Buying Guide
The Best 120Hz OLED 4K Monitors
Four monitors compared, from the AW2725Q to the MPG 321URXW, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
A 120Hz panel only pays off when your GPU can hold frame rates near that figure. Every monitor here refreshes at 120Hz or more, is 4K and uses an OLED panel, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by refresh rate, resolution and size, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips HDR, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
GIGABYTE MO27U2
A 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K.
Best for: Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE MO27U2 (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED
The largest screen size here (32 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED
Up to 1000 nits peak brightness at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K. | Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K. | Check price for GIGABYTE MO27U2 (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (32 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| Up to 1000 nits peak brightness at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2725Q is a 26.7-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with USB-C and a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It has one of the most adjustable stands among the OLED models here. On refresh rate it ties with the MO27U2 and the MPG 321URXW at 240Hz. Its 26.7 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the MAG 321UP leads at 32 inches.
You also get Dolby Vision support, 166 PPI at 4K and USB-C with 15W power delivery. Reaching 240Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the MO27U2 was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 26.7 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Screen size trails the MAG 321UP (32 inches)
Also Consider2 of 4
GIGABYTE MO27U2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MO27U2 uses a QD-OLED panel at 4K and 240Hz, the fastest here, with 99% DCI-P3.
Best for
- Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
It needs a top-end card to use it fully. On refresh rate it ties with the AW2725Q and the MPG 321URXW at 240Hz. Its 27 inches screen size ranks third of 4 here, behind the MAG 321UP (32 inches) and ahead of the AW2725Q (26.7 inches).
Reaching 240Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. It was priced above the AW2725Q and below the MAG 321UP at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the AW2725Q at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size3 of 4
MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MSI MAG 321UP is a 32-inch QD-OLED that stops at 165Hz, which keeps its price below the 240Hz models.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
Its HDMI 2.1 port carries full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz from a console or PC. On refresh rate it trails the group at 165Hz, while the AW2725Q offers 240Hz. Nothing else here matches its 32 inches screen size; the MPG 321URXW comes closest at 31.5 inches.
It also offers an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. Reaching 165Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk.
It was priced above the MO27U2 and below the MPG 321URXW at the time of writing. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate trails the AW2725Q (240Hz)
- Costs more than the AW2725Q at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 4
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG 321URXW is a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the 32-inch step up from the 272URX. It matches the AW2725Q and the MO27U2 on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 31.5 inches: the MAG 321UP comes in at 32 inches, and the AW2725Q comes in at 26.7 inches.
It also offers up to 1000 nits peak brightness, a white finish and an HDMI 2.1 input. Reaching 240Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MAG 321UP.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the AW2725Q at the time of writing
How We Chose These 120Hz OLED 4K Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up four monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the AW2725Q to the MPG 321URXW, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution and QD-OLED panel.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MO27U2 and the MAG 321UP give no HDR; the MAG 321UP gives no color gamut.
- Price range
- From the AW2725Q to the MPG 321URXW, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a 120Hz OLED 4K Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 165Hz on the MAG 321UP to 240Hz on the AW2725Q. The AW2725Q is the pick for refresh rate.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 26.7 inches on the AW2725Q to 32 inches on the MAG 321UP. Start with the MAG 321UP if screen size decides it.
Features beyond the spec table
The MO27U2: a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K. The MAG 321UP: a console mode. The MPG 321URXW: a white finish.
How much to spend
All 4 sat in one tier when we checked, from the AW2725Q at the low end to the MPG 321URXW at the top, so decide on features first.
Match the pick to your priority
Keeping the budget tight: the AW2725Q. Buyers who put screen size first: the MAG 321UP. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor: the MPG 321URXW.
How to Choose a 120Hz OLED 4K Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | AW2725Q | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K | MO27U2 | A 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K |
| Buyers who put screen size first | MAG 321UP | The largest screen size here (32 inches) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | MPG 321URXW | Up to 1000 nits peak brightness at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2725Q leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the MO27U2 at 240Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2725Q | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| MO27U2 | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| MAG 321UP | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 321URXW | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MAG 321UP ahead of the MPG 321URXW on screen size?
The MAG 321UP leads at 32 inches, with the MPG 321URXW at 31.5 inches. The AW2725Q is at the other end of this group with 26.7 inches.
Is the MPG 321URXW worth paying more than the AW2725Q?
On paper it adds screen size (31.5 inches against 26.7 inches). The AW2725Q was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the MAG 321UP the Largest Screen Size?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (32 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Beyond the specs, what sets the AW2725Q and the MO27U2 apart?
The AW2725Q: Dolby Vision support. The MO27U2: a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K. The MAG 321UP: an HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz.
Should I pick the AW2725Q or the MPG 321URXW?
The AW2725Q suits keeping the budget tight; the MPG 321URXW suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2725Q, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the MO27U2 for a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K, the MAG 321UP for the largest screen size here (32 inches) and the MPG 321URXW for up to 1000 nits peak brightness at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Check that your GPU has the port the monitor needs for its full refresh rate.