Buying Guide
The Best 27-Inch 4K Monitors for Gaming
From the CUNPU 4K 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
27-inch screens fit a standard desk depth, but resolution changes how close you can sit. Every monitor here measures about 27 inches, is 4K and refreshes at 120Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
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 HDR, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
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)
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)
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)
Lowest Price Here
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz
A lower price than the XG27UCG and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG
A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolby Vision support. | Buyers who want Dolby Vision support. | Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for GIGABYTE MO27U2 (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 lower price than the XG27UCG and the rest when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz (opens in a new tab) |
| A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz. | Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 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
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for 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 MO27U2 leads at 27 inches.
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MO27U2; the XG27UCG goes with an IPS panel. You get a DisplayHDR True Black 400 here, which sets it apart from the CUNPU 4K and its an HDR400. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the MO27U2 and CUNPU 4K; the XG27UCG goes with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.
You also get 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. It was priced above the XG27UCG and below the 27G810A at the time of writing.
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 MO27U2 (27 inches)
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 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
- Look at the others if this bothers 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 27G810A, the CUNPU 4K and the XG27UCG on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the AW2725Q; the 27G810A goes with an IPS panel. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW2725Q and CUNPU 4K; the XG27UCG goes with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. No other pick in this guide offers a FreeSync Premium Pro; compare the XG27UCG, which has a G-SYNC Compatible.
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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the 27G810A the nearest cheaper option.
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 CUNPU 4K 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
- Price-first buyers should look at the CUNPU 4K, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It covers both uses on one screen. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 180Hz: the AW2725Q offers 240Hz, and the XG27UCG comes in at 160Hz. It matches the MO27U2, the CUNPU 4K and the XG27UCG on screen size (27 inches).
It shares an IPS panel with the XG27UCG; the MO27U2 goes with a QD-OLED panel. A DisplayHDR 400 is unique to it among these picks, while the CUNPU 4K uses an HDR400. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the XG27UCG; the CUNPU 4K goes with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
It also offers 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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. When we checked, only the AW2725Q and cheaper picks cost less, and the MO27U2 cost more.
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
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 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
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Pass on it if refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 4K high-refresh monitors here. On refresh rate it ties with the XG27UCG at 160Hz. It matches the MO27U2, the 27G810A and the XG27UCG on screen size (27 inches).
You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the XG27UCG and its an IPS panel. You get an HDR400 here, which sets it apart from the 27G810A and its a DisplayHDR 400. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW2725Q and MO27U2; the XG27UCG goes with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.
You also get 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles, a factory calibration of Delta E under 2 and 4K at a budget price tier. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the XG27UCG the next step up. What it gives up: refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz); by contrast, the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
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
- Refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz)
Strong Alternative5 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27UCG is a 4K 160Hz monitor that can switch to 1080p at 320Hz for shooters, and adds USB-C for a laptop.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it ties with the CUNPU 4K at 160Hz. It matches the MO27U2, the 27G810A and the CUNPU 4K on screen size (27 inches). It shares an IPS panel with the 27G810A; the CUNPU 4K goes with a fast IPS panel.
It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the 27G810A; the MO27U2 goes with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. It is the only pick here with a G-SYNC Compatible; the MO27U2 has a FreeSync Premium Pro instead. 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.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was priced above the CUNPU 4K and below the AW2725Q at the time of writing. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- 160Hz 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 CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
How We Chose These 27-Inch 4K Monitors for Gaming
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared 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 AW2725Q to the XG27UCG, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MO27U2 and the XG27UCG give no HDR; the AW2725Q gives no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CUNPU 4K ($150 to $250) to the MO27U2 ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 27-Inch 4K Monitor for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 160Hz on the XG27UCG to 240Hz on the AW2725Q. The AW2725Q is the pick for refresh rate.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 26.7 inches on the AW2725Q to 27 inches on the MO27U2. The 27G810A comes second for less money.
Response
The AW2725Q and the MO27U2 list 0.03ms; the 27G810A, the CUNPU 4K and the XG27UCG list 1ms. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Features beyond the spec table
The 27G810A: HDMI 2.1 inputs. The CUNPU 4K: a factory calibration of Delta E under 2. The XG27UCG: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Where your budget lands
$150 to $250 buys the CUNPU 4K; $250 to $500 buys the XG27UCG; $500 to $1000 buys the AW2725Q, the 27G810A and the MO27U2 at our last check.
How to Choose a 27-Inch 4K Monitor for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want Dolby Vision support | AW2725Q | Dolby Vision support |
| 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 |
| Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand | 27G810A | A swivel and pivot stand |
| Spending as little as possible | CUNPU 4K | A lower price than the XG27UCG and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz | XG27UCG | A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz |
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.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2725Q | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| MO27U2 | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| 27G810A | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| CUNPU 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| XG27UCG | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The CUNPU 4K was the lowest-priced pick and the MO27U2 the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | CUNPU 4K |
| About $250 to $500 | XG27UCG |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q, 27G810A, MO27U2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MO27U2 worth paying more than the CUNPU 4K?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 160Hz). The CUNPU 4K was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the 27G810A the Swivel and Pivot Stand?
It earns the label for a swivel and pivot stand. It suits anyone who wants a swivel and pivot stand.
Do the AW2725Q and the 27G810A differ on panel?
The AW2725Q and the MO27U2 use QD-OLED; the 27G810A and the XG27UCG use IPS; the CUNPU 4K uses Fast IPS.
Beyond the specs, what sets the AW2725Q and the MO27U2 apart?
The AW2725Q: Dolby Vision support. The MO27U2: a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K. The 27G810A: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz.
Should I pick the AW2725Q or the XG27UCG?
The AW2725Q suits buyers who want Dolby Vision support; the XG27UCG suits buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2725Q, chosen for Dolby Vision support. Look at the MO27U2 for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K, the 27G810A for a swivel and pivot stand and the CUNPU 4K for a lower price than the XG27UCG and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.
Measure desk depth before buying a larger screen.