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 The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best OLED Option
LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B
A 240Hz 1440p OLED panel.
Best for: High-contrast games at 1440p.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B (opens in a new tab)
Best Value 1440p
LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B
A pivot stand on a 200Hz 1440p screen.
Best for: Mid-range PCs.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B (opens in a new tab)
Best Color Coverage
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A
130% sRGB on a 180Hz Fast IPS panel.
Best for: Mixed gaming and photo work.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A (opens in a new tab)
Best 4K Pick
MSI MAG 274UPF E2
4K at 160Hz.
Best for: High-end graphics cards.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 240Hz
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz
240Hz on a 27-inch Fast IPS panel.
Best for: Esports on a budget.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 240Hz 1440p OLED panel. | High-contrast games at 1440p. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B (opens in a new tab) |
| A pivot stand on a 200Hz 1440p screen. | Mid-range PCs. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B (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 (opens in a new tab) |
| 4K at 160Hz. | High-end graphics cards. | Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 (opens in a new tab) |
| 240Hz on a 27-inch Fast IPS panel. | Esports on a budget. | Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best OLED Option1 of 5
LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC'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 certificatio rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
That full stand is rare at about $200. 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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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. 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 dimensions & 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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
Best Budget 240Hz5 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
- 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. 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. It also offers PC and console tear-free play. 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. If screen size is your priority, the 27GX704A (27 inches) is the stronger choice.
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
How We Chose These 27-Inch Monitors for Gaming
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
What to Look for in a 27-Inch Monitor for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Size for your desk distance
24 to 25 inches suits 1080p and competitive play at a typical desk. 27 inches pairs well with 1440p and 4K; 32 inches suits 4K at a deeper desk.
Match resolution to your graphics card
1080p suits entry and mid-range cards and high refresh rates. 1440p is the balance for most gaming PCs. 4K needs a high-end card to hold high frame rates.
Pick the resolution your card can drive before looking at refresh rate.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
Read HDR labels carefully
HDR10 means the monitor accepts an HDR signal, not that it displays it well. DisplayHDR 600 or True Black 400 certifications say more about real HDR performance.
Check ports and cables
High refresh rates at 1440p and 4K need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. Consoles need HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz.
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
Figures as each maker states them.
| 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
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | SE2726HG |
| About $150 to $250 | VG27AQ3A, 27G61ZB |
| About $250 to $500 | 27GX704A, MAG 274UPF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HDR worth it on a budget monitor?
Rarely. Budget HDR10 monitors accept HDR but lack the brightness and contrast to show it well. OLED or DisplayHDR 600 models do it better.
Does a FreeSync monitor work with an NVIDIA card?
Most do as G-SYNC Compatible over DisplayPort. Check the product page or NVIDIA's compatibility list for the model.
Do I need a GPU that matches the refresh rate?
To benefit fully, yes. A 240Hz monitor still feels smoother at 150fps than a 144Hz one, but the gains shrink when frame rates are far below the refresh rate.
Is OLED burn-in still a problem?
It is a risk with static elements over many hours. Current OLED monitors use pixel-refresh routines to reduce it; check the maker's warranty for burn-in coverage.
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort?
On a PC, DisplayPort usually supports the highest refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 is equivalent and needed for consoles.
Is 1080p fine on a 27-inch monitor?
It works, but text and detail look softer. 1440p is sharper at 27 inches; 1080p is best at 24 to 25 inches.
Bottom Line
LG's 27GX704A is the pick if your budget reaches OLED. AOC's 27G61ZB is the value 1440p screen, and Dell's SE2726HG is the cheapest route to 240Hz at this size.