Buying Guide
The Best IPS Monitors
Five monitors compared, from the G25F2A to the AW2726DL, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
Alienware AW2525HM
The highest refresh rate here (320Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab)
Fast IPS Panel
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A
A fast IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Alienware AW2726DL
The largest screen size here (27 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2726DL (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AOC 25G51Z
An overclocked 260Hz refresh rate.
Best for: Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz refresh rate.
Lowest Price Here
GIGABYTE G25F2A
The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE G25F2A (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (320Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for Alienware AW2525HM (opens in a new tab) |
| A fast IPS panel. | Buyers who want a fast IPS panel. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (27 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Alienware AW2726DL (opens in a new tab) |
| An overclocked 260Hz refresh rate. | Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz refresh rate. | Check price for AOC 25G51Z (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for GIGABYTE G25F2A (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 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
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the G25F2A was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It targets competitive shooters on a mid-range PC. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 320Hz, ahead of the VG259QMR5A (310Hz). It matches the VG259QMR5A and the G25F2A on screen size (24.5 inches).
It shares an IPS panel with the AW2726DL and 25G51Z; the G25F2A goes with a SuperSpeed IPS panel. It shares a 99% sRGB color gamut with the VG259QMR5A; the G25F2A goes with a 120% sRGB color gamut. Like the 25G51Z, it has a G-SYNC Compatible, while the G25F2A uses a FreeSync Premium.
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 VG259QMR5A and below the AW2726DL at the time of writing.
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 G25F2A at the time of writing
Fast IPS Panel2 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
- Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the G25F2A, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 310Hz: the AW2525HM offers 320Hz, and the G25F2A comes in at 240Hz. It matches the AW2525HM and the G25F2A on screen size (24.5 inches). You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the G25F2A and its a SuperSpeed IPS panel.
It shares a 99% sRGB color gamut with the AW2525HM; the G25F2A goes with a 120% sRGB 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 priced above the 25G51Z and below the AW2525HM at the time of writing.
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
- Costs more than the G25F2A at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size3 of 5
Alienware AW2726DL on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2726DL runs a 1440p IPS panel at 280Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the G25F2A, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The maker publishes few details, so check the stand and ports on Dell's spec page. Its 280Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the AW2525HM (320Hz) and ahead of the G25F2A (240Hz). Nothing else here matches its 27 inches screen size; the 25G51Z comes closest at 25 inches.
It is the only pick here with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution; the AW2525HM has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution instead. Like the AW2525HM and 25G51Z, it has an IPS panel, while the VG259QMR5A uses a fast IPS panel. To see 280Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 280Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 280Hz 1440p IPS panel
Cons
- Costs more than the G25F2A at the time of writing
Also Consider4 of 5
AOC 25G51Z on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 25G51Z reaches 260Hz overclocked on a 25-inch IPS panel, the highest refresh here.
Best for
- Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz refresh rate.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the G25F2A cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its 260Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the AW2525HM (320Hz) and ahead of the G25F2A (240Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 25 inches: the AW2726DL comes in at 27 inches, and the G25F2A comes in at 24.5 inches. Like the AW2525HM and AW2726DL, it has an IPS panel, while the VG259QMR5A uses a fast IPS panel.
It shares a G-SYNC Compatible with the AW2525HM; the G25F2A goes with a FreeSync Premium. 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. Its price falls between the G25F2A and the VG259QMR5A, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & 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
- Costs more than the G25F2A at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
GIGABYTE G25F2A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G25F2A runs a 24.5-inch IPS panel at 240Hz with FreeSync Premium at a price that used to buy 144Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
It is the pick for fast games. Its 240Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the AW2525HM leads at 320Hz. On screen size it ties with the AW2525HM and the VG259QMR5A at 24.5 inches.
It is the only pick here with a SuperSpeed IPS panel; the AW2525HM has an IPS panel instead. It is the only pick here with a 120% sRGB color gamut; the AW2525HM has a 99% sRGB color gamut instead. A FreeSync Premium is unique to it among these picks, while the 25G51Z uses a G-SYNC Compatible.
It also offers a 240Hz refresh rate under $100 at the time of writing. At 1080p, 240Hz 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 25G51Z was the next step up. If refresh rate is your priority, the AW2525HM (320Hz) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: SuperSpeed IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR10
- Color gamut: 120% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a SuperSpeed IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 120% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Refresh rate trails the AW2525HM (320Hz)
- Screen size trails the AW2726DL (27 inches)
How We Chose These IPS Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the AW2525HM to the G25F2A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The AW2726DL and the 25G51Z give no color gamut; the AW2726DL gives no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the G25F2A ($50 to $100) to the AW2726DL ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in an IPS Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the G25F2A to 320Hz on the AW2525HM. For less, the VG259QMR5A is the runner-up at 310Hz.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 24.5 inches on the G25F2A to 27 inches on the AW2726DL. The 25G51Z comes second for less money.
Panel
The AW2525HM, the AW2726DL and the 25G51Z list IPS; the VG259QMR5A lists Fast IPS; the G25F2A lists SuperSpeed IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Response
The AW2525HM and the 25G51Z list 0.5ms; the VG259QMR5A lists 0.3ms; the AW2726DL and the G25F2A list 1ms. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Fit and compatibility
At 1080p, 320Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. To see 280Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
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 an IPS Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | AW2525HM | The highest refresh rate here (320Hz) |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | VG259QMR5A | A fast IPS panel |
| Buyers who put screen size first | AW2726DL | The largest screen size here (27 inches) |
| Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz refresh rate | 25G51Z | An overclocked 260Hz refresh rate |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | G25F2A | The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2525HM leads on refresh rate at 320Hz, ahead of the VG259QMR5A at 310Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2525HM | 320Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | IPS |
| VG259QMR5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| AW2726DL | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 25G51Z | 260Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 25 inches | IPS |
| G25F2A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | SuperSpeed IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The G25F2A was the lowest-priced pick and the AW2726DL the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | G25F2A |
| About $100 to $150 | 25G51Z |
| About $150 to $250 | VG259QMR5A, AW2525HM, AW2726DL |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the VG259QMR5A compare with the AW2525HM on refresh rate?
The AW2525HM leads at 320Hz, with the VG259QMR5A at 310Hz. The G25F2A is at the other end of this group with 240Hz.
Is the AW2726DL ahead of the 25G51Z on screen size?
The AW2726DL leads at 27 inches, with the 25G51Z at 25 inches. The G25F2A is at the other end of this group with 24.5 inches.
Is the AW2726DL worth paying more than the G25F2A?
On paper it adds refresh rate (280Hz against 240Hz) and screen size (27 inches against 24.5 inches). The G25F2A was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the VG259QMR5A the Fast IPS Panel?
It earns the label for a fast IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants a fast IPS panel.
Do the AW2525HM and the AW2726DL differ on resolution?
The AW2525HM, the VG259QMR5A, the 25G51Z and the G25F2A use 1920x1080 (1080p); the AW2726DL uses 2560x1440 (1440p).
What should I check before buying the AW2726DL?
To see 280Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. In this guide it ranks third of 5, as our Largest Screen Size pick.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2525HM. Look at the VG259QMR5A for a fast IPS panel, the AW2726DL for the largest screen size here (27 inches) and the 25G51Z for an overclocked 260Hz refresh rate if those matter more to you.
IPS glow is normal in dark rooms; add bias lighting.