ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QL3A 23.8" Black 2023

A 180Hz Fast IPS gaming monitor with a full ergonomic stand for under $200. If you're gaming at 1080p, this is the one to beat.

The 180Hz refresh rate paired with a 1ms GTG response time is the star here. In our database, this thing sits at the 82nd percentile for performance, which puts it well above average for gaming monitors. Fast IPS means you're not sacrificing color for speed like you would with a TN panel. ELMB (ASUS's blur reduction tech) helps clean up ghosting in fast-paced shooters, though you can't run it simultaneously with FreeSync. The 350 nits brightness is solid for a 1080p panel, and Shadow Boost actually does a decent job lifting dark scenes without washing everything out. What surprised us most is how well the variable overdrive handles different refresh rates. No overshoot artifacts at lower framerates, which is rare at this price.

The Dell S2725QC is a 27-inch 4K monitor that's better for productivity but completely misses the gaming mark at 60Hz. The Acer Nitro XV272U gives you 1440p and a bigger screen, but you'll pay more and lose the 180Hz speed. The HP OMEN 27qs is a closer competitor with 1440p at 165Hz, but again, more money. If you're strictly gaming at 1080p and want maximum framerates without breaking the bank, the VG249QL3A beats all of these on price-to-performance. If you want 1440p for a sharper image and don't mind dropping to 165Hz, the OMEN or Nitro are worth a look.

At USD 169 to USD 340 across US listings, the spread is wild. The best deal we found is at the low end, and at that price this monitor is an absolute steal. If you're seeing it above USD 250, you're overpaying. Shop around. The EUR spread is tighter at EUR 397 to EUR 439, which feels steep compared to US pricing, but that's just how European monitor pricing goes. For what you get, the sub-USD 200 price point makes this one of the best value 180Hz monitors on the market right now.

The ASUS TUF VG249QL3A is a 24-inch 1080p gaming monitor that nails the basics and skips the fluff. You get a 180Hz Fast IPS panel, 1ms response time, and both FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC compatibility for under $200 in the US. That's a combo that would've cost you double a few years ago. The one thing to know: this is a pure esports and casual gaming play. It's not trying to be a 4K productivity beast or an HDR showcase, and that's exactly why it works so well for what it is.

If you're doing serious photo or video editing, this isn't your monitor. The 1080p resolution and 8-bit panel will hold you back. Go grab a 1440p or 4K IPS panel like the Dell S2725QC instead. And if you're a console gamer who wants 4K at 120Hz, this isn't it either. This is a PC gaming monitor through and through.

Buy it. The ASUS TUF VG249QL3A is the monitor to get if you're building a budget gaming rig or want a high-refresh second screen. The 180Hz Fast IPS panel, full ergonomic stand, and adaptive sync support at this price is a no-brainer. The lack of HDR10 is the only real miss, but at 350 nits you wouldn't get a meaningful HDR experience anyway. This is the monitor we'd recommend to anyone who wants smooth gameplay without spending $300+.