Buying Guide
The Best IPS Monitors
Five monitors compared, from the 25G51Z to the XG27AQMR, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
IPS panels keep colour consistent from wide angles. Every pick is IPS at 144Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
We sorted these picks by refresh rate, resolution and size, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips color gamut, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
Alienware AW2525HM320Hz at 1080p.
Best for: Buyers who want 320Hz at 1080p.
Check price for Alienware AW2525HM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
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)
Worth a Look
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A1440p at 300Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMRThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
Best for: Buyers who want DCI-P3 wide colour coverage and can spend more than the MAG 274QPF costs.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AOC 25G51ZA lower price than the AW2525HM and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the AW2525HM.
Check price for AOC 25G51Z on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320Hz at 1080p. | Buyers who want 320Hz at 1080p. | 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) |
| 1440p at 300Hz. | Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. | Buyers who want DCI-P3 wide colour coverage and can spend more than the MAG 274QPF costs. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the AW2525HM and the rest when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the AW2525HM. | Check price for AOC 25G51Z on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Alienware AW2525HM
Alienware's AW2525HM runs a 24.5-inch 1080p IPS panel at 320Hz with 99% sRGB coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 320Hz at 1080p.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the MAG 274QPF offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It targets competitive shooters on a mid-range PC. On refresh rate it ties with the MAG 274QPF at 320Hz. Its 24.5 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the MAG 274QPF leads at 27 inches.
It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the 25G51Z; the VG27AQM5A goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It shares an IPS panel with the 25G51Z; the XG27AQMR goes with a fast IPS panel. 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. It was priced above the 25G51Z and below the VG27AQM5A at the time of writing.
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
- Screen size trails the MAG 274QPF (27 inches)
- Costs more than the 25G51Z at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on screen size, where the MAG 274QPF comes in at 27 inches.
Strong Alternative2 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 price comes first: the 25G51Z cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 320Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the VG27AQM5A and XG27AQMR; the 25G51Z goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. A rapid IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the VG27AQM5A uses a fast IPS 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. When we checked, only the VG27AQM5A and cheaper picks cost less, and the XG27AQMR cost more.
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
- Costs more than the 25G51Z at the time of writing
Worth a Look3 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A
The VG27AQM5A pushes a 27-inch 1440p Fast IPS panel to 300Hz with 95% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the 25G51Z was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is the fastest 1440p model in the TUF range here. It matches the XG27AQMR on refresh rate (300Hz). On screen size it ties with the MAG 274QPF and the XG27AQMR at 27 inches.
Like the MAG 274QPF and XG27AQMR, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2525HM uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. Like the XG27AQMR, it has a fast IPS panel, while the 25G51Z uses an IPS panel. It also offers built-in speakers and a 3-year warranty.
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. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper AW2525HM and the pricier MAG 274QPF, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 300Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 0.3ms
- Color gamut
- 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC, ELMB Sync
- Warranty
- 3-year
Pros
- a 300Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the 25G51Z at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR
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 and can spend more than the MAG 274QPF costs.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the 25G51Z cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED's burn-in concerns for desktop-heavy use. It matches the VG27AQM5A on refresh rate (300Hz). On screen size it ties with the MAG 274QPF and the VG27AQM5A at 27 inches.
Like the MAG 274QPF and VG27AQM5A, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2525HM uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. Like the VG27AQM5A, it has a fast IPS panel, while the MAG 274QPF uses a rapid IPS panel. You also get 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. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the MAG 274QPF and the rest.
Key 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
- Costs more than the 25G51Z at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
AOC 25G51Z
The 25G51Z reaches 260Hz overclocked on a 25-inch IPS panel, the highest refresh here.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the AW2525HM.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2525HM offers 320Hz.
Why we like it
Its 260Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the AW2525HM leads at 320Hz. On screen size it sits mid-pack at 25 inches: the MAG 274QPF comes in at 27 inches, and the AW2525HM comes in at 24.5 inches. Like the AW2525HM, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the VG27AQM5A uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
Like the AW2525HM, it has an IPS panel, while the XG27AQMR uses a fast IPS panel. At 1080p, 260Hz 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.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 260Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 25 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 260Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
- Screen size of 25 inches, ahead of the AW2525HM
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2525HM (320Hz)
The catch
If refresh rate is your priority, the AW2525HM (320Hz) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose These IPS 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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 6 of the 7 fields compared are stated for every pick, while color gamut has gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the AW2525HM to the 25G51Z, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MAG 274QPF, the XG27AQMR and the 25G51Z give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the 25G51Z ($100 to $150) to the XG27AQMR ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an IPS Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
The AW2525HM tops refresh rate at 320Hz and the 25G51Z sits lowest at 260Hz; 2 picks share the top figure. The AW2525HM is the pick for refresh rate.
How much screen size you need
Across these 5 picks screen size spans 24.5 inches (the AW2525HM) to 27 inches (the MAG 274QPF). The VG27AQM5A comes second at 27 inches, in the same price tier as the MAG 274QPF.
A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop Panel
The AW2525HM and the 25G51Z list IPS; the MAG 274QPF lists Rapid IPS; the VG27AQM5A and the XG27AQMR list Fast IPS. Settling panel first narrows 5 picks to 2 or 2 or 1.
Response
The AW2525HM, the MAG 274QPF and the 25G51Z list 0.5ms; the VG27AQM5A lists 0.3ms; the XG27AQMR lists 1ms. Settling response first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 1 or 1.
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop Features beyond the spec table
The VG27AQM5A: built-in speakers. The XG27AQMR: DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. The 25G51Z: an overclocked 260Hz refresh rate.
How to Choose an IPS Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 320Hz at 1080p | AW2525HM | 320Hz at 1080p |
| Buyers who want AI Vision for dark-area detail | MAG 274QPF | AI Vision for dark-area detail |
| Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz | VG27AQM5A | 1440p at 300Hz |
| Buyers who want DCI-P3 wide colour coverage and can spend more than the MAG 274QPF costs | XG27AQMR | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the AW2525HM | 25G51Z | A lower price than the AW2525HM and the rest when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2525HM leads on refresh rate at 320Hz, ahead of the MAG 274QPF at 320Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2525HM | 320Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | IPS |
| MAG 274QPF | 320Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
| VG27AQM5A | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| XG27AQMR | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| 25G51Z | 260Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 25 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the 25G51Z, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the XG27AQMR at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | 25G51Z |
| About $150 to $250 | AW2525HM |
| About $250 to $500 | VG27AQM5A, MAG 274QPF, XG27AQMR |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the XG27AQMR worth paying more than the 25G51Z?
The spec sheets show refresh rate (300Hz against 260Hz) and screen size (27 inches against 25 inches) in its favour. The 25G51Z sat in the $100 to $150 tier and the XG27AQMR in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate and screen size decide your purchase.
What makes the XG27AQMR the Premium Pick?
The label rests on the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. The 25G51Z, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at anyone who wants DCI-P3 wide colour coverage and can spend more than the MAG 274QPF costs.
Do the AW2525HM and the MAG 274QPF differ on resolution?
The AW2525HM and the 25G51Z use 1920x1080 (1080p); the MAG 274QPF, the VG27AQM5A and the XG27AQMR use 2560x1440 (1440p).
Beyond the specs, what sets the AW2525HM and the MAG 274QPF apart?
The AW2525HM: 320Hz at 1080p. The MAG 274QPF: AI Vision for dark-area detail. The VG27AQM5A: 1440p at 300Hz.
Who should choose the 25G51Z?
The 25G51Z carries our Lowest Price Here label for a lower price than the AW2525HM and the rest when we checked. It ranks fifth of 5 here and sat in the $100 to $150 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the AW2525HM.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2525HM, chosen for 320Hz at 1080p. Look at the MAG 274QPF for AI Vision for dark-area detail, the VG27AQM5A for 1440p at 300Hz and the XG27AQMR for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with DCI-P3 wide colour coverage if those matter more to you.
IPS glow is normal in dark rooms; add bias lighting.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Monitors to Buy Now
- Related guideThe Best 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Monitors Under $80
- Similar guideThe Best VA Monitors
- ExplainerHow to choose a monitor for your PC
- Explainer24 vs 27 vs 32-Inch Monitor
- Also see: monitor arms and accessoriesThe Best Monitor Stand Risers
- Similar guideThe Best White Monitors
- Topic hubAll monitors for work and everyday use guides
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
View all articles