Buying Guide
The Best 1440p Gaming Monitors Under $400
Five monitors compared, from the XG27WCMS to the 27GX704A, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Under $400, 1440p at high refresh is the best balance. Every pick is a 1440p monitor that cost between $250 and $400, ordered by refresh rate.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; where a maker leaves out panel, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A
1440p at 300Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR
DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
Best for: Buyers who want DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved
A lower price than the VG27AQM5A and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz for the least money.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved (opens in a new tab)
W-OLED Panel
GIGABYTE GO27Q24G
A W-OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a W-OLED panel.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE GO27Q24G (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1440p at 300Hz. | Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A (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 (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the VG27AQM5A and the rest when we checked. | Getting curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz for the least money. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved (opens in a new tab) |
| A W-OLED panel. | Buyers who want a W-OLED panel. | Check price for GIGABYTE GO27Q24G (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 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 1440p at 300Hz.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the XG27WCMS was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is the fastest 1440p model in the TUF range here. It matches the XG27AQMR on refresh rate (300Hz). Like the XG27AQMR, it has a fast IPS panel, while the GO27Q24G uses a W-OLED panel.
It also offers 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.
Another plus is G-SYNC, ELMB Sync to reduce screen tearing. Its price falls between the XG27WCMS and the GO27Q24G, 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
- Costs more than the XG27WCMS at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 XG27WCMS was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED's burn-in concerns for desktop-heavy use. It matches the VG27AQM5A on refresh rate (300Hz). Like the VG27AQM5A, it has a fast IPS panel, while the GO27Q24G uses a W-OLED panel.
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.
Another plus is 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches. It also brings G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing. Its price falls between the GO27Q24G and the 27GX704A, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & 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 XG27WCMS at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's XG27WCMS curves a 27-inch 1440p panel and overclocks it to 280Hz.
Best for
- Getting curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: refresh rate of 280Hz, behind the VG27AQM5A (300Hz).
Why we like it
USB-C input and a three-year warranty are listed. The 27-inch curved 1440p panel overclocks to 280Hz, lists a 1ms response, covers 95% of DCI-P3 and includes USB-C. Its 280Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the VG27AQM5A (300Hz) and ahead of the 27GX704A (240Hz).
To see 280Hz 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 also brings G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the VG27AQM5A was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 280Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- HDR: HDR
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate of 280Hz, behind the VG27AQM5A (300Hz)
W-OLED Panel4 of 5
GIGABYTE GO27Q24G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The GO27Q24G is the cheapest way to a 240Hz OLED panel here.
Best for
- Buyers who want a W-OLED panel.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
The maker publishes few details on ports and stand. It has a zero-bezel design on all four edges for multi-monitor rows, and a glossy WOLED coating keeps blacks deep in bright rooms. On refresh rate it ties with the 27GX704A at 240Hz.
A W-OLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the XG27AQMR uses a fast IPS panel. It also offers a 240Hz OLED panel at an entry-level OLED price at the time of writing. 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. When we checked, only the VG27AQM5A and cheaper picks cost less, and the XG27AQMR cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: W-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a W-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 240Hz OLED panel at an entry-level OLED price at the time of writing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the XG27WCMS at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 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 the most complete package.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
For most gaming PCs it is the best balance of motion clarity, contrast and price. On refresh rate it ties with the GO27Q24G at 240Hz. You get an OLED panel here, which sets it apart from the VG27AQM5A and its a fast IPS panel.
You get a DisplayHDR True Black 400 here, which sets it apart from the XG27WCMS and its an HDR. It also offers 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. Only the XG27AQMR came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the VG27AQM5A offers 300Hz.
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
- Refresh rate trails the VG27AQM5A (300Hz)
- Costs more than the XG27WCMS at the time of writing
How We Chose These 1440p Gaming Monitors Under $400
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- 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 VG27AQM5A to the 27GX704A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The XG27WCMS gives no panel; the XG27WCMS gives no response.
- Price range
- From the XG27WCMS to the 27GX704A, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a 1440p Gaming Monitor Under $400
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the 27GX704A to 300Hz on the VG27AQM5A. The VG27AQM5A is the pick for refresh rate.
Response
The VG27AQM5A lists 0.3ms; the XG27AQMR lists 1ms; the GO27Q24G and the 27GX704A list 0.03ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Features beyond the spec table
The XG27WCMS: USB-C input. The GO27Q24G: a 240Hz OLED panel at an entry-level OLED price at the time of writing. The 27GX704A: a 240Hz OLED panel at a mid-range price at the time of writing.
Where your budget lands
All 5 sat in one tier when we checked, from the XG27WCMS at the low end to the 27GX704A at the top, so decide on features first.
Match the pick to your priority
Getting curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz for the least money: the XG27WCMS. Buyers who want a W-OLED panel: the GO27Q24G. Buyers who want the most complete package: the 27GX704A.
How to Choose a 1440p Gaming Monitor Under $400
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz | VG27AQM5A | 1440p at 300Hz |
| Buyers who want DCI-P3 wide colour coverage | XG27AQMR | DCI-P3 wide colour coverage |
| Getting curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz for the least money | XG27WCMS | A lower price than the VG27AQM5A and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want a W-OLED panel | GO27Q24G | A W-OLED panel |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | 27GX704A | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The VG27AQM5A leads on refresh rate at 300Hz, ahead of the XG27AQMR at 300Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VG27AQM5A | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| XG27AQMR | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| XG27WCMS | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| GO27Q24G | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | W-OLED |
| 27GX704A | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 27GX704A worth paying more than the XG27WCMS?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the XG27WCMS still leads on refresh rate (280Hz). The XG27WCMS was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
What makes the GO27Q24G the W-OLED Panel?
It earns the label for a W-OLED panel. It suits anyone who wants a W-OLED panel.
Do the VG27AQM5A and the GO27Q24G differ on panel?
The VG27AQM5A and the XG27AQMR use Fast IPS; the GO27Q24G uses W-OLED; the 27GX704A uses OLED. The maker of the XG27WCMS doesn't say.
Beyond the specs, what sets the VG27AQM5A and the XG27AQMR apart?
The VG27AQM5A: 1440p at 300Hz. The XG27AQMR: DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. The XG27WCMS: a curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz.
Should I pick the VG27AQM5A or the 27GX704A?
The VG27AQM5A suits buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz; the 27GX704A suits buyers who want the most complete package.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the VG27AQM5A, chosen for 1440p at 300Hz. Look at the XG27AQMR for DCI-P3 wide colour coverage, the XG27WCMS for a lower price than the VG27AQM5A and the rest when we checked and the GO27Q24G for a W-OLED panel if those matter more to you.
Use a DisplayPort cable for the full refresh rate.