Buying Guide
The Best 1440p Gaming Monitors
Five 1440p monitors from a 210Hz TUF screen to a 360Hz QD-OLED.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
1440p is the balance point for most gaming PCs. These five step from a budget IPS screen to a 360Hz QD-OLED.
Every figure comes from the manufacturer listing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED
The highest refresh rate here (360Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Best OLED Stand
LG UltraGear 27GS95QE OLED
A height, tilt and swivel stand on a 240Hz OLED.
Best for: Desks without an arm.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27GS95QE OLED (opens in a new tab)
Best 280Hz Value
Alienware AW2726DL
280Hz 1440p IPS near $200.
Best for: Fast games on a budget.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2726DL (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 240Hz
AOC Q27G41ZE
240Hz IPS near $160.
Best for: Mid-range PCs.
Best Height Stand
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A
210Hz with a height-adjustable stand.
Best for: Ergonomic setups.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 (opens in a new tab) |
| A height, tilt and swivel stand on a 240Hz OLED. | Desks without an arm. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27GS95QE OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| 280Hz 1440p IPS near $200. | Fast games on a budget. | Check price for Alienware AW2726DL (opens in a new tab) |
| 240Hz IPS near $160. | Mid-range PCs. | Check price for AOC Q27G41ZE (opens in a new tab) |
| 210Hz with a height-adjustable stand. | Ergonomic setups. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 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
- 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
Its built-in KVM switches a keyboard and mouse between two computers, and the stand adjusts for ergonomics. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 360Hz, ahead of the AW2726DL (280Hz). It is the only pick here with a QD-OLED panel; the 27GS95QE has an OLED panel instead.
It also comes with 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. Its price falls between the VG27AQL5A 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
- 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 Q27G41ZE at the time of writing
Best OLED Stand2 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
- Desks without an arm.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It costs more than the 27GS93QE for the better stand. On refresh rate it ties with the Q27G41ZE at 240Hz. You get an OLED panel here, which sets it apart from the VG27AQL5A and its a fast IPS panel.
Like the VG27AQL5A, it has a FreeSync Premium, while the Q27G41ZE uses a G-SYNC Compatible. It also comes with 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. Only the MPG 271QRX came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
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
- Costs more than the Q27G41ZE at the time of writing
Best 280Hz Value3 of 5
Alienware AW2726DL on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2726DL runs a 1440p IPS panel at 280Hz.
Best for
- Fast games on a budget.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Q27G41ZE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The maker publishes few details, so check the stand and ports on Dell's spec page. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 280Hz: the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz, and the VG27AQL5A comes in at 210Hz. It shares an IPS panel with the Q27G41ZE; the VG27AQL5A goes with a fast IPS panel.
To see 280Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. It also brings 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches. It also brings an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. It was priced above the Q27G41ZE and below the VG27AQL5A at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 280Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 280Hz 1440p IPS panel
Cons
- Costs more than the Q27G41ZE at the time of writing
Best Budget 240Hz4 of 5
AOC Q27G41ZE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Q27G41ZE runs 1440p at 240Hz natively, with an overclocked 260Hz mode, on an IPS panel.
Best for
- Mid-range PCs.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz).
Why we like it
It is rare to see that combination at this price. It matches the 27GS95QE on refresh rate (240Hz). Like the AW2726DL, it has an IPS panel, while the VG27AQL5A uses a fast IPS panel.
A G-SYNC Compatible is unique to it among these picks, while the VG27AQL5A uses a FreeSync Premium. It also offers DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. 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 was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the AW2726DL was the next step up. The main gap: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz). If that matters, the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
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 to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz)
Best Height Stand5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's VG27AQL5A runs a 27-inch 1440p Fast IPS panel at 210Hz on a height-adjustable stand.
Best for
- Ergonomic setups.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
Why we like it
It is the TUF model to pick for a balanced 1440p setup. A DisplayPort cable comes in the box, the stand adjusts for height, and DisplayWidget Center changes settings with a mouse. On refresh rate it trails the group at 210Hz, while the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
A fast IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the 27GS95QE uses an OLED panel. Like the 27GS95QE, it has a FreeSync Premium, while the Q27G41ZE uses a G-SYNC Compatible. It also offers a mid price tier for 1440p. When we checked, only the AW2726DL and cheaper picks cost less, and the MPG 271QRX cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 210Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
- Stand: height adjustment
Pros
- 210Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 271QRX (360Hz)
- Costs more than the Q27G41ZE at the time of writing
How We Chose These 1440p Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
What to Look for in a 1440p 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.
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.
Read HDR labels carefully
HDR10 means the monitor accepts an HDR signal, not that it displays it well. DisplayHDR 600 or True Black 400 certifications say more about real HDR performance.
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.
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.
How to Choose a 1440p Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | MPG 271QRX | The highest refresh rate here (360Hz) |
| Desks without an arm | 27GS95QE | A height, tilt and swivel stand on a 240Hz OLED |
| Fast games on a budget | AW2726DL | 280Hz 1440p IPS near $200 |
| Mid-range PCs | Q27G41ZE | 240Hz IPS near $160 |
| Ergonomic setups | VG27AQL5A | 210Hz with a height-adjustable stand |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| 27GS95QE | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | OLED |
| AW2726DL | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| Q27G41ZE | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| VG27AQL5A | 210Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast 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 | Q27G41ZE, AW2726DL, VG27AQL5A |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 271QRX, 27GS95QE |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Does a 1ms response time rating matter?
Makers measure response time differently, so compare panel type and independent reviews rather than the headline figure.
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.
Bottom Line
MSI's MPG 271QRX is the fastest here. LG's 27GS95QE is the OLED with the better stand, and AOC's Q27G41ZE is the budget 240Hz pick.