Counter-Strike 2 is a game of frames. When you’re holding an angle on Mirage or peeking mid on Dust 2, the difference between seeing an enemy’s head for one frame versus missing it entirely comes down to refresh rate, response time, and pixel response consistency. That’s why 24.5-inch, 1080p, 240Hz panels have become the de facto standard for competitive CS2 players — the same size pros use in tournament play, at refresh rates fast enough to keep up with a 300+ FPS setup. The good news is that you no longer need to spend $400+ to get one. In 2026, capable 240Hz esports monitors start under $110.
The problem is choice. Every brand — Sceptre, KTC, Sansui, Amzfast, Dell, Gigabyte — now sells a 24.5-inch 240Hz panel, and the spec sheets look nearly identical. Some overclock to 280Hz or 300Hz, some are curved, some are flat Fast IPS, and prices range from roughly $100 to $145. We dug through the current lineup to find which ones actually make sense for CS2 specifically, where raw motion clarity and low input lag matter more than HDR or wide gamut coverage. Below are our eight picks, ranked and broken down by who each one suits best.
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Our Top Picks
KTC 24.5 Inch 240Hz Gaming Monitor24.5 Inch 240Hz7.24 x 21.96 x 16.49 Inches7.1 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Sceptre Curved 24.5-inch Prime Gaming Monitor up to24.58.54 x 21.99 x 16.38 inches6.9 poundsCheck on Amazon- New! Sceptre Curved 24.5-inch Gaming Monitor up to24.58.5 x 21.99 x 16.3 inches12.8 poundsCheck on Amazon
Top 3 picks at a glance
KTC 24.5 Inch 240Hz Gaming Monitor, FHD Computer Monitor Fast IPS, H25T7-ACheck priceNew! Sceptre 24.5-inch Gaming Monitor 240Hz 1ms DisplayPort x2 HDMI x2 100%...Check priceSANSUI 24.5 Inch 300hz 240hz, FHD 1080P Gaming Monitor for FPS PC...Check priceQuick Picks
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| KTC H25T7-A 24.5″ 240Hz Fast IPS | Best overall for CS2 | Check on Amazon |
| Sceptre E255B-FWD240 240Hz | Best budget flat panel | Check on Amazon |
| SANSUI 24.5″ 300Hz/240Hz | Highest refresh on a budget | Check on Amazon |
| Dell SE2426HG 240Hz IPS | Best brand-name reliability | Check on Amazon |
| Sceptre C255B-FWT240 Curved (2025) | Best curved value | Check on Amazon |
| Sceptre C255B-FWT240 Curved (2026) | Best curved with eye care | Check on Amazon |
| Amzfast AMZG25X1 Pro 280Hz | Best color performance | Check on Amazon |
| GIGABYTE G25F2A SuperSpeed IPS | Best for enthusiasts who tune settings | Check on Amazon |
How We Compared
For a CS2-focused roundup, we weighted the factors that actually affect competitive play over general-purpose monitor features. Refresh rate came first — native 240Hz as a baseline, with extra credit for panels that overclock to 280Hz or 300Hz, since CS2 is one of the few esports titles that can genuinely push frame rates that high on midrange GPUs. Panel type mattered next: Fast IPS panels offer the best balance of response time and viewing angles, while VA-based curved panels trade a bit of pixel speed for immersion and price.
We also considered ergonomics and eye comfort, because grinding Deathmatch and Premier for hours is hard on your eyes — TÜV certifications, blue light reduction, and flicker-free backlights all earn points. Connectivity was a practical filter: at minimum a DisplayPort for full refresh rate plus HDMI for a second device. Finally, price-to-performance separated the list. Every monitor here lands between around $99 and around $140, which means there’s no wrong answer budget-wise — only better fits for your play style, desk setup, and how seriously you take your aim.
The 8 Best Picks
1. KTC 24.5 Inch 240Hz Gaming Monitor, FHD Fast IPS (H25T7-A) — Best Overall for CS2
The KTC H25T7-A hits the exact spec sheet a CS2 player should want: a true 24.5-inch Fast IPS panel running 1080p at a native 240Hz. Fast IPS is the panel tech of choice for esports because it combines quick pixel transitions with the accurate colors and wide viewing angles IPS is known for, so enemy models stay crisp even during fast flicks. At around $140 it’s the priciest pick here, but it’s also the most straightforwardly “esports correct” — flat, fast, and sized to match tournament standards so your muscle memory translates from home setup to LAN.
- Fast IPS panel built for competitive response times
- Native 240Hz at a tournament-standard 24.5-inch size
- Highest price on this list at around $140
Skip it if you’re on a strict sub-$120 budget — the Dell and Gigabyte below deliver 240Hz for less.
2. Sceptre E255B-FWD240 24.5-Inch 240Hz (2026) — Best Budget Flat Panel
The newest Sceptre flat panel in the lineup, the E255B-FWD240 packs a lot of connectivity into its around $110 price: two DisplayPort inputs and two HDMI ports, so you can keep a console or second PC plugged in alongside your main rig. It covers 100% sRGB, which is genuinely useful beyond gaming — colors will look correct for streaming, browsing, and light content work. AMD FreeSync Premium support keeps tearing and stuttering out of the picture when your frame rate dips below 240, which matters in heavy smoke-filled rounds where CS2 FPS tanks.
- Dual DisplayPort plus dual HDMI for multi-device setups
- 100% sRGB coverage and FreeSync Premium at a budget price
- Flat design lacks height adjustment found on pricier esports monitors
Skip it if you want curved immersion — Sceptre’s own C255B-FWT240 costs just $9 more.
3. SANSUI 24.5 Inch 300Hz/240Hz FHD Gaming Monitor — Highest Refresh on a Budget
If raw refresh rate is your religion, the SANSUI is the value play. It runs at 240Hz natively with the ability to push to 300Hz, giving you even more headroom for CS2’s famously high frame counts. More frames on screen means lower perceived latency and better motion clarity when tracking players crossing your crosshair. At around $120, you’re paying budget-monitor money for refresh rates that commanded flagship prices a couple of hardware generations ago. For players who run a 240Hz+ capable GPU and want to squeeze every millisecond, this is the cheapest ticket to that tier.
- 300Hz overclock capability on top of native 240Hz
- Strong price-to-refresh ratio at around $120
- Lesser-known brand with a more basic feature set and support ecosystem
Skip it if brand support and firmware maturity matter more to you than the extra hertz.
4. Dell 24 SE2426HG 240Hz — Best Brand-Name Reliability
The SE2426HG is the safe pick, and at around $99 it’s arguably the smartest one. Dell’s entry-level gaming line uses a 23.8-inch IPS panel (a hair smaller than the true 24.5-inch panels elsewhere here) running 1080p at 240Hz with AMD FreeSync Premium. You also get TÜV 3-Star eye-comfort certification — a real, independently researched standard for flicker and blue light — which matters if you log long practice sessions. Connectivity covers two HDMI ports and DisplayPort 1.4, and the tilt-adjustable stand keeps things simple. If you want a 240Hz monitor from an established brand with predictable quality control and support, this is it.
- IPS panel with FreeSync Premium at just around $99
- TÜV 3-Star certified for eye comfort during long sessions
- 23.8-inch panel and tilt-only stand
Skip it if you specifically want the full 24.5-inch esports footprint or height-adjustable ergonomics.
5. Sceptre Curved C255B-FWT240 (2025) — Best Curved Value
Sceptre’s curved 24.5-inch offering wraps a 1080p 240Hz panel in an R1500 curve, which gently matches the natural arc of your vision. For a game like CS2 where peripheral awareness matters, some players find the curve pulls the edges of the screen into their field of view more naturally than a flat panel. You get the same generous connectivity as Sceptre’s flat model — two DisplayPorts, two HDMIs — plus 1ms response rating, Blue Light Shift for evening grinding, and built-in speakers that are fine for casual use. At around $120, it’s the most affordable way to get a curved 240Hz experience.
- R1500 curvature for a more immersive field of view
- Blue Light Shift and built-in speakers included
- Curved panels can introduce slight distortion for aim purists
Skip it if you prefer the geometric predictability of a flat panel for pixel-perfect peeks.
6. Sceptre Curved C255B-FWT240 (2026) — Best Curved with Eye Care
This is the refreshed version of the C255B-FWT240 above, carrying the same core specs — 24.5 inches, 1080p, up to 240Hz, R1500 curve, 1ms response, dual DisplayPort and dual HDMI, built-in speakers — at the identical around $120 price. The difference is the updated 2026 revision emphasizes eye-care features, making it the better choice if you spend long hours in front of the screen and want the gentler viewing experience the newer build is tuned for. Since both versions cost the same right now, most curved-panel buyers should simply grab whichever revision is in stock.
- Updated eye-care tuning for extended play sessions
- Same strong value and connectivity as the previous revision
- Curved geometry isn’t for everyone in competitive shooters
Skip it if the previous revision is cheaper in stock — the core panel experience is equivalent.
7. Amzfast AMZG25X1 Pro 280Hz/240Hz — Best Color Performance
The Amzfast AMZG25X1 Pro is the spec-sheet standout for image quality, covering 126% sRGB and 93% DCI-P3 with a 3000:1 contrast ratio — numbers that make it genuinely pleasant outside of CS2, whether you’re watching VODs or doing color-sensitive work. Its panel runs at 240Hz with a 280Hz overclock, sits behind TÜV Rheinland eye-care certification, and offers an unusually generous four video inputs: two HDMI 2.0 ports and two DisplayPort 1.4. At around $140 it’s the second-priciest pick here, but it’s the one to buy if your monitor doubles as an all-purpose display.
- 126% sRGB, 93% DCI-P3, and 3000:1 contrast for vivid image quality
- 280Hz overclock plus four video inputs
- Pricier at around $140 with fewer brand-name assurances
Skip it if you’ll never use the color performance — the KTC is a more focused pure-esports buy.
8. GIGABYTE G25F2A 24.5″ SuperSpeed IPS — Best for Enthusiasts Who Tune Settings
Gigabyte’s G25F2A brings a proper gaming brand’s OSD and tuning ecosystem to the around $99 price bracket. The 24.5-inch SuperSpeed IPS panel targets fast esports response while keeping IPS color strengths, and Gigabyte’s monitor software gives you deep control over overdrive, aim crosshairs, and picture modes — tools competitive players genuinely use to dial in their setup. Tied with the Dell as the cheapest monitor on this list, it’s the pick for players who like to tweak every setting to squeeze out performance, and who want an established manufacturer standing behind the panel.
- SuperSpeed IPS panel with Gigabyte’s deep OSD customization
- Excellent price at around $99 from an established gaming brand
- Menu system is denser than budget brands’ plug-and-play approach
Skip it if you just want to plug in and play without touching settings menus.
Buying Guide
Panel Type: Fast IPS vs. Curved VA
For CS2, panel technology affects how quickly pixels change color, which determines whether fast-moving enemies leave motion blur trails. Fast IPS panels — found on the KTC H25T7-A, Dell SE2426HG, and Gigabyte G25F2A — are the conventional competitive choice, combining quick transitions with accurate color. Curved 240Hz panels like Sceptre’s C255B-FWT240 wrap an R1500 arc around your view, which some players find more immersive but purists find introduces slight geometric distortion at screen edges. There’s no wrong answer, but if you’re chasing the tightest motion clarity, flat Fast IPS is the safer bet. If you play long sessions and value comfort and immersion, the curve deserves a look.
Refresh Rate: Is 280Hz or 300Hz Worth It?
Native 240Hz is the sweet spot for CS2 — it’s the tournament standard, and the game easily produces 240+ FPS on modern GPUs. Panels like the SANSUI (up to 300Hz) and Amzfast (up to 280Hz) add overclock headroom that shaves a millisecond or two of perceived latency and slightly improves motion clarity, but only if your GPU can actually push those frame rates consistently. Dropping from 300 to 180 FPS because your hardware can’t keep up is worse than locking a stable 240. Rule of thumb: buy the overclockable panels only if your rig sustains 280+ FPS in CS2 at 1080p; otherwise, put the savings toward a better GPU or a quality native 240Hz panel.
Ergonomics, Eye Comfort, and Connectivity
You’ll spend hours at this monitor, so the details add up. Look for eye-care certifications — the Dell’s TÜV 3-Star rating and the Amzfast’s TÜV Rheinland certification indicate independently researched flicker-free backlights and low blue light modes, which reduce fatigue across long Deathmatch grinds. Check connectivity before buying: every monitor here includes DisplayPort, which you need for full 240Hz (HDMI on many budget panels tops out lower), and extras like the Sceptre’s and Amzfast’s dual DP + dual HDMI layouts make multi-device setups painless. Finally, measure your desk depth — a 24.5-inch panel typically sits 20–24 inches from your eyes for ideal viewing, and tilt-only stands like the Dell’s mean you may want a monitor arm.
Our Verdict
For most CS2 players, the KTC H25T7-A is the pick: a true 24.5-inch Fast IPS panel at a native 240Hz, built around exactly the specs competitive play demands. If budget rules, the Gigabyte G25F2A and Dell SE2426HG both deliver 240Hz at just around $99 — choose Gigabyte for tuning depth, Dell for brand reliability and TÜV eye comfort. Players chasing every last hertz should grab the SANSUI at 300Hz, while anyone who wants their monitor to pull double duty for color-rich content should step up to the Amzfast AMZG25X1 Pro. Whichever you choose, every monitor on this list will comfortably handle CS2 at 240fps — the remaining differences come down to ergonomics, color, and a few milliseconds.
FAQ
Is 240Hz enough for CS2, or do I need 300Hz+?
For the overwhelming majority of players, 240Hz is more than enough — it’s the standard refresh rate used in professional tournament play, and the difference between 240Hz and 300Hz amounts to roughly 1.7ms of display latency. You’ll benefit more from a stable, high frame rate and consistent panel response than from raw refresh alone. Go 280Hz or 300Hz only if your GPU sustains those frame rates and you’ve already optimized everything else.
Why do CS2 players prefer 24.5-inch monitors over 27-inch?
A 24.5-inch 1080p panel has a higher pixel density than a 27-inch 1080p panel, producing a sharper image. More importantly, the smaller size keeps the entire screen within your comfortable field of view at typical desk distances, so you can process peripheral information — minimap, kill feed, flanking enemies — without moving your eyes off the crosshair. It also matches the sizing used in professional tournament environments, so your aim translates.
Do I need to use DisplayPort for 240Hz?
In most cases, yes. DisplayPort is the reliable way to drive 1080p at 240Hz on budget monitors; depending on the panel and HDMI version, some HDMI ports may cap at lower refresh rates or require older HDMI feature support to hit full speed. Always connect via the DisplayPort cable included with your monitor, and verify the refresh rate is set to 240Hz in your operating system’s display settings — monitors don’t always default to their maximum.
Are curved monitors bad for competitive CS2?
Not bad, just different. A gentle R1500 curve like Sceptre’s can make long sessions more comfortable and pulls screen edges into your peripheral vision. The tradeoff is that curved panels can introduce slight geometric distortion, and some players feel it subtly affects their read on straight lines and angles. Plenty of competitive players use curved monitors successfully — but if you want maximum consistency with tournament setups, stick with a flat Fast IPS panel.
