Buying Guide
The Best Large 1080p Gaming Monitors
From the SE2726H to the S2725HSM: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
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 panel, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Dell 27 SE2726H
A lower price than the 27G414B and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
LG UltraGear 27G414B-B
Built-in stereo speakers.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in stereo speakers.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G414B-B (opens in a new tab)
Fast IPS Panel
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz
A fast IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
AOC C27G4ZH Curved
The highest refresh rate here (280Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Dell 27 Plus S2725HSM
Dual 3W speakers at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 Plus S2725HSM (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the 27G414B and the rest when we checked. | Getting 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz for the least money. | Check price for Dell 27 SE2726H (opens in a new tab) |
| Built-in stereo speakers. | Buyers who want built-in stereo speakers. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G414B-B (opens in a new tab) |
| A fast IPS panel. | Buyers who want a fast IPS panel. | Check price for Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (280Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab) |
| Dual 3W speakers at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for Dell 27 Plus S2725HSM (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Dell 27 SE2726H on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 C27G4ZH (280Hz).
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the 27G414B and the S2725HSM on refresh rate (144Hz). At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
Another plus is 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. Worth noting too: FreeSync to reduce screen tearing. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the 27G414B was the next step up. The main gap: refresh rate of 144Hz, behind the C27G4ZH (280Hz). If that matters, the C27G4ZH offers 280Hz.
Key dimensions & 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 C27G4ZH (280Hz)
Also Consider2 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G414B-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 and the S2725HSM at 144Hz. It shares an IPS panel with the SE2726H; the C27G4ZH goes with a VA panel.
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.
Another plus is 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. It was priced above the SE2726H and below the SE2726HG at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
Fast IPS Panel3 of 5
Dell 27 SE2726HG 240Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Dell's SE2726HG runs a 27-inch 1080p Fast IPS panel at 240Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want a fast IPS 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. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 240Hz: the C27G4ZH offers 280Hz, and the S2725HSM comes in at 144Hz.
A fast IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the 27G414B uses 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 27G414B and cheaper picks cost less, and the C27G4ZH cost more.
Key dimensions & 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
Fastest Refresh4 of 5
AOC C27G4ZH Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's C27G4ZH curves a 27-inch 1080p VA panel and runs it at 280Hz on a height, tilt and swivel stand.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Pass on it if a VA panel that can smear dark transition rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It trades resolution for speed. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 280Hz, ahead of the SE2726HG (240Hz). It is the only pick here with a VA panel; the SE2726H has an IPS panel instead.
It also comes with 280Hz on a 1500R curve and VESA mounting. At 1080p, 280Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It also brings 0.3ms response, the only one here.
It makes the most sense for competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most, since it offers the highest refresh rate here (280Hz). Its price falls between the SE2726HG and the S2725HSM, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 280Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: VA
- Response: 0.3ms
- HDR: HDR
- Stand: height, tilt and swivel
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a stand with height, tilt and swivel
- 280Hz on a 1500R curve
- Height-adjustable stand
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Dell 27 Plus S2725HSM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the S2725HSM brings to the table is dual 3W speakers, plus 144Hz at 1080p.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the C27G4ZH offers 280Hz.
Why we like it
It also offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it ties with the SE2726H and the 27G414B at 144Hz. It also comes with HDMI connectivity.
At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. Another plus is 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. Only the C27G4ZH came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the C27G4ZH offers 280Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Response: 1ms
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- Dual 3W speakers
- 144Hz at 1080p
- HDMI connectivity
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the C27G4ZH (280Hz)
- Costs more than the SE2726H at the time of writing
How We Chose These Large 1080p Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared 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 SE2726H to the S2725HSM, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The S2725HSM gives no panel; the SE2726HG gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SE2726H ($100 to $150) to the S2725HSM ($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 S2725HSM to 280Hz on the C27G4ZH. For less, the SE2726HG is the runner-up at 240Hz.
Response
The SE2726H, the 27G414B and the S2725HSM list 1ms; the C27G4ZH lists 0.3ms.
Fit and compatibility
At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
Features beyond the spec table
The SE2726HG: PC and console tear-free play. The C27G4ZH: a height-adjustable stand. The S2725HSM: 144Hz at 1080p.
Where your budget lands
$100 to $150 buys the SE2726H, the 27G414B and the SE2726HG; $150 to $250 buys the C27G4ZH and the S2725HSM at our last check.
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 27G414B and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want built-in stereo speakers | 27G414B | Built-in stereo speakers |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | SE2726HG | A fast IPS panel |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | C27G4ZH | The highest refresh rate here (280Hz) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | S2725HSM | Dual 3W speakers at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The C27G4ZH leads on refresh rate at 280Hz, ahead of the SE2726HG at 240Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE2726H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 27G414B | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| SE2726HG | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| C27G4ZH | 280Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | VA |
| S2725HSM | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The SE2726H was the lowest-priced pick and the S2725HSM the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | SE2726H, 27G414B, SE2726HG |
| About $150 to $250 | C27G4ZH, S2725HSM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the SE2726HG compare with the C27G4ZH on refresh rate?
The C27G4ZH leads at 280Hz, with the SE2726HG at 240Hz. The S2725HSM is at the other end of this group with 144Hz.
What makes the SE2726HG the Fast IPS Panel?
It earns the label for a fast IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants a fast IPS panel.
Do the SE2726H and the SE2726HG differ on panel?
The SE2726H and the 27G414B use IPS; the SE2726HG uses Fast IPS; the C27G4ZH uses VA. The maker of the S2725HSM doesn't say.
What should I check before buying the C27G4ZH?
At 1080p, 280Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5, as our Fastest Refresh pick.
Beyond the specs, what sets the SE2726H and the 27G414B apart?
The SE2726H: a 27-inch IPS panel at 144Hz. The 27G414B: built-in stereo speakers. The SE2726HG: 240Hz on a 27-inch 1080p panel.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the SE2726H, chosen for a lower price than the 27G414B and the rest when we checked. Look at the 27G414B for built-in stereo speakers, the SE2726HG for a fast IPS panel and the S2725HSM for dual 3W speakers at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
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