Buying Guide
The Best 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
Six 27-inch 1440p monitors from 200Hz to 360Hz, on IPS and QD-OLED panels, compared on the specs their listings state.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
1440p is the resolution most gaming PCs can drive at high frame rates while staying visibly sharper than 1080p at 27 inches. Every monitor here is a 27-inch 2560x1440 screen with a refresh rate and panel type, so the choice comes down to IPS or QD-OLED and how fast a refresh rate your card can feed.
We researched these six from their Amazon listings and prices at the time of writing. We did not test them, and where a listing leaves out a figure such as HDR certification or stand adjustment, we leave it out too.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best IPS Pick
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A
A 300Hz Fast IPS panel with a 3-year warranty.
Best for: Players who want high refresh without OLED burn-in risk.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A (opens in a new tab)
Best OLED Value
AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor
A 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for: Dark-room games and mixed PC and console play.
Our take Check price for AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD)
The highest refresh rate here (360Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD) (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 240Hz
CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White)
240Hz on a 1440p IPS panel at a budget price at the time of writing.
Best for: Fast games on a limited budget.
Our take Check price for CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White) (opens in a new tab)
Best Color on a Budget
KTC H27T22C-3
131% sRGB listed coverage with an HDR 400 label.
Best for: Players who also edit photos or watch films.
Lowest Price Here
MSI MAG 274QF E20
200Hz Rapid IPS at the lowest price here.
Best for: A first 1440p monitor.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 274QF E20 (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best IPS Pick1 of 6
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's TUF VG27AQM5A runs a 27-inch 1440p Fast IPS panel at 300Hz, the fastest IPS refresh rate among these six.
Best for
- Players who want high refresh without OLED burn-in risk.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the MAG 274QF, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
ASUS offers 95% DCI-P3 coverage, built-in speakers and a 3-year warranty, which suits a main gaming screen you plan to keep for years. Its 300Hz refresh rate ranks second of 6 here, behind the Odyssey OLED G6 (360Hz) and ahead of the MAG 274QF (200Hz). It is the only pick here with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut; the CRUA 27 QHD has a 120% sRGB color gamut instead.
To see 300Hz 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. Its price falls between the H27T22C and the Q27GAZDV, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 300Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC, ELMB Sync
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 300Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Best OLED Value2 of 6
AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's Q27GAZDV pairs a 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a 0.03ms response time and a stand that adjusts for height, tilt, swivel and pivot.
Best for
- Dark-room games and mixed PC and console play.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs cover a PC and a current console on one screen, and a USB 3.2 hub sits in the monitor. It matches the CRUA 27 QHD on refresh rate (240Hz). Like the Odyssey OLED G6, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the H27T22C uses an IPS panel.
No other pick in this guide offers a 110% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the VG27AQM5A, which has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. You get a G-SYNC Compatible here, which sets it apart from the CRUA 27 QHD and its a FreeSync. It also offers a USB 3.2 hub and VESA mount compatibility.
To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. On price it sat fifth of 6, between the cheaper VG27AQM5A and the pricier Odyssey OLED G6, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Color gamut: 110% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 110% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh3 of 6
Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's Odyssey OLED G6 is a 27-inch QD-OLED screen at 360Hz, the highest refresh rate here.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It suits competitive players whose graphics card can push very high frame rates at 1440p, and its HDMI 2.1 inputs also serve consoles. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 360Hz, ahead of the VG27AQM5A (300Hz). It shares a QD-OLED panel with the Q27GAZDV; the MAG 274QF goes with a rapid IPS panel.
It is the only pick here with a FreeSync Premium Pro; the Q27GAZDV has a G-SYNC Compatible instead. It also offers an anti-glare finish and a built-in cooling system. To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. Only the Q27GAZDV came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Best Budget 240Hz4 of 6
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
- Fast games on a limited budget.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the MAG 274QF, 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. It matches the Q27GAZDV on refresh rate (240Hz). Like the H27T22C, it has an IPS panel, while the VG27AQM5A uses a fast IPS panel.
It is the only pick here with a 120% sRGB color gamut; the H27T22C has a 131% sRGB color gamut instead. A FreeSync is unique to it among these picks, while the Odyssey OLED G6 uses a FreeSync Premium Pro. 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. Its price falls between the MAG 274QF and the H27T22C, based on our last check.
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 MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Best Color on a Budget5 of 6
KTC H27T22C-3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
KTC's H27T22C runs 1440p at 220Hz on an IPS panel with an HDR 400 label and 131% sRGB listed coverage.
Best for
- Players who also edit photos or watch films.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the MAG 274QF cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Built-in speakers and DisplayPort 1.4 plus HDMI 2.0 inputs round out a mid-budget screen. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 220Hz: the Odyssey OLED G6 offers 360Hz, and the MAG 274QF comes in at 200Hz. It shares an IPS panel with the CRUA 27 QHD; the MAG 274QF goes with a rapid IPS panel.
You get a 131% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the CRUA 27 QHD and its a 120% sRGB color gamut. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was priced above the CRUA 27 QHD and below the VG27AQM5A at the time of writing.
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 MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here6 of 6
MSI MAG 274QF E20 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MAG 274QF runs a Rapid IPS panel at 200Hz with a 0.5ms response time and FreeSync Premium.
Best for
- A first 1440p monitor.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the Odyssey OLED G6 offers 360Hz.
Why we like it
It was the lowest-priced monitor here at the time of writing. Its 200Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the Odyssey OLED G6 leads at 360Hz. It is the only pick here with a rapid IPS panel; the CRUA 27 QHD has an IPS panel instead.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Another plus is 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. It also brings 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the CRUA 27 QHD was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Rapid IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Rapid IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the Odyssey OLED G6 (360Hz)
How We Chose These 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
What to Look for in a 1440p Gaming Monitor to Buy
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
Check ports and cables
High refresh rates at 1440p and 4K need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. Consoles need HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz.
Match resolution to your graphics card
1080p suits entry and mid-range cards and high refresh rates. 1440p is the balance for most gaming PCs. 4K needs a high-end card to hold high frame rates.
Pick the resolution your card can drive before looking at refresh rate.
Size for your desk distance
24 to 25 inches suits 1080p and competitive play at a typical desk. 27 inches pairs well with 1440p and 4K; 32 inches suits 4K at a deeper desk.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
How to Choose a 1440p Gaming Monitor to Buy
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Players who want high refresh without OLED burn-in risk | VG27AQM5A | A 300Hz Fast IPS panel with a 3-year warranty |
| Dark-room games and mixed PC and console play | Q27GAZDV | A 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | Odyssey OLED G6 | The highest refresh rate here (360Hz) |
| Fast games on a limited budget | CRUA 27 QHD | 240Hz on a 1440p IPS panel at a budget price at the time of writing |
| Players who also edit photos or watch films | H27T22C | 131% sRGB listed coverage with an HDR 400 label |
| A first 1440p monitor | MAG 274QF | 200Hz Rapid IPS at the lowest price here |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VG27AQM5A | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| Q27GAZDV | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| Odyssey OLED G6 | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| CRUA 27 QHD | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| H27T22C | 220Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| MAG 274QF | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | MAG 274QF, CRUA 27 QHD, H27T22C |
| About $250 to $500 | VG27AQM5A, Q27GAZDV |
| About $500 to $1000 | Odyssey OLED G6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a 1ms response time rating matter?
Makers measure response time differently, so compare panel type and independent reviews rather than the headline figure.
Do I need a GPU that matches the refresh rate?
To benefit fully, yes. A 240Hz monitor still feels smoother at 150fps than a 144Hz one, but the gains shrink when frame rates are far below the refresh rate.
Is HDR worth it on a budget monitor?
Rarely. Budget HDR10 monitors accept HDR but lack the brightness and contrast to show it well. OLED or DisplayHDR 600 models do it better.
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort?
On a PC, DisplayPort usually supports the highest refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 is equivalent and needed for consoles.
Is OLED burn-in still a problem?
It is a risk with static elements over many hours. Current OLED monitors use pixel-refresh routines to reduce it; check the maker's warranty for burn-in coverage.
Is 1080p fine on a 27-inch monitor?
It works, but text and detail look softer. 1440p is sharper at 27 inches; 1080p is best at 24 to 25 inches.
Bottom Line
The ASUS TUF VG27AQM5A is the IPS pick at 300Hz with a 3-year warranty. The AOC Q27GAZDV brings QD-OLED contrast at 240Hz with a fully adjustable stand and HDMI 2.1, and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 reaches 360Hz for competitive play.
On a tighter budget, the CRUA monitor offers 240Hz on IPS, the KTC H27T22C adds an HDR 400 label and wide sRGB coverage, and the MSI MAG 274QF delivers 200Hz for the lowest price here.