Buying Guide
The Best 27-Inch 144Hz Gaming Monitors
Five monitors compared, from the SE2726H to the CRUA 32 4K, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
At 27 inches, 144Hz and 165Hz panels give smooth motion without needing a top GPU. Every pick is 27 inches or larger at 144 to 165Hz, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by refresh rate, resolution and size, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips panel, 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.
Lowest Price Here
Dell 27 SE2726H
A lower price than the 27G414B and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
LG UltraGear 27G414B-B
Built-in stereo speakers.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in stereo speakers.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G414B-B (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
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
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz
A fast IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Our take Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved
The largest screen size here (32 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the 27G414B and the rest when we checked. | Getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money. | Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H (opens in a new tab) |
| Built-in stereo speakers. | Buyers who want built-in stereo speakers. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G414B-B (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 CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (32 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Dell 27 SE2726H on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SE2726H is built around a 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz, with wide IPS viewing angles on top.
Best for
- Getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the CUNPU 4K (160Hz is a problem.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the 27G414B and the S2725DSM on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the 27G414B, the S2725DSM and the CUNPU 4K at 27 inches.
Like the 27G414B, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the S2725DSM uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. Like the 27G414B, it has an IPS panel, while the CUNPU 4K uses a fast IPS panel. It shares a FreeSync with the CRUA 32 4K; the 27G414B goes with a G-SYNC Compatible.
At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the 27G414B was the next step up. The main gap: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the CUNPU 4K (160Hz). If that matters, the CUNPU 4K offers 160Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz
Cons
- Refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the CUNPU 4K (160Hz)
Also Consider2 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G414B-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's 27G414B is a 27-inch 1080p IPS screen at 144Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in stereo speakers.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
It puts a larger screen within a tight budget. On refresh rate it ties with the SE2726H and the S2725DSM at 144Hz. It matches the SE2726H, the S2725DSM and the CUNPU 4K on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the SE2726H; the CRUA 32 4K goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. It shares an IPS panel with the SE2726H; the CUNPU 4K goes with a fast IPS panel. You get a 99% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the CRUA 32 4K and its a 120% sRGB color gamut.
It also offers built-in stereo speakers and LG Switch app window layouts. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was priced above the SE2726H and below the S2725DSM at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR10
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 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 CUNPU 4K offers 160Hz.
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.
On refresh rate it ties with the SE2726H and the 27G414B at 144Hz. It matches the SE2726H, the 27G414B and the CUNPU 4K on screen size (27 inches). You get a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution here, which sets it apart from the CRUA 32 4K and its a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
You also get HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. It was priced above the 27G414B and below the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the CUNPU 4K offers 160Hz.
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 CUNPU 4K (160Hz)
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
Fast IPS Panel4 of 5
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
CUNPU's 27-inch 4K screen runs at 160Hz with an HDMI 2.1 input and 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the CRUA 32 4K offers 32 inches.
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 4K high-refresh monitors here. On refresh rate it ties with the CRUA 32 4K at 160Hz. It matches the SE2726H, the 27G414B and the S2725DSM on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the CRUA 32 4K; the 27G414B goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. A fast IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the 27G414B uses an IPS panel. A 99% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the CRUA 32 4K uses a 120% sRGB color gamut.
It also comes with 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles, a factory calibration of Delta E under 2 and 4K at a budget price tier. When we checked, only the S2725DSM and cheaper picks cost less, and the CRUA 32 4K cost more. Screen size is its weakest area, and the CRUA 32 4K covers it better at 32 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Screen size trails the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches)
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size5 of 5
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
CRUA's 32-inch 4K screen curves at 1500R and runs at 160Hz with built-in speakers.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SE2726H cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The maker specifies an HDMI 2.1 input. It matches the CUNPU 4K on refresh rate (160Hz). Nothing else here matches its 32 inches screen size; the SE2726H comes closest at 27 inches.
Like the CUNPU 4K, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the SE2726H uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a 120% sRGB color gamut; compare the 27G414B, which has a 99% sRGB color gamut. It shares a FreeSync with the SE2726H; the 27G414B goes with a G-SYNC Compatible.
Reaching 160Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. 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 CUNPU 4K and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Color gamut: 120% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- 120% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
How We Chose These 27-Inch 144Hz Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the SE2726H to the CRUA 32 4K, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The S2725DSM and the CRUA 32 4K give no panel; the CRUA 32 4K gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SE2726H ($100 to $150) to the CRUA 32 4K ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a 27-Inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 144Hz on the S2725DSM to 160Hz on the CUNPU 4K. The CUNPU 4K is the pick for refresh rate.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 27 inches on the CUNPU 4K to 32 inches on the CRUA 32 4K. Start with the CRUA 32 4K if screen size decides it.
Panel
The SE2726H and the 27G414B list IPS; the CUNPU 4K lists Fast IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Features beyond the spec table
The S2725DSM: 1440p at 144Hz. The CUNPU 4K: a factory calibration of Delta E under 2. The CRUA 32 4K: built-in speakers.
Budget
$100 to $150 buys the SE2726H and the 27G414B; $150 to $250 buys the S2725DSM and the CUNPU 4K; $250 to $500 buys the CRUA 32 4K at our last check.
How to Choose a 27-Inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money | SE2726H | A lower price than the 27G414B and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want built-in stereo speakers | 27G414B | Built-in stereo speakers |
| Buyers who want dual 3W speakers | S2725DSM | Dual 3W speakers |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | CUNPU 4K | A fast IPS panel |
| Buyers who put screen size first | CRUA 32 4K | The largest screen size here (32 inches) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The CUNPU 4K leads on refresh rate at 160Hz, ahead of the CRUA 32 4K at 160Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE2726H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 27G414B | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| S2725DSM | 144Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| CUNPU 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| CRUA 32 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The SE2726H was the lowest-priced pick and the CRUA 32 4K the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | SE2726H, 27G414B |
| About $150 to $250 | S2725DSM, CUNPU 4K |
| About $250 to $500 | CRUA 32 4K |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the SE2726H compare with the CRUA 32 4K on screen size?
The CRUA 32 4K leads at 32 inches, with the SE2726H at 27 inches.
Is the CRUA 32 4K worth paying more than the SE2726H?
On paper it adds refresh rate (160Hz against 144Hz) and screen size (32 inches against 27 inches). The SE2726H was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the CUNPU 4K the Fast IPS Panel?
It earns the label for a fast IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants a fast IPS panel.
Do the SE2726H and the S2725DSM differ on resolution?
The SE2726H and the 27G414B use 1920x1080 (1080p); the S2725DSM uses 2560x1440 (1440p); the CUNPU 4K and the CRUA 32 4K use 3840x2160 (4K).
Beyond the specs, what sets the SE2726H and the 27G414B apart?
The SE2726H: a 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz. The 27G414B: built-in stereo speakers. The S2725DSM: dual 3W speakers.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SE2726H, chosen for a lower price than the 27G414B and the rest when we checked. Look at the 27G414B for built-in stereo speakers, the S2725DSM for dual 3W speakers and the CUNPU 4K for a fast IPS panel if those matter more to you.
Use adaptive sync; it hides small frame drops.