Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for Content Creation
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the XG27WCMS has the highest refresh rate; the Gigabyte M27Q2 is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Content creation for modern displays needs wide DCI-P3 colour coverage. Every pick lists DCI-P3 coverage, ordered from the lowest price.
The order reflects refresh rate, resolution and size from maker specifications; a missing refresh rate is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
GIGABYTE M27Q2A lower price than the 27US500 and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the 27US500.
Check price for GIGABYTE M27Q2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
LG UltraFine 27US500-WAn IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Check price for LG UltraFine 27US500-W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles.
Best for: Buyers who want 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles.
Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3BThe largest screen size here (31.5 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS CurvedThe highest refresh rate here (280Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the 27US500 and the rest when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the 27US500. | Check price for GIGABYTE M27Q2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for LG UltraFine 27US500-W on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles. | Buyers who want 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles. | Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (31.5 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (280Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
GIGABYTE M27Q2
The Gigabyte M27Q2 is built around a quantum dot SuperSpeed IPS panel, with 210Hz when overclocked on top.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the 27US500.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the XG27WCMS (280Hz).
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 200Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 200Hz: the XG27WCMS offers 280Hz, and the CUNPU 4K comes in at 160Hz. It matches the 27US500, the CUNPU 4K and the XG27WCMS on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the VG32WQ3B and XG27WCMS; the CUNPU 4K goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. A SuperSpeed IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the CUNPU 4K uses a fast IPS panel. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the CUNPU 4K; the 27US500 goes with a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the 27US500 was closest.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 200Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- SuperSpeed IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a SuperSpeed IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the XG27WCMS (280Hz)
The catch
What it gives up: refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the XG27WCMS (280Hz); by contrast, the XG27WCMS offers 280Hz.
IPS Panel2 of 5
LG UltraFine 27US500-W
The 27US500 offers 90% DCI-P3 coverage and HDR10 input on an IPS panel in a white finish.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification is a problem.
Why we like it
It suits creative work more than gaming. On screen size it ties with the Gigabyte M27Q2, the CUNPU 4K and the XG27WCMS at 27 inches. Like the CUNPU 4K, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the XG27WCMS uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
No other pick in this guide offers an IPS panel; compare the Gigabyte M27Q2, which has a SuperSpeed IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers an HDR10; compare the CUNPU 4K, which has an HDR400. You also get a white borderless design and a Reader Mode.
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Gigabyte M27Q2 and the pricier CUNPU 4K, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- HDR
- HDR10
- Color gamut
- 90% DCI-P3
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 90% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- White borderless design
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- No published refresh rate
- Costs more than the Gigabyte M27Q2 at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its refresh rate; if that figure matters, the XG27WCMS offers 280Hz.
Also Consider3 of 5
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz
CUNPU's 27-inch 4K screen runs at 160Hz with an HDMI 2.1 input and 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the XG27WCMS offers 280Hz.
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 4K high-refresh monitors here. Its 160Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the XG27WCMS leads at 280Hz. On screen size it ties with the Gigabyte M27Q2, the 27US500 and the XG27WCMS at 27 inches.
Like the 27US500, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the VG32WQ3B uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a fast IPS panel; compare the 27US500, which has an IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers an HDR400; compare the 27US500, which has an HDR10.
It also comes with 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles, a factory calibration of Delta E under 2 and 4K at a budget price tier. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper 27US500 and the pricier VG32WQ3B, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 160Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- HDR400
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the XG27WCMS (280Hz)
- Costs more than the Gigabyte M27Q2 at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the XG27WCMS offers 280Hz.
Largest Screen Size4 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B
ASUS's VG32WQ3B is a curved 31.5-inch 1440p VA screen at 180Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when a VA panel that can smear dark transitions is a problem.
Why we like it
VA contrast and the large size suit slower single-player games. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 180Hz: the XG27WCMS offers 280Hz, and the CUNPU 4K comes in at 160Hz. Its 31.5 inches screen size is the largest here; the Gigabyte M27Q2 comes next at 27 inches.
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the Gigabyte M27Q2 and XG27WCMS; the CUNPU 4K goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. You get a VA panel here, which sets it apart from the Gigabyte M27Q2 and its a SuperSpeed IPS panel. It shares a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut with the 27US500; the CUNPU 4K goes with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
It also offers a 3-year warranty and 90% DCI-P3 coverage. It was priced above the CUNPU 4K and below the XG27WCMS at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 180Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 31.5 inches
- Panel
- VA
- Color gamut
- 90% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
- Warranty
- 3-year
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 90% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Costs more than the Gigabyte M27Q2 at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh5 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27WCMS Curved
ASUS's XG27WCMS curves a 27-inch 1440p panel and overclocks it to 280Hz.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the VG32WQ3B offers 31.5 inches.
Why we like it
USB-C input and a three-year warranty are listed. The 27-inch curved 1440p panel overclocks to 280Hz, lists a 1ms response, covers 95% of DCI-P3 and includes USB-C. Nothing else here matches its 280Hz refresh rate; the Gigabyte M27Q2 comes closest at 200Hz.
It matches the Gigabyte M27Q2, the 27US500 and the CUNPU 4K on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the Gigabyte M27Q2 and VG32WQ3B; the CUNPU 4K goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. A 95% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the 27US500 uses a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut.
No other pick in this guide offers a G-SYNC Compatible; compare the Gigabyte M27Q2, which has a FreeSync Premium. To see 280Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. At our last price check it topped the group, with the VG32WQ3B the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 280Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- HDR
- HDR
- Color gamut
- 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C
- Yes
- Warranty
- 3-year
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Screen size trails the VG32WQ3B (31.5 inches)
- Costs more than the Gigabyte M27Q2 at the time of writing
The catch
Screen size is its weakest area, and the VG32WQ3B covers it better at 31.5 inches.
How We Chose These Monitors for Content Creation
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 set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while refresh rate and panel have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Gigabyte M27Q2 to the XG27WCMS, state resolution, screen size and color gamut.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The 27US500 gives no refresh rate; the XG27WCMS gives no panel.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Gigabyte M27Q2 ($150 to $250) to the XG27WCMS ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Monitor for Content Creation
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much screen size you need
The VG32WQ3B tops screen size at 31.5 inches and the XG27WCMS sits lowest at 27 inches. If screen size is your first filter, the VG32WQ3B sets the ceiling at 31.5 inches.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 160Hz on the CUNPU 4K to 280Hz on the XG27WCMS, a 75% spread. For less, the Gigabyte M27Q2 is the runner-up at 200Hz ($150 to $250 tier). The 27US500 gives no refresh rate figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A monitor showing a desktop app in a dim room Panel
The Gigabyte M27Q2 lists SuperSpeed IPS; the 27US500 lists IPS; the CUNPU 4K lists Fast IPS; the VG32WQ3B lists VA. Sort out panel before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 1, 1, 1 and 1.
Extras that separate them
The CUNPU 4K: a factory calibration of Delta E under 2. The VG32WQ3B: a 3-year warranty. The XG27WCMS: USB-C input.
A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop Budget
$150 to $250 buys the Gigabyte M27Q2, the 27US500, the CUNPU 4K and the VG32WQ3B; $250 to $500 buys the XG27WCMS at our last check.
How to Choose a Monitor for Content Creation
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the 27US500 | Gigabyte M27Q2 | A lower price than the 27US500 and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | 27US500 | An IPS panel |
| Buyers who want 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles | CUNPU 4K | 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles |
| Buyers who put screen size first | VG32WQ3B | The largest screen size here (31.5 inches) |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | XG27WCMS | The highest refresh rate here (280Hz) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The VG32WQ3B leads on screen size at 31.5 inches, ahead of the Gigabyte M27Q2 at 27 inches. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the 27US500 leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte M27Q2 | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | SuperSpeed IPS |
| 27US500 | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| CUNPU 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| VG32WQ3B | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 31.5 inches | VA |
| XG27WCMS | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Gigabyte M27Q2 was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the XG27WCMS the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Gigabyte M27Q2, 27US500, CUNPU 4K, VG32WQ3B |
| About $250 to $500 | XG27WCMS |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Gigabyte M27Q2 compare with the VG32WQ3B on screen size?
The VG32WQ3B leads at 31.5 inches, with the Gigabyte M27Q2 at 27 inches.
Which has the highest refresh rate: the XG27WCMS or the Gigabyte M27Q2?
Between the top two, it is 280Hz on the XG27WCMS against 200Hz on the Gigabyte M27Q2, a 40% difference. The spread runs down to the CUNPU 4K at 160Hz. No refresh rate figure is published for the 27US500, which leaves 4 of 5 picks ranked here.
What does the XG27WCMS add over the Gigabyte M27Q2?
On paper it adds refresh rate (280Hz against 200Hz). On our last price check the Gigabyte M27Q2 was in the $150 to $250 tier and the XG27WCMS in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate decides your purchase.
Why is the XG27WCMS our Fastest Refresh pick?
The label rests on the highest refresh rate here (280Hz). On refresh rate it leads the Gigabyte M27Q2, 280Hz against 200Hz, a 40% margin. The Gigabyte M27Q2, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the Gigabyte M27Q2 and the 27US500 differ on resolution?
The Gigabyte M27Q2, the VG32WQ3B and the XG27WCMS use 2560x1440 (1440p); the 27US500 and the CUNPU 4K use 3840x2160 (4K).
What extras do the Gigabyte M27Q2 and the 27US500 include?
The Gigabyte M27Q2: a quantum dot SuperSpeed IPS panel. The 27US500: a white borderless design. The CUNPU 4K: 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Gigabyte M27Q2, chosen for a lower price than the 27US500 and the rest when we checked. Look at the 27US500 for an IPS panel, the CUNPU 4K for 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles and the VG32WQ3B for the largest screen size here (31.5 inches) if those matter more to you.
Calibrate the monitor with a colorimeter for colour-critical work.
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 IPS 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
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