Although there are plenty of larger displays on the market, many competitive players still prefer one of the best 24" gaming monitors. That’s because the 24–25 inch size is widely regarded as the sweet spot for competitive gaming. This screen size fits neatly within your immediate field of view, requiring minimal head movement and reducing the chance of missing enemies in your periphery.
Because of this, it’s easy to argue that a 24" monitor is the ideal choice for FPS action. However, finding one with the specs to keep up with fast-paced shooters isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds. Fortunately, this list highlights five of the best displays in the smaller monitor niche, ranging from budget-friendly picks to high-end powerhouses like the BenQ XL2586X+, built to dominate the competitive scene.
5 Best 24" Gaming Monitors
- Best 24" monitor overall — Dell AW2523HF
- Best budget 24" monitor — AOC 25G42E
- Best 24" monitor for esports — BenQ XL2586X+
- Best mid-range 24" monitor — ASUS ROG Strix XG259QNS
- Best 1440p 24" monitor — KOORUI G2421V
The Alienware AW2523HF is probably the best 360Hz gaming monitor around, making it an extremely great option to consider if you are buying a 24" monitor specifically for a shooter like Rainbow Six Siege X.
Key Features:
- 24.5" Full HD Display: An esports-standard size that can keep everything within your field of view, minimizing unnecessary head movement.
- 360Hz Refresh Rate & 0.5ms GtG Response Time: Can bring ultra-smooth visuals and lightning-fast reaction time, which is ideal for twitch shooting and fast-paced aiming.
- Fast IPS Panel with sRGB 99% Coverage: Combines accurate color and sharp visuals with wide viewing angles.
- AMD FreeSync Premium & VESA AdaptiveSync Certified: Essentially guarantees tear-free, stutter-free gaming even in high-action scenes.
- AlienVision Overlays (Night Vision, Crosshair, Clear Vision): Handy extras designed to improve visual clarity and aiming precision.
- Ergonomic Design: Includes a redesigned hexagonal base for mouse freedom, an adjustable stand with height markers, and a built-in headset hanger.
Not only is it optimally sized and fast-paced, but the Alienware AW2523HF also offers several thoughtful extras, namely the AlienVision Overlays. As a result, it's a true all-rounder for gaming, and should improve almost any setup it's placed in.
As an owner of this monitor, I can confirm the AOC 25G42E is a great 24.5" screen that punches well above its weight, especially when you consider you can buy it for less than $150 (£100) from most retailers and resale platforms.
Key Features:
- 180Hz Refresh Rate & 1ms GtG Response Time: Offers smooth, ultra-responsive gameplay with clear target tracking.
- Fast IPS Panel: Brings sharp visuals, vibrant color, and wide viewing angles while maintaining minimal motion blur.
- 0.5ms MPRT Technology: Further reduces ghosting and motion blur, keeping visuals crisp even during high-speed action sequences.
- Adaptive Sync & Low Input Lag Mode: Eliminates screen tearing and minimizes input delay, giving you precise control and visual fluidity.
- HDR10 Support: Enhances realism and immersion by improving contrast and color depth.
- G-Menu Customization: Easy access to performance-tuning options for serious players.
While it does come with some trade-offs, like basic port selection and limited ergonomic adjustability, I would argue the 25G42E makes up for it elsewhere. It's one of the best 1080p monitors I've used, particularly for the price, and an equally good 24-25" screen.
Why we chose the BenQ ZOWIE XL2586X+
The BenQ ZOWIE XL2586X+ has the highest refresh rate of any monitor right now, putting it in pole position when it comes to competitive gameplay, and even better for those who dabble in the esports scene.
Key Features:
- 600Hz Fast TN Panel: Industry-leading refresh rate offers the fastest motion clarity available, allowing players to track movement with unmatched smoothness and precision.
- DyAc 2 Tech: Dual-backlight blur reduction technology drastically reduces motion blur without harsh brightness, helping players clearly see crosshair movement and recoil patterns.
- Ultra-Low Input Lag with Overshoot Reduction: Designed to enhance responsiveness and minimize overshoot, giving instantaneous feedback.
- Vivid Color Film Enhancement: Improves color performance by 35% over traditional TN panels.
- Auto Game Mode: Automatically adjusts color profiles depending on the game being played, ensuring optimal visuals tailored to FPS titles and other genres.
- Esports-Driven Ergonomics: Smooth height adjustment with industrial-grade bearings, S-Switch for quick settings access, and side shields for visual focus and to stop prying eyes.
Ultimately, the BenQ ZOWIE XL2586X+ offers a refresh rate that no monitor can match right now, and that alone is enough to earn it status as one of the best 24" monitors you can buy for gaming.
If spending $1,000 or more on something as powerful as the BenQ ZOWIE XL2586X+ isn't within your price range, then you might want to check out the ASUS ROG Strix XG259QNS as a mid-range alternative.
Key Features:
- 380Hz (Overclocked) Fast IPS Panel: Ultra-high refresh rate with 0.3ms GtG response time delivers incredibly fluid visuals.
- ELMB Sync & FreeSync Premium: Combines blur-reduction and adaptive sync tech to eliminate tearing and ghosting, maintaining visual precision during flicks, peeks, and rapid target switches.
- DisplayHDR 400 Support: Enhances image depth and realism with greater contrast and color brightness.
- 110% sRGB Gamut: Vivid, accurate color ensures clear visibility and distinction between in-game elements and environments.
- Gamer-Focused Design: Features like a mobile phone dock, a quarter-inch tripod socket for streaming setups, and an ergonomic stand.
- ASUS DisplayWidget Center: Lets you tweak settings, switch profiles, and access your calibration report easily with your mouse.
380Hz is still incredibly fast and smooth, plus technology like ELMB Sync and FreeSync Premium helps to make the ROG Strix XG259QNS an exceptionally good monitor for competitive action.
Although 1080p is often seen as enough at 24 inches, we get that you might be a gamer looking for a little more visual clarity. In which case, you'll want to consider the KOORUI G2421V and its 1440p resolution.
Key Features:
- 180Hz Refresh Rate & 1ms Response Time: Ideal for tracking enemies and reacting instantly in fast-paced FPS titles thanks to smooth, responsive visuals.
- Fast IPS Panel with 90% DCI-P3 Coverage: Combines vibrant, color-accurate visuals with fast pixel transitions—great for spotting enemies in detailed environments without ghosting or blur.
- 1440p Resolution at 24”: Packs in more detail than 1080p without requiring a large screen.
- Adaptive Sync Support: Essentially ensures consistent visual flow during rapid movement and aim adjustments.
- Compact, Ergonomic Design: Ultra-slim bezels, tilt adjustment, and VESA mount support provide comfort and flexibility for competitive setups or dual-screen arrangements.
- Crosshair & Timer Overlays: Built-in tools to improve your shooting skills.
While it boasts a more visually impressive 1440p resolution, it's clear from its features that the KOORUI G2421V doesn't sacrifice speed, smoothness, and latency. That means it's a great pick for shooters, in particular, and you won't have to break the bank to buy it either.
Factors to Consider When Buying a 24" Gaming Monitor
- Refresh Rate (Hz): 144Hz or higher (e.g., 240Hz or 360Hz) is best for a screen as small as 24 inches.
- Response Time: Look for 1ms GtG or better to keep motion blur and ghosting a non-issue.
- Input Lag: Choose monitors with low input lag (under 5ms) for more immediate responsiveness.
- Panel Type: TN panels usually offer the fastest response but poorer color/viewing angles, while IPS panels have better visuals with solid speed.
- Adaptive Sync Technology: A monitor that supports G-Sync (NVIDIA) or FreeSync (AMD) helps to keep screen tearing at bay.
- Ergonomics: Height, tilt, and swivel adjustments can improve posture and comfort during long sessions.
- Connectivity Options: Ensure it has DisplayPort and/or HDMI 2.0 or better for high refresh rate support, particularly at higher resolutions.
- Color Accuracy: Less critical for competitive gaming, but good to have for daily use.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re diving into ranked FPS matches or simply want a more focused, responsive display, these 24" gaming monitors offer the perfect blend of speed, size, and clarity. No matter your budget, there’s a standout option here ready to elevate your competitive edge.