Buying Guide
The Best G-SYNC Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the PG27AQDP has the highest refresh rate, and the VG259QMR5A costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
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
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)
QD-OLED Panel
ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG
A QD-OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A
The cheapest way into this group, below the XG27WCMS.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A
1440p at 300Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved
A curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved (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) |
| A QD-OLED panel. | Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the XG27WCMS. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab) |
| 1440p at 300Hz. | Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A (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 (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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it leads this guide at 480Hz, ahead of the XG27ACDNG (360Hz). On screen size it ties with the XG27ACDNG at 26.5 inches. It is the only pick here with a WOLED panel; the VG259QMR5A has a fast IPS panel instead.
Like the XG27ACDNG, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the XG27WCMS uses an HDR. Like the XG27ACDNG, it has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the VG259QMR5A uses a 99% sRGB color gamut. 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. Its price falls between the VG27AQM5A and the XG27ACDNG, based on our last check.
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 VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
QD-OLED Panel2 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27ACDNG runs a QD-OLED panel at 360Hz with True Black 400 HDR and a 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It is the balanced pick for competitive play. Its 360Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz) and ahead of the XG27WCMS (280Hz). On screen size it ties with the PG27AQDP at 26.5 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a QD-OLED panel; compare the PG27AQDP, which has a WOLED panel. Like the PG27AQDP, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the XG27WCMS uses an HDR. Like the PG27AQDP, it has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the XG27WCMS uses a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.
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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
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 VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG259QMR5A is the esports pick, with a 310Hz Fast IPS panel at 1080p and a 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the VG27AQM5A offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
Its 310Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz) and ahead of the XG27WCMS (280Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 24.5 inches, while the VG27AQM5A comes in at 27 inches. It is the only pick here with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution; the PG27AQDP has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution instead.
Like the VG27AQM5A, it has a fast IPS panel, while the PG27AQDP uses a WOLED panel. It is the only pick here with a 99% sRGB color gamut; the PG27AQDP has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut instead. At 1080p, 310Hz 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 the cheapest of the group when we checked; the XG27WCMS was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 310Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
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 VG27AQM5A (27 inches)
Also Consider4 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG27AQM5A pushes a 27-inch 1440p Fast IPS panel to 300Hz with 95% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the VG259QMR5A was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is the fastest 1440p model in the TUF range here. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 300Hz: the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz, and the XG27WCMS comes in at 280Hz. It matches the XG27WCMS on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a fast IPS panel with the VG259QMR5A; the XG27ACDNG goes with a QD-OLED panel. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the XG27WCMS; the XG27ACDNG goes with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also offers built-in speakers and a 3-year warranty.
To see 300Hz 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 XG27WCMS and cheaper picks cost less, and the PG27AQDP cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 300Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC, ELMB Sync
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 300Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 PG27AQDP offers 480Hz.
Why we like it
USB-C input and a three-year warranty are listed. On refresh rate it trails the group at 280Hz, while the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz. It matches the VG27AQM5A on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the VG27AQM5A; the XG27ACDNG goes with 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 VG259QMR5A cost less, and the VG27AQM5A cost more. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the PG27AQDP covers it better at 480Hz.
Key dimensions & 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 PG27AQDP (480Hz)
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
How We Chose These G-SYNC Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the PG27AQDP to the XG27WCMS, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3-year warranty.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The XG27WCMS gives no panel; the XG27WCMS gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the VG259QMR5A ($150 to $250) to the XG27ACDNG ($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 480Hz on the PG27AQDP. Start with the PG27AQDP if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 24.5 inches on the VG259QMR5A to 27 inches on the VG27AQM5A. For less, the XG27WCMS is the runner-up at 27 inches.
Panel
The PG27AQDP lists WOLED; the XG27ACDNG lists QD-OLED; the VG259QMR5A and the VG27AQM5A list Fast IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Response
The PG27AQDP and the XG27ACDNG list 0.03ms; the VG259QMR5A and the VG27AQM5A list 0.3ms.
Setup checks
To see 480Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. At 1080p, 310Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
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.
How to Choose a G-SYNC 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 want a QD-OLED panel | XG27ACDNG | A QD-OLED panel |
| Spending as little as possible | VG259QMR5A | The cheapest way into this group, below the XG27WCMS |
| Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz | VG27AQM5A | 1440p at 300Hz |
| 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 PG27AQDP leads on refresh rate at 480Hz, ahead of the XG27ACDNG at 360Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG27AQDP | 480Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | WOLED |
| XG27ACDNG | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| VG259QMR5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| VG27AQM5A | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 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 VG259QMR5A was the lowest-priced pick and the XG27ACDNG the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | VG259QMR5A |
| About $250 to $500 | XG27WCMS, VG27AQM5A |
| About $500 to $1000 | PG27AQDP, XG27ACDNG |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the XG27ACDNG compare with the PG27AQDP on refresh rate?
The PG27AQDP leads at 480Hz, with the XG27ACDNG at 360Hz. The XG27WCMS is at the other end of this group with 280Hz.
What does the XG27ACDNG add over the VG259QMR5A?
On paper it adds refresh rate (360Hz against 310Hz) and screen size (26.5 inches against 24.5 inches). The VG259QMR5A was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the PG27AQDP our Fastest Refresh pick?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (480Hz). It suits esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the PG27AQDP and the VG259QMR5A differ on resolution?
The PG27AQDP, the XG27ACDNG, the VG27AQM5A and the XG27WCMS use 2560x1440 (1440p); the VG259QMR5A uses 1920x1080 (1080p).
Will the VG27AQM5A work with my setup?
To see 300Hz 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. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5.
What extras do the PG27AQDP and the XG27ACDNG include?
The PG27AQDP: a 480Hz refresh rate at 1440p. The XG27ACDNG: a 3-year warranty on an OLED panel. The VG259QMR5A: a 310Hz refresh rate for esports.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the PG27AQDP. Look at the XG27ACDNG for a QD-OLED panel, the VG259QMR5A for the cheapest way into this group, below the XG27WCMS and the VG27AQM5A for 1440p at 300Hz if those matter more to you.
Turn on G-SYNC in the NVIDIA Control Panel after connecting over DisplayPort.