Buying Guide
The Best 2K Gaming Monitors
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the PG27AQDP has the highest refresh rate; the H27T22C is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
1440p is the balance point between sharpness and frame rate for most mid-range GPUs. Every monitor here is 1440p and refreshes at 120Hz 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.
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP
The highest refresh rate here (480Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED
A built-in KVM switch.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in KVM switch.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2
A QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line.
Best for: Buyers who want QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line.
Our take Check price for AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2 (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
KTC H27T22C-3
A lower price than the VG27AQL5A and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Fast IPS Panel
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A
A fast IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (480Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP (opens in a new tab) |
| A built-in KVM switch. | Buyers who want built-in KVM switch. | Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line. | Buyers who want QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line. | Check price for AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2 (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the VG27AQL5A and the rest when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for KTC H27T22C-3 (opens in a new tab) |
| A fast IPS panel. | Buyers who want a fast IPS panel. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PG27AQDP goes further to 480Hz on a WOLED panel, the fastest here, for players whose PCs can feed it.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its 480Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the MPG 271QRX comes next at 360Hz. On screen size it ties with the AG276QZD2 at 26.5 inches. It is the only pick here with a WOLED panel; the MPG 271QRX has a QD-OLED panel instead.
Like the MPG 271QRX, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the AG276QZD2 uses an HDR10. A G-SYNC Compatible is unique to it among these picks, while the VG27AQL5A uses a FreeSync Premium. To see 480Hz 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MPG 271QRX.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 480Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: WOLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 480Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a WOLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the H27T22C at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MPG 271QRX adds a KVM switch to a 360Hz QD-OLED panel with True Black 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in KVM switch.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its built-in KVM switches a keyboard and mouse between two computers, and the stand adjusts for ergonomics. Its QD-OLED panel refreshes at 360Hz with a 0.03ms GtG response time. MSI rates its colour at Delta E 2 or below.
Its 360Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz) and ahead of the VG27AQL5A (210Hz). On screen size it ties with the H27T22C and the VG27AQL5A at 27 inches. Like the AG276QZD2, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the VG27AQL5A uses a fast IPS panel.
Like the PG27AQDP, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the AG276QZD2 uses an HDR10. It also comes with HDMI 2.1 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. Its price falls between the AG276QZD2 and the PG27AQDP, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 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 H27T22C at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AG276QZD2 is AOC's 240Hz QD-OLED in its AGON PRO line.
Best for
- Buyers who want QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 240Hz: the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz, and the VG27AQL5A comes in at 210Hz. It matches the PG27AQDP on screen size (26.5 inches). It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 271QRX; the VG27AQL5A goes with a fast IPS panel.
You get an HDR10 here, which sets it apart from the H27T22C and its an HDR 400. 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.
It was priced above the VG27AQL5A and below the MPG 271QRX at the time of writing. It gives ground on screen size, where the MPG 271QRX comes in at 27 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: HDR10
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Screen size trails the MPG 271QRX (27 inches)
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
KTC H27T22C-3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The KTC H27T22C brings 1440p at 220Hz to a budget price with HDR 400 and speakers.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: refresh rate of 220Hz, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz).
Why we like it
It is the value way to a sharp, fast screen. Its 220Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz) and ahead of the VG27AQL5A (210Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 271QRX and the VG27AQL5A at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers an IPS panel; compare the AG276QZD2, which has a QD-OLED panel. It also offers DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards.
Worth noting too: 220Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. It undercut the VG27AQL5A and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 220Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR 400
- Color gamut: 131% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync, G-SYNC
Pros
- 220Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 131% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- Refresh rate of 220Hz, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz)
Fast IPS Panel5 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 fast IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz.
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 PG27AQDP offers 480Hz.
It matches the MPG 271QRX and the H27T22C on screen size (27 inches). A fast IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the MPG 271QRX uses a QD-OLED panel. No other pick in this guide offers a FreeSync Premium; compare the PG27AQDP, which has a G-SYNC Compatible.
You also get a mid price tier for 1440p. When we checked, only the H27T22C cost less, and the AG276QZD2 cost more. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the PG27AQDP covers it better at 480Hz.
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 PG27AQDP (480Hz)
- Costs more than the H27T22C at the time of writing
How We Chose These 2K Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the PG27AQDP to the VG27AQL5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The VG27AQL5A gives no response; the VG27AQL5A gives no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the H27T22C ($150 to $250) to the PG27AQDP ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 2K Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 210Hz on the VG27AQL5A to 480Hz on the PG27AQDP. The MPG 271QRX comes second for less money.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 26.5 inches on the AG276QZD2 to 27 inches on the MPG 271QRX. For less, the H27T22C is the runner-up at 27 inches.
Response
The PG27AQDP, the MPG 271QRX and the AG276QZD2 list 0.03ms; the H27T22C lists 1ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Extras that separate them
The AG276QZD2: a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line. The H27T22C: DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. The VG27AQL5A: a height-adjustable stand.
Where your budget lands
$150 to $250 buys the H27T22C and the VG27AQL5A; $250 to $500 buys the AG276QZD2; $500 to $1000 buys the MPG 271QRX and the PG27AQDP at our last check.
How to Choose a 2K Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | PG27AQDP | The highest refresh rate here (480Hz) |
| Buyers who want built-in KVM switch | MPG 271QRX | A built-in KVM switch |
| Buyers who want QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line | AG276QZD2 | A QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line |
| Keeping the budget tight | H27T22C | A lower price than the VG27AQL5A and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | VG27AQL5A | A fast IPS panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The PG27AQDP leads on refresh rate at 480Hz, ahead of the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG27AQDP | 480Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | WOLED |
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| AG276QZD2 | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| H27T22C | 220Hz | 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 H27T22C was the lowest-priced pick and the PG27AQDP the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | H27T22C, VG27AQL5A |
| About $250 to $500 | AG276QZD2 |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 271QRX, PG27AQDP |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PG27AQDP ahead of the MPG 271QRX on refresh rate?
The PG27AQDP leads at 480Hz, with the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz. The VG27AQL5A is at the other end of this group with 210Hz.
What does the PG27AQDP add over the H27T22C?
On paper it adds refresh rate (480Hz against 220Hz). It does not win everywhere: the H27T22C still leads on screen size (27 inches). The H27T22C was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the VG27AQL5A our Fast IPS Panel pick?
It earns the label for a fast IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants a fast IPS panel.
Do the PG27AQDP and the MPG 271QRX differ on panel?
The PG27AQDP uses WOLED; the MPG 271QRX and the AG276QZD2 use QD-OLED; the H27T22C uses IPS; the VG27AQL5A uses Fast IPS.
What extras do the PG27AQDP and the MPG 271QRX include?
The PG27AQDP: a 480Hz refresh rate at 1440p. The MPG 271QRX: a built-in KVM switch. The AG276QZD2: a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the PG27AQDP. Look at the MPG 271QRX for a built-in KVM switch, the AG276QZD2 for a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line and the H27T22C for a lower price than the VG27AQL5A and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.
Use the cable in the box; older cables can cap the refresh rate.