Buying Guide
The Best G-SYNC Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size, and the VG259QMRL5A costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
G-SYNC Compatible monitors run variable refresh with NVIDIA cards. Every pick lists G-SYNC support, ordered by refresh rate.
We ranked these monitors on refresh rate, resolution and size using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and where a maker leaves out panel, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500HzA 500Hz refresh rate.
Best for: Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate.
Check price for INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50DisplayPort 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 VG259QMRL5A costs less.
Check price for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI MPG 274URDFW E16MA Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones.
Best for: Buyers who want Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones.
Check price for MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5AA lower price than the XG27WCMS and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 310Hz overclocked refresh rate for the least money.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS CurvedA curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 500Hz refresh rate. | Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate. | Check price for INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz on Amazon (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 VG259QMRL5A costs less. | Check price for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones. | Buyers who want Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones. | Check price for MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the XG27WCMS and the rest when we checked. | Getting 310Hz overclocked refresh rate for the least money. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz. | Buyers who want curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz
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. On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 271QR X50 at 500Hz. It matches the MPG 271QR X50, the MPG 274URDFW and the XG27WCMS on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the MPG 271QR X50 and XG27WCMS; the VG259QMRL5A goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the MPG 271QR X50; the XG27WCMS goes with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. 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. When we checked, only the MPG 274URDFW and cheaper picks cost less, and the MPG 271QR X50 cost more.
Key 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 VG259QMRL5A at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50
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 VG259QMRL5A costs less.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements is a problem.
Why we like it
It also offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the INNOCN GA27M1Q on refresh rate (500Hz). On screen size it ties with the INNOCN GA27M1Q, the MPG 274URDFW and the XG27WCMS at 27 inches.
Like the INNOCN GA27M1Q and XG27WCMS, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the MPG 274URDFW uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. Like the INNOCN GA27M1Q, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the VG259QMRL5A uses a fast IPS panel. It is the only pick here with a DisplayHDR True Black 500; the MPG 274URDFW has a mini LED HDR instead.
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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the INNOCN GA27M1Q.
Key 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 VG259QMRL5A at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M
The MPG 274URDFW is built around a Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones, with an AI Dual Mode that switches resolution and refresh rate automatically on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the VG259QMRL5A was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 320Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. Its 320Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz) and ahead of the XG27WCMS (280Hz). On screen size it ties with the INNOCN GA27M1Q, the MPG 271QR X50 and the XG27WCMS at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution; compare the VG259QMRL5A, which has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a mini LED HDR; compare the XG27WCMS, which has an HDR. It also offers a white finish.
Reaching 320Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper XG27WCMS and the pricier INNOCN GA27M1Q, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 320Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Response
- 0.5ms
- HDR
- Mini LED HDR
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
- Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones
Cons
- Costs more than the VG259QMRL5A at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A
ASUS's VG259QMRL5A runs a 24.5-inch 1080p Fast IPS panel at 310Hz and adds DisplayHDR 400 and a height-adjustable stand.
Best for
- Getting 310Hz overclocked refresh rate for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It is the esports model in the TUF line. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 310Hz: the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 500Hz, and the XG27WCMS comes in at 280Hz. Its 24.5 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the INNOCN GA27M1Q leads at 27 inches.
You get a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution here, which sets it apart from the XG27WCMS and its a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the MPG 271QR X50 and its a QD-OLED panel. You get a DisplayHDR 400 here, which sets it apart from the MPG 271QR X50 and its a DisplayHDR True Black 500.
At 1080p, 310Hz 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 5 picks at the time of writing, with the XG27WCMS the next step up.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 310Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 24.5 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- HDR
- DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut
- 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand
- height adjustment
Pros
- a 310Hz 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
- Screen size trails the INNOCN GA27M1Q (27 inches)
The catch
It gives ground on screen size, where the INNOCN GA27M1Q comes in at 27 inches.
Worth a Look5 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved
ASUS's XG27WCMS curves a 27-inch 1440p panel and overclocks it to 280Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 500Hz.
Why we like it
USB-C input and a three-year warranty are listed. The 27-inch curved 1440p panel overclocks to 280Hz, lists a 1ms response, covers 95% of DCI-P3 and includes USB-C. On refresh rate it trails the group at 280Hz, while the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 500Hz.
It matches the INNOCN GA27M1Q, the MPG 271QR X50 and the MPG 274URDFW on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the INNOCN GA27M1Q and MPG 271QR X50; the VG259QMRL5A goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. A 95% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the MPG 271QR X50 uses a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
To see 280Hz 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. When we checked, only the VG259QMRL5A cost less, and the MPG 274URDFW cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 280Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- HDR
- HDR
- Color gamut
- 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C
- Yes
- Warranty
- 3-year
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz)
- Costs more than the VG259QMRL5A at the time of writing
The catch
Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the INNOCN GA27M1Q covers it better at 500Hz.
How We Chose These G-SYNC 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 compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out panel.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the INNOCN GA27M1Q to the XG27WCMS, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MPG 274URDFW and the XG27WCMS give no panel; the VG259QMRL5A and the XG27WCMS give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the VG259QMRL5A ($150 to $250) to the MPG 271QR X50 ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a G-SYNC Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 280Hz on the XG27WCMS to 500Hz on the INNOCN GA27M1Q, a 79% spread. Start with the INNOCN GA27M1Q if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size
Across these 5 picks screen size spans 24.5 inches (the VG259QMRL5A) to 27 inches (the INNOCN GA27M1Q). If screen size is your first filter, the INNOCN GA27M1Q sets the ceiling at 27 inches.
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop Panel
The INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 list QD-OLED; the VG259QMRL5A lists Fast IPS. Settling panel first narrows 3 picks to 2 or 1.
Response
The INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 list 0.03ms; the MPG 274URDFW lists 0.5ms.
A white desk with two monitors and a laptop Extras that separate them
The MPG 274URDFW: an AI Dual Mode that switches resolution and refresh rate automatically. The VG259QMRL5A: DisplayHDR 400 certification. The XG27WCMS: USB-C input.
How to Choose a G-SYNC Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate | INNOCN GA27M1Q | A 500Hz refresh rate |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the VG259QMRL5A costs less | MPG 271QR X50 | DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones | MPG 274URDFW | A Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones |
| Getting 310Hz overclocked refresh rate for the least money | VG259QMRL5A | A lower price than the XG27WCMS and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz | XG27WCMS | A curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The INNOCN GA27M1Q leads on refresh rate at 500Hz, ahead of the MPG 271QR X50 at 500Hz. "Not listed" marks panel where the MPG 274URDFW and the XG27WCMS leave the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INNOCN GA27M1Q | 500Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 271QR X50 | 500Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 274URDFW | 320Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| VG259QMRL5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| XG27WCMS | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The VG259QMRL5A was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the MPG 271QR X50 the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | VG259QMRL5A |
| About $250 to $500 | XG27WCMS, MPG 274URDFW |
| About $500 to $1000 | INNOCN GA27M1Q, MPG 271QR X50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MPG 271QR X50 add over the VG259QMRL5A?
What it brings is refresh rate (500Hz against 310Hz) and screen size (27 inches against 24.5 inches). On our last price check the VG259QMRL5A was in the $150 to $250 tier and the MPG 271QR X50 in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate and screen size decide your purchase.
Why is the VG259QMRL5A our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for a lower price than the XG27WCMS and the rest when we checked. It suits getting 310Hz overclocked refresh rate for the least money.
Do the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 274URDFW differ on resolution?
The INNOCN GA27M1Q, the MPG 271QR X50 and the XG27WCMS use 2560x1440 (1440p); the MPG 274URDFW uses 3840x2160 (4K); the VG259QMRL5A uses 1920x1080 (1080p).
What extras do the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 include?
The INNOCN GA27M1Q: a 500Hz refresh rate. The MPG 271QR X50: DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs. The MPG 274URDFW: a Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones.
Who should choose the MPG 271QR X50?
The MPG 271QR X50 carries our Premium Pick label for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs at the highest price in the group. It ranks second of 5 here and sat in the $500 to $1000 tier at our last price check; it suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the VG259QMRL5A costs less.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the INNOCN GA27M1Q, chosen for a 500Hz refresh rate. Look at the MPG 271QR X50 for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs at the highest price in the group, the MPG 274URDFW for a Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones and the VG259QMRL5A for a lower price than the XG27WCMS and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.
Turn on G-SYNC in the NVIDIA Control Panel after connecting over DisplayPort.
Related Guides
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- Also see: monitor arms and accessoriesThe Best Ergonomic Monitor Stand
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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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