When diving into the captivating world of video games, the size of your monitor plays a crucial role. For numerous gamers, a 27-inch monitor strikes the perfect balance between comfortable viewing and detailed visuals, resulting in an outstanding gaming encounter. Despite the increasing prevalence of larger sizes, the 27-inch monitors remain a highly sought-after choice for gaming enthusiasts. These monitors span a spectrum, ranging from basic 1080p models to mighty 4k gaming beasts, including those equipped with high refresh rates.
Prior to embarking on the quest for a 27-inch gaming monitor, several factors warrant consideration, including your budget and the type of games you typically engage with. A gamer immersed in the latest HDR-enhanced games would require a different monitor compared to an individual assembling their inaugural gaming PC setup while adhering to a tight budget. The responsiveness of the display, often quantified by input lag, merits attention while scrutinizing potential gaming monitors.
Fortunately, most monitors feature sufficiently low input lag to provide that desired level of responsiveness.
In the realm of gaming, fast response times are crucial, as they result in minimal motion blur during instances involving fast moving elements.
We’ve compiled a thorough list of the top 27-inch gaming monitors currently on the market. There is more to these monitors than just size. To ensure that every pixel of your game is shown in breathtaking clarity, they combine cutting-edge technology, amazing refresh rates, exceptional colour accuracy, and extremely fast response times. These monitors will elevate your gaming experience, whether you’re a professional eSports player or a casual gamer.
- ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM
- HP OMEN 27Q
- Sony INZONE M9
- LG 27GP850-B UltraGear
- Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A
- Gigabyte M27U
- ViewSonic Elite XG271QG
- Gigabyte M27Q
- ViewSonic Elite XG271QG
- Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor (AW2723DF)
- Gigabyte G27Q
Best 27-Inch Gaming Monitors
1. ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 26.5 Inches
- Display Resolution Maximum: 2560 x 1440 Pixels
- Brand: ASUS
- Special Features: G-Sync Compatible, Blue Light Filter, Tilt, Swivel, Pivot, and Height Adjustable, Ultra-fast 0.03 ms Response Time, Anti-Glare Micro-Texture Coating, Flicker-Free
- Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
The best 27-inch gaming monitor is the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM. It’s a screen with super clear picture quality and great gaming abilities. It has something called a 240Hz refresh rate, which makes games look really smooth. It’s also really quick at showing moving things on the screen.
This monitor has a special kind of display called OLED, which is awesome for showing dark scenes. It can make the darkest parts of the picture look really black, and the bright parts look really bright. But, there are some problems with OLED screens. They can’t get super bright, and if the same picture stays on the screen for a long time, it can leave a mark. But for most people, this isn’t a big problem and the gaming performance is still really good.
However, there are a couple of things to know. When it first came out, this monitor had some issues with showing HDR content and a little delay when you press buttons. To fix this, you need to update the monitor’s software. If that sounds like a hassle, you might also want to think about another monitor, the LG 27GR95QE-B. It’s similar but doesn’t get as bright.
So, if you’re looking for a great 27-inch gaming monitor, the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM is a top choice. It makes games look awesome and plays them really well. Just remember to update its software for the best experience.
2. HP OMEN 27Q
Specifications:
- Screen size: 27″
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
- Panel type: IPS with FreeSync Premium
- Brightness: 400cd/m2
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
HP OMEN 27Q stands as an excellent budget choice among 27-inch gaming monitors. It provides a crisp and vibrant 1440p display with a high refresh rate and gaming-focused features.
Blending affordability with noteworthy features, the HP OMEN 27Q might leave you questioning the need for higher-priced alternatives. Sporting an IPS panel with a peak brightness of 400 nits, the monitor can leverage HDR capabilities, albeit at a basic level. This allows for vibrant and colorful visuals, making your content appear rich and engaging. The 1440p resolution perfectly complements the 27-inch display, delivering sharp and clear graphics in every frame. While the contrast ratio might not be the absolute best, it’s on par with similar monitors. Given its retail price typically under $300, any minor shortcomings can be easily overlooked.
For gamers who enjoy fast-paced titles, the monitor’s 165Hz refresh rate and adaptive sync technology are enticing. Coupled with the 1ms response time, this ensures smooth and tear-free gaming experiences, even in visually demanding games. HP has thoughtfully included a sturdy, height-adjustable stand and a VESA mount, along with a DisplayPort 1.4 for easy PC connection. Moreover, the two HDMI 2.0 ports enable gaming on consoles at 144Hz.
HP OMEN 27Q provides a fantastic balance between affordability and performance. Its 1440p display, high refresh rate, and adaptive sync make it an appealing choice for budget-conscious gamers seeking an immersive gaming experience.
3. Sony INZONE M9
Specifications:
- Screen size: 27″
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
- Panel type: LCD IPS with G-Sync Compatibility
- HDR compatibility: DisplayHDR 600, HDR10
- Brightness: 600cd/m2
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
Sony Inzone M9 one of the best mid-range 27-inch 4K gaming monitor, offering a blend of full-array local dimming and a substantial 96 lighting zones that contribute to outstanding contrast on this gaming-ready monitor.
While the consensus holds that 1440p is the optimal balance, the Sony Inzone M9 offers an alternative for those wielding high-powered systems. This 4K gaming monitor, equipped with HDMI 2.1 readiness, showcases a 144Hz refresh rate, allowing you to game alongside your 1440p-equipped counterparts. Notably, it supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and is G-Sync compatible, ensuring a tear-free gaming experience—a crucial consideration given the challenges of maintaining a constant 144fps at 4K on most systems.
The Sony Inzone M9 elevates visual quality through a robust backlighting system incorporating full-array local dimming and an impressive 96 lighting zones. This setup enhances contrast, facilitating vibrant highlights and richer shadow details while effectively eliminating haloing. This feature proves beneficial for spotting adversaries lurking in darker scenes. Complementing these enhancements is a peak brightness of 600 nits and coverage of over 95% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum, contributing to superior HDR visuals. For those intending to utilize this monitor with a PS5, the Auto HDR Tone mapping feature automatically optimizes your display settings for the ideal HDR experience.
4. LG 27GP850-B UltraGear
Specifications:
- Screen size: 27″
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
- Panel type: Nano IPS with FreeSync and G-Sync Compatibility
- HDR compatibility: HDR10, DisplayHDR 400
- Brightness: 400cd/m2
- Refresh rate: 165Hz (overclockable to 180Hz)
- Response time: 1ms
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
The LG 27GP850-B UltraGear is a leading choice when it comes to 27-inch gaming monitors. It offers a bright and sizable 27-inch display with remarkable color quality and a refresh rate of 165Hz in 1440p resolution, which can even be pushed to 180Hz with overclocking.
If you’re seeking a gaming monitor that excels in various aspects, the LG 27GP850-B UltraGear serves as a prime example of the capabilities that a 27-inch option can offer. The generously sized and bright screen effectively handles reflections and seamlessly fits on almost any desk, even in well-lit environments. The monitor also features a highly adjustable stand, allowing you to closely inspect your game’s visuals, whether that involves detailed textures or distant adversaries.
The LG 27GP850-B boasts a fast Nano IPS display that delivers exceptional color accuracy and rapid pixel response times. It maintains impressive clarity at the 1440p resolution, ensuring captivating visuals even during dynamic on-screen movements. This means no unsightly corona effects or ghosting. With its 165Hz refresh rate, which can be boosted to 180Hz, the monitor delivers smooth visuals to keep pace with fast-moving gameplay. Additionally, the monitor provides both G-Sync and FreeSync compatibility to prevent screen tearing. And all these impressive features come at a very reasonable price point, making it a fantastic value proposition.
5. Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A
Specifications:
- Screen size: 27″
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
- Panel type: IPS with FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible
- Brightness: 470cd/m2
- Refresh rate: 170Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A emerges as the ultimate G-Sync Compatible 27-inch gaming monitor, offering an array of benefits including sharpness, speed, HDR capabilities, rich color, and compatibility with both G-Sync and FreeSync, all at an affordable price point.
The Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A presents an extensive upgrade across various aspects, surpassing the typical offerings of a standard 1080p gaming monitor. This monitor boasts a 1440p display with an IPS panel that supports both FreeSync and G-Sync, catering to both PC and console gamers.
Unlike other monitors that might settle for a 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate, the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A takes it up a notch with an impressive 170Hz. Often, monitors prioritizing speed compromise on other visual qualities. However, this monitor stands out by featuring a 10-bit color depth and reaching a peak brightness of 470 nits. This combination allows for a touch of HDR in your gaming experience. If you’re seeking a blend of sharp visuals, high-speed performance, HDR capabilities, rich color reproduction, and the flexibility of variable refresh rate, this monitor is a stellar choice, especially considering its sub-$300 price tag.
In essence, the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A stands as the ultimate 27-inch G-Sync Compatible gaming monitor, delivering a winning combination of features that include visual excellence, speed, HDR capabilities, and versatile refresh rate support, all while remaining highly affordable.
6. Gigabyte M27U
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Display Resolution Maximum: 3840 x 2160 Pixels
- Brand: Gigabyte
- Special Features: Anti-Glare Screen, Blue Light Filter, USB Hub, Flicker-Free, High Dynamic Range (HDR)
- Refresh Rate: 160 Hz
If the Sony INZONE M9 is still out of your budget range, you might want to consider the Gigabyte M27U as a mid-range alternative. This monitor offers similar features, making it a good option. It also features a 4k resolution and a 160Hz refresh rate, resulting in impressive gaming performance. However, there are trade-offs. The picture quality is not as good due to a weaker local dimming feature. Additionally, it supports only 24 Gbps of HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, unlike the Sony’s 40 Gbps. This means that your graphics card might need to use compression for high-bandwidth signals, potentially affecting picture quality. Nevertheless, unless you’re specifically seeking the absolute best picture quality, this monitor should still satisfy you.
Beyond that, the Gigabyte M27U includes all the standard features you’d expect in a gaming monitor, such as FreeSync Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and G-SYNC compatibility. Its response time is swift, and it even features a backlight strobing function designed to enhance motion appearance. Interestingly, this feature operates simultaneously with VRR, a combination not commonly found in many monitors.
If you’re seeking a monitor with a higher refresh rate than the Gigabyte model, you’ll find some mid-range options with a 240Hz refresh rate and 1440p resolution. The Dell Alienware AW2723DF is one such example; its 240Hz refresh rate can even be boosted to 280Hz through overclocking. This is excellent for competitive gaming. However, if your priority is a higher resolution for more detailed visuals, the Gigabyte M27U stands as the superior choice.
7. ViewSonic Elite XG271QG
Specifications:
- Screen size: 27″
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
- Panel type: IPS Nano with G-Sync
- Brightness: 400cd/m2
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
ViewSonic Elite XG271QG claims the title of the top G-Sync 27-inch gaming monitor. With G-Sync support, it ensures motion fidelity remains steadfast even at high refresh rates on its generous 1440p display.
The ViewSonic Elite XG271QG elevates the gaming display experience, offering enhancements in size, brightness, sharpness, and speed over more standard options. It steps up from the standard 1080p resolution to a crisp 1440p, all while boasting an impressive 240Hz refresh rate and a lightning-fast 1ms response time. The G-Sync support maintains motion fidelity at the intense 240fps mark, ensuring a gameplay experience devoid of screen tearing or stuttering.
With a substantial 27-inch screen, the ViewSonic Elite XG271QG enhances visibility, making it easier to spot distant adversaries and intricate details that might have been overlooked on a smaller 24-inch monitor. Catering to the HDR era, the monitor incorporates a vibrant IPS panel capable of reaching 400 nits in brightness. Furthermore, it boasts a 10-bit color depth, contributing to a more vibrant and immersive gaming experience. The monitor’s impressive 98% coverage of the cinematic DCI-P3 color space translates to near-perfect color accuracy, enhancing both gaming and streaming experiences. In terms of visual fidelity, this gaming monitor sets a remarkable standard.
8. Gigabyte M27Q
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Display Resolution Maximum: 2560 x 1440 Pixels
- Brand: Gigabyte
- Special Features: Height Adjustment, Blue Light Filter, Tilt Adjustment, Flicker-Free
- Refresh Rate: 170 Hz
For those seeking a cost-effective 27-inch gaming monitor, the Gigabyte M27Q is a favorable option. It presents a more budget-friendly choice compared to the Gigabyte M27U. While it might not be as high-end, it still offers solid performance.
Many budget-friendly 27-inch gaming monitors come with a 1440p resolution, and the M27Q is no exception. However, it doesn’t provide the same level of detail as the M27U due to this lower resolution. Another distinction is the panel type—it employs a BGR subpixel layout, whereas the M27U uses an RGB subpixel layout. Although this doesn’t noticeably affect picture quality or gaming performance, it might have a minor impact on text clarity when browsing the web.
Nonetheless, the M27Q remains an impressive gaming monitor, featuring FreeSync Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and G-SYNC compatibility to minimize screen tearing. Motion appears smooth, courtesy of its rapid response time at various refresh rates. Similar to the M27U, this monitor includes a backlight strobing feature that enhances motion appearance. However, it’s worth noting that within a comparable refresh rate range, the M27Q exhibits more image duplication, which is not ideal. On the positive side, this budget-friendly monitor incorporates some extra features not commonly found in monitors of this category, such as a KVM switch—a useful addition if you have multiple sources connected to the monitor.
9. Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor (AW2723DF)
Specifications:
- Screen size: 27″
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
- Panel type: IPS with FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync compatibility
- Brightness: 600cd/m2
- Refresh rate: 240Hz (overclockable to 280Hz)
- Response time: 1ms
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
Alienware AW2723DF stands out as the premier 27-inch, 240Hz gaming monitor. It boasts a swift IPS panel that excels in motion handling, minimal input lag, and high peak brightness. However, it falls short in delivering deep blacks during dark scenes.
While a 1440p monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate strikes an excellent balance between motion clarity and resolution, modern graphics cards are now capable of even faster frame rates with ease. This is where the Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor (AW2723DF) comes into play. Sporting a 27-inch, 1440p panel, this monitor achieves a staggering 240Hz refresh rate, which can even be overclocked slightly higher. If concerns about screen tearing arise with such rapid frame rates, you can rely on FreeSync support and G-Sync compatibility to ensure seamless synchronization between your display and GPU.
Not only does this monitor feature an exceptionally swift IPS panel that excels in motion handling and boasts minimal input lag, but it also achieves a high peak brightness of 600 nits. Furthermore, it covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color space, enhancing immersion in your gaming experiences. However, it’s worth noting that the native contrast ratio falls short, resulting in less pronounced blacks during darker scenarios. Despite this drawback, the monitor’s robust and highly adjustable stand ensures stability and comfort during your gaming sessions.
In summary, the Alienware AW2723DF secures its position as the leading 27-inch, 240Hz gaming monitor, delivering remarkable motion performance, minimal input lag, and vivid visuals with high peak brightness. While it may not excel in delivering deep blacks, its overall performance and adjustability make it a compelling choice for immersive gaming experiences.
10. Gigabyte G27Q
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Display Resolution Maximum: 2560 x 1440 Pixels
- Brand: Gigabyte
- Special Features: High Dynamic Range, USB Hub, G-SYNC Compatible, Height Adjustment, Tilt Adjustment, Blue Light Filter, Flicker-Free
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
If you’re aiming for a budget-friendly option for your first gaming setup and prefer 27-inch screens, there are a few selections available. While most lower-cost 27-inch monitors don’t come with extensive gaming features, the Gigabyte G27Q is a solid choice if you’re seeking solid gaming performance at an affordable price.
It’s a more economical version of the Gigabyte M27Q, with the primary distinction being the absence of a KVM switch. However, if you’re only connecting your gaming PC to the monitor and not using additional sources, the lack of a KVM switch isn’t an issue, and you can still save money by choosing this monitor.
The G27Q incorporates many of the same gaming attributes as the M27Q but features a slightly lower 144Hz refresh rate. While motion might not appear as impressive as on the M27Q, particularly at lower refresh rates, the monitor still boasts a sufficiently rapid response time, minimizing noticeable motion blurring. An advantage of this monitor over the M27Q is its employment of a different panel with an RGB subpixel layout, contributing to better text clarity.
In essence, if you’re in search of a budget-friendly 27-inch gaming monitor for your initial gaming setup, the Gigabyte G27Q offers an attractive option. While its gaming features are slightly scaled back compared to higher-tier models, it manages to provide satisfying gaming performance at an affordable price point.
What Should You Look for in a 27-Inch Gaming Monitor?
When shopping for a 27-inch gaming monitor, there are some key factors to keep in mind. Since you’ve already decided on the display size, the main consideration is choosing the right resolution. At this size, it’s advisable to opt for resolutions higher than 1080p, as the pixels on a Full HD panel might start to appear to spread out on a screen of this size.
As you delve into the realm of 27-inch monitors, it’s recommended to focus on displays with a minimum resolution of 2,560 x 1,440, often referred to as Quad HD. While 4K resolution isn’t a strict requirement for a screen this size, it’s still worth considering, as the 3,840 x 2,160 resolution will offer enhanced sharpness. Just keep in mind that as the resolution increases, so will the cost of the gaming monitors you explore.
