Best Cheap 24-27in Monitor for Mixed Use

JuryWheel on 10/06/2025 - 10:46

Hi All

I need to upgrade my desktop monitor to something a bit newer/bigger but dont want to spend a lot. 24-27in max, it will be used for general work/school use (web browsing, MS suite etc), some gaming (both from the computer itself like minecraft, fortnite, roblox, xbox pc stuff) and also to sometimes connect my switch 2 and steam deck. Ill be sitting pretty close to you (as you normally would, at a desk).

Is a higher refresh rate worth it for this use case? Is 1080p sufficient these days (cant imagine my gpu will allow gaming beyond 1080p at decent fps), or only work going to 2k for 27inch and up?

Anything else to look for? Ill be scouring deals here (under $250) but also FB Marketplace and not sure what to look out for..

Thanks!

Computing Computer Peripheral LCD Monitor

Comments

  • JownehFixIT on 10/06/2025 - 11:05

    What is your GPU?

    • JuryWheel on 10/06/2025 - 11:36
      +1

      GTX1650

      • scrimshaw on 10/06/2025 - 11:54
        +3

        Is 1080p sufficient these days (cant imagine my gpu will allow gaming beyond 1080p at decent fps), or only work going to 2k for 27inch and up?

        Your GPU is not powerful enough for anything above 1080p, but you can still use lossless scaling to artificially upscale games to a higher resolution.

        However the higher resolution is still good for productivity reasons, and the bigger the display the higher resolution you'll want to aim for. Don't buy any 1080p monitor in 27 inch range since everything including text will look pixelated.

        The minimum refresh rate nowadays you can buy is still 60hz, but monitors as cheap as $98 nowadays feature 100hz. Again, there is no point in going out of your way to find a 60hz monitor, no real savings in doing so.

  • Coolguygamer on 10/06/2025 - 11:58
    +2

    I recommend AOC 24G2, or 24G2U if you want it to have speakers. 24 inch is the Fortnite competitive standard, I found 27 was too big for me.

    • yippy on 10/06/2025 - 12:22
      +1

      The current one is the 24G4.

  • duckdodgers245 on 10/06/2025 - 12:06

    Have been eyeing this one for a while but havnt pulled the trigger yet.
    https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0DP71MB39/ref=ox_sc_sa…
    Reviews are pretty good across the board. But don't pay that price, last week it was down to $159 and have noticed that it goes up and down every couple of weeks.

    • JuryWheel on 10/06/2025 - 12:18
      +1

      KTC? Havent heard of that one before but QHD, IPS, 100Hz, Freesync and Gsync for $159-175 seems too good to be true…?

      • duckdodgers245 on 10/06/2025 - 13:52

        Yeah never heard of the brand either and thought the same, but have looked up reviews and youtube videos and all seems legit. Dont just take my word though…

      • alterego13 on 10/06/2025 - 14:20

        If you're not keen on the KTC, then have a look at this
        I bought this a couple of months ago. Pretty good value for a 27" QHD monitor from a known brand. I love the increased real estate.

        • JuryWheel on 10/06/2025 - 14:36

          Not bad! also QHD, IPS, 100HZ but also has built in speakers which for me, are moderately handy!

          • alterego13 on 10/06/2025 - 16:35

            @JuryWheel: Yes, the speakers are pretty adequate for inbuilt ones and don't need a separate cable for audio, just the HDMI.
            It's a decent monitor for the price.

  • ForkSnorter on 10/06/2025 - 12:08
    +1

    1080p is perfectly sufficient for gaming. Recommend you get a monitor with at least 100 Hz. The difference between 60 Hz and 100Hz is probably the most noticeable difference in refresh rates. Beyond that it becomes less and less noticeable.

    24 inch 1080p is also acceptable for light productivity and study. For more intensive work I'd recommend 2 monitors or 27 inch QHD/4K.

  • Ninh Ghoster on 26/06/2025 - 22:55
    +1

    If you are not for gaming. This one is the cheapest one.

    [First] Kogan 27" UHD 4K IPS 60 Hz Frameless USB-C Monitor $189
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/912604

  • 898agm on 28/06/2025 - 09:57

    I'm using a Samsung Odyssey G30 for my mixed use needs-a little over your $250 at $267 at OW.

  • Boop Doucha on 28/06/2025 - 16:07
    +1

    I wouldn't be throwing down too much on a 1080p monitor. Probably not more than $150-$200 unless you need features like usb-c display port alt mode. The only other advantage to spending more would be getting a better stand with proper height adjustment etc.

    Personally, I would buy a serviceable 1080p, 24 inch high refresh rate monitor then if you ever upgrade your GPU you can buy a 1440p monitor and use the 1080p one as a secondary monitor.

    Something like this looks fine:
    https://www.centrecom.com.au/msi-g255f-245-fhd-rapid-ips-180…

    If you care more about the stand than the refresh rate then maybe something like this would be better:
    https://www.centrecom.com.au/msi-pro-mp245pg-238-fhd-ips-100…

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