Buying Guide
The Best HDR1000 Gaming Monitors
Four monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the MPG 271QR X50 has the highest refresh rate; the MPG 274URDFW is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
HDR1000 or Mini LED panels reach brightness levels where HDR looks different from SDR. Every pick lists HDR1000, True Black 500 or Mini LED HDR, ordered by refresh rate.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; if a maker skips panel, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50
The highest refresh rate here (500Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M
The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the MPG 271QR X50 the next step up.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH) 32-inch
The largest screen size here (32 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH) 32-inch (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (500Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. | Spending as little as possible, with the MPG 271QR X50 the next step up. | Check price for MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (32 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH) 32-inch (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 4
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MPG 271QR X50 stands out for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs, and it adds a 98W USB-C port.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It also offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. Nothing else here matches its 500Hz refresh rate; the MPG 274URDFW comes closest at 320Hz. On screen size it ties with the MPG 274URDFW and the 27GM950B at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution; compare the 27GM950B, which has a 5120x2880 resolution. Like the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the 27GM950B uses an IPS panel. Like the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 500, while the MPG 274URDFW uses a mini LED HDR.
To see 500Hz 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 second of 4, between the cheaper MPG 274URDFW and the pricier 27GM950B, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 500Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 500
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- a 500Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MPG 274URDFW at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 of 4
MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MPG 274URDFW is built around a Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones, with an AI Dual Mode that switches resolution and refresh rate automatically on top.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the MPG 271QR X50 the next step up.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: refresh rate of 320Hz, behind the MPG 271QR X50 (500Hz).
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 320Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. Its 320Hz refresh rate ranks second of 4 here, behind the MPG 271QR X50 (500Hz) and ahead of the 27GM950B (165Hz). Like the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the MPG 271QR X50 uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
It is the only pick here with a mini LED HDR; the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH has a DisplayHDR True Black 500 instead. It also offers a white finish. Reaching 320Hz 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the MPG 271QR X50 was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 320Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Response: 0.5ms
- HDR: Mini LED HDR
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
- Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones
Cons
- Refresh rate of 320Hz, behind the MPG 271QR X50 (500Hz)
Largest Screen Size3 of 4
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH) 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's G80SH is a 32-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with DisplayHDR True Black 500, USB-C and a three-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its stand adjusts for height, pivot, tilt and swivel. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 240Hz: the MPG 271QR X50 offers 500Hz, and the 27GM950B comes in at 165Hz. Nothing else here matches its 32 inches screen size; the MPG 271QR X50 comes closest at 27 inches.
It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the MPG 274URDFW; the 27GM950B goes with a 5120x2880 resolution. It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 271QR X50; the 27GM950B goes with an IPS panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 500 with the MPG 271QR X50; the 27GM950B goes with a DisplayHDR 1000.
You also get OLED Safeguard+ burn-in protection. 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. Only the 27GM950B came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 500
- Stand: height, pivot, tilt and swivel
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
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 500 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MPG 274URDFW at the time of writing
IPS Panel4 of 4
LG UltraGear evo 27GM950B-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LG's 27GM950B packs 5K resolution into 27 inches with a Mini LED backlight of 9,216 LEDs and a DisplayHDR 1000 certification.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MPG 271QR X50 offers 500Hz.
Why we like it
At 165Hz it trades refresh rate for sharpness and brightness. Its 165Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the MPG 271QR X50 leads at 500Hz. On screen size it ties with the MPG 271QR X50 and the MPG 274URDFW at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a 5120x2880 resolution; compare the MPG 271QR X50, which has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a DisplayHDR 1000; compare the MPG 274URDFW, which has a mini LED HDR. You also get 5K resolution for very sharp text at 27 inches. On price it sat third of 4, between the cheaper MPG 271QR X50 and the pricier Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 5120x2880
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- HDR: DisplayHDR 1000
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- Mini LED backlight with 9,216 LEDs
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 271QR X50 (500Hz)
- Screen size trails the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH (32 inches)
- Costs more than the MPG 274URDFW at the time of writing
How We Chose These HDR1000 Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side four 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 response are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the MPG 271QR X50 to the 27GM950B, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MPG 274URDFW gives no panel; the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH and the 27GM950B give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the MPG 274URDFW ($250 to $500) to the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH ($1000 to $1500).
What to Look for in an HDR1000 Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 165Hz on the 27GM950B to 500Hz on the MPG 271QR X50, a 203% spread. The MPG 274URDFW comes second at 320Hz, in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 for the MPG 271QR X50.
Screen size across these picks
Across these 4 picks screen size spans 27 inches (the 27GM950B) to 32 inches (the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH). The Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH is the pick for screen size.
Panel
The MPG 271QR X50 and the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH list QD-OLED; the 27GM950B lists IPS. Settling panel first narrows 3 picks to 2 or 1.
Response
The MPG 271QR X50 lists 0.03ms; the MPG 274URDFW lists 0.5ms.
Extras that separate them
The MPG 274URDFW: an AI Dual Mode that switches resolution and refresh rate automatically. The Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH: USB-C with up to 98W. The 27GM950B: 5K resolution for very sharp text at 27 inches.
How to Choose an HDR1000 Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | MPG 271QR X50 | The highest refresh rate here (500Hz) |
| Spending as little as possible, with the MPG 271QR X50 the next step up | MPG 274URDFW | The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who put screen size first | Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH | The largest screen size here (32 inches) |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | 27GM950B | An IPS panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MPG 271QR X50 leads on refresh rate at 500Hz, ahead of the MPG 274URDFW at 320Hz. "Not listed" marks panel where the MPG 274URDFW leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG 271QR X50 | 500Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 274URDFW | 320Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| 27GM950B | 165Hz | 5120x2880 | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The MPG 274URDFW was the lowest-priced pick ($250 to $500) and the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH the highest ($1000 to $1500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | MPG 274URDFW |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 271QR X50, 27GM950B |
| About $1000 to $1500 | Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the MPG 271QR X50 or the MPG 274URDFW?
Between the top two, it is 500Hz on the MPG 271QR X50 against 320Hz on the MPG 274URDFW, a 56% difference. The 27GM950B is at the other end of this group with 165Hz.
Is the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH ahead of the MPG 271QR X50 on screen size?
The Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH tops screen size at 32 inches; the MPG 271QR X50 follows at 27 inches, 19% apart.
What does the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH add over the MPG 274URDFW?
What it brings is screen size (32 inches against 27 inches). It does not win everywhere: the MPG 274URDFW still leads on refresh rate (320Hz). On our last price check the MPG 274URDFW was in the $250 to $500 tier and the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH in the $1000 to $1500 tier, with 2 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size decides your purchase.
Why is the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH our Largest Screen Size pick?
The label rests on the largest screen size here (32 inches). On screen size it leads the MPG 271QR X50, 32 inches against 27 inches, a 19% margin. The price of that: the MPG 274URDFW, the cheapest pick, still beats it on refresh rate (320Hz against 240Hz). It makes sense for anyone who puts screen size first.
Do the MPG 271QR X50 and the MPG 274URDFW differ on resolution?
The MPG 271QR X50 uses 2560x1440 (1440p); the MPG 274URDFW and the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH use 3840x2160 (4K); the 27GM950B uses 5120x2880.
What extras do the MPG 271QR X50 and the MPG 274URDFW include?
The MPG 271QR X50: DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs. The MPG 274URDFW: a Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones. The Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH: DisplayHDR True Black 500.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MPG 271QR X50. Look at the MPG 274URDFW for the lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing, the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH for the largest screen size here (32 inches) and the 27GM950B for an IPS panel if those matter more to you.
Turn on HDR in Windows and in each game.