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 Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 7 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Fastest Refresh
Alienware AW2725DFThe highest refresh rate here (360Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Check price for Alienware AW2725DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best IPS Value
Alienware AW2723DF240Hz with DisplayHDR 600 and a full stand.
Best for: Balanced 1440p play.
Check price for Alienware AW2723DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for Esports
Alienware AW2525HM320Hz at 1080p.
Best for: Competitive shooters.
Check price for Alienware AW2525HM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Ultrawide
Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWMA 3440x1440 180Hz ultrawide.
Best for: Immersive games.
Check price for Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best 4K Dell
Dell S2725QS4K at 120Hz with FreeSync Premium.
Best for: Work and play.
Check price for Dell S2725QS on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 1440p
Dell G2725D1440p at 180Hz near $150.
Best for: Tight budgets.
Check price for Dell G2725D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 240Hz
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz240Hz on a 27-inch panel.
Best for: Esports on a budget.
Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 7
Alienware AW2725DF
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 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 SE2726HG at the time of writing
Best IPS Value2 of 7
Alienware AW2723DF
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 SE2726HG 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 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 SE2726HG at the time of writing
Best for Esports3 of 7
Alienware AW2525HM
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 G2725D and cheaper picks cost less, and the S2725QS cost more.
Key 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 SE2726HG at the time of writing
The catch
Screen size is its weakest area, and the AW3425DWM covers it better at 34 inches.
Best Ultrawide4 of 7
Alienware 34 Curved AW3425DWM
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 SE2726HG 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 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 SE2726HG at the time of writing
Best 4K Dell5 of 7
Dell S2725QS
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.
Key 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 SE2726HG at the time of writing
The catch
Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the AW2725DF covers it better at 360Hz.
Best Budget 1440p6 of 7
Dell G2725D
The G2725D offers 1440p at 180Hz with 99% sRGB at a very low price.
Best for
- Tight budgets.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SE2726HG cost less when we checked.
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. On price it sat second of 7, between the cheaper SE2726HG and the pricier AW2525HM, at the time of writing.
Key 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
- Costs more than the SE2726HG at the time of writing
Best Budget 240Hz7 of 7
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz
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. FreeSync Premium and HDMI VRR cover both PC and console play. It lists 240Hz, a 0.5ms response, FreeSync Premium with HDMI VRR and 99% sRGB coverage on a fast IPS panel.
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. At 1080p, 240Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It cost the least of the 7 picks at the time of writing, with the G2725D the next step up.
Key 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)
The catch
What it gives up: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz); by contrast, the AW2725DF offers 360Hz.
How We Chose These Dell Gaming 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.
- What we compared
- We set side by side seven monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while panel and response have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 7, from the AW2725DF to the SE2726HG, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The AW3425DWM and the G2725D give no panel; the S2725QS, the G2725D and the SE2726HG give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SE2726HG ($100 to $150) to the AW2725DF ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Dell Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
The AW2725DF tops refresh rate at 360Hz and the S2725QS sits lowest at 120Hz. For less, the AW2525HM is the runner-up at 320Hz ($150 to $250 tier).
Screen size across these picks
Across these 7 picks screen size spans 24.5 inches (the AW2525HM) to 34 inches (the AW3425DWM). The AW2723DF comes second at 27 inches, in the same price tier as the AW3425DWM.
A large monitor showing a game on a low media unit Panel
The AW2725DF lists QD-OLED; the AW2723DF, the AW2525HM and the S2725QS list IPS; the SE2726HG lists Fast IPS. Settling panel first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 1 or 1.
Response
The AW2725DF lists 0.03ms; the AW2723DF and the AW3425DWM list 1ms; the AW2525HM lists 0.5ms.
A gaming monitor on a desk with purple bias lighting Features beyond the spec table
The S2725QS: a 120Hz refresh rate at 4K. The G2725D: 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing. The SE2726HG: PC and console tear-free play.
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
The AW2725DF leads on refresh rate at 360Hz, ahead of the AW2525HM at 320Hz. "Not listed" marks panel where the AW3425DWM and the G2725D leave the figure out.
| 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
At our last check the cheapest pick, the SE2726HG, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 4 tiers in all up to the AW2725DF at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | SE2726HG, G2725D |
| About $150 to $250 | AW2525HM |
| About $250 to $500 | S2725QS, AW2723DF, AW3425DWM |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725DF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the AW2725DF or the AW2525HM?
The AW2725DF tops refresh rate at 360Hz; the AW2525HM follows at 320Hz, 13% apart. The spread runs down to the S2725QS at 120Hz.
How does the AW2723DF compare with the AW3425DWM on screen size?
Between the top two, it is 34 inches on the AW3425DWM against 27 inches on the AW2723DF, a 26% difference. The AW2525HM is at the other end of this group with 24.5 inches.
Is the AW2725DF worth paying more than the SE2726HG?
What it brings is refresh rate (360Hz against 240Hz). It does not win everywhere: the SE2726HG still leads on screen size (27 inches). The SE2726HG sat in the $100 to $150 tier and the AW2725DF in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 5 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate decides your purchase.
What makes the S2725QS the Best 4K Dell?
The label rests on 4K at 120Hz with FreeSync Premium. It gives up refresh rate (120Hz against 240Hz) to the SE2726HG, the cheapest pick. It suits work and play.
Do the AW2725DF and the AW2525HM differ on resolution?
The AW2725DF, the AW2723DF and the G2725D use 2560x1440 (1440p); the AW2525HM and the SE2726HG use 1920x1080 (1080p); the AW3425DWM uses 3440x1440; the S2725QS uses 3840x2160 (4K).
Beyond the specs, what sets the AW2725DF and the AW2723DF apart?
The AW2725DF: a 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p. The AW2723DF: an overclocked 280Hz mode. The AW2525HM: 320Hz at 1080p.
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.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Monitors
- Related guideThe Best 27-Inch Gaming Monitors
- Related guideThe Best OLED Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget Gaming Monitors
- Higher budgetThe Best FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitors
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1080p Monitor
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1440p Monitor
- Also see: graphics cardsHow to Choose a Graphics Card for 1440p Gaming
- Similar guideThe Best Gaming Monitors to Buy Now
- Topic hubAll gaming 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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