Buying Guide
The Best HDR Monitors
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the XG27AQMR has the highest refresh rate; the AW2723DF is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Real HDR needs high brightness or OLED blacks; DisplayHDR 600, 1000 or True Black ratings show it. Every pick carries one, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; if a maker skips panel, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Alienware AW2723DF
Undercutting the XG27AQMR on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2723DF (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR
The highest refresh rate here (300Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution
A dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution (opens in a new tab)
OLED Panel
LG UltraGear 27GS93QE OLED
An OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an OLED panel.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27GS93QE OLED (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch
The largest screen size here (37 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the XG27AQMR on price when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for Alienware AW2723DF (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (300Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR (opens in a new tab) |
| A dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz. | Buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz. | Check price for Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution (opens in a new tab) |
| An OLED panel. | Buyers who want an OLED panel. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27GS93QE OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (37 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Alienware AW2723DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2723DF is an IPS monitor with DisplayHDR 600, 95% DCI-P3 and a 280Hz overclock mode, on a fully adjustable stand.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the XG27AQMR (300Hz).
Why we like it
It matches the 27GS93QE on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the XG27AQMR, the AW2725QF and the 27GS93QE at 27 inches. Like the XG27AQMR and 27GS93QE, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2725QF uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
Like the AW2725QF, it has an IPS panel, while the XG27AQMR uses a fast IPS panel. You get a G-SYNC Compatible here, which sets it apart from the 27GS93QE and its a FreeSync Premium. To see 240Hz 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 undercut the XG27AQMR and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the XG27AQMR (300Hz). If that matters, the XG27AQMR offers 300Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height, swivel and pivot adjustment
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the XG27AQMR (300Hz)
Fastest Refresh2 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27AQMR runs a Fast IPS panel at 300Hz with DisplayHDR 600, a strong HDR rating for IPS.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the AW2723DF was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED's burn-in concerns for desktop-heavy use. Its 300Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the AW2723DF comes next at 240Hz. It matches the AW2723DF, the AW2725QF and the 27GS93QE on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the AW2723DF and 27GS93QE; the Odyssey G7 37 goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. A fast IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2725QF uses an IPS panel. It also offers DCI-P3 wide colour coverage.
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. When we checked, only the AW2723DF cost less, and the AW2725QF cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 300Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 300Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Costs more than the AW2723DF at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2725QF is a 27-inch 4K IPS screen at 180Hz with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the AW2723DF, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED burn-in concerns while keeping 4K sharpness. Its 180Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the XG27AQMR (300Hz) and ahead of the Odyssey G7 37 (165Hz). On screen size it ties with the AW2723DF, the XG27AQMR and the 27GS93QE at 27 inches.
Like the Odyssey G7 37, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the 27GS93QE uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. Like the AW2723DF, it has an IPS panel, while the XG27AQMR uses a fast IPS panel. It also offers a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz and Dolby Vision support.
Reaching 180Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Its price falls between the XG27AQMR and the 27GS93QE, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Costs more than the AW2723DF at the time of writing
OLED Panel4 of 5
LG UltraGear 27GS93QE OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LG's 27GS93QE is a 27-inch 1440p OLED at 240Hz with DisplayHDR True Black 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want an 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
It is a lower-priced LG OLED with a two-year warranty. It is DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified with a 1.5 million to 1 contrast ratio, and the stand adjusts for height, tilt and pivot. Gamer, FPS and RTS modes tune the picture.
Its virtually borderless design saves space on a crowded desk. It matches the AW2723DF on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the AW2723DF, the XG27AQMR and the AW2725QF at 27 inches.
Like the AW2723DF and XG27AQMR, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2725QF uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. It is the only pick here with an OLED panel; the AW2725QF has an IPS panel instead. It also comes with an anti-glare low-reflection OLED coating and an HDMI 2.1 input.
Its price falls between the AW2725QF and the Odyssey G7 37, based on our last check. If screen size is your priority, the Odyssey G7 37 (37 inches) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
- Warranty: 2-year
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Screen size trails the Odyssey G7 37 (37 inches)
- Costs more than the AW2723DF at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size5 of 5
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's Odyssey G7 37 is a 37-inch 4K screen at 165Hz with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the XG27AQMR offers 300Hz.
Why we like it
It sits between a 32-inch monitor and a TV in size. On refresh rate it trails the group at 165Hz, while the XG27AQMR offers 300Hz. Nothing else here matches its 37 inches screen size; the AW2723DF comes closest at 27 inches.
It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the AW2725QF; the AW2723DF goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It also comes with a 37-inch 1000R curve. Reaching 165Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Only the 27GS93QE came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 37 inches
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
- 37-inch 1000R curve
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the XG27AQMR (300Hz)
- Costs more than the AW2723DF at the time of writing
How We Chose These HDR Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the AW2723DF to the Odyssey G7 37, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Odyssey G7 37 gives no panel; the XG27AQMR, the 27GS93QE and the Odyssey G7 37 give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the AW2723DF ($250 to $500) to the Odyssey G7 37 ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in an HDR Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 165Hz on the Odyssey G7 37 to 300Hz on the XG27AQMR. The AW2723DF comes second for less money.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 27 inches on the 27GS93QE to 37 inches on the Odyssey G7 37. The Odyssey G7 37 is the pick for screen size.
Panel
The AW2723DF and the AW2725QF list IPS; the XG27AQMR lists Fast IPS; the 27GS93QE lists OLED.
Response
The AW2723DF, the XG27AQMR and the Odyssey G7 37 list 1ms; the AW2725QF lists 0.5ms; the 27GS93QE lists 0.03ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Fit and compatibility
To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. Reaching 180Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
How to Choose an HDR Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | AW2723DF | Undercutting the XG27AQMR on price when we checked |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | XG27AQMR | The highest refresh rate here (300Hz) |
| Buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz | AW2725QF | A dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz |
| Buyers who want an OLED panel | 27GS93QE | An OLED panel |
| Buyers who put screen size first | Odyssey G7 37 | The largest screen size here (37 inches) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The XG27AQMR leads on refresh rate at 300Hz, ahead of the AW2723DF at 240Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2723DF | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| XG27AQMR | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| AW2725QF | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 27GS93QE | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | OLED |
| Odyssey G7 37 | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 37 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The AW2723DF was the lowest-priced pick and the Odyssey G7 37 the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | AW2723DF, XG27AQMR, AW2725QF, 27GS93QE |
| About $500 to $1000 | Odyssey G7 37 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the AW2723DF compare with the XG27AQMR on refresh rate?
The XG27AQMR leads at 300Hz, with the AW2723DF at 240Hz. The Odyssey G7 37 is at the other end of this group with 165Hz.
Which has the largest screen size: the Odyssey G7 37 or the AW2723DF?
The Odyssey G7 37 leads at 37 inches, with the AW2723DF at 27 inches.
What does the Odyssey G7 37 add over the AW2723DF?
On paper it adds screen size (37 inches against 27 inches). It does not win everywhere: the AW2723DF still leads on refresh rate (240Hz). The AW2723DF was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the XG27AQMR our Fastest Refresh pick?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (300Hz). It suits esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the AW2723DF and the AW2725QF differ on resolution?
The AW2723DF, the XG27AQMR and the 27GS93QE use 2560x1440 (1440p); the AW2725QF and the Odyssey G7 37 use 3840x2160 (4K).
Will the AW2723DF work with my setup?
To see 240Hz 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 first of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2723DF, chosen for undercutting the XG27AQMR on price when we checked. Look at the AW2725QF for a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz, the 27GS93QE for an OLED panel and the Odyssey G7 37 for the largest screen size here (37 inches) if those matter more to you.
Enable HDR in Windows and calibrate with the Windows HDR app.