AOC has unveiled the GAMING 25G4ZR, a new 24.5-inch monitor featuring an overclocked refresh rate of 260 Hz (240 Hz native) and a Fast-IPS panel. The highlight: This e-sports-oriented model—which has traditionally been in the higher price range—is set to be available starting in July 2026 for a suggested retail price of 159 euros. With this release, AOC closes the final gap in its G4 series, which now ranges from 260 to 420 Hz.
TL;DR
- Size: 24.5 inches (62.2 cm), Full HD (1920 x 1080), Fast IPS
- Performance: 260 Hz overclocked (240 Hz native), 1 ms GtG, 0.3 ms MPRT
- Features: Adaptive Sync, Low Input Lag, Flicker-Free, Low Blue Light
- Price: 159 euros MSRP (149 CHF), launch in July 2026
24.5 Inches: Why Esports Pros Swear by This Size
There’s a reason why many pro gamers playing CS2, Valorant, or Rainbow Six Siege don’t opt for 27-inch monitors, even though they actually offer more screen real estate: 24.5 inches is considered the sweet spot in the scene. The screen size is sufficient to keep the entire gameplay scene in view from a short distance without having to constantly turn your head during fast-paced action. Anyone who’s ever played on a large curved monitor knows the problem: you quickly lose track of what’s happening at the edges of the screen.
AOC has so far primarily featured the 24.5-inch format in its more expensive series. With the 25G4ZR, this size is now making its way into the more affordable G4 series. “The 25G4ZR is the ideal entry-level model: the right size and true speed, without the high price tag,” says César Acosta, Senior Gaming Product Manager at AGON by AOC.
Technical Specifications of the AOC GAMING 25G4ZR
At the heart of the monitor is the Fast-IPS panel, which runs natively at 240 Hz and can be overclocked to 260 Hz via the OSD. The MPRT response time is 0.3 ms, and the GtG response time is up to 1 ms. According to the manufacturer’s manual, the monitor also supports MBR Sync—the simultaneous use of Adaptive Sync and backlight strobing for further reduced motion blur—even though AOC does not mention this feature in the press release itself.
In terms of color coverage, the 25G4ZR falls within the typical range for Fast-IPS panels: 121 percent sRGB and 92 percent DCI-P3 at 8-bit color depth. Brightness is 300 cd/m², and the contrast ratio is 1000:1. It carries an official HDR10 certification, but given these specifications, this should be understood more as a compatibility feature than as a true HDR experience. AOC lists the power consumption at around 18 watts.
| Specifications | AOC GAMING 25G4ZR |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 24.5 inches (62.2 cm) |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Panel | Fast IPS |
| Refresh rate | 240 Hz native, 260 Hz overclocked |
| Response time | 1 ms GtG, 0.3 ms MPRT |
| Color gamut | 121% sRGB, 92% DCI-P3, 8-bit |
| Brightness / Contrast | 300 cd/m² / 1000:1 |
| Sync technology | Adaptive Sync, MBR Sync |
| Ports | 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, headphone jack |
| Ergonomics | 130 mm height adjustment, tilt, swivel, pivot, VESA 100×100 |
| Power consumption | approx. 18 watts |
| Price (MSRP) | 159 euros / 149 CHF |
| Availability | Starting in July 2026 |
Features for Long Gaming Sessions
The stand can be adjusted 130 mm in height, tilted, swiveled, and—thanks to the pivot function—rotated to a vertical position. Those who prefer to use a monitor arm can take advantage of the VESA mount (100 x 100 mm). In terms of ports, AOC sticks with the familiar setup of the G4 series: two HDMI 2.0 and one DisplayPort 1.4 input, as well as a headphone output. Anyone planning to use the 25G4ZR with a modern console should keep this in mind—it does not support HDMI 2.1.
For competitive gaming, there’s a Low Input Lag mode that skips unnecessary processing steps to reduce input lag. Flicker-Free technology and a Low Blue Light mode are also designed to protect your eyes during sessions lasting several hours. AOC does not currently list official Nvidia G-Sync certification for the 25G4ZR, but Adaptive Sync for FreeSync-compatible graphics cards works as usual.
Position within the AOC G4 Series
The 25G4ZR isn’t the first 24.5-inch option in AOC’s lineup. Those looking for more speed will find the 25G4SXU from the G4 series, a model with up to 310 Hz—though it comes at a higher price. Those who prefer a slightly more relaxed and affordable option will likely find what they’re looking for in the G42 series with 180 Hz, which AOC also offers. The 25G4ZR is positioned right between these two extremes in terms of price and performance, making it particularly appealing for those upgrading from 144-Hz monitors.
If you’re generally on the hunt for a new monitor and not just eyeing this specific model, it’s also worth checking out our monitor buying guide with the latest recommendations.
Price and Availability
The AOC GAMING 25G4ZR is expected to be available starting in July 2026 for a suggested retail price of 159 euros. As of this writing, the monitor isn’t yet listed by German retailers, but given the pricing history of previous G4 models, a price drop below the MSRP is quite likely once the monitor has been on the market for a while.
FAQs about the AOC GAMING 25G4ZR
How much does the AOC GAMING 25G4ZR cost?
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is 159 euros or 149 Swiss francs.
When will the AOC GAMING 25G4ZR be available for purchase?
AOC plans to launch it in July 2026.
Does the AOC GAMING 25G4ZR support G-Sync?
AOC has not yet listed official Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. Adaptive Sync for FreeSync graphics cards is supported.
What’s the difference between 240 Hz and 260 Hz on the 25G4ZR?
240 Hz is the native refresh rate that the monitor delivers out of the box. You can only reach 260 Hz by manually enabling overclocking mode in the OSD.
Conclusion
With the GAMING 25G4ZR, AOC is making a feature accessible that was long found almost exclusively in more expensive series. 260 Hz, a Fast-IPS panel, and decent ergonomics for 159 euros make for a strong package on paper, especially for those upgrading from 144-Hz monitors. However, only a detailed review—once the first units become available—will reveal whether the picture quality and build quality live up to the price.
