Buying Guide
The Best 165Hz 4K Monitors
From the AW2725QF to the MO27U2: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 165Hz panel only pays off when your GPU can hold frame rates near that figure. Every monitor here refreshes at 165Hz or more and is 4K, 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 panel, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED
Dolby Vision support.
Best for: Buyers who want Dolby Vision support.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch
The largest screen size here (37 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 32-inch
A Mini LED backlight Samsung calls Quantum Matrix.
Best for: Buyers who want Mini LED backlight Samsung calls Quantum Matrix.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 32-inch (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
GIGABYTE MO27U2
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE MO27U2 (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2725QF is a 27-inch 4K IPS screen at 180Hz with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Pass on it if refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED burn-in concerns while keeping 4K sharpness. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 180Hz: the AW2725Q offers 240Hz, and the Odyssey Neo G7 comes in at 165Hz. It matches the MO27U2 on screen size (27 inches).
You get an IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the MO27U2 and its a QD-OLED panel. It shares a DisplayHDR 600 with the Odyssey G7 37; the AW2725Q goes with a DisplayHDR True Black 400. You get a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut here, which sets it apart from the MO27U2 and its a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
It also comes with a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz and Dolby Vision support. Reaching 180Hz 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 cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the AW2725Q the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz)
Also Consider2 of 5
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2725Q is a 26.7-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with USB-C and a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want Dolby Vision support.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It has one of the most adjustable stands among the OLED models here. On refresh rate it ties with the MO27U2 at 240Hz. Its 26.7 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the Odyssey G7 37 leads at 37 inches.
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MO27U2; the AW2725QF goes with an IPS panel. A DisplayHDR True Black 400 is unique to it among these picks, while the Odyssey G7 37 uses a DisplayHDR 600. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the MO27U2; the AW2725QF goes with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.
It also offers Dolby Vision support, 166 PPI at 4K and USB-C with 15W power delivery. Reaching 240Hz 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. When we checked, only the AW2725QF cost less, and the Odyssey G7 37 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 26.7 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Screen size trails the Odyssey G7 37 (37 inches)
- Costs more than the AW2725QF at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size3 of 5
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's Odyssey G7 37 is a 37-inch 4K screen at 165Hz with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the AW2725QF, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It sits between a 32-inch monitor and a TV in size. It matches the Odyssey Neo G7 on refresh rate (165Hz). Its 37 inches screen size is the largest here; the Odyssey Neo G7 comes next at 32 inches.
Like the AW2725QF, it has a DisplayHDR 600, while the AW2725Q uses a DisplayHDR True Black 400. It also offers a 37-inch 1000R curve. Reaching 165Hz 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. Its price falls between the AW2725Q and the Odyssey Neo G7, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 37 inches
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
- 37-inch 1000R curve
Cons
- Costs more than the AW2725QF at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's Odyssey Neo G7 uses a Mini LED backlight behind a 32-inch 4K screen at 165Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want Mini LED backlight Samsung calls Quantum Matrix.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
The 1000R curve is steep for a 16:9 monitor, and its Quantum HDR2000 label is Samsung's own rating rather than a VESA tier. It reaches 2,000 nits peak with Quantum HDR 2000, and CoreSync lighting on the back matches on-screen colours. The 1000R curve fills your view.
On refresh rate it ties with the Odyssey G7 37 at 165Hz. Its 32 inches screen size ranks second of 5 here, behind the Odyssey G7 37 (37 inches) and ahead of the AW2725Q (26.7 inches). Reaching 165Hz 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.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was priced above the Odyssey G7 37 and below the MO27U2 at the time of writing. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Response: 1ms
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing
- Mini LED backlight Samsung calls Quantum Matrix
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2725Q (240Hz)
- Costs more than the AW2725QF at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
GIGABYTE MO27U2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MO27U2 uses a QD-OLED panel at 4K and 240Hz, the fastest here, with 99% DCI-P3.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
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 needs a top-end card to use it fully. On refresh rate it ties with the AW2725Q at 240Hz. It matches the AW2725QF on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the AW2725Q; the AW2725QF goes with an IPS panel. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW2725Q; the AW2725QF goes with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. Reaching 240Hz 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.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. Only the Odyssey Neo G7 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the AW2725QF at the time of writing
How We Chose These 165Hz 4K Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- 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.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the AW2725QF to the MO27U2, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Odyssey G7 37 and the Odyssey Neo G7 give no panel; the Odyssey Neo G7 and the MO27U2 give no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the AW2725QF ($250 to $500) to the MO27U2 ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 165Hz 4K Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 165Hz on the Odyssey Neo G7 to 240Hz on the AW2725Q. The AW2725Q is the pick for refresh rate.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 26.7 inches on the AW2725Q to 37 inches on the Odyssey G7 37. Start with the Odyssey G7 37 if screen size decides it.
Response
The AW2725QF lists 0.5ms; the AW2725Q and the MO27U2 list 0.03ms; the Odyssey G7 37 and the Odyssey Neo G7 list 1ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Features beyond the spec table
The Odyssey G7 37: 4K at 165Hz. The Odyssey Neo G7: a 1000R curved screen. The MO27U2: a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K.
Budget
$250 to $500 buys the AW2725QF; $500 to $1000 buys the AW2725Q, the Odyssey G7 37, the Odyssey Neo G7 and the MO27U2 at our last check.
How to Choose a 165Hz 4K Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | AW2725QF | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want Dolby Vision support | AW2725Q | Dolby Vision support |
| Buyers who put screen size first | Odyssey G7 37 | The largest screen size here (37 inches) |
| Buyers who want Mini LED backlight Samsung calls Quantum Matrix | Odyssey Neo G7 | A Mini LED backlight Samsung calls Quantum Matrix |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | MO27U2 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2725Q leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the MO27U2 at 240Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2725QF | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| AW2725Q | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| Odyssey G7 37 | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 37 inches | Not listed |
| Odyssey Neo G7 | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | Not listed |
| MO27U2 | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The AW2725QF was the lowest-priced pick and the MO27U2 the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | AW2725QF |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q, Odyssey G7 37, Odyssey Neo G7, MO27U2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest screen size: the Odyssey G7 37 or the Odyssey Neo G7?
The Odyssey G7 37 leads at 37 inches, with the Odyssey Neo G7 at 32 inches. The AW2725Q is at the other end of this group with 26.7 inches.
Is the MO27U2 worth paying more than the AW2725QF?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 180Hz). The AW2725QF was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Odyssey G7 37 the Largest Screen Size?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (37 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the AW2725QF and the AW2725Q differ on panel?
The AW2725QF uses IPS; the AW2725Q and the MO27U2 use QD-OLED. The makers of the Odyssey G7 37 and the Odyssey Neo G7 don't say.
Beyond the specs, what sets the AW2725QF and the AW2725Q apart?
The AW2725QF: a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz. The AW2725Q: Dolby Vision support. The Odyssey G7 37: a 37-inch 1000R curve.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2725QF, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the AW2725Q for Dolby Vision support, the Odyssey G7 37 for the largest screen size here (37 inches) and the Odyssey Neo G7 for a Mini LED backlight Samsung calls Quantum Matrix if those matter more to you.
Check that your GPU has the port the monitor needs for its full refresh rate.