Buying Guide
The Best 27-Inch 165Hz IPS Monitors
Five monitors compared, from the VG27AQ3A to the 27GM950B, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
27-inch IPS at 165-180Hz is a popular mid-range choice. Every pick fits that, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by refresh rate, resolution and size, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips response, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A
A lower price than the AG275QXL and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AOC AGON PRO AG275QXL
A listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch.
Best for: Buyers who want listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch.
Our take Check price for AOC AGON PRO AG275QXL (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution
A dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution (opens in a new tab)
Swivel and Pivot Stand
LG UltraGear 27G810A-B
A swivel and pivot stand.
Best for: Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G810A-B (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B
A Mini LED backlight with 9,216 LEDs at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG27AQ3A pairs 1440p at 180Hz with wide colour coverage and speakers.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It suits a desk used for games and video alike. It matches the AW2725QF and the 27G810A on refresh rate (180Hz). Like the AG275QXL, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2725QF uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
No other pick in this guide offers a fast IPS panel; compare the 27G810A, which has an IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers a 130% sRGB color gamut; compare the AW2725QF, which has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It undercut the AG275QXL and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 1ms
- Color gamut: 130% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 130% sRGB colour coverage
Also Consider2 of 5
AOC AGON PRO AG275QXL on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's AG275QXL is a 27-inch 1440p IPS screen at 170Hz with a height-adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the VG27AQ3A was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The maker specifies PS5 and Xbox Series X compatibility. Its 170Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the VG27AQ3A (180Hz) and ahead of the 27GM950B (165Hz). Like the VG27AQ3A, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the 27GM950B uses a 5120x2880 resolution.
You also get a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch and a 1440p IPS panel for MOBA and console play. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Worth noting too: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper VG27AQ3A and the pricier AW2725QF, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 170Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height adjustment
Pros
- 170Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 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 VG27AQ3A at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2725QF is a 27-inch 4K IPS screen at 180Hz with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the VG27AQ3A was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED burn-in concerns while keeping 4K sharpness. On refresh rate it ties with the VG27AQ3A and the 27G810A at 180Hz. It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the 27G810A; the 27GM950B goes with a 5120x2880 resolution.
A DisplayHDR 600 is unique to it among these picks, while the 27GM950B uses a DisplayHDR 1000. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the 27G810A; the 27GM950B goes with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also offers a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz and Dolby Vision support.
Reaching 180Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. When we checked, only the AG275QXL and cheaper picks cost less, and the 27G810A cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Costs more than the VG27AQ3A at the time of writing
Swivel and Pivot Stand4 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G810A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 27G810A runs 4K at 180Hz and switches to 1080p at 360Hz for shooters, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayHDR 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the VG27AQ3A cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It covers both uses on one screen. On refresh rate it ties with the VG27AQ3A and the AW2725QF at 180Hz. It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the AW2725QF; the AG275QXL goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
A DisplayHDR 400 is unique to it among these picks, while the 27GM950B uses a DisplayHDR 1000. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW2725QF; the 27GM950B goes with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also offers an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles.
Reaching 180Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. When we checked, only the AW2725QF and cheaper picks cost less, and the 27GM950B cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
- Stand: swivel and pivot
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the VG27AQ3A at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LG's 27GM950B packs 5K resolution into 27 inches with a Mini LED backlight of 9,216 LEDs and a DisplayHDR 1000 certification.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the VG27AQ3A offers 180Hz.
Why we like it
At 165Hz it trades refresh rate for sharpness and brightness. On refresh rate it trails the group at 165Hz, while the VG27AQ3A offers 180Hz. A 5120x2880 resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the AG275QXL uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
A DisplayHDR 1000 is unique to it among these picks, while the 27G810A uses a DisplayHDR 400. A 99% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the VG27AQ3A uses a 130% sRGB color gamut. It also comes with 5K resolution for very sharp text at 27 inches.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the 27G810A the nearest cheaper option. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the VG27AQ3A covers it better at 180Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 5120x2880
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- HDR: DisplayHDR 1000
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- Mini LED backlight with 9,216 LEDs
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the VG27AQ3A (180Hz)
- Costs more than the VG27AQ3A at the time of writing
How We Chose These 27-Inch 165Hz IPS Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up 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 VG27AQ3A to the 27GM950B, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The 27GM950B gives no response; the VG27AQ3A and the AG275QXL give no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the VG27AQ3A ($150 to $250) to the 27GM950B ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 27-Inch 165Hz IPS Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 165Hz on the 27GM950B to 180Hz on the VG27AQ3A. The VG27AQ3A is the pick for refresh rate.
Panel
The VG27AQ3A lists Fast IPS; the AG275QXL, the AW2725QF, the 27G810A and the 27GM950B list IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Response
The VG27AQ3A, the AG275QXL and the 27G810A list 1ms; the AW2725QF lists 0.5ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
What to check at home
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Reaching 180Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K.
Features beyond the spec table
The AW2725QF: Dolby Vision support. The 27G810A: HDMI 2.1 inputs. The 27GM950B: 5K resolution for very sharp text at 27 inches.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
How to Choose a 27-Inch 165Hz IPS Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | VG27AQ3A | A lower price than the AG275QXL and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch | AG275QXL | A listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch |
| Buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz | AW2725QF | A dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz |
| Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand | 27G810A | A swivel and pivot stand |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | 27GM950B | A Mini LED backlight with 9,216 LEDs at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The VG27AQ3A leads on refresh rate at 180Hz, ahead of the AW2725QF at 180Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VG27AQ3A | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| AG275QXL | 170Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| AW2725QF | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 27G810A | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 27GM950B | 165Hz | 5120x2880 | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The VG27AQ3A was the lowest-priced pick and the 27GM950B the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | VG27AQ3A, AG275QXL |
| About $250 to $500 | AW2725QF |
| About $500 to $1000 | 27G810A, 27GM950B |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 27GM950B worth paying more than the VG27AQ3A?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the VG27AQ3A still leads on refresh rate (180Hz). The VG27AQ3A was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
What makes the 27G810A the Swivel and Pivot Stand?
It earns the label for a swivel and pivot stand. It suits anyone who wants a swivel and pivot stand.
Do the VG27AQ3A and the AW2725QF differ on resolution?
The VG27AQ3A and the AG275QXL use 2560x1440 (1440p); the AW2725QF and the 27G810A use 3840x2160 (4K); the 27GM950B uses 5120x2880.
What should I check before buying the AG275QXL?
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. In this guide it ranks second of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the VG27AQ3A and the AG275QXL apart?
The VG27AQ3A: built-in speakers. The AG275QXL: a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch. The AW2725QF: a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the VG27AQ3A, chosen for a lower price than the AG275QXL and the rest when we checked. Look at the AG275QXL for a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch, the AW2725QF for a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz and the 27G810A for a swivel and pivot stand if those matter more to you.
Check whether it's 1080p or 1440p; 1440p is sharper at 27 inches.