Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for Esports
From the VG259QMRL5A to the PG27AQDP: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Esports players use 24-27 inch panels at the highest refresh rates. Every pick is 27 inches or smaller at 280Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing response is flagged, not filled in.
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: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
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)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A
A lower price than the AW2726DL and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 310Hz overclocked refresh rate for the least money.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A
1440p at 300Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
Alienware AW2726DL
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2726DL (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (480Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | 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) |
| A lower price than the AW2726DL and the rest when we checked. | Getting 310Hz overclocked refresh rate for the least money. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A (opens in a new tab) |
| 1440p at 300Hz. | Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for Alienware AW2726DL (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
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
Its 480Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the MPG 271QRX comes next at 360Hz. Its 26.5 inches screen size ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the MPG 271QRX (27 inches) and ahead of the VG259QMRL5A (24.5 inches). A WOLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the VG259QMRL5A uses a fast IPS panel.
It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the MPG 271QRX; the VG259QMRL5A goes with a DisplayHDR 400. A 99% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the VG27AQM5A uses a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. 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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. At our last price check it topped the group, with the MPG 271QRX the nearest cheaper option.
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 VG259QMRL5A 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
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its built-in KVM switches a keyboard and mouse between two computers, and the stand adjusts for ergonomics. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 360Hz: the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz, and the AW2726DL comes in at 280Hz. It matches the VG27AQM5A and the AW2726DL on screen size (27 inches).
A QD-OLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the VG259QMRL5A uses a fast IPS panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the PG27AQDP; the VG259QMRL5A goes with a DisplayHDR 400. It also offers 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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. When we checked, only the VG27AQM5A and cheaper picks cost less, and the PG27AQDP cost more.
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 VG259QMRL5A at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's VG259QMRL5A runs a 24.5-inch 1080p Fast IPS panel at 310Hz and adds DisplayHDR 400 and a height-adjustable stand.
Best for
- Getting 310Hz overclocked refresh rate for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the MPG 271QRX offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It is the esports model in the TUF line. Its 310Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz) and ahead of the AW2726DL (280Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 24.5 inches, while the MPG 271QRX comes in at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution; compare the VG27AQM5A, which has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. Like the VG27AQM5A, it has a fast IPS panel, while the AW2726DL uses an IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers a DisplayHDR 400; compare the PG27AQDP, which has a DisplayHDR True Black 400.
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 undercut the AW2726DL and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 310Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height adjustment
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 Consider4 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Price-first buyers should look at the VG259QMRL5A, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the fastest 1440p model in the TUF range here. Its 300Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz) and ahead of the AW2726DL (280Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 271QRX and the AW2726DL at 27 inches.
Like the VG259QMRL5A, it has a fast IPS panel, while the PG27AQDP uses a WOLED panel. It is the only pick here with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut; the PG27AQDP has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut instead. It also comes with 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. Its price falls between the AW2726DL and the MPG 271QRX, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & 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 VG259QMRL5A at the time of writing
IPS Panel5 of 5
Alienware AW2726DL on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2726DL runs a 1440p IPS panel at 280Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz.
Why we like it
The maker publishes few details, so check the stand and ports on Dell's spec page. Its 280Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the PG27AQDP leads at 480Hz. On screen size it ties with the MPG 271QRX and the VG27AQM5A at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers an IPS panel; compare the VG259QMRL5A, which has 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper VG259QMRL5A and the pricier VG27AQM5A, at the time of writing.
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
- Refresh rate trails the PG27AQDP (480Hz)
- Costs more than the VG259QMRL5A at the time of writing
How We Chose These Monitors for Esports
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the PG27AQDP to the AW2726DL, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The VG259QMRL5A gives no response; the VG27AQM5A and the AW2726DL give no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the VG259QMRL5A ($150 to $250) to the PG27AQDP ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Monitor for Esports
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 280Hz on the AW2726DL to 480Hz on the PG27AQDP. For less, the MPG 271QRX is the runner-up at 360Hz.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 24.5 inches on the VG259QMRL5A to 27 inches on the MPG 271QRX. The VG27AQM5A comes second for less money.
Panel
The PG27AQDP lists WOLED; the MPG 271QRX lists QD-OLED; the VG259QMRL5A and the VG27AQM5A list Fast IPS; the AW2726DL lists IPS. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Response
The PG27AQDP and the MPG 271QRX list 0.03ms; the VG27AQM5A lists 0.3ms; the AW2726DL lists 1ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Fit and compatibility
To see 480Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. At 1080p, 310Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
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.
How to Choose a Monitor for Esports
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | PG27AQDP | The highest refresh rate here (480Hz) |
| Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel | MPG 271QRX | A QD-OLED panel |
| Getting 310Hz overclocked refresh rate for the least money | VG259QMRL5A | A lower price than the AW2726DL and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz | VG27AQM5A | 1440p at 300Hz |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | AW2726DL | An IPS panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The PG27AQDP leads on refresh rate at 480Hz, ahead of the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG27AQDP | 480Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | WOLED |
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| VG259QMRL5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| VG27AQM5A | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| AW2726DL | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The VG259QMRL5A was the lowest-priced pick and the PG27AQDP the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | VG259QMRL5A, AW2726DL |
| About $250 to $500 | VG27AQM5A |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 271QRX, PG27AQDP |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the MPG 271QRX compare with the PG27AQDP on refresh rate?
The PG27AQDP leads at 480Hz, with the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz. The AW2726DL is at the other end of this group with 280Hz.
Is the PG27AQDP worth paying more than the VG259QMRL5A?
On paper it adds refresh rate (480Hz against 310Hz) and screen size (26.5 inches against 24.5 inches). The VG259QMRL5A was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the AW2726DL the IPS Panel?
It earns the label for an IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants an IPS panel.
Do the PG27AQDP and the VG259QMRL5A differ on resolution?
The PG27AQDP, the MPG 271QRX, the VG27AQM5A and the AW2726DL use 2560x1440 (1440p); the VG259QMRL5A uses 1920x1080 (1080p).
What should I check before buying the VG27AQM5A?
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. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the PG27AQDP and the MPG 271QRX apart?
The PG27AQDP: a 480Hz refresh rate at 1440p. The MPG 271QRX: a built-in KVM switch. The VG259QMRL5A: a 310Hz overclocked refresh rate.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the PG27AQDP. Look at the MPG 271QRX for a QD-OLED panel, the VG259QMRL5A for a lower price than the AW2726DL and the rest when we checked and the VG27AQM5A for 1440p at 300Hz if those matter more to you.
Lower in-game settings to reach the refresh rate.