Buying Guide
The Best Workstation Monitors
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the AW2725Q has the highest refresh rate; the S2725QC is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
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 panel, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C
The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR
A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG
A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
INNOCN 43-inch 4K 144Hz
The largest screen size here (43 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for INNOCN 43-inch 4K 144Hz (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED
The highest refresh rate here (240Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C (opens in a new tab) |
| A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz. | Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR (opens in a new tab) |
| A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz. | Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (43 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for INNOCN 43-inch 4K 144Hz (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (240Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the S2725QC brings to the table is USB-C with up to 65W power delivery, plus 4K at 120Hz.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
It also offers a 120Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. Its 120Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the AW2725Q leads at 240Hz. Like the XG27UCSR and XG27UCG, it has an IPS panel, while the AW2725Q uses a QD-OLED panel.
No other pick in this guide offers a 99% sRGB color gamut; compare the XG27UCG, 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. It undercut the XG27UCSR and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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
- Refresh rate trails the AW2725Q (240Hz)
Also Consider2 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27UCSR adds USB-C and a dual mode at 1080p 324Hz, with ASUS's 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the S2725QC, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It matches the XG27UCG on refresh rate (160Hz). On screen size it ties with the S2725QC and the XG27UCG at 27 inches. Like the S2725QC and XG27UCG, it has an IPS panel, while the AW2725Q uses a QD-OLED panel.
Like the XG27UCG, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the S2725QC uses 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper S2725QC and the pricier XG27UCG, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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
- Costs more than the S2725QC at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27UCG is a 4K 160Hz monitor that can switch to 1080p at 320Hz for shooters, and adds USB-C for a laptop.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the S2725QC cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It matches the XG27UCSR on refresh rate (160Hz). On screen size it ties with the S2725QC and the XG27UCSR at 27 inches. Like the S2725QC and XG27UCSR, it has an IPS panel, while the AW2725Q uses a QD-OLED panel.
Like the XG27UCSR, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the S2725QC uses 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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper XG27UCSR and the pricier INNOCN 43, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- 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
- Costs more than the S2725QC at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size4 of 5
INNOCN 43-inch 4K 144Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
INNOCN's 43-inch 4K monitor runs at 144Hz with built-in speakers, USB-C and a height-adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the S2725QC cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is a lower-cost way to a TV-sized desktop screen. Its 144Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz) and ahead of the S2725QC (120Hz). On screen size it leads this guide at 43 inches, ahead of the S2725QC (27 inches).
It also offers USB-C input. Reaching 144Hz 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. Another plus is 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper XG27UCG and the pricier AW2725Q, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 43 inches
- HDR: HDR400
- Stand: height adjustment
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a stand with height adjustment
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- Costs more than the S2725QC at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh5 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
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 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. Nothing else here matches its 240Hz refresh rate; the XG27UCSR comes closest at 160Hz. On screen size it trails the group at 26.7 inches, while the INNOCN 43 comes in at 43 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a QD-OLED panel; compare the XG27UCG, which has an IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the S2725QC, which has a 99% sRGB color gamut. You also get 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. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the INNOCN 43 and the rest.
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 INNOCN 43 (43 inches)
- Costs more than the S2725QC at the time of writing
How We Chose These Workstation Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the S2725QC to the AW2725Q, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution and USB-C.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The INNOCN 43 gives no panel; the INNOCN 43 gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the S2725QC ($250 to $500) to the AW2725Q ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Workstation Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 120Hz on the S2725QC to 240Hz on the AW2725Q. The XG27UCSR comes second for less money.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 26.7 inches on the AW2725Q to 43 inches on the INNOCN 43. For less, the S2725QC is the runner-up at 27 inches.
Response
The S2725QC lists 4ms; the XG27UCSR lists 0.3ms; the XG27UCG lists 1ms; the AW2725Q lists 0.03ms. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Fit and compatibility
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. 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.
Extras that separate them
The XG27UCG: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz. The INNOCN 43: a height-adjustable stand. The AW2725Q: 166 PPI at 4K.
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.
How to Choose a Workstation Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | S2725QC | The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz | XG27UCSR | A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz |
| Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz | XG27UCG | A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz |
| Buyers who put screen size first | INNOCN 43 | The largest screen size here (43 inches) |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | AW2725Q | The highest refresh rate here (240Hz) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2725Q leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the XG27UCSR at 160Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2725QC | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| XG27UCSR | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| XG27UCG | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| INNOCN 43 | 144Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 43 inches | Not listed |
| AW2725Q | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The S2725QC was the lowest-priced pick and the AW2725Q the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | S2725QC, XG27UCSR, XG27UCG, INNOCN 43 |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the AW2725Q or the XG27UCSR?
The AW2725Q leads at 240Hz, with the XG27UCSR at 160Hz. The S2725QC is at the other end of this group with 120Hz.
Is the INNOCN 43 ahead of the S2725QC on screen size?
The INNOCN 43 leads at 43 inches, with the S2725QC at 27 inches. The AW2725Q is at the other end of this group with 26.7 inches.
What does the AW2725Q add over the S2725QC?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 120Hz). It does not win everywhere: the S2725QC still leads on screen size (27 inches). The S2725QC was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the AW2725Q our Fastest Refresh pick?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (240Hz). It suits esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the S2725QC and the AW2725Q differ on panel?
The S2725QC, the XG27UCSR and the XG27UCG use IPS; the AW2725Q uses QD-OLED. The maker of the INNOCN 43 doesn't say.
Will the S2725QC work with my setup?
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the S2725QC, chosen for the lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. Look at the XG27UCSR for a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz, the XG27UCG for a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz and the INNOCN 43 for the largest screen size here (43 inches) if those matter more to you.
Daisy-chain via DisplayPort out if you need two screens.