Buying Guide
The Best 27-Inch USB-C Monitors
Four monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the XG27WCMS has the highest refresh rate, and it also costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
At 27 inches, pixel density decides how sharp text and games look from a normal seat. Every monitor here measures about 27 inches and accepts video over USB-C, ordered by refresh rate.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; if a maker skips panel, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved
The highest refresh rate here (280Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved (opens in a new tab)
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)
IPS Panel
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS ProArt PA279CDV
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Calman Verified with Delta E below 1.5.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for ASUS ProArt PA279CDV (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (280Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved (opens in a new tab) |
| Dolby Vision support. | Buyers who want Dolby Vision support. | Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Calman Verified with Delta E below 1.5. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for ASUS ProArt PA279CDV (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 4
ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's XG27WCMS curves a 27-inch 1440p panel and overclocks it to 280Hz.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
USB-C input and a three-year warranty are listed. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 280Hz, ahead of the AW2725Q (240Hz). It matches the XG27UCSR on screen size (27 inches).
You get a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution here, which sets it apart from the PA279CDV and its a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the XG27UCSR; the PA279CDV goes with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. To see 280Hz 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 cost the least of the 4 picks at the time of writing, with the XG27UCSR the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 280Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- HDR: HDR
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Also Consider2 of 4
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
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It has one of the most adjustable stands among the OLED models here. Its 240Hz refresh rate ranks second of 4 here, behind the XG27WCMS (280Hz) and ahead of the PA279CDV (120Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 26.7 inches: the XG27WCMS comes in at 27 inches, and the PA279CDV comes in at 26.5 inches.
Like the XG27UCSR and PA279CDV, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the XG27WCMS uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. Like the PA279CDV, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the XG27WCMS uses an HDR. It also offers 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. Its price falls between the XG27UCSR and the PA279CDV, based on our last check.
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
- Costs more than the XG27WCMS at the time of writing
IPS Panel3 of 4
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27UCSR adds USB-C and a dual mode at 1080p 324Hz, with ASUS's 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the XG27WCMS, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its 160Hz refresh rate ranks third of 4 here, behind the XG27WCMS (280Hz) and ahead of the PA279CDV (120Hz). On screen size it ties with the XG27WCMS at 27 inches. Like the AW2725Q and PA279CDV, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the XG27WCMS uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
It is the only pick here with an IPS panel; the AW2725Q has a QD-OLED panel instead. Like the XG27WCMS, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the AW2725Q uses a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. 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. Its price falls between the XG27WCMS and the AW2725Q, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- 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
- Costs more than the XG27WCMS at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 4
ASUS ProArt PA279CDV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ProArt PA279CDV moves the ProArt line to a 26.5-inch 4K QD-OLED panel at 120Hz, calibrated to Delta E below 1.5.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It adds 96W USB-C and a KVM for two computers. Its 120Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the XG27WCMS leads at 280Hz. On screen size it trails the group at 26.5 inches, while the XG27WCMS comes in at 27 inches.
Like the AW2725Q and XG27UCSR, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the XG27WCMS uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. Like the AW2725Q, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the XG27UCSR uses an IPS panel. Like the AW2725Q, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the XG27WCMS uses an HDR.
It also offers Calman Verified with Delta E below 1.5 and 96W USB-C power delivery. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. It was the highest-priced of the 4 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the AW2725Q and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Stand: tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustment
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate trails the XG27WCMS (280Hz)
- Screen size trails the XG27WCMS (27 inches)
How We Chose These 27-Inch USB-C Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up four 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 4, from the XG27WCMS to the PA279CDV, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share USB-C.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The XG27WCMS gives no panel; the XG27WCMS gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the XG27WCMS ($250 to $500) to the PA279CDV ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 27-Inch USB-C Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 120Hz on the PA279CDV to 280Hz on the XG27WCMS. Start with the XG27WCMS if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 26.5 inches on the PA279CDV to 27 inches on the XG27WCMS. The XG27WCMS is the pick for screen size.
Panel
The AW2725Q and the PA279CDV list QD-OLED; the XG27UCSR lists IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Response
The AW2725Q lists 0.03ms; the XG27UCSR lists 0.3ms; the PA279CDV lists 0.1ms.
Extras that separate them
The AW2725Q: 166 PPI at 4K. The XG27UCSR: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz. The PA279CDV: 96W USB-C power delivery.
How to Choose a 27-Inch USB-C Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | XG27WCMS | The highest refresh rate here (280Hz) |
| Buyers who want Dolby Vision support | AW2725Q | Dolby Vision support |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | XG27UCSR | An IPS panel |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | PA279CDV | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Calman Verified with Delta E below 1.5 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The XG27WCMS leads on refresh rate at 280Hz, ahead of the AW2725Q at 240Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XG27WCMS | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| AW2725Q | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| XG27UCSR | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| PA279CDV | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.5 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The XG27WCMS was the lowest-priced pick and the PA279CDV the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | XG27WCMS, XG27UCSR |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q, PA279CDV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the XG27WCMS ahead of the AW2725Q on refresh rate?
The XG27WCMS leads at 280Hz, with the AW2725Q at 240Hz. The PA279CDV is at the other end of this group with 120Hz.
What does the PA279CDV add over the XG27WCMS?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the XG27WCMS still leads on refresh rate (280Hz) and screen size (27 inches). The XG27WCMS was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
Why is the XG27UCSR our IPS Panel pick?
It earns the label for an IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants an IPS panel.
Do the XG27WCMS and the AW2725Q differ on resolution?
The XG27WCMS uses 2560x1440 (1440p); the AW2725Q, the XG27UCSR and the PA279CDV use 3840x2160 (4K).
What extras do the XG27WCMS and the AW2725Q include?
The XG27WCMS: a curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz. The AW2725Q: Dolby Vision support. The XG27UCSR: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the XG27WCMS. Look at the AW2725Q for Dolby Vision support, the XG27UCSR for an IPS panel and the PA279CDV for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Calman Verified with Delta E below 1.5 if those matter more to you.
Use the cable in the box; older cables can cap the refresh rate.