There’s something of a sweet spot in gaming monitors, and it’s 27 inches. At the typical distances you’ll find yourself from a monitor on a desk, a 27-inch display does a good job providing plenty of space without completely overtaking your field of view. And, when you pair that display area with a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution, you can get a strong balance of size and clarity. In smaller rooms, a 27-inch monitor can even make a decent substitute for a TV when you a pair it with a good set of speakers.The existence of that sweet spot is probably part of the reason there are so many 27-inch, 1440p monitors on the market. You’ll find high-speed models that can let you game with buttery-smooth frame rates and variable refresh rates as well as some models that support HDR. There are budget options with TN panels and premium models with speedy IPS panels even QLED technology is on the table.We’ve rounded up our top picks to make your selection process easier. Whether you want an affordable contender or the best of the best, you’ll find it here.
TL;DR: These are the Best 27-inch Gaming Monitors:
1. LG 27GL850-B UltraGear
Best 27-inch Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 27″ Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 Panel type: Nano IPS FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible HDR compatibility: HDR10 Brightness: 350cd/m2 Refresh rate: 144Hz Response time: 1ms Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) Contrast ratio: 800:1 Color support: 10-bit (FRC), 135% sRGB, 96% Adobe RGB, 98% DCI-P3 Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 Weight: 13.45 pounds Size: 24.2″ x 22.6″ x 10.8″
The LG 27GL850 is the 27-inch gaming monitor you should buy whether you’re playing on an Nvidia- or AMD-powered gaming system. Its G-Sync and FreeSync Premium support will take your already smooth running 144Hz games and exterminate any possible screen tearing.What’s more, it’s a great-looking monitor thanks to LG’s Nano IPS technology. You get HDR10 colors that cover 98% of the DCI-P3 color space and an almost unheard of 1ms response time on an IPS display like this. As long as you’ve got a GPU that can actually render games at such a high-frame-rate and QHD, this is easily one of the best choices for gaming at 1440p.
2. Pixio PX278 Gaming Monitor
Best Budget 27-inch Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 27″ Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 Panel type: TN FreeSync Brightness: 400cd/m2 Refresh rate: 144Hz Response time: 1ms Viewing angle: 170(H)/160(V) Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 Inputs: 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 Weight: 13.23 pounds Size: 18.3″ x 24.25″ x 9.91″
It doesn’t take long looking at the Pixio PX278’s specs to see why it’s a true standout for budget gaming monitors. You’re getting all the goodness of a 27-inch monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate. You’ll get to enjoy the buttery smooth gaming it offers with low response time thanks to its TN panel, even if there’s a tradeoff in viewing angles and contrast.But, what takes this monitor to the next level for budget displays is the peak brightness, which hits 400 nits. That’s enough for some light HDR implementations. Pixio even rounds it all off with FreeSync support and a USB pass-through port. While the monitor stand may be somewhat basic, Pixio also includes mounting points for a 100×100 VESA mount, so you can tweak your setup to be just how you like. All that coming in under $300 is truly impressive.
3. Gigabyte Aorus FI27Q Tactical Gaming Display
Best Freesync 27-inch Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 27″ Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 Panel type: IPS FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible HDR compatibility: DisplayHDR 400 Brightness: 350cd/m2 Refresh rate: 165Hz Response time: 4ms Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 Color support: 95% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x 3.5mm audio Weight: 17.64 pounds Size: 24.2″ x 14.6″ x 9.33″
Not all FreeSync is created equal, and the Gigabyte Aorus FI27Q (read our review) delivers an exceptional experience for a 27-inch monitor. It does so at an agreeable price, too. The Aorus FI27Q offers a 1440p display that can run at an extra-high 165Hz refresh rate, giving you ultra-smooth gaming that can stay that way with FreeSync Premium. It even has G-Sync support if you switch to an Nvidia graphics card in the future.It’s not just about speed with the Aorus FI27Q. This model has a 350-nit IPS panel, which may not be the brightest, but does the job. On top of that, it offers 10-bit color support even at its maximum refresh rate. It’s DisplayHDR 400 certified as well, making it a monitor that can deliver great looking game visuals whether you’re playing a hectic shooter or a sprawling RPG.
4. ViewSonic Elite XG270QG
Best G-Sync 27-inch gaming monitor
Screen size: 27″ Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 Panel type: IPS G-Sync Brightness: 350cd/m2 Refresh rate: 165Hz Response time: 1ms Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 Color support: 10-bit (8-bit + FRC), 100% sRGB, 90% Adobe RGB, 98% DCI-P3 Inputs: 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 Weight: 17 pounds Size: 24.2″ x 18.06″ x 10.4″
The ViewSonic Elite XG270QG is the monitor to get if you want to get a lot out of your purchase. It delivers on the fundamentals with a QHD display that can run at up to 165Hz with a 1ms response time. That’ll give you the buttery smooth gameplay you want in highly competitive online games. And, true G-Sync functionality will ensure no screen tearing when you’re gaming on an Nvidia graphics card.There’s still more to love about this monitor. It has an impressive colors thanks to its IPS panel, which can cover 98% of the DCI-P3 color space for a strong cinematic look. It also has a hook to hold your headphones and an anchor to support your mouse cable. The rear and bottom of the monitor include RGB lighting to provide a bit of style and some background lighting to can ease the strain on your eyes if you’re gaming in a dark room.
5. Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ
Best G-Sync Compatible 27-inch Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 27″ Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 Panel type: IPS FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible HDR compatibility: HDR10 Brightness: 350cd/m2 Refresh rate: 155Hz Response time: 4ms Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 Color support: 99% sRGB, 71% Adrobe RGB, 77% DCI-P3 Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 Weight: 12.79 pounds Size: 24.4″ x 14.8″ x 8.31″
The Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ is the most full-featured 27-inch gaming monitor on this list. It has all the specs we expect from this class of display with a sharp 1440p picture and a quick 144Hz refresh rate. It might be a FreeSync 2 display by design, but it’s also G-Sync Compatible, so you’ll get a smooth gaming experience whether you’re gaming on an Nvidia or AMD-powered system.The Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ is pretty affordable too at only $430, so it’s one of the more affordable options on this list. And yet you get HDR10 support along with a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time at this price point.
6. Samsung Odyssey G7
Best Curved 27-inch Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 27″ 1000R Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 Panel type: VA QLED FreeSync Premium Pro Brightness: 600cd/m2 Refresh rate: 240Hz Response time: 1ms Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) Contrast ratio: 2,500:1 Color support: 1.07B, 10-bit (8-bit + FRC) 125% sRGB Inputs: 1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4 Weight: 15.87 pounds Size: 24.19″ x 17.95″ x 12.04″
Samsung has an exciting new entry to the 27-inch monitor field as well as the curved gaming monitor market. The Samsung Odyssey G7 delivers a 27-inch display but with a 1000R curvature that’s a lot tighter than many of the other curved displays you’ll find, giving you some extra immersion when you’re close the screen.This display also offers higher-spec features that make it much more compelling. For one, you’re getting premium VRR (variable refresh rate) support with both G-Sync compatibility and FreeSync Premium Pro to offer a smoother experience on the 240Hz display. You also get a high-quality picture, as this monitor is using a QLED panel with a 600-nit peak brightness and 10-bit color depth. That means you can start to enjoy some HDR content with rich colors, strong contrast, and brilliant highlights.
The Samsung Odyssey G7 also has some neat extras. It offers two USB 3.0 pass-through ports, letting you keep your desk tidier with fewer cables running to your computer. It also has Infinity Core Lighting to provide some stylish backlighting effects at the rear of the monitor.
7. HP Omen X 27
Best 27-inch, 240Hz Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 27″ Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 Panel type: TN FreeSync Premium Pro Brightness: 300cd/m2 Refresh rate: 240Hz Response time: 1ms Viewing angle: 170(H)/160(V) Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 Color support: 16.7M, 8-bit Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 Weight: 14.55 pounds Size: 24.16″ x 21 x 10.7″
If you’ve got the need for speed, you won’t find many options faster than a 240Hz monitor, and the HP Omen X 27 delivers on the insane refresh rate while maintaining its 1440p resolution. So you can rest assured that you’re getting crisp visuals right alongside the fluidity. It will take some serious horse power in your gaming rig to drive this display, but AMD’s FreeSync Premium Pro technology is available to keep the the visuals clean even if you’re aren’t getting a consistent frame rate. If speed is more of a concern for you then resolution, there’s always the Alienware 27.What to Look For in a 27-inch Gaming Monitor
If you’re already set on buying a 27-inch gaming monitor, you’ve already settled the big question of how large of a display is right for you. With that in mind, the biggest thing you need to consider is what resolution is right for you. At this screen size, it’s worth looking only into displays that are sharper than 1080p as the pixel you get from a Full HD resolution panel are starting to spread out too far on a display this large.Once you get into 27-inch monitors, it’s best to start looking at displays with at least a 2,560 x 1,440 or Quad HD resolution. 4K isn’t exactly necessary with a display this large, but it’s also not necessarily a waste as the 3,840 x 2,160 resolution will still look sharper. Just be aware as you go up in resolution so will the price of the gaming monitors you look at.
Kevin Lee is IGN’s Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspamMark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark
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