Buying Guide
The Best Competitive Gaming Monitors
Five monitors compared, from the VG259QMR5A to the PG27AQDP, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Competitive players want the lowest response time and the highest refresh rate. Every pick is 240Hz or faster with a 0.5ms or better rating, ordered by refresh rate.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; where a maker leaves out HDR, we say 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.
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP
The highest refresh rate here (480Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED
A built-in KVM switch.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in KVM switch.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Swivel and Pivot Stand
Alienware AW2725DF
A swivel and pivot stand.
Best for: Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725DF (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A
The cheapest way into this group, below the C27G4ZH.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab)
VA Panel
AOC C27G4ZH Curved
A VA panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a VA panel.
Our take Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (480Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP (opens in a new tab) |
| A built-in KVM switch. | Buyers who want built-in KVM switch. | Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A swivel and pivot stand. | Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand. | Check price for Alienware AW2725DF (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the C27G4ZH. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab) |
| A VA panel. | Buyers who want a VA panel. | Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PG27AQDP goes further to 480Hz on a WOLED panel, the fastest here, for players whose PCs can feed it.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Nothing else here matches its 480Hz refresh rate; the MPG 271QRX comes closest at 360Hz. Its 26.5 inches screen size ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the MPG 271QRX (27 inches) and ahead of the VG259QMR5A (24.5 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the MPG 271QRX and AW2725DF; the C27G4ZH goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
You get a WOLED panel here, which sets it apart from the C27G4ZH and its a VA panel. To see 480Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Only the AW2725DF came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 480Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: WOLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 480Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a WOLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MPG 271QRX adds a KVM switch to a 360Hz QD-OLED panel with True Black 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in KVM switch.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its built-in KVM switches a keyboard and mouse between two computers, and the stand adjusts for ergonomics. Its QD-OLED panel refreshes at 360Hz with a 0.03ms GtG response time. MSI rates its colour at Delta E 2 or below.
On refresh rate it ties with the AW2725DF at 360Hz. It matches the C27G4ZH on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the PG27AQDP and AW2725DF; the C27G4ZH goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the AW2725DF; the VG259QMR5A goes with a fast IPS panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the PG27AQDP and AW2725DF; the C27G4ZH goes with an HDR. It also comes with HDMI 2.1 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles.
To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. It was priced above the C27G4ZH and below the AW2725DF at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Swivel and Pivot Stand3 of 5
Alienware AW2725DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2725DF pushes a QD-OLED panel to 360Hz at 1440p.
Best for
- Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits competitive players with a graphics card that can hold very high frame rates. On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz. Its 26.7 inches screen size ranks third of 5 here, behind the MPG 271QRX (27 inches) and ahead of the VG259QMR5A (24.5 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the PG27AQDP and MPG 271QRX; the C27G4ZH goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 271QRX; the VG259QMR5A goes with a fast IPS panel. To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. It was priced above the MPG 271QRX and below the PG27AQDP at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 26.7 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
- Stand: swivel and pivot
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG259QMR5A is the esports pick, with a 310Hz Fast IPS panel at 1080p and a 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the MPG 271QRX offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
The 24.5-inch fast IPS panel overclocks to 310Hz and lists a 0.3ms response, with FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 310Hz: the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz, and the C27G4ZH comes in at 280Hz. Its 24.5 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the MPG 271QRX leads at 27 inches.
It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the C27G4ZH; the MPG 271QRX goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the C27G4ZH and its a VA panel. You get a 99% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the AW2725DF and its a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
At 1080p, 310Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the C27G4ZH the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 310Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 310Hz 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
- Screen size trails the MPG 271QRX (27 inches)
VA Panel5 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
- Buyers who want a VA panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
It trades resolution for speed. It refreshes at 280Hz with a 0.3ms response time. The 1500R curve wraps the image around your view.
The 1500R curve keeps the corners of the 27-inch panel in view. Its 280Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the PG27AQDP leads at 480Hz. On screen size it ties with the MPG 271QRX at 27 inches.
Like the VG259QMR5A, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the MPG 271QRX uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It is the only pick here with a VA panel; the PG27AQDP has a WOLED panel instead. You also get 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. Its price falls between the VG259QMR5A and the MPG 271QRX, 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
- Refresh rate trails the PG27AQDP (480Hz)
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
How We Chose These Competitive 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 PG27AQDP to the C27G4ZH, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The VG259QMR5A gives no HDR; the MPG 271QRX and the C27G4ZH give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the VG259QMR5A ($150 to $250) to the PG27AQDP ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Competitive 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 280Hz on the C27G4ZH to 480Hz on the PG27AQDP. For less, the MPG 271QRX is the runner-up at 360Hz.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 24.5 inches on the VG259QMR5A to 27 inches on the MPG 271QRX. The C27G4ZH comes second for less money.
Panel
The PG27AQDP lists WOLED; the MPG 271QRX and the AW2725DF list QD-OLED; the VG259QMR5A lists Fast IPS; the C27G4ZH lists VA. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Response
The PG27AQDP, the MPG 271QRX and the AW2725DF list 0.03ms; the VG259QMR5A and the C27G4ZH list 0.3ms.
Features beyond the spec table
The AW2725DF: a 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p. The VG259QMR5A: a 310Hz refresh rate for esports. The C27G4ZH: a height-adjustable stand.
How to Choose a Competitive Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | PG27AQDP | The highest refresh rate here (480Hz) |
| Buyers who want built-in KVM switch | MPG 271QRX | A built-in KVM switch |
| Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand | AW2725DF | A swivel and pivot stand |
| Spending as little as possible | VG259QMR5A | The cheapest way into this group, below the C27G4ZH |
| Buyers who want a VA panel | C27G4ZH | A VA panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The PG27AQDP leads on refresh rate at 480Hz, ahead of the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG27AQDP | 480Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | WOLED |
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| AW2725DF | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| VG259QMR5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| C27G4ZH | 280Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | VA |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The VG259QMR5A was the lowest-priced pick and the PG27AQDP the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | VG259QMR5A, C27G4ZH |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 271QRX, AW2725DF, PG27AQDP |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the MPG 271QRX compare with the PG27AQDP on refresh rate?
The PG27AQDP leads at 480Hz, with the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz. The C27G4ZH is at the other end of this group with 280Hz.
Is the PG27AQDP worth paying more than the VG259QMR5A?
On paper it adds refresh rate (480Hz against 310Hz) and screen size (26.5 inches against 24.5 inches). The VG259QMR5A was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the VG259QMR5A the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the C27G4ZH. It suits spending as little as possible.
Do the PG27AQDP and the VG259QMR5A differ on resolution?
The PG27AQDP, the MPG 271QRX and the AW2725DF use 2560x1440 (1440p); the VG259QMR5A and the C27G4ZH use 1920x1080 (1080p).
Beyond the specs, what sets the PG27AQDP and the MPG 271QRX apart?
The PG27AQDP: a 480Hz refresh rate at 1440p. The MPG 271QRX: a built-in KVM switch. The AW2725DF: a 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the PG27AQDP. Look at the MPG 271QRX for a built-in KVM switch, the AW2725DF for a swivel and pivot stand and the VG259QMR5A for the cheapest way into this group, below the C27G4ZH if those matter more to you.
Use a matte screen and lower brightness in bright rooms.