Pixio PX246WAVEBE

A budget 120Hz IPS monitor with surprisingly good colors and a fun pastel design. Skip the built-in speakers and grab a VESA arm, then enjoy the smooth ride.

The 120Hz refresh rate is the real star here. Paired with Adaptive-Sync, games feel noticeably smoother than your standard 60Hz office monitor, and that's the whole point. The 4ms GTG response time is middle of the pack, so you might see a touch of ghosting in fast-paced shooters, but it's not a dealbreaker at this price. Color coverage is a pleasant surprise: 115.44% sRGB and 90.82% DCI-P3 means this thing is more vibrant than a lot of budget panels. The 300 nits brightness is fine for a dim room, but if you've got a window blasting sunlight at your desk, you'll be squinting.

Stacked against something like the ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL1B or the LG UltraGear 27GS75Q-B, the Pixio Wave is clearly the budget pick. Those competitors offer bigger screens, higher refresh rates, and better connectivity, but they also cost significantly more. The Acer Nitro XV272U W2bmiiprx is a closer fight, with a higher resolution and faster panel, but again, you're paying for it. If you want the cheapest way into 120Hz gaming with decent colors, the Pixio is your move. If you want more screen real estate or competitive-grade speed, look elsewhere.

At USD 140 to USD 189 depending on the vendor, this monitor is a solid deal, but shop around. The best price we're seeing is USD 140, and at that number it's a no-brainer for a 120Hz IPS panel. At the higher end of that spread, you're getting into territory where you could start looking at 144Hz or even 165Hz options. For the money, the Pixio Wave delivers where it counts: smooth gaming and decent colors.

The Pixio Wave PX246WAVEBE is a 24-inch 1080p IPS monitor that wants to be your budget gaming buddy, and honestly, it mostly pulls it off. The headline here is 120Hz with Adaptive-Sync at a price that won't make your wallet weep. It's not going to blow anyone away with raw specs, but for the money, it's a solid little screen with a fun pastel personality.

What you're really getting is a monitor that nails the basics: smooth motion, decent colors, and a design that doesn't look like it fell out of a 2010 office supply catalog. The 4ms response time isn't going to win any esports trophies, but it's fine for casual gaming and everyday use. Just don't expect the built-in speakers to do anything other than make noise.

If you're a competitive gamer who needs the absolute fastest response time and highest refresh rate, this isn't it. Go grab something with a 1ms panel and 165Hz or higher. And if you need multiple inputs or a height-adjustable stand out of the box, you'll be frustrated. This is a budget monitor for casual gamers and students, not a pro setup.

The Pixio Wave PX246WAVEBE is a great budget gaming monitor that punches above its weight in color and smoothness. It's not perfect, the speakers are sad and the stand is basic, but for around USD 140, you're getting a 120Hz IPS panel that looks good and feels good to game on. If you're on a tight budget and want a stylish, smooth display, this is an easy recommendation.