Although larger monitors have become more popular in recent years, there's still demand for smaller 24 and 25-inch monitors, especially for gamers. These smaller sizes tend to have a 1080p resolution, which makes it easier for your graphics card to reach higher frame rates. Because of this, 24 and 25-inch monitors have high refresh rates that are ideal for competitive gaming. They also have features like variable refresh rate (VRR) support. Whether you want a 24 or a 25-inch screen, finding the best monitor for your needs also depends on your budget, but most displays in this size don't cost a fortune.
We've bought and tested more than 270 monitors, and below are our recommendations for the best 24-inch monitors and the best 25-inch monitors to purchase. Check our recommendations for the best monitors under $200, the best budget monitors, and the best 1080p monitors.
The best 25-inch monitor we've tested is the Dell Alienware AW2523HF. It's an impressive gaming monitor with a fast 360Hz refresh rate, which is great for competitive gaming. It also has native FreeSync variable refresh rate (VRR) support with G-SYNC compatibility to reduce screen tearing with both AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards. While its 1080p resolution may seem low and doesn't deliver the sharpest detail, this is what you have to expect for something in this size range, and it's easier for your graphics card to reach its max refresh rate.
It delivers fantastic motion handling with high-frame-rate signals thanks to its quick response time, and it also has a great 60Hz response time resulting in minimal motion blur. Its low input lag gives you a responsive feel, and you won't notice any delay while gaming. It also has a flicker-free backlight to reduce eye strain, but unlike other gaming monitors, you can't make that backlight flicker to reduce persistence blur with fast-moving objects.
If you want to save a bit of money and get a 25-inch monitor in the mid-range price category, then the Acer Predator X25 bmiiprzx is a good choice. It's an alternative to the Dell Alienware AW2523HF because it has many of the same features and specs. The main difference between the two is their VRR support. The Acer has native G-SYNC support that lets you take full advantage of your NVIDIA graphics card but doesn't support FreeSync VRR. It's different from the Dell, which has both FreeSync support and G-SYNC compatibility, making it a more versatile option. However, if you want to save some money and have an NVIDIA graphics card, the Acer is still a good choice.
It's an impressive gaming display with a remarkable response time that results in smooth motion handling. It also has a backlight-strobing feature to reduce persistence blur with fast-moving objects, but it doesn't work with low-frame-rate signals. You won't notice any delay when you input your actions, thanks to its low input lag, meaning your actions feel responsive.
If you're looking for a budget monitor, and particularly if you're looking for the best low-cost 24-inch gaming monitor, then consider the ViewSonic XG2431. It has a lower 240Hz refresh rate compared to the 360Hz on the Acer Predator X25 bmiiprzx, which is the trade-off for getting a cheaper monitor, but this is only an issue if you want to play at high frame rates. It still provides impressive gaming performance, as it has an incredible response time, especially with high-frame-rate signals, making motion look smooth. Combined with its low input lag, gaming feels responsive. It also has native FreeSync support with G-SYNC compatibility to reduce screen tearing.
This monitor has a unique backlight strobing feature to reduce persistence blur that many monitors don't have. You can customize its pulse width and phase, letting you fine-tune the backlight strobing to something you prefer, but unfortunately, it doesn't work at the same time as VRR support. Despite its budget price, it's still well-built and has impressive ergonomics, making it easy to adjust to your favorite position, which is ideal if you want to use it for co-op gaming.
If you're looking for the best 24-inch monitor for gaming at a cheap price, then consider the Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx. Like most of the monitors in this recommendation, including the ViewSonic XG2431, it has a 1080p resolution, but the main trade-off for getting such a cheap monitor is that it has a 165Hz max refresh rate instead of the 240Hz refresh rate on the Dell. It isn't a good choice if you need something for gaming at high frame rates, but it's fine if you have an entry-level graphics card that can't maintain high frame rates and need something basic.
It's a great gaming monitor, but as expected for a cheap gaming display, it's a step down from the Dell in a few areas. While it has a fast response time with high-frame-rate games, it's much worse with 60Hz games when you have VRR enabled, as there's overshoot that causes noticeable inverse ghosting. However, this isn't an issue if you don't use VRR while gaming. Speaking of which, it natively supports FreeSync VRR, and it's G-SYNC compatible. It also has low input lag for a responsive feel.
Apr 07, 2023: Moved the Dell UltraSharp U2520D to Notable Mentions because it doesn't fit into the scope of the article; replaced the ASUS VG246H with the Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx to be consistent with other articles.
Feb 07, 2023: Renamed the Dell UltraSharp U2520D as the 'Best 25-Inch Monitor For Work' to be consistent with its intended use; moved the Dell Alienware AW2521H to Notable Mentions and renamed the Dell Alienware AW2523HF as the 'Best 25-Inch Monitor' for consistency with other articles; added the Acer Predator X25 bmiiprzx; replaced the HP X24ih with the cheaper ASUS VG246H.
Dec 09, 2022: Added the Dell Alienware AW2523HF as the 'Best Upper Mid-Range Monitor' because it's a slightly cheaper alternative to the Dell Alienware AW2521H; renamed the Dell UltraSharp U2520D as the 'Best Mid-Range Monitor' to reflect market position.
Oct 20, 2022: Restructured article for consistency with other articles; replaced the Dell Alienware AW2521HF, the Acer Nitro XF243Y, and the ASUS VG246H with the Dell Alienware AW2521H, ViewSonic XG2431, and the HP X24ih because they're all better choices in those categories. Removed the ASUS VG248QG and added the Dell UltraSharp U2520D as the 'Best Office' pick; updated Notable Mentions based on changes.
Aug 02, 2022: Completely restructured the article. Replaced the main pick with the Dell Alienware AW2521HF and added the ASUS VG248QG as the 'Best Esports Gaming Monitor'. Removed a few Notable Mentions that are no longer relevant.
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best 24 and 25-inch monitors currently available, including the best 24-inch gaming monitors. They are adapted to be valid for most people, in each price range. Rating is based on our review, factoring in price and feedback from our visitors.
If you would prefer to make your own decision, here is the list of all of our reviews of 24-25 inch monitors. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most monitors are good enough to please most people, and the things we fault monitors on are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.