Budget Choice Monitor: Koorui 24E3

This budget gaming monitor has garnered significant attention across the internet, generating considerable hype. It has been on our radar for several months, with YouTube titles like "Is this the best value gaming monitor?" and "Probably the best cheap 1080p 165Hz Monitor" contributing to the buzz. Optimum Tech, a prominent figure in the realm of monitors on YouTube, expressed optimism about it, particularly due to its $115 price tag, emphasizing the tremendous value it offers.

Recently, the monitor's price dropped to $99, prompting us to seize the opportunity and evaluate it firsthand. This review won't delve into extensive technical data, color accuracy wheels, or response time charts. Instead, we aim to focus on the practical aspects — the gaming experience it delivers and whether it justifies its budget-friendly cost. Let's dive in.

Before delving into specifics, a quick word from our sponsor, Corsair, featuring the new HS80 Max wireless gaming headset. These updated versions boast a remarkable 65-hour battery life, large 50mm drivers with Dolby Atmos surround sound, and a sleek design in both black and white.

Now, moving on to the monitor's specifications, it features a 24-inch 1080p 165Hz IPS panel with a claimed 1-millisecond gray-to-gray response time. Notably, it supports both FreeSync and G-Sync, a crucial feature for a budget gaming monitor. Adaptive sync becomes particularly valuable when pairing a $100 monitor with a budget gaming PC that might not consistently hit high FPS.

Transitioning to the gaming experience, the monitor shines in this department. While it advertises a 99% sRGB scale, the actual specifics may differ. However, from a gamer's point of view, the colors are vibrant, and the overall experience is delightful. Coupled with an RX 7900 XTX graphics card, the gameplay is smooth, and the panel impresses with its clarity.

One significant advantage is the three-year no-dead-pixel policy by Koorui, providing reassurance to users concerned about potential defects. In our experience of reviewing numerous budget monitors, dead pixels have rarely been an issue, but this policy adds a layer of confidence for buyers.

Considering motion blur, a critical aspect often overlooked in casual reviews, the monitor performs well. The UFO motion blur test and gaming experiences indicate satisfactory performance at 165Hz. While competitive esports players might discern nuanced differences, for casual gamers, the motion blur is more than acceptable.

However, where the monitor takes a hit is in the stand department. While aesthetically pleasing, the stand's functionality is lacking. It offers only a 5 to 20° tilt adjustment, and any additional adjustments necessitate a separate monitor arm. Although the toolless design is appreciated for ease of assembly, the absence of cable-routing holes and limited adjustability may pose challenges.

Despite the stand's shortcomings, the Koorui 24E3 impresses with its gaming performance and overall value. Priced at $99 or slightly higher, it offers a compelling package for budget-conscious gamers. The clean aesthetics, vibrant colors, and compatibility with adaptive sync technologies make it a noteworthy choice, especially when considering its affordability in comparison to the gaming experience it delivers.