Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Monitors
Six gaming monitors across 1440p and 4K, OLED and IPS, compared on refresh rate, panel, HDR and the graphics card each one needs.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
The right gaming monitor depends on the graphics card behind it. 1440p suits most gaming PCs, 4K needs a high-end card, and refresh rates above 240Hz reward competitive players.
We compared six monitors on resolution, refresh rate, panel type, HDR and ports. This guide is researched from maker specifications; we have not tested these monitors in person.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best for Most Gamers
LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B
A 240Hz OLED panel at 1440p with HDMI 2.1.
Best for: Most gaming PCs with a mid-range or better graphics card.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
Alienware AW2725DF
The highest refresh rate here (360Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725DF (opens in a new tab)
Best IPS Pick
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR
300Hz with DisplayHDR 600 on a Fast IPS panel.
Best for: Players who want high refresh without OLED burn-in risk.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR (opens in a new tab)
Best 4K Pick
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G70D) 27-inch 4K
4K at 144Hz with DisplayHDR 400.
Best for: High-end graphics cards and sharp detail.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G70D) 27-inch 4K (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG
The XG27UCG is a 4K 160Hz monitor that can switch to 1080p at 320Hz for shooters, and adds USB-C for a laptop.
Best for: Buyers who want 160hz for smoother motion than a 60hz office screen.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Pick
KTC H27T22C-3
1440p at 220Hz with built-in speakers.
Best for: Budget 1440p builds.
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 240Hz OLED panel at 1440p with HDMI 2.1. | Most gaming PCs with a mid-range or better graphics card. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B (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 Alienware AW2725DF (opens in a new tab) |
| 300Hz with DisplayHDR 600 on a Fast IPS panel. | Players who want high refresh without OLED burn-in risk. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR (opens in a new tab) |
| 4K at 144Hz with DisplayHDR 400. | High-end graphics cards and sharp detail. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G70D) 27-inch 4K (opens in a new tab) |
| The XG27UCG is a 4K 160Hz monitor that can switch to 1080p at 320Hz for shooters, and adds USB-C for a laptop. | Buyers who want 160hz for smoother motion than a 60hz office screen. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG (opens in a new tab) |
| 1440p at 220Hz with built-in speakers. | Budget 1440p builds. | Check price for KTC H27T22C-3 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best for Most Gamers1 of 6
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
- Most gaming PCs with a mid-range or better graphics card.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
For most gaming PCs it is the best balance of motion clarity, contrast and price. Its 240Hz refresh rate ranks third of 6 here, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz) and ahead of the Odyssey G7 27 (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the XG27AQMR, the Odyssey G7 27, the XG27UCG and the H27T22C at 27 inches.
It is the only pick here with an OLED panel; the XG27AQMR has a fast IPS panel instead. Like the AW2725DF, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the Odyssey G7 27 uses a DisplayHDR 400. Like the AW2725DF, it has a swivel and pivot stand, while the Odyssey G7 27 uses a swivel stand.
You also get HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. Its price falls between the Odyssey G7 27 and the XG27UCG, 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 H27T22C at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh2 of 6
Alienware AW2725DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2725DF pushes a QD-OLED panel to 360Hz at 1440p.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits competitive players with a graphics card that can hold very high frame rates. Its 360Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the XG27AQMR comes next at 300Hz. On screen size it trails the group at 26.7 inches, while the 27GX704A comes in at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a QD-OLED panel; compare the H27T22C, which has an IPS panel. Like the 27GX704A, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the H27T22C uses an HDR 400. No other pick in this guide offers a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the XG27UCG, which has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.
To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. It was the highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the XG27UCG and the rest.
Key dimensions & 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 27GX704A (27 inches)
- Costs more than the H27T22C at the time of writing
Best IPS Pick3 of 6
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
- Players who want high refresh without OLED burn-in risk.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the H27T22C 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 AW2725DF offers 360Hz, and the Odyssey G7 27 comes in at 144Hz. It matches the 27GX704A, the Odyssey G7 27, the XG27UCG and the H27T22C on screen size (27 inches).
You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the Odyssey G7 27 and its an IPS panel. You get a DisplayHDR 600 here, which sets it apart from the H27T22C and its an HDR 400. 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 was priced above the H27T22C and below the Odyssey G7 27 at the time of writing.
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 H27T22C at the time of writing
Best 4K Pick4 of 6
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G70D) 27-inch 4K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Odyssey G7 gives 4K at 144Hz on a 27-inch IPS panel.
Best for
- High-end graphics cards and sharp detail.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2725DF offers 360Hz.
Why we like it
It suits a high-end graphics card and players who value sharpness over maximum refresh. On refresh rate it trails the group at 144Hz, while the AW2725DF offers 360Hz. It matches the 27GX704A, the XG27AQMR, the XG27UCG and the H27T22C on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the XG27UCG; the AW2725DF goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It shares an IPS panel with the XG27UCG and H27T22C; the 27GX704A goes with an OLED panel. A DisplayHDR 400 is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2725DF uses a DisplayHDR True Black 400.
You also get Samsung's smart-monitor features listed alongside gaming modes. When we checked, only the XG27AQMR and cheaper picks cost less, and the 27GX704A cost more. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the AW2725DF covers it better at 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
- Stand: swivel
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2725DF (360Hz)
- Costs more than the H27T22C at the time of writing
Solid Alternative5 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27UCG is a 4K 160Hz monitor that can switch to 1080p at 320Hz for shooters, and adds USB-C for a laptop.
Best for
- Buyers who want 160hz for smoother motion than a 60hz office screen.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the H27T22C was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its 160Hz refresh rate ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz) and ahead of the Odyssey G7 27 (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the 27GX704A, the XG27AQMR, the Odyssey G7 27 and the H27T22C at 27 inches. Like the Odyssey G7 27, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the 27GX704A uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
It is the only pick here with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut; the AW2725DF has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut instead. Reaching 160Hz 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. Its price falls between the 27GX704A and the AW2725DF, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the H27T22C at the time of writing
Best Budget Pick6 of 6
KTC H27T22C-3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The KTC H27T22C brings 1440p at 220Hz to a budget price with HDR 400 and speakers.
Best for
- Budget 1440p builds.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when refresh rate of 220Hz, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the value way to a sharp, fast screen. Its 220Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 6 here, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz) and ahead of the Odyssey G7 27 (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the 27GX704A, the XG27AQMR, the Odyssey G7 27 and the XG27UCG at 27 inches.
Like the Odyssey G7 27 and XG27UCG, it has an IPS panel, while the 27GX704A uses an OLED panel. It is the only pick here with an HDR 400; the 27GX704A has a DisplayHDR True Black 400 instead. It is the only pick here with a 131% sRGB color gamut; the AW2725DF has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut instead.
It also offers DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the XG27AQMR was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 220Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR 400
- Color gamut: 131% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync, G-SYNC
Pros
- 220Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 131% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- Refresh rate of 220Hz, behind the AW2725DF (360Hz)
How We Chose These Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
What to Look for in a Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
Check ports and cables
High refresh rates at 1440p and 4K need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. Consoles need HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz.
Size for your desk distance
24 to 25 inches suits 1080p and competitive play at a typical desk. 27 inches pairs well with 1440p and 4K; 32 inches suits 4K at a deeper desk.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
How to Choose a Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most gaming PCs with a mid-range or better graphics card | 27GX704A | A 240Hz OLED panel at 1440p with HDMI 2.1 |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | AW2725DF | The highest refresh rate here (360Hz) |
| Players who want high refresh without OLED burn-in risk | XG27AQMR | 300Hz with DisplayHDR 600 on a Fast IPS panel |
| High-end graphics cards and sharp detail | Odyssey G7 27 | 4K at 144Hz with DisplayHDR 400 |
| Budget 1440p builds | H27T22C | 1440p at 220Hz with built-in speakers |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27GX704A | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | OLED |
| AW2725DF | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| XG27AQMR | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| Odyssey G7 27 | 144Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| XG27UCG | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| H27T22C | 220Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | H27T22C |
| About $250 to $500 | XG27AQMR, Odyssey G7 27, 27GX704A, XG27UCG |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725DF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a 1ms response time rating matter?
Makers measure response time differently, so compare panel type and independent reviews rather than the headline figure.
Is HDR worth it on a budget monitor?
Rarely. Budget HDR10 monitors accept HDR but lack the brightness and contrast to show it well. OLED or DisplayHDR 600 models do it better.
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort?
On a PC, DisplayPort usually supports the highest refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 is equivalent and needed for consoles.
Do I need a GPU that matches the refresh rate?
To benefit fully, yes. A 240Hz monitor still feels smoother at 150fps than a 144Hz one, but the gains shrink when frame rates are far below the refresh rate.
Is 1080p fine on a 27-inch monitor?
It works, but text and detail look softer. 1440p is sharper at 27 inches; 1080p is best at 24 to 25 inches.
Is OLED burn-in still a problem?
It is a risk with static elements over many hours. Current OLED monitors use pixel-refresh routines to reduce it; check the maker's warranty for burn-in coverage.
Bottom Line
The LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B is the pick for most gamers, the Alienware AW2725DF is the competitive option, and the ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR suits players who prefer IPS.
The Samsung Odyssey G7 and ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG cover 4K, and the KTC H27T22C-3 is the budget choice.