Buying Guide
The Best Flat Gaming Monitors
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the PG27AQDP has the highest refresh rate; the G25F2A is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A flat screen keeps straight lines straight, which suits design and spreadsheet work as well as games. Every monitor here is flat and refreshes at 120Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; if a maker skips response, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP
The highest refresh rate here (480Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED
The largest screen size here (27 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
AOC 25G51Z
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Lowest Price Here
GIGABYTE G25F2A
The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE G25F2A (opens in a new tab)
Fast IPS Panel
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A
A fast IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (480Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (27 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for AOC 25G51Z (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for GIGABYTE G25F2A (opens in a new tab) |
| A fast IPS panel. | Buyers who want a fast IPS panel. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PG27AQDP goes further to 480Hz on a WOLED panel, the fastest here, for players whose PCs can feed it.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
Its 480Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the MPG 271QRX comes next at 360Hz. On screen size it sits mid-pack at 26.5 inches: the MPG 271QRX comes in at 27 inches, and the VG249QM5A comes in at 23.8 inches. Like the MPG 271QRX, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the VG249QM5A uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
It is the only pick here with a WOLED panel; the MPG 271QRX has a QD-OLED panel instead. Like the MPG 271QRX, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the G25F2A uses an HDR10. To see 480Hz 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 most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MPG 271QRX.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 480Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: WOLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 480Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a WOLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the G25F2A at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size2 of 5
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 put screen size first.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 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.
Its 360Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz) and ahead of the VG249QM5A (240Hz). Its 27 inches screen size is the largest here; the PG27AQDP comes next at 26.5 inches. Like the PG27AQDP, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the VG249QM5A uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
It is the only pick here with a QD-OLED panel; the PG27AQDP has a WOLED panel instead. Like the PG27AQDP, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the G25F2A uses an HDR10. It also offers HDMI 2.1 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. Its price falls between the 25G51Z and the PG27AQDP, based on our last check.
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 G25F2A at the time of writing
IPS Panel3 of 5
AOC 25G51Z on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 25G51Z reaches 260Hz overclocked on a 25-inch IPS panel, the highest refresh here.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the G25F2A was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 260Hz: the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz, and the VG249QM5A comes in at 240Hz. Its 25 inches screen size ranks third of 5 here, behind the MPG 271QRX (27 inches) and ahead of the VG249QM5A (23.8 inches). It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the G25F2A and VG249QM5A; the MPG 271QRX goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
You get an IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the VG249QM5A and its a fast IPS panel. Like the PG27AQDP, it has a G-SYNC Compatible, while the G25F2A uses a FreeSync Premium. At 1080p, 260Hz 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 was priced above the VG249QM5A and below the MPG 271QRX at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 260Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 25 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 260Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
- Screen size of 25 inches, ahead of the G25F2A
Cons
- Costs more than the G25F2A at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
GIGABYTE G25F2A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G25F2A runs a 24.5-inch IPS panel at 240Hz with FreeSync Premium at a price that used to buy 144Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certificatio is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the pick for fast games. On refresh rate it ties with the VG249QM5A at 240Hz. Its 24.5 inches screen size ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the MPG 271QRX (27 inches) and ahead of the VG249QM5A (23.8 inches).
It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the 25G51Z and VG249QM5A; the MPG 271QRX goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. You get a SuperSpeed IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the VG249QM5A and its a fast IPS panel. You get an HDR10 here, which sets it apart from the MPG 271QRX and its a DisplayHDR True Black 400.
It also offers a 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the VG249QM5A the next step up. What it gives up: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz); by contrast, the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: SuperSpeed IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR10
- Color gamut: 120% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a SuperSpeed IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 120% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz)
Fast IPS Panel5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG249QM5A is the smallest 240Hz TUF screen at 23.8 inches, with a three-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz.
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 240Hz monitors here at the time of writing. It matches the G25F2A on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 23.8 inches, while the MPG 271QRX comes in at 27 inches.
Like the 25G51Z and G25F2A, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the PG27AQDP uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a fast IPS panel; compare the 25G51Z, which has an IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers a 99% sRGB color gamut; compare the PG27AQDP, which has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
It also comes with 240Hz at a budget price tier and 99% sRGB coverage. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper G25F2A and the pricier 25G51Z, at the time of writing. The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 240Hz 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 PG27AQDP (480Hz)
- Screen size trails the MPG 271QRX (27 inches)
- Costs more than the G25F2A at the time of writing
How We Chose These Flat Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the PG27AQDP to the VG249QM5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The VG249QM5A gives no response; the 25G51Z and the VG249QM5A give no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the G25F2A ($50 to $100) to the PG27AQDP ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Flat Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the VG249QM5A to 480Hz on the PG27AQDP. The MPG 271QRX comes second for less money.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the VG249QM5A to 27 inches on the MPG 271QRX. The MPG 271QRX is the pick for screen size.
Panel
The PG27AQDP lists WOLED; the MPG 271QRX lists QD-OLED; the 25G51Z lists IPS; the G25F2A lists SuperSpeed IPS; the VG249QM5A lists Fast IPS.
Response
The PG27AQDP and the MPG 271QRX list 0.03ms; the 25G51Z lists 0.5ms; the G25F2A lists 1ms.
Extras that separate them
The 25G51Z: an overclocked 260Hz refresh rate. The G25F2A: a 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. The VG249QM5A: a 3-year warranty.
How to Choose a Flat Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | PG27AQDP | The highest refresh rate here (480Hz) |
| Buyers who put screen size first | MPG 271QRX | The largest screen size here (27 inches) |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | 25G51Z | An IPS panel |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | G25F2A | The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | VG249QM5A | A fast IPS panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The PG27AQDP leads on refresh rate at 480Hz, ahead of the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG27AQDP | 480Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | WOLED |
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| 25G51Z | 260Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 25 inches | IPS |
| G25F2A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | SuperSpeed IPS |
| VG249QM5A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The G25F2A was the lowest-priced pick and the PG27AQDP the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | G25F2A |
| About $100 to $150 | VG249QM5A, 25G51Z |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 271QRX, PG27AQDP |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the PG27AQDP or the MPG 271QRX?
The PG27AQDP leads at 480Hz, with the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz. The VG249QM5A is at the other end of this group with 240Hz.
Is the MPG 271QRX ahead of the PG27AQDP on screen size?
The MPG 271QRX leads at 27 inches, with the PG27AQDP at 26.5 inches. The VG249QM5A is at the other end of this group with 23.8 inches.
What does the PG27AQDP add over the G25F2A?
On paper it adds refresh rate (480Hz against 240Hz) and screen size (26.5 inches against 24.5 inches). The G25F2A was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the MPG 271QRX our Largest Screen Size pick?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (27 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the PG27AQDP and the 25G51Z differ on resolution?
The PG27AQDP and the MPG 271QRX use 2560x1440 (1440p); the 25G51Z, the G25F2A and the VG249QM5A use 1920x1080 (1080p).
What extras do the PG27AQDP and the MPG 271QRX include?
The PG27AQDP: a 480Hz refresh rate at 1440p. The MPG 271QRX: a built-in KVM switch. The 25G51Z: an overclocked 260Hz refresh rate.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the PG27AQDP. Look at the MPG 271QRX for the largest screen size here (27 inches), the 25G51Z for an IPS panel and the G25F2A for the lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
Use the cable in the box; older cables can cap the refresh rate.