Buying Guide
The Best Dell and Alienware Gaming Monitors
Seven Dell and Alienware monitors from a budget 1440p screen to a 360Hz QD-OLED.
By The PC Journal editorial team
13 min read7 products evaluated
Dell sells gaming monitors under two names: Dell's G and SE lines for budgets and Alienware at the high end. These seven cover both.
We compared each listing's panel, refresh rate and stand.
Quick Picks
Our 7 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
Alienware AW2725DF
The highest refresh rate here (360Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725DF (opens in a new tab)
Best IPS Value
Alienware AW2723DF
240Hz with DisplayHDR 600 and a full stand.
Best for: Balanced 1440p play.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2723DF (opens in a new tab)
Best for Esports
Alienware AW2525HM
320Hz at 1080p.
Best for: Competitive shooters.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab)
Best Ultrawide
Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM
A 3440x1440 180Hz ultrawide.
Best for: Immersive games.
Our take Check price for Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM (opens in a new tab)
Best 4K Dell
Dell S2725QS
4K at 120Hz with FreeSync Premium.
Best for: Work and play.
Best Budget 1440p
Dell G2725D
1440p at 180Hz near $150.
Best for: Tight budgets.
Best Budget 240Hz
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz
240Hz on a 27-inch panel.
Best for: Esports on a budget.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 7
Alienware AW2725DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2725DF pushes a QD-OLED panel to 360Hz at 1440p.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
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. Its 360Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the AW2525HM comes next at 320Hz. Its 26.7 inches screen size ranks sixth of 7 here, behind the AW3425DWM (34 inches) and ahead of the AW2525HM (24.5 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the AW2723DF and G2725D; the AW3425DWM goes with a 3440x1440 resolution. A QD-OLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2525HM uses an IPS panel. A DisplayHDR True Black 400 is unique to it among these picks, while the AW3425DWM uses a DisplayHDR 400.
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 AW3425DWM the nearest cheaper option.
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 G2725D at the time of writing
Best IPS Value2 of 7
Alienware AW2723DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2723DF is an IPS monitor with DisplayHDR 600, 95% DCI-P3 and a 280Hz overclock mode, on a fully adjustable stand.
Best for
- Balanced 1440p play.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the G2725D cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it ties with the SE2726HG at 240Hz. It matches the S2725QS, the G2725D and the SE2726HG on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the AW2725DF and G2725D; the SE2726HG goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
It shares an IPS panel with the AW2525HM and S2725QS; the SE2726HG goes with a fast IPS panel. You get a DisplayHDR 600 here, which sets it apart from the AW3425DWM and its a DisplayHDR 400. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was priced above the S2725QS and below the AW3425DWM at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height, swivel and pivot adjustment
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
Best for Esports3 of 7
Alienware AW2525HM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2525HM runs a 24.5-inch 1080p IPS panel at 320Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Competitive shooters.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the AW3425DWM offers 34 inches.
Why we like it
It targets competitive shooters on a mid-range PC. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 320Hz: the AW2725DF offers 360Hz, and the S2725QS comes in at 120Hz. Its 24.5 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the AW3425DWM leads at 34 inches.
It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the SE2726HG; the AW2725DF goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It shares an IPS panel with the AW2723DF and S2725QS; the SE2726HG goes with a fast IPS panel. Like the AW2723DF, it has a G-SYNC Compatible, while the S2725QS uses a FreeSync Premium.
You also get a 0.5ms response time and Alienware styling at a mid price tier. At 1080p, 320Hz 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. When we checked, only the SE2726HG and cheaper picks cost less, and the S2725QS cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 320Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Screen size trails the AW3425DWM (34 inches)
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
Best Ultrawide4 of 7
Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW3425DWM is a 34-inch ultrawide at 3440x1440 and 180Hz with DisplayHDR 400.
Best for
- Immersive games.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the G2725D was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is the lower-priced Alienware ultrawide next to the QD-OLED model. It matches the G2725D on refresh rate (180Hz). On screen size it leads this guide at 34 inches, ahead of the AW2723DF (27 inches).
It is the only pick here with a 3440x1440 resolution; the AW2525HM has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution instead. It is the only pick here with a DisplayHDR 400; the AW2725DF has a DisplayHDR True Black 400 instead. Like the AW2723DF, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the S2725QS uses a 99% sRGB color gamut.
It also offers a 1500R ultrawide curve, a dedicated console mode and hardware low blue light. Its price falls between the AW2723DF and the AW2725DF, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 3440x1440
- Size: 34 inches
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
- 1500R ultrawide curve
Cons
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
Best 4K Dell5 of 7
Dell S2725QS on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The S2725QS runs 4K at 120Hz on a 27-inch IPS panel with FreeSync Premium.
Best for
- Work and play.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2725DF offers 360Hz.
Why we like it
That refresh rate makes it the best all-rounder among cheap 4K screens. On refresh rate it trails the group at 120Hz, while the AW2725DF offers 360Hz. It matches the AW2723DF, the G2725D and the SE2726HG on screen size (27 inches).
A 3840x2160 (4K) resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the AW3425DWM uses a 3440x1440 resolution. It shares an IPS panel with the AW2723DF and AW2525HM; the SE2726HG goes with a fast IPS panel. Like the AW3425DWM, it has a FreeSync Premium, while the AW2525HM uses a G-SYNC Compatible.
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. When we checked, only the AW2525HM and cheaper picks cost less, and the AW2723DF cost more. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the AW2725DF covers it better at 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2725DF (360Hz)
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
Best Budget 1440p6 of 7
Dell G2725D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G2725D offers 1440p at 180Hz with 99% sRGB at a very low price.
Best for
- Tight budgets.
Skip if
- Pass on it if refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Dell doesn't name the panel type. It matches the AW3425DWM on refresh rate (180Hz). On screen size it ties with the AW2723DF, the S2725QS and the SE2726HG at 27 inches.
Like the AW2725DF and AW2723DF, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the S2725QS uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. You get a FreeSync here, which sets it apart from the AW3425DWM and its a FreeSync Premium. It also comes with 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing. The main gap: refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz). If that matters, the AW2725DF offers 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz)
Best Budget 240Hz7 of 7
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Dell's SE2726HG runs a 27-inch 1080p Fast IPS panel at 240Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Esports on a budget.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz is a problem.
Why we like it
It is a big-screen route to 240Hz for less. On refresh rate it ties with the AW2723DF at 240Hz. It matches the AW2723DF, the S2725QS and the G2725D on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the AW2525HM; the AW2725DF goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the S2725QS and its an IPS panel. You also get PC and console tear-free play.
At 1080p, 240Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. What it gives up: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz); by contrast, the AW2725DF offers 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel
Cons
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz)
How We Chose These Dell Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
What to Look for in a Dell Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
Size for your desk distance
24 to 25 inches suits 1080p and competitive play at a typical desk. 27 inches pairs well with 1440p and 4K; 32 inches suits 4K at a deeper desk.
Read HDR labels carefully
HDR10 means the monitor accepts an HDR signal, not that it displays it well. DisplayHDR 600 or True Black 400 certifications say more about real HDR performance.
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 Dell Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | AW2725DF | The highest refresh rate here (360Hz) |
| Balanced 1440p play | AW2723DF | 240Hz with DisplayHDR 600 and a full stand |
| Competitive shooters | AW2525HM | 320Hz at 1080p |
| Immersive games | AW3425DWM | A 3440x1440 180Hz ultrawide |
| Work and play | S2725QS | 4K at 120Hz with FreeSync Premium |
| Tight budgets | G2725D | 1440p at 180Hz near $150 |
| Esports on a budget | SE2726HG | 240Hz on a 27-inch panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2725DF | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| AW2723DF | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| AW2525HM | 320Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | IPS |
| AW3425DWM | 180Hz | 3440x1440 | 34 inches | Not listed |
| S2725QS | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| G2725D | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| SE2726HG | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | G2725D, SE2726HG |
| About $150 to $250 | AW2525HM |
| About $250 to $500 | S2725QS, AW2723DF, AW3425DWM |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725DF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GPU that matches the refresh rate?
To benefit fully, yes. A 240Hz monitor still feels smoother at 150fps than a 144Hz one, but the gains shrink when frame rates are far below the refresh rate.
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort?
On a PC, DisplayPort usually supports the highest refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 is equivalent and needed for consoles.
Is HDR worth it on a budget monitor?
Rarely. Budget HDR10 monitors accept HDR but lack the brightness and contrast to show it well. OLED or DisplayHDR 600 models do it better.
Is 1080p fine on a 27-inch monitor?
It works, but text and detail look softer. 1440p is sharper at 27 inches; 1080p is best at 24 to 25 inches.
Is OLED burn-in still a problem?
It is a risk with static elements over many hours. Current OLED monitors use pixel-refresh routines to reduce it; check the maker's warranty for burn-in coverage.
Does a 1ms response time rating matter?
Makers measure response time differently, so compare panel type and independent reviews rather than the headline figure.
Bottom Line
Alienware's AW2725DF is the high-end pick. The AW2723DF is the value IPS choice, and Dell's G2725D covers 1440p on a tight budget.