Buying Guide
The Best NVIDIA G-SYNC Gaming Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the PG27AQDP has the highest refresh rate, and the 25G51Z costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
G-SYNC support keeps NVIDIA cards tear-free when frame rates move around. Every monitor here lists G-SYNC support and refreshes at 120Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
We ranked these monitors on refresh rate, resolution and size using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and where a maker leaves out response, we say so.
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: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP (opens in a new tab)
QD-OLED Panel
ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG
A QD-OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AOC 25G51Z
A lower price than the Q27G41ZE and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Also Consider
AOC Q27G41ZE
An overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Best for: Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Fast IPS Panel
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A
A fast IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (480Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | 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 ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the Q27G41ZE and the rest when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for AOC 25G51Z (opens in a new tab) |
| An overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate. | Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate. | Check price for AOC Q27G41ZE (opens in a new tab) |
| A fast IPS panel. | Buyers who want a fast IPS panel. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A (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
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
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 480Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the XG27ACDNG comes next at 360Hz. On screen size it ties with the XG27ACDNG at 26.5 inches. Like the XG27ACDNG and Q27G41ZE, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the 25G51Z uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
No other pick in this guide offers a WOLED panel; compare the Q27G41ZE, which has an IPS panel. Like the XG27ACDNG, it has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the VG279QM5A uses a 99% sRGB 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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper VG279QM5A and the pricier XG27ACDNG, at the time of writing.
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 25G51Z at the time of writing
QD-OLED Panel2 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27ACDNG runs a QD-OLED panel at 360Hz with True Black 400 HDR and a 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It is the balanced pick for competitive play. Its 360Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the PG27AQDP (480Hz) and ahead of the VG279QM5A (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the PG27AQDP at 26.5 inches.
Like the PG27AQDP and Q27G41ZE, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the 25G51Z uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. It is the only pick here with a QD-OLED panel; the PG27AQDP has a WOLED panel instead. Like the PG27AQDP, it has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the VG279QM5A uses a 99% sRGB color gamut.
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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
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 25G51Z at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
AOC 25G51Z on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 25G51Z reaches 260Hz overclocked on a 25-inch IPS panel, the highest refresh here.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the Q27G41ZE offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 260Hz: the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz, and the VG279QM5A comes in at 240Hz. Its 25 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the Q27G41ZE leads at 27 inches. It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the VG279QM5A; the PG27AQDP goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
It shares an IPS panel with the Q27G41ZE; the PG27AQDP goes with a WOLED panel. At 1080p, 260Hz 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Q27G41ZE was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 260Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 25 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 260Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
- 0.5ms response, the only one here
Cons
- Screen size trails the Q27G41ZE (27 inches)
Also Consider4 of 5
AOC Q27G41ZE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Q27G41ZE runs 1440p at 240Hz natively, with an overclocked 260Hz mode, on an IPS panel.
Best for
- Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the 25G51Z was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is rare to see that combination at this price. It matches the VG279QM5A on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the VG279QM5A at 27 inches.
Like the PG27AQDP and XG27ACDNG, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the 25G51Z uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. It also comes with DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper 25G51Z and the pricier VG279QM5A, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the 25G51Z at the time of writing
Fast IPS Panel5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG279QM5A is built around a 27-inch 1080p panel at 240Hz, with a 3-year warranty on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 240Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. Like the 25G51Z, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the XG27ACDNG uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a fast IPS panel; compare the 25G51Z, which has an IPS panel.
No other pick in this guide offers a 99% sRGB color gamut; compare the PG27AQDP, which has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. At 1080p, 240Hz 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.
On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Q27G41ZE and the pricier PG27AQDP, at the time of writing. The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the PG27AQDP offers 480Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 240Hz 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
- Refresh rate trails the PG27AQDP (480Hz)
- Costs more than the 25G51Z at the time of writing
How We Chose These NVIDIA G-SYNC Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the PG27AQDP to the VG279QM5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The VG279QM5A gives no response; the 25G51Z, the Q27G41ZE and the VG279QM5A give no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the 25G51Z ($100 to $150) to the XG27ACDNG ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in an NVIDIA G-SYNC Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the VG279QM5A to 480Hz on the PG27AQDP. Start with the PG27AQDP if refresh rate decides it.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 25 inches on the 25G51Z to 27 inches on the Q27G41ZE. The Q27G41ZE is the pick for screen size.
Panel
The PG27AQDP lists WOLED; the XG27ACDNG lists QD-OLED; the 25G51Z and the Q27G41ZE list IPS; the VG279QM5A lists Fast IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Response
The PG27AQDP and the XG27ACDNG list 0.03ms; the 25G51Z lists 0.5ms; the Q27G41ZE lists 0.3ms.
Extras that separate them
The 25G51Z: an overclocked 260Hz refresh rate. The Q27G41ZE: DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. The VG279QM5A: a 3-year warranty.
How to Choose an NVIDIA G-SYNC Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | PG27AQDP | The highest refresh rate here (480Hz) |
| Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel | XG27ACDNG | A QD-OLED panel |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | 25G51Z | A lower price than the Q27G41ZE and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate | Q27G41ZE | An overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | VG279QM5A | A fast IPS panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The PG27AQDP leads on refresh rate at 480Hz, ahead of the XG27ACDNG at 360Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG27AQDP | 480Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | WOLED |
| XG27ACDNG | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| 25G51Z | 260Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 25 inches | IPS |
| Q27G41ZE | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| VG279QM5A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The 25G51Z was the lowest-priced pick and the XG27ACDNG the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | 25G51Z |
| About $150 to $250 | Q27G41ZE, VG279QM5A |
| About $500 to $1000 | PG27AQDP, XG27ACDNG |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the XG27ACDNG compare with the PG27AQDP on refresh rate?
The PG27AQDP leads at 480Hz, with the XG27ACDNG at 360Hz. The VG279QM5A is at the other end of this group with 240Hz.
What does the XG27ACDNG add over the 25G51Z?
On paper it adds refresh rate (360Hz against 260Hz) and screen size (26.5 inches against 25 inches). The 25G51Z was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the XG27ACDNG our QD-OLED Panel pick?
It earns the label for a QD-OLED panel. It suits anyone who wants a QD-OLED panel.
Do the PG27AQDP and the 25G51Z differ on resolution?
The PG27AQDP, the XG27ACDNG and the Q27G41ZE use 2560x1440 (1440p); the 25G51Z and the VG279QM5A use 1920x1080 (1080p).
What extras do the PG27AQDP and the XG27ACDNG include?
The PG27AQDP: a 480Hz refresh rate at 1440p. The XG27ACDNG: a 3-year warranty on an OLED panel. The 25G51Z: an overclocked 260Hz refresh rate.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the PG27AQDP. Look at the XG27ACDNG for a QD-OLED panel, the 25G51Z for a lower price than the Q27G41ZE and the rest when we checked and the Q27G41ZE for an overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate if those matter more to you.
Use the cable in the box; older cables can cap the refresh rate.