Buying Guide
The Best Large 1080p Gaming Monitors
From the SE2726H to the VG279QM5A: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Large 1080p screens are easy to drive and cheap, though text is softer. Every pick is 27 inches or larger at 1080p, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by refresh rate, resolution and size, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips response, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Dell 27 SE2726HA lower price than the SE2726HG and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money.
Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel.
Best for: Buyers who want 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel.
Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
LG UltraGear 27G414B-BBuilt-in stereo speakers.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in stereo speakers.
Check price for LG UltraGear 27G414B-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Acer Nitro KG271 X1A zero-frame IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want zero-frame IPS panel.
Check price for Acer Nitro KG271 X1 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5AA 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SE2726H costs less.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Dell 27 SE2726H
The SE2726H is built around a 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz, with wide IPS viewing angles on top.
Best for
- Getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the SE2726HG (240Hz).
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. Like the 27G414B and Nitro KG271, it has an IPS panel, while the SE2726HG uses a fast IPS panel. A FreeSync is unique to it among these picks, while the Nitro KG271 uses a FreeSync Premium.
At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the SE2726HG was the next step up. The main gap: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the SE2726HG (240Hz). If that matters, the SE2726HG offers 240Hz.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz
Cons
- Refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the SE2726HG (240Hz)
Also Consider2 of 5
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz
Dell's SE2726HG runs a 27-inch 1080p Fast IPS panel at 240Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the SE2726H, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is a big-screen route to 240Hz for less. FreeSync Premium and HDMI VRR cover both PC and console play. It lists 240Hz, a 0.5ms response, FreeSync Premium with HDMI VRR and 99% sRGB coverage on a fast IPS panel.
On refresh rate it ties with the VG279QM5A at 240Hz. It shares a fast IPS panel with the VG279QM5A; the 27G414B goes with an IPS panel. At 1080p, 240Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. When we checked, only the SE2726H cost less, and the 27G414B cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Color gamut
- 99% sRGB
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G414B-B
AOC's 27G414B is a 27-inch 1080p IPS screen at 144Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in stereo speakers.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
It puts a larger screen within a tight budget. On refresh rate it ties with the SE2726H at 144Hz. It shares an IPS panel with the SE2726H and Nitro KG271; the VG279QM5A goes with a fast IPS panel.
It is the only pick here with a G-SYNC Compatible; the SE2726H has a FreeSync instead. You also get built-in stereo speakers and LG Switch app window layouts. At 1080p, 144Hz 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. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the SE2726HG offers 240Hz.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- HDR10
- Color gamut
- 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Refresh rate trails the SE2726HG (240Hz)
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Acer Nitro KG271 X1
What the Nitro KG271 brings to the table is a zero-frame IPS panel.
Best for
- Buyers who want zero-frame IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SE2726H cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 200Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 200Hz: the SE2726HG offers 240Hz, and the 27G414B comes in at 144Hz. It shares an IPS panel with the SE2726H and 27G414B; the VG279QM5A goes with a fast IPS panel.
It is the only pick here with a FreeSync Premium; the SE2726H has a FreeSync instead. At 1080p, 200Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It was priced above the 27G414B and below the VG279QM5A at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 200Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
- Zero-frame IPS panel
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A
The VG279QM5A is built around a 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz, with a 3-year warranty on top.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SE2726H costs less.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SE2726H cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 240Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It shares a fast IPS panel with the SE2726HG; the 27G414B goes with an IPS panel. You also get 99% sRGB coverage.
At 1080p, 240Hz 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. Only the Nitro KG271 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on screen size, where the SE2726H comes in at 27 inches.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Color gamut
- 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty
- 3-year
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
How We Chose These Large 1080p 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.
- What we compared
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 7 fields compared are stated for every pick, while response and color gamut have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the SE2726H to the VG279QM5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The SE2726HG, the Nitro KG271 and the VG279QM5A give no response; the SE2726H and the Nitro KG271 give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SE2726H ($100 to $150) to the VG279QM5A ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Large 1080p Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 144Hz on the 27G414B to 240Hz on the SE2726HG, a 67% spread. Start with the SE2726HG if refresh rate decides it.
Features beyond the spec table
The 27G414B: a 27-inch IPS panel. The Nitro KG271: a zero-frame IPS panel. The VG279QM5A: a 3-year warranty.
A large monitor showing a game on a low media unit Where your budget lands
$100 to $150 buys the SE2726H, the SE2726HG, the 27G414B and the Nitro KG271; $150 to $250 buys the VG279QM5A at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money: the SE2726H. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SE2726H costs less: the VG279QM5A.
A gaming monitor on a desk with purple bias lighting 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 Large 1080p Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money | SE2726H | A lower price than the SE2726HG and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel | SE2726HG | 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel |
| Buyers who want built-in stereo speakers | 27G414B | Built-in stereo speakers |
| Buyers who want zero-frame IPS panel | Nitro KG271 | A zero-frame IPS panel |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SE2726H costs less | VG279QM5A | A 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The SE2726HG leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the VG279QM5A at 240Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE2726H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| SE2726HG | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| 27G414B | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| Nitro KG271 | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| VG279QM5A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the SE2726H, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the VG279QM5A at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | SE2726H, SE2726HG, 27G414B, Nitro KG271 |
| About $150 to $250 | VG279QM5A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the VG279QM5A worth paying more than the SE2726H?
What it brings is refresh rate (240Hz against 144Hz). The SE2726H sat in the $100 to $150 tier and the VG279QM5A in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate decides your purchase.
What makes the SE2726H the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for a lower price than the SE2726HG and the rest when we checked. It makes sense for getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money.
Do the SE2726H and the SE2726HG differ on panel?
The SE2726H, the 27G414B and the Nitro KG271 use IPS; the SE2726HG and the VG279QM5A use Fast IPS.
Beyond the specs, what sets the SE2726H and the SE2726HG apart?
The SE2726H: a 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz. The SE2726HG: 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel. The 27G414B: built-in stereo speakers.
Who should choose the VG279QM5A?
The VG279QM5A carries our Premium Pick label for a 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz at the highest price in the group. It ranks fifth of 5 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the SE2726H costs less.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SE2726H, chosen for a lower price than the SE2726HG and the rest when we checked. Look at the SE2726HG for 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel, the 27G414B for built-in stereo speakers and the Nitro KG271 for a zero-frame IPS panel if those matter more to you.
Sit further back to reduce visible pixels.
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 32 in. 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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