The PC Journal

Buying Guide

The Best White Monitors

We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the CRUA 27 QHD has the highest refresh rate, and it also costs the least.

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

White monitors suit light-themed setups. Every pick comes in white, ordered from the lowest price.

Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and if a maker skips refresh rate, the guide says so.

Quick Picks

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

  1. Fastest Refresh

    CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White)

    The highest refresh rate here (240Hz).

    Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

    Check price for CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  2. Also Consider

    LG UltraFine 27US500-W

    A white borderless design.

    Best for: Buyers who want white borderless design.

    Check price for LG UltraFine 27US500-W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  3. Strong Alternative

    LG 27UP650K-W UltraFine

    A Switch app that splits the screen into up to 6 sections.

    Best for: Buyers who want Switch app that splits the screen into up to 6 sections.

    Check price for LG 27UP650K-W UltraFine on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  4. Worth a Look

    LG 27UP850K-W UltraFine

    USB Type-C with up to 90W power delivery.

    Best for: Buyers who want USB Type-C with up to 90W power delivery.

    Check price for LG 27UP850K-W UltraFine on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  5. Premium Pick

    ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W

    The top of this price range, adding a white finish.

    Best for: Spending more than the LG 27UP850K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.

    Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Fastest Refresh1 of 5

CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White)

CRUA's 27-inch QHD monitor reaches 240Hz on an IPS panel at a budget price at the time of writing.

Best for

Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

Skip if

Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Check price on Amazon for CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White) (opens in a new tab)
CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White)

Why we like it

It also adds 120% sRGB coverage, built-in speakers and a white finish for a light-coloured desk. Its 240Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the XG27UCGR-W comes next at 162Hz. You get a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution here, which sets it apart from the XG27UCGR-W and its a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.

You get a 120% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the LG 27UP650K and its a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also offers HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs and a white finish with 75x75mm VESA mounting. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the 27US500 the next step up.

Key specs

Refresh rate
240Hz
Resolution
2560x1440 (1440p)
Size
27 inches
Panel
IPS
Color gamut
120% sRGB
Adaptive sync
FreeSync

Pros

  • a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
  • 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
  • an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • 120% sRGB colour coverage
Check price on Amazon for CRUA 27-inch QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor (White) (opens in a new tab)

Also Consider2 of 5

LG UltraFine 27US500-W

The 27US500 offers 90% DCI-P3 coverage and HDR10 input on an IPS panel in a white finish.

Best for

Buyers who want white borderless design.

Skip if

Worth skipping when hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification is a problem.
Check price on Amazon for LG UltraFine 27US500-W (opens in a new tab)
LG UltraFine 27US500-W

Why we like it

It suits creative work more than gaming. It is the only pick here with an HDR10; the LG 27UP650K has a DisplayHDR 400 instead. It is the only pick here with a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut; the LG 27UP850K has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut instead.

You also get a white borderless design and a Reader Mode. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. Its price falls between the CRUA 27 QHD and the LG 27UP650K, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed refresh rate should compare it with the CRUA 27 QHD, which offers 240Hz.

Key specs

Resolution
3840x2160 (4K)
Size
27 inches
Panel
IPS
HDR
HDR10
Color gamut
90% DCI-P3

Pros

  • 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
  • an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • 90% DCI-P3 colour coverage
  • White borderless design

Cons

  • HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
  • No published refresh rate
  • Costs more than the CRUA 27 QHD at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for LG UltraFine 27US500-W (opens in a new tab)

Strong Alternative3 of 5

LG 27UP650K-W UltraFine

What the LG 27UP650K brings to the table is a Switch app that splits the screen into up to 6 sections, plus a Reader Mode with a flicker safe backlight.

Best for

Buyers who want Switch app that splits the screen into up to 6 sections.

Skip if

Pass on it if a 60Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games rules it out for your setup.
Check price on Amazon for LG 27UP650K-W UltraFine (opens in a new tab)
LG 27UP650K-W UltraFine

Why we like it

It also offers a 60Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it trails the group at 60Hz, while the CRUA 27 QHD offers 240Hz. It shares a DisplayHDR 400 with the LG 27UP850K; the 27US500 goes with an HDR10.

It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the LG 27UP850K; the 27US500 goes with a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also offers HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. It was priced above the 27US500 and below the LG 27UP850K at the time of writing.

Key specs

Refresh rate
60Hz
Resolution
3840x2160 (4K)
Size
27 inches
Panel
IPS
Response
5ms
HDR
DisplayHDR 400
Color gamut
95% DCI-P3
Stand
height, tilt and pivot

Pros

  • 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
  • an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
  • a stand with height, tilt and pivot

Cons

  • a 60Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games
  • Refresh rate trails the CRUA 27 QHD (240Hz)
  • Costs more than the CRUA 27 QHD at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for LG 27UP650K-W UltraFine (opens in a new tab)

Worth a Look4 of 5

LG 27UP850K-W UltraFine

What the LG 27UP850K brings to the table is USB Type-C with up to 90W power delivery, plus stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio.

Best for

Buyers who want USB Type-C with up to 90W power delivery.

Skip if

The maker gives no refresh rate, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Check price on Amazon for LG 27UP850K-W UltraFine (opens in a new tab)
LG 27UP850K-W UltraFine

Why we like it

It also offers a 27 inches screen size. Like the LG 27UP650K, it has a DisplayHDR 400, while the 27US500 uses an HDR10. Like the LG 27UP650K, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the CRUA 27 QHD uses a 120% sRGB color gamut.

It also comes with DisplayPort, two HDMI connections and two USB 3.0 ports and a Switch app that splits the screen into up to 6 sections. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. Its price falls between the LG 27UP650K and the XG27UCGR-W, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed refresh rate should compare it with the CRUA 27 QHD, which offers 240Hz.

Key specs

Resolution
3840x2160 (4K)
Size
27 inches
Panel
IPS
HDR
DisplayHDR 400
Color gamut
95% DCI-P3
Stand
height, tilt and pivot
USB-C
Yes

Pros

  • 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
  • an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
  • a stand with height, tilt and pivot

Cons

  • No published refresh rate
  • Costs more than the CRUA 27 QHD at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for LG 27UP850K-W UltraFine (opens in a new tab)

Premium Pick5 of 5

ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W

What the XG27UCGR-W brings to the table is a white finish, plus a dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz.

Best for

Spending more than the LG 27UP850K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the CRUA 27 QHD, which cost less when we checked.
Check price on Amazon for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W (opens in a new tab)
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W

Why we like it

It also offers a 162Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 162Hz: the CRUA 27 QHD offers 240Hz, and the LG 27UP650K comes in at 60Hz. A fast IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the 27US500 uses an IPS panel.

Reaching 162Hz 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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. At our last price check it topped the group, with the LG 27UP850K the nearest cheaper option. Screen size is its weakest area, and the CRUA 27 QHD covers it better at 27 inches.

Key specs

Refresh rate
162Hz
Resolution
3840x2160 (4K)
Size
27 inches
Panel
Fast IPS
Response
0.3ms
Adaptive sync
G-SYNC
USB-C
Yes

Pros

  • 162Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
  • a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • G-SYNC to reduce screen tearing

Cons

  • Costs more than the CRUA 27 QHD at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W (opens in a new tab)

How We Chose These White 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.

A white desk with two monitors and a laptop
A white desk with two monitors and a laptop
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, and refresh rate and response are missing for at least one pick.
What every pick has in common
All 5, from the CRUA 27 QHD to the XG27UCGR-W, state resolution, screen size and panel.
Where the specs have gaps
The 27US500 and the LG 27UP850K give no refresh rate; the CRUA 27 QHD, the 27US500 and the LG 27UP850K give no response.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the CRUA 27 QHD ($150 to $250) to the XG27UCGR-W ($250 to $500).

What to Look for in a White Monitor

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

  1. Refresh rate

    Here refresh rate runs from 60Hz on the LG 27UP650K to 240Hz on the CRUA 27 QHD, a 300% spread. If refresh rate is your first filter, the CRUA 27 QHD sets the ceiling at 240Hz. The 27US500 and the LG 27UP850K give no refresh rate figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.

  2. Panel

    The CRUA 27 QHD, the 27US500, the LG 27UP650K and the LG 27UP850K list IPS; the XG27UCGR-W lists Fast IPS. Settling panel first narrows 5 picks to 4 or 1.

    A monitor showing a desktop app in a dim room
    A monitor showing a desktop app in a dim room

  3. Response

    The LG 27UP650K lists 5ms; the XG27UCGR-W lists 0.3ms. Settling response first narrows 2 picks to 1 or 1.

  4. Extras that separate them

    The LG 27UP650K: a Reader Mode with a flicker safe backlight. The LG 27UP850K: stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio. The XG27UCGR-W: a dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz.

    A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop
    A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop

  5. How much to spend

    $150 to $250 buys the CRUA 27 QHD and the 27US500; $250 to $500 buys the LG 27UP650K, the LG 27UP850K and the XG27UCGR-W at our last check.

How to Choose a White Monitor

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame ratesCRUA 27 QHDThe highest refresh rate here (240Hz)
Buyers who want white borderless design27US500A white borderless design
Buyers who want Switch app that splits the screen into up to 6 sectionsLG 27UP650KA Switch app that splits the screen into up to 6 sections
Buyers who want USB Type-C with up to 90W power deliveryLG 27UP850KUSB Type-C with up to 90W power delivery
Spending more than the LG 27UP850K costs for the fullest feature set in this groupXG27UCGR-WThe top of this price range, adding a white finish

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop

Key specs side by side

The CRUA 27 QHD leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the XG27UCGR-W at 162Hz. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the 27US500 and the LG 27UP850K leave the figure out.

MonitorRefresh rateResolutionSizePanel
CRUA 27 QHD240Hz2560x1440 (1440p)27 inchesIPS
27US500Not listed3840x2160 (4K)27 inchesIPS
LG 27UP650K60Hz3840x2160 (4K)27 inchesIPS
LG 27UP850KNot listed3840x2160 (4K)27 inchesIPS
XG27UCGR-W162Hz3840x2160 (4K)27 inchesFast IPS

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

The CRUA 27 QHD was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the XG27UCGR-W the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.

Price tierMonitors
About $150 to $250CRUA 27 QHD, 27US500
About $250 to $500LG 27UP650K, LG 27UP850K, XG27UCGR-W

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the XG27UCGR-W compare with the CRUA 27 QHD on refresh rate?

Between the top two, it is 240Hz on the CRUA 27 QHD against 162Hz on the XG27UCGR-W, a 48% difference. The LG 27UP650K is at the other end of this group with 60Hz. No refresh rate figure is published for the 27US500 and the LG 27UP850K, which leaves 3 of 5 picks ranked here.

What does the XG27UCGR-W add over the CRUA 27 QHD?

The XG27UCGR-W matches or trails the CRUA 27 QHD on refresh rate, so pay more only for a feature the spec sheet doesn't cover. The CRUA 27 QHD leads on refresh rate (240Hz). On our last price check the CRUA 27 QHD was in the $150 to $250 tier and the XG27UCGR-W in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them.

Why is the CRUA 27 QHD our Fastest Refresh pick?

It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (240Hz). On refresh rate it leads the XG27UCGR-W, 240Hz against 162Hz, a 48% margin. It is aimed at esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

Do the CRUA 27 QHD and the 27US500 differ on resolution?

The CRUA 27 QHD uses 2560x1440 (1440p); the 27US500, the LG 27UP650K, the LG 27UP850K and the XG27UCGR-W use 3840x2160 (4K).

What extras do the CRUA 27 QHD and the 27US500 include?

The CRUA 27 QHD: HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. The 27US500: a white borderless design. The LG 27UP650K: a Switch app that splits the screen into up to 6 sections.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the CRUA 27 QHD. Look at the 27US500 for a white borderless design, the LG 27UP650K for a Switch app that splits the screen into up to 6 sections and the LG 27UP850K for USB Type-C with up to 90W power delivery if those matter more to you.

White stands show dust; wipe them regularly.

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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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