There are many reasons why the majority of users prefer 27″ sized monitors, they’re neither too big nor too small, and they are available with all kinds of different panels types, resolutions and refresh rates.
Also, you don’t have to worry about certain compatibility issues associated with ultra-wide monitors.
In this buying guide, you will find only the best 27″ monitors as well as everything you need to know about them!
Type | Monitor | Panel | Resolution | Refresh Rate | VRR | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best 1080p Monitors | IPS | 1920x1080 | 165Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable) | ||
IPS | 1920x1080 | 240Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Compatible) | |||
Best 1440p Monitors | IPS | 2560x1440 | 170Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable) | ||
IPS | 2560x1440 | 165Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable) | |||
VA | 2560x1440 | 240Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Compatible) | |||
IPS | 2560x1440 | 240Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable) | |||
IPS | 2560x1440 | 360Hz | G-SYNC + FreeSync | |||
OLED | 2560x1440 | 240Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable) | |||
Best 4K Monitors | IPS | 3840x2160 | 60Hz | N/A | ||
IPS | 3840x2160 | 160Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable) |
As 27″ monitors are available with different combinations of specifications, you must know precisely what panel type, screen resolution and refresh rate is ideal for you and your PC configuration.
We will cover all of that in the monitor summaries below, but you can also refer to our comprehensive monitor buyer’s guide if you want all the information in one place.
Most of the monitors included in this guide are intended for gaming, watching movies, office use and other everyday activities.
If you want a professional 27″ monitor for color-critical work, you should visit our best photo/video editing monitors buyer’s guide.
We have a dedicated best gaming monitors guide as well.
Feel free to leave us a comment below if you need help picking a new monitor. You can also view our changelogs for this buying guide at the end of this guide.
Best 27-inch 1080p Monitors
Now, we don’t usually recommend 27″ 1080p monitors due to their low pixel density or PPI (pixel per inch). 24″ monitors are more suited for 1080p resolution as you get a higher pixel density and therefore sharper and clearer text and details for less money.
However, a lot of people don’t mind the low pixel density as they sit a bit further from the screen, which makes the individual pixels less distinguishable.
There are other ways to alleviate this as well, such as applying anti-aliasing in games and/or using AMD and NVIDIA’s Super Resolution features.
Gigabyte G27F-2
Best Value 27″ 1080p 165Hz Gaming Monitor
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 1920×1080
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
VRR: FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable)
The Pros:
- Plenty of gaming features including FreeSync and MBR up to 170Hz
- Wide 95% DCI-P3 color gamut
- Height-adjustable stand, USB hub
- Excellent value for the price
The Cons:
- IPS glow and not as high contrast as that of VA panels
- Low pixel density
About The Monitor
Want to kick it up a notch with a high refresh rate display?
The Gigabyte G27F-2 offers the best value for the money when it comes to 27″ sized 1080p 165Hz gaming monitors, and here is why.
Image Quality
Now, 165Hz greatly improves the gaming experience as, in comparison to a regular 60Hz display, your screen can refresh the image more than twice as fast, which results in more frequently updated frames.
As a result, this significantly improves the motion clarity of fast-moving objects and makes gaming more responsive, fluid, and immersive.
It’s particularly noticeable and desirable in competitive FPS titles, but all games will feel smoother granted that your PC can push enough frames (unless the game itself is locked to 30/60FPS).
Additionally, the Gigabyte G27F-2 features an IPS panel with a wide 95% DCI-P3 color gamut and an sRGB emulation mode. So, the colors are precise, consistent and vibrant!
The contrast ratio amounts to 1,000:1 – naturally, VA models offer higher contrast, but they don’t have as vibrant colors.
More importantly, IPS panels offer a faster pixel response time speed, so there is a lot less smearing visible, especially at higher frame rates.
While the response time speed of the Gigabyte G27F-2 isn’t perfect, it’s sufficient to eliminate most ghosting and motion blur in fast-paced games.
Features
The Gigabyte G27F-2 offers Motion Blur Reduction for CRT-like motion clarity via backlight strobing.
Further, it supports AMD FreeSync with a 48-165Hz VRR range. You can also overclock the monitor up to 170Hz.
This implies LFC (Low Framerate Compensation) support, which allows FreeSync to function even below 48FPS by multiplying the frame rate (47FPS -> 141Hz) for smoother performance.
Other gaming features include Black Equalizer (improves visibility in darker games), Color Vibrance (color saturation), various picture presets, crosshair overlays, a refresh rate tracker and Dashboard (shows PC performance overlay), etc.
Check out our full Gigabyte G27F-2 review for more information.
Design & Connectivity
The Gigabyte G27F-2 features a sturdy design with a fully ergonomic stand including up to 130mm height adjustment, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2 input, a dual-USB 3.0 hub and a headphone jack.
Alternatives
Now, there are plenty of 27″ 1080p 165Hz models available on the market, but as we said, the Gigabyte G27F-2 offers the best value for the money by far. If it’s not available, check out the AOC 27G2 or AOC 27G2SP.
In case you’re looking for something a bit different, check out these curved VA models. They have no IPS gow and a higher contrast ratio for deeper blacks, but they have slower response time and not as good VRR performance:
- Gigabyte G27FCA – with wide color gamut
- Acer ED270RM – sRGB color gamut
ViewSonic XG270
Best 240Hz Gaming Monitor
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 1920×1080
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
VRR: FreeSync (G-SYNC Compatible)
The Pros:
- Impeccable MBR technology
- Plenty of gaming features, including VRR up to 240Hz
- Fully ergonomic design and rich connectivity options
The Cons:
- IPS glow and not as high contrast as that of VA panels
- Low pixel density
About The Monitor
Not so long ago, if you wanted a 240Hz display, you had to settle for narrow viewing angles and inferior image quality of TN panels.
Nowadays, IPS panels can be virtually as fast as TNs allowing you to enjoy both fluid performance and vivid colors! The ViewSonic XG270 has even more tricks up its sleeve!
Image Quality
Based on an IPS panel with a 400-nit peak brightness, a 1,000:1 static contrast ratio, and ~99% sRGB color gamut, the ViewSonic XG270 delivers accurate and consistent colors as well as wide 178° viewing angles.
Further, its response time speed of 1ms GtG allows the pixels to change colors fast enough to keep up with the rapid 240Hz refresh rate, thus eliminating any prominent ghosting or motion blur in fast-paced games.
Technically, 240Hz TN monitors still have faster black to white pixel transitions, so you may notice some minor smearing on the XG270 from time to time, that is, if you’re actually looking for it — but even then, it’s negligible as it rarely occurs and you get a gorgeous image quality as a trade-off.
Features
AMD FreeSync is supported with a 48-240Hz VRR range, and the monitor is certified by NVIDIA as G-SYNC compatible.
One of the best features of this monitor is actually its PureXP MBR technology, which provides stunning motion clarity by backlight strobing.
It works best when you limit the refresh rate of the monitor to 120Hz, and your FPS to 120FPS at which point gamers compare its motion clarity to that of the old, legendary CRT displays such as the Sony FW900.
Naturally, you cannot use FreeSync and MBR at the same time, and the picture brightness will be reduced while PureXP is enabled. However, thanks to the monitor’s peak brightness of 400-nits and strong color vibrancy, the image will still look excellent with the PureXP enabled.
But that’s not all, the ViewSonic XG270 also offers a bunch of useful gaming features such as pre-calibrated picture presets, Black Stabilization, Color Saturation, crosshairs, Hertz Limiter, five overdrive options and lots of image adjustment tools including six gamma presets.
Design & Connectivity
Moving on, the monitor comes with sight shields which can eliminate distractions and keep you focused on the game. You also get a mouse bungee and a headphone hook.
The stand offers RGB lighting and full ergonomic support with up to 120mm height adjustment, 90° pivot, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 90° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options are abundant and include DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 inputs, a headphone jack, two built-in speakers and a USB 3.0 hub (3 downstream + 1 upstream).
Alternatives
Now, there are cheaper 27″ 1080p 240Hz IPS monitors available such as the LG 27GP750 or 27GN750, which go for ~$250 when on sale, but they don’t have MBR nor as many gaming features. The 27″ models are not nearly as popular as the ~24″ sized variants, so consider the Dell S2522HG that can be found on sale for $150.
Best 27-inch 1440p Monitors
As you can see, the biggest issue with 27″ 1080p monitors is the low pixel density.
In contrast, 1440p resolution on 27″ displays won’t only make the picture less pixelated, it actually hits the pixel density sweet spot with ~108PPI which results in incredibly vivid details and plenty of screen real estate without any scaling necessary.
Acer XV272UV
Best Budget 1440p 165Hz Gaming Monitor
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 2560×1440
Refresh Rate: 170Hz
VRR: FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable)
The Pros:
- Wide 95% DCI-P3 color gamut
- Quick response time speed
- Plenty of features, including VRR and MBR up to 170Hz
- Ergonomic design
The Cons:
- IPS glow and not as high contrast as that of VA panels
About The Monitor
Just like the ViewSonic XG270, the Acer XV272UV features a rapid IPS panel with a 1ms GtG response time.
However, it also has a higher 1440p resolution for crisper image quality while the refresh rate of 165Hz (170Hz OC) is still fast enough to keep things smooth and fluid.
Image Quality
Now, the Acer XV272UV is based on an IPS panel with a decent 350-nit peak brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 10-bit color depth support for 1.07 billion colors, and a wide 95% DCI-P3 gamut coverage for vibrant colors (~130% sRGB).
Its 1ms GtG response time speed eliminates all prominent ghosting and allows you to enjoy FPS games with vibrant colors and vivid details.
All in all, you get gorgeous colors, sharp details, wide viewing angles and a quick response time speed, which, along with 165Hz, ensures buttery-smooth performance at an affordable price — what’s not to like?
Features
Furthermore, the Acer XV272UV supports AMD FreeSync with a 48-170Hz dynamic range and VRR works without issues with NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort.
Other features include Black Boost, crosshair overlays, various picture presets, HDR support and MBR.
Check out our Acer XV272U V review for more information.
Design & Connectivity
You can elevate the screen of the monitor up to 110mm, pivot it by 90°, tilt by -5°/25°, +/- 180° swivel, or mount it via the 100x100mm VESA pattern.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 inputs, a headphone jack and dual 2W integrated speakers.
Alternatives
If the Acer XV272UV is not available, we recommend the MSI G273QF, the HP X27q, or the Gigabyte M27Q-P (with a KVM switch) as alternatives.
In case you don’t need a high refresh rate, but want to focus on color-critical work, check out the ASUS PA278QV with FreeSync up to 75Hz and Delta E < 2 factory calibration.
Finally, if you want a 1440p high refresh rate model with a curved panel, there are the Gigabyte G27QC, the Dell S2722DGM, the AOC CQ27G2 and the AOC CQ27G3. These monitors use a VA panel without IPS glow and offer a higher contrast ratio for deeper blacks, but they also have a slower response time speed and are prone to VRR brightness flickering.
Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q
Best 1440p 165Hz Gaming Monitor
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 2560×1440
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
HDR: Yes
VRR: FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable)
The Pros:
- High peak brightness
- Wide 98% DCI-P3 and 99% Adobe RGB color gamut
- 576-zone mini LED FALD
- Quick repsonse time, low input lag
- Plenty of features, including VRR up to 165FPS
- Fully ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options, including KVM and USB-C with 90W PD
The Cons:
- Minor blooming/haloing noticeable in certain scenes
About The Monitor
For $500, you can’t go wrong with the Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q.
Image Quality
Just like the Acer XV272UV, the GP27Q has a 27″ 1440p 165Hz IPS panel with wide viewing angles and a quick pixel response time speed.
However, it has a much wider color gamut, covering 98% DCI-P3 and 99% Adobe RGB color space for more vibrant and rich colors.
Most importantly, the Tempest GP27Q features a 576-zone mini LED FALD (full-array local dimming) backlight, which allows it to dim parts of the image that are supposed to be dark without affecting the areas that should remain bright, thus significantly boosting the contrast ratio in the process.
So, the monitor can simultaneously display deep blacks and punchy highlights with a peak brightness of 1,200-nits!
Of course, as there are ‘only’ 576 dimming zones, some blooming will be noticeable when small lit objects are surrounded by dimmed zones, but this is an issue only in particularly demanding scenes (such as fireworks, night sky, etc.), so it’s tolerable.
In truth, even if this monitor didn’t have a 576-zone mini LED backlight, it would still be our top-recommended 1440p 165Hz display thanks to its wide Adobe RGB color gamut, rapid response time speed and other features, including an ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options with USB-C 90W PD and KVM!
You also get the standard gaming features, including VRR support up to 165FPS, Black Stabilization, crosshair overlays and various picture presets.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is robust and offers up to 110mm height adjustment, 90° pivot, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 15° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options are abundant and include DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.0 ports, USB-C (DP 1.4 Alt Mode, 90W PD), a dual-USB 3.0 hub, a headphone jack, two 3W integrated speakers and a built-in KVM switch.
Alternatives
- KTC M27T20 – 27″ 1440p 165Hz VA gaming monitor with 576-zone mini LED FALD, USB-C 90W and KVM, also for $500. Its VA panel offers a higher contrast ratio for less noticeable blooming, but it doesn’t have as wide viewing angles or as wide color gamut.
Samsung C27G75T
Best 1440p 240Hz VA Gaming Monitor
Panel: VA
Resolution: 2560×1440
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
HDR: Yes
VRR: FreeSync (G-SYNC Compatible)
The Pros:
- High contrast ratio, strong peak brightness, wide color gamut
- Plenty of features including FreeSync and MBR up to 240Hz
- Fully ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options
The Cons:
- 1000R curvature too steep for some users
- VRR Control option might cause micro-stuttering on some units
About The Monitor
The Samsung C27G75T has a fast 240Hz VA panel, which offers both a high contrast ratio for deep blacks and a fast pixel response time for zero ghosting.
Image Quality
Samsung pushed the limits of the VA panel technology with its Odyssey G7 series as the 27″ Samsung C27G75T and the 32″ Samsung C32G75T were the first VA monitors with a 1ms GtG response time speed.
As a result, you can enjoy vivid and deep blacks of the superior contrast ratio as well as the fast pixel transition speed for no prominent smearing in fast-paced games including darker scenes.
As if that’s not enough, the Samsung C27G75T also supports DisplayHDR 600 which offers a notable boost in picture quality for HDR content.
It has a peak brightness of 600-nits, a wide 95% DCI-P3 color gamut and 8 dimming zones which can dim parts of the screen for better contrast performance (depending on the scene).
Of course, the 576-zone mini LED FALD backlight and the wider color gamut of the Tempest GP27Q deliver a drastically better HDR viewing experience than the Samsung G7.
So, we only recommend the C27G75T if you really want a curved screen with a 240Hz refresh rate, fast response time and deep blacks, but aren’t interested in HDR.
Features
Moving on, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro is supported, and the monitor is certified as G-SYNC Compatible by NVIDIA.
The VRR range is 60-240Hz, and the response time performance remains consistent across the entire range without overshoot at lower framerates or ghosting at higher frame rates.
Some units, however, exhibit VRR brightness flickering in some scenarios, which you can prevent by enabling the ‘VRR Control’ option in the OSD menu – but it increases input lag and adds micro-stuttering instead.
Alternatively, you can use MBR for smoother motion clarity at a cost of picture brightness.
In order to get 240Hz at 1440p with 10-bit color depth, you’ll need a graphics card that supports DisplayPort 1.4 DSC.
Otherwise, you’ll be limited to 240Hz at 1440p with 8-bit color depth – or 144Hz at 1440p with 10-bit color depth.
Design & Connectivity
The design of the monitor includes a steep 1000R curvature for added immersion as well as full ergonomic support with 120mm height adjustment, -9°/13° tilt, 90° pivot, +/- 15° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include HDMI 2.0 (limited to 144Hz), two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs, a dual-USB 3.0 hub and a headphone jack.
Alternatives
There’s also the Samsung G6 version of this monitor with integrated Tizen OS and smart apps.
Gigabyte M27Q-X
Best Value 1440p 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 2560×1440
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
HDR: Yes
VRR: FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable)
The Pros:
- Wide Adobe RGB color gamut
- Plenty of gaming features including MBR and FreeSync up to 240Hz
- Height-adjustable stand and rich connectivity options
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
Not a fan of curved monitors but would still like a 27″ 1440p 240Hz display?
Then the Gigabyte M27Q-X is for you!
Image Quality
Based on a flat-screen IPS panel, the Gigabyte M27Q-X doesn’t have as a high contrast ratio as the Odyssey G7, so you won’t get as deep and inky blacks.
However, it does support a wide 97% Adobe RGB gamut (equivalent to ~140% sRGB!), so you’ll get not only more precise and consistent colors, but also more vibrant blue and green shades.
There’s also an sRGB mode that allows you to restrict the color output to ~100% sRGB.
On the other hand, HDR content won’t look as good as it does on the Samsung G7 since the M27Q-X has a lower 400-nit peak brightness and no local dimming zones.
Features
The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync up to 240Hz with stable ‘G-SYNC Compatible’ performance.
Other useful features include custom crosshairs, Black Equalizer, various picture presets, a refresh rate tracker and the Aim Stabilizer-Sync backlight strobing technology that can work at the same time as VRR.
Depending on your frame rate though, you will have to change the monitor’s response time overdrive mode for optimal performance. Check out our M27Q-X review for more details.
Design & Connectivity
The design of the monitor includes a height-adjustable stand up to 130mm, tilt and VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options are abundant and include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, USB-C (DP Alt Mode, 18W PD), a dual-USB 3.0 hub, a headphone jack and two 2W built-in speakers.
ASUS PG27AQN
1440p 360Hz Gaming Monitor
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 2560×1440
Refresh Rate: 360Hz
HDR: Yes
VRR: G-SYNC
The Pros:
- Wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut
- Quick response time, low input lag
- Plenty of gaming features including G-SYNC up to 360Hz
- Fully ergonomic stand, USB hub
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
The ASUS PG27AQN is one the best 27″ monitors if you want to combine serious competitive gameplay and other use, including playing more graphically-oriented games, office and everyday use, audio/video editing, etc.
Image Quality
The PG27AQN has an IPS panel with wide viewing angles, a wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a 400-nit peak brightness.
It also supports HDR with VESA’s DisplayHDR 600 certification, so when not playing competitive eSports titles, you can enjoy a boost in HDR image quality with a 600-nit peak brightness and 32 dimming zones.
Of course, there are better HDR displays at this price range – the PG27AQN is all about uncompromising performance.
To start with, it has an impeccable pixel response time speed for zero ghosting behind fast-moving objects. Secondly, it has a native G-SYNC module for tear-free gameplay up to 360FPS without introducing input lag or overshoot at low frame rates.
While many games prefer the ~24″ sized screens for competitive gameplay, there are a few advantages to going with the PG27AQN instead. Its higher resolution makes the image sharper, while the wide color gamut makes it easier to notice your enemies in certain environments.
What’s more, it has an interesting feature called 25″ Mode that will make the monitor display the image as a 25″ screen with black bars around it with a screen resolution of 2368×1332. It also supports NVIDIA’s ULMB 2 backlight strobing technology for even better motion clarity at the cost of picture brightness.
For more information, be sure to check out our full ASUS PG27AQN review.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is sturdy and versatile with up to 100mm height adjustment, 90° pivot, +/- 25° swivel, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include DP 1.4 with DSC, three HDMI 2.0 ports (max 144Hz), a headphone jack and a dual-USB 3.0 hub.
Alternatives
- Acer Predator XB273UF – based on the same panel with similar features
ASUS PG27AQDM
Best 1440p 240Hz Gaming Monitor
Panel: OLED
Resolution: 2560×1440
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
HDR: Yes
VRR: FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable)
The Pros:
- Wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut
- Infinite contrast ratio, high peak brightness
- Quick response time, low input lag
- Plenty of gaming features including VRR up to 240Hz
- Fully ergonomic stand, USB hub
The Cons:
- Risk of burn-in
About The Monitor
OLED panels provide you with an infinite contrast ratio and instantaneous pixel response time speed, resulting in both an immersive HDR viewing experience and responsive gameplay. The ASUS PG27AQDM is the best 27″ model available.
Image Quality
The main advantage of OLED displays when it comes to image quality is the infinite contrast ratio as each pixel can individually turn off for true blacks. Since there’s no backlight, this also means that there’s no backlight bleeding, blooming, IPS glow or other visual artifacts.
The ASUS PG27AQDM also has vibrant colors with a wide 98% DCI-P3 gamut coverage (sRGB mode available), wide viewing angles, true 10-bit color depth support and a decent peak brightness for an OLED displays thanks to its integrated heatsink.
While OLED displays are generally dimmer than most LED-backlit screens, the PG27AQDM can maintain 250-nits for a 100% white window and reaches up to 900-nits for HDR highlights, which is more than enough for everyday SDR use and a punchy HDR picture.
The main downside is the risk of permanent image burn-in when displaying an image with bright static elements for too long. However, as long as you’re using the monitor sensibly and take advantage of the integrated burn-in prevention features, burn-in shouldn’t be an issue.
Further, the monitor uses a W-OLED panel, which has an uncommon WRGB subpixel layout that causes minor fringing on small text and fine details. It’s not noticeable in games and videos, but it might bother some users when web browsing or working.
Other features include VRR support up to 240Hz, Shadow Boost, crosshair overlays, a refresh rate tracker, and 25″ mode. Check out our full ASUS PG27AQDM review for more information.
Design & Connectivity
The monitor’s stand and sturdy with up to 110mm height adjustment, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 30° swivel, +/- 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include DP 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a dual-USB 3.0 hub and a headphone jack.
Alternatives
- LG 27GR95QE – uses the same panel but has ~30% lower brightness. However, it supports hardware calibration. It also has HDMI 2.1, making it a better choice for (mainly Xbox) consoles
- Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 – uses the same panel and offers a 3-year warranty that covers burn-in and a USB-C port, but we have yet to see how it performs regarding brightness
Best 27-inch 4K Monitors
4K resolution looks even sharper on 27″ monitors than 1440p. However, in order to make small items such as text readable at such high pixel density, you will need to apply scaling.
Further, 4K is very taxing on your GPU when it comes to gaming. You will need a high-end graphics card in order to maintain a smooth performance, so make sure your PC rig will be able to handle it.
Philips 278E1A
Best Budget 4K Monitor
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 3840×2160
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
HDR: No
VRR: N/A
The Pros:
- High pixel density
- Wide viewing angles
- Inexpensive
The Cons:
- IPS glow and not as high contrast as that of VA panels
- Tilt-only stand
- No AMD FreeSync
About The Monitor
The Philips 278E1A is one of the most affordable 4K monitors you can get, yet it features an IPS panel with wide viewing angles and stunning colors!
Image Quality
Do you want a 4K monitor for UHD video streaming, editing, work and gaming?
You’re going to adore the Philips 278E1A.
Its colors go even beyond the 100% sRGB color space to 109%, which results in more saturated and lifelike 1.07 billion colors (10-bit depth via dithering).
You also get the emulated sRGB color gamut if you need more accurate color reproduction for work.
Best of all, 4K resolution results in a pixel density of 163 PPI, which makes details sharp and clear. You will need to apply some scaling to make text readable, which will, in turn, reduce the amount of available screen space, but make the details even more vivid.
Other specs are pretty standard with a peak brightness of 350-nits and a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1.
Features
Unfortunately, the monitor does not support FreeSync, so you will not be able to synchronize its refresh rate with your graphics card or the Xbox One X.
However, this is not a big issue since most 4K 60Hz FreeSync monitors have a VRR range of 40-60Hz only. So, there’s no LFC support and FreeSync doesn’t work well with NVIDIA cards on most of these monitors.
Furthermore, many console games are limited to 30FPS in which case FreeSync won’t work at all.
If you want a 27″ 4K monitor that supports FreeSync up to 60Hz, check out the LG 27UL500 and the Dell S2721QS.
Design & Connectivity
The Philips 278E1A features a slim design with ultra-thin bezels, but its stand is unfortunately tilt-only. However, you can mount the screen via the 100x100mm VESA pattern.
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2 input and a headphone jack.
If it’s not available, check out the previous version of this monitor, the Philips 276E8VJSB which uses the same panel, but it’s not VESA mount compatible.
Alternatives
Visit our best 4K monitors buyer’s guide for more information and the best deals available. We recommend the 28″ ASUS VG289Q with a wide color gamut support, FreeSync and an affordable ~$300 price tag.
For color-critical work, check out the Dell U2723QE.
Redmagic 4K Gaming Monitor
Best 27″ 4K HDR Gaming Monitor
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 3840×2160
Refresh Rate: 160Hz
VRR: FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable)
The Pros:
- High peak brightness, high pixel density, wide color gamut
- 1152-zone mini LED FALD
- Quick repsonse time, low input lag
- Plenty of features, including VRR up to 144FPS
- Fully ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options, including KVM and USB-C with 90W PD
The Cons:
- Minor blooming/haloing noticeable in certain scenes
About The Monitor
Do you have a powerful high-end PC setup and want to push it to its limits?
A 4K 144Hz gaming monitor will give it a good run for its money.
Image Quality
The Redmagic Nubia offers a native refresh rate of 144Hz (160Hz OC), allowing you to enjoy a buttery-smooth performance in video games as well as the stunning detail clarity 4K resolution provides.
Now, most gamers will still opt for a 1440p 144Hz display instead because the enhancement in image quality between 4K and 1440p on 27″ monitors isn’t that big while the difference in the required GPU horsepower for seamless performance is massive.
However, if you have a high-end gaming graphics card and want 4K resolution for other purposes than just gaming, the Redmagic is the best 27″ 4K gaming monitor you can get under $1,000.
Besides offering 4K resolution, the monitor features a wide 99% DCI-P3 and 99% Adobe RGB color gamut, a standard 1,000:1 contrast ratio, a strong 1200-nit peak brightness for HDR content and a rapid 1ms GtG response time speed.
The monitor also has an 1152-zone mini LED full-array local dimming solution, allowing it to simultaneously display deep blacks and bright highlights for incredible HDR image quality.
Features
Moving on, the monitor supports variable refresh rate for tear-free gameplay up to 144FPS and has a rapid 1ms GtG pixel response time speed for zero ghosting in fast-paced games.
Other features of the monitor include custom crosshairs, a refresh rate tracker, picture presets and Black Equalizer (for better visibility in darker games).
Design & Connectivity
The design of the Redmagic 4K Gaming Monitor offers versatile ergonomic support with height adjustment up to 120mm, tilt by -5°/20°, 90° pivot, +/- 30° swivel and 75x75mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.1 ports with full 48 Gbps bandwidth, USB-C (DP Alt Mode + 90W PD), a headphone jack, a dual-USB 3.0 hub and a built-in KVM switch.
Alternatives
- Innocn 27M2V – uses the same panel with the same 1152-zone mini LED FALD, but it’s often out of stock
- Cooler Master GP27U, Acer XV275K P3 – use the same panel, but with fewer (576) dimming zones
If you’re not interested in HDR, you can check out the LG 27GP950/95R or 27GN950/95B. Although they have DisplayHDR 600 certification, their HDR image quality doesn’t come close to that of these mini LED displays due to the limited number of dimming zones (16).
However, they are excellent SDR monitors if you can find them on sale for ~$550; the GN models have HDMI 2.0, while the GP variants have HDMI 2.1.
At their $800 – $900 MSRP, it’s better to just get one of the mini LED models. If you can’t find LG’s models on sale, consider the Acer XB283K KV for SDR, though it has a bit larger 28″ screen.
Conclusion
Did you find the perfect 27″ monitor for you?
Feel free to leave us a question below if you need further assistance.
Overall, the Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q (or the KTC M27T20) offers the best value for the money, but if you have a high-end PC rig, you should also consider the Redmagic 4K Gaming Monitor.
For competitive gaming and mixed-use, we recommend the Gigabyte M27Q-X, the ASUS PG27AQDM or the ASUS PG27AQN, depending on your budget and preference.
Finally, if you’ve got a limited budget, we recommend getting the Acer XV272UV given that your PC rig can handle 1440p gaming; otherwise, get the Gigabyte G27F-2.
Changelog +
- May 25, 2023:
– Replaced the AOC 27G1 with the Gigabyte G27F-2.
– Added a review summary for the ASUS PG27AQDM.
– Added the Redmagic 4K Gaming Monitor. - November 22, 2022:
– Checked up on the guide to ensure that our picks are still the best options available. - November 10, 2022:
– Removed the AOC CQ27G2, the MSI MAG274QRF-QD, the Sony Inzone M9, and the ASUS PG27UQ.
– Added the Acer XV272UV, the Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q and GP27U, and the ASUS PG27AQN. - July 8, 2022:
– Replaced the LG 27GP950 with the Sony Inzone M9.
– Removed the HP M27ha. - April 19, 2022:
– Replaced the ASUS XG27AQM with the Gigabyte M27Q-X. - February 9, 2022:
– Replaced the Acer CB272 with the HP M27ha.
– Removed the BenQ EW277HDR. - November 25, 2021:
– Checked up on the guide to ensure that our picks are still the best options available. - September 10, 2021:
– Replaced the Acer XV272UX with the ASUS XG27AQM, and the LG 27GP850 with the MSI MAG274QRF-QD. - August 18, 2021:
– Replaced the LG 27GN950 with the LG 27GP950.
– Replaced the LG 27GL83A with the LG 27GP850. - May 28, 2021:
– Improved readability. - May 26, 2021:
– Added the LG 27GP850 as an alternative to the LG 27GL83A. - February 11, 2021:
– Added the Gigabyte G27Q as an alternative to the LG 27GL83A. - December 24, 2020:
– Added the Acer XV272UX. - December 11, 2020:
– Added the Dell AW2721D as an alternative to the Samsung G7.
– Added the Dell S2721DGF as an alternative to the LG 27GL83A and the LG 27GL850, mainly for the Xbox One X/S and the Xbox Series X/S consoles.