best 27 inch lcd monitors manufacturer

The Asus ProArt Display PA278CV has a great-looking screen with good enough color accuracy for most people and all the ports you need to hook up desktop or laptop PCs. The PA278CV’s stand can tilt, swivel, and pivot the screen and raise and lower its height, its USB-C port can provide enough power to charge most 13-inch laptops, and it comes with a three-year warranty and a good dead-pixel policy. Its QHD resolution (2560×1440) means it isn’t as sharp as a 4K screen, but it’s also hundreds of dollars cheaper than comparable 4K monitors.

The MD271QP has a USB-C connection, making it easy to connect a modern laptop without the need for an HDMI cable or extra dongle. However, you’ll still need to plug in your laptop’s charging cable.

The MSI Modern MD271QP is a simple, streamlined 1440p monitor that’s perfect for laptop users. If you have a laptop with a USB-C port, a single cable will send the image to the monitor and slowly charge your laptop with 15 watts of power. However, you’ll still need to plug in a power cable as well to keep your laptop fully charged. The MD271QP lacks features we liked in the Asus ProArt PA278CV,including a built-in USB hub, granular color calibration controls, and blue-light filtering modes for reading. But if you don’t need to tinker with color settings or those extra USB connections, the MSI Modern MD271QP is a great monitor for $100 less than our top pick.

The Dell S2722QC is a 3840×2160 display that’s great for anyone who watches 4K content or casually edits photos or video. However, if most of your time is spent on general office work or browsing the internet, you don’t really need to spend the extra cash. The S2722QC has a USB-C port with 65 watts of charging, so it can power most laptops except higher-end devices like the Dell XPS 15-inch or the 16-inch MacBook Pros (which are picks in our guide to the best laptops for video and photo editing). For more powerful 4K displays, check out our guide for the best 4K monitors.

The ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ is a full-featured gaming monitor with HDR, a USB hub, and a robust menu system. The XG27AQ can reach a 170 Hz refresh rate, meaning the picture is updated 170 times per second, making motion in games look smoother and more realistic. We think this monitor is a nice balance between price and premium features like HDR, an overclockable refresh rate, a USB hub, good build quality, and a sturdy stand.

The Dell S2721QS (view at Amazon) is an incredible 4K monitor. It has wonderful image quality, an attractive design, an adjustable stand, and no significant downsides. You can spend more for a 27-inch monitor, but the S2721QS provides excellent value at a mid-range price point. If price isn’t a factor, and you want the best of the best with no real compromises, the LG 27GN950-B offers both 4K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate.

Matthew S. Smith is a technology journalist and product reviewer with nearly 15 years of experience. He’s tested over 600 monitors or laptop displays since 2010 and has a record of objective testing results that goes back a decade.

If you’re using a monitor primarily for gaming, your first priority should be refresh rate. The jump from a basic 60 Hz to 144Hz or more will deliver a significant improvement in your gameplay experience. On the other hand, for photographers, videographers, and graphic designers high resolution can be absolutely vital. 4K monitors are also often more color accurate, another critical factor for creators. However, if you have the money to spare, you don’t need to compromise, since high end monitors offer both high resolution and high refresh rates.

27 inches is a great compromise between expensive and bulky larger monitors and cramped smaller monitors. It provides plenty of space for getting work done or for playing immersive games. However, if you have the budget, a larger display will have more screen real estate, though in some situations only a 21 inch or smaller display may be adequate. Also, if you do need more screen space you could always buy two low price 27 inch screens such as the Dell S2721H and use them in a dual monitor configuration.

Built in speakers in monitors are something that’s nice to have, but which shouldn’t be considered a deal breaker. Most built in speakers produce sub-par audio, and good headphones or desktop speakers are available for not much money and will deliver much better sound.

In a 27 inch monitor, 1920 x 1080 is perfectly acceptable, but not particularly outstanding. For gaming, stepping down to 1080p for a higher refresh rate is a good tradeoff. However, for creative work such as photo editing, you’ll want a display that offers at least 2160 x 1440. 4K monitors are increasingly common, and the extra resolution is great if you can afford it. If you’re planning to play games at 4K, make sure your PC is capable of it.

A good way to reduce the footprint of a monitor on your desk is to look for one with a slim bezel. Reducing the size of the bezel makes your screen smaller without reducing the usable screen space of the monitor. Fortunately, even inexpensive monitors now frequently feature slim bezels.

Most modern monitors include HDMI ports, which are almost universally compatible with computers. Look for DisplayPort on higher-end models, which is a more powerful and modern connection. Some displays include older ports such as VGA as well, which can be useful. Other extras to look for include AUX audio and USB passthrough.

The best 27-inch monitor is Acer’s SB270 Bbix. Its “ultrathin” SB0 line emerged as our top pick due to its “zero-frame” design, slim profile, wide viewing angles, and Vision Care feature. It’s also considered as one of the best budget gaming monitors with its 1-millisecond response time, 75-hertz refresh rate, and AMD Radeon FreeSync support.

To determine the best 27-inch gaming monitor, we examined 24 of the best products and scrutinized them according to resolution and display options, panel type, design, adjustability, eye care solutions, connectivity options, refresh rate, and gaming capabilities such as the response time (input lag), picture quality, color accuracy and more. Read on to discover other top-quality monitors in the market.

WHY WE LIKE IT: Touted as one of the best 27-inch gaming monitors in the mid-budget category, this Acer unit gives you a quick 1ms response time, 75hz refresh rate, and AMD Free-Sync technology. Belonging to Acer’s SB0 ultrathin line, you get a model that sports a very modern look with its thin bezels and profile. Although, for a monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, check out the Acer Nitro XV273K.

Like some of the finest 22-inch monitors, this Acer monitor is highly recommended for gamers with AMD graphics card-equipped devices. The AMD Freesync technology support allows you to experience a tear and ghosting-free gaming experience while enjoying the unit’s low response time, 178-degree viewing angles, and borderless frame. As you’ll read in our buying guide, a low response time translates to quick and therefore fluid color and image transitions – a feature that the best gaming monitors definitely need. Its VisionCare technology even includes a low dimming feature that reduces brightness to 15% and BlueLightShield adjusts colors to decrease your exposure to harmful, sometimes headache-inducing blue light. The vivid colors and refresh rate technology are the perfect balance for an immersive gaming experience.

This monitor, whose profile is only 1.34″ thick, features an IPS (in-plane switching) panel, which is known for its best color and viewing angles. This LCD monitor features a VGA port for older graphic card users and a port for the still widely used HDMI cables. The device also has a slot for headphones or speakers. For a monitor that will fulfill all of your gaming needs, consider the best 4k gaming monitor instead.

Similar to the Acer VG271U model, Viewsonic’s SuperClear IPS technology offers accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles through its SuperClear IPS technology. You can further enhance the way you view your videos or images by using the monitor’s ViewMode feature, which allows you to choose from a variety of presets, including “web,” “text,” “movie,” and “game.” Its dual 2-watt speakers provide audio support when viewing your shows, films, and games. This IPS display features great color quality on a larger display with green screen real estate.

Its blue light filter and flicker-free technology reduce or eliminate any possible eye strain that comes with prolonged time in front of the monitor. The screen also features a power-conserving Eco Mode that’s made possible with the built-in LED backlighting. The monitor is VESA compatible (100 x 100 mm). If you’re shopping on a budget, you may want to also look at the best cheap monitor.

But, a cheaper display isn’t always better. In fact, it’s a great idea to compare 24 vs 27-inch monitors on features and benefits before settling on a price.

View and print images with high color accuracy through this HP unit, whose HP Enhance+ technology prevents picture overexposure. Moreover, the brand’s My Display Software allows you to adjust the settings of your monitor so that colored images on your screen will render equally well on print. You can also set the layout of your desktop with this app. This 0.25-inch (6.6mm)-thick IPS screen has a power-saving mode so you can do your projects for extended periods without overworking the device. Meanwhile, its bezel-less frame, LED backlight, and anti-glare/low-haze surface help ensure you won’t overburden your eyes during prolonged use, making this great for work like the best monitor for graphic design.

This monitor has 2 HDMI ports with HDCP support and 1 VGA slot. It’s lightweight and slim, making it easy to move between workspaces. If photography isn’t your passion, take a look at the best monitor for video editing instead.

Casual gamers who don’t mind playing with a refresh rate of 72hz and 4ms response time will enjoy the ultra-wide, high picture quality of this monitor. You can reduce any ghosting or smudging effects by adjusting its response time setting. Its Eco Saving Plus, Eye Saver Mode, and Flicker-Free technology also make viewing power-efficient and easy on the eyes. This screen comes with an HDMI and Display Port and audio/headphone outputs. If you’re a die-hard console player and looking for a monitor to run your favorite games, take a look at the best gaming monitor for the PS4.

WHY WE LIKE IT: This Dell model’s Display Manager, which allows you to tile applications for more productive multitasking, and the rotate feature, which lets you go on vertical view for coding and space-saving measures, make this unit the best 27-inch monitor for work. Its thin bezels, viewing angles, and eye protection also help boost your performance and viewing pleasure.

It has two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 downstream ports, the most number of USB connectors in this buying guide. It also features HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA ports. If you’d like to consider a bigger monitor than 27 inches, check out our guide to finding the best 32-inch monitor.

This AMVA+ ASUS Full HD screen is excellent for work and entertainment due to its narrow (0.8-cm/0.3-inch) frame, wide viewing angles, and picture quality-enhancing features, helping its visual performance compete with the best HDR monitor. Its VividPixel Technology also gives you crisp images by muting noise and improving sharpness. Meanwhile, you can adjust your viewing mode from standard to night view, theater, or game with its Splendid Video Intelligence Technology. This ASUS model also helps you better visualize how small or large an image on your screen will be on a printed page when you activate its QuickFit Virtual Scale.

This VESA-wall mount (100 x 100 mm)-equipped ASUS product has dual two-watt speakers and HDMI/MHL, D-Sub, and DisplayPort slots. If you’re an Apple fan and want to transfer a Mac interface onto a non-Mac monitor, consider the best monitor for Mac Mini.

On the business side, its ePaper Mode gives your display an Amazon Kindle look, making documents and reports easier to read. Completing the package of eye-friendly features is BenQ’s Eye Care technology which offers zero flickering and low blue light. If you need a monitor with a bit more speed, check out the best 144 Hz gaming monitor.

The 27” monitors in this buying guide are available in 1920 x 1080 pixels, also referred to as full high-definition resolution, similar to what you’d find with the top-rated 1080p gaming monitors. Although many computers of this size already come in higher resolutions, a full HD 27” screen is a practical option for those saving up for 4K. We featured monitors from every panel and screen type to widen your range of choices and enlighten you about the strengths and weaknesses of each. We also looked at affordable options to find the best budget monitor available.

A full HD resolution is adequate for a 27″ screen if you’ll be using it for movie-watching and games, although more avid gamers would recommend a 1440p resolution for a 27″ monitor. You may also want to go for a higher resolution monitor if you’ll be pairing up your screen with your desktop PC, especially for image editing. Twenty-seven inches is currently the recommended screen size for 4K or ultra-high definition viewing.

Some products are not factory-calibrated so you have to manually adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation, and so on. The best 27-in monitors come with display options that allow you to enhance picture quality further. This feature is for your long-term satisfaction because LED backlighting can deteriorate over time.

IPS panels offer the highest color accuracy and viewing angles so monitors with this type of panel are best for professional image and video editors. However, IPS units score poorly in terms of response times and refresh rates compared to TN, although their performance is faster compared to VA.

VA panels are the middle ground as they provide better viewing angles and color reproduction than TN units. However, they are inferior to IPS units in terms of picture quality. Some brands can offer a high refresh rate but their response times are typically slow. Modern VA panels for PC monitors include “super” vertical alignment (SVA), multi-domain vertical alignment (MVA), and advanced MVA (AMVA), which offer smoother pixel transitions and greater black color depth.

When debating between curved monitors vs flat, flat monitors can offer wide viewing angles without requiring a lot of space but this feature pales in comparison to what curved screens can offer. Curved units also widen your peripheral vision and make images appear in 3D. However, they require an allotted space, and mounting them on a wall can be complicated, like with the best 38-inch monitor. They’re also pricier than flat screens. The curvature rate of a monitor is indicated by a four-digit number ending with the letter R, while a lower number means a greater curve or bend. If you want to stick to budget displays, flat screens are still an attractive design, and alongside being a slim design, they’re capable of being a swivel option too.

Look for monitors with a slim bezel and profile so that you can get more out of your display and save on space at the same time. The best 27″ monitors also have a solid construction and plenty of adjustment options: VESA compatibility, height, rotate/pivot, tilt, and swivel.

Make sure your monitor has ports that are required to connect it to your central processing unit or game console. HDMI and Thunderbolt ports would connect your screen to your PC, laptop, or HDTV. A USB port will be useful for your external storage and other USB devices. Meanwhile, you’ll need a DisplayPort port to connect your monitor to the rest of your gaming rig. If you own newer technology, look out for newer port selections like USB-C ports and HDMI 2.1 inputs on your 27-inch panel. If you own devices that use a variety of connectivity options, make sure the port selection is varied enough. If you own multiple external devices, then make sure there are plenty of ports. Without rich connectivity options and a large assortment of external devices, it will lead to inconvenience while using your monitor.

Gaming capabilitiesRefresh rate, which is measured in hertz, refers to how fast a monitor can refresh the images displayed on the screen. A 60-Hz refresh rate is recommended if you’ll use your monitor mainly for web browsing, office work, and non-competitive gaming. However, a 144-Hz refresh rate will be more suitable when playing fast-paced first-person shooter games. An even higher 240hz refresh rate is needed if you’re into esports. In terms of image quality, the gaming experience will become more immersive and seamless with a higher refresh rate, especially when you’re dealing with plenty of screen. The higher the refresh rate or more advanced the refresh rate technology is on the panel displays, the less likely you’ll be looking at budget displays. If you’re a serious gamer, the smooth gameplay while gaming online or using your gaming consoles is worth it. If you’re planning to use a monitor like business monitors for documents and presentations, you may not need a high refresh rate like a 165hz monitor.

Response time, which is measured in milliseconds, refers to the speed by which pixels change in color. The response times of monitors usually fall between 1ms and 5ms. TN panels could readily deliver response times of 1-2ms. High-end IPS and VA panels could offer 3-4ms response times but regular IPS and VA screens normally only have a response time of 5ms. If you’ll be using your monitors like business monitors, you may not need the fastest monitors with all the extra features like a competitive gamer.

Computer monitors keep evolving rapidly, with new technology like OLED Flex, QD-OLED and built-in smart platforms just in the last year alone. That’s on top of big improvements in things like color accuracy, image quality, size and resolution.

The choice is nice but overwhelming, as there are a lot of products in this market and a lot of features. Buyers looking for computer monitors now have to consider things like HDR, brightness, color accuracy, type of display technology, input lag and more. And then there are the usual considerations like size, adjustability, inputs and so on.

To help you with all that, we’ve researched the latest models for all kinds of markets, whether you’re a gamer, business user or content creator. Read on to find out which is the best computer monitor for you and, especially, your budget.

The cheapest monitors are still TN (twisted nematic), which are strictly for gaming or office use. VA (vertical alignment) monitors are also relatively cheap, while offering good brightness and a high contrast ratio. However, content creators will probably want an IPS (in-plane switching) LCD display that delivers better color accuracy, image quality and viewing angles.

If maximum brightness is important, a quantum dot LCD display is the way to go — those are typically found in larger displays. OLED monitors are now available and offer the best blacks and color reproduction, but they lack the brightness of LED or quantum dot displays. Plus, they cost a lot. The latest type of OLED monitor, called QD-OLED from Samsung, just came out this year. The most notable advantage is that it can get a lot brighter, with monitors shown at CES 2022 hitting up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness.

In this day and age, screen size rules. Where 24-inch displays used to be more or less standard (and can still be useful for basic computing), 27-, 32-, 34- and even 42-inch displays have become popular for entertainment, content creation and even gaming these days.

Nearly every monitor used to be 16:9, but it’s now possible to find 16:10 and other more exotic display shapes. On the gaming and entertainment side, we’re also seeing curved and ultrawide monitors with aspect ratios like 21:9. If you do decide to buy an ultrawide display, however, keep in mind that a 30-inch 21:9 model is the same height as a 24-inch monitor, so you might end up with a smaller display than you expected. As a rule of thumb, add 25 percent to the size of a 21:9 monitor to get the vertical height you’d expect from a model with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

A 4K monitor is nearly a must for content creators, and some folks are even going for 5K or all the way up to 8K. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need a pretty powerful computer to drive all those pixels. And 4K resolution should be paired with a screen size of 27 inches and up, or you won’t notice much difference between 1440p. At the same time, I wouldn’t get a model larger than 27 inches unless it’s 4K, as you’ll start to see pixelation if you’re working up close to the display.

One new category to consider is portable monitors designed to be carried and used with laptops. Those typically come in 1080p resolutions and sizes from 13-15 inches. They usually have a lightweight kickstand-type support that folds up to keep things compact.

HDR is the buzzy monitor feature to have these days, as it adds vibrancy to entertainment and gaming – but be careful before jumping in. Some monitors that claim HDR on the marketing materials don’t even conform to a base standard. To be sure that a display at least meets minimum HDR specs, you’ll want to choose one with a DisplayHDR rating with each tier representing maximum brightness in nits.

Where televisions typically offer HDR10 and Dolby Vision or HDR10+, most PC monitors only support the HDR10 standard, other than a few (very expensive) models. That doesn’t matter much for content creation or gaming, but HDR streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other services won’t look quite as punchy. In addition, most models supporting HDR600 (and up) are gaming, rather than content creation monitors – with a few exceptions.

Refresh rate is a key feature, particularly on gaming monitors. A bare minimum nowadays is 60Hz, and 80Hz refresh rates and up are much easier on the eyes. However, most 4K displays top out at 60Hz with some rare exceptions and the HDMI 2.0 spec only supports 4K at 60Hz, so you’d need at least DisplayPort 1.4 (4K at 120Hz) or HDMI 2.1. The latter is now available on a number of monitors, particularly gaming displays. However, it’s only supported on the latest NVIDIA RTX 3000- and 4000-series, AMD RX 6000-series GPUs.

There are essentially three types of modern display inputs: Thunderbolt, DisplayPort and HDMI. Most monitors built for PCs come with the latter two, while a select few (typically built for Macs) will use Thunderbolt. To add to the confusion, USB-C ports may be Thunderbolt 3 and by extension, DisplayPort compatible, so you may need a USB-C to Thunderbolt or DisplayPort cable adapter depending on your display.

The other aspect of color is the gamut. That expresses the range of colors that can be reproduced and not just the number of colors. Most good monitors these days can cover the sRGB and Rec.709 gamuts (designed for photos and video respectively). For more demanding work, though, you’ll want one that can reproduce more demanding modern gamuts like AdobeRGB, DCI-P3 and Rec.2020 gamuts, which encompass a wider range of colors. The latter two are often used for film projection and HDR, respectively.

Both the Xbox Series X and Sony’s PS5 can handle 4K 120Hz HDR gaming, so if you’re into resolution over pure speed, you’ll want a monitor that can keep up. 4K resolution, HDR and at least 120Hz is the minimum starting point, but fortunately there are 27-inch displays with those specs starting at well under $1,000.

Though the pandemic has eased, monitor supply is still a bit tighter than pre-pandemic levels due to supply and demand issues. To that end, you may have trouble finding monitors at Amazon, B&H or elsewhere for the suggested retail price. For our guide below, we’re basing our picks on the MSRP, as long as the street price doesn’t exceed that by more than $25.

The monitor with the best balance of size, refresh rate and color accuracy is Samsung’s $160 27-inch 1080p T35F. It’s good for business or light gaming and content work, thanks to the IPS panel and 75Hz refresh rate. Plus, it’s fairly attractive and modern looking. There are some things you don’t get at that price, of course – it can only tilt and has an HDMI 1.4 connection.

If you’re fine with a smaller display and are more into gaming, another solid option is LG’s 24-inch 24GL600F. It offers a high 144Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync support, a 1ms response time and low input lag. You also get HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, but like the T35F, there’s no height adjustment.

The $330 28-inch HP U28 4K HDR monitor is a great all around choice, especially for content creators. The 60Hz IPS panel and factory calibration delivers excellent color accuracy and it’s a nice size for creative or business work. It comes with DisplayPort, HDMI and three USB 3.0 ports, along with a USB-C port with 65W of charging for a laptop or tablet. And it’s easy to set just right, thanks to height, swivel and pivot adjustment.

If gaming is more your thing, the $300 Gigabyte G27QC is a top pick. The 27-inch, 1440p curved monitor has an ideal size and resolution for gaming, and it has a quick 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. You can connect via HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 connections and get HDR support – albeit, without DisplayHDR certification.

The $400 BenQ 27-inch 2K QHD HDR model is ideal for creative work, particularly photo editing and graphic design. While resolution is limited to 1440p, it covers 100 percent of the sRGB color gamut with a “Delta E” accuracy value of less than 3 for consistent color performance. You also get height, pivot and swivel adjustment (a full 90 degrees), with HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4 and USB-C daisy chaining and 65W power delivery.

The 32-inch LG 32UN650-W is a great 4K monitor for entertainment, creative chores and gaming. The 31.5-inch, 60Hz IPS panel covers an excellent 95 percent of the DCI-P3 gamut with 10-bit color, but also supports AMD FreeSync for gaming. It also supports HDR, albeit with just 350 nits of maximum brightness. It has HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports, tilt and height adjustments and even built-in speakers.

Sometimes speed rules over size and resolution, and the $500 24.5-inch 1080p ASUS ROG Swift PG256QN is fast. It maxes out at a 360Hz refresh rate (with NVIDIA G-Sync support) and 1ms GtG response time. At the same time, you get 1.07 billion colors with HDR support (up to 400 nits brightness) so you can see your enemies quickly and clearly. Other niceties include a fully adjustable stand, ASUS’s GamePlus Hotkey Enhancements and a large heatsink.

Gigabyte’s M28U 28-inch 144Hz 4K gaming monitor sure does a lot. It has an IPS panel with a 2ms (MPRT) response time, 94 percent DCI-P3 coverage, DisplayHDR 400 certification, 2 HDMI 2.1 ports and FreeSync Premium Pro support. It comes in a little bit more expensive than $500, but we"ve often seen it on sale for $480.

In this price range you can have resolution, color accuracy or brightness, but not all three. The one with the best balance is ViewSonic’s $1,000 ColorPro VP2786 27-inch 4K HDR Monitor. The true 10-bit IPS panel covers 98 percent of the DCI-P3 color palette with an excellent Delta <2 accuracy figure, and is certified for soft-proofing by the demanding Fogra print industry. At the same time, it offers HDR10 support, albeit with a limited 350 nits of output. It even includes a “ColorPro” wheel control compatible with Adobe or Capture One apps.

The best 4K gaming monitor under $1,000 is Dell’s G3223Q 4K 32-inch HDR 144Hz monitor because of the speed, brightness and compatibility. It has an IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms GtG response time, 95 percent DCI-P3 coverage and DisplayHDR 600 certification. Plus, it comes with a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports and is both FreeSync and G-Sync compatible.

In general, monitor compatibility issues with MacBooks and Macs are a thing of the past, though you can still experience issues with things like refresh rates, particularly on M1 Macs. If you’d prefer to stay within the Apple family, the most cost-effective option is still the $1,600 27-inch Apple Studio Display. It supports 5K resolution (5,120 x 2,880) with up to 600 nits of brightness, so it can handle creative chores with ease. It even includes a 12-megapixel UltraWide camera that keeps you in frame via Center Stage, along with a three-mic array.

The best third-party option is LG’s $700 UltraFine 4 display, also sold on Apple’s Store. With a 24-inch 4K panel, you not only get very high resolution but also 500 nits of brightness (albeit, without HDR capability). It’s color-accurate out of the box, making it great for video- and photo-editing work on a Mac or MacBook. Finally, it supports Thunderbolt 3 with daisy chaining and power delivery, all of which is very useful for Mac users who may want multiple displays.

Ultrawide 21:9 monitors are a great option for some types of content creation, games (particularly driving and flight sims) and productivity work. The best model this year is LG’s 34GP950G-B, a 34-inch 3,440 x 1,440 curved monitor. The curved IPS panel supports HDR10 with 400 nits of brightness and maximum (via overclocking) 180Hz refresh rate. It’s also G-Sync and FreeSync compatible (the latter over DisplayPort only).

For the best balance of performance and price, LePow’s 15.6-inch, 1080p $200 C2S is a solid option. It offers decent brightness (220 nits), solid contrast and a very respectable 96.1-percent sRGB gamut coverage. You get a generous selection of ports (one mini-DisplayPort, one mini-HDMI port and two USB-C ports, along with a headphone jack. The metal stand is solid and practical, and it even has built-in speakers of decent quality.

ASUS still holds the prize for best luxury monitor, but it discontinued the previous mini-LED $4,000 ProArt PA32UCX monitor and replaced it with the $5,000 PA32UCG-K display. It uses the same mini-LED tech, but ups the ante with 1,600 nits of brightness via 1,152 backlight zones, an HDMI 2.1 port, 4K 120Hz resolution, 10-bit, 98 percent DCI-P3 coverage and an impressive 85 percent Rec.2020 coverage. Oh, and it’s one of the few monitors out there that supports Dolby Vision, along with HDR10 and HLG.

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 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 gaming monitor 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 — or click here to find them in the UK.

12See on AmazonScreen size: 27" | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 | Panel type: Nano IPS FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible | HDR compatibility: HDR10, DisplayHDR 400 | Brightness: 400cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 165Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4

If you’re looking for an incredibly well-rounded gaming monitor, the LG 27GP850-B UltraGearis a brilliant example of just how good a 27-inch option can be. The plenty big, bright screen handles reflections with ease and fits seamlessly on almost any desk in even the brightest of rooms. There’s also a highly adjustable stand that ensures you can take a close look at your game"s visuals, whether that’s high-res textures or enemies in the distance.

The LG 27GP850-B is a fast Nano IPS display that gives you exceptional color and low pixel response times, and it"s reasonably sharp at 1440p. That makes for gorgeous visuals that stay pretty even while elements on screen are moving — no ugly coronas or ghosting. With a 165Hz refresh rate that can overclock to 180Hz, you get smooth gameplay visuals to keep up with the fast-paced action, and you’re getting G-Sync and FreeSync compatibility to prevent tearing. By sticking with 27 inches, all that’s on offer is available for a very reasonable price.

19See on DellScreen size: 27" | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | Panel type:VA FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible | Brightness: 350cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2

You may have spent a good chunk of your budget on other gaming peripherals, but you can still snag a solid monitor on the cheap. For under $260, the Dell 2721HGF offers up a 27-inch display with a slight curve that wraps around your field of vision, adding more immersion to games. The strong contrast ratio and insane color accuracy from the VA panel deliver deep, rich visuals in games, though, there may be a bit of ghosting behind dark objects. Now, this isn’t the brightest display out there for features like HDR, but it’s easy on the eyes. It"s also height and tilt adjustable stand to ensure you get the perfect viewing angle.

If you’re into fast-paced games, you’ll welcome the screen’s 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate. You even get support for both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. Games will look smooth and crisp on the monitor with ample motion fidelity. Its 1080p resolution is also easier for modern graphics cards to drive at high frame rates, making the Dell 2721HGF an excellent pairing for any budget gaming build.

40See on AmazonScreen 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 | Inputs: 1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4

27-inch gaming monitors get some of the most love from manufacturers, and that"s as true as ever with the Samsung Odyssey G7. This display is excellent for gamers in need of FreeSync support as it offers both a high resolution of 1440p and an astronomical refresh rate of 240Hz. Even on higher-end rigs, getting 240fps at 1440p will likely prove challenging in modern games, so FreeSync helps smooth out any frame rate dips and peaks. Better yet, you have the option to switch over to G-Sync in the future without needing a new monitor, so you won"t be locked into an AMD platform if a new Nvidia GPU strikes your fancy.

2See on AmazonScreen size: 27" | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 | Panel type: IPS Nano G-Sync | Brightness: 400cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 240Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4

Go bigger, go brighter, go sharper, and go faster — these are all things the ViewSonic Elite XG271QG can do over a more baseline gaming display. It bumps up from a 1080p resolution to 1440p to keep visuals crisp while managing an insane 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. Motion fidelity is maintained at 240fps thanks to G-Sync support, so you’ll enjoy an experience free of screen tearing or stutter.

The ViewSonic Elite XG271QG puts a sizable 27-inch display on your desk, making it that much easier to spot enemies in the distance or smaller details that might have been lost on a 24-inch gaming monitor. For the HDR era, it’s also offering a bright IPS panel that can hit 400 nits while providing a 10-bit color depth for a more vibrant experience from your games. That 98% coverage of the cinematic DCI-P3 color space means you’re getting near-perfect color accuracy in everything from your games or shows you’re streaming. The visual fidelity of this gaming monitor is second to none.

24See on AmazonScreen size: 27" | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2,560 x ,1440 | Panel type: IPS FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible |Brightness: 470cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 170Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2

This monitor doesn"t settle for a 120Hz or even a 144Hz refresh rate either. Instead, it can cruise at up to 170Hz. And, while a lot of monitors that focus on speed can fail to emphasize visual quality in other areas, the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A actually goes the extra mile to display a 10-bit color depth and shine with a 470-nit peak brightness. That combination will let you enjoy a hint of HDR in your games. So, if you want sharpness, speed, HDR, rich color, and variable refresh rate, you can"t go wrong with this monitor, especially as it costs less than $500.

22See on AmazonScreen size: 27" | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 | Panel type: IPS G-Sync Ultimate |Brightness: 600cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 240Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4

Everyone and their next-door neighbor has a 1440p monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate. Maybe that"s because of how wholeheartedly these monitors get recommended for their excellent balance of high clarity in both motion and resolution. But, with the latest graphics cards pushing ever faster frame rates while barely breaking a sweat with 1080p and 1440p, maybe it"s time to think about something even faster. The new Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor (AW2721D) is ready for the high-performance future by combining a 27-inch, 1440p panel with a blisteringly fast 240Hz refresh rate.

1See on Best BuyScreen size: 27" | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | Panel type: IPS FreeSync | Brightness: 250cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4

We’ve hyped up 1440p big time on this list, but if you’re running on lower-power hardware, you may want to prioritize speed over resolution, and 1080p can help you do that. The Acer Nitro XF273 still gives you a spacious 27-inch display, but it sticks to the 1080p resolution that’ll be much simpler for older or lower-end graphics cards to handle. It"s also a great monitor for those who refresh rate as this one offers a base 144Hz that you can overclock up to 165Hz. You also get a speedy 0.5ms GTG response time and Freesync for some insanely smooth and smear-free gameplay.

The Acer Nitro Acer Nitro XF273 does offer some other additional perks. The IPS panel only hits a peak brightness of 250 nits, but this means it’ll be less harsh to look at, especially thanks to the low blue light and flicker-free technology built in. The highly adjustable stand also ensures you get the perfect viewing angle. And with two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort, you’ll also be able to take advantage of this display for a PC and a pair of consoles. Best of all might be the fact that you can get all of this for under $300.

Best 27-inch 1440p Gaming MonitorScreen size:27"| Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 | Panel type: IPS FreeSync Premium | HDR compatibility: DisplayHDR 400 | Brightness: 350cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 170Hz | Response time: 0.5ms | Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2

If you want a modest 27-inch monitor that will stay particularly sharp thanks to a 1440p resolution while also being easier to run at high frame rates than a 4K display, then you"re going to want the Gigabyte M27Q. This gaming monitor is competent all around. It may not be as stunning as some of the other 1440p monitors on this list, but it pairs commendable specs with an enticing price point.

You get a colorful IPS panel with a decent brightness level and support for HDR. You also get a solid uptick in speed over the typical 144Hz monitors you"ll find, as the Gigabyte M27Q can actually hit a 170Hz refresh rate. It also delivers a 0.5ms response time. Gigabyte supports FreeSync Premium on this monitor, so tearing won"t be an issue. You"ll also get connectivity for three display sources, two over HDMI and one over DisplayPort. At this price, it"s also surprising to see USB passthrough with two USB-A ports and even a USB-C port.

Best 27-inch 4K Gaming MonitorScreen size: 27" | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Panel type: LCD IPS G-Sync Compatible | 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

We know we said 1440p is the sweet spot, but if you"re rocking a computer that just has too much muscle and you need to flex it, you can make the jump up to 4K with the Sony Inzone M9 and not miss out on speed. This HDMI 2.1-ready 4K gaming monitor delivers up a 144Hz refresh rate, so you can game right along with the best of your 1440p-bound compatriots. It even offers up VRR and G-Sync compatibility to ensure your gaming experience is free from tearing, which could be a risk since not a lot of computers can hit a constant 144fps at 4K.

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.

As we head into the new year, we"re going to see a lot of new monitors and display technology coming out of CES 2023. From high refresh rates to mini-LED panels and more, there are going to be a lot of exciting monitor tech to come in 2023. If you"re not all into that razzle-dazzle though, this is also great news since many of the best monitors, including the best 4K monitors from 2022, are going to get some healthy price cuts as the new models get announced and retailers have to make room for new inventory.

Choosing the best monitor for you takes careful planning. You can blow your budget and get the priciest, most kitted-out option, even if it"s overkill for your needs, or you can be wise about your choice and go for something that"s the best value for you.

We"re also here to help. We do a lot of work with all kinds of displays over the years so we know how having the best monitor is an essential component of any PC, especially the best computer setups for work and playing the best PC games, whatever the case may be.

Whether you"re looking for the best 5K and 8K monitors for creative work or the best cheap gaming monitor deals for some casual esports, we"ve tried and reviewed just about all of them.

And, below we"ve broken down our top picks of the year – from the best 144Hz 4K monitors and the best high refresh rate monitors to the best monitors for video editing – and compiled them in this handy guide to make your buying decision easier than ever. We"ve also written up a guide for how to pick the best monitor to help you find what you"re looking for, no matter what your need or budget might be.

Multiplatform gamers looking for a high-performance 32-inch gaming monitor for 4K @ 144Hz gaming will find a lot to appreciate here with the M32UC from Gigabyte.

Pro-level displays are no longer the premium priced, inaccessible purchase they started out to be. At least as far as the BenQ SW321C PhotoVue is concerned. This 32-inch 4K photo monitor is up a step or two in terms of both performance and usability, featuring an incredibly wide color gamut of 99% of the Adobe RGB color space and 95% of DCI-P3.

If you’re in the cinematography or photography sphere, that’s exactly what you need. And, that’s on top of all the other features this monitor boasts. This is among the best monitors for photo editing you’ll find, and the best part is you’re getting it for cheaper than all others.

The Dell S3221QS is a gorgeous monitor inside and out. Its simple yet elegant silver design gives it a unique look that sets it apart from all the gamer-centric or boring black office monitors you"re most likely to find. It comes with a stunning 4K VA panel to match, making everything from movies to gaming a pleasure to watch.

We don’t usually run into technology that’s so far ahead of the curve that we’re left dumbfounded, which is why the Dell UltraSharp UP3218K has impressed us even more. Finding one of the best monitors that can reach the raw gorgeousness this one can should be next to impossible. It’s not just the resolution, either.

Dell went so far as to ensure that the build quality and color reproduction are the best in the business as well. The Dell UltraSharp UP3218K is aimed at professionals, obviously, so if that sounds like it’s made for you, it’s probably the best monitor you’ll ever find.

The LG 32UN880 UltraFine Display Ergo has done something cool. Instead of going for the same homogeneous mount and stand that all monitors have, it has opted for a C-Clamp, One Click Mount that allows it to extend, retract, go high, go low, tilt and pivot like no other. That’s versatility turned up to 11.

It also boasts incredible color accuracy and beautiful picture quality. The best part is that you’re getting all that without burning a massive hole in your pocket. This is, without a doubt, among the best monitors out there, especially if you"re looking for an arm-supported display rather than one on a static stand you typically find on the shelves.

There are a number of arm-supported models coming out in the next few months though, so this monitor might lose the title of "best" in this particular class, but it is also a lot cheaper as a result, so you can"t really go wrong.

If you"re on a high-end gaming desktop with the best graphics card on the market, then a 4K monitor or even an 8K display might be more of what you"re looking for. 4K monitors are only just now starting to get higher refresh rates like 120Hz and 144Hz, so these are definitely the 4K panels that you need to keep an eye out for.Which monitor brand is most reliable?There are a lot of PC monitor brands out there making everything from cheap, portable office monitors to high-end gaming PC monitors with ultrawide aspect and 1000R curve rating, 1ms pixel response, and blazing fast refresh rates.

Among the best brands in this regard are Dell, Alienware, BenQ, Acer, LG, Samsung, HP, Lenovo, and Asus, but they are by no means the only ones.Which monitor quality is best?Well, this really depends on a couple of factors, but first and foremost is your use case.

If you"re just a typical PC gamer looking for the best image quality, getting a 4K monitor with 144Hz refresh is going to make your games look fantastic. If you"re an esports competitor (or want to be someday), then the only thing that matters is pixel response and refresh rate. Even a 1080p resolution is acceptable so long as it has at least 1ms pixel response or lower. The refresh on 1080p monitors can go as high as 360Hz or even higher with the very latest monitors coming onto the market.

For most people though, a 1440p monitor is often more than enough, since the jump from 1440p to 4K isn"t nearly as impressive as the jump from 1080p to 1440p.What is best screen size for 4K?Depending on how far away from the screen you are, there will be a point where it just doesn"t benefit you to upgrade to a new monitor with a higher resolution.

Typically, 32 inches is considered the best monitor size since this is the size where a person sitting about 3 feet away from a screen will be able to see the difference between 4K and 1440p. The difference isn"t going to be huge, but it will be there.

We review monitors based on a number of factors including price, design, and performance. We consider the size of each display, as well as the number and type of ports on each monitor to determine who each display would benefit most. Each monitor is used in a variety of scenarios, so we use it for work, media consumption and gaming to test what it’s best suited to.

Performance is also evaluated by how well the actual screen tech works and its refresh rate. Frames per second are especially important in gaming monitors because you’ll want a high refresh rate during competitive games so you don’t miss a minute of the action.

Working from home has become the new normal for many people, so finding the best computer monitor is more important than ever. After all, you want to see the best visual quality from your coworkers" best webcams, right? And while many PC components are still enduring depressing shortages, performing a screen upgrade is one of the most accessible and most impactful changes you can make to your gaming rig at the moment.

Why you can trust Tom"s HardwareOur expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.What’s your monitor’s purpose?If it’s gaming, you’ll generally want something with a high refresh rate (ideally 100Hz or more), low response time and AMD FreeSyncor Nvidia G-Sync for fighting screen tears at low framerates. For general use, look for high contrast, and for creative work prioritize color accuracy.What resolution do you want? More pixels means a sharper image. No one should be buying anything under 1080p/FHD (1920 x 1080) these days. But if your budget can handle it, 4K is as sharp as it gets at a reasonable price. Many gamers find 1440p/QHD (2560 x 1440) a good compromise between price and high-refresh-rate performance.Contrast and color.We consider contrast the most important factor in image quality, with 1,000:1 being solid. Color errors are particularly important avoid for content creators, and anything with a Delta E (dE) greater than 3 may show visible errors.Panel tech:When it comes to image quality, TN< IPS< VA. VA monitors typically still have better contrast than even the best IPS panels, although IPS panels are also known to be very colorful.What size do you want?These days, 24-inches is on the small side and 27 inches is mainstream, while 32-inches is a good large size for those on a budget. Anything bigger than 43 inches probably won’t fit on a regular desktop. For portable monitors, stay in the 17-inch range or under. Anything bigger isn"t really all that portable.sRGB or DCI-P3? In most cases, you’ll either be getting a monitor made for the sRGBcolor space or the more colorful DCI-P3 one. Technically, Windows, the web and non-HDR games and video all use sRGB, but if you want an extra colorful screen, an accurate DCI-P3 monitor is more appropriate.

Before we get into our primary list of picks, here is an amazing deal on one of our favorite tested monitors below. Sure, it"s more of a TV than a monitor, but it"s hard to pass up a big OLED screen for $600 (after an admittedly annoying $200 mail-in rebate).

This excellent 48-inch 4K OLED monitor/TV with 120Hz Refresh Rate, 1ms (GTG) Response Time, HDMI 2.1, and support for FreeSync Premium has had an amazing $900 cut from its original price.

Earning a 5-star rating from Tom"s Hardware, the Samsung Odyssey G7 32-inch is the best computer monitor. For gamers, it boasts the strongest curve currently available, 1000R, for incredible immersion, along with speedy gaming numbers. The 240Hz monitor has a 1ms (GTG) response time and put up a 5ms response time score in our testing, beating some 165Hz screens by 2ms. In addition, benchmarking showed input lag at 20ms, a full 6 to 10ms faster than some 165Hz screens we’ve tested, including the Dell S3220DGF also on this page.

This is also a strong work monitor. Its 32-inch panel offers plenty of height for productivity, like working on long spreadsheets in a way that’s easier than on a 32-inch ultrawide. And at a 2 to 3-foot viewing distance, we don"t have any distortion issues with that dramatic curve. Just be sure to bring your own audio because, despite the price, there are no speakers here.

The Dell S3222DGM is the best gaming monitor for many gamers. This follow-up to the highly-rated S3220DGF(opens in new tab) boasts a 32-inch VA(opens in new tab) panel, QHD resolution and 165 Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync(opens in new tab) support. Other perks in its favor are 85 percent coverage of DCI-P3 and a display curve with an 1800mm radius.

This 32-inch monitor offers plenty of vertical screen real estate without the need for scrolling and 1440p resolution(opens in new tab), the current sweet spot between image quality and gaming performance. And while the S3222DGM is targeted primarily at gamers, we found that it is also great for general productivity and anything in between.

With a 1ms (GTG) response time and 144Hz refresh rate, the LG 27GN950-B is the best computer monitor for 4K gaming. If you’ve got the graphics card, ideally one of the best graphics cards, you need to handle 144 frames per second (fps) at 4K; this monitor will ensure that power doesn’t go to waste. In our testing, the monitor showed a 7ms response time, keeping up with pr