Looking to level up your FPS gaming setup without burning a hole in your wallet? You’re in the right place! A fast, responsive monitor can completely transform your gameplay, especially in high-stakes FPS (First-Person Shooter) games like Call of Duty or Apex Legends. But here’s the tricky part: finding a monitor that’s both budget-friendly and offers high-quality performance. The good news? You don’t need to compromise! In 2025, the best budget gaming monitors offer ultra-smooth gameplay, quick response times, and high refresh rates—all without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into some of the top picks and features you should look for when shopping for your perfect budget gaming monitor.
With ongoing 2025 EOFY and Prime Day sales, 1080p/144Hz monitors are now available at record-low prices—some under $150—making them a smart pick for competitive FPS players. A recent PC Gamer budget gaming monitor deals roundup highlights major discounts and value picks, proving top-tier performance is finally affordable.
Key Features to Look for in a Budget FPS Monitor
Before you start browsing for your new monitor, let’s cover some essential features that can make a significant difference in your gaming performance.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a monitor is how many times per second the screen refreshes its image. For FPS games, a higher refresh rate (at least 144Hz) is ideal. It allows you to experience smoother gameplay with minimal screen tearing. Most budget monitors today offer 144Hz refresh rates, which is more than enough to enjoy even the fastest-paced games.
Response Time
Response time refers to how quickly a pixel can change from one color to another. A lower response time means less motion blur and ghosting, crucial for FPS games where every movement counts. Aim for monitors with 1ms to 3ms response time, especially for competitive gaming.
Panel Type
The panel type (TN, IPS, or VA) plays a huge role in the monitor’s color accuracy, viewing angles, and contrast ratios:
- TN Panels are typically the fastest but have poorer color accuracy and viewing angles.
- IPS Panels offer vibrant colors and great viewing angles but are usually a bit slower.
- VA Panels offer deep blacks and great contrast but can suffer from slower response times.
For budget gaming monitors, TN panels are often a good choice due to their affordability and speed, but IPS panels are catching up and becoming more affordable.
Screen Size & Resolution
Screen size and resolution affect how immersive your games feel. A 24” to 27” screen with Full HD (1080p) resolution is the sweet spot for most FPS gamers. If you’re planning to run your games at higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K, a larger screen (32” and up) might be necessary, but these tend to be more expensive.
Studies find that FPS players perform best on 24–27″ screens, balancing aim control and visibility. One lab experiment showed statistically significant improvements in precision on 27″ monitors compared to smaller sizes.
Adaptive Sync Technologies
Monitors equipped with FreeSync or G-Sync help eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, making your gameplay experience smoother. FreeSync works with AMD graphics cards, while G-Sync is compatible with NVIDIA cards.
Best Budget Monitors for FPS Gamers in 2025
Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the best budget monitors for FPS gamers in 2025. These picks balance affordability with high-end features, making them perfect for smooth, responsive gaming.
1. Acer Predator XB241H
- Screen Size: 24”
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Panel Type: TN
- Price: Around $150-$200
The Acer Predator XB241H is a great budget-friendly option for FPS gamers who want high performance without spending a fortune. With a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, this monitor is perfect for fast-paced FPS games like Call of Duty or Fortnite. Plus, it’s G-Sync compatible, which helps ensure smooth, tear-free gameplay if you’re using an NVIDIA GPU.
The Acer Predator XB241H combines a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response at an affordable price—earning praise in reviews for delivering pro-level performance without costlier features like HDR.
2. ASUS VG245H
- Screen Size: 24”
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Panel Type: TN
- Price: Around $120-$150
For casual gamers on a budget, the ASUS VG245H offers great value. Although it’s not as high-performing as the Acer Predator, it still boasts a 75Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, making it suitable for lighter FPS games. Built-in FreeSync support also helps reduce screen tearing for a smoother gaming experience.
3. AOC C24G1
- Screen Size: 24” Curved
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Panel Type: VA
- Price: Around $170-$200
If you want a more immersive experience without spending too much, the AOC C24G1 is an excellent option. Its curved design enhances the gaming experience, especially in FPS games, by providing a more panoramic view. With 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync support, it’s a top pick for smooth gameplay on a budget.
4. BenQ Zowie XL2411P
- Screen Size: 24”
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Panel Type: TN
- Price: Around $180-$220
The BenQ Zowie XL2411P is a well-known monitor among professional gamers for its superb 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. It’s a no-frills, straightforward monitor designed for competitive FPS gaming. The XL2411P is also highly customizable to suit different gaming setups and preferences.
How to Choose the Best Budget FPS Monitor for Your Setup
Choosing the best budget FPS monitor depends on a few key factors, including your gaming needs, the space you have available, and your budget.
Understand Your Gaming Needs
- Casual Gamers: If you mostly play casual FPS games, you can get away with a budget monitor that has a 75Hz or 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time.
- Competitive Gamers: For those aiming to compete at a high level, look for a 144Hz or higher refresh rate, along with low response time (1ms to 3ms), and possibly G-Sync or FreeSync for smooth, tear-free gameplay.
Budget Considerations
Set a budget for your monitor before you start shopping. Monitors under $200 can still offer great features like 144Hz refresh rates, 1ms response times, and FreeSync/G-Sync support, making them a solid choice for FPS gamers.
Connectivity Options
Make sure the monitor has the right ports for your setup, like HDMI, DisplayPort, and possibly USB hubs. If you want to mount your monitor on a wall, check if it’s VESA-compatible.
Ergonomics and Design
Don’t overlook the monitor’s adjustability. An ergonomic monitor with tilt, height, and swivel adjustments can make a huge difference in comfort during long gaming sessions.
If you’re building a full gaming rig, our Ultimate Guide to the Best Gaming Setup in 2025 covers everything you’ll need.
Conclusion:
Finding the best budget gaming monitor for FPS games in 2025 doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By focusing on key features like refresh rate, response time, and adaptive sync technology, you can ensure a smooth and responsive gaming experience without overspending. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive pro, these top picks will provide the performance you need at an affordable price. Ready to level up your gameplay? Pick your perfect monitor and jump into the action today!
Answers to Common Questions About Budget Gaming Monitors
Some of the best budget monitors for gaming in 2025 include the Acer Predator XB241H, ASUS VG245H, and AOC C24G1. These monitors offer fast refresh rates, low response times, and great value for money.
Both sizes have their advantages, but for FPS gaming, a 24-inch monitor is ideal for faster reaction times and a more focused view. A 27-inch monitor is better for immersive experiences and games with large open-world environments but may feel less responsive in fast-paced shooters.
For FPS gaming, a 27-inch monitor is typically the better choice, as it provides a balanced view without being too large to affect your reaction time. A 32-inch monitor might be better for immersive games but can be overkill for competitive FPS gaming.
Yes, many professional gamers use curved monitors because they offer better immersion, especially in games with a lot of action. The curve helps reduce distortion and improves peripheral vision, which can be helpful in FPS games.
While 100Hz can offer smoother gameplay compared to 60Hz, it’s generally not ideal for competitive FPS gaming. A 144Hz refresh rate or higher is recommended for the best performance in fast-paced shooters.
For most FPS games, a 16:9 aspect ratio is the standard. It’s the most common and works well with the majority of games, offering a balanced and immersive experience.
