Buying Guide
The Best 27-Inch 1440p Gaming Monitors
Five monitors compared, from the Q27G41ZE to the PG27AQDP, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
27-inch 1440p is the most popular gaming size and resolution. Every pick fits that, ordered by refresh rate.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; a missing panel is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
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: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP (opens in a new tab)
QD-OLED Panel
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED
A QD-OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
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)
Lowest Price Here
AOC Q27G41ZE
Undercutting the H27E6S on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Fast IPS Panel
KTC H27E6S
A fast IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (480Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | 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 MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (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) |
| Undercutting the H27E6S on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for AOC Q27G41ZE (opens in a new tab) |
| A fast IPS panel. | Buyers who want a fast IPS panel. | Check price for KTC H27E6S (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
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Nothing else here matches its 480Hz refresh rate; the MPG 271QRX comes closest at 360Hz. Its 26.5 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the MPG 271QRX leads at 27 inches. A WOLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the Q27G41ZE uses an IPS panel.
It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the MPG 271QRX; the H27E6S goes with an HDR400. A 99% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the H27E6S uses a 123% 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the MPG 271QRX the nearest cheaper option.
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
- Screen size trails the MPG 271QRX (27 inches)
- Costs more than the Q27G41ZE at the time of writing
QD-OLED Panel2 of 5
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MPG 271QRX adds a KVM switch to a 360Hz QD-OLED panel with True Black 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its built-in KVM switches a keyboard and mouse between two computers, and the stand adjusts for ergonomics. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 360Hz: the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz, and the H27E6S comes in at 240Hz. It matches the XG27WCMS, the Q27G41ZE and the H27E6S on screen size (27 inches).
A QD-OLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the PG27AQDP uses a WOLED panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the PG27AQDP; the H27E6S goes with an HDR400. You also get HDMI 2.1 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles.
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. When we checked, only the XG27WCMS and cheaper picks cost less, and the PG27AQDP cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
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 Q27G41ZE at the time of writing
Also Consider3 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
- Price-first buyers should look at the Q27G41ZE, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
USB-C input and a three-year warranty are listed. Its 280Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz) and ahead of the H27E6S (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 271QRX, the Q27G41ZE and the H27E6S at 27 inches.
It is the only pick here with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut; the PG27AQDP has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut instead. 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. Its price falls between the H27E6S and the MPG 271QRX, based on our last check.
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
- Costs more than the Q27G41ZE at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 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
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz).
Why we like it
It is rare to see that combination at this price. On refresh rate it ties with the H27E6S at 240Hz. It matches the MPG 271QRX, the XG27WCMS and the H27E6S on screen size (27 inches).
An IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the H27E6S 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the H27E6S was closest. What it gives up: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz); by contrast, the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz.
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
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz)
Fast IPS Panel5 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 a fast IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz.
Why we like it
It matches the Q27G41ZE on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 271QRX, the XG27WCMS and the Q27G41ZE at 27 inches. It is the only pick here with a fast IPS panel; the MPG 271QRX has a QD-OLED panel instead.
It is the only pick here with an HDR400; the XG27WCMS has an HDR instead. It is the only pick here with a 123% sRGB color gamut; the PG27AQDP has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut instead. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
Its price falls between the Q27G41ZE and the XG27WCMS, based on our last check. If refresh rate is your priority, the PG27AQDP (480Hz) is the stronger choice.
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
- Refresh rate trails the PG27AQDP (480Hz)
- Costs more than the Q27G41ZE at the time of writing
How We Chose These 27-Inch 1440p Gaming 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, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the PG27AQDP to the H27E6S, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
- 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 Q27G41ZE ($150 to $250) to the PG27AQDP ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 27-Inch 1440p Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the H27E6S to 480Hz on the PG27AQDP. For less, the MPG 271QRX is the runner-up at 360Hz.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 26.5 inches on the PG27AQDP to 27 inches on the MPG 271QRX. The XG27WCMS comes second for less money.
Response
The PG27AQDP and the MPG 271QRX list 0.03ms; the Q27G41ZE lists 0.3ms; the H27E6S lists 1ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
What to check at home
To see 480Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
Features beyond the spec table
The XG27WCMS: USB-C input. The Q27G41ZE: DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. The H27E6S: built-in speakers.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
How to Choose a 27-Inch 1440p Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | PG27AQDP | The highest refresh rate here (480Hz) |
| Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel | MPG 271QRX | A QD-OLED panel |
| Buyers who want curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz | XG27WCMS | A curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz |
| Spending as little as possible | Q27G41ZE | Undercutting the H27E6S on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | H27E6S | A fast IPS panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The PG27AQDP leads on refresh rate at 480Hz, ahead of the MPG 271QRX 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 |
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| XG27WCMS | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| Q27G41ZE | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| H27E6S | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Q27G41ZE was the lowest-priced pick and the PG27AQDP the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Q27G41ZE, H27E6S |
| About $250 to $500 | XG27WCMS |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 271QRX, PG27AQDP |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the MPG 271QRX compare with the PG27AQDP on refresh rate?
The PG27AQDP leads at 480Hz, with the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz. The H27E6S is at the other end of this group with 240Hz.
Is the PG27AQDP worth paying more than the Q27G41ZE?
On paper it adds refresh rate (480Hz against 240Hz). It does not win everywhere: the Q27G41ZE still leads on screen size (27 inches). The Q27G41ZE was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the MPG 271QRX the QD-OLED Panel?
It earns the label for a QD-OLED panel. It suits anyone who wants a QD-OLED panel.
Do the PG27AQDP and the MPG 271QRX differ on panel?
The PG27AQDP uses WOLED; the MPG 271QRX uses QD-OLED; the Q27G41ZE uses IPS; the H27E6S uses Fast IPS. The maker of the XG27WCMS doesn't say.
What should I check before buying the XG27WCMS?
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. In this guide it ranks third of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the PG27AQDP and the MPG 271QRX apart?
The PG27AQDP: a 480Hz refresh rate at 1440p. The MPG 271QRX: a built-in KVM switch. The XG27WCMS: a curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the PG27AQDP. Look at the MPG 271QRX for a QD-OLED panel, the XG27WCMS for a curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz and the Q27G41ZE for undercutting the H27E6S on price when we checked if those matter more to you.
Check panel type: OLED for contrast, IPS for brightness.