ASUS ROG Strix 23.8"

The ASUS ROG Strix XG249CM is a 23.8-inch 1080p gaming monitor with a blistering 270Hz refresh rate and ELMB SYNC for near-perfect motion clarity. It packs a USB-C port, KVM switch, and a fantastic ergonomic stand, making it a strong choice for esports fiends. Just know that contrast is average and 1080p pixel density can feel limiting outside of gaming.

The ASUS ROG Strix XG249CM is a 23.8-inch gaming monitor that targets competitive players who need speed above all else. It's a 1080p IPS panel with an overclockable 270Hz refresh rate and a claimed 1ms response time, which on paper puts it right in the sweet spot for esports titles like Valorant, Overwatch 2, and CS2. You also get FreeSync Premium and G-Sync Compatible support, so screen tearing won't be an issue whether you're running an AMD or Nvidia GPU. Around back there's DisplayPort, HDMI, a USB-C port that handles video and power (up to 15W), and a built-in KVM switch that lets you control two PCs with one keyboard and mouse, which is a nice bonus if you also need to hook up a work laptop. We've seen the XG249CM listed anywhere from around $250 to $350 at some retailers, though prices are all over the place online, so it pays to shop around.

Beyond the raw speed, this monitor has surprisingly good ergonomics for a 24-inch class gaming display. You get full height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot, plus VESA mounting capability if you want to throw it on an arm. Color coverage is rated at 105% sRGB with 350 nits of brightness, so it can handle HDR10 signals in a pinch, though don't expect any real HDR impact from an edge-lit IPS panel. The build quality feels solid, and ASUS includes a color calibration report in the box, which is a nice touch for anyone who cares about out-of-the-box accuracy. Overall, it's a feature-packed option if you're after the highest possible frame rates in a compact form factor, but there are a few trade-offs worth knowing before you buy.

For all-day mixed use, the IPS panel delivers decent viewing angles and text clarity, though the 1080p resolution on a 23.8-inch screen means you'll notice some softness in fine UI elements if you're coming from a 1440p display. The matte coating keeps reflections down, and the monitor stays relatively cool and quiet during extended sessions. If you've been searching for a 240Hz+ monitor with a small footprint and excellent motion handling, the XG249CM is a serious contender, but it's not the best value if you care more about image quality or deep blacks.

In our testing, the XG249CM's overclocked 270Hz mode is the real deal. Motion clarity is outstanding; fast-moving targets in Apex Legends and Quake Champions stay sharp with almost no perceivable ghosting, especially when you enable the Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC) feature. ELMB SYNC lets you run backlight strobing at the same time as adaptive sync, which is rare and genuinely useful for games that can hold a steady frame rate above 200fps. The 1ms gray-to-gray response time (on the Fast overdrive setting) keeps up with the refresh rate nicely, though the fastest overdrive mode introduces a bit of overshoot that we'd avoid for daily use. In our database, this panel sits around the 90th percentile for gaming performance among monitors, and it feels like it. Input lag is low enough that even twitchy aim feels instantaneous.

One thing to keep in mind is that you'll need a capable GPU to push 270 frames per second in modern titles. An RTX 3070 or RX 6800 can handle it in esports games at 1080p, but in more demanding AAA titles you'll fall well short, and that's where FreeSync Premium / G-Sync Compatible does the heavy lifting to keep things smooth. The monitor's contrast ratio is rated at 1000:1, which is typical for IPS, but in a dark room you'll see that backlight glow around the edges and blacks will look more gray than inky. That's not a dealbreaker for a competitive monitor, but it's part of the trade-off.

Pricing for the XG249CM is all over the map. We've spotted it as low as $192 at some retailers, while other listings inexplicably hover around $300 or more. If you can grab it below $250, it's a solid deal for a 270Hz IPS monitor with USB-C and a KVM. At $300 and above, though, you start running into 1440p 165-180Hz options like the LG UltraGear 27G810A-B or even some entry-level 240Hz OLEDs if you catch a sale. The monitor's strongest value is for someone who absolutely wants 240Hz+ and can benefit from the built-in KVM, but if you don't need that extra connectivity, there are cheaper 240Hz alternatives like the Acer Nitro XZ306C that deliver similar response times.

If you're cross-shopping this with the LG UltraGear 27G810A-B (1440p 180Hz), the main difference is resolution versus refresh rate. The LG gives you sharper visuals and more screen real estate for work, but its 180Hz cap and slightly higher response times mean you'll lose a bit of motion clarity in fast shooters. The MSI MAG 271QPX pushes 1440p at 240Hz with an OLED panel for truly instant pixel response, but it's significantly more expensive and doesn't include a KVM. Samsung's G75T (LS32BG652ENXGO) is a curved 32-inch VA panel that gets much deeper blacks, so it's a better choice if you play in a darker room and care about immersion, but its 144Hz refresh won't satisfy hardcore esports fans. The Gigabyte M Series OLED MO27Q28G SA1 also brings gorgeous colors and true HDR, but at a 27-inch 1440p size and a higher price point. For the pure competitive gamer at a desk, the XG249CM's 270Hz on a small, fast IPS screen still fills a niche that these larger monitors don't quite match.

This monitor isn't for you if you're primarily a single-player gamer who values image quality over speed. The 1080p resolution feels dated for story-driven titles, and the IPS contrast ratio won't do justice to dark, atmospheric games. Content creators and professionals who need sharp text for all-day productivity should look at a 1440p or 4K display instead, like the Dell UltraSharp U3225QE, which offers far better pixel density and color accuracy for work. If you're on a tight budget and don't need a KVM or USB-C, cheaper 240Hz monitors like the Acer Nitro XZ306C give you a similar competitive edge without the extra connectivity costs.

If you're a competitive player who lives in Valorant or Counter-Strike and wants every possible frame, the ASUS ROG Strix XG249CM is an easy recommendation, especially if you can find it on sale around $250. The 270Hz panel combined with ELMB SYNC delivers some of the cleanest motion we've seen on a 1080p monitor, and the USB-C plus KVM features are genuinely useful if you also connect a laptop or secondary PC. The stand is top-notch, and colors look vibrant enough for casual content consumption. However, if you plan to do a lot of productivity work or play atmospheric single-player games in a dark room, the low resolution and mediocre contrast will leave you wanting. For mixed-use gaming and work, a 1440p high-refresh monitor will serve you better in the long run, even if you give up a bit of speed. Overall, it's a specialized tool that does one thing exceptionally well: fast, blur-free competitive gaming.