Buying Guide
The Best 1440p 144Hz Gaming Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the 27G61ZB has the highest refresh rate, and the ARZOPA Z3FC costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
144Hz is the line where motion starts to look noticeably smoother for this kind of setup. Every monitor here refreshes at 144Hz 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; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and where a maker leaves out panel, we say so.
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)
FreeSync Adaptive Sync
Dell G2725D
A freeSync.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync.
Also Consider
Dell 27 Plus S2725DSM
Dual 3W speakers.
Best for: Buyers who want dual 3W speakers.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 Plus S2725DSM (opens in a new tab)
Fast IPS Panel
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A
A fast IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B
The highest refresh rate here (200Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B (opens in a new tab)
| 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) |
| A freeSync. | Buyers who want a freeSync. | Check price for Dell G2725D (opens in a new tab) |
| Dual 3W speakers. | Buyers who want dual 3W speakers. | Check price for Dell 27 Plus S2725DSM (opens in a new tab) |
| A fast IPS panel. | Buyers who want a fast IPS panel. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (200Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B (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 and the VG27AQ3A on refresh rate (180Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 16.1 inches, while the G2725D comes in at 27 inches.
It is the only pick here with a 107% sRGB color gamut; the VG27AQ3A has a 130% sRGB color gamut instead. You also get two USB-C ports and mini HDMI and a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Steam Deck. Worth noting too: 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the G2725D was the next step up.
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)
FreeSync Adaptive Sync2 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 a freeSync.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ARZOPA Z3FC, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Dell doesn't name the panel type. On refresh rate it ties with the ARZOPA Z3FC and the VG27AQ3A at 180Hz. It matches the S2725DSM, the VG27AQ3A and the 27G61ZB on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 99% sRGB color gamut with the 27G61ZB; the VG27AQ3A goes with a 130% sRGB color gamut. It also comes with 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing. Worth noting too: 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. It was priced above the ARZOPA Z3FC and below the S2725DSM at the time of writing.
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
- Costs more than the ARZOPA Z3FC at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
Dell 27 Plus S2725DSM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The S2725DSM is built around dual 3W speakers, with 1440p at 144Hz on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual 3W speakers.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the 27G61ZB offers 200Hz.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. Its 1440p panel runs at 144Hz with a 1500:1 contrast ratio. Dual 3W speakers are built in, and it carries a 4-star TÜV eye-comfort certification for low blue light.
Its 144Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the 27G61ZB leads at 200Hz. It also offers HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. Its price falls between the G2725D and the VG27AQ3A, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Response: 1ms
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- Dual 3W speakers
- 1440p at 144Hz
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the 27G61ZB (200Hz)
- Costs more than the ARZOPA Z3FC at the time of writing
Fast IPS Panel4 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG27AQ3A pairs 1440p at 180Hz with wide colour coverage and speakers.
Best for
- Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ARZOPA Z3FC cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It suits a desk used for games and video alike. The 27-inch 1440p panel refreshes at 180Hz. ELMB Sync runs motion-blur reduction and variable refresh together, and it supports FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC Compatible modes.
On refresh rate it ties with the ARZOPA Z3FC and the G2725D at 180Hz. It matches the G2725D, the S2725DSM and the 27G61ZB on screen size (27 inches). You get a 130% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the G2725D and its a 99% sRGB color gamut.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was priced above the S2725DSM and below the 27G61ZB at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 1ms
- Color gamut: 130% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 130% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the ARZOPA Z3FC at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh5 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's 27G61ZB is a 27-inch 1440p IPS screen at 200Hz on a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
That full stand is rare at about $200. Its 200Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the ARZOPA Z3FC comes next at 180Hz. It matches the G2725D, the S2725DSM and the VG27AQ3A on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 99% sRGB color gamut with the G2725D; the VG27AQ3A goes with a 130% sRGB color gamut. You also get narrow bezels. It also brings 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen.
Worth noting too: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. It makes the most sense for esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates, since it offers the highest refresh rate here (200Hz). At our last price check it topped the group, with the VG27AQ3A the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR10
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Costs more than the ARZOPA Z3FC at the time of writing
How We Chose These 1440p 144Hz Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the ARZOPA Z3FC to the 27G61ZB, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ARZOPA Z3FC, the G2725D and the S2725DSM give no panel; the ARZOPA Z3FC and the G2725D give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ARZOPA Z3FC ($100 to $150) to the 27G61ZB ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a 1440p 144Hz 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 144Hz on the S2725DSM to 200Hz on the 27G61ZB. The ARZOPA Z3FC comes second for less money.
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 S2725DSM: 1440p at 144Hz. The VG27AQ3A: built-in speakers. The 27G61ZB: 1440p at 200Hz.
How much to spend
$100 to $150 buys the ARZOPA Z3FC and the G2725D; $150 to $250 buys the S2725DSM, the VG27AQ3A and the 27G61ZB at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Keeping the budget tight: the ARZOPA Z3FC. Buyers who want a freeSync: the G2725D. Buyers who want a fast IPS panel: the VG27AQ3A.
How to Choose a 1440p 144Hz Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | ARZOPA Z3FC | Undercutting the G2725D on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want a freeSync | G2725D | A freeSync |
| Buyers who want dual 3W speakers | S2725DSM | Dual 3W speakers |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | VG27AQ3A | A fast IPS panel |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | 27G61ZB | The highest refresh rate here (200Hz) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The 27G61ZB leads on refresh rate at 200Hz, ahead of the ARZOPA Z3FC at 180Hz. "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 |
| S2725DSM | 144Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| VG27AQ3A | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| 27G61ZB | 200Hz | 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 27G61ZB the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | ARZOPA Z3FC, G2725D |
| About $150 to $250 | S2725DSM, VG27AQ3A, 27G61ZB |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the 27G61ZB or the ARZOPA Z3FC?
The 27G61ZB leads at 200Hz, with the ARZOPA Z3FC at 180Hz. The S2725DSM is at the other end of this group with 144Hz.
What does the 27G61ZB add over the ARZOPA Z3FC?
On paper it adds refresh rate (200Hz 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 27G61ZB our Fastest Refresh pick?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (200Hz). It suits esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the VG27AQ3A and the 27G61ZB differ on panel?
The VG27AQ3A uses Fast IPS; the 27G61ZB uses IPS. The makers of the ARZOPA Z3FC, the G2725D and the S2725DSM 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 S2725DSM: dual 3W speakers.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ARZOPA Z3FC, chosen for undercutting the G2725D on price when we checked. Look at the G2725D for a freeSync, the S2725DSM for dual 3W speakers and the VG27AQ3A for a fast IPS panel if those matter more to you.
Use the cable in the box; older cables can cap the refresh rate.