Buying Guide
The Best Workstation Monitors
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the XG27UCGR-W has the highest refresh rate; the XG27UCSR is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Workstation monitors pair 4K detail with USB-C docking. Every pick is 4K or higher with USB-C, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these monitors on refresh rate, resolution and size using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out refresh rate, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSRUndercutting the S2725QC on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the S2725QC the next step up.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-CUSB-C with up to 65W power delivery.
Best for: Buyers who want USB-C with up to 65W power delivery.
Check price for Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-WThe highest refresh rate here (162Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Samsung M70B 43-inch Smart MonitorThe largest screen size here (43 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Check price for Samsung M70B 43-inch Smart Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS ProArt PA279CRVThe top of this price range, adding 99% Adobe RGB coverage.
Best for: Spending more than the M70B 43 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for ASUS ProArt PA279CRV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR
The XG27UCSR adds USB-C and a dual mode at 1080p 324Hz, with ASUS's 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the S2725QC the next step up.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the XG27UCGR-W (162Hz).
Why we like it
Its 160Hz refresh rate ranks second of 4 here, behind the XG27UCGR-W (162Hz) and ahead of the M70B 43 (60Hz). On screen size it ties with the S2725QC, the XG27UCGR-W and the ProArt PA279CRV at 27 inches. Like the S2725QC and ProArt PA279CRV, it has an IPS panel, while the XG27UCGR-W uses a fast IPS panel.
No other pick in this guide offers a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the S2725QC, which has a 99% sRGB color gamut. 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. It undercut the S2725QC and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 160Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 0.3ms
- Color gamut
- 95% DCI-P3
- USB-C
- Yes
- Warranty
- 3-year
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the XG27UCGR-W (162Hz)
The catch
The main gap: refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the XG27UCGR-W (162Hz). If that matters, the XG27UCGR-W offers 162Hz.
Also Consider2 of 5
Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C
What the S2725QC brings to the table is USB-C with up to 65W power delivery, plus 4K at 120Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want USB-C with up to 65W power delivery.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the XG27UCSR, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 120Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. Its 120Hz refresh rate ranks third of 4 here, behind the XG27UCGR-W (162Hz) and ahead of the M70B 43 (60Hz). On screen size it ties with the XG27UCSR, the XG27UCGR-W and the ProArt PA279CRV at 27 inches.
Like the XG27UCSR and ProArt PA279CRV, it has an IPS panel, while the XG27UCGR-W uses a fast IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers a 99% sRGB color gamut; compare the XG27UCSR, which has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. You also get 1500:1 contrast.
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper XG27UCSR and the pricier XG27UCGR-W, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 120Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 4ms
- Color gamut
- 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the XG27UCSR at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh3 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
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the XG27UCSR cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 162Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. Its 162Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the XG27UCSR comes next at 160Hz. It matches the XG27UCSR, the S2725QC and the ProArt PA279CRV on screen size (27 inches).
You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the XG27UCSR and its 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. It was priced above the S2725QC and below the M70B 43 at the time of writing.
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 XG27UCSR at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size4 of 5
Samsung M70B 43-inch Smart Monitor
Samsung's M70B is a 43-inch 4K smart monitor with built-in TV apps, wireless display and USB-C.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: a 60Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games.
Why we like it
It runs at 60Hz, so it suits streaming and casual play. On refresh rate it trails the group at 60Hz, while the XG27UCGR-W offers 162Hz. Nothing else here matches its 43 inches screen size; the XG27UCSR comes closest at 27 inches.
You also get wireless display from phones and laptops and SmartThings IoT hub. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. When we checked, only the XG27UCGR-W and cheaper picks cost less, and the ProArt PA279CRV cost more. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the XG27UCGR-W covers it better at 162Hz.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 60Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 43 inches
- Response
- 4ms
- HDR
- HDR10
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a USB-C input for laptops
- Built-in streaming TV apps
- Wireless display from phones and laptops
Cons
- a 60Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Refresh rate trails the XG27UCGR-W (162Hz)
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS ProArt PA279CRV
The ProArt PA279CRV stands out for 99% Adobe RGB coverage, and it adds factory calibration to Delta E under 2.
Best for
- Spending more than the M70B 43 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Pass if a published refresh rate matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It also offers a 27 inches screen size. It shares an IPS panel with the XG27UCSR and S2725QC; the XG27UCGR-W goes with a fast IPS panel. You get a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut here, which sets it apart from the S2725QC and its a 99% sRGB color gamut.
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. Only the M70B 43 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. There is no published refresh rate figure, whereas the XG27UCGR-W offers 162Hz.
Key specs
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- No published refresh rate
- Screen size trails the M70B 43 (43 inches)
- Costs more than the XG27UCSR at the time of writing
How We Chose These Workstation 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.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 8 fields compared are stated for every pick, while refresh rate and panel have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the XG27UCSR to the ProArt PA279CRV, state resolution, screen size and USB-C and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution and USB-C.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ProArt PA279CRV gives no refresh rate; the M70B 43 gives no panel.
- Price range
- From the XG27UCSR to the ProArt PA279CRV, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Workstation Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size across these picks
The M70B 43 tops screen size at 43 inches and the ProArt PA279CRV sits lowest at 27 inches. The M70B 43 is the pick for screen size.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 60Hz on the M70B 43 to 162Hz on the XG27UCGR-W, a 170% spread. For less, the XG27UCSR is the runner-up at 160Hz. The ProArt PA279CRV gives no refresh rate figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop Response
The XG27UCSR and the XG27UCGR-W list 0.3ms; the S2725QC and the M70B 43 list 4ms. Settling response first narrows 4 picks to 2 or 2.
Extras that separate them
The XG27UCGR-W: a dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz. The M70B 43: wireless display from phones and laptops. The ProArt PA279CRV: factory calibration to Delta E under 2.
A white desk with two monitors and a laptop How much to spend
All 5 sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, from the XG27UCSR at the low end to the ProArt PA279CRV at the top, so decide on features first.
How to Choose a Workstation Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the S2725QC the next step up | XG27UCSR | Undercutting the S2725QC on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want USB-C with up to 65W power delivery | S2725QC | USB-C with up to 65W power delivery |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | XG27UCGR-W | The highest refresh rate here (162Hz) |
| Buyers who put screen size first | M70B 43 | The largest screen size here (43 inches) |
| Spending more than the M70B 43 costs for the fullest feature set in this group | ProArt PA279CRV | The top of this price range, adding 99% Adobe RGB coverage |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The M70B 43 leads on screen size at 43 inches, ahead of the XG27UCSR at 27 inches. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the ProArt PA279CRV leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XG27UCSR | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| S2725QC | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| XG27UCGR-W | 162Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| M70B 43 | 60Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 43 inches | Not listed |
| ProArt PA279CRV | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest screen size: the M70B 43 or the XG27UCSR?
Between the top two, it is 43 inches on the M70B 43 against 27 inches on the XG27UCSR, a 59% difference.
Is the XG27UCGR-W ahead of the XG27UCSR on refresh rate?
The XG27UCGR-W tops refresh rate at 162Hz; the XG27UCSR follows at 160Hz, 1% apart. The M70B 43 closes the ranking at 60Hz. The ProArt PA279CRV is left out of this ranking because its refresh rate isn't stated; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Why is the M70B 43 our Largest Screen Size pick?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (43 inches). On screen size it leads the XG27UCSR, 43 inches against 27 inches, a 59% margin. The price of that: the XG27UCSR, the cheapest pick, still beats it on refresh rate (160Hz against 60Hz). It suits anyone who puts screen size first.
Do the XG27UCSR and the XG27UCGR-W differ on panel?
The XG27UCSR, the S2725QC and the ProArt PA279CRV use IPS; the XG27UCGR-W uses Fast IPS. The M70B 43 has no panel listed, so 4 of 5 picks are covered here.
What extras do the XG27UCSR and the S2725QC include?
The XG27UCSR: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz. The S2725QC: USB-C with up to 65W power delivery. The XG27UCGR-W: a white finish.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the XG27UCSR, chosen for undercutting the S2725QC on price when we checked. Look at the S2725QC for USB-C with up to 65W power delivery, the M70B 43 for the largest screen size here (43 inches) and the ProArt PA279CRV for the top of this price range, adding 99% Adobe RGB coverage if those matter more to you.
Daisy-chain via DisplayPort out if you need two screens.
Related Guides
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- Related guideThe Best 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Monitors Under $80
- Similar guideThe Best VA Monitors
- ExplainerHow to choose a monitor for your PC
- Explainer24 vs 27 vs 32-Inch Monitor
- Also see: monitor arms and accessoriesThe Best Monitor Mount for Desk
- Similar guideThe Best IPS Monitors
- Topic hubAll monitors for work and everyday use guides
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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