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Buying Guide

The Best QD-OLED Monitors

From the Gigabyte MO27Q2A to the MPG 271QR X50: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read5 products evaluated

Desktop monitors on monitor arms above a wooden desk with keyboards and mice
Illustrative image
Jump to
  1. Quick Picks
  2. Our Picks
  3. How We Chose
  4. What to Look For
  5. Comparison
  6. FAQ

QD-OLED panels combine per-pixel black levels with bright, saturated colour. Every pick has 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 response, the guide says so.

Quick Picks

Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Also Consider

    INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz

    A 500Hz refresh rate.

    Best for: Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate.

    Check price for INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  2. Premium Pick

    MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50

    DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs at the highest price in the group.

    Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Gigabyte MO27Q2A costs less.

    Check price for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  3. Strong Alternative

    Alienware AW2725DF

    A 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p.

    Best for: Buyers who want 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p.

    Check price for Alienware AW2725DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  4. Lowest Price Here

    GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED

    A lower price than the AW2725DF and the rest when we checked.

    Best for: Getting AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in for the least money.

    Check price for GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  5. Largest Screen Size

    MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED

    The largest screen size here (31.5 inches).

    Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.

    Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Also Consider1 of 5

INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz

The INNOCN GA27M1Q is built around a 500Hz refresh rate, with a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio on top.

Best for

Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Check price on Amazon for INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz (opens in a new tab)
INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz

Why we like it

On the spec sheet, it offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the MPG 271QR X50 on refresh rate (500Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 271QR X50 and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A at 27 inches.

You get a G-SYNC Compatible here, which sets it apart from the Gigabyte MO27Q2A and its a FreeSync Premium Pro. To see 500Hz 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 MPG 321URX and the pricier MPG 271QR X50, at the time of writing.

Key specs

Refresh rate
500Hz
Resolution
2560x1440 (1440p)
Size
27 inches
Panel
QD-OLED
Response
0.03ms
Color gamut
99% DCI-P3
Adaptive sync
G-SYNC Compatible

Pros

  • a 500Hz refresh rate for fast motion
  • 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
  • a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
  • 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage

Cons

  • OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
  • Costs more than the Gigabyte MO27Q2A at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz (opens in a new tab)

Premium Pick2 of 5

MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50

The MPG 271QR X50 stands out for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs, and it adds a 98W USB-C port.

Best for

Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Gigabyte MO27Q2A costs less.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Check price on Amazon for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 (opens in a new tab)
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50

Why we like it

It also offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it ties with the INNOCN GA27M1Q at 500Hz. It matches the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A on screen size (27 inches).

You get a DisplayHDR True Black 500 here, which sets it apart from the MPG 321URX and its a DisplayHDR True Black 400. To see 500Hz 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. Only the INNOCN GA27M1Q came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.

Key specs

Refresh rate
500Hz
Resolution
2560x1440 (1440p)
Size
27 inches
Panel
QD-OLED
Response
0.03ms
HDR
DisplayHDR True Black 500
Color gamut
99% DCI-P3
Adaptive sync
FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible
USB-C
Yes

Pros

  • a 500Hz refresh rate for fast motion
  • 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
  • a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
  • DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification

Cons

  • OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
  • Costs more than the Gigabyte MO27Q2A at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 (opens in a new tab)

Strong Alternative3 of 5

Alienware AW2725DF

The AW2725DF pushes a QD-OLED panel to 360Hz at 1440p.

Best for

Buyers who want 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p.

Skip if

Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements rules it out for your setup.
Check price on Amazon for Alienware AW2725DF (opens in a new tab)
Alienware AW2725DF

Why we like it

It suits competitive players with a graphics card that can hold very high frame rates. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 360Hz: the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 500Hz, and the MPG 321URX comes in at 240Hz. Its 26.7 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the MPG 321URX leads at 31.5 inches.

It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the MPG 321URX; the MPG 271QR X50 goes with a DisplayHDR True Black 500. Like the Gigabyte MO27Q2A, it has a FreeSync Premium Pro, while the INNOCN GA27M1Q 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 Gigabyte MO27Q2A and below the MPG 321URX at the time of writing.

Key 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
  • Screen size trails the MPG 321URX (31.5 inches)
  • Costs more than the Gigabyte MO27Q2A at the time of writing

The catch

It gives ground on screen size, where the MPG 321URX comes in at 31.5 inches.

Check price on Amazon for Alienware AW2725DF (opens in a new tab)

Lowest Price Here4 of 5

GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED

What the Gigabyte MO27Q2A brings to the table is an AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in.

Best for

Getting AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in for the least money.

Skip if

Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements rules it out for your setup.
Check price on Amazon for GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED

Why we like it

It also offers a 280Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. Its 280Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz) and ahead of the MPG 321URX (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 at 27 inches.

It shares a FreeSync Premium Pro with the AW2725DF; the INNOCN GA27M1Q goes with a G-SYNC Compatible. To see 280Hz 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 undercut the AW2725DF and every other pick on price at the time of writing.

Key specs

Refresh rate
280Hz
Resolution
2560x1440 (1440p)
Size
27 inches
Panel
QD-OLED
Adaptive sync
FreeSync Premium Pro

Pros

  • a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
  • 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
  • a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
  • FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing

Cons

  • OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
  • Refresh rate of 280Hz, behind the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz)

The catch

The main gap: refresh rate of 280Hz, behind the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz). If that matters, the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 500Hz.

Check price on Amazon for GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)

Largest Screen Size5 of 5

MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED

MSI's MPG 321URX is a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with a built-in KVM, so one keyboard and mouse can switch between a desktop and a laptop.

Best for

Buyers who put screen size first.

Skip if

Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements rules it out for your setup.
Check price on Amazon for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED

Why we like it

USB-C input rounds out the ports. On refresh rate it trails the group at 240Hz, while the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 500Hz. Its 31.5 inches screen size is the largest here; the INNOCN GA27M1Q comes next at 27 inches.

You get a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution here, which sets it apart from the Gigabyte MO27Q2A and its a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the AW2725DF; the MPG 271QR X50 goes with a DisplayHDR True Black 500. It also offers HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles.

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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. It was priced above the AW2725DF and below the INNOCN GA27M1Q at the time of writing.

Key specs

Refresh rate
240Hz
Resolution
3840x2160 (4K)
Size
31.5 inches
Panel
QD-OLED
Response
0.03ms
HDR
DisplayHDR True Black 400
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
  • Refresh rate trails the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz)
  • Costs more than the Gigabyte MO27Q2A at the time of writing

The catch

It gives ground on refresh rate, where the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 500Hz.

Check price on Amazon for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)

How We Chose These QD-OLED Monitors

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.

Two monitors showing a dark game scene side by side
Two monitors showing a dark game scene side by side
How these picks were ranked
We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while response and HDR have gaps.
The shared baseline
All 5, from the INNOCN GA27M1Q to the MPG 321URX, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share QD-OLED panel.
Where the specs have gaps
The Gigabyte MO27Q2A gives no response; the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A give no HDR.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the Gigabyte MO27Q2A ($250 to $500) to the MPG 271QR X50 ($500 to $1000).

What to Look for in a QD-OLED Monitor

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Refresh rate

    Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the MPG 321URX to 500Hz on the INNOCN GA27M1Q, a 108% spread. Start with the INNOCN GA27M1Q if refresh rate decides it.

  2. How much screen size you need

    The MPG 321URX tops screen size at 31.5 inches and the AW2725DF sits lowest at 26.7 inches. The MPG 321URX is the pick for screen size.

    A monitor on a stand in front of lit shelves
    A monitor on a stand in front of lit shelves

  3. Features beyond the spec table

    The AW2725DF: a 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p. The Gigabyte MO27Q2A: an AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in. The MPG 321URX: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a inputs.

  4. Where your budget lands

    $250 to $500 buys the Gigabyte MO27Q2A; $500 to $1000 buys the AW2725DF, the MPG 321URX, the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 at our last check.

    A monitor showing red lanterns against a black background
    A monitor showing red lanterns against a black background

  5. Match the pick to your priority

    Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Gigabyte MO27Q2A costs less: the MPG 271QR X50. Getting AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in for the least money: the Gigabyte MO27Q2A. Buyers who put screen size first: the MPG 321URX.

How to Choose a QD-OLED Monitor

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rateINNOCN GA27M1QA 500Hz refresh rate
Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Gigabyte MO27Q2A costs lessMPG 271QR X50DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs at the highest price in the group
Buyers who want 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440pAW2725DFA 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p
Getting AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in for the least moneyGigabyte MO27Q2AA lower price than the AW2725DF and the rest when we checked
Buyers who put screen size firstMPG 321URXThe largest screen size here (31.5 inches)

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Two monitors side by side showing the same game scene
Two monitors side by side showing the same game scene

Key specs side by side

The INNOCN GA27M1Q leads on refresh rate at 500Hz, ahead of the MPG 271QR X50 at 500Hz.

MonitorRefresh rateResolutionSizePanel
INNOCN GA27M1Q500Hz2560x1440 (1440p)27 inchesQD-OLED
MPG 271QR X50500Hz2560x1440 (1440p)27 inchesQD-OLED
AW2725DF360Hz2560x1440 (1440p)26.7 inchesQD-OLED
Gigabyte MO27Q2A280Hz2560x1440 (1440p)27 inchesQD-OLED
MPG 321URX240Hz3840x2160 (4K)31.5 inchesQD-OLED

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

At our last check the cheapest pick, the Gigabyte MO27Q2A, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the MPG 271QR X50 at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.

Price tierMonitors
About $250 to $500Gigabyte MO27Q2A
About $500 to $1000AW2725DF, MPG 321URX, INNOCN GA27M1Q, MPG 271QR X50

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the largest screen size: the MPG 321URX or the INNOCN GA27M1Q?

Between the top two, it is 31.5 inches on the MPG 321URX against 27 inches on the INNOCN GA27M1Q, a 17% difference. The spread runs down to the AW2725DF at 26.7 inches.

Is the MPG 271QR X50 worth paying more than the Gigabyte MO27Q2A?

The spec sheets show refresh rate (500Hz against 280Hz) in its favour. The Gigabyte MO27Q2A sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the MPG 271QR X50 in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate decides your purchase.

What makes the MPG 321URX the Largest Screen Size?

It carries the badge for the largest screen size here (31.5 inches). The INNOCN GA27M1Q is next on screen size at 27 inches, so this pick's 31.5 inches is 17% further out. It gives up refresh rate (240Hz against 280Hz) to the Gigabyte MO27Q2A, the cheapest pick. It makes sense for anyone who puts screen size first.

Do the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 321URX differ on resolution?

The INNOCN GA27M1Q, the MPG 271QR X50, the AW2725DF and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A use 2560x1440 (1440p); the MPG 321URX uses 3840x2160 (4K).

Beyond the specs, what sets the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 apart?

The INNOCN GA27M1Q: a 500Hz refresh rate. The MPG 271QR X50: DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs. The AW2725DF: a 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the INNOCN GA27M1Q, chosen for a 500Hz refresh rate. Look at the MPG 271QR X50 for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs at the highest price in the group, the AW2725DF for a 360Hz QD-OLED panel at 1440p and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A for a lower price than the AW2725DF and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.

Use the monitor's pixel-refresh features to reduce burn-in risk.

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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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