Buying Guide
The Best 1440p 120Hz Gaming Monitors
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size; the ARZOPA Z3FC is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
120Hz is the line where motion starts to look noticeably smoother for this kind of setup. Every monitor here refreshes at 120Hz or more, is 1440p and refreshes at 120Hz or more, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these monitors on refresh rate, resolution and size using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out panel, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable
Undercutting the G2725D on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Dell G2725D
1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who want 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing.
Strong Alternative
AOC Q27G41ZE
An overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Best for: Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Worth a Look
CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White)
HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs.
Best for: Buyers who want HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs.
Our take Check price for CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White) (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
KTC H27T22C-3
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with built-in speakers.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the G2725D on price when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable (opens in a new tab) |
| 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing. | Buyers who want 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing. | Check price for Dell G2725D (opens in a new tab) |
| An overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate. | Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate. | Check price for AOC Q27G41ZE (opens in a new tab) |
| HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. | Buyers who want HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. | Check price for CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White) (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with built-in speakers. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for KTC H27T22C-3 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ARZOPA's Z3FC raises a 16.1-inch portable to 2560x1440 at 180Hz with 400 nits of listed brightness.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the G2725D offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It is the sharpest and fastest portable here. It matches the G2725D on refresh rate (180Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 16.1 inches, while the G2725D comes in at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a 107% sRGB color gamut; compare the G2725D, which has a 99% sRGB color gamut. You also get two USB-C ports and mini HDMI and a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Steam Deck. It also brings 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. It undercut the G2725D and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 16.1 inches
- Color gamut: 107% sRGB
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 107% sRGB colour coverage
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- Screen size trails the G2725D (27 inches)
Also Consider2 of 5
Dell G2725D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G2725D offers 1440p at 180Hz with 99% sRGB at a very low price.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the Q27G41ZE offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
Dell doesn't name the panel type. On refresh rate it ties with the ARZOPA Z3FC at 180Hz. It matches the Q27G41ZE, the CRUA 27 QHD and the H27T22C on screen size (27 inches).
A 99% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the H27T22C uses a 131% sRGB color gamut. Like the CRUA 27 QHD, it has a FreeSync, while the Q27G41ZE uses a G-SYNC Compatible. You also get 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing.
When we checked, only the ARZOPA Z3FC cost less, and the Q27G41ZE cost more. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the Q27G41ZE covers it better at 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the Q27G41ZE (240Hz)
- Costs more than the ARZOPA Z3FC at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
AOC Q27G41ZE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Q27G41ZE runs 1440p at 240Hz natively, with an overclocked 260Hz mode, on an IPS panel.
Best for
- Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ARZOPA Z3FC cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is rare to see that combination at this price. It matches the CRUA 27 QHD on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the G2725D, the CRUA 27 QHD and the H27T22C at 27 inches.
You get a G-SYNC Compatible here, which sets it apart from the CRUA 27 QHD and its a FreeSync. It also comes with DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper G2725D and the pricier CRUA 27 QHD, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the ARZOPA Z3FC at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
CRUA's 27-inch QHD monitor reaches 240Hz on an IPS panel at a budget price at the time of writing.
Best for
- Buyers who want HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ARZOPA Z3FC, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also adds 120% sRGB coverage, built-in speakers and a white finish for a light-coloured desk. On refresh rate it ties with the Q27G41ZE at 240Hz. It matches the G2725D, the Q27G41ZE and the H27T22C on screen size (27 inches).
You get a 120% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the ARZOPA Z3FC and its a 107% sRGB color gamut. Like the G2725D, it has a FreeSync, while the Q27G41ZE uses a G-SYNC Compatible. It also comes with HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs and a white finish with 75x75mm VESA mounting.
To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. It was priced above the Q27G41ZE and below the H27T22C at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 120% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 120% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the ARZOPA Z3FC at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
KTC H27T22C-3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The KTC H27T22C brings 1440p at 220Hz to a budget price with HDR 400 and speakers.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ARZOPA Z3FC, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the value way to a sharp, fast screen. Its 220Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the Q27G41ZE (240Hz) and ahead of the G2725D (180Hz). On screen size it ties with the G2725D, the Q27G41ZE and the CRUA 27 QHD at 27 inches.
It is the only pick here with a 131% sRGB color gamut; the G2725D has a 99% sRGB color gamut instead. It also comes with DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the CRUA 27 QHD.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 220Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR 400
- Color gamut: 131% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync, G-SYNC
Pros
- 220Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 131% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the ARZOPA Z3FC at the time of writing
How We Chose These 1440p 120Hz Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the ARZOPA Z3FC to the H27T22C, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ARZOPA Z3FC and the G2725D give no panel; the ARZOPA Z3FC, the G2725D and the CRUA 27 QHD give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ARZOPA Z3FC ($100 to $150) to the H27T22C ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a 1440p 120Hz Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 180Hz on the G2725D to 240Hz on the Q27G41ZE. Start with the Q27G41ZE if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 16.1 inches on the ARZOPA Z3FC to 27 inches on the G2725D. The G2725D is the pick for screen size.
Extras that separate them
The G2725D: 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing. The Q27G41ZE: DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. The CRUA 27 QHD: built-in speakers.
Budget
$100 to $150 buys the ARZOPA Z3FC and the G2725D; $150 to $250 buys the Q27G41ZE, the CRUA 27 QHD and the H27T22C at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Keeping the budget tight: the ARZOPA Z3FC. Buyers who want the most complete package: the H27T22C.
How to Choose a 1440p 120Hz Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | ARZOPA Z3FC | Undercutting the G2725D on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing | G2725D | 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate | Q27G41ZE | An overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate |
| Buyers who want HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs | CRUA 27 QHD | HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | H27T22C | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with built-in speakers |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Q27G41ZE leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the CRUA 27 QHD at 240Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARZOPA Z3FC | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 16.1 inches | Not listed |
| G2725D | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| Q27G41ZE | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| CRUA 27 QHD | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| H27T22C | 220Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The ARZOPA Z3FC was the lowest-priced pick and the H27T22C the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | ARZOPA Z3FC, G2725D |
| About $150 to $250 | Q27G41ZE, CRUA 27 QHD, H27T22C |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the H27T22C add over the ARZOPA Z3FC?
On paper it adds refresh rate (220Hz against 180Hz) and screen size (27 inches against 16.1 inches). The ARZOPA Z3FC was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the H27T22C our Premium Pick pick?
It earns the label for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with built-in speakers. It suits anyone who wants the most complete package.
Do the Q27G41ZE and the H27T22C differ on response?
The Q27G41ZE uses 0.3ms; the H27T22C uses 1ms. The makers of the ARZOPA Z3FC, the G2725D and the CRUA 27 QHD don't say.
What extras do the ARZOPA Z3FC and the G2725D include?
The ARZOPA Z3FC: 400 nits brightness. The G2725D: 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing. The Q27G41ZE: an overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Who should choose the ARZOPA Z3FC?
The ARZOPA Z3FC carries our Lowest Price Here label for undercutting the G2725D on price when we checked. It ranks first of 5 here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ARZOPA Z3FC, chosen for undercutting the G2725D on price when we checked. Look at the G2725D for 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing, the Q27G41ZE for an overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate and the CRUA 27 QHD for HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs if those matter more to you.
Set the refresh rate in Windows display settings; many screens start at 60Hz.