A 24 or 25 inch gaming monitor hits a sweet spot that larger screens often miss: enough surface for immersive single-player sessions, small enough to fit on a crowded desk, and usually fast enough for serious competitive play. These are the panels most streamers, students, and desk-bound gamers actually use day to day, and the category has gotten noticeably better in the past year. The list below covers curved ultrawide-light displays, IPS office-friendly screens, true esports-grade panels, and a travel case to keep it all safe on the move.
The Essentials At A Glance
CASEMATIX Portable Monitor Case for 24 Inch Monitor Up to 29″ Hard Shell EVA
AOC C24G1A 24″ Curved Frameless Gaming Monitor 165Hz
ViewSonic VA2456A-MHD 24 Inch 1080p IPS 120Hz Monitor
msi PRO MP251 E2 24.5-inch IPS 120Hz Office Monitor
Sceptre IPS 24-Inch Business Computer Monitor 1080p 75Hz
BenQ Zowie XL2546 24.5 Inch 240Hz Esports Monitor
ASUS VA24DQ 24 Inch 1080P Computer Monitor
Samsung 25″ Odyssey G4 (G40H) FHD Gaming Monitor
Sceptre Curved 24-inch Gaming Monitor 1080p R1500
Sceptre 24-inch Prime Monitor 1080p 99% sRGB
More Details On Our Top Picks
Most gaming-monitor lists ignore the fact that a 24 or 25 inch panel still needs serious protection when it leaves the desk. The CASEMATIX hard-shell travel case is built around that exact problem. Its EVA exterior and foam interior keep screens up to 25″ wide cushioned against the kind of jolts that happen in car trunks, airline overhead bins, and LAN-tournament hallways.
For gamers who move between dorms, apartments, and tournaments, this case turns a fragile glass panel into something you can throw in a backpack without flinching. The slot-style design also has room for cables and a small stand, which means you stop juggling loose accessories in a duffel bag.
Advantages To Know
- Rugged EVA shell absorbs impact, drops, and pressure from stacked gear.
- Convoluted foam liners cradle the top and bottom of the screen.
- Internal storage compartment holds cables, a small stand, or a portable display.
- Fits displays up to 25″ wide, covering most 24 and 25 inch gaming monitors on this list.
Things To Consider
- Outer dimensions are bulky for small backpacks, so it works best with a larger carry bag.
- Foam inserts are snug, so measure your monitor including the stand foot before relying on the fit.
Made For
Travelers, college gamers, and LAN-tournament regulars who need to keep a 24 or 25 inch panel safe between locations.
Skip It When
The AOC C24G1A fits a strictly stationary desk setup and you will never carry it anywhere.
The AOC C24G1A leans hard into the immersive side of 24 inch gaming. Its 1500R curve wraps the panel’s edges closer to your eyes, which makes single-player RPGs and story-driven shooters feel more cinematic than a flat 24 inch display usually does. The 165Hz refresh rate over DisplayPort 1.2 keeps motion crisp, especially when paired with an AMD or NVIDIA card using FreeSync Premium.
The stand is genuinely useful: height adjustment, swivel, tilt, and quick-release VESA mounting mean the monitor can sit exactly where your neck needs it. For anyone who games for two or three hours at a stretch, that ergonomic range matters more than people expect from a budget-friendly curved panel.
The Good Stuff
- 1500R curvature creates a wraparound feel for racing, RPGs, and atmospheric games.
- 1ms MPRT response and 165Hz refresh keep fast motion smooth.
- Height, swivel, and tilt adjustments reduce neck strain during long sessions.
- Three-sided frameless design makes multi-monitor builds look clean.
Points To Note
- VA panel contrast is strong, but viewing angles narrow if you share the screen.
- To hit 165Hz, you need to use the DisplayPort input; HDMI tops out lower.
Key Specs
Best Suited To
Single-player and RPG fans who want an immersive 24 inch curved panel for a dedicated desk setup.
Consider Something Else When
Competitive Valorant or CS2 players chasing peak frame rates should look at the BenQ Zowie XL2546 instead.
Hybrid workers tend to want one panel that handles spreadsheets in the morning and Apex Legends after hours, and the ViewSonic VA2456A-MHD is built for exactly that split shift. Its SuperClear IPS panel keeps colors consistent from wide angles, which helps when a colleague leans over to review a slide deck. The 120Hz refresh rate is a noticeable step up from typical 60Hz office monitors without crossing into true gaming-panel territory.
Three-sided frameless bezels keep multi-monitor desks looking sharp, and the inclusion of HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA inputs means it will talk to just about any older dock or thin client still floating around an office. Eye-care features aimed at reducing flicker and blue light add comfort during back-to-back video calls.
What Works In Its Favor
- IPS panel delivers accurate color and wide viewing angles for shared viewing.
- 120Hz refresh rate makes everyday scrolling and casual gaming feel smoother than 60Hz.
- HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA inputs cover modern and legacy hardware.
- Three-sided frameless design fits cleanly in dual or triple-monitor layouts.
Honest Caveats
- No curved panel, so immersion in cinematic games is more limited than the AOC C24G1A.
- Stand tilts but does not offer full height adjustment out of the box.
Right Fit For
Hybrid workers and students who want a single 24 inch display for productivity, video calls, and after-hours gaming.
Look Elsewhere When
Pure competitive FPS players will find higher refresh rates on the Samsung 25″ Odyssey G4 more useful.
MSI sized the PRO MP251 E2 at 24.5 inches, which sounds like a tiny step up from 24 but actually gives a bit more horizontal space for toolbars and timelines. The IPS panel pairs with a 120Hz refresh rate, so motion looks noticeably smoother than a standard 60Hz office screen, whether you are scrubbing through a video edit or playing a match of Overwatch between deadlines.
Built-in speakers and a TÜV-certified flicker-free panel make it friendly to long workdays, and Adaptive-Sync support keeps frame pacing consistent when you do flip into games. The VESA mount and tilt adjustment keep installation simple on a monitor arm or a basic stand.
Positive Takeaways
- 24.5-inch IPS display balances desktop real estate with compact desk needs.
- 120Hz refresh and Adaptive-Sync keep everyday motion smooth.
- TÜV-certified eye-care features reduce fatigue during long sessions.
- HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort inputs cover most office and gaming PCs.
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Built-in speakers are fine for calls but light for music or game audio.
- Stand offers tilt but no height adjustment out of the box.
Feature Snapshot
Who Will Love This
Office-first users who game casually after work and want a single 24.5 inch panel that does both jobs competently.
Not Your Match When
Esports-focused players chasing the highest possible frame rates should look at the BenQ Zowie XL2546.
Not every desk needs 165Hz or a curved panel, and the Sceptre E248W-FPT is a reminder that 75Hz IPS can feel plenty smooth for everyday computing. The IPS panel keeps colors honest for browsing, streaming, and light creative work, while built-in speakers save desk space for small home offices or shared spaces where a separate sound system is overkill.
Connectivity is intentionally simple: HDMI and VGA handle modern laptops and older desktops without making you hunt for adapters. For households that need a reliable second screen for schoolwork or a primary monitor for a parent who mostly emails and watches videos, this is the kind of monitor that quietly does its job.
What Pays Off
- IPS panel offers wide viewing angles and consistent color for shared rooms.
- 75Hz refresh rate feels smoother than 60Hz in daily scrolling and window dragging.
- Built-in speakers keep the desk uncluttered for minimalist setups.
- HDMI and VGA inputs cover most office and home computers.
Trade Offs
- 75Hz is below the 120Hz-plus rate serious gamers expect.
- No DisplayPort, so higher-bandwidth connections are off the table.
Perfect Match For
Casual home users, students, and small-office setups where productivity matters more than peak frame rates.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Anyone wanting 120Hz smoothness in a similar office-friendly panel should consider the ViewSonic VA2456A-MHD.
The BenQ Zowie XL2546 is unapologetically a competitive FPS panel. Its native 240Hz refresh rate is paired with BenQ’s Dynamic Accuracy (DyAc) technology, which reduces motion blur during the flick shots and rapid strafes that decide ranked matches. The result is one of the cleanest motion signatures you can get in a 24.5 inch monitor, and that is exactly the audience this display targets.
The XL2546 also supports 120Hz signals from the Xbox Series X after adjusting the console’s overscan, plus up to 60Hz on PS5, which broadens its appeal beyond just PC esports. The included shield and S-Switch for swapping custom display profiles make tournament play easier, though everyday users may find those extras more niche.
Strengths Worth Knowing
- 240Hz native refresh rate delivers extremely fluid motion for competitive shooters.
- DyAc technology helps keep fast-moving targets readable during sprays.
- 1ms response time reduces ghosting on quick camera turns.
- Shield blocks peripheral distractions in tournament or shared-room play.
- S-Switch lets you toggle between custom display profiles on the fly.
Possible Compromises
- 1080p resolution looks modest next to 1440p panels at this size.
- Design is functional rather than sleek, with thicker bezels than the AOC C24G1A.
At A Glance
Who Should Grab It
Competitive FPS players in CS2, Valorant, and similar titles who want every frame advantage a 24 inch class panel can offer.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Casual gamers who care more about color and immersion than raw speed will prefer the AOC C24G1A.
The ASUS VA24DQ is the kind of monitor a household keeps forgetting is there, in a good way. It handles homework browsing, mid-tier gaming, and weekend movie nights without complaint, mostly because it does not overpromise. The IPS panel and 178° viewing angle keep colors steady, and Adaptive-Sync with FreeSync support means games look clean without manual V-Sync toggling.
For mixed-use homes, the port selection is the real perk: HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA cover everything from a current gaming PC to an older family laptop. Built-in speakers fill small rooms, and the slim profile keeps the desk visually quiet.
Notable Gains
- IPS panel keeps colors consistent for shared family viewing.
- Adaptive-Sync with FreeSync support reduces tearing in casual gaming.
- HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA inputs cover modern and older hardware.
- Slim profile and thin bezels fit neatly into multi-monitor home setups.
Trade-Offs To Consider
- Refresh rate tops out below the 120Hz mark, so it is not aimed at competitive play.
- Built-in speakers work for video calls but not for immersive game audio.
Built With In Mind
Families and shared-desk households that want a single, no-drama 24 inch monitor for mixed daily use.
Swap It Out When
Gamers chasing higher frame rates for fast-paced shooters should look at the Samsung 25″ Odyssey G4.
The Samsung Odyssey G4 is the new-school answer to the BenQ Zowie XL2546, trading the older esports-focused feature set for higher peak refresh. At 300Hz over DisplayPort with a 1ms GTG response time, it makes a strong case for itself in fast-paced competitive shooters where every additional frame can help spot an enemy a hair earlier.
Full G-Sync compatibility and FreeSync Premium support handle the sync side, so whether you run an NVIDIA or AMD card, the panel adapts to your frame rate. For gamers who also watch the occasional movie, the 25-inch 16:9 panel gives a small bump in size over standard 24 inch displays without crowding smaller desks.
Noteworthy Benefits
- 300Hz refresh rate (via DisplayPort) tops the list in this size class.
- 1ms GTG response time keeps motion tight during fast turns.
- Full G-Sync compatibility plus FreeSync Premium support.
- 25-inch 16:9 panel offers a touch more screen area than 24 inch rivals.
A Few Limitations
- To reach 300Hz, you must use the DisplayPort input.
- Stand ergonomics are basic compared to the AOC C24G1A’s height and swivel options.
Quick Facts
Right Fit For
Competitive PC gamers who want the highest refresh rate available in a 24 to 25 inch panel without stepping up to 27 inches.
Not Your Match When
Single-player RPG fans chasing immersion should consider the curved AOC C24G1A instead.
The Sceptre C248W-1920RN is the easiest way to get a curved 24 inch gaming monitor without spending much. The 1500R curvature is the same aggressive bend used on more expensive panels, and 98% sRGB coverage gives colors enough pop for casual games and streaming content. For a first gaming monitor in a dorm or shared bedroom, it covers the basics without cutting obvious corners.
Two HDMI inputs let you run a PC and a console side by side, and built-in speakers keep your desk free of extra clutter. The metal-pattern brushed finish looks more grown-up than its price suggests, though serious competitive players will want to look at higher-refresh alternatives like the AOC C24G1A.
Key Advantages
- 1500R curved screen brings immersion to a tight desk footprint.
- 98% sRGB coverage keeps colors lively for casual gaming and streaming.
- Two HDMI ports plus VGA support a PC and console simultaneously.
- Built-in speakers reduce the need for external audio gear.
Potential Drawbacks
- Refresh rate is modest compared to 144Hz-plus panels on this list.
- Stand tilts only, so a VESA mount helps for ergonomic adjustment.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
First-time gaming monitor shoppers and budget-focused households who still want a curved panel for a smaller desk.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
Gamers willing to spend a bit more for stronger motion handling will be happier with the AOC C24G1A.
The Sceptre E248W-19203R is the thin-bezel workhorse that ends up in a lot of home offices without anyone talking about it. Its 99% sRGB color coverage and 1080p panel deliver solid everyday picture quality for spreadsheets, YouTube, and casual gaming. The slim profile is a small touch, but it makes the monitor disappear into the desk more than chunkier options in this category.
Two HDMI ports and a VGA input let you swap between a work laptop, a personal desktop, and an older device without unplugging cables. Built-in speakers are useful for quick video calls, and a 1ms response time keeps casual gaming motion from looking smeared, even though this is not aimed at esports use.
Everyday Perks
- 99% sRGB coverage delivers accurate-enough color for everyday content and media.
- Thin profile and slim bezels blend into a clean desk setup.
- Two HDMI ports plus VGA support multiple devices at once.
- 1ms response time keeps casual games looking smooth.
Small Caveats
- Refresh rate is modest for fast-paced competitive games.
- No DisplayPort, so bandwidth is limited to HDMI and VGA.
Perfect Match For
General home users and remote workers who want a clean-looking 24 inch monitor for mixed daily computing and casual gaming.
Look Elsewhere When
Competitive gamers wanting higher refresh rates should consider the Samsung 25″ Odyssey G4 for the frame-rate headroom.
What Matters When Shopping for a 24 25 Inch Gaming Monitor
Panel Type and Visual Quality
IPS panels (In-Plane Switching) tend to offer the widest viewing angles and the most accurate colors, which helps when sharing a screen or doing any color-sensitive work. VA panels (Vertical Alignment) push deeper blacks and higher contrast, which gives cinematic games a richer look. TN panels (Twisted Nematic) are the oldest tech and prioritize speed over color, so they have largely fallen out of favor in this size class. For most shoppers, the IPS-versus-VA choice comes down to whether you value color accuracy or contrast more.
Refresh Rate and Response Time
Refresh rate, measured in hertz, is how many times the image updates per second. A 144Hz or 165Hz display feels dramatically smoother than 60Hz once you adjust, and 240Hz-plus panels such as the BenQ Zowie XL2546 and Samsung Odyssey G4 make sense for serious competitive FPS play. Response time, measured in milliseconds, is how quickly pixels can change color. Lower numbers like 1ms reduce motion blur, but the real-world difference between 1ms and 4ms is small for casual gamers.
Resolution, Size, and Desk Space
Most 24 and 25 inch gaming monitors run 1920 x 1080 (Full HD), which is easy for mid-range GPUs to drive at high frame rates. Stepping up to 1440p in this size is less common because pixel density gets tight at typical viewing distances. Measure your desk before choosing a curved panel, since the 1500R curve on the AOC C24G1A and Sceptre C248W-1920RN can feel more enveloping on a shallow table.
Connectivity and Ergonomics
Look for the ports you actually need: HDMI is standard, DisplayPort unlocks higher refresh on many panels, and VGA still appears on office-focused models like the Sceptre E248W-FPT. Ergonomics matter more than they get credit for. A height-adjustable stand with tilt and swivel, like the one on the AOC C24G1A, helps prevent neck strain across long sessions. If the stand is limited, a VESA-compatible mount lets you add a monitor arm later.
Smart Angles Before You Decide
Traps First Timers Fall Into
A common mistake is chasing the highest refresh rate on the spec sheet without checking whether the GPU can actually push that many frames. A 240Hz panel looks identical to a 144Hz one if your hardware tops out at 90 frames per second. Another trap is ignoring stand ergonomics. A monitor that only tilts forces you to stack books underneath, which is a poor long-term solution. Finally, budget shoppers sometimes pick a curved VA panel expecting IPS-level color, and feel disappointed when viewing angles fall short in a bright, shared room.
When Paying More Pays Off
The jump from a basic 75Hz office monitor to a 144Hz-plus gaming display is the most noticeable upgrade in this category, and it changes how every game feels. Spending more also gets you better stands, DyAc-style motion clarity on the BenQ Zowie XL2546, and the higher 300Hz ceiling on the Samsung Odyssey G4. None of that matters, though, if the panel does not match the games you play or the space you have. For many desks, a well-rounded 120Hz IPS monitor delivers 90% of the experience at a lower cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 24 or 25 inches better for gaming?
Both are close enough that the choice usually comes down to panel features rather than size. A 25 inch panel gives a small bump in screen area, while 24 inch displays remain the standard for competitive esports. Pick based on refresh rate, panel type, and stand quality first.
What refresh rate should a 24 inch gaming monitor have?
For casual gaming and productivity, 75Hz to 120Hz is a meaningful step up from 60Hz. For competitive shooters, 144Hz and above deliver noticeably smoother aim tracking. Panels like the BenQ Zowie XL2546 and Samsung Odyssey G4 push 240Hz to 300Hz for players who want the highest frame ceiling.
Is 1080p still good on a 24 25 inch monitor?
At typical desk viewing distances, 1920 x 1080 still looks sharp on a 24 or 25 inch screen, and it is much easier for mid-range GPUs to drive at high frame rates. The main reason to step up to 1440p is for extra workspace, not visual quality in this size class.
Do I need a curved 24 inch monitor?
Curved panels like the AOC C24G1A and Sceptre C248W-1920RN add immersion for single-player and cinematic games, especially on shallow desks. For competitive FPS or productivity work, a flat IPS panel is usually the better pick.
Is a 25 inch monitor big enough for everyday use?
For most desks, a 25 inch display is a comfortable primary screen, especially when paired with a second monitor for chat or reference material. It gives slightly more room than a 24 inch panel without crowding the workspace the way a 27 inch screen can on smaller tables.
Closing Remarks
A 24 or 25 inch gaming monitor is one of the easiest upgrades to get right: pick the panel type and refresh rate that match the games you actually play, and pay attention to the stand and ports before you fall in love with a spec sheet. Whether you land on the immersive curve of the AOC C24G1A, the esports-grade speed of the BenQ Zowie XL2546, or the everyday reliability of a Sceptre panel, the right choice comes down to your desk and your play style, not a single universally correct answer.
