Buying Guide
The Best 1440p IPS Gaming Monitors
Five monitors compared, from the H27T22C to the XG27AQMR, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 1440p screen asks far less of the GPU than 4K while looking clearly sharper than 1080p. Every monitor here is 1440p, uses an IPS panel and refreshes at 120Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
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 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A
1440p at 300Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Alienware AW2726DL
A 280Hz 1440p IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want 280Hz 1440p IPS panel.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2726DL (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Alienware AW2723DF
An overclocked 280Hz mode.
Best for: Buyers who want overclocked 280Hz mode.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2723DF (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
KTC H27T22C-3
A lower price than the AW2726DL and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1440p at 300Hz. | Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR (opens in a new tab) |
| A 280Hz 1440p IPS panel. | Buyers who want 280Hz 1440p IPS panel. | Check price for Alienware AW2726DL (opens in a new tab) |
| An overclocked 280Hz mode. | Buyers who want overclocked 280Hz mode. | Check price for Alienware AW2723DF (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the AW2726DL and the rest when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for KTC H27T22C-3 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG27AQM5A pushes a 27-inch 1440p Fast IPS panel to 300Hz with 95% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the H27T22C, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the fastest 1440p model in the TUF range here. It matches the XG27AQMR on refresh rate (300Hz). Like the AW2723DF, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the H27T22C uses a 131% sRGB color gamut.
You also get built-in speakers and a 3-year warranty. 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. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper AW2726DL and the pricier AW2723DF, at the time of writing.
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 H27T22C at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27AQMR runs a Fast IPS panel at 300Hz with DisplayHDR 600, a strong HDR rating for IPS.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the H27T22C, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED's burn-in concerns for desktop-heavy use. It matches the VG27AQM5A on refresh rate (300Hz). Like the VG27AQM5A, it has a fast IPS panel, while the AW2726DL uses an IPS panel.
Like the AW2723DF, it has a DisplayHDR 600, while the H27T22C uses an HDR 400. You also get DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. 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. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the AW2723DF and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 300Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 300Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Costs more than the H27T22C at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Alienware AW2726DL on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2726DL runs a 1440p IPS panel at 280Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want 280Hz 1440p IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the H27T22C cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The maker publishes few details, so check the stand and ports on Dell's spec page. Its 280Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the VG27AQM5A (300Hz) and ahead of the H27T22C (220Hz). Like the AW2723DF and H27T22C, it has an IPS panel, while the VG27AQM5A uses a fast IPS panel.
To see 280Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. It also brings 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches. Worth noting too: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. Its price falls between the H27T22C and the VG27AQM5A, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 280Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 280Hz 1440p IPS panel
Cons
- Costs more than the H27T22C at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Alienware AW2723DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2723DF is an IPS monitor with DisplayHDR 600, 95% DCI-P3 and a 280Hz overclock mode, on a fully adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want overclocked 280Hz mode.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the H27T22C was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 240Hz: the VG27AQM5A offers 300Hz, and the H27T22C comes in at 220Hz. It shares an IPS panel with the AW2726DL and H27T22C; the XG27AQMR goes with a fast IPS panel. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the VG27AQM5A; the H27T22C goes with a 131% sRGB color gamut.
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. When we checked, only the VG27AQM5A and cheaper picks cost less, and the XG27AQMR cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height, swivel and pivot adjustment
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Costs more than the H27T22C at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 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
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the VG27AQM5A offers 300Hz.
Why we like it
It is the value way to a sharp, fast screen. On refresh rate it trails the group at 220Hz, while the VG27AQM5A offers 300Hz. It shares an IPS panel with the AW2726DL and AW2723DF; the XG27AQMR goes with a fast IPS panel.
An HDR 400 is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2723DF uses a DisplayHDR 600. A 131% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2723DF uses a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the AW2726DL was closest.
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
- Refresh rate trails the VG27AQM5A (300Hz)
How We Chose These 1440p IPS Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the VG27AQM5A to the H27T22C, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The VG27AQM5A and the AW2726DL give no HDR; the XG27AQMR and the AW2726DL give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the H27T22C ($150 to $250) to the XG27AQMR ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a 1440p IPS Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 220Hz on the H27T22C to 300Hz on the VG27AQM5A. The VG27AQM5A is the pick for refresh rate.
Response
The VG27AQM5A lists 0.3ms; the XG27AQMR, the AW2726DL, the AW2723DF and the H27T22C list 1ms.
Features beyond the spec table
The AW2726DL: a 280Hz 1440p IPS panel. The AW2723DF: an overclocked 280Hz mode. The H27T22C: DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs.
How much to spend
$150 to $250 buys the H27T22C and the AW2726DL; $250 to $500 buys the VG27AQM5A, the AW2723DF and the XG27AQMR at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who want the most complete package: the XG27AQMR. Keeping the budget tight: the H27T22C.
How to Choose a 1440p IPS Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz | VG27AQM5A | 1440p at 300Hz |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | XG27AQMR | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage |
| Buyers who want 280Hz 1440p IPS panel | AW2726DL | A 280Hz 1440p IPS panel |
| Buyers who want overclocked 280Hz mode | AW2723DF | An overclocked 280Hz mode |
| Keeping the budget tight | H27T22C | A lower price than the AW2726DL and the rest when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The VG27AQM5A leads on refresh rate at 300Hz, ahead of the XG27AQMR at 300Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VG27AQM5A | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| XG27AQMR | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| AW2726DL | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| AW2723DF | 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 H27T22C was the lowest-priced pick and the XG27AQMR the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | H27T22C, AW2726DL |
| About $250 to $500 | VG27AQM5A, AW2723DF, XG27AQMR |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the XG27AQMR worth paying more than the H27T22C?
On paper it adds refresh rate (300Hz against 220Hz). The H27T22C was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the XG27AQMR the Premium Pick?
It earns the label for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. It suits anyone who wants the most complete package.
Do the VG27AQM5A and the AW2726DL differ on panel?
The VG27AQM5A and the XG27AQMR use Fast IPS; the AW2726DL, the AW2723DF and the H27T22C use IPS.
Beyond the specs, what sets the VG27AQM5A and the XG27AQMR apart?
The VG27AQM5A: 1440p at 300Hz. The XG27AQMR: DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. The AW2726DL: a 280Hz 1440p IPS panel.
Who should choose the H27T22C?
The H27T22C carries our Lowest Price Here label for a lower price than the AW2726DL and the rest when we checked. It ranks fifth of 5 here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the VG27AQM5A, chosen for 1440p at 300Hz. Look at the XG27AQMR for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage, the AW2726DL for a 280Hz 1440p IPS panel and the AW2723DF for an overclocked 280Hz mode if those matter more to you.
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