Buying Guide
The Best High Refresh Rate Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size, and the AW2525HM costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
At 240Hz and above, motion clarity improves most in fast shooters. Every pick refreshes at 240Hz or higher, ordered by refresh rate.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and if a maker skips response, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500HzA 500Hz refresh rate.
Best for: Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate.
Check price for INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Best for: Buyers who want DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Check price for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566XThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports.
Best for: Buyers who want DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports and can spend more than the MPG 271QR X50 costs.
Check price for BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Alienware AW2525HMThe lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $250.
Check price for Alienware AW2525HM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
MSI MAG 274QPF X32AI Vision for dark-area detail.
Best for: Buyers who want AI Vision for dark-area detail.
Check price for MSI MAG 274QPF X32 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 500Hz refresh rate. | Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate. | Check price for INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs. | Buyers who want DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs. | Check price for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports. | Buyers who want DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports and can spend more than the MPG 271QR X50 costs. | Check price for BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. | Keeping the cost under $250. | Check price for Alienware AW2525HM on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| AI Vision for dark-area detail. | Buyers who want AI Vision for dark-area detail. | Check price for MSI MAG 274QPF X32 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz
The INNOCN GA27M1Q is built around a 500Hz refresh rate, with a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 271QR X50 at 500Hz. It matches the MPG 271QR X50 and the MAG 274QPF on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 271QR X50; the MAG 274QPF goes with a rapid IPS panel. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the MPG 271QR X50; the AW2525HM goes with a 99% sRGB color gamut. 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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. When we checked, only the MAG 274QPF and cheaper picks cost less, and the MPG 271QR X50 cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 500Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 500Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the AW2525HM at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50
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
- Buyers who want DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements is a problem.
Why we like it
It also offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the INNOCN GA27M1Q on refresh rate (500Hz). On screen size it ties with the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MAG 274QPF at 27 inches.
Like the INNOCN GA27M1Q, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the AW2525HM uses an IPS panel. Like the INNOCN GA27M1Q, it has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the AW2525HM uses a 99% sRGB color gamut. 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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Its price falls between the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the XQ2566X, based on our last check.
Key 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 AW2525HM at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 5
BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X
The XQ2566X uses a Fast TN panel at 1440p with BenQ's DyAc 3 blur reduction, aimed purely at esports.
Best for
- Buyers who want DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports and can spend more than the MPG 271QR X50 costs.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
Its 360Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz) and ahead of the MAG 274QPF (320Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 24.1 inches, while the INNOCN GA27M1Q comes in at 27 inches. It is the only pick here with a fast TN panel; the INNOCN GA27M1Q has a QD-OLED panel instead.
To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. You also get this: 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MPG 271QR X50.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 360Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 24.1 inches
- Panel
- Fast TN
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports
- Fast TN panel, the only one here
Cons
- Screen size trails the INNOCN GA27M1Q (27 inches)
- Costs more than the AW2525HM at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
Alienware AW2525HM
Alienware's AW2525HM runs a 24.5-inch 1080p IPS panel at 320Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $250.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: refresh rate of 320Hz, behind the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz).
Why we like it
It targets competitive shooters on a mid-range PC. It matches the MAG 274QPF on refresh rate (320Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 24.5 inches: the INNOCN GA27M1Q comes in at 27 inches, and the XQ2566X comes in at 24.1 inches.
It is the only pick here with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution; the INNOCN GA27M1Q has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution instead. It is the only pick here with an IPS panel; the INNOCN GA27M1Q has a QD-OLED panel instead. It is the only pick here with a 99% sRGB color gamut; the INNOCN GA27M1Q has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut instead.
It also offers a 0.5ms response time and Alienware styling at a mid price tier. At 1080p, 320Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the MAG 274QPF was the next step up.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 320Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 24.5 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 0.5ms
- Color gamut
- 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate of 320Hz, behind the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz)
The catch
The main gap: refresh rate of 320Hz, behind the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz). If that matters, the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 500Hz.
Worth a Look5 of 5
MSI MAG 274QPF X32
The MAG 274QPF is built around AI Vision for dark-area detail.
Best for
- Buyers who want AI Vision for dark-area detail.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 500Hz.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 320Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On screen size it ties with the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 at 27 inches. No other pick in this guide offers a rapid IPS panel; compare the XQ2566X, which has a fast TN panel.
To see 320Hz 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper AW2525HM and the pricier INNOCN GA27M1Q, at the time of writing. The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 500Hz.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 320Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Rapid IPS
- Response
- 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Rapid IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz)
- Costs more than the AW2525HM at the time of writing
How We Chose These High Refresh Rate Monitors
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- 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, and response and color gamut are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the INNOCN GA27M1Q to the MAG 274QPF, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The XQ2566X gives no response; the XQ2566X and the MAG 274QPF give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the AW2525HM ($150 to $250) to the XQ2566X ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a High Refresh Rate Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 320Hz on the MAG 274QPF to 500Hz on the INNOCN GA27M1Q, a 56% spread. Start with the INNOCN GA27M1Q if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size across these picks
Across these 5 picks screen size spans 24.1 inches (the XQ2566X) to 27 inches (the INNOCN GA27M1Q). If screen size is your first filter, the INNOCN GA27M1Q sets the ceiling at 27 inches.
A monitor showing a desktop app in a dim room Panel
The INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 list QD-OLED; the XQ2566X lists Fast TN; the AW2525HM lists IPS; the MAG 274QPF lists Rapid IPS. Settling panel first narrows 5 picks to 2, 1 or 1 or 1.
Response
The INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 list 0.03ms; the AW2525HM and the MAG 274QPF list 0.5ms. Settling response first narrows 4 picks to 2 or 2.
A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop Extras that separate them
The XQ2566X: DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports. The AW2525HM: a 0.5ms response time. The MAG 274QPF: AI Vision for dark-area detail.
How to Choose a High Refresh Rate Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate | INNOCN GA27M1Q | A 500Hz refresh rate |
| Buyers who want DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs | MPG 271QR X50 | DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs |
| Buyers who want DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports and can spend more than the MPG 271QR X50 costs | XQ2566X | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports |
| Keeping the cost under $250 | AW2525HM | The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want AI Vision for dark-area detail | MAG 274QPF | AI Vision for dark-area detail |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The INNOCN GA27M1Q leads on refresh rate at 500Hz, ahead of the MPG 271QR X50 at 500Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INNOCN GA27M1Q | 500Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 271QR X50 | 500Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| XQ2566X | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 24.1 inches | Fast TN |
| AW2525HM | 320Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | IPS |
| MAG 274QPF | 320Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The AW2525HM was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the XQ2566X the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | AW2525HM |
| About $250 to $500 | MAG 274QPF |
| About $500 to $1000 | INNOCN GA27M1Q, MPG 271QR X50, XQ2566X |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the XQ2566X add over the AW2525HM?
What it brings is refresh rate (360Hz against 320Hz). It does not win everywhere: the AW2525HM still leads on screen size (24.5 inches). On our last price check the AW2525HM was in the $150 to $250 tier and the XQ2566X in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate decides your purchase.
Why is the AW2525HM our Lowest Price Here pick?
The label rests on the lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. It is aimed at keeping the cost under $250.
Do the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the AW2525HM differ on resolution?
The INNOCN GA27M1Q, the MPG 271QR X50, the XQ2566X and the MAG 274QPF use 2560x1440 (1440p); the AW2525HM uses 1920x1080 (1080p).
What extras do the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 include?
The INNOCN GA27M1Q: a 500Hz refresh rate. The MPG 271QR X50: DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs. The XQ2566X: DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports.
Who should choose the XQ2566X?
The XQ2566X carries our Premium Pick label for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports. It ranks third of 5 here and sat in the $500 to $1000 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who wants DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports and can spend more than the MPG 271QR X50 costs.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the INNOCN GA27M1Q, chosen for a 500Hz refresh rate. Look at the MPG 271QR X50 for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs, the XQ2566X for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports and the AW2525HM for the lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
Make sure your GPU can reach the frame rate; a 360Hz panel needs 360fps to show its benefit.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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