Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for Developers
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the XG27WCMS has the highest refresh rate, and the ARZOPA Z3FC costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Developers benefit from sharp text and a single USB-C cable to a laptop. Every pick is 1440p or higher with USB-C, ordered from the lowest price.
The order reflects refresh rate, resolution and size from maker specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and a missing refresh rate is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz PortableUndercutting the XG27ACS on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $150.
Check price for ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
G-SYNC Adaptive Sync
ASUS ROG XG27ACSA G-SYNC.
Best for: Buyers who want a G-SYNC.
Check price for ASUS ROG XG27ACS 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)
Also Consider
ASUS ProArt PA278CV65W USB-C power delivery.
Best for: Buyers who want 65W USB-C power delivery.
Check price for ASUS ProArt PA278CV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS ProArt PA278CGRVThe top of this price range, adding factory calibration to Delta E under 2.
Best for: Spending more than the PA278CV costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for ASUS ProArt PA278CGRV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 2.5K 180Hz Portable
ARZOPA's Z3FC raises a 16.1-inch portable to 2560x1440 at 180Hz with 400 nits of listed brightness.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $150.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the XG27ACS offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It is the sharpest and fastest portable here. It matches the XG27ACS on refresh rate (180Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 16.1 inches, while the XG27ACS comes in at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a 107% sRGB color gamut; compare the ProArt PA278CGRV, which has a 97% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also offers two USB-C ports and mini HDMI and a listing that names PS5, Xbox and Steam Deck. Worth noting: 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. It undercut the XG27ACS and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 180Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 16.1 inches
- Color gamut
- 107% sRGB
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 107% sRGB colour coverage
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- Screen size trails the XG27ACS (27 inches)
G-SYNC Adaptive Sync2 of 5
ASUS ROG XG27ACS
The XG27ACS stands out for ELMB SYNC motion blur reduction with variable refresh rate.
Best for
- Buyers who want a G-SYNC.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ARZOPA Z3FC, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 180Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the ARZOPA Z3FC on refresh rate (180Hz). On screen size it ties with the XG27WCMS, the PA278CV and the ProArt PA278CGRV at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a fast IPS panel; compare the PA278CV, which has an IPS panel. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Another plus: 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper ARZOPA Z3FC and the pricier XG27WCMS, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 180Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the ARZOPA Z3FC at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh3 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
- Price-first buyers should look at the ARZOPA Z3FC, which cost less when we checked.
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. Its 280Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the ARZOPA Z3FC comes next at 180Hz.
It matches the XG27ACS, the PA278CV and the ProArt PA278CGRV on screen size (27 inches). You get a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut here, which sets it apart from the ARZOPA Z3FC and its a 107% sRGB color gamut. To see 280Hz 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 priced above the XG27ACS and below the PA278CV at the time of writing.
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
- Costs more than the ARZOPA Z3FC at the time of writing
Also Consider4 of 5
ASUS ProArt PA278CV
The ProArt PA278CV adds 65W USB-C power delivery and daisy-chaining to the 27-inch 1440p ProArt formula.
Best for
- Buyers who want 65W USB-C power delivery.
Skip if
- Its refresh rate is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
Its stand pivots to portrait for coding or page layout. On screen size it ties with the XG27ACS, the XG27WCMS and the ProArt PA278CGRV at 27 inches. Like the ProArt PA278CGRV, it has an IPS panel, while the XG27ACS uses a fast IPS panel.
No other pick in this guide offers a 100% sRGB / Rec. 709 color gamut; compare the ProArt PA278CGRV, which has a 97% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also offers Calman Verified with Delta E below 2. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper XG27WCMS and the pricier ProArt PA278CGRV, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its refresh rate; if that figure matters, the XG27WCMS offers 280Hz.
Key specs
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Color gamut
- 100% sRGB / Rec. 709
- Stand
- tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustment
- USB-C
- Yes
- Warranty
- 3-year
Pros
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 100% sRGB / Rec. 709 colour coverage
- a stand with tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustment
Cons
- No published refresh rate
- Costs more than the ARZOPA Z3FC at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS ProArt PA278CGRV
What the ProArt PA278CGRV brings to the table is factory calibration to Delta E under 2, plus a 144Hz variable refresh rate.
Best for
- Spending more than the PA278CV costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the XG27WCMS offers 280Hz.
Why we like it
It also offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. Its 144Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the XG27WCMS leads at 280Hz. Like the PA278CV, it has an IPS panel, while the XG27ACS uses a fast IPS panel.
No other pick in this guide offers a 97% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the ARZOPA Z3FC, which has a 107% sRGB color gamut. You also get this: 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. 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 PA278CV and the rest.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Color gamut
- 97% DCI-P3
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 97% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the XG27WCMS (280Hz)
- Costs more than the ARZOPA Z3FC at the time of writing
How We Chose These Monitors for Developers
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, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and refresh rate and panel are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the ARZOPA Z3FC to the ProArt PA278CGRV, state resolution, screen size and USB-C and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution and USB-C.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The PA278CV gives no refresh rate; the ARZOPA Z3FC and the XG27WCMS give no panel.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ARZOPA Z3FC ($100 to $150) to the ProArt PA278CGRV ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Monitor for Developers
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much screen size you need
The XG27ACS tops screen size at 27 inches and the ARZOPA Z3FC sits lowest at 16.1 inches; 4 picks share the top figure. The XG27ACS is the pick for screen size.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 144Hz on the ProArt PA278CGRV to 280Hz on the XG27WCMS, a 94% spread. For less, the ARZOPA Z3FC is the runner-up at 180Hz ($100 to $150 tier). The PA278CV gives no refresh rate figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop Color gamut
The ARZOPA Z3FC lists 107% sRGB; the XG27WCMS lists 95% DCI-P3; the PA278CV lists 100% sRGB / Rec. 709; the ProArt PA278CGRV lists 97% DCI-P3.
Extras that separate them
The XG27WCMS: USB-C input. The PA278CV: DisplayPort daisy-chaining. The ProArt PA278CGRV: a 144Hz variable refresh rate.
A white desk with two monitors and a laptop How much to spend
$100 to $150 buys the ARZOPA Z3FC; $150 to $250 buys the XG27ACS; $250 to $500 buys the XG27WCMS, the PA278CV and the ProArt PA278CGRV at our last check.
How to Choose a Monitor for Developers
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the cost under $150 | ARZOPA Z3FC | Undercutting the XG27ACS on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want a G-SYNC | XG27ACS | A G-SYNC |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | XG27WCMS | The highest refresh rate here (280Hz) |
| Buyers who want 65W USB-C power delivery | PA278CV | 65W USB-C power delivery |
| Spending more than the PA278CV costs for the fullest feature set in this group | ProArt PA278CGRV | The top of this price range, adding factory calibration to Delta E under 2 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The XG27ACS leads on screen size at 27 inches, ahead of the XG27WCMS at 27 inches. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the PA278CV leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARZOPA Z3FC | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 16.1 inches | Not listed |
| XG27ACS | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| XG27WCMS | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| PA278CV | Not listed | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| ProArt PA278CGRV | 144Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The ARZOPA Z3FC was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the ProArt PA278CGRV the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | ARZOPA Z3FC |
| About $150 to $250 | XG27ACS |
| About $250 to $500 | XG27WCMS, PA278CV, ProArt PA278CGRV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the XG27WCMS ahead of the ARZOPA Z3FC on refresh rate?
The XG27WCMS tops refresh rate at 280Hz; the ARZOPA Z3FC follows at 180Hz, 56% apart. The ProArt PA278CGRV is at the other end of this group with 144Hz. No refresh rate figure is published for the PA278CV, which leaves 4 of 5 picks ranked here.
What does the ProArt PA278CGRV add over the ARZOPA Z3FC?
On paper it adds screen size (27 inches against 16.1 inches). It does not win everywhere: the ARZOPA Z3FC still leads on refresh rate (180Hz). On our last price check the ARZOPA Z3FC was in the $100 to $150 tier and the ProArt PA278CGRV in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size 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 ARZOPA Z3FC, 280Hz against 180Hz, a 56% margin. The ARZOPA Z3FC, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the XG27ACS and the PA278CV differ on panel?
The XG27ACS uses Fast IPS; the PA278CV and the ProArt PA278CGRV use IPS. The ARZOPA Z3FC and the XG27WCMS have no panel listed, so 3 of 5 picks are covered here.
What extras do the ARZOPA Z3FC and the XG27ACS include?
The ARZOPA Z3FC: 400 nits brightness. The XG27ACS: ELMB SYNC motion blur reduction with variable refresh rate. The XG27WCMS: a curved 1440p panel overclocked to 280Hz.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ARZOPA Z3FC, chosen for undercutting the XG27ACS on price when we checked. Look at the XG27ACS for a G-SYNC, the PA278CV for 65W USB-C power delivery and the ProArt PA278CGRV for the top of this price range, adding factory calibration to Delta E under 2 if those matter more to you.
Check the USB-C port's power delivery covers your laptop's charger wattage.
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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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