refresh rate, minimal 1ms response time, and a modest 24″ screen.
The frameless, thin bezel design is another selling point from an aesthetic standpoint, and it looks the part alongside your gaming PC. It’s not just for looks though, as the ergonomics are also good value for money. This monitor is height adjustable, alongside the swivel and tilt adjustments available. Another important specification is the IPS panel, delivering fantastic visual quality, without compromising any of the other gaming performance. IPS monitors offer fantastic color accuracy and wider viewing angles than rivaling panel technologies.
Overall, it’s hard to fault the AOC 24G2 gaming monitor if you’re looking for a 1080p 144hz display. We also suggest taking a look at the 165Hz model, which is a quick and easy upgrade without too much difference in price. You can expect smooth gameplay with AMD FreeSync Premium support, and the AOC ‘low Blue mode’ which is easier on the eye while preventing flickering.
Samsung Odyssey G3
Samsung Odyssey G3 FHD
Refresh rate
144Hz
Response time
1ms
Screen size
24-inch / 27-inch
Resolution
1920 x 1080
- High contrast ratio
- Deep blacks
- Limited smearing
- 1ms response time
- Max brightness is limited to 250 nits
The Samsung Odyssey lineup of monitors has been hugely popular since its release a couple of years ago. The latest monitor to arrive in that series is the G3 – offering up a flat-screen gaming experience that was lacking from the original lineup.
The G3 is another great monitor that provides smooth gameplay and limited screen artifacts. Whilst its peak brightness is considered low, it still makes for a great dark-room gaming monitor. It offers a 3000:1 native contrast ratio, deep blacks, and a competitive 1080p screen resolution that is perfect if you can easily each 144 frames per second in your favorite games.
The colors for this monitor aren’t spectacular – however, as far as smearing and blurring are concerned, it performs incredibly well when compared to other VA panel alternatives.
ASUS VG248QG
ASUS VG248QG
Refresh Rate
165Hz
Response Time
0.5ms (min)
Screen Size
24″
Resolution
1920 x 1080
- Optimized for esports gamers
- Impressive 0.5ms response time
- G-Sync and FreeSync compatible
- 165Hz refresh rate
- Color accuracy is poor
- Viewing angles aren’t great
We’re actually going to jump up to another 165Hz monitor now, and it comes in the shape of the ASUS VG248QG, a 24-inch gaming monitor featuring a TN panel that offers up excellent gaming performance and responsiveness.
Despite this monitor not offering up the best viewing angles or color accuracy, it more than makes up for it in general response and general gaming performance. Users can expect a peak brightness of 350 nits and a native contrast ratio of 1000:1. Most impressive, however, is the monitor’s 0.5ms GTG response time, reducing most blurring and ghosting issues and providing you with near-instant input delay which is unnoticeable.
Users can enable features like ELMB in the OSD, further improving on perceived blur when viewing fast-moving objects.
BenQ XL2411K
BenQ Zowie XL2411K 24 Inch
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Response Time (stated by maufacturer)
1ms
Panel Type
TN
Screen Size
24″
Resolution
1920 x 1080
Curved?
No
- Good value for money
- 1ms response time
- Black Equalizer feature
- BenQ models tend to be a little pricier
This BenQ monitor is hugely popular amongst budget-restricted users, mainly thanks to the excellent value it comes equipped with. You aren’t missing out on great specs though, this display still offers plenty of the same performance-tailored features we come to expect in a high-quality gaming monitor.
At the heart of this monitor lies a capable TN panel that showcases excellent response. It has been optimized for esports gaming, utilizing a 1080p screen resolution to make the 144 framerate threshold easily achievable. The 144Hz refresh rate pairs nicely with the 1ms response time to help reduce screen artifacts to a minimum. Whilst the peak brightness of 350 nits is a little lacking, it still makes for a very capable dark-room gaming monitor.
Color accuracy and viewing angles are of course problematic thanks to the TN panel it boasts. That being said, the monitor is tailored towards esports and high levels of response – colors aren’t the priority here.
Acer Nitro VG270 Sbmiipx
Acer Nitro VG270 Sbmiipx
Size
27″
Refresh Rate
144Hz (165Hz overclock with DisplayPort)
Response Time
Up to 0.1ms
Resolution
1920 x 1080
- As quick as 0.1ms response time
- Zero frame design
- IPS panel technology
- Limited stand ergonomics
- Poor peak brightness
The last monitor in this guide is the Acer Nitro VG270 Sbmiipx, a large-screen 27″ gaming monitor that packs that dream combination of 144Hz refresh rate with low response time, but even better as you can overclock it to a smoother 165Hz with the included DisplayPort cable.
Whilst the Nitro doesn’t have the best build quality or ergonomics in this guide, it makes up for it in general gameplay and value. The 144Hz-165Hz refresh rate makes for a fluid gaming experience, with a snappy response time reducing ghosting and smearing exponentially. Colors aren’t the best for this monitor, neither is the native contrast ratio. However, whilst it remains under $200, you can’t really argue with the performance this screen provides if you want a larger display.
AOC C24G1A
AOC Curved C24G1A
Size
24″
Refresh Rate
165Hz
Response Time
1ms
Panel Type
VA
Maximum Resolution
1920×1080
- Amazing value for money
- Supports 165Hz and 144Hz
- Good build quality
- Low input lag
- Panel uniformity is sub-par
If nothing on this list so far has taken your fancy, perhaps you’re looking for a curved gaming monitor instead. The subtle 1550R curved on this AOC monitor makes it easier on the eye for many people, while adding a touch of immersion – though the latter is a little less relevant when it comes to a smaller 24″ screen like this. If you have a preference for curved panels, then this has to be one of the best gaming monitors you can pick up for cheap.
Like all of the monitors in this list, it features a full HD 1080p screen resolution for entry-level and competitive gaming. The response time is great too, at 1ms to ensure minimal ghosting and low input lag for fast-paced games. The curved display is great to look at, and the monitor features a stylish, well-built stand – with height, tilt, and pivot adjustments allowing for excellent ergonomics. While this again isn’t strictly a 144Hz monitor (it has a max refresh rate of 165Hz), it will support 144Hz without any problem too. Either way, the FreeSync Premium support ensures your refresh rate is always optimized for gaming.
How we choose and test cheap 144Hz gaming monitors
Physically testing the products we recommend here at WePC is one of the fundamental factors that has helped us secure your trust over the years. We spend hours testing monitors to recommend, using high-end equipment and testing methodology to conclude which are the best for your gaming needs.
We have a comprehensive article and how to test and choose our monitors, explaining many of the testing processes that occur during our selection process. You can check out how we test monitors here.
Cheap 144Hz monitor for gaming – buyer’s guide & things to consider
For those new to buying monitors for gaming, below we have listed some of the most important buying tips for newcomers. This will hopefully make your next purchasing decision that little bit easier.
Refresh rate & VRR technology
We always advise you get the highest refresh rate possible, 144Hz upwards is great – but many 165Hz monitors are also cheap. As we said earlier, this is one of the most impactful specifications when it comes to the smoothness of your gameplay. In relation to refresh rate, you need to pay attention to Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology which is available with the display. Namely, this is AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync technology which is generally included in modern displays – VRR negates screen tearing at higher refresh rates.
Response time
Seek out low response times! Another important area to always consider is response time. This is how quickly your pixels change color – mainly using the GTG transition. Having a low response time will reduce screen artifacts like ghosting and smearing. A quicker response time also improves the overall feel of the display when gaming – high response times will feel more sluggish to and affect your gameplay.
Price
So, what exactly is a cheap 144hz gaming monitor in today’s market? Well, anything under $200 is considered relatively cheap. As you can see from the selection above, we’ve tried to stick around this area as going any lower will reduce performance exponentially. As time has gone by, 144Hz monitors really represent the bottom line when looking for a gaming monitor. As such, more and more are reaching budget levels no previously seen, especially since 165Hz monitors are closely joining them.
Build quality
Expect poor or reduced build quality. When you’re buying from the lower end of the price spectrum, build quality is often an area that is compromised to save on cost. Whilst this isn’t too problematic, it can increase the chance of instability and faults down the line. As always, stick to trusted brands which can guarantee at least good quality, even at a lower budget level.
144Hz vs 60Hz refresh rate
If you’re in the market for a cheap gaming monitor, chances are you’ll have likely come across 60hz monitors and 144hz monitors. But, what is the difference between the two? and is it actually worth going for a 144hz monitor? Well, the resounding answer is yes, absolutely. The refresh rate of your monitor is one of the most performance-affecting factors it comes equipped with. It’s a measurement that lets us know how often the screen refreshes the image it’s displaying, having a direct impact on the overall smoothness of the gameplay.
But what does that mean for 144Hz vs 60Hz? Well, it means a lot. The jump from 60Hz to 144Hz is almost two and half times, meaning you’re effectively getting a monitor that’s over twice as smooth. The difference between 60Hz and 144Hz is one of the most obvious – mainly because 60Hz monitors provide such a mediocre gaming experience. At 144Hz, you’ll be able to enjoy smoother gameplay, especially when paired with good VRR technology. Our high refresh rate monitor guide explains it all and more.
What FPS do you need for a 144Hz gaming monitor?
By nature of its design, you’ll want to be pushing 144 frames per second to reap the rewards of the monitor’s high refresh rate. Previously, you would want to pair your FreeSync monitor with your AMD GPU and G-Sync monitor with Nvidia GPU. However, this is no longer the case so you can mix and match VRR technology to your liking, which is handy when solely focusing on what’s cheapest.
For cheap 144Hz monitors, you’re mostly dealing with 1080p resolution panels. While that’s the lower end of the resolution scale these days, these monitors are great if you want maximum performance (in other words, a higher framerate in your favorite games) when playing at native resolution.
What is the cheapest 144Hz monitor?
Like we’ve said, 144Hz monitors are no longer a pricey item – for the 1080p resolution at least. You can find a great gaming monitor under $150 featuring these specs. You’ll of course see a premium price tag attached to the likes of a 4K 144Hz monitor however. We tend to stay away from truly cheap brands and try and give you the best value for money, so technically the ‘cheapest’ probably isn’t worth your hard-earned cash.
Among our selection right now, the AOC C24G1A is the cheapest (at the time of writing). Keep in mind that prices do fluctuate quite a bit and there’s deals aplenty for these kind of displays. Especially during any kind of sales event. Either way, you can bag a bargain with any of our top picks.
Best budget 144Hz monitor FAQs
Are cheap 144Hz monitors worth it?
Today’s market has a ton of high-end gaming monitors, however, it also has a tonne of well-price cheap 144Hz monitors. with that said, you can easily find a great value cheap 144Hz monitor that does exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you’re gaming, office use, or entertainment consuming, there will be a cheap 144Hz monitor that is well worth it in today’s market.
Are cheap 144Hz monitors good for gaming?
Many of the best 144Hz monitors offer up great gaming features, such as VRR, HDR, refresh rates and low response times. Better yet, you’ll be able to find a cheap 144Hz monitor with all the above, making them a great choice for gamers on a budget.
Final word
So, there you have it, our complete guide to the best cheap 144Hz monitors for gaming in 2024. For us, the best monitor for goes to the hugely impressive AOC 24G2, though the 165Hz upgrade is a tempting alternative, without much of a price hike at all. Not only does it offer a high refresh rate for cheap, but it also comes packed with a bunch of features that make tailoring your visual experience that much easier.
That being said, every monitor in this guide offers up its own unique set of pros and cons. Ultimately, it all comes down to your needs. We will be keeping this page up to date with any new releases, so be sure to bookmark this page if you are in the market for a cheaper 144Hz panel.
