Buying Guide
The Best Vertical Gaming Monitors
Six monitors whose stands pivot to portrait, for chat, stream tools or a vertical second screen.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
A vertical monitor usually sits beside a main screen for chat, stream tools or long documents. Every stand here pivots to portrait without an arm.
We checked each listing for pivot support and stand range.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Value Pivot
LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B
A pivot stand on a 200Hz 1440p screen.
Best for: Main and side screens.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B (opens in a new tab)
Cheapest Pivot
CRUA 24.5-inch 200Hz Vertical Monitor
A 90-degree pivot and 200Hz near $130.
Best for: Side screens.
Our take Check price for CRUA 24.5-inch 200Hz Vertical Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Best for Work
HP Series 5 Pro 524pf
A pivot stand with four USB ports.
Best for: Chat and documents.
Our take Check price for HP Series 5 Pro 524pf (opens in a new tab)
Best IPS Pivot
Alienware AW2723DF
A full stand with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for: A main screen that also pivots.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2723DF (opens in a new tab)
Best 240Hz Pivot
KTC H27E6S
240Hz 1440p with a pivot stand.
Best for: Fast games in landscape.
Best 4K Pivot
MSI MAG 274UPF E2
4K at 160Hz with a pivot stand.
Best for: High-end setups.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A pivot stand on a 200Hz 1440p screen. | Main and side screens. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B (opens in a new tab) |
| A 90-degree pivot and 200Hz near $130. | Side screens. | Check price for CRUA 24.5-inch 200Hz Vertical Monitor (opens in a new tab) |
| A pivot stand with four USB ports. | Chat and documents. | Check price for HP Series 5 Pro 524pf (opens in a new tab) |
| A full stand with DisplayHDR 600. | A main screen that also pivots. | Check price for Alienware AW2723DF (opens in a new tab) |
| 240Hz 1440p with a pivot stand. | Fast games in landscape. | Check price for KTC H27E6S (opens in a new tab) |
| 4K at 160Hz with a pivot stand. | High-end setups. | Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Value Pivot1 of 6
LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's 27G61ZB is a 27-inch 1440p IPS screen at 200Hz on a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for
- Main and side screens.
Skip if
- Pass on it if hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certificatio rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
That full stand is rare at about $200. On refresh rate it ties with the CRUA 24.5 Pivot at 200Hz. It matches the AW2723DF, the H27E6S and the MAG 274UPF on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the AW2723DF and H27E6S; the CRUA 24.5 Pivot goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. It shares an IPS panel with the HP 524pf and AW2723DF; the MAG 274UPF goes with a rapid IPS panel. You get an HDR10 here, which sets it apart from the AW2723DF and its a DisplayHDR 600.
It also offers narrow bezels. It was priced above the CRUA 24.5 Pivot and below the HP 524pf at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR10
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Costs more than the CRUA 24.5 Pivot at the time of writing
Cheapest Pivot2 of 6
CRUA 24.5-inch 200Hz Vertical Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
CRUA's 24.5-inch 1080p screen pivots 90 degrees and runs at 200Hz over DisplayPort.
Best for
- Side screens.
Skip if
- Pass on it if refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the AW2723DF (240Hz rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It has 120mm of height adjustment. It matches the 27G61ZB on refresh rate (200Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 24.5 inches: the 27G61ZB comes in at 27 inches, and the HP 524pf comes in at 24 inches.
Like the HP 524pf, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the H27E6S uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a 120% sRGB color gamut; compare the AW2723DF, which has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. You get a FreeSync here, which sets it apart from the AW2723DF and its a G-SYNC Compatible.
You also get a 90-degree pivot for portrait mode. At 1080p, 200Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. It undercut the 27G61ZB and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the AW2723DF (240Hz). If that matters, the AW2723DF offers 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Response: 3ms
- Color gamut: 120% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
- Stand: height, pivot, swivel and tilt
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 120% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- a stand with height, pivot, swivel and tilt
Cons
- Refresh rate of 200Hz, behind the AW2723DF (240Hz)
Best for Work3 of 6
HP Series 5 Pro 524pf on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HP's 524pf is a 24-inch 1080p IPS screen on a height, swivel and pivot stand with four USB ports.
Best for
- Chat and documents.
Skip if
- Pass if a published refresh rate matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It suits a portrait second screen. Its 24 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the 27G61ZB leads at 27 inches. It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the CRUA 24.5 Pivot; the MAG 274UPF goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
It shares an IPS panel with the 27G61ZB and AW2723DF; the MAG 274UPF goes with a rapid IPS panel. You get a 100% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the H27E6S and its a 123% sRGB color gamut. You also get 350 nits brightness. There is no published refresh rate figure, whereas the AW2723DF offers 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 100% sRGB
- Stand: height, swivel and pivot
Pros
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 100% sRGB colour coverage
- a stand with height, swivel and pivot
- Four USB ports
Cons
- No published refresh rate
- Screen size trails the 27G61ZB (27 inches)
- Costs more than the CRUA 24.5 Pivot at the time of writing
Best IPS Pivot4 of 6
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
- A main screen that also pivots.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the CRUA 24.5 Pivot cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It matches the H27E6S on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the 27G61ZB, the H27E6S and the MAG 274UPF at 27 inches. Like the 27G61ZB and H27E6S, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the CRUA 24.5 Pivot uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
Like the 27G61ZB and HP 524pf, it has an IPS panel, while the H27E6S uses a fast IPS panel. It is the only pick here with a DisplayHDR 600; the MAG 274UPF has an HDR 400 instead. 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. Its price falls between the H27E6S and the MAG 274UPF, based on our last check.
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
- Costs more than the CRUA 24.5 Pivot at the time of writing
Best 240Hz Pivot5 of 6
KTC H27E6S on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The H27E6S runs 240Hz on Fast IPS with a 275Hz overclock, speakers and a swivel and pivot stand at a budget price.
Best for
- Fast games in landscape.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the CRUA 24.5 Pivot cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it ties with the AW2723DF at 240Hz. It matches the 27G61ZB, the AW2723DF and the MAG 274UPF on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the 27G61ZB and AW2723DF; the HP 524pf goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the MAG 274UPF and its a rapid IPS panel. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. It was priced above the HP 524pf and below the AW2723DF at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR400
- Color gamut: 123% sRGB
- Stand: swivel and pivot
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 123% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the CRUA 24.5 Pivot at the time of writing
Best 4K Pivot6 of 6
MSI MAG 274UPF E2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MAG 274UPF gives 4K at 160Hz with a fully adjustable stand.
Best for
- High-end setups.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2723DF offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
It is a straightforward, well-equipped IPS choice. On refresh rate it trails the group at 160Hz, while the AW2723DF offers 240Hz. It matches the 27G61ZB, the AW2723DF and the H27E6S on screen size (27 inches).
You get a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution here, which sets it apart from the AW2723DF and its a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. You get a rapid IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the H27E6S and its a fast IPS panel. You get an HDR 400 here, which sets it apart from the AW2723DF and its a DisplayHDR 600.
Reaching 160Hz 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 AW2723DF came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the AW2723DF offers 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Rapid IPS
- HDR: HDR 400
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height, swivel and pivot adjustment
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Rapid IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2723DF (240Hz)
- Costs more than the CRUA 24.5 Pivot at the time of writing
How We Chose These Vertical Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
What to Look for in a Vertical Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
Size for your desk distance
24 to 25 inches suits 1080p and competitive play at a typical desk. 27 inches pairs well with 1440p and 4K; 32 inches suits 4K at a deeper desk.
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.
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.
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.
Check ports and cables
High refresh rates at 1440p and 4K need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. Consoles need HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz.
How to Choose a Vertical Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Main and side screens | 27G61ZB | A pivot stand on a 200Hz 1440p screen |
| Side screens | CRUA 24.5 Pivot | A 90-degree pivot and 200Hz near $130 |
| Chat and documents | HP 524pf | A pivot stand with four USB ports |
| A main screen that also pivots | AW2723DF | A full stand with DisplayHDR 600 |
| Fast games in landscape | H27E6S | 240Hz 1440p with a pivot stand |
| High-end setups | MAG 274UPF | 4K at 160Hz with a pivot stand |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27G61ZB | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| CRUA 24.5 Pivot | 200Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Not listed |
| HP 524pf | Not listed | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
| AW2723DF | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| H27E6S | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| MAG 274UPF | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
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 $100 to $150 | CRUA 24.5 Pivot |
| About $150 to $250 | 27G61ZB, HP 524pf, H27E6S |
| About $250 to $500 | AW2723DF, MAG 274UPF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HDR worth it on a budget monitor?
Rarely. Budget HDR10 monitors accept HDR but lack the brightness and contrast to show it well. OLED or DisplayHDR 600 models do it better.
Does a 1ms response time rating matter?
Makers measure response time differently, so compare panel type and independent reviews rather than the headline figure.
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.
Is 1080p fine on a 27-inch monitor?
It works, but text and detail look softer. 1440p is sharper at 27 inches; 1080p is best at 24 to 25 inches.
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.
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
AOC's 27G61ZB is the value pick with a pivot stand at 1440p. CRUA's 24.5-inch screen is the cheapest, and MSI's MAG 274UPF adds 4K.