Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Monitors for Valorant
From the AW2525HM to the PG27AQDP: 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
Valorant runs at several hundred frames per second, so only a very fast panel keeps up. Every pick is 280Hz or faster, 27 inches or smaller and lists a 1ms response time or better, ordered by refresh rate.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing HDR is flagged, not filled in.
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
Alienware AW2525HM
The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab)
Fast IPS Panel
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A
A fast IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A (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 lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab) |
| A fast IPS panel. | Buyers who want a fast IPS panel. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A (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
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its 480Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the MPG 271QRX comes next at 360Hz. Its 26.5 inches screen size ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the MPG 271QRX (27 inches) and ahead of the AW2525HM (24.5 inches). A WOLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2725DF uses a QD-OLED panel.
It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW2725DF; the VG27AQM5A goes with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. Like the AW2525HM, it has a G-SYNC Compatible, while the AW2725DF uses a FreeSync Premium Pro. 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the AW2725DF the nearest cheaper option.
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 AW2525HM 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 VG27AQM5A on screen size (27 inches). It shares a QD-OLED panel with the AW2725DF; the AW2525HM goes with an IPS panel.
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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. When we checked, only the VG27AQM5A and cheaper picks cost less, and the AW2725DF cost more.
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 AW2525HM 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 AW2525HM (24.5 inches).
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 271QRX; the AW2525HM goes with an IPS panel. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the PG27AQDP; the VG27AQM5A goes with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. No other pick in this guide offers a FreeSync Premium Pro; compare the PG27AQDP, which has a G-SYNC Compatible.
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. When we checked, only the MPG 271QRX and cheaper picks cost less, and the PG27AQDP cost more.
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 AW2525HM at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
Alienware AW2525HM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2525HM runs a 24.5-inch 1080p IPS panel at 320Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the MPG 271QRX offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It targets competitive shooters on a mid-range PC. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 320Hz: the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz, and the VG27AQM5A comes in at 300Hz. Its 24.5 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the MPG 271QRX leads at 27 inches.
A 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the MPG 271QRX uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. A 99% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the VG27AQM5A uses a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with a 0.5ms response time and Alienware styling at a mid price tier.
At 1080p, 320Hz 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the VG27AQM5A was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 320Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Screen size trails the MPG 271QRX (27 inches)
Fast IPS Panel5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG27AQM5A pushes a 27-inch 1440p Fast IPS panel to 300Hz with 95% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz.
Why we like it
It is the fastest 1440p model in the TUF range here. Its 300Hz 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.
It is the only pick here with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut; the AW2525HM has a 99% sRGB color gamut instead. You also get built-in speakers and a 3-year warranty. To see 300Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Its price falls between the AW2525HM and the MPG 271QRX, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 300Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC, ELMB Sync
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 300Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the PG27AQDP (480Hz)
- Costs more than the AW2525HM at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Monitors for Valorant
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the PG27AQDP to the VG27AQM5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The AW2525HM and the VG27AQM5A give no HDR; the MPG 271QRX gives no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the AW2525HM ($150 to $250) to the PG27AQDP ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Gaming Monitor for Valorant
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 300Hz on the VG27AQM5A to 480Hz on the PG27AQDP. For less, the MPG 271QRX is the runner-up at 360Hz.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 24.5 inches on the AW2525HM to 27 inches on the MPG 271QRX. The VG27AQM5A comes second for less money.
Panel
The PG27AQDP lists WOLED; the MPG 271QRX and the AW2725DF list QD-OLED; the AW2525HM lists IPS; the VG27AQM5A lists Fast IPS.
Response
The PG27AQDP, the MPG 271QRX and the AW2725DF list 0.03ms; the AW2525HM lists 0.5ms; the VG27AQM5A lists 0.3ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Features beyond the spec table
The AW2725DF: a 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p. The AW2525HM: a 0.5ms response time. The VG27AQM5A: built-in speakers.
How to Choose a Gaming Monitor for Valorant
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 |
| Keeping the budget tight | AW2525HM | The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | VG27AQM5A | A fast IPS 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 |
| AW2525HM | 320Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | IPS |
| VG27AQM5A | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The AW2525HM 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 | AW2525HM |
| About $250 to $500 | VG27AQM5A |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 271QRX, AW2725DF, PG27AQDP |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the PG27AQDP or the MPG 271QRX?
The PG27AQDP leads at 480Hz, with the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz. The VG27AQM5A is at the other end of this group with 300Hz.
Is the PG27AQDP worth paying more than the AW2525HM?
On paper it adds refresh rate (480Hz against 320Hz) and screen size (26.5 inches against 24.5 inches). The AW2525HM was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the AW2725DF the Swivel and Pivot Stand?
It earns the label for a swivel and pivot stand. It suits anyone who wants a swivel and pivot stand.
Do the PG27AQDP and the AW2525HM differ on resolution?
The PG27AQDP, the MPG 271QRX, the AW2725DF and the VG27AQM5A use 2560x1440 (1440p); the AW2525HM uses 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 AW2525HM for the lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
Set the in-game FPS cap above your refresh rate to avoid tearing.