You’re looking for a compact curved gaming monitor that fits a smaller desk or a second setup, and you’ve got four options that all promise smooth gameplay at 24 inches. The ASUS TUF VG24VQER, CRUA 24″ 100Hz, Z‑EDGE 24″ 200Hz, and MSI MAG 242C all target the budget‑to‑mid‑range curved segment, but their refresh rates, colour accuracy, and feature sets vary dramatically.
One gives you a blistering 200 Hz for competitive shooters; another focuses on colour fidelity for creative work; and the CRUA is the ultra‑budget option for casual gaming and office use. If you’re trying to decide which 24‑inch curved monitor fits your gaming style and wallet, let’s break down the real‑world differences.
At a Glance: The Contenders
| Model | Key Strengths |
|---|---|
| ASUS TUF VG24VQER | 23.6″ FHD 180 Hz, 1 ms, FreeSync, HDR10 – solid ASUS gaming pedigree |
| CRUA 24″ 100Hz | FHD 100 Hz, 99% sRGB, ultra‑budget, white colour option, VGA input |
| Z‑EDGE 24″ 200Hz | FHD 200 Hz, 1 ms, FreeSync compatible – highest refresh rate in the group |
| MSI MAG 242C | FHD 180 Hz, VA panel, excellent colour (115.8% sRGB, 91.5% DCI‑P3) – best image quality |
All four use VA panels (common for curved monitors), offer 1080p resolution, and target the 24‑inch curved market. But the differences in refresh rate, colour coverage, and connectivity can make one the clear winner for your specific needs.
Full Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | ASUS TUF VG24VQER | CRUA 24″ 100Hz | Z‑EDGE 24″ 200Hz | MSI MAG 242C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 23.6″ (viewable) | 24″ | 24″ | 24″ |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 (FHD) | 1920×1080 (FHD) | 1920×1080 (FHD) | 1920×1080 (FHD) |
| Refresh Rate | 180 Hz | 100 Hz | 200 Hz | 180 Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms (MPRT) | Not specified | 1 ms (MPRT) | 1 ms (MPRT) |
| Panel Type | VA | VA | VA | VA |
| Curvature | 1500R | 1500R (likely) | 1500R | 1500R |
| Adaptive Sync | AMD FreeSync | None specified | FreeSync Compatible | Adaptive Sync |
| HDR | HDR10 | No | No | No (HDR Ready not specified) |
| Colour Gamut | Not specified | 99% sRGB | Not specified | 115.8% sRGB, 91.5% DCI‑P3, 89.9% Adobe RGB |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m² | 250 cd/m² | 250 cd/m² | 250 cd/m² |
| Ports | 1x DP, 2x HDMI | 1x HDMI, 1x VGA | 1x DP, 2x HDMI | 1x DP, 2x HDMI |
| VESA Mount | 100×100 mm | 75×75 mm | 75×75 mm | 75×75 mm |
| Special Features | GamePlus, Shadow Boost | Blue light filter, white chassis | Ultra‑thin frame | Wide colour gamut |
| Price Range | Mid | Low | Low‑Mid | Mid |
Where These Monitors Actually Differ
(This Changes Your Choice)
1. Refresh Rate – Smoothness Matters
- Z‑EDGE 24″ 200Hz offers the highest refresh rate at 200 Hz, giving you an edge in fast‑paced shooters like Valorant, Overwatch, or Apex Legends. It’s a great pick for competitive gamers on a budget.
- ASUS TUF VG24VQER and MSI MAG 242C both run at 180 Hz, which is still exceptionally smooth and more than enough for most players. The difference between 180 Hz and 200 Hz is barely perceptible to the average eye.
- CRUA 24″ is limited to 100 Hz, making it a better choice for casual gaming, media consumption, or office work rather than competitive play.
2. Colour Accuracy – MSI Stands Out
If you do any creative work (photo editing, video colour grading) alongside gaming, MSI MAG 242C is the clear winner. Its 115.8% sRGB, 91.5% DCI‑P3, and 89.9% Adobe RGB coverage means colours are vibrant, accurate, and well‑saturated. The others either don’t specify colour gamut or, in the case of CRUA, only claim 99% sRGB – respectable but not as wide.
3. Connectivity & Flexibility
- ASUS and MSI offer the standard 1x DP + 2x HDMI, which covers most setups.
- CRUA includes VGA, making it compatible with older PCs or office equipment – a rare addition today.
- Z‑EDGE also uses DP and HDMI but lacks VGA, which is fine for modern builds.
4. Adaptive Sync & Gaming Features
- ASUS TUF VG24VQER includes FreeSync for tear‑free gaming and features like GamePlus (crosshair, timer) and Shadow Boost to brighten dark areas.
- MSI MAG 242C has Adaptive Sync (works with both AMD and NVIDIA cards) and includes MSI’s gaming OSD features.
- Z‑EDGE claims FreeSync compatibility, but the implementation may be basic.
- CRUA has no adaptive sync, so screen tearing may occur in games without V‑Sync.
5. Design & Aesthetics
- CRUA offers a white chassis, which is rare in budget monitors and can fit a clean, minimalist setup.
- Z‑EDGE emphasises an ultra‑thin frame for a sleek look.
- ASUS and MSI stick to classic black gaming aesthetics with subtle red accents (ASUS) or clean black (MSI).
Don’t Overthink It — Here’s the Simple Answer
- Best overall gaming monitor with great colours → MSI MAG 242C (180 Hz, wide colour gamut)
- Highest refresh rate for competitive gaming → Z‑EDGE 24″ 200Hz
- Most trusted brand with solid gaming features → ASUS TUF VG24VQER
- Ultra‑budget choice for casual use or office → CRUA 24″ 100Hz (especially if you like the white design)
Which One Should You Choose?
Pick the ASUS TUF VG24VQER if …
- You want a trusted gaming brand with features like Shadow Boost and GamePlus.
- You need 180 Hz with FreeSync and HDR10 support.
- You prefer a 1500R curve and classic ASUS build quality.
Pick the CRUA 24″ 100Hz if …
- You’re on a very tight budget and need a curved monitor for casual gaming or office work.
- You want a white monitor to match your setup aesthetic.
- You don’t need high refresh rates or adaptive sync.
Pick the Z‑EDGE 24″ 200Hz if …
- You’re a competitive gamer who wants the highest refresh rate at the lowest price.
- You don’t need wide colour gamut or HDR.
- You want a sleek, ultra‑thin frame design.
Pick the MSI MAG 242C if …
- You value colour accuracy for creative work (photo editing, design) alongside gaming.
- You want 180 Hz smoothness with excellent colour coverage (115.8% sRGB, 91.5% DCI‑P3).
- You prefer MSI’s gaming OSD features and a clean black aesthetic.
Final Thoughts
For a 24‑inch curved gaming monitor, the MSI MAG 242C offers the best balance of high refresh rate and exceptional colour quality, making it ideal for gamers who also dabble in creative work. The Z‑EDGE 24″ 200Hz is the refresh‑rate champion for pure competitive gaming on a budget. The ASUS TUF VG24VQER is a reliable all‑rounder with good gaming features, while the CRUA 24″ 100Hz is the entry‑level choice for those who just want a curved screen without breaking the bank.
Whichever you pick, a 24‑inch curved VA panel delivers an immersive experience without taking up too much desk space. Pair it with a decent GPU and enjoy the ride.
More PC & Gaming Resources
- How Much RAM Do You Need for Gaming? – Read the guide
- HDD vs SSD vs NVMe: Which Storage Should You Choose? – Comparison
- Best 2TB and 4TB SATA SSDs – Features Compared – Storage upgrades
- Why USB‑C to HDMI Adapters Fail (And What Actually Works) – Troubleshooting
- Windows 11 System Minimum Requirements – Check compatibility
This article was originally published on Mukunda Software. Specifications based on manufacturer data as of March 2026. Prices and availability may vary.
