Best Gaming Monitor for Competitive FPS in 2026

The Alienware AW2523HF is the best gaming monitor for competitive FPS in 2026 on owner data: 360Hz, $339, 4.6 stars on 557 ratings. Three alternatives.

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Prices change daily on Amazon. Check today's price on the Alienware AW2523HF before reading the full review.
Our Pick

Alienware AW2523HF

I cannot measure response time, input lag or color from a listing; the figures here are the makers'. On owner data the Alienware AW2523HF ($339, 360Hz, 4.6 stars on 557 ratings) leads. The ASUS TUF VG259QM5A ($149, 240Hz, 4.6 on 73) is the value pick. The BenQ Zowie XL2540X+ ($349.99, 280Hz Fast TN, 4.8 on 24) and XL2546X+ ($499.99) are esports monitors with very few ratings.

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At a Glance

FeatureAlienware AW2523HFASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5ABenQ Zowie XL2540X+BenQ Zowie XL2546X+
Price$339$149$349.99$499.99
Size24.5 in24.5 in24.1 in24.1 in
Resolution1080p1080p1080p1080p
Refresh Rate360Hz240Hz280Hz280Hz
Owner Ratings557 ratings at 4.673 ratings at 4.624 ratings at 4.856 ratings at 4.3
Price$339$149$349.99$499.99

Quick Comparison

#1
Alienware AW2523HFTop Pick
A 24.5-inch 1080p 360Hz Fast IPS monitor with 0.5ms response. $339.
$339
#2
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5ABest Value
A 24.5-inch 1080p 240Hz Fast IPS monitor for $149.
$149
#3
BenQ Zowie XL2540X+Runner Up
A 24.1-inch 280Hz Fast TN esports monitor. $349.99.
$349.99
#4
BenQ Zowie XL2546X+
A 24.1-inch 280Hz Fast TN esports monitor with DyAc 2. $499.99.
$499.99

Our Top Picks

Top Pick

Alienware AW2523HF

$339

A 24.5-inch 1080p 360Hz Fast IPS monitor with 0.5ms response. $339.

Pros
  • 360Hz refresh and 0.5ms GtG, per Dell
  • Fast IPS, 99% sRGB
  • FreeSync Premium and VESA AdaptiveSync
  • Height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustable
  • 4.6 stars on 557 ratings
Cons
  • 1080p
  • $339
Dell lists a redesigned hexagonal base and a 360Hz panel. Owner data is solid at 4.6 stars on 557 ratings.
Best Value

ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A

$149

A 24.5-inch 1080p 240Hz Fast IPS monitor for $149.

Pros
  • 240Hz, 0.3ms (GTG minimum), Fast IPS, per ASUS
  • FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC compatible
  • ELMB Sync motion blur reduction
  • 3-year warranty, per the title
Cons
  • Only 73 ratings
  • 1080p
ASUS lists 99% sRGB and a 240Hz refresh rate. It is the cheapest monitor in these guides.
Runner Up

BenQ Zowie XL2540X+

$349.99

A 24.1-inch 280Hz Fast TN esports monitor. $349.99.

Pros
  • 280Hz Fast TN panel, native FHD
  • Black eQualizer, Color Vibrance and a shielding hood
  • 4.8 stars
Cons
  • Only 24 ratings
  • 1080p, TN panel
The 4.8 average comes from just 24 ratings, so it is an early number.

BenQ Zowie XL2546X+

$499.99

A 24.1-inch 280Hz Fast TN esports monitor with DyAc 2. $499.99.

Pros
  • 280Hz Fast TN panel with DyAc 2 motion clarity, per BenQ
  • Black eQualizer and Color Vibrance
  • Shielding hood and XL Setting to Share
Cons
  • $499.99
  • Only 56 ratings
  • 1080p, TN panel
BenQ markets the Fast TN panel and DyAc technology for motion clarity. Those are BenQ's claims.

How This Was Researched

I compared the Amazon.com listings, maker spec sheets and owner ratings for four 24-inch 1080p esports monitors. Prices, ratings and stock were read from the Amazon.com listings on 5 October 2026 (US delivery). I have not tested these products myself. I cannot measure response time, input lag or color from a listing; the figures here are the makers'.

Frequently Asked Questions

BenQ says its Fast TN panel gives the best motion clarity. IPS panels list wider color. I have not compared them.

It needs a PC that can deliver that many frames. The 240Hz ASUS costs $190 less and is rated the same.

Our Top Pick

Alienware AW2523HF

A 24.5-inch 1080p 360Hz Fast IPS monitor with 0.5ms response. $339.

Check Price on Amazon

Prices and availability are as of the date shown and change often. Some links pay us a commission at no cost to you: today that is EcoFlow and eufy, through Awin, in some countries. Amazon and other shop links earn us nothing right now. I haven't tested the products myself unless a page says so. A paying link never moves a pick.