Buying Guide
The Best 1ms IPS Gaming Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size, and the AW2525HM costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
Alienware AW2525HM320Hz at 1080p.
Best for: Buyers who want 320Hz at 1080p.
Check price for Alienware AW2525HM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI MAG 274QPF X32AI Vision for dark-area detail.
Best for: Buyers who want AI Vision for dark-area detail.
Check price for MSI MAG 274QPF X32 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Alienware AW2726DLA 280Hz 1440p IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want 280Hz 1440p IPS panel.
Check price for Alienware AW2726DL on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Runner-Up
KTC H27E6SAn overclocked 275Hz mode.
Best for: Buyers who want overclocked 275Hz mode.
Check price for KTC H27E6S on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-BThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz and can spend more than the MAG 274QPF costs.
Check price for LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320Hz at 1080p. | Buyers who want 320Hz at 1080p. | Check price for Alienware AW2525HM on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| AI Vision for dark-area detail. | Buyers who want AI Vision for dark-area detail. | Check price for MSI MAG 274QPF X32 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 280Hz 1440p IPS panel. | Buyers who want 280Hz 1440p IPS panel. | Check price for Alienware AW2726DL on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An overclocked 275Hz mode. | Buyers who want overclocked 275Hz mode. | Check price for KTC H27E6S on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz. | Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz and can spend more than the MAG 274QPF costs. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Alienware AW2525HM
Alienware's AW2525HM runs a 24.5-inch 1080p IPS panel at 320Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 320Hz at 1080p.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the MAG 274QPF offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It targets competitive shooters on a mid-range PC. It matches the MAG 274QPF on refresh rate (320Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 24.5 inches, while the MAG 274QPF comes in at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution; compare the H27E6S, which has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. Like the AW2726DL and LG 27GR83Q, it has an IPS panel, while the MAG 274QPF uses a rapid IPS panel. 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.
Key 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
- Screen size trails the MAG 274QPF (27 inches)
The catch
The trade-off is screen size; for more, the MAG 274QPF comes in at 27 inches.
Strong Alternative2 of 5
MSI MAG 274QPF X32
The MAG 274QPF is built around AI Vision for dark-area detail.
Best for
- Buyers who want AI Vision for dark-area detail.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the AW2525HM cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 320Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It is the only pick here with a rapid IPS panel; the AW2525HM has an IPS panel instead. To see 320Hz 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. You also get this: 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the AW2525HM at the time of writing. Its price falls between the H27E6S and the LG 27GR83Q, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 320Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Rapid IPS
- Response
- 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Rapid IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the AW2525HM at the time of writing
Worth a Look3 of 5
Alienware AW2726DL
The AW2726DL runs a 1440p IPS panel at 280Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want 280Hz 1440p IPS panel.
Skip if
- Pass on it if refresh rate of 280Hz, behind the AW2525HM (320Hz) rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
The maker publishes few details, so check the stand and ports on Dell's spec page. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 280Hz: the AW2525HM offers 320Hz, and the LG 27GR83Q comes in at 240Hz. It matches the MAG 274QPF, the H27E6S and the LG 27GR83Q on screen size (27 inches).
It shares an IPS panel with the AW2525HM and LG 27GR83Q; the H27E6S goes with a fast IPS panel. To see 280Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. You also get this: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 280Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 280Hz 1440p IPS panel
Cons
- Refresh rate of 280Hz, behind the AW2525HM (320Hz)
Solid Runner-Up4 of 5
KTC H27E6S
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 overclocked 275Hz mode.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the AW2525HM, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it ties with the LG 27GR83Q at 240Hz. It matches the MAG 274QPF, the AW2726DL and the LG 27GR83Q on screen size (27 inches). You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the LG 27GR83Q and its an IPS panel.
To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. Another plus: 123% sRGB colour coverage. It makes the most sense for buyers who want overclocked 275Hz mode, since it offers an overclocked 275Hz mode. It was priced above the AW2726DL and below the MAG 274QPF at the time of writing.
Key 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 AW2525HM at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B
The LG 27GR83Q is built around HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz, with a 4-pole headphone output with DTS Headphone:X on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz and can spend more than the MAG 274QPF costs.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2525HM offers 320Hz.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 240Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the MAG 274QPF, the AW2726DL and the H27E6S on screen size (27 inches). It shares an IPS panel with the AW2525HM and AW2726DL; the H27E6S goes with a fast IPS panel.
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. Only the MAG 274QPF came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR 400
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
- Stand
- tilt, height and pivot
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, FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2525HM (320Hz)
- Costs more than the AW2525HM at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on refresh rate, where the AW2525HM offers 320Hz.
How We Chose These 1ms IPS 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 compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while HDR and color gamut have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the AW2525HM to the LG 27GR83Q, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The AW2525HM, the MAG 274QPF and the AW2726DL give no HDR; the MAG 274QPF, the AW2726DL and the LG 27GR83Q give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the AW2525HM ($150 to $250) to the LG 27GR83Q ($250 to $500).
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 240Hz on the LG 27GR83Q to 320Hz on the AW2525HM, a 33% spread. Start with the AW2525HM if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size across these picks
Across these 5 picks screen size spans 24.5 inches (the AW2525HM) to 27 inches (the MAG 274QPF). For less, the AW2726DL is the runner-up at 27 inches ($150 to $250 tier).
A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures Panel
The AW2525HM, the AW2726DL and the LG 27GR83Q list IPS; the MAG 274QPF lists Rapid IPS; the H27E6S lists Fast IPS. Sort out panel before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 3, 1 and 1.
Response
The AW2525HM and the MAG 274QPF list 0.5ms; the AW2726DL, the H27E6S and the LG 27GR83Q list 1ms. Settling response first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 2.
A large monitor showing a game on a low media unit Extras that separate them
The AW2726DL: a 280Hz 1440p IPS panel. The H27E6S: built-in speakers. The LG 27GR83Q: a 4-pole headphone output with DTS Headphone:X.
How to Choose a 1ms IPS Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 320Hz at 1080p | AW2525HM | 320Hz at 1080p |
| Buyers who want AI Vision for dark-area detail | MAG 274QPF | AI Vision for dark-area detail |
| Buyers who want 280Hz 1440p IPS panel | AW2726DL | A 280Hz 1440p IPS panel |
| Buyers who want overclocked 275Hz mode | H27E6S | An overclocked 275Hz mode |
| Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz and can spend more than the MAG 274QPF costs | LG 27GR83Q | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2525HM leads on refresh rate at 320Hz, ahead of the MAG 274QPF at 320Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2525HM | 320Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | IPS |
| MAG 274QPF | 320Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
| AW2726DL | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| H27E6S | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| LG 27GR83Q | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The AW2525HM was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the LG 27GR83Q the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | AW2525HM, AW2726DL, H27E6S |
| About $250 to $500 | MAG 274QPF, LG 27GR83Q |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the LG 27GR83Q add over the AW2525HM?
On paper it adds screen size (27 inches against 24.5 inches). It does not win everywhere: the AW2525HM still leads on refresh rate (320Hz). On our last price check the AW2525HM was in the $150 to $250 tier and the LG 27GR83Q in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size decides your purchase.
Why is the LG 27GR83Q our Premium Pick?
It carries the badge for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz. The price of that: the AW2525HM, the cheapest pick, still beats it on refresh rate (320Hz against 240Hz). It suits anyone who wants HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz and can spend more than the MAG 274QPF costs.
Do the AW2525HM and the MAG 274QPF differ on resolution?
The AW2525HM uses 1920x1080 (1080p); the MAG 274QPF, the AW2726DL, the H27E6S and the LG 27GR83Q use 2560x1440 (1440p).
What extras do the AW2525HM and the MAG 274QPF include?
The AW2525HM: 320Hz at 1080p. The MAG 274QPF: AI Vision for dark-area detail. The AW2726DL: a 280Hz 1440p IPS panel.
Should I pick the AW2525HM or the LG 27GR83Q?
The AW2525HM suits buyers who want 320Hz at 1080p; the LG 27GR83Q suits buyers who want HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz and can spend more than the MAG 274QPF costs.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2525HM, chosen for 320Hz at 1080p. Look at the MAG 274QPF for AI Vision for dark-area detail, the AW2726DL for a 280Hz 1440p IPS panel and the H27E6S for an overclocked 275Hz mode if those matter more to you.
Use the middle overdrive setting to avoid overshoot.
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 cardsGPU Power Connectors Explained
- Similar guideThe Best Fast IPS 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
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