Buying Guide
The Best 1080p Gaming Monitors
From the KG251Q X3 to the VG279QM5A: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
FreeSync Adaptive Sync
Dell 27 SE2726H
A freeSync.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
LG UltraGear 27G414B-B
Built-in stereo speakers.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in stereo speakers.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G414B-B (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A
A 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
AOC 25G51Z
The highest refresh rate here (260Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Lowest Price Here
Acer Nitro KG251Q X3
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Acer Nitro KG251Q X3 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A freeSync. | Buyers who want a freeSync. | Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H (opens in a new tab) |
| Built-in stereo speakers. | Buyers who want built-in stereo speakers. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G414B-B (opens in a new tab) |
| A 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (260Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for AOC 25G51Z (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for Acer Nitro KG251Q X3 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
FreeSync Adaptive Sync1 of 5
Dell 27 SE2726H on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SE2726H is built around a 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz, with wide IPS viewing angles on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want a freeSync.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the KG251Q X3 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On screen size it ties with the 27G414B and the VG279QM5A at 27 inches. Like the 27G414B and 25G51Z, it has an IPS panel, while the VG279QM5A uses a fast IPS panel.
You get a FreeSync here, which sets it apart from the 25G51Z and its a G-SYNC Compatible. At 1080p, 144Hz 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 second of 5, between the cheaper KG251Q X3 and the pricier 25G51Z, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G414B-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's 27G414B is a 27-inch 1080p IPS screen at 144Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in stereo speakers.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
It puts a larger screen within a tight budget. On refresh rate it ties with the SE2726H at 144Hz. It matches the SE2726H and the VG279QM5A on screen size (27 inches).
It shares an IPS panel with the SE2726H and 25G51Z; the VG279QM5A goes with a fast IPS panel. Like the 25G51Z, it has a G-SYNC Compatible, while the SE2726H uses a FreeSync. It also comes with built-in stereo speakers and LG Switch app window layouts.
At 1080p, 144Hz 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 25G51Z and cheaper picks cost less, and the VG279QM5A cost more. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the 25G51Z covers it better at 260Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR10
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Refresh rate trails the 25G51Z (260Hz)
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG279QM5A is built around a 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz, with a 3-year warranty on top.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the KG251Q X3 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 240Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 240Hz: the 25G51Z offers 260Hz, and the 27G414B comes in at 144Hz. A fast IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the 27G414B uses an IPS panel.
It also comes with 99% sRGB coverage. At 1080p, 240Hz 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the 27G414B the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 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
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh4 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
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the KG251Q X3, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Nothing else here matches its 260Hz refresh rate; the VG279QM5A comes closest at 240Hz. On screen size it sits mid-pack at 25 inches: the SE2726H comes in at 27 inches, and the KG251Q X3 comes in at 24.5 inches. Like the SE2726H and 27G414B, it has an IPS panel, while the VG279QM5A uses a fast IPS panel.
It shares a G-SYNC Compatible with the 27G414B; the KG251Q X3 goes with 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. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper SE2726H and the pricier 27G414B, 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 KG251Q X3
Cons
- Costs more than the KG251Q X3 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Acer Nitro KG251Q X3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Nitro KG251Q X3 runs 200Hz with FreeSync Premium on a 24.5-inch screen for under $90.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the SE2726H offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It is the best gaming screen at this price. Its 24.5-inch 1080p panel supports AMD FreeSync Premium to stop tearing. It suits competitive games at high frame rates.
Its 200Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the 25G51Z (260Hz) and ahead of the 27G414B (144Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 24.5 inches, while the SE2726H comes in at 27 inches. You get a FreeSync Premium here, which sets it apart from the 27G414B and its a G-SYNC Compatible.
It also comes with a 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing. At 1080p, 200Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It undercut the SE2726H and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Response: 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
- 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing
- The lowest price of the group at our last check
Cons
- Screen size trails the SE2726H (27 inches)
How We Chose These 1080p Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 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. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the SE2726H to the KG251Q X3, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The KG251Q X3 gives no panel; the VG279QM5A gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the KG251Q X3 ($50 to $100) to the VG279QM5A ($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
Here refresh rate runs from 144Hz on the 27G414B to 260Hz on the 25G51Z. The 25G51Z is the pick for refresh rate.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 24.5 inches on the KG251Q X3 to 27 inches on the SE2726H. Start with the SE2726H if screen size decides it.
Response
The SE2726H and the 27G414B list 1ms; the 25G51Z and the KG251Q X3 list 0.5ms. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Setup checks
At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
Features beyond the spec table
The VG279QM5A: a 3-year warranty. The 25G51Z: an overclocked 260Hz refresh rate. The KG251Q X3: a 200Hz refresh rate under $90 at the time of writing.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
How to Choose a 1080p Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want a freeSync | SE2726H | A freeSync |
| Buyers who want built-in stereo speakers | 27G414B | Built-in stereo speakers |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | VG279QM5A | A 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz at the highest price in the group |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | 25G51Z | The highest refresh rate here (260Hz) |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | KG251Q X3 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The 25G51Z leads on refresh rate at 260Hz, ahead of the VG279QM5A at 240Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE2726H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 27G414B | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| VG279QM5A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| 25G51Z | 260Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 25 inches | IPS |
| KG251Q X3 | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The KG251Q X3 was the lowest-priced pick and the VG279QM5A the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | KG251Q X3 |
| About $100 to $150 | SE2726H, 25G51Z, 27G414B |
| About $150 to $250 | VG279QM5A |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the VG279QM5A compare with the 25G51Z on refresh rate?
The 25G51Z leads at 260Hz, with the VG279QM5A at 240Hz. The 27G414B is at the other end of this group with 144Hz.
Is the VG279QM5A worth paying more than the KG251Q X3?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 200Hz) and screen size (27 inches against 24.5 inches). The KG251Q X3 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the SE2726H the FreeSync Adaptive Sync?
It earns the label for a freeSync. It suits anyone who wants a freeSync.
Do the SE2726H and the VG279QM5A differ on panel?
The SE2726H, the 27G414B and the 25G51Z use IPS; the VG279QM5A uses Fast IPS. The maker of the KG251Q X3 doesn't say.
What should I check before buying the VG279QM5A?
At 1080p, 240Hz 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. In this guide it ranks third of 5, as our Premium Pick pick.
Beyond the specs, what sets the SE2726H and the 27G414B apart?
The SE2726H: a 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz. The 27G414B: built-in stereo speakers. The VG279QM5A: a 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SE2726H, chosen for a freeSync. Look at the 27G414B for built-in stereo speakers, the VG279QM5A for a 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz at the highest price in the group and the KG251Q X3 for the lowest price of the group at our last check if those matter more to you.
Above 27 inches, 1080p looks soft up close; sit farther back.