Buying Guide
The Best 300Hz and 360Hz Gaming Monitors
Four monitors compared, from the VG259QMR5A to the Odyssey OLED G6, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
Above 300Hz only competitive shooters benefit, and only with a CPU that holds the frame rate. Every pick is 300Hz or faster, ordered from the lowest price.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; a missing response is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 4 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)
Strong Alternative
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)
Premium Pick
Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD)
The top of this price range, adding HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD) (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) |
| 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) |
| The top of this price range, adding HDMI 2.1 inputs. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD) (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
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
- Worth skipping when refresh rate of 310Hz, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz is a problem.
Why we like it
The 24.5-inch fast IPS panel overclocks to 310Hz and lists a 0.3ms response, with FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility. On refresh rate it ties with the VG259QMRL5A at 310Hz. It matches the VG259QMRL5A on screen size (24.5 inches).
It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the VG259QMRL5A; the Odyssey OLED G6 goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. 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 cost the least of the 4 picks at the time of writing, with the VG259QMRL5A the next step up. What it gives up: refresh rate of 310Hz, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz); by contrast, the MPG 271QRX 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 MPG 271QRX (360Hz)
Also Consider2 of 4
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
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
Why we like it
It is the esports model in the TUF line. It matches the VG259QMR5A on refresh rate (310Hz). On screen size it ties with the VG259QMR5A at 24.5 inches.
Like the VG259QMR5A, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the MPG 271QRX uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. 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.
Its price falls between the VG259QMR5A and the MPG 271QRX, based on our last check. If refresh rate is your priority, the MPG 271QRX (360Hz) is the stronger choice.
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
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 271QRX (360Hz)
- Screen size trails the MPG 271QRX (27 inches)
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 4
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
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 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.
On refresh rate it ties with the Odyssey OLED G6 at 360Hz. It matches the Odyssey OLED G6 on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the Odyssey OLED G6; the VG259QMRL5A goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
It also offers 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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. It was priced above the VG259QMRL5A and below the Odyssey OLED G6 at the time of writing.
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 VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 4
Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Odyssey OLED G6 is Samsung's 360Hz QD-OLED with HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz. It matches the MPG 271QRX on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the MPG 271QRX; the VG259QMRL5A goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
It also offers an anti-glare finish and a built-in cooling system 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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. At our last price check it topped the group, with the MPG 271QRX the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side four monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the VG259QMR5A to the Odyssey OLED G6, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The VG259QMRL5A gives no response; the VG259QMR5A and the Odyssey OLED G6 give no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the VG259QMR5A ($150 to $250) to the Odyssey OLED G6 ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 300Hz and 360Hz Gaming Monitors
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 310Hz on the VG259QMRL5A to 360Hz on the MPG 271QRX. The MPG 271QRX is the pick for refresh rate.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 24.5 inches on the VG259QMRL5A to 27 inches on the MPG 271QRX. Start with the MPG 271QRX if screen size decides it.
Panel
The VG259QMR5A and the VG259QMRL5A list Fast IPS; the MPG 271QRX and the Odyssey OLED G6 list QD-OLED.
Response
The VG259QMR5A lists 0.3ms; the MPG 271QRX and the Odyssey OLED G6 list 0.03ms.
Features beyond the spec table
The VG259QMRL5A: DisplayHDR 400 certification. The MPG 271QRX: HDMI 2.1 inputs. The Odyssey OLED G6: an anti-glare finish and a built-in cooling system.
How to Choose a 300Hz and 360Hz Gaming Monitors
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 want built-in KVM switch | MPG 271QRX | A built-in KVM switch |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | Odyssey OLED G6 | The top of this price range, adding HDMI 2.1 inputs |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MPG 271QRX leads on refresh rate at 360Hz, ahead of the Odyssey OLED G6 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 |
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| Odyssey OLED G6 | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The VG259QMR5A was the lowest-priced pick and the Odyssey OLED G6 the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | VG259QMR5A, VG259QMRL5A |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 271QRX, Odyssey OLED G6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Odyssey OLED G6 worth paying more than the VG259QMR5A?
On paper it adds refresh rate (360Hz against 310Hz) and screen size (27 inches against 24.5 inches). The VG259QMR5A was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the VG259QMR5A the Lowest Price Here?
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 MPG 271QRX differ on resolution?
The VG259QMR5A and the VG259QMRL5A use 1920x1080 (1080p); the MPG 271QRX and the Odyssey OLED G6 use 2560x1440 (1440p).
Beyond the specs, what sets the VG259QMR5A and the VG259QMRL5A apart?
The VG259QMR5A: a 310Hz refresh rate for esports. The VG259QMRL5A: a 310Hz overclocked refresh rate. The MPG 271QRX: a built-in KVM switch.
Should I pick the VG259QMR5A or the Odyssey OLED G6?
The VG259QMR5A suits spending as little as possible; the Odyssey OLED G6 suits spending more for the fullest feature set.
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 MPG 271QRX for a built-in KVM switch and the Odyssey OLED G6 for the top of this price range, adding HDMI 2.1 inputs if those matter more to you.
Check your game reaches the refresh rate before paying for it.