If you want better premium feel
Choose Dell Alienware AW2523HF. It scores 5.0 vs 2.0 for premium feel, with a 3.9 overall score.
Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx Monitor Review
Bottom Line
Quick 165Hz response, very low lag, and accurate SDR color make this an appealing budget PC gaming monitor. Weak HDR, grayish blacks, and limited desk space keep it from being an all-purpose display.
Budget-conscious PC gamers who want smooth competitive or SDR gaming, plus people sharing a compact screen for local co-op.
HDR enthusiasts, dark-room movie watchers, and people needing a large multiwindow workspace or strong built-in audio.
Verdict
The Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx delivers the essentials of fast budget PC gaming unusually well. Its 165Hz refresh rate, rapid pixel response, very low input lag, and FreeSync/G-SYNC compatibility make action feel smooth and immediate. Accurate sRGB color and wide IPS viewing angles add versatility, while the highly adjustable stand makes it easy to position or share the display. The tradeoffs become apparent in darker scenes and productivity work. Low native contrast, occasional backlight bleed, narrow HDR gamut, and dim HDR highlights prevent a convincing cinematic image. The 23.8-inch 1080p screen is also tight for substantial multitasking, and weak speakers and missing USB ports make it a basic workstation companion. At a good sale price, its gaming fundamentals are excellent; closer to full retail, shoppers should compare competing monitors with stronger value or a bigger workspace.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
63 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.016 (25%)
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Positive 3.5-4.420 (32%)
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Neutral 2.5-3.49 (14%)
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Negative 1.5-2.413 (21%)
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Very negative below 1.55 (8%)
Pros highlights
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FreeSync and G-SYNC compatibility reduce tearing and offer welcome flexibility when choosing an AMD or NVIDIA graphics card.
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Rapid pixel transitions, exceptionally low lag, and FreeSync/G-SYNC support make PC gaming the monitor’s strongest use.
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The consensus is favorable for value-oriented gaming, with compromises concentrated in HDR, dark scenes, speakers, and convenience features.
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The 165Hz panel, sharp motion, and minimal input delay deliver the speed expected for competitive PC games.
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Short pixel transitions keep moving objects clear and make the monitor especially convincing for fast gaming.
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The 165Hz maximum refresh rate is repeatedly praised for fluid, highly responsive gaming, with some configurations using overclocking.
Cons highlights
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This is not an impactful HDR display: poor wide-gamut coverage, insufficient highlight brightness, and weak contrast curb the effect.
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Native IPS contrast is one of the clearest weaknesses; dim scenes look washed out instead of deeply shaded.
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Dark blacks often appear gray because of weak IPS contrast and sometimes uneven backlighting.
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There are no USB ports or built-in hub, which removes a useful cable and peripheral convenience.
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Standard sRGB coverage is respectable, but the limited DCI-P3 and Rec. 2020 range seriously hurts HDR color.
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Basic 1080p HDMI use is convenient, but the inability to accept PS5 1440p and HDMI Forum VRR limits newer console features.
Use Cases
Best for
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Its quick 1080p gaming performance is compelling at a discounted price. At higher asking prices, competing 144Hz models narrow the value gap.
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The unusually wide viewing angles make it easier for two nearby players to see a consistent picture, while generous stand movement helps position the screen.
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Accurate sRGB color, balanced imagery, and fast motion make standard dynamic range gaming a standout strength.
Not ideal for
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HDR gamingLimited gamut, mediocre contrast, and weak highlight punch make this a poor pick for gamers who prioritize HDR effects.
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Dark-room viewingGrayish blacks, weak native contrast, and visible clouding mean dark games and movies lose much of their intended depth.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Monitors, this product is above average in GPU demands, competitive gaming suitability, Backlight strobing, near average in input lag, Gaming feature selection, below average in backlight bleed control, HDMI 2.1 support, contrast.
Comparison summary
61 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher16 (26%)
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Same as average within 0.3 pts14 (23%)
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Below average 0.4+ pts lower31 (51%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| backlight bleed control | 1.0 | 4.2 | -3.2 |
| HDMI 2.1 support | 1.0 | 3.9 | -2.9 |
| contrast | 1.5 | 4.1 | -2.6 |
| USB hub functionality | 1.3 | 3.6 | -2.3 |
| black levels | 1.8 | 3.9 | -2.2 |
| premium feel | 2.0 | 4.2 | -2.2 |
| productivity versatility | 2.0 | 4.2 | -2.2 |
| HDR performance | 1.3 | 3.3 | -2.0 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better HDMI 2.1 support
Choose LG 27GR83Q-B. It scores 4.9 vs 1.0 for HDMI 2.1 support, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better backlight bleed control
Choose ASUS ProArt Display PA34VCNV. It scores 5.0 vs 1.0 for backlight bleed control, with a 3.9 overall score.
If you want better productivity versatility
Choose Dell S2725QS. It scores 4.8 vs 2.0 for productivity versatility, with a 3.8 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
Acer Nitro VG271 Pbmiipx
- Worse: gaming response and viewing angles The Acer XF243Y is quicker and more adjustable, although the VG271 is brighter and offers PiP/PbP.
Acer Nitro XF252Q Xbmiiprzx
- Similar: built-in speaker convenience Both Acer models provide integrated speakers for quick audio setup.
Acer Nitro XV252Q Fbmiiprx
- Better: color depth and HDR suitability The XF243Y’s 6-bit-plus-FRC panel was judged weaker for HDR than the XV252Q model.
FAQ
Is the Acer Nitro XF243Y good for competitive gaming?
Yes. The 165Hz refresh rate, fast response time, minimal lag, and clean motion make it especially well suited to fast PC games.
Does it work with FreeSync and G-SYNC?
It supports AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible operation; G-SYNC compatibility requires a DisplayPort connection.
Is HDR worth using on this monitor?
Not if HDR impact matters. Narrow wide-color coverage, low contrast, and insufficient highlight brightness make HDR only a minor change from SDR.
Will it be comfortable in a dark room?
Dark-room use is a weak point: blacks look gray, and some units show clouding or backlight bleed.
Can I use it with a PS5 or other consoles?
The HDMI inputs support basic console use, but testing found it does not accept PS5 1440p signals or the PS5 HDMI Forum VRR mode.
Is the stand adjustable?
Yes. Multiple reviewers praise its flexible height and angle adjustments, with easy rotation; a VESA arm can help reclaim desk space.
Does it have good speakers and USB ports?
The built-in speakers are weak and bass-light, and the monitor has no USB hub or USB ports.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - RTINGS Home Theater
- Review score
- 3.8
Article Reviews
motherboardfor.com
Acer's Nitro XF243Y stands out with its 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, making it a solid choice for competitive gamers. The Full...
- Review score
- 4.3
sypnotix.com
I found the Acer Nitro 23 inch monitor on Slickdeals for $149 which was more than $50 off its MSRP. This is a product often on sale and I see...
- Review score
- 3.6
monitornerds.com
BEST Gaming Monitors, 4K monitors, AND 144HZ MONITORS
- Review score
- 3.5
rtings.com
The Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx is an excellent budget gaming monitor. It delivers amazingly smooth and responsive gameplay due to its low...
- Review score
- 3.4
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