Buying Guide
The Best 300Hz Gaming Monitors
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the XG27AQMR has the largest screen size; the VG259QMR5A is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
300Hz is the line where motion starts to look noticeably smoother for this kind of setup. Every monitor here refreshes at 300Hz or more and refreshes at 120Hz or more, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these monitors on refresh rate, resolution and size using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out response, we say 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.
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A
The cheapest way into this group, below the VG259QMRL5A.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A
A 310Hz overclocked refresh rate.
Best for: Buyers who want 310Hz overclocked refresh rate.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR
The largest screen size here (27 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR (opens in a new tab)
QD-OLED Panel
Alienware AW2725DF
A QD-OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725DF (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the VG259QMRL5A. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab) |
| A 310Hz overclocked refresh rate. | Buyers who want 310Hz overclocked refresh rate. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (27 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR (opens in a new tab) |
| A QD-OLED panel. | Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel. | Check price for Alienware AW2725DF (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG259QMR5A is the esports pick, with a 310Hz Fast IPS panel at 1080p and a 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: refresh rate of 310Hz, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz).
Why we like it
It matches the VG259QMRL5A on refresh rate (310Hz). On screen size it ties with the VG259QMRL5A at 24.5 inches. Like the VG259QMRL5A, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the XQ2566X uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
Like the VG259QMRL5A and XG27AQMR, it has a fast IPS panel, while the AW2725DF uses a QD-OLED panel. Like the VG259QMRL5A, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the AW2725DF uses a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. At 1080p, 310Hz 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the VG259QMRL5A was the next step up. The main gap: refresh rate of 310Hz, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz). If that matters, the AW2725DF offers 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 310Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 310Hz 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 of 310Hz, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz)
Also Consider2 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's VG259QMRL5A runs a 24.5-inch 1080p Fast IPS panel at 310Hz and adds DisplayHDR 400 and a height-adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want 310Hz overclocked refresh rate.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the VG259QMR5A, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the esports model in the TUF line. On refresh rate it ties with the VG259QMR5A at 310Hz. It matches the VG259QMR5A on screen size (24.5 inches).
It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the VG259QMR5A; the XQ2566X goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It shares a fast IPS panel with the VG259QMR5A and XG27AQMR; the XQ2566X goes with a fast TN panel. You get a DisplayHDR 400 here, which sets it apart from the AW2725DF and its a DisplayHDR True Black 400.
At 1080p, 310Hz 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. It was priced above the VG259QMR5A and below the XG27AQMR at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 310Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height adjustment
Pros
- a 310Hz 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
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size3 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27AQMR runs a Fast IPS panel at 300Hz with DisplayHDR 600, a strong HDR rating for IPS.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2725DF offers 360Hz.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED's burn-in concerns for desktop-heavy use. On refresh rate it trails the group at 300Hz, while the AW2725DF offers 360Hz. Its 27 inches screen size is the largest here; the AW2725DF comes next at 26.7 inches.
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the AW2725DF and XQ2566X; the VG259QMRL5A goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. It shares a fast IPS panel with the VG259QMR5A and VG259QMRL5A; the XQ2566X goes with a fast TN panel. A DisplayHDR 600 is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2725DF uses a DisplayHDR True Black 400.
It also comes with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. To see 300Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. When we checked, only the VG259QMRL5A and cheaper picks cost less, and the AW2725DF cost more. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the AW2725DF covers it better at 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 300Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 300Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2725DF (360Hz)
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
QD-OLED Panel4 of 5
Alienware AW2725DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2725DF pushes a QD-OLED panel to 360Hz at 1440p.
Best for
- Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
It suits competitive players with a graphics card that can hold very high frame rates. It matches the XQ2566X on refresh rate (360Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 26.7 inches: the XG27AQMR comes in at 27 inches, and the XQ2566X comes in at 24.1 inches.
Like the XG27AQMR and XQ2566X, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the VG259QMR5A uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. It is the only pick here with a QD-OLED panel; the VG259QMR5A has a fast IPS panel instead. It is the only pick here with a DisplayHDR True Black 400; the VG259QMRL5A has a DisplayHDR 400 instead.
To see 360Hz 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. Its price falls between the XG27AQMR and the XQ2566X, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 26.7 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
- Stand: swivel and pivot
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 VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XQ2566X uses a Fast TN panel at 1440p with BenQ's DyAc 3 blur reduction, aimed purely at esports.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the XG27AQMR offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It matches the AW2725DF on refresh rate (360Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 24.1 inches, while the XG27AQMR comes in at 27 inches. Like the XG27AQMR and AW2725DF, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the VG259QMR5A uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
It is the only pick here with a fast TN panel; the VG259QMR5A has a fast IPS panel instead. To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the AW2725DF.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 24.1 inches
- Panel: Fast TN
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports
- Fast TN panel, the only one here
Cons
- Screen size trails the XG27AQMR (27 inches)
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
How We Chose These 300Hz Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five 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 5, from the VG259QMR5A to the XQ2566X, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The VG259QMRL5A and the XQ2566X give no response; the VG259QMR5A and the XQ2566X give no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the VG259QMR5A ($150 to $250) to the XQ2566X ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 300Hz Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 300Hz on the XG27AQMR to 360Hz on the AW2725DF. Start with the AW2725DF if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 24.1 inches on the XQ2566X to 27 inches on the XG27AQMR. The XG27AQMR is the pick for screen size.
Panel
The VG259QMR5A, the VG259QMRL5A and the XG27AQMR list Fast IPS; the AW2725DF lists QD-OLED; the XQ2566X lists Fast TN.
Response
The VG259QMR5A lists 0.3ms; the XG27AQMR lists 1ms; the AW2725DF lists 0.03ms. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Extras that separate them
The XG27AQMR: DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. The AW2725DF: a 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p. The XQ2566X: DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports.
How to Choose a 300Hz Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | VG259QMR5A | The cheapest way into this group, below the VG259QMRL5A |
| Buyers who want 310Hz overclocked refresh rate | VG259QMRL5A | A 310Hz overclocked refresh rate |
| Buyers who put screen size first | XG27AQMR | The largest screen size here (27 inches) |
| Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel | AW2725DF | A QD-OLED panel |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | XQ2566X | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2725DF leads on refresh rate at 360Hz, ahead of the XQ2566X at 360Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VG259QMR5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| VG259QMRL5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| XG27AQMR | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| AW2725DF | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| XQ2566X | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 24.1 inches | Fast TN |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The VG259QMR5A was the lowest-priced pick and the XQ2566X the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | VG259QMR5A, VG259QMRL5A |
| About $250 to $500 | XG27AQMR |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725DF, XQ2566X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the XG27AQMR ahead of the AW2725DF on screen size?
The XG27AQMR leads at 27 inches, with the AW2725DF at 26.7 inches. The XQ2566X is at the other end of this group with 24.1 inches.
What does the XQ2566X add over the VG259QMR5A?
On paper it adds refresh rate (360Hz against 310Hz). It does not win everywhere: the VG259QMR5A still leads on screen size (24.5 inches). The VG259QMR5A was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the VG259QMR5A our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the VG259QMRL5A. It suits spending as little as possible.
Do the VG259QMR5A and the XG27AQMR differ on resolution?
The VG259QMR5A and the VG259QMRL5A use 1920x1080 (1080p); the XG27AQMR, the AW2725DF and the XQ2566X use 2560x1440 (1440p).
What extras do the VG259QMR5A and the VG259QMRL5A include?
The VG259QMR5A: a 310Hz refresh rate for esports. The VG259QMRL5A: a 310Hz overclocked refresh rate. The XG27AQMR: DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the VG259QMR5A, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the VG259QMRL5A. Look at the VG259QMRL5A for a 310Hz overclocked refresh rate, the XG27AQMR for the largest screen size here (27 inches) and the AW2725DF for a QD-OLED panel if those matter more to you.
Set the refresh rate in Windows display settings; many screens start at 60Hz.