Buying Guide
The Best 500Hz Monitors
Three monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size; the MSI MAG 272QP X50 is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
At 500Hz the display refreshes every two milliseconds, and the panel type decides how clean fast motion looks. Every monitor here lists a 500Hz refresh rate.
The order reflects refresh rate, resolution and size from maker specifications; a missing HDR is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
MSI MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50
Undercutting the INNOCN GA27M1Q on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting fanless graphene heatsink with OLED Care 2.0 for the least money.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz
A 500Hz refresh rate.
Best for: Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate.
Our take Check price for INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50
DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MSI MAG 272QP X50 costs less.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the INNOCN GA27M1Q on price when we checked. | Getting fanless graphene heatsink with OLED Care 2.0 for the least money. | Check price for MSI MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50 (opens in a new tab) |
| A 500Hz refresh rate. | Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate. | Check price for INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz (opens in a new tab) |
| DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MSI MAG 272QP X50 costs less. | Check price for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 3
MSI MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the MSI MAG 272QP X50 brings to the table is a fanless graphene heatsink with OLED Care 2.0, plus USB Type-C with 15W power delivery.
Best for
- Getting fanless graphene heatsink with OLED Care 2.0 for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It also offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 26.5 inches screen size. Its 26.5 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the INNOCN GA27M1Q leads at 27 inches. It also comes with Delta E 2 or under colour accuracy and DisplayPort 1.4a and HDMI 2.1 inputs, all at WQHD 500Hz.
To see 500Hz 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the INNOCN GA27M1Q was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 500Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 500
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Stand: 4-way adjustable stand
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- a 500Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Screen size trails the INNOCN GA27M1Q (27 inches)
Also Consider2 of 3
INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The INNOCN GA27M1Q is built around a 500Hz refresh rate, with a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the MPG 271QR X50 on screen size (27 inches). To see 500Hz 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. You also get this: 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches. It was priced above the MSI MAG 272QP X50 and below the MPG 271QR X50 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 500Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 500Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MSI MAG 272QP X50 at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 3
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MPG 271QR X50 stands out for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs, and it adds a 98W USB-C port.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MSI MAG 272QP X50 costs less.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It also offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. To see 500Hz 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 highest-priced of the 3 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the rest. The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the MSI MAG 272QP X50 offers 500Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 500Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 500
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- a 500Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MSI MAG 272QP X50 at the time of writing
How We Chose These 500Hz Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side three monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and HDR and adaptive sync are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 3, from the MSI MAG 272QP X50 to the MPG 271QR X50, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution and QD-OLED panel.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The INNOCN GA27M1Q gives no HDR; the MSI MAG 272QP X50 gives no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- From the MSI MAG 272QP X50 to the MPG 271QR X50, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a 500Hz Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size across these picks
Across these 3 picks screen size spans 26.5 inches (the MSI MAG 272QP X50) to 27 inches (the INNOCN GA27M1Q). If screen size is your first filter, the INNOCN GA27M1Q sets the ceiling at 27 inches.
Extras that separate them
The MSI MAG 272QP X50: USB Type-C with 15W power delivery. The INNOCN GA27M1Q: a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio. The MPG 271QR X50: a 98W USB-C port.
How much to spend
All 3 sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, from the MSI MAG 272QP X50 at the low end to the MPG 271QR X50 at the top, so decide on features first.
Start from what matters most
Getting fanless graphene heatsink with OLED Care 2.0 for the least money: the MSI MAG 272QP X50. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MSI MAG 272QP X50 costs less: the MPG 271QR X50.
Check ports and cables
High refresh rates at 1440p and 4K need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. Consoles need HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz.
How to Choose a 500Hz Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting fanless graphene heatsink with OLED Care 2.0 for the least money | MSI MAG 272QP X50 | Undercutting the INNOCN GA27M1Q on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate | INNOCN GA27M1Q | A 500Hz refresh rate |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MSI MAG 272QP X50 costs less | MPG 271QR X50 | DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The INNOCN GA27M1Q leads on screen size at 27 inches, ahead of the MPG 271QR X50 at 27 inches.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI MAG 272QP X50 | 500Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| INNOCN GA27M1Q | 500Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 271QR X50 | 500Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MPG 271QR X50 add over the MSI MAG 272QP X50?
On paper it adds screen size (27 inches against 26.5 inches). Both sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, so the gains in screen size cost little extra by tier.
Why is the MPG 271QR X50 our Premium Pick?
It carries the badge for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs at the highest price in the group. It suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MSI MAG 272QP X50 costs less.
Does the MSI MAG 272QP X50 have USB-C, and which others do?
The MSI MAG 272QP X50 and the MPG 271QR X50 have it. The INNOCN GA27M1Q has no USB-C listed, so 2 of 3 picks are covered here.
What extras do the MSI MAG 272QP X50 and the INNOCN GA27M1Q include?
The MSI MAG 272QP X50: a fanless graphene heatsink with OLED Care 2.0. The INNOCN GA27M1Q: a 500Hz refresh rate. The MPG 271QR X50: DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Who should choose the MSI MAG 272QP X50?
The MSI MAG 272QP X50 carries our Lowest Price Here label for undercutting the INNOCN GA27M1Q on price when we checked. It ranks first of 3 here and sat in the $500 to $1000 tier at our last price check; it suits getting fanless graphene heatsink with OLED Care 2.0 for the least money.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MSI MAG 272QP X50, chosen for undercutting the INNOCN GA27M1Q on price when we checked. Look at the INNOCN GA27M1Q for a 500Hz refresh rate and the MPG 271QR X50 for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Check which input carries 500Hz on the exact model; some limit it to DisplayPort.