KOORUI 24N5CA 24-Inch 100Hz Curved Gaming Monitor Review: The Budget Curve That Punches Above Its Weight?

There comes a point in every PC user’s journey—whether you’re a budding gamer, a work-from-home professional, or a student burning the midnight oil—where you look at your standard, flat, 60Hz monitor and think, “There has to be something better.” For years, I was in that exact boat. I cobbled together my setup piece by piece, always prioritizing the internal components over the screen I spent hours staring at. The world of high-refresh-rate, curved gaming monitors seemed like a luxury reserved for those with deep pockets. The problem was clear: my standard monitor was functional, but it lacked the smoothness for fluid gameplay and the immersion needed to truly lose myself in a digital world or focus deeply on a sprawling spreadsheet. The market is flooded with options, but finding one that delivers premium features without the premium price tag feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.

What to Consider Before Buying a Curved Gaming Monitor

A monitor is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for enhancing your entire computing experience. It’s your window into digital worlds, the canvas for your work, and the portal for your entertainment. The right monitor can reduce eye strain, improve your in-game reaction time, and make productivity tasks feel less like a chore. For this category, we’re looking at the intersection of price and performance. The main benefits of a monitor like the KOORUI 24N5CA 24-Inch 100Hz Curved Gaming Monitor are the introduction of features like a 100Hz refresh rate for smoother motion and a 1500R curve for enhanced immersion, all at a price point that doesn’t feel prohibitive. It’s about getting a tangible upgrade without having to justify a top-tier expenditure.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of an older, 60Hz display. This includes budget-conscious gamers wanting a competitive edge, students needing a versatile screen for both studies and entertainment, and home office workers looking for a more comfortable and engaging display. It’s for the user who understands that 144Hz might be overkill for their needs but knows that 60Hz is holding them back. Conversely, this monitor might not be suitable for those who are professional graphic designers or video editors needing flawless color accuracy and higher resolutions like 4K. It’s also not for the hardcore esports competitor who demands 240Hz+ refresh rates and near-instantaneous response times. For them, a higher-end, specialized monitor would be a more appropriate investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Panel Type & Curvature: The KOORUI 24N5CA 24-Inch 100Hz Curved Gaming Monitor uses a VA (Vertical Alignment) panel known for its excellent contrast ratios, delivering deep blacks. The 1500R curvature is a measure of how pronounced the curve is; 1500R offers a noticeable but comfortable wrap-around effect that enhances immersion without distorting the image, making it great for a primary display.
• Performance Specs (Refresh Rate & Response Time): At 100Hz, this monitor updates the image 100 times per second, a significant step up from the standard 60Hz. This results in visibly smoother motion in games and even when scrolling through web pages. The 5ms response time is adequate for most gaming scenarios, though some ghosting can be inherent to VA panels in very fast-paced scenes.
• Connectivity & Ergonomics: This is a critical area for budget monitors. The KOORUI 24N5CA comes with one HDMI and one VGA port. The absence of a DisplayPort or USB-C limits its versatility with some modern graphics cards and laptops. Furthermore, its stand only offers tilt adjustment, and crucially, it lacks VESA mounting holes, meaning you cannot attach it to a monitor arm.
• Extra Features (Audio & Eye Care): Many budget monitors cut corners, and audio is a common one. This model has no built-in speakers and, more importantly, no audio-out jack. This means audio must be managed from your source device (PC or console). On the plus side, it includes Flicker-Free and blue light reduction technologies, which are essential for reducing eye strain during long sessions.

Keeping these factors in mind, the KOORUI 24N5CA 24-Inch 100Hz Curved Gaming Monitor stands out in several areas, particularly its value proposition. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the KOORUI 24N5CA 24-Inch 100Hz Curved Gaming Monitor is an excellent choice, 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 the KOORUI 24N5CA: First Impressions and Core Features

Pulling the KOORUI 24N5CA 24-Inch 100Hz Curved Gaming Monitor from its straightforward packaging, the first thing we noticed was its surprising lightness. The assembly process was refreshingly simple, requiring no tools; the stand arm clicks securely into the back of the panel, and the base attaches with a built-in thumbscrew. Within two minutes, it was standing on our desk, ready to go. Aesthetically, it looks more premium than its price suggests. The 3-sided micro-edge bezel design gives it a modern, clean look that makes the 23.6-inch screen feel expansive. The 1500R curve is immediately apparent but not overly aggressive—it’s a gentle, inviting arc that promises an immersive experience. The overall build is plastic, as expected, but it feels sturdy enough, with no alarming creaks or flex. It’s a testament to how far budget monitor design has come, easily blending into a minimalist work setup or a vibrant gaming station.

In-Depth Performance Analysis: Gaming, Productivity, and Everyday Use

A monitor’s spec sheet only tells half the story. To truly understand its capabilities, we put the KOORUI 24N5CA 24-Inch 100Hz Curved Gaming Monitor through its paces across a range of applications, from fast-paced gaming to detail-oriented work tasks. We wanted to see if its real-world performance lived up to the promise of its features, especially considering its highly accessible price point.

A Gamer’s Perspective: Is 100Hz the New Sweet Spot?

The jump from 60Hz to 100Hz is immediately noticeable and, in our opinion, one of the most impactful upgrades a casual gamer can make. Firing up titles like *Apex Legends* and *Forza Horizon 5*, the gameplay felt significantly more fluid and responsive. On a 60Hz screen, fast camera pans can create a stuttering effect, but at 100Hz, that motion becomes buttery smooth, making it easier to track targets and react to the on-screen action. This aligns perfectly with feedback from users who called it a “deffo an upgrade from the 60hz.” The monitor also supports Adaptive Sync (FreeSync), which we tested with an AMD graphics card. It worked flawlessly, eliminating the screen tearing that can plague fast-paced games when the frame rate doesn’t perfectly match the refresh rate.

The VA panel is a double-edged sword for gaming. Its standout feature is the 3000:1 static contrast ratio. In darker games like *Alan Wake 2* or exploring the caves of *Elden Ring*, the deep, inky blacks provided a level of depth and atmosphere that budget IPS monitors simply cannot match. Scenes looked rich and cinematic rather than washed out. However, the trade-off with VA technology can be response time. While KOORUI advertises 5ms, we did observe some minor black smearing in the most extreme, high-contrast, fast-moving scenes—a faint trail behind dark objects moving against a light background. For the vast majority of our gameplay, it wasn’t an issue, but highly competitive esports players might notice it. For its intended audience of budget-conscious and casual gamers, the trade-off for superior contrast is well worth it.

The Curved VA Panel: Immersion and Image Quality

The 1500R curvature is central to the identity of the KOORUI 24N5CA 24-Inch 100Hz Curved Gaming Monitor. At the 24-inch size, it creates a subtle but effective cocooning effect. As one user aptly described it, “the screen is wrapping around your face, its I would say, immersive.” This helps to draw you into the game or movie, making your peripheral vision feel more engaged. For productivity, it can make a large spreadsheet or multiple documents feel more manageable by keeping the edges of the screen at a more consistent distance from your eyes, potentially reducing eye strain.

Beyond the curve, the image quality was a pleasant surprise. KOORUI claims 99% sRGB color gamut coverage, and our visual assessment supports this. Out of the box, colours were vibrant and lively, with a “crispy quality” that many users praised. We watched several 1080p movie trailers and were impressed by the punchy, accurate colours and the excellent contrast. The matte screen finish is another huge plus, doing an excellent job of diffusing reflections. We positioned the monitor near a bright window, and while a direct sunbeam would wash out any screen, ambient light and reflections from overhead lights were handled with ease. This was confirmed by one owner who noted it “does a successful job of absorbing direct reflections” in their very bright room. This combination of vibrant color, deep blacks, and effective anti-glare makes the monitor a fantastic all-rounder for media consumption.

Design, Ergonomics, and Connectivity: The Necessary Compromises

To deliver such compelling performance at this price, compromises are inevitable, and they are most apparent in the monitor’s physical design and connectivity options. While the thin-bezel aesthetic is modern and sleek, the stand is basic. It provides a decent range of forward and backward tilt (-5° to +15°), allowing you to find a comfortable vertical viewing angle. However, that’s where the adjustability ends. The lack of height adjustment, swivel, or pivot is a significant ergonomic limitation. Even more critical for many is the complete absence of VESA mounting holes. This means you are locked into using the included stand and cannot attach the monitor to a more flexible desk or wall mount, a feature many users now consider standard.

The port selection is another area of compromise. With just one HDMI 1.4 port and one legacy VGA port, it feels dated. The lack of a DisplayPort is a notable omission, as it’s the preferred connection for many modern gaming PCs to ensure full access to features like Adaptive Sync. The most significant and frequently cited issue in user feedback, however, is the audio situation. The monitor has no built-in speakers and, crucially, no 3.5mm audio-out jack. This caused considerable confusion for many buyers, especially console users. If your source device (like an Xbox or PlayStation) sends audio over HDMI, you have no way to get that sound out of the monitor. You MUST use headphones connected directly to your console’s controller or PC, or have a separate speaker system connected to your source. This is a critical point that potential buyers need to be aware of before purchasing.

Finally, the user interface controls are a minor annoyance but worth mentioning. The control buttons are located on the underside of the bottom bezel and are unmarked. As one user lamented, “I had to work through trial and error to find the on/off button.” Navigating the on-screen display (OSD) to adjust brightness or change picture modes takes some getting used to. It’s a small detail, but it reflects the cost-cutting measures that define this product category. For those who value seamless performance and visuals over physical bells and whistles, these compromises are likely acceptable, especially given the outstanding value offered. If you’ve weighed these factors and are ready to experience the upgrade, you can find the best price on the KOORUI 24N5CA here.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment surrounding the KOORUI 24N5CA 24-Inch 100Hz Curved Gaming Monitor is remarkably positive, with most users acknowledging its incredible value for money. Many echo our findings, with one customer summarizing it as a “quality monitor for such a small price.” The upgrade from 60Hz is a frequent point of praise, as is the image quality, which one buyer described as having “crispy quality and all of the goodness you could really ask for.” The immersive nature of the curve is also a highlight, making it a popular choice for both work and gaming setups.

However, the feedback isn’t without its criticisms, which serve as important considerations. The most common complaint by far, as we discovered in our own testing, is the lack of audio. Numerous users were caught off guard, with one stating, “just remember there’s no built in speakers as I bought without specifying and now suffer from no sound so I use headphones with my xbox.” This is a crucial piece of information. Additionally, while most units appear to be reliable, there are occasional reports of quality control issues. One user reported receiving a monitor with “a blue line going down the monitor” on the first day, highlighting the small risk associated with budget electronics. These negative points, while valid, seem to represent a minority of experiences compared to the widespread satisfaction with the monitor’s performance-to-price ratio.

How the KOORUI 24N5CA Stacks Up: A Competitive Analysis

No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the clearest picture, we’ve compared the KOORUI 24N5CA 24-Inch 100Hz Curved Gaming Monitor against three distinct alternatives that cater to different needs and budgets.

1. EVICIV 15.6″ 1080P Portable Monitor

The EVICIV Portable Monitor represents a completely different use case. While the KOORUI is designed to be the heart of a stationary desk setup, the EVICIV is built for mobility. It’s smaller, lighter, and powered via USB-C, making it the perfect companion for a laptop on the go, a secondary screen for coding or streaming, or a portable display for a Nintendo Switch. Someone would choose the EVICIV over the KOORUI if their primary need is portability and versatility. You sacrifice the larger screen size, the higher 100Hz refresh rate, and the immersive curve of the KOORUI for the ability to have a second display anywhere you go.

2. AOC 27G2ZNE 27 inch 240Hz Full HD Monitor

The AOC 27G2ZNE is a direct step up for the serious, competitive gamer. Its key selling point is the blistering 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, which provides the ultimate in motion clarity and responsiveness for fast-paced shooters and esports titles. It also boasts a larger 27-inch screen and superior connectivity, including DisplayPort. A gamer would choose the AOC if their absolute priority is raw performance and gaining every possible competitive advantage. However, this performance comes at a significantly higher cost, and it uses a flat panel, which some users may prefer but lacks the immersive quality of the KOORUI’s curve.

3. UPERFECT 15.6″ Portable Monitor 1080P IPS

Similar to the EVICIV, the UPERFECT monitor prioritizes portability. Its main distinction is the use of an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel. Compared to the KOORUI’s VA panel, an IPS screen typically offers superior color accuracy and wider viewing angles, though at the cost of contrast ratio—blacks won’t be as deep. A creative professional or someone who frequently shares their screen with others might prefer the UPERFECT for its color consistency. The choice between this and the KOORUI boils down to a fundamental question: do you need a primary, immersive monitor for your desk, or a flexible, color-accurate screen you can take with you?

Final Verdict: Is the KOORUI 24N5CA 24-Inch 100Hz Curved Gaming Monitor Worth Your Money?

After extensive testing and careful consideration, our verdict is a resounding yes. The KOORUI 24N5CA 24-Inch 100Hz Curved Gaming Monitor delivers an astonishing amount of value and is a game-changer in the budget monitor space. It successfully brings formerly premium features—a smooth 100Hz refresh rate and an immersive 1500R curve—down to a price point that is accessible to almost everyone. The vibrant VA panel with its excellent contrast makes both games and movies look fantastic, providing a visual experience that far exceeds its cost.

Of course, it’s not perfect. The necessary compromises in its limited connectivity, lack of VESA mounting, and, most critically, the absence of any audio output are significant and must be considered. However, if you are aware of these limitations and have a separate audio solution (like headphones or speakers), they are acceptable trade-offs for the performance you receive. We recommend this monitor without hesitation to budget PC builders, students, console gamers, and anyone looking to make a meaningful and noticeable upgrade from a standard 60Hz flat screen. It proves that you no longer need to spend a fortune to get a truly enjoyable and immersive display.

If you’ve decided the KOORUI 24N5CA 24-Inch 100Hz Curved Gaming Monitor is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.