Finding a good gaming monitor doesn’t have to mean spending a huge amount of money. Today, features that were once reserved for expensive gaming displays are becoming much easier to find in affordable models. A 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms-class response time can now be found on monitors designed specifically for budget-conscious gamers, making smoother and more responsive gaming accessible without turning your monitor upgrade into a financial disaster. For players who are still using an older 60Hz display, upgrading to a high-refresh gaming monitor can be one of the most noticeable improvements they can make to their gaming setup.
A 165Hz gaming monitor can make fast camera movements, character animations, scrolling, and aiming feel considerably smoother. This becomes especially noticeable in competitive shooters, racing games, sports titles, fighting games, and other fast-paced genres where the action can change in an instant. When the monitor also has fast pixel response performance, moving objects can appear clearer with less distracting ghosting. You might not suddenly become the next esports champion, but at least your monitor won’t be holding your gameplay back.
Of course, choosing a gaming monitor isn’t simply about finding the highest refresh-rate number or the lowest response-time figure. Panel technology, resolution, adaptive sync support, brightness, color reproduction, connectivity, stand adjustment, and real-world motion performance can all influence how enjoyable a monitor is to use. A display that looks impressive on a specification sheet may not necessarily deliver the best experience once it’s sitting on your desk and handling your games every day.
That’s why this guide focuses on affordable gaming monitors that offer 165Hz-class refresh rates and 1ms-class response times while maintaining a useful balance of gaming performance and everyday usability. Whether you’re building your first gaming PC, upgrading from a 60Hz display, or replacing an aging monitor, these options can help you get smoother gameplay without spending the kind of money normally associated with premium gaming hardware.
Why 165Hz and 1ms Matter for Gaming
A monitor’s refresh rate determines how many times it can update the image every second. A standard 60Hz monitor refreshes up to 60 times per second, while a 165Hz monitor can refresh up to 165 times per second. That higher refresh rate allows fast-moving images to appear smoother and more fluid, which can be particularly helpful when you’re tracking enemies, turning quickly, navigating racing circuits, or moving through detailed game environments. The difference is especially noticeable when you switch back to 60Hz after spending time with a high-refresh display.
The 1ms response-time specification refers to how quickly pixels can transition between colors or shades. Faster pixel transitions can help reduce ghosting and trailing behind moving objects, potentially making fast gameplay look cleaner and easier to follow. However, it’s important not to treat every advertised 1ms rating as identical because manufacturers can use different testing methods and response-time modes. A monitor’s real-world motion performance, sensible overdrive tuning, and ability to maintain clear transitions are ultimately more important than simply having “1ms” printed on the product page.
What 165Hz Actually Does
Think of refresh rate like a flipbook: the more frequently the pages change, the smoother the animation appears. A 165Hz monitor gives your computer considerably more opportunities to display new frames than a 60Hz display, making camera movement, aiming, character animation, and general gameplay feel more fluid. However, the monitor can’t create extra frames by itself, so your graphics card and processor still need to produce them. If your PC can deliver 120 FPS, for example, a 165Hz display can make much better use of that performance than a 60Hz monitor, while games that reach closer to 165 FPS can take even greater advantage of the panel’s capabilities. This makes 165Hz a particularly attractive sweet spot for budget and mid-range gaming PCs because it offers a major improvement over 60Hz without demanding the extremely high frame rates associated with 240Hz or faster monitors.
Understanding 1ms Response Time
Response time describes how quickly a monitor’s pixels can transition from one color or shade to another. This specification becomes especially important during fast-paced gaming because slow pixel transitions can create visible trails behind moving objects, commonly known as ghosting. A monitor with fast pixel response performance can keep characters, vehicles, weapons, and other objects looking clearer as they move across the screen, which can make rapid gameplay easier to follow and visually more comfortable. This is one reason why a 1ms-class response time is frequently associated with competitive gaming monitors.
However, the “1ms” number should not be treated as an absolute guarantee of identical performance across every monitor. Manufacturers can use different testing methods and overdrive settings to achieve their advertised figures, and an aggressive response mode can sometimes introduce inverse ghosting or other visual artifacts. For that reason, real-world motion clarity is more important than simply choosing the monitor with the lowest advertised response time. A well-tuned display that maintains clean pixel transitions across different refresh rates can provide a better experience than a monitor that technically reaches 1ms but produces distracting artifacts.
How to Choose an Affordable Gaming Monitor
Choosing an affordable gaming monitor requires looking beyond the refresh rate and response time printed on the box. Those specifications are important, but they don’t tell you everything about the display. You should also consider panel technology, resolution, screen size, adaptive sync support, brightness, color accuracy, connectivity, ergonomics, and overall build quality. A monitor might offer 165Hz and 1ms response time, for example, but have limited viewing angles or an uncomfortable stand that becomes frustrating after months of daily use.
Your gaming hardware should also influence your decision. A powerful graphics card can make better use of a high-refresh 1440p monitor, while a modest GPU may be better paired with a 24-inch 1080p display that can reach high frame rates more easily. Think about the games you play, the size of your desk, your preferred screen size, and whether the monitor will also be used for work, studying, streaming, or general entertainment. The best affordable gaming monitor isn’t necessarily the one with the longest specification list; it’s the one that gives your particular setup the right balance of speed, image quality, features, and price.
Panel Type and Image Quality
IPS panels are particularly popular among affordable gaming monitors because they offer a strong combination of color reproduction, wide viewing angles, and fast response performance. VA panels can provide deeper contrast and darker blacks, which can be useful for cinematic games and movie watching, while TN panels are traditionally known for speed but generally offer less impressive image quality. For most gamers searching for a 165Hz display with fast response performance, a modern IPS panel is an excellent middle ground because it can provide responsive gameplay without making everyday activities such as browsing, watching videos, or editing documents feel like an afterthought.
Resolution and Screen Size
Resolution and screen size have a major impact on how a gaming monitor looks and how much graphics power your PC needs. For affordable 165Hz gaming, 24-inch Full HD displays remain one of the safest choices because 1920×1080 resolution is relatively easy for many modern GPUs to drive at high frame rates. The smaller screen size also keeps pixel density respectable for 1080p gaming, while the compact format makes it easier to see the entire display during competitive matches. If you have a more powerful graphics card and want sharper visuals, a 27-inch 1440p monitor can be a significant upgrade, although you’ll generally pay more and need considerably more GPU performance to maintain high frame rates.
Adaptive Sync Support
Adaptive sync is another feature worth checking before buying an affordable gaming monitor. Technologies such as AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible can synchronize the monitor’s refresh behavior with the frame rate produced by your graphics card. This helps reduce screen tearing, which occurs when the display shows portions of multiple frames at the same time, while also making gameplay feel smoother when your FPS fluctuates. For games that don’t consistently run at 165 FPS, adaptive sync can be particularly useful because it helps maintain a more consistent visual experience instead of forcing you to deal with noticeable tearing whenever performance changes.
10 Best Affordable Gaming Monitors with 165Hz Refresh Rate and 1ms Response Time
1. AOC 24G2SP
The AOC 24G2SP is a strong option for gamers who want an affordable 24-inch Full HD gaming monitor without giving up the features that make a display feel genuinely gaming-focused. Its IPS panel provides good viewing angles and generally pleasing colors, while its high refresh rate makes it suitable for fast-paced games where smooth motion matters. The 24-inch format is also a great match for 1080p gaming because it provides a practical balance between screen size and pixel density without demanding excessive graphics power from your PC. For players upgrading from an older 60Hz monitor, this combination can feel like a substantial step forward.
Its fast response performance and adaptive sync support make the 24G2SP particularly appealing for competitive players who want to improve their display without moving into expensive enthusiast territory. It isn’t trying to compete with premium OLED or 360Hz esports monitors, and that’s actually part of its charm. The focus is on delivering the features most gamers genuinely need at a more accessible price. If your priority is smooth 1080p gaming, a compact screen, and a responsive IPS panel, the AOC 24G2SP remains a compelling model to consider when available at a good price.
2. ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A is designed for gamers who want a fast and responsive display without jumping into premium monitor pricing. Its 23.8-inch Full HD IPS panel provides a useful combination of sharp enough visuals, wide viewing angles, and vibrant colors, while its 165Hz refresh rate is well suited to competitive games that benefit from smooth motion. The compact 1080p format is also relatively easy for mainstream and mid-range graphics cards to drive at high frame rates, making it a practical match for budget gaming PCs. For someone moving up from a basic 60Hz office monitor, the difference in smoothness can be immediately noticeable.
The monitor also includes gaming-focused features such as adaptive sync support and a fast response-time specification, helping it handle rapid movements more effectively. ASUS’s TUF Gaming branding is another reason it can appeal to players who want a display built with gaming in mind rather than simply adding a high refresh rate to a general-purpose monitor. It makes particular sense for players who spend most of their time with competitive shooters, racing games, MOBAs, and other titles where responsiveness matters more than having an enormous screen. If you want a straightforward 24-inch gaming monitor with a high refresh rate and familiar gaming features, the VG249Q1A is worth keeping on your shortlist.
3. MSI G244F
The MSI G244F is another attractive choice for gamers looking for a fast IPS gaming monitor at a relatively affordable price. Its 23.8-inch Full HD format provides a comfortable size for competitive gaming while keeping the resolution manageable for GPUs that might struggle to maintain high frame rates at 1440p. The high refresh rate gives fast-moving gameplay a smoother appearance, while the IPS panel adds better viewing angles and color performance than many older budget gaming displays. This combination makes the G244F suitable not only for competitive matches but also for everyday desktop use, streaming, and general entertainment.
One of the interesting aspects of this monitor is that its refresh capability can go beyond the 165Hz target depending on the configuration and connection being used. That gives gamers a little extra headroom while keeping the overall experience focused on speed and responsiveness. MSI also includes gaming-oriented features intended to improve the experience during fast-paced gameplay, making the G244F a sensible option for players who care about smooth motion but don’t want to spend heavily on a premium display. If your PC can consistently produce high frame rates in games such as Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, Fortnite, or Overwatch 2, this type of monitor can make particularly good use of that performance.
4. Gigabyte G24F 2
The Gigabyte G24F 2 is aimed at gamers who want high refresh-rate performance without sacrificing the overall quality of the display. Its 24-inch IPS panel provides a good balance between color reproduction, viewing angles, sharpness, and responsiveness, while its high refresh rate makes quick movements appear substantially smoother than they would on a conventional 60Hz screen. The 1080p resolution also keeps the graphics workload reasonable, allowing many mid-range gaming systems to push high frame rates without requiring aggressive reductions to graphical settings. For a compact gaming setup, that combination is difficult to dismiss.
Another reason the G24F 2 stands out is its versatility. A monitor doesn’t spend its entire life inside a game, and this model can also work well for browsing, watching videos, studying, and everyday productivity. Its fast panel and gaming-oriented features make it suitable for competitive titles, while its IPS technology means you aren’t making a huge sacrifice in general image quality. For gamers who want one affordable monitor that can handle both gaming and everyday computing, the G24F 2 offers a balanced approach rather than focusing exclusively on a single specification.
5. Acer Nitro KG241Y
The Acer Nitro KG241Y series is worth considering if your main goal is getting a fast gaming monitor while keeping the purchase price as low as possible. Acer has released multiple KG241Y variants with different specifications depending on the market, so checking the exact model number is important before buying. Some versions offer high refresh rates and fast response performance that make them suitable for competitive gaming, while the compact screen size keeps the display practical for smaller desks. Its 24-inch-class Full HD format also pairs nicely with budget and mid-range GPUs because the system doesn’t need to push as many pixels as it would with a 1440p panel.
The Nitro branding is focused heavily on gaming, so these monitors typically emphasize features that matter during fast-paced gameplay rather than unnecessary premium extras. If you’re upgrading from a basic 60Hz monitor, a compatible KG241Y model can provide a noticeable improvement in smoothness while keeping the overall setup affordable. Just be careful when shopping online because similar model names can have different refresh rates, panel types, ports, and specifications. Confirm the exact version being sold rather than assuming every KG241Y monitor has identical hardware.
For more affordable high-refresh gaming options, check out The Best Cheap 144Hz Monitors for Gamers on a Budget to find budget-friendly displays with smooth performance.
6. ViewSonic XG2431
The ViewSonic XG2431 is an appealing option for gamers who are willing to spend a little more in exchange for stronger attention to motion clarity. Its 24-inch Full HD IPS panel combines a high refresh rate with fast response performance, creating a display that is particularly well suited to competitive gaming. The compact 1080p format also makes sense for players who prioritize high frame rates over maximum resolution, especially when playing fast-paced titles where smooth and clear movement can be more valuable than having additional pixels.
What makes the XG2431 interesting is its focus on motion performance rather than simply competing through specification numbers. Competitive players can benefit from cleaner movement when rapidly turning the camera, tracking opponents, or following objects across the screen. It is therefore a particularly strong candidate for gamers who spend a lot of time in shooters and other high-speed titles. Although it may not always be the cheapest monitor in this group, its performance-focused approach can make the extra spending worthwhile for players who genuinely care about responsiveness and motion clarity.
7. LG UltraGear 24GN650-B
The LG UltraGear 24GN650-B brings together several features that make a compact gaming monitor attractive for both competitive players and everyday users. Its 24-inch-class Full HD IPS display provides a practical combination of viewing angles, color quality, and gaming responsiveness, while the high refresh rate allows fast movements to look much smoother than they would on a standard 60Hz display. The screen size is also convenient for smaller gaming desks, particularly if you prefer sitting relatively close to the monitor and want the entire display comfortably within your field of view.
Its 1ms-class response specification and gaming-oriented features further strengthen its appeal for fast-paced games. The UltraGear series is designed around gaming rather than simply adding a gaming label to an office monitor, so the 24GN650-B makes sense for players who want a display that feels purpose-built for their hobby. At the same time, its IPS panel keeps it useful outside gaming, whether you’re watching videos, browsing the web, working on documents, or spending long sessions in other applications. For a balanced 1080p gaming setup, it remains a model worth considering when available at a competitive price.
8. Samsung Odyssey G3 24-Inch
The Samsung Odyssey G3 24-inch is an interesting choice for gamers who want a recognizable brand and a gaming-focused design without moving into expensive premium territory. Certain versions of the Odyssey G3 offer a 165Hz refresh rate and fast response performance, making them suitable for competitive shooters, racing games, sports titles, and other fast-paced experiences. The 24-inch Full HD format is also practical for budget gaming PCs because the relatively modest resolution makes it easier for a graphics card to maintain high frame rates compared with a higher-resolution display.
One thing to keep in mind is that Samsung has released different Odyssey G3 variants with specifications that can vary by region and model number. Before purchasing, check the exact product listing to confirm the refresh rate, panel type, resolution, connectivity, and response-time specifications. If you find the right 24-inch variant at an attractive price, the Odyssey G3 can be a solid option for gamers who want a straightforward high-refresh display from an established manufacturer.
9. KOORUI 24E3
KOORUI has become increasingly visible in the affordable monitor market, particularly among gamers looking for high-refresh displays without paying premium-brand prices. The 24E3 is designed around a compact Full HD gaming format, making it a natural fit for players who want smooth performance without demanding too much from their graphics card. Its high refresh rate and fast response specification make it particularly attractive for competitive games where fluid motion and quick visual feedback are more important than having a high-resolution screen.
The biggest appeal of the KOORUI 24E3 is its focus on delivering the essentials at an aggressive price. It can make sense for someone building a first gaming PC, upgrading from a 60Hz office monitor, or adding a second display to an existing setup. However, as with many budget monitor brands, it’s worth checking the exact listing carefully because specifications and available features can vary between markets and revisions. If the price is significantly lower than competing models while providing the features you need, the 24E3 can offer impressive value for a budget-conscious gaming setup.
10. Pixio PX248 Prime Advanced
The Pixio PX248 Prime Advanced is aimed at gamers who want a compact, fast gaming monitor without paying the premium associated with high-end displays. Its 24-inch-class format is particularly well suited to competitive gaming because the entire screen can remain comfortably within your field of view. Combined with Full HD resolution, a high refresh rate, and fast response performance, it creates a setup that prioritizes smooth gameplay and high frame rates rather than pushing for maximum resolution. That can be a smart trade-off if your graphics card is better suited to 1080p gaming.
Pixio’s approach makes this type of monitor appealing to gamers who care more about practical performance than flashy extras. A high-refresh 1080p display can deliver a very responsive experience in games such as Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, Fortnite, and other competitive titles, particularly when paired with hardware capable of producing high FPS. Before purchasing, it’s still worth confirming the exact specifications of the version available in your region, but the PX248 Prime Advanced can be an attractive choice when its price and features line up with your gaming needs.
Which Monitor Is Best for Competitive Gaming?
If competitive gaming is your main priority, focus on motion clarity, refresh rate, response performance, adaptive sync, and your PC’s ability to maintain high FPS. A 24-inch 1080p monitor running at 165Hz or higher is already a very capable combination for games such as Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, Fortnite, Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, and other fast-paced competitive titles. You don’t necessarily need a 1440p or 240Hz monitor to enjoy responsive gameplay, especially if your graphics card can consistently produce well over 100 FPS at 1080p.
Among the monitors discussed here, models such as the AOC 24G2SP, ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A, Gigabyte G24F 2, and ViewSonic XG2431 are particularly interesting for competitive players. The final choice should depend on your budget, GPU, preferred panel type, adaptive sync requirements, and availability in your region. Most importantly, prioritize consistent motion performance and a stable high frame rate rather than choosing a monitor simply because it has the biggest numbers on its specification sheet.
Which One Is Best for Casual and Everyday Gaming?
For casual gaming and everyday computer use, an IPS gaming monitor is usually an excellent choice because it can combine fast gaming performance with good colors and wide viewing angles. If you spend several hours switching between games, YouTube, web browsing, schoolwork, or office applications, you probably don’t want a monitor that is optimized exclusively for esports. A balanced 165Hz display can make gaming smoother while also making everyday activities such as scrolling through websites and moving windows around feel more fluid.
Models from AOC, ASUS, Gigabyte, LG, and Samsung can be worth considering for this type of mixed usage because their gaming features don’t completely overshadow their general-purpose capabilities. A 24-inch Full HD monitor is also relatively easy to fit onto smaller desks, while the resolution keeps GPU requirements manageable. For many users, this balance makes more sense than spending substantially more on an enthusiast gaming monitor whose additional performance may rarely be used.
Do You Really Need 1ms?
Not necessarily. A fast response time can be beneficial for competitive gaming because it can reduce ghosting and make moving objects appear clearer, but the advertised 1ms figure doesn’t automatically guarantee superior real-world performance. Manufacturers can measure response times differently, and some monitors may only reach their fastest advertised figures using aggressive overdrive settings that can introduce inverse ghosting or other artifacts. What matters most is how cleanly the monitor handles movement at its normal gaming settings.
For most players, a good combination of high refresh rate, low input latency, fast pixel transitions, and sensible overdrive tuning is more important than chasing the smallest response-time number. If you’re choosing between two monitors and one advertises 1ms while another advertises a slightly higher figure but has better overall motion performance, the latter could actually provide the more enjoyable gaming experience. Think of 1ms as a useful indicator rather than a magic number that automatically makes one monitor better than another.
Tips for Getting the Most From a 165Hz Monitor
The first thing you should do after installing a 165Hz monitor is make sure your operating system is actually running it at its maximum supported refresh rate. Some systems may default to 60Hz even after connecting a high-refresh display, which means you’re paying for smooth performance while accidentally leaving most of it unused. Check your display settings and select the highest available refresh rate, then make sure your graphics driver and game settings are configured appropriately.
Your connection also matters. Depending on the monitor and resolution, DisplayPort or a suitable HDMI connection may be required to access the highest refresh rate and adaptive sync features. If your monitor supports FreeSync or G-SYNC Compatible operation, enable the appropriate feature and test it with your games. You should also experiment with the monitor’s response-time or overdrive settings instead of automatically selecting the most aggressive option. A balanced setting often provides cleaner motion with fewer artifacts.
Finally, don’t worry if your PC doesn’t constantly reach 165 FPS. A game running at 100, 120, or 140 FPS can still feel substantially smoother on a high-refresh monitor than it does at 60Hz, particularly when adaptive sync is available. Instead of forcing every game to maximum graphical settings, consider adjusting demanding options such as shadows, reflections, and anti-aliasing when necessary. A stable frame rate and smooth motion are often more valuable for competitive gaming than a handful of extra visual effects.
Conclusion
Affordable gaming monitors have improved significantly, making high-refresh gaming much easier to access without spending a premium. A 165Hz display paired with fast 1ms-class response performance can provide a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience than a traditional 60Hz monitor. For gamers who enjoy competitive shooters, racing games, sports titles, MOBAs, and other fast-paced genres, this combination offers an excellent balance between performance and affordability.
The monitors featured in this guide each approach budget gaming from a slightly different angle. Models such as the AOC 24G2SP, ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A, MSI G244F, Gigabyte G24F 2, LG UltraGear 24GN650-B, and ViewSonic XG2431 are worth considering if smooth motion and responsive gameplay are your priorities. Meanwhile, options from Acer, Samsung, KOORUI, and Pixio can be attractive when pricing, availability, or specific features make them a better fit for your setup.
Ultimately, don’t choose a gaming monitor based solely on the words “165Hz” and “1ms.” Consider your graphics card, preferred resolution, panel technology, adaptive sync support, screen size, connectivity, and the games you actually play. A well-balanced 24-inch 1080p monitor running at 165Hz can still be an excellent gaming display in 2026, especially when it lets you spend less money on the monitor and more on the hardware that actually drives your games.
FAQs
1. Is 165Hz better than 144Hz?
Yes, although the difference between 144Hz and 165Hz is relatively small. Both refresh rates provide a significantly smoother experience than 60Hz, while 165Hz offers slightly more refresh headroom. If you’re buying a new monitor and the prices are similar, choosing 165Hz makes sense, but there’s no urgent reason to replace a perfectly good 144Hz monitor just for the additional 21Hz.
2. Is a 1ms response time good for gaming?
Yes, a 1ms-class response time is desirable for gaming because fast pixel transitions can help reduce ghosting and make moving objects appear clearer. However, advertised response times can be measured under different conditions, so the number shouldn’t be considered a guarantee of identical performance. Real-world motion clarity, input latency, and overdrive tuning are equally important when evaluating a gaming monitor.
3. Is a 24-inch monitor good for competitive gaming?
Absolutely. A 24-inch Full HD monitor is one of the most practical choices for competitive gaming because the entire screen can remain comfortably within your field of view. The 1080p resolution also allows many gaming PCs to achieve high frame rates more easily than they would at 1440p or 4K, making it a particularly good match for 165Hz gaming.
4. Should I choose 1080p or 1440p for a 165Hz gaming monitor?
Choose 1080p if you prioritize high frame rates, have a budget or mid-range graphics card, or mainly play competitive games. Choose 1440p if you have a more powerful GPU and want sharper visuals for modern AAA games. For affordable 165Hz gaming, 1080p remains an excellent option because it provides a much easier path toward reaching high frame rates.
5. Can a budget graphics card take advantage of a 165Hz monitor?
Yes, particularly in competitive and less demanding games. Titles such as Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Fortnite, and similar games can often achieve high frame rates on relatively modest hardware when settings are optimized. More demanding AAA games may not reach 165 FPS consistently, but you can still benefit from the monitor’s smoother refresh behavior when your frame rate is above 60 FPS.