Buying Guide
The Best 27-Inch 165Hz IPS Monitors
Five monitors compared, from the VG27AQ3A to the 27G810A, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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 HDR, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3AA lower price than the XG27ACS and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the XG27ACS.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
G-SYNC Adaptive Sync
ASUS ROG XG27ACSA G-SYNC.
Best for: Buyers who want a G-SYNC.
Check price for ASUS ROG XG27ACS on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AOC AGON PRO AG275QXLA listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch.
Best for: Buyers who want listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch.
Check price for AOC AGON PRO AG275QXL on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-ResolutionA dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Check price for Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
LG UltraGear 27G810A-BThe top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz.
Best for: Spending more than the AW2725QF costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for LG UltraGear 27G810A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A
The VG27AQ3A pairs 1440p at 180Hz with wide colour coverage and speakers.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the XG27ACS.
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. The 27-inch 1440p panel refreshes at 180Hz. ELMB Sync runs motion-blur reduction and variable refresh together, and it supports FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC Compatible modes.
It matches the XG27ACS, the AW2725QF and the 27G810A on refresh rate (180Hz). Like the XG27ACS and AG275QXL, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2725QF uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. Like the XG27ACS, it has a fast IPS panel, while the 27G810A uses 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 XG27ACS and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key 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
G-SYNC Adaptive Sync2 of 5
ASUS ROG XG27ACS
The XG27ACS stands out for ELMB SYNC motion blur reduction with variable refresh rate.
Best for
- Buyers who want a G-SYNC.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the VG27AQ3A was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 180Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it ties with the VG27AQ3A, the AW2725QF and the 27G810A at 180Hz. It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the VG27AQ3A and AG275QXL; the 27G810A goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
It shares a fast IPS panel with the VG27AQ3A; the AW2725QF goes with an IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers a G-SYNC; compare the AG275QXL, which has a G-SYNC Compatible. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. When we checked, only the VG27AQ3A cost less, and the AG275QXL cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 180Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC
- USB-C
- Yes
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
- G-SYNC to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the VG27AQ3A at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
AOC AGON PRO AG275QXL
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
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the VG27AQ3A offers 180Hz.
Why we like it
The maker specifies PS5 and Xbox Series X compatibility. Its 170Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the VG27AQ3A leads at 180Hz. Like the VG27AQ3A and XG27ACS, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2725QF uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
Like the AW2725QF and 27G810A, it has an IPS panel, while the VG27AQ3A uses a fast IPS panel. You get a G-SYNC Compatible here, which sets it apart from the XG27ACS and its a G-SYNC. 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. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper XG27ACS and the pricier AW2725QF, at the time of writing.
Key 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
- Refresh rate trails the VG27AQ3A (180Hz)
- Costs more than the VG27AQ3A at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the VG27AQ3A offers 180Hz.
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution
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, the XG27ACS and the 27G810A at 180Hz. It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the 27G810A; the AG275QXL goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
It shares an IPS panel with the AG275QXL and 27G810A; the XG27ACS goes with a fast IPS panel. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the 27G810A; the VG27AQ3A goes with a 130% sRGB 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 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
Premium Pick5 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G810A-B
The 27G810A runs 4K at 180Hz and switches to 1080p at 360Hz for shooters, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayHDR 400.
Best for
- Spending more than the AW2725QF costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
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, the XG27ACS and the AW2725QF at 180Hz. It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the AW2725QF; the XG27ACS goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
It shares an IPS panel with the AG275QXL and AW2725QF; the XG27ACS goes with a fast IPS panel. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW2725QF; the VG27AQ3A goes with a 130% sRGB 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the AW2725QF the nearest cheaper option.
Key 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
The catch
Screen size is its weakest area, and the VG27AQ3A covers it better at 27 inches.
How We Chose These 27-Inch 165Hz IPS 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.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while HDR and color gamut have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the VG27AQ3A to the 27G810A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The VG27AQ3A, the XG27ACS and the AG275QXL give no HDR; the XG27ACS and the AG275QXL give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the VG27AQ3A ($150 to $250) to the 27G810A ($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
Across these 5 picks refresh rate spans 170Hz (the AG275QXL) to 180Hz (the VG27AQ3A). If refresh rate is your first filter, the VG27AQ3A sets the ceiling at 180Hz.
Panel
The VG27AQ3A and the XG27ACS list Fast IPS; the AG275QXL, the AW2725QF and the 27G810A list IPS. Settling panel first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 2.
A gaming monitor above a keyboard and mouse on a black desk Response
The VG27AQ3A, the XG27ACS, the AG275QXL and the 27G810A list 1ms; the AW2725QF lists 0.5ms. Sort out response before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 4 and 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The AG275QXL: a height-adjustable stand. The AW2725QF: Dolby Vision support. The 27G810A: HDMI 2.1 inputs.
A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures Where your budget lands
$150 to $250 buys the VG27AQ3A, the XG27ACS and the AG275QXL; $250 to $500 buys the AW2725QF; $500 to $1000 buys the 27G810A at our last check.
How to Choose a 27-Inch 165Hz IPS Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the XG27ACS | VG27AQ3A | A lower price than the XG27ACS and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want a G-SYNC | XG27ACS | A G-SYNC |
| 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 |
| Spending more than the AW2725QF costs for the fullest feature set in this group | 27G810A | The top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The VG27AQ3A leads on refresh rate at 180Hz, ahead of the XG27ACS at 180Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VG27AQ3A | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| XG27ACS | 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 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the VG27AQ3A, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the 27G810A at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | VG27AQ3A, XG27ACS, AG275QXL |
| About $250 to $500 | AW2725QF |
| About $500 to $1000 | 27G810A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the XG27ACS the G-SYNC Adaptive Sync?
It carries the badge for a G-SYNC. It is aimed at anyone who wants a G-SYNC.
Do the VG27AQ3A and the AW2725QF differ on resolution?
The VG27AQ3A, the XG27ACS and the AG275QXL use 2560x1440 (1440p); the AW2725QF and the 27G810A use 3840x2160 (4K).
Beyond the specs, what sets the VG27AQ3A and the XG27ACS apart?
The VG27AQ3A: built-in speakers. The XG27ACS: ELMB SYNC motion blur reduction with variable refresh rate. The AG275QXL: a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch.
Should I pick the VG27AQ3A or the 27G810A?
The VG27AQ3A suits buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the XG27ACS; the 27G810A suits spending more than the AW2725QF costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
What else do the AW2725QF and the 27G810A offer?
The AW2725QF: DisplayHDR 600. The 27G810A: an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the VG27AQ3A, chosen for a lower price than the XG27ACS and the rest when we checked. Look at the XG27ACS for a G-SYNC, the AG275QXL for a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Switch and the AW2725QF for a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz if those matter more to you.
Check whether it's 1080p or 1440p; 1440p is sharper at 27 inches.
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 cardsWhen Is Integrated Graphics Enough for a PC?
- 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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