Buying Guide
The Best 180Hz 4K Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size, and the AW2725QF costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
180Hz is the line where motion starts to look noticeably smoother for this kind of setup. Every monitor here refreshes at 180Hz or more and is 4K, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and if a maker skips color gamut, 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)
Swivel and Pivot Stand
LG UltraGear 27G810A-B
A swivel and pivot stand.
Best for: Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G810A-B (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
A built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED
Up to 1000 nits peak brightness at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution (opens in a new tab) |
| Dolby Vision support. | Buyers who want Dolby Vision support. | Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A swivel and pivot stand. | Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G810A-B (opens in a new tab) |
| A built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. | Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. | Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| Up to 1000 nits peak brightness at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED (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
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz).
Why we like it
It avoids OLED burn-in concerns while keeping 4K sharpness. It matches the 27G810A on refresh rate (180Hz). On screen size it ties with the 27G810A at 27 inches.
Like the 27G810A, it has an IPS panel, while the MPG 321URX uses a QD-OLED panel. No other pick in this guide offers a DisplayHDR 600; compare the MPG 321URX, which has a DisplayHDR True Black 400. Like the 27G810A, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the AW2725Q uses a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
You also get 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 undercut the AW2725Q and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz). If that matters, the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
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. It matches the MPG 321URX and the MPG 321URXW on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 26.7 inches, while the MPG 321URX comes in at 31.5 inches.
Like the MPG 321URX and MPG 321URXW, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the AW2725QF uses an IPS panel. Like the MPG 321URXW, it has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the AW2725QF uses a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with 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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. Its price falls between the AW2725QF and the 27G810A, based on our last check.
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 MPG 321URX (31.5 inches)
- Costs more than the AW2725QF at the time of writing
Swivel and Pivot Stand3 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G810A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 27G810A runs 4K at 180Hz and switches to 1080p at 360Hz for shooters, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayHDR 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
It covers both uses on one screen. It matches the AW2725QF on refresh rate (180Hz). On screen size it ties with the AW2725QF at 27 inches.
Like the AW2725QF, it has an IPS panel, while the AW2725Q uses a QD-OLED panel. No other pick in this guide offers a DisplayHDR 400; compare the MPG 321URX, which has a DisplayHDR True Black 400. Like the AW2725QF, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the AW2725Q uses a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
You also get an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. 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. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper AW2725Q and the pricier MPG 321URX, at the time of writing. The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
- Stand: swivel and pivot
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2725Q (240Hz)
- Costs more than the AW2725QF at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG 321URX is a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with a built-in KVM, so one keyboard and mouse can switch between a desktop and a laptop.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
USB-C input rounds out the ports. It matches the AW2725Q and the MPG 321URXW on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 321URXW at 31.5 inches.
Like the AW2725Q and MPG 321URXW, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the AW2725QF uses an IPS panel. Like the AW2725Q and MPG 321URXW, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the AW2725QF uses a DisplayHDR 600. It also offers HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles.
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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper 27G810A and the pricier MPG 321URXW, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- 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
- Costs more than the AW2725QF at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG 321URXW is a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the 32-inch step up from the 272URX. On refresh rate it ties with the AW2725Q and the MPG 321URX at 240Hz. It matches the MPG 321URX on screen size (31.5 inches).
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the AW2725Q and MPG 321URX; the 27G810A goes with an IPS panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the AW2725Q and MPG 321URX; the 27G810A goes with a DisplayHDR 400. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW2725Q; the 27G810A goes with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.
It also comes with up to 1000 nits peak brightness, a white finish and an HDMI 2.1 input. 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the MPG 321URX the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
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
- Costs more than the AW2725QF at the time of writing
How We Chose These 180Hz 4K Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the AW2725QF to the MPG 321URXW, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MPG 321URX gives no color gamut; the AW2725QF, the MPG 321URX and the MPG 321URXW give no stand.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the AW2725QF ($250 to $500) to the MPG 321URXW ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 180Hz 4K Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 180Hz on the 27G810A to 240Hz on the AW2725Q. Start with the AW2725Q if refresh rate decides it.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 26.7 inches on the AW2725Q to 31.5 inches on the MPG 321URX. The MPG 321URX is the pick for screen size.
Response
The AW2725QF lists 0.5ms; the AW2725Q, the MPG 321URX and the MPG 321URXW list 0.03ms; the 27G810A lists 1ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Extras that separate them
The 27G810A: HDMI 2.1 inputs. The MPG 321URX: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a inputs. The MPG 321URXW: a white finish.
Budget
$250 to $500 buys the AW2725QF; $500 to $1000 buys the AW2725Q, the 27G810A, the MPG 321URX and the MPG 321URXW at our last check.
How to Choose a 180Hz 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 want a swivel and pivot stand | 27G810A | A swivel and pivot stand |
| Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture | MPG 321URX | A built-in KVM with picture-in-picture |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | MPG 321URXW | Up to 1000 nits peak brightness at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2725Q leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the MPG 321URX at 240Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2725QF | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| AW2725Q | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| 27G810A | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| MPG 321URX | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 321URXW | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 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 MPG 321URXW the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | AW2725QF |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q, 27G810A, MPG 321URX, MPG 321URXW |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MPG 321URXW add over the AW2725QF?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 180Hz) and screen size (31.5 inches against 27 inches). The AW2725QF was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the 27G810A our Swivel and Pivot Stand pick?
It earns the label for a swivel and pivot stand. It suits anyone who wants a swivel and pivot stand.
Do the AW2725QF and the AW2725Q differ on panel?
The AW2725QF and the 27G810A use IPS; the AW2725Q, the MPG 321URX and the MPG 321URXW use QD-OLED.
What extras do the AW2725QF and the AW2725Q include?
The AW2725QF: a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz. The AW2725Q: Dolby Vision support. The 27G810A: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz.
Should I pick the AW2725QF or the MPG 321URXW?
The AW2725QF suits keeping the budget tight; the MPG 321URXW suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
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 27G810A for a swivel and pivot stand and the MPG 321URX for a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture if those matter more to you.
Use the cable in the box; older cables can cap the refresh rate.