Buying Guide
The Best 1ms IPS Gaming Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the AW2525HM has the highest refresh rate, and the VG259QMR5A costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Fast IPS panels now reach 1ms response for clear motion. Every pick is IPS rated at 1ms or faster, ordered by refresh rate.
The order reflects refresh rate, resolution and size from maker specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and a missing HDR is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
Alienware AW2525HM
The highest refresh rate here (320Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A
The cheapest way into this group, below the Q27G41ZE.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AOC Q27G41ZE
An overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Best for: Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Premium Pick
KTC H27E6S
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an overclocked 275Hz mode.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Strong Alternative
KTC H27T22C-3
Built-in speakers.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in speakers.
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (320Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Q27G41ZE. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab) |
| An overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate. | Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate. | Check price for AOC Q27G41ZE (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an overclocked 275Hz mode. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for KTC H27E6S (opens in a new tab) |
| Built-in speakers. | Buyers who want built-in speakers. | Check price for KTC H27T22C-3 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
Alienware AW2525HM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2525HM runs a 24.5-inch 1080p IPS panel at 320Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the VG259QMR5A, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It targets competitive shooters on a mid-range PC. Nothing else here matches its 320Hz refresh rate; the VG259QMR5A comes closest at 310Hz. On screen size it ties with the VG259QMR5A at 24.5 inches.
Like the VG259QMR5A, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the H27E6S uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. Like the Q27G41ZE and H27T22C, it has an IPS panel, while the VG259QMR5A uses a fast IPS panel. Like the VG259QMR5A, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the H27E6S uses a 123% sRGB color gamut.
It also offers a 0.5ms response time and Alienware styling at a mid price tier. At 1080p, 320Hz 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 fourth of 5, between the cheaper H27T22C and the pricier H27E6S, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 320Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 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 Q27G41ZE offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
Its 310Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the AW2525HM (320Hz) and ahead of the H27T22C (220Hz). On screen size it ties with the AW2525HM at 24.5 inches. Like the AW2525HM, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the Q27G41ZE uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
Like the H27E6S, it has a fast IPS panel, while the Q27G41ZE uses an IPS panel. Like the AW2525HM, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the H27E6S uses a 123% sRGB color gamut. 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 undercut the Q27G41ZE and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The trade-off is screen size; for more, the Q27G41ZE comes in at 27 inches.
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 Q27G41ZE (27 inches)
Also Consider3 of 5
AOC Q27G41ZE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Q27G41ZE runs 1440p at 240Hz natively, with an overclocked 260Hz mode, on an IPS panel.
Best for
- Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the VG259QMR5A was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is rare to see that combination at this price. It matches the H27E6S on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the H27E6S and the H27T22C at 27 inches.
Like the H27E6S and H27T22C, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2525HM uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. Like the AW2525HM and H27T22C, it has an IPS panel, while the VG259QMR5A uses a fast IPS panel. You also get DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs.
To see 240Hz 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper VG259QMR5A and the pricier H27T22C, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
KTC H27E6S on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The H27E6S runs 240Hz on Fast IPS with a 275Hz overclock, speakers and a swivel and pivot stand at a budget price.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the VG259QMR5A, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it ties with the Q27G41ZE at 240Hz. It matches the Q27G41ZE and the H27T22C on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the Q27G41ZE and H27T22C; the VG259QMR5A goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
It shares a fast IPS panel with the VG259QMR5A; the H27T22C goes with an IPS panel. You get a 123% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the AW2525HM and its a 99% sRGB color gamut. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. Only the AW2525HM came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR400
- Color gamut: 123% sRGB
- Stand: swivel and pivot
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 123% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
KTC H27T22C-3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The KTC H27T22C brings 1440p at 220Hz to a budget price with HDR 400 and speakers.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in speakers.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2525HM offers 320Hz.
Why we like it
It is the value way to a sharp, fast screen. Its 220Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the AW2525HM leads at 320Hz. On screen size it ties with the Q27G41ZE and the H27E6S at 27 inches.
Like the Q27G41ZE and H27E6S, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2525HM uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. Like the AW2525HM and Q27G41ZE, it has an IPS panel, while the VG259QMR5A uses a fast IPS panel. It is the only pick here with a 131% sRGB color gamut; the AW2525HM has a 99% sRGB color gamut instead.
It also offers DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Its price falls between the Q27G41ZE and the AW2525HM, based on our last check. If refresh rate is your priority, the AW2525HM (320Hz) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 220Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR 400
- Color gamut: 131% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync, G-SYNC
Pros
- 220Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 131% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2525HM (320Hz)
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
How We Chose These 1ms IPS Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the AW2525HM to the H27T22C, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The AW2525HM, the VG259QMR5A and the Q27G41ZE give no HDR; the Q27G41ZE gives no color gamut.
- Price range
- From the VG259QMR5A to the H27E6S, all sat in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a 1ms IPS Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 220Hz on the H27T22C to 320Hz on the AW2525HM. The VG259QMR5A comes second for less money.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 24.5 inches on the VG259QMR5A to 27 inches on the Q27G41ZE. The Q27G41ZE is the pick for screen size.
Panel
The AW2525HM, the Q27G41ZE and the H27T22C list IPS; the VG259QMR5A and the H27E6S list Fast IPS. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Response
The AW2525HM lists 0.5ms; the VG259QMR5A and the Q27G41ZE list 0.3ms; the H27E6S and the H27T22C list 1ms. Settle this first, then compare prices.
What to check at home
At 1080p, 320Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. To see 240Hz 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.
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 1ms IPS Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | AW2525HM | The highest refresh rate here (320Hz) |
| Spending as little as possible | VG259QMR5A | The cheapest way into this group, below the Q27G41ZE |
| Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate | Q27G41ZE | An overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | H27E6S | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an overclocked 275Hz mode |
| Buyers who want built-in speakers | H27T22C | Built-in speakers |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2525HM leads on refresh rate at 320Hz, ahead of the VG259QMR5A at 310Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2525HM | 320Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | IPS |
| VG259QMR5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| Q27G41ZE | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| H27E6S | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| H27T22C | 220Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the VG259QMR5A compare with the AW2525HM on refresh rate?
The AW2525HM leads at 320Hz, with the VG259QMR5A at 310Hz. The H27T22C is at the other end of this group with 220Hz.
What does the H27E6S add over the VG259QMR5A?
On paper it adds screen size (27 inches against 24.5 inches). It does not win everywhere: the VG259QMR5A still leads on refresh rate (310Hz). The VG259QMR5A was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the VG259QMR5A our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the Q27G41ZE. It suits spending as little as possible.
Do the AW2525HM and the Q27G41ZE differ on resolution?
The AW2525HM and the VG259QMR5A use 1920x1080 (1080p); the Q27G41ZE, the H27E6S and the H27T22C use 2560x1440 (1440p).
Will the VG259QMR5A work with my setup?
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. In this guide it ranks second of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
What extras do the AW2525HM and the VG259QMR5A include?
The AW2525HM: 320Hz at 1080p. The VG259QMR5A: a 310Hz refresh rate for esports. The Q27G41ZE: an overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2525HM. Look at the VG259QMR5A for the cheapest way into this group, below the Q27G41ZE, the Q27G41ZE for an overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate and the H27E6S for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an overclocked 275Hz mode if those matter more to you.
Use the middle overdrive setting to avoid overshoot.