Buying Guide
The Best 1080p Gaming Monitors
From the SE2726H to the S2725HSM: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
1080p keeps frame rates high on modest GPUs. Every pick is a 1080p monitor of 24 inches or more, ordered with the larger screens first.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; nothing here was tested in-house, 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.
Lowest Price Here
Dell 27 SE2726HA lower price than the 25G51Z and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money.
Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel.
Best for: Buyers who want 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel.
Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
AOC C27G4ZH CurvedThe highest refresh rate here (280Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Dell 27 Plus S2725HSMDual 3W speakers at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SE2726H costs less.
Check price for Dell 27 Plus S2725HSM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AOC 25G51ZAn overclocked 260Hz refresh rate.
Best for: Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz refresh rate.
Check price for AOC 25G51Z on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the 25G51Z and the rest when we checked. | Getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money. | Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel. | Buyers who want 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel. | Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (280Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Dual 3W speakers at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SE2726H costs less. | Check price for Dell 27 Plus S2725HSM on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An overclocked 260Hz refresh rate. | Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz refresh rate. | Check price for AOC 25G51Z on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Dell 27 SE2726H
The SE2726H is built around a 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz, with wide IPS viewing angles on top.
Best for
- Getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the C27G4ZH (280Hz).
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the S2725HSM on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the SE2726HG, the C27G4ZH and the S2725HSM at 27 inches.
Like the 25G51Z, it has an IPS panel, while the SE2726HG uses a fast IPS panel. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It undercut the 25G51Z and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the C27G4ZH (280Hz). If that matters, the C27G4ZH offers 280Hz.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz
Cons
- Refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the C27G4ZH (280Hz)
Also Consider2 of 5
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz
Dell's SE2726HG runs a 27-inch 1080p Fast IPS panel at 240Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the SE2726H, which cost less when we checked.
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 sits mid-pack at 240Hz: the C27G4ZH offers 280Hz, and the S2725HSM comes in at 144Hz. It matches the SE2726H, the C27G4ZH and the S2725HSM on screen size (27 inches). You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the 25G51Z 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 was priced above the 25G51Z and below the C27G4ZH at the time of writing.
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
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh3 of 5
AOC C27G4ZH Curved
AOC's C27G4ZH curves a 27-inch 1080p VA panel and runs it at 280Hz on a height, tilt and swivel stand.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
It trades resolution for speed. It refreshes at 280Hz with a 0.3ms response time. The 1500R curve wraps the image around your view.
The 1500R curve keeps the corners of the 27-inch panel in view. Nothing else here matches its 280Hz refresh rate; the 25G51Z comes closest at 260Hz. On screen size it ties with the SE2726H, the SE2726HG and the S2725HSM at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a VA panel; compare the SE2726H, which has an IPS panel. You also get VESA mounting. At 1080p, 280Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper SE2726HG and the pricier S2725HSM, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 280Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- VA
- Response
- 0.3ms
- HDR
- HDR
- Stand
- height, tilt and swivel
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a stand with height, tilt and swivel
- 280Hz on a 1500R curve
- Height-adjustable stand
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
Dell 27 Plus S2725HSM
What the S2725HSM brings to the table is dual 3W speakers, plus 144Hz at 1080p.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SE2726H costs less.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the C27G4ZH offers 280Hz.
Why we like it
It also offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the SE2726H, the SE2726HG and the C27G4ZH on screen size (27 inches). You also get HDMI connectivity.
At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. Another plus: 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. At our last price check it topped the group, with the C27G4ZH the nearest cheaper option. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the C27G4ZH covers it better at 280Hz.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Response
- 1ms
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- Dual 3W speakers
- 144Hz at 1080p
- HDMI connectivity
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the C27G4ZH (280Hz)
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
AOC 25G51Z
The 25G51Z reaches 260Hz overclocked on a 25-inch IPS panel, the highest refresh here.
Best for
- Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz refresh rate.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the SE2726H offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
Its 260Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the C27G4ZH (280Hz) and ahead of the S2725HSM (144Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 25 inches, while the SE2726H comes in at 27 inches. Like the SE2726H, it has an IPS panel, while the SE2726HG uses a fast IPS panel.
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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper SE2726H and the pricier SE2726HG, at the time of writing.
Key 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
- 0.5ms response, the only one here
Cons
- Screen size trails the SE2726H (27 inches)
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
How We Chose These 1080p 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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick, while panel and response have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the SE2726H to the 25G51Z, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The S2725HSM gives no panel; the SE2726HG gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SE2726H ($100 to $150) to the S2725HSM ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a 1080p Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
The C27G4ZH tops refresh rate at 280Hz and the S2725HSM sits lowest at 144Hz. For less, the 25G51Z is the runner-up at 260Hz ($100 to $150 tier).
Screen size across these picks
Across these 5 picks screen size spans 25 inches (the 25G51Z) to 27 inches (the SE2726H). If screen size is your first filter, the SE2726H sets the ceiling at 27 inches.
A gaming monitor above a keyboard and mouse on a black desk Response
The SE2726H and the S2725HSM list 1ms; the C27G4ZH lists 0.3ms; the 25G51Z lists 0.5ms. Settling response first narrows 4 picks to 2 or 1 or 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The C27G4ZH: a height-adjustable stand. The S2725HSM: 144Hz at 1080p. The 25G51Z: an overclocked 260Hz refresh rate.
A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures Budget
$100 to $150 buys the SE2726H, the 25G51Z and the SE2726HG; $150 to $250 buys the C27G4ZH and the S2725HSM at our last check.
How to Choose a 1080p Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money | SE2726H | A lower price than the 25G51Z and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel | SE2726HG | 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | C27G4ZH | The highest refresh rate here (280Hz) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SE2726H costs less | S2725HSM | Dual 3W speakers at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz refresh rate | 25G51Z | An overclocked 260Hz refresh rate |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The C27G4ZH leads on refresh rate at 280Hz, ahead of the 25G51Z at 260Hz. "Not listed" marks panel where the S2725HSM leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE2726H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| SE2726HG | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| C27G4ZH | 280Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | VA |
| S2725HSM | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| 25G51Z | 260Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 25 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the SE2726H, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the S2725HSM at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | SE2726H, 25G51Z, SE2726HG |
| About $150 to $250 | C27G4ZH, S2725HSM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 25G51Z compare with the C27G4ZH on refresh rate?
The C27G4ZH leads at 280Hz, with the 25G51Z at 260Hz. The spread runs down to the S2725HSM at 144Hz.
What makes the C27G4ZH the Fastest Refresh?
It carries the badge for the highest refresh rate here (280Hz). The 25G51Z is next on refresh rate at 260Hz, so this pick's 280Hz is 8% further out. The SE2726H, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Do the SE2726H and the SE2726HG differ on panel?
The SE2726H and the 25G51Z use IPS; the SE2726HG uses Fast IPS; the C27G4ZH uses VA. The maker of the S2725HSM doesn't state panel, so 4 of 5 picks are covered here.
Beyond the specs, what sets the SE2726H and the SE2726HG apart?
The SE2726H: a 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz. The SE2726HG: 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel. The C27G4ZH: 280Hz on a 1500R curve.
Should I pick the SE2726H or the 25G51Z?
The SE2726H suits getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money; the 25G51Z suits buyers who want overclocked 260Hz refresh rate.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SE2726H, chosen for a lower price than the 25G51Z and the rest when we checked. Look at the SE2726HG for 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel, the S2725HSM for dual 3W speakers at the highest price in the group and the 25G51Z for an overclocked 260Hz refresh rate if those matter more to you.
Above 27 inches, 1080p looks soft up close; sit farther back.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Monitors to Buy Now
- Related guideThe Best 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming 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 Much VRAM Do You Need?
- Similar guideThe Best Large 1080p Gaming Monitors
- 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
View all articles