Buying Guide
The Best 1440p Monitors Under $200
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the AW2726DL has the highest refresh rate, and the Q27G41ZE costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
At this price a 1440p monitor trades some panel quality for resolution, so refresh rate and panel type are what separate them. Every monitor here has a 2560x1440 resolution and cost $200 or less when we checked.
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.
Fastest Refresh
Alienware AW2726DL
The highest refresh rate here (280Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2726DL (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AOC Q27G41ZE
An overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Best for: Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Strong Alternative
KTC H27T22C-3
Built-in speakers.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in speakers.
Worth a Look
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)
Solid Runner-Up
Acer Nitro EDA270U Curved
A 1500R curve.
Best for: Buyers who want 1500R curve.
Our take Check price for Acer Nitro EDA270U Curved (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (280Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for Alienware AW2726DL (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) |
| Built-in speakers. | Buyers who want built-in speakers. | Check price for KTC H27T22C-3 (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) |
| A 1500R curve. | Buyers who want 1500R curve. | Check price for Acer Nitro EDA270U Curved (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
Alienware AW2726DL on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2726DL runs a 1440p IPS panel at 280Hz.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Q27G41ZE, which 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. Nothing else here matches its 280Hz refresh rate; the Q27G41ZE comes closest at 240Hz. To see 280Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
You also get this: a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion. Worth noting: 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches. Worth noting: 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 (280Hz). It was priced above the H27T22C and below the 27G61ZB at the time of writing.
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 Q27G41ZE at the time of writing
Also Consider2 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 this is a deal-breaker for you: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the AW2726DL (280Hz).
Why we like it
It is rare to see that combination at this price. Its 240Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the AW2726DL (280Hz) and ahead of the EDA270U (180Hz). You also get 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. Worth noting: 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches.
Another plus: G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing. Another plus: 0.3ms response, the only one here.
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
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the AW2726DL (280Hz)
Strong Alternative3 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 built-in speakers.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Q27G41ZE, 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 AW2726DL (280Hz) and ahead of the EDA270U (180Hz). No other pick in this guide offers an HDR 400; compare the 27G61ZB, which has an HDR10.
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. Worth noting: 220Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper EDA270U and the pricier AW2726DL, 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 Q27G41ZE at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LG'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
- Pass on it if hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
That full stand is rare at about $200. Features include Dynamic Action Sync, Black Stabilizer, an FPS counter and a crosshair, and the Switch app splits the screen into up to six sections. The monitor supports HDR10.
On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 200Hz: the AW2726DL offers 280Hz, and the EDA270U comes in at 180Hz. An HDR10 is unique to it among these picks, while the EDA270U uses an HDR. It also comes with narrow bezels.
Worth noting: 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. You also get this: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. Worth noting: 99% sRGB colour coverage.
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 Q27G41ZE at the time of writing
Solid Runner-Up5 of 5
Acer Nitro EDA270U Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The EDA270U stands out for a 1500R curve, and it adds two 2W speakers.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1500R curve.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2726DL offers 280Hz.
Why we like it
It also offers a 180Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. The 27-inch 1440p panel curves at 1500R and refreshes at 180Hz with FreeSync Premium. It adds two 2W speakers, a zero-frame design and a 75x75mm VESA mount.
The 1500R curve, 180Hz refresh and FreeSync Premium come with two 2W speakers and a tilt-only stand. Its 180Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the AW2726DL leads at 280Hz. It also offers 1440p at a budget price tier. If refresh rate is your priority, the AW2726DL (280Hz) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- HDR: HDR
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 1500R curve
- Two 2W speakers
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2726DL (280Hz)
How We Chose These 1440p Monitors Under $200
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and panel and response are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the AW2726DL to the EDA270U, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The EDA270U gives no panel; the EDA270U gives no response.
- Price range
- From the Q27G41ZE to the 27G61ZB, all sat in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a 1440p Monitor Under $200
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
The AW2726DL tops refresh rate at 280Hz and the EDA270U sits lowest at 180Hz. The Q27G41ZE comes second at 240Hz, in the same price tier as the AW2726DL.
Extras that separate them
The Q27G41ZE: DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. The 27G61ZB: 1440p at 200Hz. The EDA270U: two 2W speakers.
Where your budget lands
All 5 sat in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, from the Q27G41ZE at the low end to the 27G61ZB at the top, so decide on features first.
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.
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.
How to Choose a 1440p Monitor Under $200
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | AW2726DL | The highest refresh rate here (280Hz) |
| Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate | Q27G41ZE | An overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate |
| Buyers who want built-in speakers | H27T22C | Built-in speakers |
| Buyers who want height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand | 27G61ZB | A height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand |
| Buyers who want 1500R curve | EDA270U | A 1500R curve |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2726DL leads on refresh rate at 280Hz, ahead of the Q27G41ZE at 240Hz. "Not listed" marks panel where the EDA270U leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2726DL | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| Q27G41ZE | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| H27T22C | 220Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 27G61ZB | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| EDA270U | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Q27G41ZE compare with the AW2726DL on refresh rate?
Between the top two, it is 280Hz on the AW2726DL against 240Hz on the Q27G41ZE, a 17% difference. The EDA270U is at the other end of this group with 180Hz.
What does the 27G61ZB add over the Q27G41ZE?
The 27G61ZB matches or trails the Q27G41ZE on refresh rate. The Q27G41ZE leads on refresh rate (240Hz). Both sat in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, so choose on the features you need.
Why is the AW2726DL our Fastest Refresh pick?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (280Hz). On refresh rate it leads the Q27G41ZE, 280Hz against 240Hz, a 17% margin. It suits esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the AW2726DL and the Q27G41ZE differ on response?
The AW2726DL, the H27T22C and the 27G61ZB use 1ms; the Q27G41ZE uses 0.3ms. The EDA270U has no response listed, so 4 of 5 picks are covered here.
What extras do the AW2726DL and the Q27G41ZE include?
The AW2726DL: a 280Hz 1440p IPS panel. The Q27G41ZE: an overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate. The H27T22C: built-in speakers.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2726DL. Look at the Q27G41ZE for an overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate, the H27T22C for built-in speakers and the 27G61ZB for a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand if those matter more to you.
Check the stand: at this price many models tilt only, so plan for a monitor arm if height matters.