Buying Guide
The Best 27-Inch IPS Gaming Monitors
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size; the SE2726HG is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
27 inches is the most common gaming size, and IPS panels give wide viewing angles and strong colour. Every pick is a 27-inch IPS at 144Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
The order reflects refresh rate, resolution and size from maker specifications; a missing response is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A
1440p at 300Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz
A lower price than the Q27G41ZE and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
AOC Q27G41ZE
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A
A freeSync Premium.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync Premium.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1440p at 300Hz. | Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the Q27G41ZE and the rest when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for AOC Q27G41ZE (opens in a new tab) |
| A freeSync Premium. | Buyers who want a freeSync Premium. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG27AQM5A pushes a 27-inch 1440p Fast IPS panel to 300Hz with 95% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SE2726HG was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is the fastest 1440p model in the TUF range here. On refresh rate it ties with the XG27AQMR at 300Hz. You also get built-in speakers and a 3-year warranty.
To see 300Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Worth noting too: G-SYNC, ELMB Sync to reduce screen tearing.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the SE2726HG at the time of writing. It was priced above the VG27AQL5A and below the XG27AQMR at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 300Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC, ELMB Sync
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 300Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2726HG at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27AQMR runs a Fast IPS panel at 300Hz with DisplayHDR 600, a strong HDR rating for IPS.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SE2726HG was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED's burn-in concerns for desktop-heavy use. On refresh rate it ties with the VG27AQM5A at 300Hz. It also offers DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
To see 300Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It also brings 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches.
It also brings G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing. Only the VG27AQM5A came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 300Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 300Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2726HG at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Dell's SE2726HG runs a 27-inch 1080p Fast IPS panel at 240Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the VG27AQM5A (300Hz).
Why we like it
It is a big-screen route to 240Hz for less. FreeSync Premium and HDMI VRR cover both PC and console play. It lists 240Hz, a 0.5ms response, FreeSync Premium with HDMI VRR and 99% sRGB coverage on a fast IPS panel.
It matches the Q27G41ZE on refresh rate (240Hz). It is the only pick here with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution; the VG27AQM5A has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution instead. At 1080p, 240Hz 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 Q27G41ZE was the next step up. The main gap: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the VG27AQM5A (300Hz). If that matters, the VG27AQM5A offers 300Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel
Cons
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the VG27AQM5A (300Hz)
IPS Panel4 of 5
AOC Q27G41ZE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Q27G41ZE runs 1440p at 240Hz natively, with an overclocked 260Hz mode, on an IPS panel.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SE2726HG cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is rare to see that combination at this price. It matches the SE2726HG on refresh rate (240Hz). No other pick in this guide offers an IPS panel; compare the SE2726HG, which has a fast IPS panel.
You get a G-SYNC Compatible here, which sets it apart from the VG27AQL5A and its a FreeSync Premium. It also offers DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper SE2726HG and the pricier VG27AQL5A, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2726HG at the time of writing
FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's VG27AQL5A runs a 27-inch 1440p Fast IPS panel at 210Hz on a height-adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want a freeSync Premium.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the VG27AQM5A offers 300Hz.
Why we like it
It is the TUF model to pick for a balanced 1440p setup. A DisplayPort cable comes in the box, the stand adjusts for height, and DisplayWidget Center changes settings with a mouse. On refresh rate it trails the group at 210Hz, while the VG27AQM5A offers 300Hz.
It is the only pick here with a FreeSync Premium; the Q27G41ZE has a G-SYNC Compatible instead. It also comes with a mid price tier for 1440p. Worth noting too: 210Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. It was priced above the Q27G41ZE and below the VG27AQM5A at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 210Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
- Stand: height adjustment
Pros
- 210Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the VG27AQM5A (300Hz)
- Costs more than the SE2726HG at the time of writing
How We Chose These 27-Inch IPS Gaming 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 as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the VG27AQM5A to the VG27AQL5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The SE2726HG and the VG27AQL5A give no response; the XG27AQMR, the Q27G41ZE and the VG27AQL5A give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SE2726HG ($100 to $150) to the XG27AQMR ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a 27-Inch IPS Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 210Hz on the VG27AQL5A to 300Hz on the VG27AQM5A. Start with the VG27AQM5A if refresh rate decides it.
Panel
The VG27AQM5A, the XG27AQMR, the SE2726HG and the VG27AQL5A list Fast IPS; the Q27G41ZE lists IPS.
Response
The VG27AQM5A and the Q27G41ZE list 0.3ms; the XG27AQMR lists 1ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Extras that separate them
The SE2726HG: PC and console tear-free play. The Q27G41ZE: DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. The VG27AQL5A: a height-adjustable stand.
How much to spend
$100 to $150 buys the SE2726HG; $150 to $250 buys the Q27G41ZE and the VG27AQL5A; $250 to $500 buys the VG27AQM5A and the XG27AQMR at our last check.
How to Choose a 27-Inch IPS Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz | VG27AQM5A | 1440p at 300Hz |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | XG27AQMR | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage |
| Spending as little as possible | SE2726HG | A lower price than the Q27G41ZE and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | Q27G41ZE | An IPS panel |
| Buyers who want a freeSync Premium | VG27AQL5A | A freeSync Premium |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The VG27AQM5A leads on refresh rate at 300Hz, ahead of the XG27AQMR at 300Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VG27AQM5A | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| XG27AQMR | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| SE2726HG | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| Q27G41ZE | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| VG27AQL5A | 210Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The SE2726HG was the lowest-priced pick and the XG27AQMR the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | SE2726HG |
| About $150 to $250 | Q27G41ZE, VG27AQL5A |
| About $250 to $500 | VG27AQM5A, XG27AQMR |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the XG27AQMR add over the SE2726HG?
On paper it adds refresh rate (300Hz against 240Hz). The SE2726HG was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the VG27AQL5A our FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync pick?
It earns the label for a freeSync Premium. It suits anyone who wants a freeSync Premium.
Do the VG27AQM5A and the SE2726HG differ on resolution?
The VG27AQM5A, the XG27AQMR, the Q27G41ZE and the VG27AQL5A use 2560x1440 (1440p); the SE2726HG uses 1920x1080 (1080p).
What extras do the VG27AQM5A and the XG27AQMR include?
The VG27AQM5A: 1440p at 300Hz. The XG27AQMR: DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. The SE2726HG: 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel.
Who should choose the Q27G41ZE?
The Q27G41ZE carries our IPS Panel label for an IPS panel. It ranks fourth of 5 here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the VG27AQM5A, chosen for 1440p at 300Hz. Look at the XG27AQMR for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage, the SE2726HG for a lower price than the Q27G41ZE and the rest when we checked and the Q27G41ZE for an IPS panel if those matter more to you.
Sit about an arm's length away.