Buying Guide
The Best 165Hz Monitors
Six monitors rated at 165Hz, from 24-inch 1080p budget screens to 4K OLED and a 5K Mini LED, compared on panel and HDR.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
165Hz sits just above the classic 144Hz tier. It shows up on budget 1080p monitors and on high-end 4K and 5K screens where bandwidth limits the refresh rate.
We compared listed specifications; we did not test these monitors.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Dual-Mode
LG UltraGear 32GX850A-B4K at 165Hz or 1080p at 330Hz.
Best for: Mixing story games and shooters.
Check price for LG UltraGear 32GX850A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best QD-OLED
MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLEDA 32-inch 4K QD-OLED at 165Hz.
Best for: Dark-room gaming.
Check price for MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Sharpest Screen
LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B5K resolution with DisplayHDR 1000.
Best for: Creative work and gaming on one screen.
Check price for LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Mini LED 4K
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 32-inchA 32-inch 4K Mini LED screen on a 1000R curve.
Best for: Avoiding OLED burn-in.
Check price for Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget IPS
Amazon Basics 24-inch 165Hz Gaming MonitorA 165Hz IPS panel with VESA mounting.
Best for: A first gaming monitor.
Check price for Amazon Basics 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Curved
Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming MonitorA 1500R curved VA panel with a 3000:1 contrast ratio.
Best for: Dark scenes on a budget.
Check price for Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Dual-Mode1 of 6
LG UltraGear 32GX850A-B
LG's 32GX850A runs 4K at 165Hz or switches to 1080p at 330Hz for fast shooters.
Best for
- Mixing story games and shooters.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its glossy OLED finish looks punchy in a dim room but reflects more in a bright one. It matches the MAG 321UP and the Odyssey Neo G7 on screen size (32 inches). It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the MAG 321UP and Odyssey Neo G7; the 27GM950B goes with a 5120x2880 resolution.
An OLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the 27GM950B uses an IPS panel. 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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. When we checked, only the MAG 321UP and cheaper picks cost less, and the 27GM950B cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 165Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 32 inches
- Panel
- OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the Westinghouse 24 Curved at the time of writing
Best QD-OLED2 of 6
MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED
The MSI MAG 321UP is a 32-inch QD-OLED that stops at 165Hz, which keeps its price below the 240Hz models.
Best for
- Dark-room gaming.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its HDMI 2.1 port carries full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz from a console or PC. It matches the 32GX850A and the Odyssey Neo G7 on screen size (32 inches). It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the 32GX850A and Odyssey Neo G7; the Amazon Basics 24 goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
A QD-OLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the 27GM950B uses an IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers a FreeSync Premium Pro; compare the Westinghouse 24 Curved, which has a FreeSync. 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.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. When we checked, only the Odyssey Neo G7 and cheaper picks cost less, and the 32GX850A cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 165Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 32 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the Westinghouse 24 Curved at the time of writing
Sharpest Screen3 of 6
LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B
LG's 27GM950B packs 5K resolution into 27 inches with a Mini LED backlight of 9,216 LEDs and a DisplayHDR 1000 certification.
Best for
- Creative work and gaming on one screen.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Westinghouse 24 Curved was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
At 165Hz it trades refresh rate for sharpness and brightness. Its 27 inches screen size ranks fourth of 6 here, behind the 32GX850A (32 inches) and ahead of the Amazon Basics 24 (23.8 inches). A 5120x2880 resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the Westinghouse 24 Curved uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
It shares an IPS panel with the Amazon Basics 24; the MAG 321UP goes with a QD-OLED panel. It also offers 5K resolution for very sharp text at 27 inches. At our last price check it topped the group, with the 32GX850A the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 165Hz
- Resolution
- 5120x2880
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- HDR
- DisplayHDR 1000
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- Mini LED backlight with 9,216 LEDs
Cons
- Costs more than the Westinghouse 24 Curved at the time of writing
Best Mini LED 4K4 of 6
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 32-inch
Samsung's Odyssey Neo G7 uses a Mini LED backlight behind a 32-inch 4K screen at 165Hz.
Best for
- Avoiding OLED burn-in.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Westinghouse 24 Curved, which cost less when we checked.
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.
It matches the 32GX850A and the MAG 321UP on screen size (32 inches). It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the 32GX850A and MAG 321UP; the Westinghouse 24 Curved goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. 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. When we checked, only the Amazon Basics 24 and cheaper picks cost less, and the MAG 321UP cost more.
Key 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
- Costs more than the Westinghouse 24 Curved at the time of writing
Best Budget IPS5 of 6
Amazon Basics 24-inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor
The Amazon Basics 24-inch monitor is a plain 1080p IPS screen at 165Hz with adaptive sync.
Best for
- A first gaming monitor.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the 32GX850A offers 32 inches.
Why we like it
It has little beyond that, which suits a first gaming monitor on a tight budget. Its 23.8 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the 32GX850A leads at 32 inches. It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the Westinghouse 24 Curved; the MAG 321UP goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
It shares an IPS panel with the 27GM950B; the 32GX850A goes with an OLED panel. It also offers VESA mounting. At 1080p, 165Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. When we checked, only the Westinghouse 24 Curved cost less, and the Odyssey Neo G7 cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 165Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 23.8 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- Adaptive sync support
- VESA mounting
Cons
- Screen size trails the 32GX850A (32 inches)
- Costs more than the Westinghouse 24 Curved at the time of writing
Best Budget Curved6 of 6
Westinghouse 24-inch Curved 165Hz Gaming Monitor
Westinghouse's 24-inch curved monitor uses a VA panel with a 3000:1 contrast ratio and a 165Hz refresh rate.
Best for
- Dark scenes on a budget.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
It adds built-in speakers and FreeSync at one of the lowest prices here. Its 24 inches screen size ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the 32GX850A (32 inches) and ahead of the Amazon Basics 24 (23.8 inches). It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the Amazon Basics 24; the Odyssey Neo G7 goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
You get a VA panel here, which sets it apart from the Amazon Basics 24 and its an IPS panel. It is the only pick here with a FreeSync; the MAG 321UP has a FreeSync Premium Pro instead. It also comes with a 1500R curved screen.
At 1080p, 165Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the Amazon Basics 24 the next step up.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 165Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 24 inches
- Panel
- VA
- Response
- 1ms
- Color gamut
- 110% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 110% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- 3000:1 contrast ratio from its VA panel
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Screen size of 24 inches, behind the 32GX850A (32 inches)
The catch
It gives ground on refresh rate, where the 32GX850A offers 165Hz.
How We Chose These 165Hz Monitors
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up six monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and panel and response are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the 32GX850A to the Westinghouse 24 Curved, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Odyssey Neo G7 gives no panel; the 27GM950B gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Westinghouse 24 Curved ($50 to $100) to the 27GM950B ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 165Hz Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size
The 32GX850A tops screen size at 32 inches and the Amazon Basics 24 sits lowest at 23.8 inches; 3 picks share the top figure. For less, the MAG 321UP is the runner-up at 32 inches.
Panel
The 32GX850A lists OLED; the MAG 321UP lists QD-OLED; the 27GM950B and the Amazon Basics 24 list IPS; the Westinghouse 24 Curved lists VA. Settling panel first narrows 5 picks to 2, 1 or 1 or 1.
A gaming monitor above a keyboard and mouse on a black desk Response
The 32GX850A and the MAG 321UP list 0.03ms; the Odyssey Neo G7, the Amazon Basics 24 and the Westinghouse 24 Curved list 1ms. Settling response first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 2.
Features beyond the spec table
The Odyssey Neo G7: a 1000R curved screen. The Amazon Basics 24: VESA mounting. The Westinghouse 24 Curved: a 1500R curved screen.
A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the Westinghouse 24 Curved; $100 to $150 buys the Amazon Basics 24; $500 to $1000 buys the Odyssey Neo G7, the MAG 321UP, the 32GX850A and the 27GM950B at our last check.
How to Choose a 165Hz Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing story games and shooters | 32GX850A | 4K at 165Hz or 1080p at 330Hz |
| Dark-room gaming | MAG 321UP | A 32-inch 4K QD-OLED at 165Hz |
| Creative work and gaming on one screen | 27GM950B | 5K resolution with DisplayHDR 1000 |
| Avoiding OLED burn-in | Odyssey Neo G7 | A 32-inch 4K Mini LED screen on a 1000R curve |
| A first gaming monitor | Amazon Basics 24 | A 165Hz IPS panel with VESA mounting |
| Dark scenes on a budget | Westinghouse 24 Curved | A 1500R curved VA panel with a 3000:1 contrast ratio |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The 32GX850A leads on screen size at 32 inches, ahead of the MAG 321UP at 32 inches. "Not listed" marks panel where the Odyssey Neo G7 leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32GX850A | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | OLED |
| MAG 321UP | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| 27GM950B | 165Hz | 5120x2880 | 27 inches | IPS |
| Odyssey Neo G7 | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | Not listed |
| Amazon Basics 24 | 165Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| Westinghouse 24 Curved | 165Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | VA |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Westinghouse 24 Curved, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the 27GM950B at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Westinghouse 24 Curved |
| About $100 to $150 | Amazon Basics 24 |
| About $500 to $1000 | Odyssey Neo G7, MAG 321UP, 32GX850A, 27GM950B |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 27GM950B worth paying more than the Westinghouse 24 Curved?
The spec sheets show screen size (27 inches against 24 inches) in its favour. The Westinghouse 24 Curved sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the 27GM950B in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size decides your purchase.
What makes the 32GX850A the Best Dual-Mode?
The label rests on 4K at 165Hz or 1080p at 330Hz. The Westinghouse 24 Curved, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits mixing story games and shooters.
Do the 32GX850A and the 27GM950B differ on resolution?
The 32GX850A, the MAG 321UP and the Odyssey Neo G7 use 3840x2160 (4K); the 27GM950B uses 5120x2880; the Amazon Basics 24 and the Westinghouse 24 Curved use 1920x1080 (1080p).
Beyond the specs, what sets the 32GX850A and the MAG 321UP apart?
The 32GX850A: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 330Hz. The MAG 321UP: an HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz. The 27GM950B: a Mini LED backlight with 9,216 LEDs.
Who should choose the MAG 321UP?
The MAG 321UP carries our Best QD-OLED label for a 32-inch 4K QD-OLED at 165Hz. It ranks second of 6 here and sat in the $500 to $1000 tier at our last price check; it suits dark-room gaming.
Bottom Line
LG's 32GX850A is the most flexible 165Hz monitor here, and MSI's MAG 321UP is the value QD-OLED. LG's 27GM950B suits creative work, and the Amazon Basics and Westinghouse screens cover tight budgets.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best 144Hz Monitors
- Related guideThe Best 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitors
- Related guideThe Best Cheap 144Hz Gaming Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget Gaming Monitors
- Similar guideThe Best 240Hz Monitors
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1080p Monitor
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1440p Monitor
- Also see: graphics cardsWhen Is Integrated Graphics Enough for a PC?
- Similar guideThe Best 360Hz Gaming Monitors
- Topic hubAll gaming monitors guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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