Buying Guide
The Best 27-Inch Monitor Under $200
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
Under $200, the trade-offs are sharper, so it helps to know which spec you can give up. Every monitor here cost $200 or less when we checked and measures about 27 inches, ordered by refresh rate.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; if a maker skips response, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
VA Panel
AOC C27G4ZH Curved
A VA panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a VA panel.
Our take Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Alienware AW2726DL
A 280Hz 1440p IPS panel at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2726DL (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)
Also Consider
AOC Q27G41ZE
An overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Best for: Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Strong Alternative
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A
A 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A VA panel. | Buyers who want a VA panel. | Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab) |
| A 280Hz 1440p IPS panel at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for Alienware AW2726DL (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 overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate. | Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate. | Check price for AOC Q27G41ZE (opens in a new tab) |
| A 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz. | Buyers who want 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
VA Panel1 of 5
AOC C27G4ZH Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's C27G4ZH curves a 27-inch 1080p VA panel and runs it at 280Hz on a height, tilt and swivel stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want a VA panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
It trades resolution for speed. It refreshes at 280Hz with a 0.3ms response time. The 1500R curve wraps the image around your view.
The 1500R curve keeps the corners of the 27-inch panel in view. On refresh rate it ties with the AW2726DL at 280Hz. It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the SE2726HG and VG279QM5A; the Q27G41ZE goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
You get a VA panel here, which sets it apart from the VG279QM5A and its a fast IPS panel. You also get VESA mounting. At 1080p, 280Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It was priced above the Q27G41ZE and below the VG279QM5A at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 280Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: VA
- Response: 0.3ms
- HDR: HDR
- Stand: height, tilt and swivel
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a stand with height, tilt and swivel
- 280Hz on a 1500R curve
- Height-adjustable stand
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Costs more than the SE2726HG at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
Alienware AW2726DL on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2726DL runs a 1440p IPS panel at 280Hz.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the SE2726HG, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The maker publishes few details, so check the stand and ports on Dell's spec page. On refresh rate it ties with the C27G4ZH at 280Hz. It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the Q27G41ZE; the VG279QM5A goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
It shares an IPS panel with the Q27G41ZE; the SE2726HG goes with a fast IPS panel. To see 280Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. Only the VG279QM5A came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 280Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 280Hz 1440p IPS panel
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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the C27G4ZH (280Hz).
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 matches the Q27G41ZE and the VG279QM5A on refresh rate (240Hz).
Like the C27G4ZH and VG279QM5A, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the AW2726DL uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. Like the VG279QM5A, it has a fast IPS panel, while the Q27G41ZE uses an IPS panel. 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 undercut the Q27G41ZE and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the C27G4ZH (280Hz). If that matters, the C27G4ZH offers 280Hz.
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 C27G4ZH (280Hz)
Also Consider4 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 overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
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 and the VG279QM5A on refresh rate (240Hz). Like the AW2726DL, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the SE2726HG uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
Like the AW2726DL, it has an IPS panel, while the SE2726HG uses a fast IPS panel. It also comes with 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. Its price falls between the SE2726HG and the C27G4ZH, based on our last check.
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
Strong Alternative5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG279QM5A is built around a 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz, with a 3-year warranty on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the C27G4ZH offers 280Hz.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 240Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the SE2726HG and the Q27G41ZE on refresh rate (240Hz). Like the C27G4ZH and SE2726HG, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the AW2726DL uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
Like the SE2726HG, it has a fast IPS panel, while the AW2726DL uses an IPS panel. It also offers 99% sRGB coverage. At 1080p, 240Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Its price falls between the C27G4ZH and the AW2726DL, based on our last check. If refresh rate is your priority, the C27G4ZH (280Hz) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the C27G4ZH (280Hz)
- Costs more than the SE2726HG at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up 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 C27G4ZH to the VG279QM5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The SE2726HG and the VG279QM5A give no response; the C27G4ZH, the AW2726DL and the Q27G41ZE give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SE2726HG ($100 to $150) to the AW2726DL ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a 27-Inch Monitor Under $200
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the VG279QM5A to 280Hz on the C27G4ZH. Start with the C27G4ZH if refresh rate decides it.
Panel
The C27G4ZH lists VA; the AW2726DL and the Q27G41ZE list IPS; the SE2726HG and the VG279QM5A list Fast IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Response
The C27G4ZH and the Q27G41ZE list 0.3ms; the AW2726DL lists 1ms.
Extras that separate them
The SE2726HG: PC and console tear-free play. The Q27G41ZE: DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. The VG279QM5A: a 3-year warranty.
How much to spend
$100 to $150 buys the SE2726HG; $150 to $250 buys the Q27G41ZE, the C27G4ZH, the VG279QM5A and the AW2726DL at our last check.
How to Choose a 27-Inch Monitor Under $200
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want a VA panel | C27G4ZH | A VA panel |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | AW2726DL | A 280Hz 1440p IPS panel at the highest price in the group |
| Spending as little as possible | SE2726HG | A lower price than the Q27G41ZE and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate | Q27G41ZE | An overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate |
| Buyers who want 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz | VG279QM5A | A 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The C27G4ZH leads on refresh rate at 280Hz, ahead of the AW2726DL at 280Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C27G4ZH | 280Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | VA |
| AW2726DL | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| SE2726HG | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| Q27G41ZE | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| VG279QM5A | 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 and the AW2726DL the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | SE2726HG |
| About $150 to $250 | Q27G41ZE, C27G4ZH, VG279QM5A, AW2726DL |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the AW2726DL add over the SE2726HG?
On paper it adds refresh rate (280Hz 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 C27G4ZH our VA Panel pick?
It earns the label for a VA panel. It suits anyone who wants a VA panel.
Do the C27G4ZH and the AW2726DL differ on resolution?
The C27G4ZH, the SE2726HG and the VG279QM5A use 1920x1080 (1080p); the AW2726DL and the Q27G41ZE use 2560x1440 (1440p).
What extras do the C27G4ZH and the AW2726DL include?
The C27G4ZH: 280Hz on a 1500R curve. The AW2726DL: a 280Hz 1440p IPS panel. The SE2726HG: 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel.
Should I pick the C27G4ZH or the VG279QM5A?
The C27G4ZH suits buyers who want a VA panel; the VG279QM5A suits buyers who want 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the C27G4ZH, chosen for a VA panel. Look at the AW2726DL for a 280Hz 1440p IPS panel at the highest price in the group, the SE2726HG for a lower price than the Q27G41ZE and the rest when we checked and the Q27G41ZE for an overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate if those matter more to you.
Set the refresh rate in Windows display settings; many screens start at 60Hz.