Gawfolk 24 Inch Curved 180Hz Gaming Monitor Review: The Budget Curve Ball That Hits and Misses

I remember the endless scroll. Night after night, I was on a quest for the holy grail of budget gaming: a monitor that could deliver high refresh rates, vibrant colours, and an immersive experience without requiring a second mortgage. My old 60Hz screen felt like I was gaming through treacle; every fast-paced movement in Call of Duty: Warzone was a blurry mess, and I knew I was at a competitive disadvantage. The market is flooded with options, each promising the world, but the fear of buyer’s remorse is real. Choosing the wrong display means being stuck with screen tearing, ghosting, or washed-out colours that ruin the very escapism gaming is supposed to provide. It’s not just about winning; it’s about being fully absorbed in the digital worlds we love, and a subpar monitor is a constant, frustrating barrier to that immersion.

What to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Monitor

A gaming monitor is more than just an item on your desk; it’s a key solution for unlocking the full potential of your PC or console. It’s the window through which you experience sprawling open worlds, intense firefights, and breathtaking cinematics. The main benefit is a dramatic increase in visual fluidity and responsiveness. A high refresh rate (like 180Hz) means the image on screen updates 180 times per second, resulting in incredibly smooth motion that allows you to track targets more easily and react faster. Paired with a low response time, it eliminates distracting motion blur. A quality panel with good colour reproduction brings game environments to life, making them more vibrant and believable. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a fundamental change in how you interact with your games.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the classic PC builder’s dilemma: they’ve invested in a decent graphics card and now need a monitor that can keep up without costing as much as the GPU itself. This includes competitive gamers on a budget, students setting up their first proper gaming rig, and console players (PS5, Xbox Series X/S) looking to unlock 120fps modes. However, it might not be suitable for those who prioritise professional-grade colour accuracy for photo or video editing, as even a 100% sRGB monitor at this price point won’t compete with dedicated creator displays. It’s also not for gamers who want 4K resolution; this is firmly a 1080p workhorse. For those users, a 1440p or 4K IPS monitor might be a better, albeit more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A 24-inch monitor is the sweet spot for 1080p resolution, offering a high pixel density that keeps images sharp. Before buying, measure your desk space. Consider the depth of the stand and the curve of the screen, as a curved monitor can have a slightly larger footprint than a flat one. Also, think about VESA mounting; if you have limited desk space, a 75x75mm compatible monitor arm can be a game-changer.
• Performance: This is paramount for gaming. Refresh Rate (Hz) dictates smoothness; 144Hz is the standard, so 180Hz is a fantastic bonus. Response Time (ms) affects motion blur; 1ms is ideal for fast-paced action. Panel type also matters: VA (Vertical Alignment) panels, like this one, offer excellent contrast with deep blacks, but can sometimes exhibit more “ghosting” (a faint trail behind moving objects) than IPS panels. Adaptive Sync (like FreeSync) is a must-have to prevent screen tearing.
• Materials & Durability: At the budget end of the market, this is where compromises are often made. Most monitors in this price range are constructed entirely of plastic. Pay close attention to the stand’s design and stability. A wobbly stand can be incredibly distracting during intense gaming sessions. A monitor is a long-term investment, so even if the panel is great, a flimsy build can lead to disaster, as some user experiences have unfortunately shown.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: How intuitive is the on-screen display (OSD) menu? Are the buttons easy to reach and operate? Connectivity is also key; ensure it has the ports you need (DisplayPort is required for the highest refresh rates on many monitors). For maintenance, a glossy screen finish can make colours pop but is highly susceptible to glare and fingerprints, requiring more frequent and careful cleaning than a matte screen.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Gawfolk 24 Inch Curved 180Hz Gaming Monitor stands out in several areas, particularly its performance-to-price ratio. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the Gawfolk 24 Inch Curved 180Hz Gaming Monitor is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing and First Impressions: A Sleek Design with a Noticeable Flaw

The Gawfolk 24 Inch Curved 180Hz Gaming Monitor arrived in a well-protected box, packed securely with plenty of polystyrene, which immediately put my mind at ease. Many users have noted this excellent packaging, a crucial first step that many budget brands overlook. Pulling it out, the first thing that struck me was the sleek, “without bezel” design. The ultra-thin borders on three sides give it a very modern aesthetic that’s perfect for multi-monitor setups. The 2800R curve is subtle, not overly aggressive, providing a gentle wrap-around effect that enhances immersion without distorting straight lines in desktop use.

Assembly was straightforward, requiring a Phillips screwdriver for just a few screws to attach the stand, a process that took less than five minutes. However, as I placed it on my desk, I encountered the monitor’s most significant physical drawback. The stand, while functional, feels undeniably lightweight and flimsy. A gentle nudge of the desk resulted in a noticeable wobble, confirming the concerns voiced in several user reviews. It’s a clear cost-saving measure, and while it holds the monitor up, it doesn’t inspire confidence. This is a stark contrast to the premium feel of the panel itself, which, once powered on, presented a bright and vibrant image right out of the box.

Deep Dive: Performance, Panels, and Pitfalls

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a gaming monitor, you have to put it through its paces—in the heat of battle, across richly detailed landscapes, and during hours of everyday use. We tested the Gawfolk 24 Inch Curved 180Hz Gaming Monitor across a range of scenarios to see if its real-world performance lives up to its impressive on-paper promises.

High-Refresh-Rate Gaming Performance: Smoothness on a Budget

Let’s get to the main event: gaming. I connected the monitor to my PC via DisplayPort—an essential step, as HDMI is limited to 120Hz—and immediately set the refresh rate to 180Hz in my display settings. The difference was night and day. Launching into a few rounds of Apex Legends, the gameplay was phenomenally smooth. The jump from even 144Hz is perceptible, and from 60Hz it’s transformative. Character movements, aiming down sights, and quick 180-degree turns were rendered with a clarity that gave me a tangible competitive edge. There was no screen tearing to speak of, thanks to the effective implementation of AMD FreeSync, which worked flawlessly with my NVIDIA card (via G-Sync compatibility).

The 1ms response time claim is always one to take with a grain of salt, as it’s often measured under ideal “Gray-to-Gray” (GTG) conditions. As a VA panel, the Gawfolk is susceptible to a degree of ghosting, and I did notice some minor trailing on fast-moving, high-contrast objects. One user specifically mentioned that “there is a lot of visible ghosting visible compared to my old 144hz monitor.” In my experience, it wasn’t a deal-breaker and was most noticeable in dark scenes, but it is something that players highly sensitive to motion artifacts should be aware of. For console players, the monitor is a fantastic choice. As one user happily reported, it’s great for “looking for that 120fps,” and my testing on a PS5 confirmed it ran beautifully at 1080p/120Hz in supported titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty, providing that same fluid experience. For the price, the sheer speed and smoothness on offer are exceptional.

Visual Fidelity and Immersion: The VA Panel Advantage

While speed is king in competitive shooters, a monitor also needs to deliver a visually pleasing experience. This is where the VA panel technology in the Gawfolk 24 Inch Curved 180Hz Gaming Monitor truly shines. The standout feature is its 4000:1 static contrast ratio, which is significantly higher than what you’d find on competing IPS or TN panels in this price bracket. In practice, this means blacks are genuinely deep and inky, not the washed-out grey you often see on budget screens. Playing atmospheric games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, the dark alleys of Night City and the shadowy catacombs of the Lands Between had incredible depth and detail. This high contrast makes the entire image pop.

The 100% sRGB colour gamut coverage ensures that colours are vibrant and accurate for gaming and general media consumption. It’s not a professional-grade display, but the colours felt rich and saturated without being overblown. The 2800R curvature adds a subtle layer of immersion, gently wrapping the image around your peripheral vision. It’s not as pronounced as a 1500R or 1800R curve, making it a comfortable entry point for those new to curved displays. As one satisfied user put it, “I have never had a curved monitor before but I am sold.” The combination of the curve, the bezel-less design, and the high-contrast panel creates a genuinely engaging viewing experience that punches well above its weight. The immersive qualities make this a compelling option, and you can find the best deal on this immersive monitor here.

Build Quality and Design: The Achilles’ Heel

This is where our enthusiasm hits a significant speed bump. While the display panel itself is impressive, the physical construction holding it up is a major letdown. The stand is, to put it mildly, flimsy. It’s made of lightweight plastic and does a poor job of preventing wobble. Every time I adjusted my position or typed with any vigor, the monitor would shake. This lack of stability is distracting and feels cheap, undermining the premium look of the thin-bezel screen.

My experience is directly mirrored by a particularly concerning user review: “Flimsy stand! Monitor fell on my son while he was cleaning the table… screen cracked in the middle.” While this is an extreme case, it highlights the real-world risk of such a poorly designed stand. It simply doesn’t feel secure. Thankfully, Gawfolk included a saving grace: 75x75mm VESA mounting compatibility. My strong recommendation for anyone considering this monitor is to budget an extra £20-30 for a third-party monitor arm or stand. Bolting this excellent panel to a sturdy VESA mount completely solves the stability issue and elevates the entire setup, turning its biggest weakness into a non-issue. It’s a necessary extra step, but one that protects your investment and provides a much better day-to-day experience.

Features, Flaws, and Quality Control Roulette

Beyond the core performance, the Gawfolk monitor comes with a few extra features and, unfortunately, a few notable quirks. A handy feature for competitive gamers, mentioned by several users, is the built-in crosshair overlay. This can give you a persistent, customizable reticle in games that may not have one, which is a neat competitive advantage. The On-Screen Display (OSD) is controlled by a single joystick-like button on the back, which is functional but can be a bit fiddly to navigate.

A point of confusion among users is the audio situation. The monitor has a 3.5mm audio-out port, but to be perfectly clear: it does not have built-in speakers. Several reviews mention trying and failing to get sound, which is because the port is for connecting headphones or external speakers, passing through the audio signal from your HDMI or DisplayPort cable. More concerning is the apparent lottery of quality control. We saw numerous reports of users receiving units with defects straight out of the box, ranging from a “small mark on the screen” that wouldn’t wipe off to more severe issues like “a noticeable defect in the upper-right corner,” dead pixels, or blue lines appearing. Some even reported the monitor failing completely after a few weeks. While our review unit was flawless, this pattern suggests that quality assurance might be inconsistent. This is a common risk with lesser-known, budget-focused brands and something potential buyers must be prepared for.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the user sentiment for the Gawfolk 24 Inch Curved 180Hz Gaming Monitor is a tale of two extremes, largely defined by value versus quality control. On the positive side, many users are thrilled with the performance they get for the price. One happy gamer notes, “For the price it’s amazing… Quality is amazing. I may have to buy another.” Another states it’s a “hidden gem” and perfect for console players, praising its ability to hit “120fps on most games.” The built-in crosshair feature is also frequently cited as a welcome bonus for competitive play.

However, the negative feedback is consistent and points to two major areas of concern: build quality and panel lottery. The most alarming feedback centres on the stand, with one user calling it “not well made” after it fell and broke. This sentiment is the monitor’s single biggest physical flaw. The second major issue is quality control. We saw multiple reports of monitors arriving with defects, from dead pixels and permanent marks to blue lines and complete screen failure after a few weeks. As one disappointed buyer wrote, “For the price I paid, I expected a flawless monitor… It’s truly upsetting and frustrating to encounter such an obvious issue right out of the box.” This feedback underscores that while you can get an excellent panel for your money, there’s a tangible risk of receiving a faulty unit.

How Does the Gawfolk 24 Inch Curved 180Hz Gaming Monitor Compare to the Competition?

The budget gaming monitor space is fiercely competitive. While the Gawfolk offers a compelling feature set, it’s crucial to see how it stacks up against some of the top alternatives from more established and similarly-priced brands.

1. AOC 24G15N 24 Inch 180Hz Gaming Monitor

The AOC 24G15N is perhaps the Gawfolk’s most direct competitor. It matches the key specifications almost perfectly: a 24-inch 1080p VA panel, a 180Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and Adaptive Sync. The main difference is that the AOC is a flat-screen monitor. This makes the choice a matter of personal preference. If you’re not sold on the immersive curve or plan a multi-monitor setup where flat screens can be easier to align, the AOC is an excellent alternative from a more well-known and reputable brand in the gaming space. It also boasts HDR10 support, which the Gawfolk lacks, potentially offering a slightly better visual experience in compatible content.

2. Minifire MFG24C1 24 Inch 180Hz Curved Gaming Monitor

The Minifire MFG24C1 is another curved competitor that goes head-to-head with the Gawfolk. It shares the 24-inch, 180Hz, 1ms, 1080p specs but offers a few key upgrades. It features a more aggressive 1500R curve for enhanced immersion and boasts a slightly higher brightness at 300cd/m². Most importantly, it includes built-in speakers. While monitor speakers are rarely high-fidelity, they are incredibly convenient for casual use or if you don’t want to wear a headset all the time, resolving a common point of confusion with the Gawfolk. If you want the curve and high refresh rate but absolutely need integrated audio, the Minifire is the better choice.

3. LG 27MR400-B 27″ Full HD 1080p 100Hz IPS Monitor

The LG 27MR400-B offers a different proposition entirely. It trades raw speed for panel technology and size. It uses an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel, which is known for superior colour accuracy and wider viewing angles compared to VA panels, though often with lower contrast ratios. Its refresh rate is lower at 100Hz, and the response time is slower at 5ms. This monitor is not for the hardcore competitive FPS player. However, for someone who plays slower-paced, visually rich games (like RPGs and strategy titles) and also uses their monitor for work or watching movies, the larger 27-inch screen and superior colour reproduction of the IPS panel might be a more appealing all-around package.

Final Verdict: A High-Reward, Medium-Risk Budget Champion

After extensive testing, the Gawfolk 24 Inch Curved 180Hz Gaming Monitor emerges as a genuinely impressive, if flawed, contender in the budget gaming arena. Its core offering is exceptional: the 180Hz refresh rate delivers incredibly smooth gameplay, and the high-contrast VA panel produces a vibrant, immersive picture that makes games look fantastic. For gamers on a tight budget, especially those upgrading from an old 60Hz screen, the performance leap is simply astonishing for the price.

However, this value comes with significant caveats. The flimsy, wobbly stand is its most glaring weakness, and we strongly advise factoring in the cost of a VESA mount for a stable and secure setup. Furthermore, the recurring reports of quality control issues mean that buying one is a bit of a gamble. You could receive a perfect panel, or you could be faced with dead pixels or defects. If you get a good unit and mount it on a proper stand, you are getting performance that rivals monitors costing £50-£100 more. It’s an ideal choice for the budget-conscious PC builder or console gamer who is willing to overlook the build quality compromises and potentially navigate a return in exchange for top-tier gaming specs.

If you’ve decided the Gawfolk 24 Inch Curved 180Hz Gaming Monitor is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.