Buying Guide
The Best 1440p 165-200Hz IPS Gaming Monitors
From the MAG 274QF to the AG275QXL: four monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
A 1440p IPS between 165 and 200Hz suits mid-range GPUs. Every pick is a 1440p IPS panel at 165 to 200Hz, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by refresh rate, resolution and size, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips color gamut, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
MSI MAG 274QF E20
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p for the least money.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 274QF E20 (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)
Also Consider
LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B
A height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for: Buyers who want height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AOC AGON PRO AG275QXL
The top of this price range, adding a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for AOC AGON PRO AG275QXL (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Getting 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p for the least money. | Check price for MSI MAG 274QF E20 (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) |
| A height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand. | Buyers who want height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for AOC AGON PRO AG275QXL (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
MSI MAG 274QF E20 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MAG 274QF runs 1440p at 200Hz on a Rapid IPS panel with FreeSync Premium.
Best for
- Getting 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It is a balanced step down from the AOC. The Rapid IPS panel is rated at 0.5ms GtG. MSI's AI Vision mode lifts detail in dark scenes and boosts brightness and saturation.
It matches the 27G61ZB on refresh rate (200Hz). No other pick in this guide offers a rapid IPS panel; compare the AG275QXL, which has an IPS panel. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards.
It also brings 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. Worth noting too: 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches. It undercut the VG27AQ3A and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
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
Fast IPS Panel2 of 4
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
- If budget leads, the MAG 274QF was cheaper at our last price check.
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.
Its 180Hz refresh rate ranks third of 4 here, behind the MAG 274QF (200Hz) and ahead of the AG275QXL (170Hz). It is the only pick here with a fast IPS panel; the AG275QXL has an IPS panel instead. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Its price falls between the MAG 274QF and the 27G61ZB, based on our last check.
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 MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 4
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
- Buyers who want height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
That full stand is rare at about $200. It matches the MAG 274QF on refresh rate (200Hz). Like the AG275QXL, it has an IPS panel, while the MAG 274QF uses a rapid IPS panel.
It also comes with narrow bezels. It also brings 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. Worth noting too: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles.
Another plus is 99% sRGB colour coverage. On price it sat third of 4, between the cheaper VG27AQ3A and the pricier AG275QXL, at the time of writing.
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 MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 4
AOC AGON PRO AG275QXL on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's AG275QXL is a 27-inch 1440p IPS screen at 170Hz with a height-adjustable stand.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MAG 274QF offers 200Hz.
Why we like it
The maker specifies PS5 and Xbox Series X compatibility. Its 170Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the MAG 274QF leads at 200Hz. Like the 27G61ZB, it has an IPS panel, while the MAG 274QF uses a rapid IPS panel.
It also comes with a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch and a 1440p IPS panel for MOBA and console play. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Another plus is an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the 27G61ZB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 170Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height adjustment
Pros
- 170Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the MAG 274QF (200Hz)
- Costs more than the MAG 274QF at the time of writing
How We Chose These 1440p 165-200Hz IPS Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side four monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the MAG 274QF to the AG275QXL, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MAG 274QF and the AG275QXL give no color gamut; the 27G61ZB gives no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- From the MAG 274QF to the AG275QXL, all sat in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a 1440p 165-200Hz IPS 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 170Hz on the AG275QXL to 200Hz on the MAG 274QF. The MAG 274QF is the pick for refresh rate.
Response
The MAG 274QF lists 0.5ms; the VG27AQ3A, the 27G61ZB and the AG275QXL list 1ms.
Features beyond the spec table
The VG27AQ3A: built-in speakers. The 27G61ZB: 1440p at 200Hz. The AG275QXL: a height-adjustable stand.
Where your budget lands
All 4 sat in one tier when we checked, from the MAG 274QF at the low end to the AG275QXL at the top, so decide on features first.
Match the pick to your priority
Getting 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p for the least money: the MAG 274QF. Buyers who want a fast IPS panel: the VG27AQ3A. Spending more for the fullest feature set: the AG275QXL.
How to Choose a 1440p 165-200Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p for the least money | MAG 274QF | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | VG27AQ3A | A fast IPS panel |
| Buyers who want height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand | 27G61ZB | A height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | AG275QXL | The top of this price range, adding a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MAG 274QF leads on refresh rate at 200Hz, ahead of the 27G61ZB at 200Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAG 274QF | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
| VG27AQ3A | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| 27G61ZB | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| AG275QXL | 170Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AG275QXL worth paying more than the MAG 274QF?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the MAG 274QF still leads on refresh rate (200Hz). The MAG 274QF was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
What makes the VG27AQ3A the Fast IPS Panel?
It earns the label for a fast IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants a fast IPS panel.
Do the MAG 274QF and the VG27AQ3A differ on panel?
The MAG 274QF uses Rapid IPS; the VG27AQ3A uses Fast IPS; the 27G61ZB and the AG275QXL use IPS.
Beyond the specs, what sets the MAG 274QF and the VG27AQ3A apart?
The MAG 274QF: a 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p. The VG27AQ3A: built-in speakers. The 27G61ZB: a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Should I pick the MAG 274QF or the AG275QXL?
The MAG 274QF suits getting 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p for the least money; the AG275QXL suits spending more for the fullest feature set.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MAG 274QF, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the VG27AQ3A for a fast IPS panel, the 27G61ZB for a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand and the AG275QXL for the top of this price range, adding a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch if those matter more to you.
Check for USB-C or a height-adjustable stand if you also work on it.