IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels remain the sweet spot for most gamers and creators, and in 2026 they are more affordable than ever. Compared with cheaper TN panels, IPS delivers far better colour accuracy and much wider viewing angles, while modern IPS displays have closed the gap on response times — so you no longer have to sacrifice fast motion for great colour. That makes IPS an excellent all-rounder for gaming, content work and everyday use alike.
In this round-up we compare six of the best IPS monitors you can buy right now, ranging from an ultra-affordable curved 24-inch model around $80 to a QHD 144Hz 27-inch panel that is a long-time favourite for high-refresh gaming. We weigh up the things that matter — resolution, refresh rate, colour coverage, size and value — so you can find the right balance for your setup and budget. Whether you want the cheapest way into a good IPS panel or a sharper, faster display for serious gaming, there is a pick here for you. Prices are approximate and change often.
Best IPS Monitors at a Glance
| Product | Best For | Standout Spec | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sceptre Curved 24″ | Tightest budget | 1080p, curved, 98% sRGB | around $80 |
| LG 27GL83A-B | Best overall | QHD 1440p, 144Hz, 1ms | around $259 |
| SANSUI 27″ Curved 160Hz | High refresh value | 1080p, 160Hz, curved | around $110 |
| SANSUI 27″ IPS 120Hz | Big-screen budget | 1080p, 120Hz, 27-inch | around $100 |
| SANSUI 24″ 180Hz | Fast esports | 1080p, 180Hz, 110% sRGB | around $95 |
| SANSUI 24″ 200Hz | Fastest refresh | 1080p, 200Hz, HDR | around $90 |
1. Sceptre Curved 24-inch Gaming Monitor
Sceptre Curved 24-inch Gaming Monitor 1080p R1500 98% sRGB HDMI x2 VGA Build-in Speakers, VESA Wall Mount Machine Black (C248W-1920RN Series)
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The Sceptre Curved 24-inch is one of the most affordable ways to get a colour-capable gaming monitor on your desk, often selling for around $80. It pairs a 1080p resolution with a gentle 1500R curve that wraps slightly around your field of view for a more immersive feel, and Sceptre quotes 98% sRGB coverage — strong colour for the price. Connectivity is generous for a budget panel, with two HDMI ports plus VGA and built-in speakers, so it is genuinely plug-and-play.
It is a sensible choice for a first gaming monitor, a secondary display or a budget build where every dollar counts. The curve adds a touch of immersion you do not usually find this cheap, and the wide colour coverage means images look vivid rather than washed out. You will not get the blistering refresh rates of the faster panels in this list, but for casual gaming, study and everyday use it is excellent value. If you want a larger or faster screen, the SANSUI options below are worth a look, and our best budget gaming monitors guide has more affordable picks.
Pros: Very affordable; gentle immersive curve; strong 98% sRGB colour coverage; dual HDMI plus VGA; built-in speakers.
Cons: 1080p only; lower refresh rate than the faster picks; budget build and stand.
2. LG 27GL83A-B 27-Inch UltraGear QHD
LG 27GL83A-B 27-Inch Ultragear QHD 2560 x 1440 IPS Gaming Monitor, 144Hz, 1ms (GtG), NVIDIA G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync, HDR10, HDMI, DisplayPort, Tilt/Height/Pivot Adjustable Stand, Black
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The LG 27GL83A-B is a long-standing favourite among gaming monitors, and it earns the best-overall spot in this round-up for good reason. It combines a sharp QHD (2560×1440) resolution with a 27-inch IPS panel, a fast 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms (GtG) response time — a genuinely well-balanced specification for high-refresh gaming. It also carries G-SYNC Compatible certification, so it tears-free with NVIDIA GPUs and works with adaptive sync more broadly.
The step up to QHD is the big draw here: at 27 inches, 1440p looks noticeably crisper than 1080p while remaining far easier to drive than 4K, making it the resolution sweet spot for a modern gaming PC. LG’s IPS panel delivers the wide viewing angles and accurate colour the technology is known for, so it doubles nicely as a creative display. It costs more than the budget options here, around $259, but it is the most complete all-rounder — sharp, fast, accurate and well-built. For most buyers who can stretch the budget, it is the one to beat. See our best 1440p gaming monitors guide for more in this class.
Pros: Sharp QHD resolution; fast 144Hz with 1ms response; G-SYNC Compatible; accurate IPS colour; well-rounded for gaming and creation.
Cons: Pricier than the budget picks; needs a capable GPU to drive 1440p at high frame rates.
3. SANSUI 27-Inch Curved 160Hz Monitor
Prime SANSUI 27 Inch Curved 160Hz Gaming Monitor, 1500R Curved Computer Gaming Monitor FHD 1080P, 4000:1, 110% sRGB, FPS/RTS, 1Ms MPRT|FreeSync|HDR|Low Blue Light|HDMI DP| VESA Support, HDMI Cable Incl.
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This SANSUI 27-inch curved monitor is a strong value pick for buyers who want a high refresh rate and an immersive screen without spending much — it typically lands around $110. It pairs a 27-inch 1080p panel with a 1500R curve and a fast 160Hz refresh rate, a combination aimed squarely at fast-paced gaming on a budget. The curve adds immersion, while the high refresh rate keeps motion smooth in shooters and racers.
At 27 inches the 1080p resolution is spread over a larger area than on a 24-inch panel, so it looks best from a normal viewing distance rather than up close — a fair trade for the size and speed at this price. SANSUI includes the modern connectivity you would expect, and adaptive sync support helps keep tearing at bay with compatible GPUs. If you want a big, fast, curved gaming screen and your priority is value over outright sharpness, this is a compelling choice. Our best curved gaming monitors guide compares more curved options.
Pros: Big 27-inch curved panel; fast 160Hz refresh; immersive 1500R curve; affordable; adaptive sync support.
Cons: 1080p across 27 inches is less sharp up close; curve is a matter of taste; budget build.
4. SANSUI 27-Inch IPS Monitor 120Hz
SANSUI 27-Inch IPS Monitor, 120Hz, Full HD 1920x1080, HDMI and DisplayPort, VESA Mountable
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The SANSUI 27-inch IPS 120Hz is a flat-panel alternative for buyers who want a large, accurate screen at a low price, usually around $100. It offers a Full HD (1920×1080) resolution on a 27-inch IPS panel with a 120Hz refresh rate — a meaningful step up from a standard 60Hz display for smoother gaming and desktop use. The IPS technology brings the wide viewing angles and solid colour you would expect, and it includes both HDMI and DisplayPort along with VESA mounting support.
This is a sensible everyday monitor that also handles gaming well: 120Hz is plenty for many players, the larger 27-inch size is great for multitasking and immersion, and VESA support means you can put it on a monitor arm to free up desk space. As with the other budget SANSUI panels, 1080p on a 27-inch screen is best appreciated from a typical viewing distance. For a big, colour-accurate, flat IPS panel at a friendly price, it is a tidy choice. Compare refresh-rate tiers in our best 144hz gaming monitors guide.
Pros: Large 27-inch IPS panel; 120Hz for smooth motion; HDMI and DisplayPort; VESA mountable; good value.
Cons: 1080p on a big panel is less crisp; 120Hz trails the fastest picks here; basic stand.
5. SANSUI 24-Inch Gaming Monitor 180Hz
SANSUI Gaming Monitor, 24 Inch 180Hz, FHD 1080P 1ms 110% sRGB Computer Monitor, HDMI DP Ports VESA Support for Game Office (HDMI Cable Included)
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For competitive players on a budget, this SANSUI 24-inch 180Hz monitor is one of the most appealing picks in the round-up, often around $95. The 24-inch size is a favourite among esports players because the whole screen sits comfortably within your field of view, and the 180Hz refresh rate with a quoted 1ms response keeps fast motion crisp. SANSUI also lists 110% sRGB coverage, so colour is vivid rather than flat.
At 1080p on a 24-inch IPS panel, the image is sharp at a normal viewing distance, and the high refresh rate is the headline feature — it makes a real difference in reaction-based games. FreeSync-style adaptive sync helps eliminate tearing with compatible graphics cards. This is a smart buy if your main aim is smooth, responsive competitive gaming without spending a lot, and you do not need a larger screen or a higher resolution. For an even faster option, the 200Hz model below pushes things further. Our best 144hz gaming monitors guide covers more high-refresh picks.
Pros: Fast 180Hz refresh; competitive-friendly 24-inch size; vivid 110% sRGB colour; adaptive sync; affordable.
Cons: 1080p resolution; smaller screen than the 27-inch picks; budget stand and build.
6. SANSUI 24-Inch Gaming Monitor 200Hz
Prime SANSUI 24 Inch Gaming Monitor 200Hz 1Ms FreeSync HDR 110% sRGB FHD 1080P Computer Monitor HDMI DP Ports Eye Care Frameless VESA Mount Cable Management (ES-G24F4L HDMI Cable Included)
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This SANSUI 24-inch 200Hz monitor is the fastest panel in our line-up, and it is remarkably affordable at around $90. It targets competitive gamers who want the smoothest possible motion: the 200Hz refresh rate with a quoted 1ms response is excellent for fast shooters, racers and fighting games, and SANSUI adds FreeSync support and HDR for a touch more colour and contrast. It also lists 110% sRGB coverage for vivid images.
Like the other esports-focused SANSUI panel, it uses a 24-inch 1080p IPS screen — the classic competitive format — so the resolution keeps frame rates achievable on mainstream hardware while the high refresh rate does the heavy lifting for smoothness. The HDR badge here is entry-level rather than a premium implementation, but combined with the wide colour coverage it gives images a little extra pop. If your single priority is the highest refresh rate for the lowest price, this is the standout pick in the round-up. For larger or sharper displays, see our best gaming monitors guide.
Pros: Fastest 200Hz refresh here; very affordable; FreeSync and HDR support; vivid 110% sRGB colour; competitive 24-inch size.
Cons: 1080p only; entry-level HDR rather than premium; smaller screen; budget build.
How to Choose
Choosing the right IPS monitor means balancing resolution, refresh rate, size and budget around the way you game and work. Start with resolution. A 1080p panel keeps frame rates high and is easy for mainstream hardware to drive, which is why it dominates the budget and esports picks here. Stepping up to QHD (1440p), as on the LG 27GL83A-B, gives a noticeably sharper image — especially welcome on a 27-inch screen — but it asks more of your graphics card. Match the resolution to your GPU: a powerful card pairs well with 1440p, while a more modest one is happier at 1080p.
Refresh rate is the next decision, and it depends on your genre. For competitive shooters and fast action, a high refresh rate (144Hz, 160Hz, 180Hz or 200Hz) makes motion smoother and can improve responsiveness — the faster SANSUI panels are built precisely for this. For mixed use, story-driven games and creative work, 120Hz or 144Hz is plenty, and you may prefer to put your budget toward resolution or colour accuracy instead. Look for adaptive sync (FreeSync or G-SYNC Compatible) too, as it eliminates screen tearing with a matching GPU.
Then weigh size and shape. A 24-inch screen keeps the whole image in your field of view, which many competitive players prefer; a 27-inch panel is more immersive and better for multitasking, though 1080p looks softer when stretched across it. A curved panel adds immersion and is largely a matter of taste. Finally, set your budget. Around $80 to $110 buys a capable 1080p IPS panel with either a large screen or a fast refresh rate; around $259 buys the sharper, faster, more complete LG QHD all-rounder. Decide which feature matters most — sharpness, speed, size or price — then pick the monitor in your budget that delivers it best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are IPS monitors good for gaming?
Yes. Modern IPS monitors offer the wide viewing angles and accurate colour the technology is known for, and response times have improved to the point where many IPS panels hit 1ms (GtG) with refresh rates of 144Hz and higher. That makes them a great all-round choice for both competitive and immersive gaming, as well as creative work.
Is 1440p better than 1080p for gaming?
1440p (QHD) is noticeably sharper, especially on a 27-inch screen, and gives you more desktop space — but it demands a more capable graphics card to maintain high frame rates. 1080p is easier to drive and is ideal for high-refresh competitive gaming on mainstream hardware. Match the resolution to your GPU and the games you play.
What refresh rate do I need for gaming?
For competitive shooters and fast-paced games, a high refresh rate of 144Hz or more delivers smoother motion and can improve responsiveness. For story-driven games and general use, 120Hz or 144Hz is more than enough. Pairing a high-refresh monitor with adaptive sync (FreeSync or G-SYNC Compatible) helps eliminate tearing.
Which IPS monitor here is the best value?
For pure value, the SANSUI panels stand out — the 24-inch 200Hz model around $90 for the fastest refresh, or the 27-inch options if you want a bigger screen. If you want the most complete all-rounder and can spend more, the LG 27GL83A-B’s QHD 144Hz combination is the pick of the round-up at around $259.
Related Guides
- Best Gaming Monitors
- Best IPS Monitors
- Best Curved Gaming Monitors
- Best 144Hz Gaming Monitors
- Best 1440p Gaming Monitors
- Best Budget Gaming Monitors
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