Buying Guide
The Best 27-Inch 4K IPS Gaming Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size, and the XG27UCGR-W costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 27-inch 4K screen gives very sharp text and games. Every pick is a 27-inch 4K IPS panel, 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 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)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-WA lower price than the XG27UCGR and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting white finish for the least money.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGRA dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Swivel Stand
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G70D) 27-inch 4KA swivel stand.
Best for: Buyers who want a swivel stand.
Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G70D) 27-inch 4K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 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
- Price-first buyers should look at the XG27UCGR-W, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED burn-in concerns while keeping 4K sharpness. It matches the 27G810A on refresh rate (180Hz). Like the 27G810A and Odyssey G7 27, it has an IPS panel, while the XG27UCGR-W uses a fast IPS panel.
No other pick in this guide offers a DisplayHDR 600; compare the 27G810A, which has a DisplayHDR 400. It also comes with 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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Odyssey G7 27 and the pricier 27G810A, at the time of writing.
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 XG27UCGR-W at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 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
- Price-first buyers should look at the XG27UCGR-W, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It covers both uses on one screen. It matches the AW2725QF on refresh rate (180Hz). Like the AW2725QF and Odyssey G7 27, it has an IPS panel, while the XG27UCGR-W uses a fast IPS panel.
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. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the AW2725QF and the rest.
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 XG27UCGR-W at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W
What the XG27UCGR-W brings to the table is a white finish, plus a dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz.
Best for
- Getting white finish for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: refresh rate of 162Hz, behind the AW2725QF (180Hz).
Why we like it
It also offers a 162Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It shares a fast IPS panel with the XG27UCGR; the AW2725QF goes with an IPS panel. Reaching 162Hz 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the XG27UCGR was closest. What it gives up: refresh rate of 162Hz, behind the AW2725QF (180Hz); by contrast, the AW2725QF offers 180Hz.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 162Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 0.3ms
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- 162Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate of 162Hz, behind the AW2725QF (180Hz)
Strong Alternative4 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR
The XG27UCGR is built around a dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz, with ASUS Smart Pixel Enhancement on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the XG27UCGR-W, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 162Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It shares a fast IPS panel with the XG27UCGR-W; the Odyssey G7 27 goes with an IPS panel. Reaching 162Hz 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. Worth noting: 162Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. It was priced above the XG27UCGR-W and below the Odyssey G7 27 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 162Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 0.3ms
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC
Pros
- 162Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the XG27UCGR-W at the time of writing
Swivel Stand5 of 5
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G70D) 27-inch 4K
The Odyssey G7 gives 4K at 144Hz on a 27-inch IPS panel.
Best for
- Buyers who want a swivel stand.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2725QF offers 180Hz.
Why we like it
It suits a high-end graphics card and players who value sharpness over maximum refresh. On refresh rate it trails the group at 144Hz, while the AW2725QF offers 180Hz. It shares an IPS panel with the AW2725QF and 27G810A; the XG27UCGR goes with a fast IPS panel.
It shares a DisplayHDR 400 with the 27G810A; the AW2725QF goes with a DisplayHDR 600. It also offers Samsung's smart-monitor features listed alongside gaming modes. Reaching 144Hz 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. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the AW2725QF covers it better at 180Hz.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR 400
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
- Stand
- swivel
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2725QF (180Hz)
- Costs more than the XG27UCGR-W at the time of writing
How We Chose These 27-Inch 4K 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 set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and HDR and color gamut are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the AW2725QF to the Odyssey G7 27, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The XG27UCGR-W and the XG27UCGR give no HDR; the XG27UCGR-W, the XG27UCGR and the Odyssey G7 27 give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the XG27UCGR-W ($250 to $500) to the 27G810A ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 27-Inch 4K IPS Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 144Hz on the Odyssey G7 27 to 180Hz on the AW2725QF, a 25% spread. The AW2725QF is the pick for refresh rate.
Response
The AW2725QF lists 0.5ms; the 27G810A and the Odyssey G7 27 list 1ms; the XG27UCGR-W and the XG27UCGR list 0.3ms.
A monitor showing a racing game above a compact keyboard Extras that separate them
The XG27UCGR-W: a dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz. The XG27UCGR: ASUS Smart Pixel Enhancement. The Odyssey G7 27: Samsung's smart-monitor features listed alongside gaming modes.
How much to spend
$250 to $500 buys the XG27UCGR-W, the XG27UCGR, the Odyssey G7 27 and the AW2725QF; $500 to $1000 buys the 27G810A at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Spending more than the AW2725QF costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the 27G810A. Getting white finish for the least money: the XG27UCGR-W. Buyers who want a swivel stand: the Odyssey G7 27.
How to Choose a 27-Inch 4K IPS Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Getting white finish for the least money | XG27UCGR-W | A lower price than the XG27UCGR and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz | XG27UCGR | A dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz |
| Buyers who want a swivel stand | Odyssey G7 27 | A swivel stand |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2725QF leads on refresh rate at 180Hz, ahead of the 27G810A at 180Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2725QF | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 27G810A | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| XG27UCGR-W | 162Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| XG27UCGR | 162Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| Odyssey G7 27 | 144Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The XG27UCGR-W was the lowest-priced pick ($250 to $500) and the 27G810A the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | XG27UCGR-W, XG27UCGR, Odyssey G7 27, AW2725QF |
| About $500 to $1000 | 27G810A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 27G810A add over the XG27UCGR-W?
On paper it adds refresh rate (180Hz against 162Hz). On our last price check the XG27UCGR-W was in the $250 to $500 tier and the 27G810A in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate decides your purchase.
Why is the Odyssey G7 27 our Swivel Stand pick?
It earns the label for a swivel stand. The price of that: the XG27UCGR-W, the cheapest pick, still beats it on refresh rate (162Hz against 144Hz). It is aimed at anyone who wants a swivel stand.
Do the AW2725QF and the XG27UCGR-W differ on panel?
The AW2725QF, the 27G810A and the Odyssey G7 27 use IPS; the XG27UCGR-W and the XG27UCGR use Fast IPS.
What extras do the AW2725QF and the 27G810A include?
The AW2725QF: a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz. The 27G810A: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz. The XG27UCGR-W: a white finish.
Should I pick the AW2725QF or the Odyssey G7 27?
The AW2725QF suits buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz; the Odyssey G7 27 suits buyers who want a swivel stand.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2725QF, chosen for a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz. Look at the 27G810A for the top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz, the XG27UCGR-W for a lower price than the XG27UCGR and the rest when we checked and the XG27UCGR for a dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz if those matter more to you.
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Related Guides
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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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