Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for Esports
From the VG259QMR5A to the MPG 271QR X50: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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 HDR is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500HzA 500Hz refresh rate.
Best for: Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate.
Check price for INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the VG259QMR5A costs less.
Check price for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5AThe cheapest way into this group, below the C27G4ZH.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the C27G4ZH the next step up.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
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)
VA Panel
AOC C27G4ZH CurvedA VA panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a VA panel.
Check price for AOC C27G4ZH Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz
The INNOCN GA27M1Q is built around a 500Hz refresh rate, with a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the MPG 271QR X50 on refresh rate (500Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 271QR X50, the VG27AQM5A and the C27G4ZH at 27 inches.
Like the MPG 271QR X50 and VG27AQM5A, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the VG259QMR5A uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. Like the MPG 271QR X50, it has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the VG259QMR5A uses a 99% sRGB color gamut. To see 500Hz 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. Its price falls between the VG27AQM5A and the MPG 271QR X50, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 500Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 500Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50
The MPG 271QR X50 stands out for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs, and it adds a 98W USB-C port.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the VG259QMR5A costs less.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It also offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it ties with the INNOCN GA27M1Q at 500Hz. It matches the INNOCN GA27M1Q, the VG27AQM5A and the C27G4ZH on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the INNOCN GA27M1Q and VG27AQM5A; the C27G4ZH goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the INNOCN GA27M1Q; the VG27AQM5A goes with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. To see 500Hz 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 INNOCN GA27M1Q the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 500Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 500
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- a 500Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A
The VG259QMR5A is the esports pick, with a 310Hz Fast IPS panel at 1080p and a 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the C27G4ZH the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
The 24.5-inch fast IPS panel overclocks to 310Hz and lists a 0.3ms response, with FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 310Hz: the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 500Hz, and the C27G4ZH comes in at 280Hz. Its 24.5 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the INNOCN GA27M1Q leads at 27 inches.
It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the C27G4ZH; the MPG 271QR X50 goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It shares a fast IPS panel with the VG27AQM5A; the MPG 271QR X50 goes with a QD-OLED panel. A 99% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the INNOCN GA27M1Q uses a 99% DCI-P3 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the C27G4ZH was closest.
Key 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
- Screen size trails the INNOCN GA27M1Q (27 inches)
The catch
Screen size is its weakest area, and the INNOCN GA27M1Q covers it better at 27 inches.
Strong Alternative4 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
- Price-first buyers should look at the VG259QMR5A, 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 INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz) and ahead of the C27G4ZH (280Hz). On screen size it ties with the INNOCN GA27M1Q, the MPG 271QR X50 and the C27G4ZH at 27 inches.
Like the INNOCN GA27M1Q and MPG 271QR X50, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the VG259QMR5A uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. It is the only pick here with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut; the MPG 271QR X50 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 C27G4ZH and the INNOCN GA27M1Q, based on our last check.
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 VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
VA Panel5 of 5
AOC C27G4ZH Curved
AOC's C27G4ZH curves a 27-inch 1080p VA panel and runs it at 280Hz on a height, tilt and swivel stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want a VA panel.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
It trades resolution for speed. It refreshes at 280Hz with a 0.3ms response time. The 1500R curve wraps the image around your view.
The 1500R curve keeps the corners of the 27-inch panel in view. Its 280Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the INNOCN GA27M1Q leads at 500Hz. On screen size it ties with the INNOCN GA27M1Q, the MPG 271QR X50 and the VG27AQM5A at 27 inches.
Like the VG259QMR5A, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the VG27AQM5A uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a VA panel; compare the VG259QMR5A, which has a fast IPS panel. You also get VESA mounting.
At 1080p, 280Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper VG259QMR5A and the pricier VG27AQM5A, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 280Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- VA
- Response
- 0.3ms
- HDR
- HDR
- Stand
- height, tilt and swivel
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a stand with height, tilt and swivel
- 280Hz on a 1500R curve
- Height-adjustable stand
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Refresh rate trails the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz)
- Costs more than the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 500Hz.
How We Chose These Monitors for Esports
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.
- 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, and HDR and color gamut are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the INNOCN GA27M1Q to the C27G4ZH, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The INNOCN GA27M1Q, the VG259QMR5A and the VG27AQM5A give no HDR; the C27G4ZH gives no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the VG259QMR5A ($150 to $250) to the MPG 271QR X50 ($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 C27G4ZH to 500Hz on the INNOCN GA27M1Q, a 79% spread. If refresh rate is your first filter, the INNOCN GA27M1Q sets the ceiling at 500Hz.
How much screen size you need
The INNOCN GA27M1Q tops screen size at 27 inches and the VG259QMR5A sits lowest at 24.5 inches; 4 picks share the top figure. Start with the INNOCN GA27M1Q if screen size decides it.
A gaming monitor above a keyboard and mouse on a black desk Panel
The INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 list QD-OLED; the VG259QMR5A and the VG27AQM5A list Fast IPS; the C27G4ZH lists VA. Sort out panel before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 2, 2 and 1.
Response
The INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 list 0.03ms; the VG259QMR5A, the VG27AQM5A and the C27G4ZH list 0.3ms. Sort out response before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 3 and 2.
A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures Features beyond the spec table
The VG259QMR5A: a 310Hz refresh rate for esports. The VG27AQM5A: built-in speakers. The C27G4ZH: a height-adjustable stand.
How to Choose a Monitor for Esports
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate | INNOCN GA27M1Q | A 500Hz refresh rate |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the VG259QMR5A costs less | MPG 271QR X50 | DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs at the highest price in the group |
| Spending as little as possible, with the C27G4ZH the next step up | VG259QMR5A | The cheapest way into this group, below the C27G4ZH |
| Buyers who want 1440p at 300Hz | VG27AQM5A | 1440p at 300Hz |
| Buyers who want a VA panel | C27G4ZH | A VA panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The INNOCN GA27M1Q leads on refresh rate at 500Hz, ahead of the MPG 271QR X50 at 500Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INNOCN GA27M1Q | 500Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 271QR X50 | 500Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| VG259QMR5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
| VG27AQM5A | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| C27G4ZH | 280Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | VA |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the VG259QMR5A, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the MPG 271QR X50 at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | VG259QMR5A, C27G4ZH |
| About $250 to $500 | VG27AQM5A |
| About $500 to $1000 | INNOCN GA27M1Q, MPG 271QR X50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MPG 271QR X50 worth paying more than the VG259QMR5A?
On paper it adds refresh rate (500Hz against 310Hz) and screen size (27 inches against 24.5 inches). The VG259QMR5A sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the MPG 271QR X50 in the $500 to $1000 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 VG259QMR5A the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the C27G4ZH. It makes sense for spending as little as possible, with the C27G4ZH the next step up.
Do the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the VG259QMR5A differ on resolution?
The INNOCN GA27M1Q, the MPG 271QR X50 and the VG27AQM5A use 2560x1440 (1440p); the VG259QMR5A and the C27G4ZH use 1920x1080 (1080p).
Beyond the specs, what sets the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 apart?
The INNOCN GA27M1Q: a 500Hz refresh rate. The MPG 271QR X50: DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs. The VG259QMR5A: a 310Hz refresh rate for esports.
Who should choose the C27G4ZH?
The C27G4ZH carries our VA Panel label for a VA panel. It ranks fifth of 5 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who wants a VA panel.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the INNOCN GA27M1Q, chosen for a 500Hz refresh rate. Look at the MPG 271QR X50 for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs at the highest price in the group, the VG259QMR5A for the cheapest way into this group, below the C27G4ZH and the VG27AQM5A for 1440p at 300Hz if those matter more to you.
Lower in-game settings to reach the refresh rate.
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 Budget Gaming Monitors
- Similar guideThe Best 144Hz Monitors
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1080p Monitor
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1440p Monitor
- Also see: graphics cardsHow to Buy a Used Graphics Card Safely
- Similar guideThe Best 165Hz Monitors
- Topic hubAll gaming monitors 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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