Buying Guide
The Best HDR600 and Better Gaming Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the MPG 271QRX has the highest refresh rate, and the AW2723DF costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
DisplayHDR 400 panels rarely look like real HDR; 600 and OLED True Black tiers do. Every pick is certified DisplayHDR 600, True Black or higher, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and if a maker skips panel, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Alienware AW2723DFUndercutting the XG27AQMR on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $500.
Check price for Alienware AW2723DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMRDCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
Best for: Buyers who want DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLEDDolby Vision support.
Best for: Buyers who want Dolby Vision support.
Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inchThe largest screen size here (37 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLEDThe highest refresh rate here (360Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the XG27AQMR on price when we checked. | Keeping the cost under $500. | Check price for Alienware AW2723DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. | Buyers who want DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Dolby Vision support. | Buyers who want Dolby Vision support. | Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (37 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (360Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Alienware AW2723DF
The AW2723DF is an IPS monitor with DisplayHDR 600, 95% DCI-P3 and a 280Hz overclock mode, on a fully adjustable stand.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $500.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz) is a problem.
Why we like it
It matches the AW2725Q on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the XG27AQMR and the MPG 271QRX at 27 inches. Like the XG27AQMR and MPG 271QRX, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2725Q uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
No other pick in this guide offers an IPS panel; compare the XG27AQMR, which has a fast IPS panel. Like the XG27AQMR and Odyssey G7 37, it has a DisplayHDR 600, while the AW2725Q uses 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 undercut the XG27AQMR and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR 600
- Color gamut
- 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand
- height, swivel and pivot adjustment
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz)
The catch
The main gap: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz). If that matters, the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
Also Consider2 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 want DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the AW2723DF was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED's burn-in concerns for desktop-heavy use. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 300Hz: the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz, and the Odyssey G7 37 comes in at 165Hz. It matches the AW2723DF and the MPG 271QRX on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the AW2723DF and MPG 271QRX; the Odyssey G7 37 goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. A fast IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2723DF uses an IPS panel. It also comes with 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. When we checked, only the AW2723DF cost less, and the AW2725Q cost more.
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
- Costs more than the AW2723DF at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED
Alienware's AW2725Q is a 26.7-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with USB-C and a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want Dolby Vision support.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It has one of the most adjustable stands among the OLED models here. It matches the AW2723DF on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 26.7 inches, while the Odyssey G7 37 comes in at 37 inches.
Like the Odyssey G7 37, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the AW2723DF uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. Like the MPG 271QRX, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the AW2723DF uses an IPS panel. Like the MPG 271QRX, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the XG27AQMR uses a DisplayHDR 600.
You also get Dolby Vision support, 166 PPI at 4K and USB-C with 15W power delivery. Reaching 240Hz 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. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper XG27AQMR and the pricier Odyssey G7 37, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 26.7 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Stand
- height, tilt, swivel and pivot
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- 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 Odyssey G7 37 (37 inches)
- Costs more than the AW2723DF at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is screen size; for more, the Odyssey G7 37 comes in at 37 inches.
Largest Screen Size4 of 5
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch
Samsung's Odyssey G7 37 is a 37-inch 4K screen at 165Hz with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
Why we like it
It sits between a 32-inch monitor and a TV in size. On refresh rate it trails the group at 165Hz, while the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz. Its 37 inches screen size is the largest here; the AW2723DF comes next at 27 inches.
It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the AW2725Q; the XG27AQMR goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It shares a DisplayHDR 600 with the AW2723DF and XG27AQMR; the MPG 271QRX goes with a DisplayHDR True Black 400. You also get a 37-inch 1000R curve.
Reaching 165Hz 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. It was priced above the AW2725Q and below the MPG 271QRX at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 165Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 37 inches
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR 600
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
- 37-inch 1000R curve
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 271QRX (360Hz)
- Costs more than the AW2723DF at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on refresh rate, where the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
Fastest Refresh5 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
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
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 leads this guide at 360Hz, ahead of the XG27AQMR (300Hz). On screen size it ties with the AW2723DF and the XG27AQMR at 27 inches. Like the AW2723DF and XG27AQMR, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2725Q uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
Like the AW2725Q, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the AW2723DF uses an IPS panel. Like the AW2725Q, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the XG27AQMR uses a DisplayHDR 600. You also get HDMI 2.1 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Odyssey G7 37.
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 AW2723DF at the time of writing
How We Chose
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 lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and panel and color gamut are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the AW2723DF to the MPG 271QRX, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Odyssey G7 37 gives no panel; the XG27AQMR, the Odyssey G7 37 and the MPG 271QRX give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the AW2723DF ($250 to $500) to the MPG 271QRX ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in an HDR600 and Better Gaming Monitors
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Across these 5 picks refresh rate spans 165Hz (the Odyssey G7 37) to 360Hz (the MPG 271QRX). The XG27AQMR comes second at 300Hz, in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 for the MPG 271QRX.
How much screen size you need
The Odyssey G7 37 tops screen size at 37 inches and the AW2725Q sits lowest at 26.7 inches. For less, the AW2723DF is the runner-up at 27 inches ($250 to $500 tier).
A gaming monitor on a desk with purple bias lighting Panel
The AW2723DF lists IPS; the XG27AQMR lists Fast IPS; the AW2725Q and the MPG 271QRX list QD-OLED.
Response
The AW2723DF, the XG27AQMR and the Odyssey G7 37 list 1ms; the AW2725Q and the MPG 271QRX list 0.03ms.
A gaming monitor above a keyboard and mouse on a black desk Extras that separate them
The AW2725Q: 166 PPI at 4K. The Odyssey G7 37: 4K at 165Hz. The MPG 271QRX: HDMI 2.1 inputs.
How to Choose an HDR600 and Better Gaming Monitors
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the cost under $500 | AW2723DF | Undercutting the XG27AQMR on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want DCI-P3 wide colour coverage | XG27AQMR | DCI-P3 wide colour coverage |
| Buyers who want Dolby Vision support | AW2725Q | Dolby Vision support |
| Buyers who put screen size first | Odyssey G7 37 | The largest screen size here (37 inches) |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | MPG 271QRX | The highest refresh rate here (360Hz) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MPG 271QRX leads on refresh rate at 360Hz, ahead of the XG27AQMR at 300Hz. "Not listed" marks panel where the Odyssey G7 37 leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2723DF | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| XG27AQMR | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| AW2725Q | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| Odyssey G7 37 | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 37 inches | Not listed |
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The AW2723DF was the lowest-priced pick ($250 to $500) and the MPG 271QRX the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | AW2723DF, XG27AQMR |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q, Odyssey G7 37, MPG 271QRX |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MPG 271QRX ahead of the XG27AQMR on refresh rate?
The MPG 271QRX leads at 360Hz, with the XG27AQMR at 300Hz. The Odyssey G7 37 closes the ranking at 165Hz.
How does the AW2723DF compare with the Odyssey G7 37 on screen size?
Between the top two, it is 37 inches on the Odyssey G7 37 against 27 inches on the AW2723DF, a 37% difference. The AW2725Q is at the other end of this group with 26.7 inches.
What does the MPG 271QRX add over the AW2723DF?
The spec sheets show refresh rate (360Hz against 240Hz) in its favour. On our last price check the AW2723DF was in the $250 to $500 tier and the MPG 271QRX 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 271QRX our Fastest Refresh pick?
The label rests on the highest refresh rate here (360Hz). On refresh rate it leads the XG27AQMR, 360Hz against 300Hz, a 20% margin. The AW2723DF, the cheapest pick, sat in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the AW2723DF and the AW2725Q differ on resolution?
The AW2723DF, the XG27AQMR and the MPG 271QRX use 2560x1440 (1440p); the AW2725Q and the Odyssey G7 37 use 3840x2160 (4K).
What extras do the AW2723DF and the XG27AQMR include?
The AW2723DF: an overclocked 280Hz mode. The XG27AQMR: DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. The AW2725Q: Dolby Vision support.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2723DF, chosen for undercutting the XG27AQMR on price when we checked. Look at the XG27AQMR for DCI-P3 wide colour coverage, the AW2725Q for Dolby Vision support and the Odyssey G7 37 for the largest screen size here (37 inches) if those matter more to you.
Calibrate HDR with the Windows HDR Calibration app.
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
- Higher budgetThe Best FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitors
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1080p Monitor
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1440p Monitor
- Also see: graphics cardsHow Much VRAM Do You Need?
- 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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