Buying Guide
The Best HDMI 2.1 Gaming Monitors
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size; the Q27GAZDV is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
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
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
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)
Strong Alternative
Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD)
HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Best for: Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD) (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor
The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Swivel and Pivot Stand
LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B
A swivel and pivot stand.
Best for: Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
LG UltraGear 27GS95QE OLED
The top of this price range, adding a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27GS95QE OLED (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| HDMI 2.1 inputs. | Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 inputs. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD) (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab) |
| A swivel and pivot stand. | Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27GS95QE OLED (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 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. It matches the Odyssey OLED G6 on refresh rate (360Hz). Like the Odyssey OLED G6 and Q27GAZDV, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the 27GX704A uses an OLED panel.
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 third of 5, between the cheaper 27GX704A and the pricier Odyssey OLED G6, 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 Q27GAZDV at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
Why we like it
It matches the MPG 271QRX on refresh rate (360Hz). Like the MPG 271QRX and Q27GAZDV, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the 27GX704A uses an OLED panel. A FreeSync Premium Pro is unique to it among these picks, while the 27GS95QE uses a FreeSync Premium.
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. Its price falls between the MPG 271QRX and the 27GS95QE, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & 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 Q27GAZDV at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's Q27GAZDV pairs a 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a 0.03ms response time and a stand that adjusts for height, tilt, swivel and pivot.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs cover a PC and a current console on one screen, and a USB 3.2 hub sits in the monitor. On refresh rate it ties with the 27GX704A and the 27GS95QE at 240Hz. It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 271QRX and Odyssey OLED G6; the 27GS95QE goes with an OLED panel.
No other pick in this guide offers a G-SYNC Compatible; compare the Odyssey OLED G6, which has a FreeSync Premium Pro. It also comes with a USB 3.2 hub and VESA mount compatibility. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the 27GX704A was closest. What it gives up: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz); by contrast, the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Color gamut: 110% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 110% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz)
Swivel and Pivot Stand4 of 5
LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 27GX704A brings a 240Hz OLED panel to 1440p with near-instant response and True Black 400 HDR.
Best for
- Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
For most gaming PCs it is the best balance of motion clarity, contrast and price. It matches the Q27GAZDV and the 27GS95QE on refresh rate (240Hz). Like the 27GS95QE, it has an OLED panel, while the Odyssey OLED G6 uses a QD-OLED panel.
It also comes with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. To see 240Hz 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. Its price falls between the Q27GAZDV and the MPG 271QRX, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
- Stand: swivel and pivot
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the Q27GAZDV at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
LG UltraGear 27GS95QE OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LG's 27GS95QE is a 27-inch 1440p OLED at 240Hz on a height, tilt and swivel stand.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
It costs more than the 27GS93QE for the better stand. On refresh rate it ties with the Q27GAZDV and the 27GX704A at 240Hz. It shares an OLED panel with the 27GX704A; the Odyssey OLED G6 goes with a QD-OLED panel.
No other pick in this guide offers a FreeSync Premium; compare the Odyssey OLED G6, which has a FreeSync Premium Pro. It also offers a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio and an HDMI 2.1 input. To see 240Hz 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Odyssey OLED G6 the nearest cheaper option. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the MPG 271QRX covers it better at 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
- Stand: height, tilt and swivel
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 271QRX (360Hz)
- Costs more than the Q27GAZDV at the time of writing
How We Chose These HDMI 2.1 Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 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.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the MPG 271QRX to the 27GS95QE, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution and 0.03ms response.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Odyssey OLED G6 and the Q27GAZDV give no HDR; the MPG 271QRX gives no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Q27GAZDV ($250 to $500) to the 27GS95QE ($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.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the 27GS95QE to 360Hz on the MPG 271QRX. Start with the MPG 271QRX if refresh rate decides it.
What to check at home
To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
Extras that separate them
The Q27GAZDV: a USB 3.2 hub. The 27GX704A: a 240Hz OLED panel at a mid-range price at the time of writing. The 27GS95QE: an HDMI 2.1 input.
Budget
$250 to $500 buys the Q27GAZDV and the 27GX704A; $500 to $1000 buys the MPG 271QRX, the Odyssey OLED G6 and the 27GS95QE at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build: the Q27GAZDV. Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand: the 27GX704A. Spending more for the fullest feature set: the 27GS95QE.
Match resolution to your graphics card
1080p suits entry and mid-range cards and high refresh rates. 1440p is the balance for most gaming PCs. 4K needs a high-end card to hold high frame rates.
Pick the resolution your card can drive before looking at refresh rate.
How to Choose an HDMI 2.1 Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want built-in KVM switch | MPG 271QRX | A built-in KVM switch |
| Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 inputs | Odyssey OLED G6 | HDMI 2.1 inputs |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | Q27GAZDV | The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand | 27GX704A | A swivel and pivot stand |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | 27GS95QE | The top of this price range, adding a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MPG 271QRX leads on refresh rate at 360Hz, ahead of the Odyssey OLED G6 at 360Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| Odyssey OLED G6 | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| Q27GAZDV | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| 27GX704A | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | OLED |
| 27GS95QE | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Q27GAZDV was the lowest-priced pick and the 27GS95QE the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Q27GAZDV, 27GX704A |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 271QRX, Odyssey OLED G6, 27GS95QE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 27GX704A our Swivel and Pivot Stand pick?
It earns the label for a swivel and pivot stand. It suits anyone who wants a swivel and pivot stand.
Do the MPG 271QRX and the 27GX704A differ on panel?
The MPG 271QRX, the Odyssey OLED G6 and the Q27GAZDV use QD-OLED; the 27GX704A and the 27GS95QE use OLED.
Will the 27GS95QE work with my setup?
To see 240Hz 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. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Premium Pick pick.
What extras do the MPG 271QRX and the Odyssey OLED G6 include?
The MPG 271QRX: a built-in KVM switch. The Odyssey OLED G6: HDMI 2.1 inputs. The Q27GAZDV: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Does a FreeSync monitor work with an NVIDIA card?
Most do as G-SYNC Compatible over DisplayPort. Check the product page or NVIDIA's compatibility list for the model.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MPG 271QRX, chosen for a built-in KVM switch. Look at the Odyssey OLED G6 for HDMI 2.1 inputs, the Q27GAZDV for the lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing and the 27GX704A for a swivel and pivot stand if those matter more to you.
Use the certified cable that comes with the monitor.