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Buying Guide

The Best HDMI 2.1 Gaming Monitors

Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the MPG 271QR X50 has the highest refresh rate; the LG 27GR83Q is the cheapest route in.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read5 products evaluated

Desktop monitors on monitor arms above a wooden desk with keyboards and mice
Illustrative image
Jump to
  1. Quick Picks
  2. Our Picks
  3. How We Chose
  4. What to Look For
  5. Comparison
  6. FAQ

HDMI 2.1 lets a PS5 or Xbox Series X run 4K at 120Hz. Every pick lists HDMI 2.1, ordered by refresh rate.

We ranked these monitors on refresh rate, resolution and size using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out HDR, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.

Quick Picks

Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Fastest Refresh

    MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50

    The highest refresh rate here (500Hz).

    Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

    Check price for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  2. Also Consider

    MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED

    A built-in KVM switch.

    Best for: Buyers who want built-in KVM switch.

    Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  3. Strong Alternative

    MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED

    A console mode with HDMI 2.1 at 1440p and 360Hz.

    Best for: Buyers who want console mode with HDMI 2.1 at 1440p and 360Hz.

    Check price for MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  4. Worth a Look

    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)

  5. Lowest Price Here

    LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B

    The lowest price of the group at our last check.

    Best for: Getting HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz for the least money.

    Check price for LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B 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

Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

Skip if

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Check price on Amazon for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 (opens in a new tab)
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50

Why we like it

It also offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. Its 500Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the MPG 271QRX comes next at 360Hz. No other pick in this guide offers a DisplayHDR True Black 500; compare the LG 27GR83Q, which has a DisplayHDR 400.

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. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Odyssey OLED G6 and the rest.

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 LG 27GR83Q at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 (opens in a new tab)

Also Consider2 of 5

MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED

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

Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Check price on Amazon for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED

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.

It matches the MAG 271QPX and the Odyssey OLED G6 on refresh rate (360Hz). Like the MAG 271QPX, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the MPG 271QR X50 uses a DisplayHDR True Black 500. You also get 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper LG 27GR83Q and the pricier MAG 271QPX, at the time of writing.

Key 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 LG 27GR83Q at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)

Strong Alternative3 of 5

MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED

The MAG 271QPX stands out for a console mode with HDMI 2.1 at 1440p and 360Hz, and it adds OLED Care 2.0.

Best for

Buyers who want console mode with HDMI 2.1 at 1440p and 360Hz.

Skip if

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Check price on Amazon for MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED

Why we like it

It also offers a 360Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the MPG 271QRX and the Odyssey OLED G6 on refresh rate (360Hz). Like the MPG 271QRX, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the MPG 271QR X50 uses a DisplayHDR True Black 500.

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. Worth noting: a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast. You also get this: a USB-C input for laptops.

Key specs

Refresh rate
360Hz
Resolution
2560x1440 (1440p)
Size
27 inches
Panel
QD-OLED
Response
0.03ms
HDR
DisplayHDR True Black 400
USB-C
Yes

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 LG 27GR83Q at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)

Worth a Look4 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

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Check price on Amazon for Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD) (opens in a new tab)
Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD)

Why we like it

It matches the MPG 271QRX and the MAG 271QPX on refresh rate (360Hz). You also get 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. Another plus: 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches. Worth noting: a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast. Its price falls between the MAG 271QPX and the MPG 271QR X50, based on our last check.

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 LG 27GR83Q at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD) (opens in a new tab)

Lowest Price Here5 of 5

LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B

The LG 27GR83Q is built around HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz, with a 4-pole headphone output with DTS Headphone:X on top.

Best for

Getting HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz for the least money.

Skip if

Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MPG 271QR X50 offers 500Hz.
Check price on Amazon for LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B (opens in a new tab)
LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B

Why we like it

On the spec sheet, it offers a 240Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it trails the group at 240Hz, while the MPG 271QR X50 offers 500Hz. You get an IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the Odyssey OLED G6 and its a QD-OLED panel.

You get a DisplayHDR 400 here, which sets it apart from the MPG 271QRX and its a DisplayHDR True Black 400. To see 240Hz 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 cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the MPG 271QRX the next step up.

Key specs

Refresh rate
240Hz
Resolution
2560x1440 (1440p)
Size
27 inches
Panel
IPS
Response
1ms
HDR
DisplayHDR 400
Adaptive sync
G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
Stand
tilt, height and pivot

Pros

  • a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
  • 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
  • an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing

Cons

  • Refresh rate trails the MPG 271QR X50 (500Hz)

The catch

It gives ground on refresh rate, where the MPG 271QR X50 offers 500Hz.

Check price on Amazon for LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B (opens in a new tab)

How We Chose These HDMI 2.1 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.

A large monitor showing a game on a low media unit
A large monitor showing a game on a low media unit
What we compared
We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and HDR and adaptive sync are missing for at least one pick.
What every pick has in common
All 5, from the MPG 271QR X50 to the LG 27GR83Q, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
Where the specs have gaps
The Odyssey OLED G6 gives no HDR; the MPG 271QRX and the MAG 271QPX give no adaptive sync.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the LG 27GR83Q ($250 to $500) to the MPG 271QR X50 ($500 to $1000).

What to Look for in an HDMI 2.1 Gaming Monitor

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Refresh rate across these picks

    Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the LG 27GR83Q to 500Hz on the MPG 271QR X50, a 108% spread. The MPG 271QRX comes second at 360Hz, in the same price tier as the MPG 271QR X50.

  2. Response

    The MPG 271QR X50, the MPG 271QRX, the MAG 271QPX and the Odyssey OLED G6 list 0.03ms; the LG 27GR83Q lists 1ms. Sort out response before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 4 and 1.

    A gaming monitor on a desk with purple bias lighting
    A gaming monitor on a desk with purple bias lighting

  3. Extras that separate them

    The MAG 271QPX: OLED Care 2.0. The Odyssey OLED G6: an anti-glare finish and a built-in cooling system. The LG 27GR83Q: a 4-pole headphone output with DTS Headphone:X.

  4. Budget

    $250 to $500 buys the LG 27GR83Q; $500 to $1000 buys the MPG 271QRX, the MAG 271QPX, the Odyssey OLED G6 and the MPG 271QR X50 at our last check.

    A gaming monitor above a keyboard and mouse on a black desk
    A gaming monitor above a keyboard and mouse on a black desk

  5. Start from what matters most

    Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates: the MPG 271QR X50. Getting HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz for the least money: the LG 27GR83Q.

How to Choose an HDMI 2.1 Gaming Monitor

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame ratesMPG 271QR X50The highest refresh rate here (500Hz)
Buyers who want built-in KVM switchMPG 271QRXA built-in KVM switch
Buyers who want console mode with HDMI 2.1 at 1440p and 360HzMAG 271QPXA console mode with HDMI 2.1 at 1440p and 360Hz
Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 inputsOdyssey OLED G6HDMI 2.1 inputs
Getting HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz for the least moneyLG 27GR83QThe lowest price of the group at our last check

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures
A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures

Key specs side by side

The MPG 271QR X50 leads on refresh rate at 500Hz, ahead of the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz.

MonitorRefresh rateResolutionSizePanel
MPG 271QR X50500Hz2560x1440 (1440p)27 inchesQD-OLED
MPG 271QRX360Hz2560x1440 (1440p)27 inchesQD-OLED
MAG 271QPX360Hz2560x1440 (1440p)27 inchesQD-OLED
Odyssey OLED G6360Hz2560x1440 (1440p)27 inchesQD-OLED
LG 27GR83Q240Hz2560x1440 (1440p)27 inchesIPS

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

The LG 27GR83Q was the lowest-priced pick ($250 to $500) and the MPG 271QR X50 the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.

Price tierMonitors
About $250 to $500LG 27GR83Q
About $500 to $1000MPG 271QRX, MAG 271QPX, Odyssey OLED G6, MPG 271QR X50

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the highest refresh rate: the MPG 271QR X50 or the MPG 271QRX?

The MPG 271QR X50 tops refresh rate at 500Hz; the MPG 271QRX follows at 360Hz, 39% apart. The LG 27GR83Q closes the ranking at 240Hz.

What does the MPG 271QR X50 add over the LG 27GR83Q?

On paper it adds refresh rate (500Hz against 240Hz). On our last price check the LG 27GR83Q was in the $250 to $500 tier and the MPG 271QR X50 in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate decides your purchase.

Why is the MPG 271QR X50 our Fastest Refresh pick?

The label rests on the highest refresh rate here (500Hz). On refresh rate it leads the MPG 271QRX, 500Hz against 360Hz, a 39% margin. The LG 27GR83Q, the cheapest pick, sat in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

Do the MPG 271QR X50 and the LG 27GR83Q differ on panel?

The MPG 271QR X50, the MPG 271QRX, the MAG 271QPX and the Odyssey OLED G6 use QD-OLED; the LG 27GR83Q uses IPS.

What extras do the MPG 271QR X50 and the MPG 271QRX include?

The MPG 271QR X50: DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs. The MPG 271QRX: a built-in KVM switch. The MAG 271QPX: a console mode with HDMI 2.1 at 1440p and 360Hz.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the MPG 271QR X50. Look at the MPG 271QRX for a built-in KVM switch, the MAG 271QPX for a console mode with HDMI 2.1 at 1440p and 360Hz and the Odyssey OLED G6 for HDMI 2.1 inputs if those matter more to you.

Use the certified cable that comes with the monitor.

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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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