Expert's Rating
Pros
- Fast, flawless gaming performance
- Compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync
- Numerous ergonomic adjustment options
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Uneven brightness distribution
- Color rendering not optimal
Our Verdict
The Viewsonic XG240R is a fast and responsive 1080p screen that can handle fast-motion games with ease. It can also be synchronized with AMD and Nvidia graphics cards at a frame rate of up to 144Hz. Unfortunately, the color reproduction and the brightness balance over the entire screen are not particularly impressive. However, if you’re willing to sacrifice some image quality for affordability, you can get a respectable budget gaming monitor with the Viewsonic XG240R.
Price When Reviewed
$299
Best Prices Today: Viewsonic XG240R
The Viewsonic XG240R is an affordable gaming monitor with a 24-inch panel and 1080p resolution. In addition to FreeSync technology, the monitor also supports G-Sync.
Note: This review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best gaming monitors. Go there to learn about competing products, what to look for in a gaming monitor, and buying recommendations.
Viewsonic XG240R: The specs
A nice perk of the budget Viewsonic XG240R is its compatibility with FreeSync technology for AMD cards and G-Sync synchronization with Nvidia graphics cards. The gaming monitor is not on Nvidia’s official list of compatible screens, but our test ran without any problems with these graphics cards supporting a refresh rate of up to 144Hz.
| Display size | 24-inch |
| Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Panel type | TN / 16:9 |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz |
| Adaptive sync | Compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync |
| Ports | 1 DisplayPort, 2 HDMI, 2 USB, 1 analog audio jack |
| Stand adjustment | Height, tilt, swivel, pivot |
| VESA mount | Yes, 100x100mm |
| Speakers | Yes |
| HDR | No |
| Price | $299 |
Another highlight is the “Elite RGB” LED lighting, which is delivered via two LED light strips on the back. The Viewsonic model supports hardware compatible with Razer Chroma, Cooler Master Masterplus+, and Thermaltake RGB plus, so you can sync all of your RGB together.
Viewsonic XG240R: Image quality
The Viewsonic XG240R is based on a TN panel with a fast response time of just 1 millisecond, and it showed no input lag in the gaming test. However, the Viewsonic XG240R has rather weak color reproduction and brightness distribution. Colors don’t appear as natural and rich in contrast as the best gaming monitors, and there are clear differences in brightness in different screen areas.
Otherwise, the Viewsonic XG240R delivered impeccable performance in the gaming test. It also masters demanding, responsive games with ease, and without image errors. Various electronic functions support gaming, such as black enhancement, flicker-free technology, and blue light filters.
The Viewsonic XG240R is a 24-inch diagonal gaming monitor with Full HD (1080p) resolution.
PC Welt
Viewsonic XG240R: Ports
The Viewsonic XG240R comes with two HDMI interfaces, a DisplayPort, and three USB 3.0 outputs.
Viewsonic XG240R: Features and menu
The Viewsonic XG240R has all the important ergonomic options to optimally adjust the gaming monitor to your respective location. It can be adjusted in height, rotated, and tilted to a wide degree. In addition, vertical (pivot) operation is also possible.
The redesigned on-screen menu of Viewsonic’s “Elite” gaming monitor series is very tidy and clear. It can be easily operated via five buttons on the lower-right panel front and offers numerous special configurations for gaming.
Additionally, the display comes with built-in speakers, but their sound is weak and separate speakers or headphones would be recommended.
Viewsonic XG240R: Power consumption
At full brightness, the gaming monitor consumes around 34 watts, which is not much for this type of monitor. In standby mode, the requirement drops to a low 0.8 watts.
Should you buy the Viewsonic XG240R?
With the Viewsonic XG240R monitor, you get what you pay for. It has some great specs for gamers, but fails to deliver a consistent standard for image quality. It is a monitor that is defined both by its strengths as well as its weaknesses.
Due to the low price, Viewsonic had to make some sacrifices and they decided to cut corners on image quality and in particular in its lack of balanced brightness distribution and subpar color range. However, gamers will find some good value here as it still works well with fast games, and there are plenty of ports to use via your chosen connection.
This review originally appeared on PC-Welt, PCWorld’s German sister site.