Buying Guide
The Best Budget OLED Monitors
Six of the least expensive 1440p OLED gaming monitors at the time of writing, compared on refresh rate, HDR and stand.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
OLED monitors used to start near $800. Several 1440p models now cost under $600 at the time of writing, with 240Hz or faster panels.
We compared listed specifications and prices at the time of writing; we did not test these monitors.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Budget OLED
LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B240Hz OLED with True Black 400 and a swivel and pivot stand.
Best for: Most budget OLED buyers.
Check price for LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price OLED
GIGABYTE GO27Q24GThe lowest price among these OLED monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: The tightest OLED budget.
Check price for GIGABYTE GO27Q24G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Height-Adjustable
MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2A height-adjustable stand on a 240Hz QD-OLED.
Best for: Setups without a monitor arm.
Check price for MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2The AG276QZD2 is AOC's 240Hz QD-OLED in its AGON PRO line.
Best for: Buyers who want a 240hz refresh rate for fast motion.
Check price for AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLEDThe MPG 271QRX adds a KVM switch to a 360Hz QD-OLED panel with True Black 400.
Best for: Buyers who want a 360hz refresh rate for fast motion.
Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 360Hz
Alienware AW2725DF360Hz QD-OLED with 99% DCI-P3.
Best for: Competitive shooters.
Check price for Alienware AW2725DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Budget OLED1 of 6
LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B
The 27GX704A brings a 240Hz OLED panel to 1440p with near-instant response and True Black 400 HDR.
Best for
- Most budget OLED buyers.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
For most gaming PCs it is the best balance of motion clarity, contrast and price. On refresh rate it ties with the GO27Q24G, the MAG 271QPX and the AG276QZD2 at 240Hz. It matches the GO27Q24G, the MAG 271QPX and the MPG 271QRX on screen size (27 inches).
An OLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the GO27Q24G uses a W-OLED panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the MPG 271QRX and AW2725DF; the AG276QZD2 goes with an HDR10. It shares a swivel and pivot stand with the AW2725DF; the MAG 271QPX goes with a height adjustment stand.
It also offers HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. 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. When we checked, only the GO27Q24G cost less, and the MAG 271QPX cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
- Stand
- swivel and pivot
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the GO27Q24G at the time of writing
Lowest Price OLED2 of 6
GIGABYTE GO27Q24G
The GO27Q24G is the cheapest way to a 240Hz OLED panel here.
Best for
- The tightest OLED budget.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
The maker publishes few details on ports and stand. It has a zero-bezel design on all four edges for multi-monitor rows, and a glossy WOLED coating keeps blacks deep in bright rooms. On refresh rate it ties with the 27GX704A, the MAG 271QPX and the AG276QZD2 at 240Hz.
It matches the 27GX704A, the MAG 271QPX and the MPG 271QRX on screen size (27 inches). You get a W-OLED panel here, which sets it apart from the AW2725DF and its a QD-OLED panel. It also offers a 240Hz OLED panel at an entry-level OLED price at the time of writing.
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 cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the 27GX704A the next step up.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- W-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a W-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 240Hz OLED panel at an entry-level OLED price at the time of writing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz)
The catch
What it gives up: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz); by contrast, the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
Best Height-Adjustable3 of 6
MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2
The MAG 271QPX pairs a 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand.
Best for
- Setups without a monitor arm.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the complete OLED option at this refresh rate. On refresh rate it ties with the 27GX704A, the GO27Q24G and the AG276QZD2 at 240Hz. It matches the 27GX704A, the GO27Q24G and the MPG 271QRX on screen size (27 inches).
You get an HDR 400 here, which sets it apart from the AW2725DF and its a DisplayHDR True Black 400. A height adjustment stand is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2725DF uses a swivel and pivot stand. 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 27GX704A and below the AG276QZD2 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- HDR 400
- Stand
- height adjustment
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- a stand with height adjustment
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the GO27Q24G at the time of writing
Solid Alternative4 of 6
AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2
The AG276QZD2 is AOC's 240Hz QD-OLED in its AGON PRO line.
Best for
- Buyers who want a 240hz refresh rate for fast motion.
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 matches the 27GX704A, the GO27Q24G and the MAG 271QPX on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 26.5 inches, while the 27GX704A comes in at 27 inches. It is the only pick here with an HDR10; the 27GX704A has a DisplayHDR True Black 400 instead.
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. Its price falls between the MAG 271QPX and the MPG 271QRX, based on our last check. If refresh rate is your priority, the MPG 271QRX (360Hz) is the stronger choice.
Key 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
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 271QRX (360Hz)
Worth Considering5 of 6
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED
The MPG 271QRX adds a KVM switch to a 360Hz QD-OLED panel with True Black 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want a 360hz refresh rate for fast motion.
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 AW2725DF at 360Hz. It matches the 27GX704A, the GO27Q24G and the MAG 271QPX on screen size (27 inches). It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the 27GX704A and AW2725DF; the AG276QZD2 goes with an HDR10.
It also offers HDMI 2.1 inputs. 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 AG276QZD2 and below the AW2725DF at the time of writing.
Key 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 GO27Q24G at the time of writing
Best Budget 360Hz6 of 6
Alienware AW2725DF
The AW2725DF pushes a QD-OLED panel to 360Hz at 1440p.
Best for
- Competitive shooters.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It suits competitive players with a graphics card that can hold very high frame rates. On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz. Its 26.7 inches screen size ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the 27GX704A (27 inches) and ahead of the AG276QZD2 (26.5 inches).
It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the 27GX704A and MPG 271QRX; the AG276QZD2 goes with an HDR10. It shares a swivel and pivot stand with the 27GX704A; the MAG 271QPX goes with a height adjustment stand. 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. Only the MPG 271QRX came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.
Key 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 GO27Q24G at the time of writing
How We Chose These Budget OLED Monitors
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up six monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 6 picks leave out HDR.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the 27GX704A to the AW2725DF, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution and 0.03ms response.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The GO27Q24G gives no HDR; the GO27Q24G, the MAG 271QPX, the AG276QZD2 and the MPG 271QRX give no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the GO27Q24G ($250 to $500) to the AW2725DF ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Budget OLED Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the AG276QZD2 to 360Hz on the MPG 271QRX, a 50% spread. Start with the MPG 271QRX if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size across these picks
The 27GX704A tops screen size at 27 inches and the AG276QZD2 sits lowest at 26.5 inches; 4 picks share the top figure. The GO27Q24G comes second at 27 inches, in the same price tier as the 27GX704A.
Two monitors side by side showing the same game scene Features beyond the spec table
The AG276QZD2: a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line. The MPG 271QRX: HDMI 2.1 inputs. The AW2725DF: a 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p.
Budget
$250 to $500 buys the GO27Q24G, the 27GX704A, the MAG 271QPX and the AG276QZD2; $500 to $1000 buys the MPG 271QRX and the AW2725DF at our last check.
Two monitors showing a dark game scene side by side Match the pick to your priority
Most budget OLED buyers: the 27GX704A. The tightest OLED budget: the GO27Q24G. Setups without a monitor arm: the MAG 271QPX.
How to Choose a Budget OLED Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most budget OLED buyers | 27GX704A | 240Hz OLED with True Black 400 and a swivel and pivot stand |
| The tightest OLED budget | GO27Q24G | The lowest price among these OLED monitors at the time of writing |
| Setups without a monitor arm | MAG 271QPX | A height-adjustable stand on a 240Hz QD-OLED |
| Competitive shooters | AW2725DF | 360Hz QD-OLED with 99% DCI-P3 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MPG 271QRX leads on refresh rate at 360Hz, ahead of the AW2725DF at 360Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27GX704A | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | OLED |
| GO27Q24G | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | W-OLED |
| MAG 271QPX | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| AG276QZD2 | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| AW2725DF | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the GO27Q24G, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the AW2725DF at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | GO27Q24G, 27GX704A, MAG 271QPX, AG276QZD2 |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 271QRX, AW2725DF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AW2725DF worth paying more than the GO27Q24G?
What it brings is refresh rate (360Hz against 240Hz). It does not win everywhere: the GO27Q24G still leads on screen size (27 inches). The GO27Q24G sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the AW2725DF in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate decides your purchase.
What makes the MAG 271QPX the Best Height-Adjustable?
It carries the badge for a height-adjustable stand on a 240Hz QD-OLED. It makes sense for setups without a monitor arm.
Do the 27GX704A and the GO27Q24G differ on panel?
The 27GX704A uses OLED; the GO27Q24G uses W-OLED; the MAG 271QPX, the AG276QZD2, the MPG 271QRX and the AW2725DF use QD-OLED.
Beyond the specs, what sets the 27GX704A and the GO27Q24G apart?
The 27GX704A: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. The GO27Q24G: a 240Hz OLED panel at an entry-level OLED price at the time of writing. The MAG 271QPX: a 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand.
Who should choose the 27GX704A?
The 27GX704A carries our Best Budget OLED label for 240Hz OLED with True Black 400 and a swivel and pivot stand. It ranks first of 6 here and sat in the $250 to $500 tier at our last price check; it suits most budget OLED buyers.
Bottom Line
LG's 27GX704A is the best-balanced budget OLED here, and the GO27Q24G is the least expensive. MSI's MAG 271QPX adds a height-adjustable stand, and the Alienware AW2725DF reaches 360Hz.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best OLED Monitors
- Related guideThe Best 27-Inch 1440p Gaming Monitors
- Related guideThe Best 27-Inch Gaming Monitors
- Similar guideThe Best QD-OLED Monitors
- Similar guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- ExplainerOLED vs IPS Monitor
- ExplainerOLED Monitor Burn-In: What Warranties Cover and How to Lower the Risk
- Also see: graphics cardsHow to Choose a Graphics Card for 1440p Gaming
- Similar guideThe Best OLED Monitors Under $500
- Topic hubAll oled monitors guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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