ASUS ROG Strix XG259QNS 25" Black 2024

The XG259QNS is a 380Hz esports monitor that's one of the fastest displays we've tested. Performance lands in the 93rd percentile, and the Fast IPS panel keeps colors respectable. Worth it only if you're a competitive gamer who can actually hit those frame rates.

This thing is a speed demon. The 380Hz refresh rate lands in the 93rd percentile for performance, which means it's one of the best on the market for motion clarity. The 0.3ms minimum response time keeps fast-paced shooters looking sharp, and ELMB Sync lets you run blur reduction alongside FreeSync Premium without tearing. Color performance is strong too, sitting well above average at the 83rd percentile. The 400-nit brightness is fine for most rooms, though DisplayHDR 400 is more of a checkbox than a real HDR experience. Connectivity is just okay, with two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, which is middle of the pack.

Against the LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B or Samsung Odyssey G60SD, the XG259QNS loses on resolution and screen real estate. Those are 1440p or ultrawide OLED panels with better HDR. But none of them hit 380Hz at this price point. The MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 offers better color and contrast, but its refresh rate tops out lower. The Gigabyte MO27U2 SA is a 4K panel, which is a different beast entirely. For pure esports speed, the ASUS wins. For everything else, those competitors make more sense.

Pricing isn't listed here, but this monitor sits in a weird spot. You're paying for the 380Hz refresh rate and esports pedigree, not resolution or HDR. If you're a competitive player who needs every frame, the value is there. If you're a casual gamer who'd be happy at 144Hz, you can get a bigger 1440p screen for similar money. The 3-year warranty helps soften the blow.

The ASUS ROG Strix XG259QNS is a 24.5-inch 1080p monitor built for one thing: going fast. It pushes a 380Hz overclocked refresh rate with a 0.3ms minimum response time, which puts it in the top tier of esports displays in our database. The Fast IPS panel keeps colors decent too, hitting 110% sRGB and 400 nits, so you're not stuck with a washed-out TN panel from 2015.

ASUS threw in some odd but useful extras. There's a phone socket in the base so you can prop your device right under the screen, plus a quarter-inch tripod mount on the stand for streamers who want a camera or second display attached. It's a niche setup, but if you're the target buyer, it makes sense.

Skip this if you do any serious photo or video editing, or if you want a monitor for both gaming and media consumption. The 1080p resolution at 25 inches is fine for esports but feels cramped for productivity, and the HDR is basically a marketing sticker. If you need a do-everything display, look at a 1440p or 4K panel instead.

Buy this if you play competitive shooters like Valorant, CS2, or Overwatch and your rig can actually push 300+ frames per second. The 380Hz refresh rate and 0.3ms response time are the whole point, and they deliver. If you're not chasing leaderboards, you're paying a premium for speed you won't feel.