Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for Streaming
Five monitors compared, from the G2725D to the CU34G4H, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Streamers need room for the game plus chat and OBS. Every pick is 27 inches or larger at 1440p or ultrawide, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; where a maker leaves out panel, we say 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.
Lowest Price Here
Dell G2725D
Undercutting the MAG 274QF on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Rapid IPS Panel
MSI MAG 274QF E20
A rapid IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a rapid IPS panel.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 274QF E20 (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White)
The highest refresh rate here (240Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White) (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B
A height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for: Buyers who want height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide
The largest screen size here (34 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the MAG 274QF on price when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for Dell G2725D (opens in a new tab) |
| A rapid IPS panel. | Buyers who want a rapid IPS panel. | Check price for MSI MAG 274QF E20 (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (240Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White) (opens in a new tab) |
| A height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand. | Buyers who want height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (34 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Dell G2725D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G2725D offers 1440p at 180Hz with 99% sRGB at a very low price.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the CRUA 27 QHD offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
Dell doesn't name the panel type. Its 180Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the CRUA 27 QHD leads at 240Hz. On screen size it ties with the MAG 274QF, the CRUA 27 QHD and the 27G61ZB at 27 inches.
Like the 27G61ZB, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the CRUA 27 QHD uses a 120% sRGB color gamut. It shares a FreeSync with the CRUA 27 QHD; the CU34G4H goes with an adaptive-Sync. It also comes with 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing. It undercut the MAG 274QF and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the CRUA 27 QHD (240Hz)
Rapid IPS Panel2 of 5
MSI MAG 274QF E20 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MAG 274QF runs 1440p at 200Hz on a Rapid IPS panel with FreeSync Premium.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rapid IPS panel.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the G2725D, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is a balanced step down from the AOC. The Rapid IPS panel is rated at 0.5ms GtG. MSI's AI Vision mode lifts detail in dark scenes and boosts brightness and saturation.
It matches the 27G61ZB and the CU34G4H on refresh rate (200Hz). On screen size it ties with the G2725D, the CRUA 27 QHD and the 27G61ZB at 27 inches. It is the only pick here with a rapid IPS panel; the CRUA 27 QHD has an IPS panel instead.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Its price falls between the G2725D and the CRUA 27 QHD, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Rapid IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Rapid IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh3 of 5
CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
CRUA's 27-inch QHD monitor reaches 240Hz on an IPS panel at a budget price at the time of writing.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the G2725D cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also adds 120% sRGB coverage, built-in speakers and a white finish for a light-coloured desk. Nothing else here matches its 240Hz refresh rate; the MAG 274QF comes closest at 200Hz. On screen size it ties with the G2725D, the MAG 274QF and the 27G61ZB at 27 inches.
Like the 27G61ZB, it has an IPS panel, while the MAG 274QF uses a rapid IPS panel. It is the only pick here with a 120% sRGB color gamut; the G2725D has a 99% sRGB color gamut instead. It shares a FreeSync with the G2725D; the CU34G4H goes with an adaptive-Sync.
It also comes with HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs and a white finish with 75x75mm VESA mounting. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. Its price falls between the MAG 274QF and the 27G61ZB, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 120% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 120% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
Also Consider4 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's 27G61ZB is a 27-inch 1440p IPS screen at 200Hz on a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
That full stand is rare at about $200. It matches the MAG 274QF and the CU34G4H on refresh rate (200Hz). On screen size it ties with the G2725D, the MAG 274QF and the CRUA 27 QHD at 27 inches.
Like the CRUA 27 QHD, it has an IPS panel, while the MAG 274QF uses a rapid IPS panel. Like the G2725D, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the CRUA 27 QHD uses a 120% sRGB color gamut. It also offers narrow bezels.
Its price falls between the CRUA 27 QHD and the CU34G4H, based on our last check. If screen size is your priority, the CU34G4H (34 inches) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR10
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Screen size trails the CU34G4H (34 inches)
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size5 of 5
AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's CU34G4H is a 34-inch 3440x1440 VA ultrawide at 200Hz on a height, tilt and swivel stand.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
It is the lowest-priced ultrawide here at the time of writing. On refresh rate it ties with the MAG 274QF and the 27G61ZB at 200Hz. Nothing else here matches its 34 inches screen size; the G2725D comes closest at 27 inches.
A 3440x1440 resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the MAG 274QF uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. No other pick in this guide offers an adaptive-Sync; compare the G2725D, which has a FreeSync. Worth noting too: 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. At our last price check it topped the group, with the 27G61ZB the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 3440x1440
- Size: 34 inches
- Panel: VA
- Response: 0.3ms
- HDR: HDR
- Adaptive sync: Adaptive-Sync
- Stand: height, tilt and swivel
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- Adaptive-Sync to reduce screen tearing
- a stand with height, tilt and swivel
- 34-inch 1500R ultrawide
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
How We Chose These Monitors for Streaming
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 G2725D to the CU34G4H, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The G2725D gives no panel; the G2725D and the CRUA 27 QHD give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the G2725D ($100 to $150) to the CU34G4H ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Monitor for Streaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 180Hz on the G2725D to 240Hz on the CRUA 27 QHD. For less, the MAG 274QF is the runner-up at 200Hz.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 27 inches on the 27G61ZB to 34 inches on the CU34G4H. Start with the CU34G4H if screen size decides it.
Panel
The MAG 274QF lists Rapid IPS; the CRUA 27 QHD and the 27G61ZB list IPS; the CU34G4H lists VA. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Response
The MAG 274QF lists 0.5ms; the 27G61ZB lists 1ms; the CU34G4H lists 0.3ms.
Fit and compatibility
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
Check ports and cables
High refresh rates at 1440p and 4K need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. Consoles need HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz.
How to Choose a Monitor for Streaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | G2725D | Undercutting the MAG 274QF on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want a rapid IPS panel | MAG 274QF | A rapid IPS panel |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | CRUA 27 QHD | The highest refresh rate here (240Hz) |
| Buyers who want height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand | 27G61ZB | A height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand |
| Buyers who put screen size first | CU34G4H | The largest screen size here (34 inches) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The CRUA 27 QHD leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the MAG 274QF at 200Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G2725D | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| MAG 274QF | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
| CRUA 27 QHD | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 27G61ZB | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| CU34G4H | 200Hz | 3440x1440 | 34 inches | VA |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The G2725D was the lowest-priced pick and the CU34G4H the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | G2725D |
| About $150 to $250 | MAG 274QF, CRUA 27 QHD, 27G61ZB, CU34G4H |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the MAG 274QF compare with the CRUA 27 QHD on refresh rate?
The CRUA 27 QHD leads at 240Hz, with the MAG 274QF at 200Hz. The G2725D is at the other end of this group with 180Hz.
Is the CU34G4H ahead of the G2725D on screen size?
The CU34G4H leads at 34 inches, with the G2725D at 27 inches.
Is the CU34G4H worth paying more than the G2725D?
On paper it adds refresh rate (200Hz against 180Hz) and screen size (34 inches against 27 inches). The G2725D was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the MAG 274QF the Rapid IPS Panel?
It earns the label for a rapid IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants a rapid IPS panel.
Do the G2725D and the CU34G4H differ on resolution?
The G2725D, the MAG 274QF, the CRUA 27 QHD and the 27G61ZB use 2560x1440 (1440p); the CU34G4H uses 3440x1440.
What should I check before buying the CRUA 27 QHD?
To see 240Hz 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 Fastest Refresh pick.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the G2725D, chosen for undercutting the MAG 274QF on price when we checked. Look at the MAG 274QF for a rapid IPS panel, the 27G61ZB for a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand and the CU34G4H for the largest screen size here (34 inches) if those matter more to you.
Use a second monitor for chat if you can.