Buying Guide
The Best QD-OLED Monitors
From the Q27GAZDV to the MO27U2: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
QD-OLED panels combine per-pixel black levels with bright, saturated colour. Every pick offers a QD-OLED panel, ordered by refresh rate.
We sorted these picks by refresh rate, resolution and size, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips HDR, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED
A built-in KVM switch.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in KVM switch.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Swivel and Pivot Stand
Alienware AW2725DF
A swivel and pivot stand.
Best for: Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725DF (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor
The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED
Dolby Vision support.
Best for: Buyers who want Dolby Vision support.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
GIGABYTE MO27U2
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE MO27U2 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A built-in KVM switch. | Buyers who want built-in KVM switch. | Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A swivel and pivot stand. | Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand. | Check price for Alienware AW2725DF (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab) |
| Dolby Vision support. | Buyers who want Dolby Vision support. | Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for GIGABYTE MO27U2 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MPG 271QRX adds a KVM switch to a 360Hz QD-OLED panel with True Black 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in KVM switch.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its built-in KVM switches a keyboard and mouse between two computers, and the stand adjusts for ergonomics. On refresh rate it ties with the AW2725DF at 360Hz. It matches the Q27GAZDV and the MO27U2 on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the AW2725DF and Q27GAZDV; the MO27U2 goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. It also offers HDMI 2.1 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. 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. It was priced above the AW2725Q and below the AW2725DF at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
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 Q27GAZDV at the time of writing
Swivel and Pivot Stand2 of 5
Alienware AW2725DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2725DF pushes a QD-OLED panel to 360Hz at 1440p.
Best for
- Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand.
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 suits competitive players with a graphics card that can hold very high frame rates. On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz. It matches the AW2725Q on screen size (26.7 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the MPG 271QRX and Q27GAZDV; the MO27U2 goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW2725Q and MO27U2; the Q27GAZDV goes with a 110% DCI-P3 color gamut. Like the MO27U2, it has a FreeSync Premium Pro, while the Q27GAZDV uses a G-SYNC Compatible.
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. It was priced above the MPG 271QRX and below the MO27U2 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 26.7 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
- Stand: swivel and pivot
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 Q27GAZDV at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's Q27GAZDV pairs a 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a 0.03ms response time and a stand that adjusts for height, tilt, swivel and pivot.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs cover a PC and a current console on one screen, and a USB 3.2 hub sits in the monitor. It matches the AW2725Q and the MO27U2 on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 271QRX and the MO27U2 at 27 inches.
Like the MPG 271QRX and AW2725DF, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2725Q uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. It is the only pick here with a 110% DCI-P3 color gamut; the AW2725Q has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut instead. A G-SYNC Compatible is unique to it among these picks, while the MO27U2 uses a FreeSync Premium Pro.
It also offers a USB 3.2 hub and VESA mount compatibility. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the AW2725Q was the next step up. The main gap: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz). If that matters, the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Color gamut: 110% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 110% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz)
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2725Q is a 26.7-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with USB-C and a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want Dolby Vision support.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It has one of the most adjustable stands among the OLED models here. On refresh rate it ties with the Q27GAZDV and the MO27U2 at 240Hz. It matches the AW2725DF on screen size (26.7 inches).
It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the MO27U2; the MPG 271QRX goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW2725DF and MO27U2; the Q27GAZDV goes with a 110% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also offers Dolby Vision support, 166 PPI at 4K and USB-C with 15W power delivery.
Reaching 240Hz 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. When we checked, only the Q27GAZDV cost less, and the MPG 271QRX cost more. Screen size is its weakest area, and the MPG 271QRX covers it better at 27 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 26.7 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Screen size trails the MPG 271QRX (27 inches)
- Costs more than the Q27GAZDV at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
GIGABYTE MO27U2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MO27U2 uses a QD-OLED panel at 4K and 240Hz, the fastest here, with 99% DCI-P3.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
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 needs a top-end card to use it fully. On refresh rate it ties with the Q27GAZDV and the AW2725Q at 240Hz. It matches the MPG 271QRX and the Q27GAZDV on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the AW2725Q; the AW2725DF goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW2725DF and AW2725Q; the Q27GAZDV goes with a 110% DCI-P3 color gamut. Like the AW2725DF, it has a FreeSync Premium Pro, while the Q27GAZDV uses a G-SYNC Compatible.
Reaching 240Hz 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 AW2725DF came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 271QRX (360Hz)
- Costs more than the Q27GAZDV at the time of writing
How We Chose These QD-OLED Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
What to Look for in a QD-OLED Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Decide on screen size first
Among these picks, screen size runs from 26.7 inches on the AW2725Q to 27 inches on the MPG 271QRX. Settle how much you need before comparing prices, since paying for more rarely helps if your use never reaches it.
Match resolution to your graphics card
1080p suits entry and mid-range cards and high refresh rates. 1440p is the balance for most gaming PCs. 4K needs a high-end card to hold high frame rates.
Pick the resolution your card can drive before looking at refresh rate.
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.
Read HDR labels carefully
HDR10 means the monitor accepts an HDR signal, not that it displays it well. DisplayHDR 600 or True Black 400 certifications say more about real HDR performance.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
How to Choose a QD-OLED Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want built-in KVM switch | MPG 271QRX | A built-in KVM switch |
| Buyers who want a swivel and pivot stand | AW2725DF | A swivel and pivot stand |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | Q27GAZDV | The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want Dolby Vision support | AW2725Q | Dolby Vision support |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | MO27U2 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| AW2725DF | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| Q27GAZDV | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| AW2725Q | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| MO27U2 | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Q27GAZDV |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q, MPG 271QRX, AW2725DF, MO27U2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these monitors has the highest refresh rate?
The MPG 271QRX leads at 360Hz, ahead of the AW2725DF at 360Hz; the MO27U2 sits at the other end with 240Hz.
What is the least I can spend on one of these monitors?
The Q27GAZDV. It undercut the AW2725Q when we checked, while the MO27U2 cost the most of the group.
Do I need a GPU that matches the refresh rate?
To benefit fully, yes. A 240Hz monitor still feels smoother at 150fps than a 144Hz one, but the gains shrink when frame rates are far below the refresh rate.
Does a FreeSync monitor work with an NVIDIA card?
Most do as G-SYNC Compatible over DisplayPort. Check the product page or NVIDIA's compatibility list for the model.
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort?
On a PC, DisplayPort usually supports the highest refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 is equivalent and needed for consoles.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MPG 271QRX, chosen for a built-in KVM switch. Look at the AW2725DF for a swivel and pivot stand, the Q27GAZDV for the lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing and the AW2725Q for Dolby Vision support if those matter more to you.
Use the monitor's pixel-refresh features to reduce burn-in risk.