Buying Guide
The Best High-Performance Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the XG27ACDNG has the highest refresh rate, and it also costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
OLED panels at 240Hz and above combine near-instant response with deep contrast. Every pick is OLED at 240Hz or more, from the premium end down.
The order reflects refresh rate, resolution and size from maker specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and a missing response is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Premium Pick
LG UltraGear 32GS95UE OLED
A dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 32GS95UE OLED (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH) 32-inch
DisplayHDR True Black 500.
Best for: Buyers who want DisplayHDR True Black 500.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH) 32-inch (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G81SF 32-inch
A Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film.
Best for: Buyers who want Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G81SF 32-inch (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM
A 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage.
Best for: Buyers who want 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG
The highest refresh rate here (360Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for LG UltraGear 32GS95UE OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| DisplayHDR True Black 500. | Buyers who want DisplayHDR True Black 500. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH) 32-inch (opens in a new tab) |
| A Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film. | Buyers who want Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G81SF 32-inch (opens in a new tab) |
| A 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage. | Buyers who want 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage. | Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM (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 ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
LG UltraGear 32GS95UE OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LG's 32GS95UE is a 32-inch 4K OLED at 240Hz with FreeSync Premium Pro.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It is the most expensive 4K OLED here at the time of writing. On refresh rate it ties with the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH, the Odyssey G8 G81SF and the PG32UCDM at 240Hz. You get an OLED panel here, which sets it apart from the XG27ACDNG and its a QD-OLED panel.
It is the only pick here with a FreeSync Premium Pro; the PG32UCDM has a G-SYNC Compatible instead. It also comes with a dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz and an HDMI 2.1 input. 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.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. Only the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH 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: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- 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 XG27ACDNG at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
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 want DisplayHDR True Black 500.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers 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 ties with the 32GS95UE, the Odyssey G8 G81SF and the PG32UCDM at 240Hz. A DisplayHDR True Black 500 is unique to it among these picks, while the Odyssey G8 G81SF uses a DisplayHDR True Black 400.
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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. When we checked, only the PG32UCDM and cheaper picks cost less, and the 32GS95UE cost more.
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 XG27ACDNG at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G81SF 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's G81SF puts a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K into a 32-inch screen.
Best for
- Buyers who want Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film.
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 Glare Free coating cuts reflections that glossy OLEDs show in bright rooms, and it detects logos and taskbars to dim them. It matches the 32GS95UE, the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH and the PG32UCDM on refresh rate (240Hz). It also offers a Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film and logo and taskbar detection to dim static elements.
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. 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. Its price falls between the XG27ACDNG and the PG32UCDM, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
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
- Costs more than the XG27ACDNG at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM pairs a 32-inch 4K QD-OLED panel at 240Hz with a 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It also carries 90W USB-C power delivery for a laptop. On refresh rate it ties with the 32GS95UE, the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH and the Odyssey G8 G81SF at 240Hz. Like the XG27ACDNG, it has a G-SYNC Compatible, while the 32GS95UE uses a FreeSync Premium Pro.
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. 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. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the XG27ACDNG offers 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- 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 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate trails the XG27ACDNG (360Hz)
- Costs more than the XG27ACDNG at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh5 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27ACDNG runs a QD-OLED panel at 360Hz with True Black 400 HDR and a 3-year warranty.
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 is the balanced pick for competitive play. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 360Hz, ahead of the 32GS95UE (240Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 26.5 inches, while the 32GS95UE comes in at 32 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution; compare the Odyssey G8 G81SF, which has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. It shares a G-SYNC Compatible with the PG32UCDM; the 32GS95UE goes with a FreeSync Premium Pro. 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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It undercut the Odyssey G8 G81SF and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
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 32GS95UE (32 inches)
How We Chose These High-Performance Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- 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.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the 32GS95UE to the XG27ACDNG, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH gives no response; the 32GS95UE, the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH and the Odyssey G8 G81SF give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the XG27ACDNG ($500 to $1000) to the 32GS95UE ($1000 to $1500).
What to Look for in a High-Performance Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the PG32UCDM to 360Hz on the XG27ACDNG. Start with the XG27ACDNG if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 26.5 inches on the XG27ACDNG to 32 inches on the 32GS95UE. For less, the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH is the runner-up at 32 inches.
Panel
The 32GS95UE lists OLED; the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH, the Odyssey G8 G81SF, the PG32UCDM and the XG27ACDNG list QD-OLED.
Fit and compatibility
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. To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
Extras that separate them
The Odyssey G8 G81SF: logo and taskbar detection to dim static elements. The PG32UCDM: 90W USB-C power delivery. The XG27ACDNG: a 3-year warranty on an OLED panel.
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 High-Performance Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | 32GS95UE | A dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want DisplayHDR True Black 500 | Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH | DisplayHDR True Black 500 |
| Buyers who want Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film | Odyssey G8 G81SF | A Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film |
| Buyers who want 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage | PG32UCDM | A 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | XG27ACDNG | The highest refresh rate here (360Hz) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The XG27ACDNG leads on refresh rate at 360Hz, ahead of the 32GS95UE at 240Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32GS95UE | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | OLED |
| Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| Odyssey G8 G81SF | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| PG32UCDM | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| XG27ACDNG | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The XG27ACDNG was the lowest-priced pick and the 32GS95UE the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $500 to $1000 | XG27ACDNG, Odyssey G8 G81SF, PG32UCDM |
| About $1000 to $1500 | Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH, 32GS95UE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the XG27ACDNG ahead of the 32GS95UE on refresh rate?
The XG27ACDNG leads at 360Hz, with the 32GS95UE at 240Hz.
What does the 32GS95UE add over the XG27ACDNG?
On paper it adds screen size (32 inches against 26.5 inches). It does not win everywhere: the XG27ACDNG still leads on refresh rate (360Hz). The XG27ACDNG was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the XG27ACDNG our Fastest Refresh pick?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (360Hz). It suits esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the 32GS95UE and the XG27ACDNG differ on resolution?
The 32GS95UE, the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH, the Odyssey G8 G81SF and the PG32UCDM use 3840x2160 (4K); the XG27ACDNG uses 2560x1440 (1440p).
Will the PG32UCDM work with my setup?
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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5.
What extras do the 32GS95UE and the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH include?
The 32GS95UE: a dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz. The Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH: DisplayHDR True Black 500. The Odyssey G8 G81SF: a Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the 32GS95UE, chosen for a dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz at the highest price in the group. Look at the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH for DisplayHDR True Black 500, the Odyssey G8 G81SF for a Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film and the PG32UCDM for a 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage if those matter more to you.
Enable burn-in protection features and vary your desktop.