Buying Guide
The Best 27-Inch Monitors for Gaming
Five 27-inch monitors from a 240Hz 1080p budget screen to a 1440p OLED and a 4K IPS model.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
At 27 inches, resolution matters more than on a smaller screen. These five cover 1080p, 1440p and 4K so you can match the monitor to your graphics card.
We researched manufacturer listings for panel type, refresh rate and stand adjustment.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best OLED Option
LG UltraGear 27GX704A-BA 240Hz 1440p OLED panel.
Best for: High-contrast games at 1440p.
Check price for LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value 1440p
LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-BA pivot stand on a 200Hz 1440p screen.
Best for: Mid-range PCs.
Check price for LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Color Coverage
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A130% sRGB on a 180Hz Fast IPS panel.
Best for: Mixed gaming and photo work.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best 4K Pick
MSI MAG 274UPF E24K at 160Hz.
Best for: High-end graphics cards.
Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 240Hz
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz240Hz on a 27-inch Fast IPS panel.
Best for: Esports on a budget.
Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 240Hz 1440p OLED panel. | High-contrast games at 1440p. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A pivot stand on a 200Hz 1440p screen. | Mid-range PCs. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 130% sRGB on a 180Hz Fast IPS panel. | Mixed gaming and photo work. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 4K at 160Hz. | High-end graphics cards. | Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 240Hz on a 27-inch Fast IPS panel. | Esports on a budget. | Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best OLED Option1 of 5
LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B
The 27GX704A brings a 240Hz OLED panel to 1440p with near-instant response and True Black 400 HDR.
Best for
- High-contrast games at 1440p.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
For most gaming PCs it is the best balance of motion clarity, contrast and price. It matches the SE2726HG on refresh rate (240Hz). Like the 27G61ZB and VG27AQ3A, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the MAG 274UPF uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
It is the only pick here with an OLED panel; the 27G61ZB has an IPS panel instead. It is the only pick here with a DisplayHDR True Black 400; the 27G61ZB has an HDR10 instead. It also offers HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles.
To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. 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. Its price falls between the 27G61ZB and the MAG 274UPF, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
- Stand
- swivel and pivot
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 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 SE2726HG at the time of writing
Best Value 1440p2 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B
LG's 27G61ZB is a 27-inch 1440p IPS screen at 200Hz on a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for
- Mid-range PCs.
Skip if
- Pass on it if hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
That full stand is rare at about $200. Features include Dynamic Action Sync, Black Stabilizer, an FPS counter and a crosshair, and the Switch app splits the screen into up to six sections. The monitor supports HDR10.
On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 200Hz: the 27GX704A offers 240Hz, and the MAG 274UPF comes in at 160Hz. It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the 27GX704A and VG27AQ3A; the SE2726HG goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. You get an IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the SE2726HG and its a fast IPS panel.
You get an HDR10 here, which sets it apart from the MAG 274UPF and its an HDR 400. It also comes with narrow bezels. It was priced above the VG27AQ3A and below the 27GX704A at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 200Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- HDR10
- Color gamut
- 99% sRGB
- Stand
- height, tilt, swivel and pivot
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Costs more than the SE2726HG at the time of writing
Best Color Coverage3 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A
The VG27AQ3A pairs 1440p at 180Hz with wide colour coverage and speakers.
Best for
- Mixed gaming and photo work.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SE2726HG was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It suits a desk used for games and video alike. The 27-inch 1440p panel refreshes at 180Hz. ELMB Sync runs motion-blur reduction and variable refresh together, and it supports FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC Compatible modes.
On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 180Hz: the 27GX704A offers 240Hz, and the MAG 274UPF comes in at 160Hz. It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the 27GX704A and 27G61ZB; the SE2726HG goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. It shares a fast IPS panel with the SE2726HG; the 27GX704A goes with an OLED panel.
A 130% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the SE2726HG uses a 99% sRGB color gamut. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. When we checked, only the SE2726HG cost less, and the 27G61ZB cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 180Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Color gamut
- 130% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 130% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2726HG at the time of writing
Best 4K Pick4 of 5
MSI MAG 274UPF E2
The MAG 274UPF gives 4K at 160Hz with a fully adjustable stand.
Best for
- High-end graphics cards.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the 27GX704A offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
It is a straightforward, well-equipped IPS choice. On refresh rate it trails the group at 160Hz, while the 27GX704A offers 240Hz. You get a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution here, which sets it apart from the SE2726HG and its a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
You get a rapid IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the SE2726HG and its a fast IPS panel. You get an HDR 400 here, which sets it apart from the 27G61ZB and its an HDR10. 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. Only the 27GX704A came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 160Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Rapid IPS
- HDR
- HDR 400
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand
- height, swivel and pivot adjustment
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Rapid IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the 27GX704A (240Hz)
- Costs more than the SE2726HG at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on refresh rate, where the 27GX704A offers 240Hz.
Best Budget 240Hz5 of 5
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz
Dell's SE2726HG runs a 27-inch 1080p Fast IPS panel at 240Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Esports on a budget.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
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 27GX704A on refresh rate (240Hz). It is the only pick here with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution; the 27GX704A has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution instead. Like the 27G61ZB, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the VG27AQ3A uses a 130% sRGB color gamut.
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 VG27AQ3A was the next step up.
Key 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
The catch
If screen size is your priority, the 27GX704A (27 inches) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose These 27-Inch Monitors for Gaming
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out response.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the 27GX704A to the SE2726HG, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MAG 274UPF and the SE2726HG give no response; the VG27AQ3A and the SE2726HG give no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SE2726HG ($100 to $150) to the MAG 274UPF ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a 27-Inch 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 MAG 274UPF to 240Hz on the 27GX704A, a 50% spread. The SE2726HG comes second at 240Hz, in the $100 to $150 tier against $250 to $500 for the 27GX704A.
Panel
The 27GX704A lists OLED; the 27G61ZB lists IPS; the VG27AQ3A and the SE2726HG list Fast IPS; the MAG 274UPF lists Rapid IPS. Settling panel first narrows 5 picks to 2, 1 or 1 or 1.
A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures Response
The 27GX704A lists 0.03ms; the 27G61ZB and the VG27AQ3A list 1ms. Settling response first narrows 3 picks to 2 or 1.
Extras that separate them
The VG27AQ3A: built-in speakers. The MAG 274UPF: a 160Hz refresh rate at 4K. The SE2726HG: PC and console tear-free play.
A large monitor showing a game on a low media unit Budget
$100 to $150 buys the SE2726HG; $150 to $250 buys the VG27AQ3A and the 27G61ZB; $250 to $500 buys the 27GX704A and the MAG 274UPF at our last check.
How to Choose a 27-Inch Monitor for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-contrast games at 1440p | 27GX704A | A 240Hz 1440p OLED panel |
| Mid-range PCs | 27G61ZB | A pivot stand on a 200Hz 1440p screen |
| Mixed gaming and photo work | VG27AQ3A | 130% sRGB on a 180Hz Fast IPS panel |
| High-end graphics cards | MAG 274UPF | 4K at 160Hz |
| Esports on a budget | SE2726HG | 240Hz on a 27-inch Fast IPS panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The 27GX704A leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the SE2726HG at 240Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27GX704A | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | OLED |
| 27G61ZB | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| VG27AQ3A | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| MAG 274UPF | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
| SE2726HG | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The SE2726HG was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the MAG 274UPF the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | SE2726HG |
| About $150 to $250 | VG27AQ3A, 27G61ZB |
| About $250 to $500 | 27GX704A, MAG 274UPF |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MAG 274UPF add over the SE2726HG?
The MAG 274UPF matches or trails the SE2726HG on refresh rate, so pay more only for a feature the spec sheet doesn't cover. The SE2726HG leads on refresh rate (240Hz). On our last price check the SE2726HG was in the $100 to $150 tier and the MAG 274UPF in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them.
Why is the VG27AQ3A our Best Color Coverage pick?
The label rests on 130% sRGB on a 180Hz Fast IPS panel. The price of that: the SE2726HG, the cheapest pick, still beats it on refresh rate (240Hz against 180Hz). It makes sense for mixed gaming and photo work.
Do the 27GX704A and the MAG 274UPF differ on resolution?
The 27GX704A, the 27G61ZB and the VG27AQ3A use 2560x1440 (1440p); the MAG 274UPF uses 3840x2160 (4K); the SE2726HG uses 1920x1080 (1080p).
What extras do the 27GX704A and the 27G61ZB include?
The 27GX704A: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. The 27G61ZB: a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand. The VG27AQ3A: built-in speakers.
Who should choose the 27GX704A?
The 27GX704A carries our Best OLED Option label for a 240Hz 1440p OLED panel. It ranks first of 5 here and sat in the $250 to $500 tier at our last price check; it suits high-contrast games at 1440p.
Bottom Line
LG's 27GX704A is the pick if your budget reaches OLED. LG's 27G61ZB is the value 1440p screen, and Dell's SE2726HG is the cheapest route to 240Hz at this size.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Monitors
- Related guideThe Best 27-Inch Gaming Monitors
- Related guideThe Best OLED Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget Gaming Monitors
- Higher budgetThe Best FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitors
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1080p Monitor
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1440p Monitor
- Also see: graphics cardsHow to Buy a Used Graphics Card Safely
- Similar guideThe Best 27-Inch IPS 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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