Buying Guide
The Best FreeSync Premium Pro Monitors
Five monitors compared, from the XG27AQMR to the MPG 271QR X50, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
FreeSync Premium Pro adds HDR handling on top of low framerate compensation. Every pick is certified FreeSync Premium Pro, ordered by refresh rate.
We sorted these picks by refresh rate, resolution and size, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips panel, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Fastest Refresh
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50The highest refresh rate here (500Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Check price for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Alienware AW2725DFA 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p.
Best for: Buyers who want 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p.
Check price for Alienware AW2725DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD)HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Best for: Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
MSI MPG 274URDFW E16MA Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones.
Best for: Buyers who want Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones.
Check price for MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMRA lower price than the MPG 274URDFW and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MPG 274URDFW.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50
The MPG 271QR X50 stands out for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs, and it adds a 98W USB-C port.
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
It also offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 500Hz, ahead of the AW2725DF (360Hz). It matches the Odyssey OLED G6, the MPG 274URDFW and the XG27AQMR on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the AW2725DF and Odyssey OLED G6; the XG27AQMR goes with a fast IPS panel. You get a DisplayHDR True Black 500 here, which sets it apart from the XG27AQMR and its a DisplayHDR 600. To see 500Hz 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 Odyssey OLED G6 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 500Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 500
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- a 500Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the XG27AQMR at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
Alienware AW2725DF
The AW2725DF pushes a QD-OLED panel to 360Hz at 1440p.
Best for
- Buyers who want 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
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 Odyssey OLED G6 at 360Hz. Its 26.7 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the MPG 271QR X50 leads at 27 inches.
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 271QR X50 and Odyssey OLED G6; the XG27AQMR goes with a fast IPS panel. You get a DisplayHDR True Black 400 here, which sets it apart from the XG27AQMR and its a DisplayHDR 600. 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 274URDFW and below the Odyssey OLED G6 at the time of writing.
Key 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
- Screen size trails the MPG 271QR X50 (27 inches)
- Costs more than the XG27AQMR at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on screen size, where the MPG 271QR X50 comes in at 27 inches.
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD)
The Odyssey OLED G6 is Samsung's 360Hz QD-OLED with HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Best for
- Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it ties with the AW2725DF at 360Hz. It matches the MPG 271QR X50, the MPG 274URDFW and the XG27AQMR on screen size (27 inches). It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 271QR X50 and AW2725DF; the XG27AQMR goes with a fast IPS panel.
It also comes with an anti-glare finish and a built-in cooling system 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 AW2725DF and cheaper picks cost less, and the MPG 271QR X50 cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 360Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium Pro
- Warranty
- 3-year
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the XG27AQMR at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M
The MPG 274URDFW is built around a Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones, with an AI Dual Mode that switches resolution and refresh rate automatically on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the XG27AQMR, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 320Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 320Hz: the MPG 271QR X50 offers 500Hz, and the XG27AQMR comes in at 300Hz. It matches the MPG 271QR X50, the Odyssey OLED G6 and the XG27AQMR on screen size (27 inches).
A 3840x2160 (4K) resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2725DF uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. A mini LED HDR is unique to it among these picks, while the XG27AQMR uses a DisplayHDR 600. It also offers a white finish.
Reaching 320Hz 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. When we checked, only the XG27AQMR cost less, and the AW2725DF cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 320Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Response
- 0.5ms
- HDR
- Mini LED HDR
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
- Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones
Cons
- Costs more than the XG27AQMR at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR
The XG27AQMR runs a Fast IPS panel at 300Hz with DisplayHDR 600, a strong HDR rating for IPS.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MPG 274URDFW.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MPG 271QR X50 offers 500Hz.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED's burn-in concerns for desktop-heavy use. Its 300Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the MPG 271QR X50 leads at 500Hz. On screen size it ties with the MPG 271QR X50, the Odyssey OLED G6 and the MPG 274URDFW at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a fast IPS panel; compare the AW2725DF, which has a QD-OLED panel. No other pick in this guide offers a DisplayHDR 600; compare the MPG 274URDFW, which has a mini LED HDR. You also get DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
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. It undercut the MPG 274URDFW and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 300Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR 600
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 300Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 271QR X50 (500Hz)
The catch
The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the MPG 271QR X50 offers 500Hz.
How We Chose These FreeSync Premium Pro 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.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 8 fields compared are stated for every pick, while panel and HDR have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the MPG 271QR X50 to the XG27AQMR, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MPG 274URDFW gives no panel; the Odyssey OLED G6 gives no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the XG27AQMR ($250 to $500) to the MPG 271QR X50 ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a FreeSync Premium Pro Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 300Hz on the XG27AQMR to 500Hz on the MPG 271QR X50, a 67% spread. For less, the AW2725DF is the runner-up at 360Hz.
How much screen size you need
The MPG 271QR X50 tops screen size at 27 inches and the AW2725DF sits lowest at 26.7 inches; 4 picks share the top figure. The Odyssey OLED G6 comes second at 27 inches, in the same price tier as the MPG 271QR X50.
A gaming monitor above a keyboard and mouse on a black desk Panel
The MPG 271QR X50, the AW2725DF and the Odyssey OLED G6 list QD-OLED; the XG27AQMR lists Fast IPS.
Response
The MPG 271QR X50, the AW2725DF and the Odyssey OLED G6 list 0.03ms; the MPG 274URDFW lists 0.5ms; the XG27AQMR lists 1ms. Sort out response before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 3, 1 and 1.
A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures Features beyond the spec table
The Odyssey OLED G6: an anti-glare finish and a built-in cooling system. The MPG 274URDFW: an AI Dual Mode that switches resolution and refresh rate automatically. The XG27AQMR: DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
How to Choose a FreeSync Premium Pro Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | MPG 271QR X50 | The highest refresh rate here (500Hz) |
| Buyers who want 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p | AW2725DF | A 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p |
| Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 inputs | Odyssey OLED G6 | HDMI 2.1 inputs |
| Buyers who want Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones | MPG 274URDFW | A Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MPG 274URDFW | XG27AQMR | A lower price than the MPG 274URDFW and the rest when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MPG 271QR X50 leads on refresh rate at 500Hz, ahead of the AW2725DF at 360Hz. "Not listed" marks panel where the MPG 274URDFW leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG 271QR X50 | 500Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| AW2725DF | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| Odyssey OLED G6 | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 274URDFW | 320Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| XG27AQMR | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 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 XG27AQMR, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the MPG 271QR X50 at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | XG27AQMR, MPG 274URDFW |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725DF, Odyssey OLED G6, MPG 271QR X50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the AW2725DF compare with the MPG 271QR X50 on refresh rate?
The MPG 271QR X50 leads at 500Hz, with the AW2725DF at 360Hz. The spread runs down to the XG27AQMR at 300Hz.
Is the MPG 271QR X50 worth paying more than the XG27AQMR?
What it brings is refresh rate (500Hz against 300Hz). The XG27AQMR sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the MPG 271QR X50 in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate decides your purchase.
What makes the MPG 271QR X50 the Fastest Refresh?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (500Hz). The AW2725DF is next on refresh rate at 360Hz, so this pick's 500Hz is 39% further out. The XG27AQMR, the cheapest pick, sat in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Do the MPG 271QR X50 and the MPG 274URDFW differ on resolution?
The MPG 271QR X50, the AW2725DF, the Odyssey OLED G6 and the XG27AQMR use 2560x1440 (1440p); the MPG 274URDFW uses 3840x2160 (4K).
Beyond the specs, what sets the MPG 271QR X50 and the AW2725DF apart?
The MPG 271QR X50: DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs. The AW2725DF: a 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p. The Odyssey OLED G6: HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MPG 271QR X50. Look at the AW2725DF for a 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p, the Odyssey OLED G6 for HDMI 2.1 inputs and the MPG 274URDFW for a Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones if those matter more to you.
Use HDR mode in games that support it; the certification covers HDR tone mapping.
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
- Similar guideThe Best FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitors
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1080p Monitor
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1440p Monitor
- Also see: graphics cardsHow to Buy a Used Graphics Card Safely
- Similar guideThe Best HDR1000 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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