Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for Streaming
Five monitors compared, from the G2725D to the CU34G4H, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Dell G2725DUndercutting the MAG 274QF on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MAG 274QF.
Check price for Dell G2725D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI MAG 274QF E20A 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p.
Best for: Buyers who want 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p.
Check price for MSI MAG 274QF E20 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
GIGABYTE M27Q2A quantum dot SuperSpeed IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want quantum dot SuperSpeed IPS panel.
Check price for GIGABYTE M27Q2 on Amazon (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.
Check price for CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
AOC CU34G4H Curved UltrawideThe largest screen size here (34 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Check price for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Dell G2725D
The G2725D offers 1440p at 180Hz with 99% sRGB at a very low price.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MAG 274QF.
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 Gigabyte M27Q2 and the CRUA 27 QHD at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a 99% sRGB color gamut; compare the Gigabyte M27Q2, which has a 99% DCI-P3 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 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)
The catch
The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the CRUA 27 QHD offers 240Hz.
Also Consider2 of 5
MSI MAG 274QF E20
The MAG 274QF runs 1440p at 200Hz on a Rapid IPS panel with FreeSync Premium.
Best for
- Buyers who want 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p.
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 Gigabyte M27Q2 and the CU34G4H on refresh rate (200Hz). On screen size it ties with the G2725D, the Gigabyte M27Q2 and the CRUA 27 QHD at 27 inches. It is the only pick here with a rapid IPS panel; the Gigabyte M27Q2 has a SuperSpeed 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 Gigabyte M27Q2, based on our last check.
Key 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
Strong Alternative3 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 want quantum dot SuperSpeed IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the G2725D cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 200Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. 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.
It is the only pick here with a SuperSpeed IPS panel; the CU34G4H has a VA panel instead. It is the only pick here with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut; the G2725D has a 99% sRGB color gamut instead. A FreeSync Premium is unique to it among these picks, while the CU34G4H uses an adaptive-Sync. Its price falls between the MAG 274QF and the CRUA 27 QHD, based on our last check.
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
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh4 of 5
CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White)
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 screen size matters most to you; the CU34G4H offers 34 inches.
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 Gigabyte M27Q2 at 27 inches.
It is the only pick here with an IPS panel; the Gigabyte M27Q2 has a SuperSpeed IPS panel instead. 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 Gigabyte M27Q2 and the CU34G4H, based on our last check.
Key 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
- Screen size trails the CU34G4H (34 inches)
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
The catch
If screen size is your priority, the CU34G4H (34 inches) is the stronger choice.
Largest Screen Size5 of 5
AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide
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 Gigabyte M27Q2 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 CRUA 27 QHD, which has a FreeSync. You also get this: 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. At our last price check it topped the group, with the CRUA 27 QHD the nearest cheaper option.
Key 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
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 panel and response are missing for at least one pick.
- 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
Across these 5 picks refresh rate spans 180Hz (the G2725D) to 240Hz (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 CRUA 27 QHD to 34 inches on the CU34G4H, a 26% spread. Start with the CU34G4H if screen size decides it.
A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop Panel
The MAG 274QF lists Rapid IPS; the Gigabyte M27Q2 lists SuperSpeed IPS; the CRUA 27 QHD lists IPS; the CU34G4H lists VA. Settling panel first narrows 4 picks to 1, 1 or 1 or 1.
Response
The MAG 274QF lists 0.5ms; the Gigabyte M27Q2 lists 1ms; the CU34G4H lists 0.3ms.
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop Features beyond the spec table
The Gigabyte M27Q2: 210Hz when overclocked. The CRUA 27 QHD: built-in speakers. The CU34G4H: 200Hz at 3440x1440.
How to Choose a Monitor for Streaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MAG 274QF | G2725D | Undercutting the MAG 274QF on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p | MAG 274QF | A 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p |
| Buyers who want quantum dot SuperSpeed IPS panel | Gigabyte M27Q2 | A quantum dot SuperSpeed IPS panel |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | CRUA 27 QHD | The highest refresh rate here (240Hz) |
| 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" marks panel where the G2725D leaves the 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 |
| Gigabyte M27Q2 | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | SuperSpeed IPS |
| CRUA 27 QHD | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| CU34G4H | 200Hz | 3440x1440 | 34 inches | VA |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the G2725D, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the CU34G4H at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | G2725D |
| About $150 to $250 | MAG 274QF, Gigabyte M27Q2, CRUA 27 QHD, CU34G4H |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the MAG 274QF compare with the CRUA 27 QHD on refresh rate?
Between the top two, it is 240Hz on the CRUA 27 QHD against 200Hz on the MAG 274QF, a 20% difference. The G2725D closes the ranking at 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?
The spec sheets show refresh rate (200Hz against 180Hz) and screen size (34 inches against 27 inches) in its favour. The G2725D sat in the $100 to $150 tier and the CU34G4H in the $150 to $250 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 CRUA 27 QHD the Fastest Refresh?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (240Hz). The MAG 274QF is next on refresh rate at 200Hz, so this pick's 240Hz is 20% further out. The G2725D, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Do the G2725D and the CU34G4H differ on resolution?
The G2725D, the MAG 274QF, the Gigabyte M27Q2 and the CRUA 27 QHD use 2560x1440 (1440p); the CU34G4H uses 3440x1440.
Beyond the specs, what sets the G2725D and the MAG 274QF apart?
The G2725D: 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing. The MAG 274QF: a 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p. The Gigabyte M27Q2: a quantum dot SuperSpeed IPS panel.
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 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p, the Gigabyte M27Q2 for a quantum dot SuperSpeed IPS panel 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.
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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