Buying Guide
The Best High Refresh Rate Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the PG27AQDP has the highest refresh rate, and the VG259QMR5A costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
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 HDR, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP
The highest refresh rate here (480Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP (opens in a new tab)
QD-OLED Panel
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED
A QD-OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
Alienware AW2525HM
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A
The cheapest way into this group, below the AW2525HM.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR
DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
Best for: Buyers who want DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (480Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP (opens in a new tab) |
| A QD-OLED panel. | Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel. | Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the AW2525HM. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab) |
| DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. | Buyers who want DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PG27AQDP goes further to 480Hz on a WOLED panel, the fastest here, for players whose PCs can feed it.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
Nothing else here matches its 480Hz refresh rate; the MPG 271QRX comes closest at 360Hz. On screen size it sits mid-pack at 26.5 inches: the MPG 271QRX comes in at 27 inches, and the VG259QMR5A comes in at 24.5 inches. Like the MPG 271QRX and XG27AQMR, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2525HM uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
It is the only pick here with a WOLED panel; the MPG 271QRX has a QD-OLED panel instead. Like the MPG 271QRX, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the XG27AQMR uses a DisplayHDR 600. To see 480Hz 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MPG 271QRX.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 480Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: WOLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 480Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a WOLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
QD-OLED Panel2 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
- Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
Its built-in KVM switches a keyboard and mouse between two computers, and the stand adjusts for ergonomics. Its 360Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz) and ahead of the XG27AQMR (300Hz). On screen size it ties with the XG27AQMR at 27 inches.
Like the PG27AQDP and XG27AQMR, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2525HM uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. It is the only pick here with a QD-OLED panel; the PG27AQDP has a WOLED panel instead. Like the PG27AQDP, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the XG27AQMR uses a DisplayHDR 600.
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. Its price falls between the XG27AQMR and the PG27AQDP, 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 VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
IPS Panel3 of 5
Alienware AW2525HM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2525HM runs a 24.5-inch 1080p IPS panel at 320Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the VG259QMR5A, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It targets competitive shooters on a mid-range PC. Its 320Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz) and ahead of the XG27AQMR (300Hz). On screen size it ties with the VG259QMR5A at 24.5 inches.
Like the VG259QMR5A, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the PG27AQDP uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It is the only pick here with an IPS panel; the PG27AQDP has a WOLED panel instead. Like the VG259QMR5A, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the PG27AQDP uses a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Its price falls between the VG259QMR5A and the XG27AQMR, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & 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
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG259QMR5A is the esports pick, with a 310Hz Fast IPS panel at 1080p and a 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the MPG 271QRX offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
Its 310Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz) and ahead of the XG27AQMR (300Hz). On screen size it ties with the AW2525HM at 24.5 inches. Like the AW2525HM, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the XG27AQMR uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
Like the XG27AQMR, it has a fast IPS panel, while the MPG 271QRX uses a QD-OLED panel. Like the AW2525HM, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the PG27AQDP uses a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. At 1080p, 310Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
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 AW2525HM was the next step up. If screen size is your priority, the MPG 271QRX (27 inches) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 310Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 310Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Screen size trails the MPG 271QRX (27 inches)
Also Consider5 of 5
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
- Buyers who want DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED's burn-in concerns for desktop-heavy use. On refresh rate it trails the group at 300Hz, while the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz. It matches the MPG 271QRX on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the PG27AQDP and MPG 271QRX; the VG259QMR5A goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. A DisplayHDR 600 is unique to it among these picks, while the MPG 271QRX uses a DisplayHDR True Black 400. It also offers 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. When we checked, only the AW2525HM and cheaper picks cost less, and the MPG 271QRX cost more. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the PG27AQDP covers it better at 480Hz.
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
- Refresh rate trails the PG27AQDP (480Hz)
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
How We Chose These High Refresh Rate 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 High Refresh Rate Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Among these picks, refresh rate runs from 300Hz on the XG27AQMR to 480Hz on the PG27AQDP. Settle how much you need before comparing prices, since paying for more rarely helps if your use never reaches it.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a High Refresh Rate Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | PG27AQDP | The highest refresh rate here (480Hz) |
| Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel | MPG 271QRX | A QD-OLED panel |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | AW2525HM | An IPS panel |
| Spending as little as possible | VG259QMR5A | The cheapest way into this group, below the AW2525HM |
| Buyers who want DCI-P3 wide colour coverage | XG27AQMR | DCI-P3 wide colour coverage |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG27AQDP | 480Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | WOLED |
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| AW2525HM | 320Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | IPS |
| VG259QMR5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| XG27AQMR | 300Hz | 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 | VG259QMR5A, AW2525HM |
| About $250 to $500 | XG27AQMR |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 271QRX, PG27AQDP |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do these monitors compare on screen size?
The MPG 271QRX, at 27 inches. The XG27AQMR follows at 27 inches, while the VG259QMR5A has 24.5 inches.
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
At our last price check the VG259QMR5A was the cheapest pick and the PG27AQDP the most expensive; the AW2525HM was the next step up from the VG259QMR5A.
Does a 1ms response time rating matter?
Makers measure response time differently, so compare panel type and independent reviews rather than the headline figure.
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.
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
Our first pick is the PG27AQDP. Look at the MPG 271QRX for a QD-OLED panel, the AW2525HM for an IPS panel and the VG259QMR5A for the cheapest way into this group, below the AW2525HM if those matter more to you.
Make sure your GPU can reach the frame rate; a 360Hz panel needs 360fps to show its benefit.