The Best 27-Inch Monitors (2026 Reviews)

Want a 27-inch monitor? Not sure what panel type, resolution, or refresh rate to go for? You'll find all the answers in this buying guide.

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 panel 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!

TypeMonitorPanelResolutionRefresh Rate
Best 1080p MonitorIPS1920x1080240Hz
Best 1440p MonitorsIPS2560x1440210Hz
VA2560x1440240Hz
IPS2560x1440320Hz
IPS2560x1440360Hz,
G-SYNC Pulsar
Best 1440p HDR MonitorsVA2560x1440180Hz
IPS2560x1440210Hz
QD-OLED2560x1440500Hz
W-OLED2560x1440540Hz,
720p 720Hz
QD-OLED2560x1440360Hz
W-OLED2560x1440240Hz
Best 4K MonitorIPS3840x2160160Hz,
1080p 320Hz
Best 4K HDR MonitorsIPS3840x2160160Hz,
1080p 320Hz
IPS3840x2160160Hz,
1080p 320Hz
QD-OLED3840x2160240Hz
W-OLED3840x2160240Hz,
1080p 480Hz
Best 5K MonitorIPS5120x2880180Hz,
1440p 330Hz
Best 5K HDR MonitorIPS5120x2880165Hz,
1440p 330Hz
premium pick

MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50

MSI MPG 271QR QD OLED X50 Monitor
  • 1440p 500Hz
  • QD-OLED
  • USB-C 98W PD, KVM
best value

KTC M27P6S

KTC M27P6S Monitor
  • 4K 160Hz + 1080p 320Hz
  • Mini LED IPS, 2304-zone, DisplayHDR 1400
  • USB-C 65W PD, KVM
budget pick

KTC 27M1

KTC 27M1
  • 1440p 210Hz IPS
  • Fully ergonomic design
  • Affordable

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 Monitor

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.

The Pros:

  • Plenty of gaming features including, VRR up to 240Hz
  • 100% sRGB color gamut

The Cons:

  • IPS glow and not as high contrast as that of VA panels
  • Low pixel density
  • Tilt-only stand

About The Monitor

Want to kick it up a notch with a high refresh rate display?

The Dell SE2726HG offers the best value for the money when it comes to 27″ sized 1080p gaming monitors, and here is why.

Image Quality

Now, a high refresh rate greatly improves the gaming experience in comparison to the typical 60-75Hz displays.

240Hz 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 Dell SE2726HG features an IPS panel with full sRGB color gamut for accurate colors without oversaturation.

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, so there is a lot less smearing visible, especially at higher frame rates.

The Dell SE2726HG also supports variable refresh rate up to 240Hz for tear-free gameplay and the standard gaming features, such as Dark Stabilizer (improves visibility in dark scenes), on-screen timers and a refresh rate tracker.

Design & Connectivity

Dell SE2726HG Design

The stand of the monitor is tilt-only, but it is VESA mount compatible (100x100mm).

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4 and a headphone jack.

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.

The Pros:

  • Wide color gamut
  • Quick response time speed
  • Plenty of features, including VRR and MBR up to 210Hz
  • Ergonomic design

The Cons:

  • IPS glow and not as high contrast as that of VA panels

About The Monitor

The KTC 27M1 is the best value 27″ 1440p high refresh rate IPS gaming monitor!

Image Quality

The KTC 27M1 is based on an IPS panel with a strong peak brightness of 450-nits, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 10-bit color depth support for 1.07 billion colors, and a wide 96% DCI-P3 gamut coverage for vibrant colors (~130% sRGB).

Its 1ms GtG response time 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 210Hz, ensures buttery-smooth performance at an affordable price — what’s not to like?

Furthermore, the KTC 27M1 supports AMD FreeSync with a 48-210Hz dynamic range and VRR works without issues with NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort.

Other features include Black Equalize, crosshair overlays, various picture presets, HDR support and MBR.

Check out our in-depth KTC 27M1 review for more details.

Design & Connectivity

KTC 27M1 Rear View

The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers height adjustment up to 150mm, tilt by -5°/35°, +/- 60° swivel, 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

The stand of the monitor is sturdy and doesn’t take a lot of desk space, allowing you to place your keyboard close to the screen and/or place items on it. The design also involves a cable management bracket, a carrying handle, a headphone hook and a shading hood to minimize distractions.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports (limited to 144Hz), two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs, a headphone jack, dual 2W integrated speakers for basic audio output and a USB port for firmware updates only.

Alternatives

There are plenty of excellent 27″ 1440p high refresh rate IPS gaming monitors available nowadays, ranging from $150 to $200 (depending on sale).

So, we recommend checking them all out and choosing whichever is the cheapest or according to your design/feature preference:

If you want a 27″ 1440p curved gaming monitor, there’s the Gigabyte GS27QC and the Koorui 27E6QC. However, these have notably slower response times and lower refresh rates, yet go for around the same price as KTC’s models.

The Pros:

  • Wide color gamut
  • Quick response time speed
  • Plenty of features, including VRR and MBR up to 240Hz
  • High contrast ratio
  • Ergonomic design

The Cons:

  • VRR brightness flickering in dark scenes of games with fluctuating frame rates (expected drawback of OLED and VA panels)

About The Monitor

The KTC H27E22 is a unique gaming monitor. It’s one of the few VA monitors with fast enough pixel response times to avoid the infamous VA smearing issue.

Image Quality

Thanks to its fast VA panel, the H27E22 delivers a high 2,500:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks without the IPS glow, creating a more immersive viewing experience. Its fast response time also ensures that there’s virtually no ghosting behind fast-moving objects, even in darker scenes where VA panels typically struggle.

Next, it has a high 240Hz refresh rate, 1440p screen resolution, a wide 90% DCI-P3 color gamut and a high 400-nit peak brightness.

You also get plenty of gaming features, such as crosshair overlays, Black Equalize, on-screen timers and backlight strobing.

Its main downside is VRR brightness flickering in games with fluctuating frame rates (typically in in-game menus and loading screens), which is a common drawback of VA and OLED panels. You can simply disable VRR in affected titles and use V-Sync to prevent tearing instead, though tearing is not that noticeable at 240Hz anyway.

Design & Connectivity

KTC H27E22 Design

The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers full ergonomic support with up to 130mm height adjustment, +/- 90° pivot, +/- 45° swivel, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a USB-C port with DP Alt Mode, three downstream USB-A ports and a headphone jack.

Alternatives

  • KTC H27E22S – the same monitor but without an ergonomic stand or as extensive connectivity options for a lower price.

The Pros:

  • Wide color gamut
  • Plenty of gaming features including MBR and FreeSync up to 320Hz
  • Fully ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options

The Cons:

  • IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)

About The Monitor

Want a 27″ 1440p 240Hz+ display with an IPS panel?

Then the KTC H27E6 is for you!

Image Quality

Based on a flat-screen IPS panel, the KTC H27E6 doesn’t have as a high contrast ratio as the KTC H27E22, so you won’t get as deep and inky blacks.

However, it does support a wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut, so you’ll get more consistent and vibrant colors, as well as wider viewing angles for a more consistent image.

The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync up to 320Hz with smooth VRR performance.

Other useful features include custom crosshairs, Black Equalize, various picture presets, a refresh rate tracker and the MPRT backlight strobing technology.

Design & Connectivity

KTC H27E6 Rear View

The stand of the monitor offers full ergonomic support with up to 130mm height adjustment, +/- 90° pivot, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 45° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs, two HDMI 2.1 ports, a USB port for firmware updates and a headphone jack.

The Pros:

  • Wide 90% DCI-P3 color gamut
  • Quick response time, low input lag
  • Plenty of gaming features including G-SYNC Pulsar 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 XG27AQNGV is one of 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 ASUS XG27AQNGV has an IPS panel with wide viewing angles, a wide 90% DCI-P3 color gamut, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a 400-nit peak brightness (500-nits in HDR mode).

Since it doesn’t have a proper mini LED FALD backlight, there are better HDR displays at this price range – the ASUS XG27AQNGV 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 supports G-SYNC Pulsar, which provides you with simultaneous VRR and MBR performance for zero tearing and no motion blur.

While many games prefer the ~24″ sized screens for competitive gameplay, there are a few advantages to going with the ASUS XG27AQNGV 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 a few aspect ratio options for emulation (25″ 2368×1332, 25″ 1080p and 1280×960), as well as the Shadow Boost feature (improves visibility in dark scenes).

ULMB2 360Hz vs Pulsar 356FPS vs OLED 500Hz vs OLED 360Hz vs Pulsar 360Hz Off

Check out our MSI MPG 272QRF X36 review. It’s another G-SYNC Pulsar monitor based on the same panel.

Design & Connectivity

ASUS XG27AQNGV Design

The stand of the monitor is robust and offers height adjustment up to 110mm, +/- 45° swivel, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1 ports, a headphone jack and a USB 3.0 hub (three downstream, one Type-B, and one micro-USB for firmware updates)

Alternatives

There are three more monitors based on the same panel and the G-SYNC Pulsar scaler. So, you can choose according to pricing or your preference:

Best 1440p HDR Monitors

You can also choose between a few excellent 27″ 1440p HDR monitors!

The Pros:

  • High peak brightness, decent pixel density, wide color gamut
  • 1152-zone mini LED FALD
  • Decent response time, low input lag
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 180FPS
  • Fully ergonomic stand

The Cons:

  • Minor blooming/haloing noticeable in certain scenes
  • Minor ghosting
  • VRR brightness flickering in dark scenes of games with fluctuating frame rates (expected drawback of OLED and VA panels)

About The Monitor

The KTC M27T6 proves that you no longer need to spend a fortune for a genuinely good HDR gaming experience.

At around $300, it may still be outside some users’ definition of “budget,” but it offers an impressive amount of performance for the price. More importantly, its HDR performance is genuinely convincing, something that can’t be said for some gaming monitors costing $900 or more.

Image Quality

One of the biggest advantages of the KTC M27T6 is its full-array local dimming (FALD) backlight, which is essential for getting proper HDR image quality.

In fact, the M27T6 is the cheapest monitor with VESA DisplayHDR 1400 certification. Its 1152 mini LED dimming zones provide a high level of backlight control, allowing it to produce bright highlights of up to 1,800 nits while maintaining deep blacks in darker areas of the image.

The wide 96% DCI-P3 color gamut further enhances HDR image quality by providing a broad range of vibrant colors.

For everyday use and gaming, the 27-inch 2560×1440 resolution provides a pixel density of 108 PPI. This strikes a good balance between image sharpness and GPU requirements.

The image is noticeably less demanding to render than 4K while remaining crisp enough that you can comfortably use the native resolution without scaling.

The monitor uses a VA panel with advertised 178° viewing angles, although you can expect some of the usual VA gamma and saturation shifts when viewing the screen from an angle.

There is still some minor trailing in particularly demanding motion scenes, but it’s considerably less noticeable than what you’d typically see on older or slower high-refresh-rate VA panels.

The M27T6 also supports variable refresh rate (VRR) for tear-free gaming at up to 180Hz. As with many VA and OLED displays, however, you may encounter some brightness flickering when the refresh rate fluctuates in certain scenes.

Additional gaming features include Black Equalize for enhancing visibility in dark areas, customizable crosshair overlays, several picture presets, an on-screen timer and a refresh rate counter.

Check out our full KTC M27T6 review for more information.

Design & Connectivity

KTC M27T6 Rear View

The stand of the monitor offers height adjustment up to 130mm, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 90° pivot, +/- 45° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, DP 1.4, a headphone jack and a USB port for firmware updates.

The Pros:

  • High peak brightness, decent pixel density, wide color gamut
  • 1152-zone mini LED FALD
  • Fast response time, low input lag
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 210FPS
  • Fully ergonomic stand

The Cons:

  • Minor blooming/haloing noticeable in certain scenes

About The Monitor

The KTC M27T6S is also a 27″ 1440p gaming monitor with 1152 dimming zones, but it has an IPS panel instead of VA, which brings both advantages and disadvantages.

Image Quality

Thanks to its IPS panel, the M27T6S provides you with fast response time without ghosting in dark scenes, as well as smooth VRR performance and wide viewing angles for a more consistent image quality.

However, it doesn’t have as high native contrast ratio, so blacks won’t be as deep as they’re on the M27T6.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the M27T6S has the lower-tier DisplayHDR 1000 certification, so its brightness isn’t quite as high. Regardless, you still get an immersive HDR viewing experience.

Check out our in-depth KTC M27T6S review for more details, including comparisons with other mini LED and OLED HDR displays.

Design & Connectivity

KTC M27T6S Rear View

The stand of the monitor is robust and offers full ergonomic support, including up to 135mm height adjustment, +/- 90° pivot, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 45° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility (recommended screw size M4*10mm).

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports (limited to 144Hz at 2560×1440 with 8-bit color), a headphone jack and a USB-A port for firmware updates only. It has an integrated power supply.

The Pros:

  • Wide 99% DCI-P3 color gamut
  • Infinite contrast ratio, high peak brightness
  • Quick response time, low input lag
  • Plenty of gaming features including VRR up to 500Hz, BFI up to 250FPS
  • Fully ergonomic stand, USB-C 98W, KVM

The Cons:

  • Risk of permanent image burn-in and temporary image retention
  • Not as bright as mini LED displays

About The Monitor

The MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 is one of the best 27″ HDR monitors you can buy, thanks to its 4th-Gen panel with True Black 500 and rapid 500Hz refresh rate.

Image Quality

OLED panels provide you with an infinite contrast ratio and instantaneous pixel response time, resulting in both an immersive HDR viewing experience and responsive gameplay.

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 MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 also has vibrant colors with a wide 99.3% DCI-P3 gamut coverage (sRGB mode available), wide viewing angles, true 10-bit color depth support and a decent peak brightness with True Black 500

While OLED displays are generally dimmer than most LED-backlit screens, the MSI MPG 271QR X50 can maintain 300-nits for a 100% white window and reaches up to 1000-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.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the monitor uses a triangular RGB subpixel layout that can cause some minor color fringing on small text and fine details, but this isn’t noticeable in games and videos.

The 271QR X50 even has an AI Sensor that can automatically shut down the display when nobody is in front of it, and wake it up when it detects a person’s presence.

Other features include VRR support up to 500Hz, BFI up to 250FPS, Night Vision, crosshair overlays, a refresh rate tracker, and more.

Check our in-depth review for more information.

Design & Connectivity

MSI MPG 271QR QD OLED X50 Rear View

The MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 monitor has a robust design with a fully ergonomic stand, including -5°/20° tilt, +/- 30° swivel, +/- 90° pivot, up to 110mm height adjustment and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.1 ports with full 48 Gbps bandwidth, DisplayPort 2.1 with the highest UHBR20 transmission mode, a USB-C port with DP Alt Mode and up to 98W Power Delivery, a dual-USB 3.0 hub, KVM and a headphone jack.

The screen has a semi-glossy finish, which makes the image more vivid as there’s no graininess associated with matte anti-glare coatings.

Matte vs Glossy Screen Treatment
Anti-glare vs glossy coating reflection handling

However, the screen is more reflective, and without a polarizer, blacks appear raised under direct lighting. As long as no light is aimed directly at the screen, this isn’t an issue.

Alternatives

High-end models
ASUS PG27AQWP W Monitor

There are high-end 27″ 1440p 540Hz alternatives based on LG’s W-OLED panel with a 1500-nits 1.5% APL peak brightness and 720p 720Hz Dual Mode.

The 1280×720 resolution on a 27″ sized screen has a very low pixel density of 54 PPI, and the image will be additionally blurry since the monitor is displaying a non-native resolution, so the usability of this mode is very limited.

Although these W-OLED panels have a higher specified white luminance, their color luminance is lower than that of QD-OLED panels, resulting in lower overall perceived brightness.

The ASUS PG27AQWP-W and ASUS PG27AQWP-G models have glossy coatings that, unlike the semi-glossy finish of QD-OLED displays, don’t raise black levels under direct lighting. They are still reflective, so you have to mind the lighting in your room. These models are also a bit more expensive ($1,100+).

QD OLED vs KTC M27P6S Reflection Handling
QD-OLED semi-glossy vs true glossy

There’s the cheaper LG 27GX790B 1440p 540Hz W-OLED variant with 720p 720Hz Dual Mode, which can be found on sale for $680. It has a matte anti-glare coating that adds some graininess to the image (mostly noticeable on solid colors).

So, unless you really want the 720p 720Hz Dual Mode, we recommend going with the 1440p 500Hz QD-OLED models, such as the MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 or the cheaper model without USB-C and KVM, the MSI MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50.

Upcoming models
MSI MAG OLED 271QPX32

In December 2026, we’re expecting monitors based on a new 27″ 1440p 320Hz QD-OLED panel with a higher 1300-nit 3% APL peak brightness, such as the MSI MAG OLED 271QPX32.

For Q1 2027, there are 27″ 1440p 400Hz QD-OLED models planned with an RGB stripe subpixel layout for sharp text without fringing, such as the Gigabyte MO27Q40. We assume these will also have the improved 1300-nit 3% APL peak brightness.

Budget & mid-range models
Philips 27M2N8500
Philips 27M2N8500

If you don’t need 500Hz, you can also find cheaper 360Hz, 280Hz and 240Hz QD-OLED models, though with a bit lower brightness for 100% and 10% APL with DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification.

We find that the Philips 27M2N8500 with 360Hz offers the best value for money if you can find it on sale for $400. If it’s not available, check out the AOC Q27G40SDE and the Dell AW2725DF based on the same panel.

We recommend avoiding models based on the QD-OLED Edge panels, which can be found for around $350 or less but have a lower peak brightness. They can only reach 200 nits for 100% APL (whereas regular panels reach 250 nits) and only 400 nits for 3% APL in HDR (instead of the full 1000 nits).

If your budget is around $350, we recommend getting a W-OLED model instead, such as the Gigabyte GO27Q24G or the LG 27GX704A with glossy coatings. These can reach up to 1300 nits for 1.5% APL, but have an RWBG subpixel layout with more fringing.

Gigabyte GO27Q24G
Gigabyte GO27Q24G

Finally, as an alternative to the Philips 27M2N8500, if you want a 1440p 280Hz Tandem W-OLED model with a matte anti-glare coating or a true glossy screen surface, check out the Gigabyte MO27Q28G and the LG 27GX700A (matte anti-glare) and the Gigabyte MO27Q28GR (glossy) for ~$450 on sale.

LG 27GX700A Monitor
LG 27GX700A

These have an RGWB subpixel layout, which has less fringing than RWBG and it’s more similar to the triangular RGB layout of QD-OLED. They are also a bit brighter, as they reach up to 1500 nits for 1.5% APL, but their color luminance is not as high as that of QD-OLED.

There are over a hundred 27″ 1440p high refresh rate OLED monitors available, so to ensure you’re getting the model that’s most suited for your budget and personal preference, be sure to visit our dedicated OLED Monitors article.

Best 27-inch 4K Monitor

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.

The Pros:

  • High pixel density, 4K UHD
  • Accurate and vibrant colors
  • Plenty of features, including VRR and MBR up to 160Hz at 4K, 320Hz at 1080p
  • Fully ergonomic stand

The Cons:

  • IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)

About The Monitor

If you want a 27″ 4K monitor with a high refresh rate and you don’t care about HDR, the KTC H27P6 is for you!

Image Quality

The KTC H27P6 is one of the most affordable 27″ 4K 144Hz+ IPS gaming monitors, yet it offers a lot of useful features.

To start with, it has a wide 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, a dedicated sRGB emulation mode, a 400-nit peak brightness, a 1000:1 contrast ratio and a fast response time.

1080p monitor vs 4K (Scaling)

It also boasts the 1080p 320Hz Dual Mode, VRR and MBR performance up to 320FPS, 24.5″ emulation mode, Black Equalize (improves visibility in dark scenes), crosshair overlays and on-screen timers.

Design & Connectivity

KTC H27P6 Rear View

The stand offers full ergonomic support with up to 130mm height adjustment, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 90° pivot, +/- 45° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.1 ports, DP 1.4, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 90W PD, a headphone jack, a dual-USB 3.0 hub and built-in KVM.

Alternatives

KTC has two stores on Amazon selling this monitor, so make sure to check out both to ensure you’re getting the more affordable model at the time of buying: Link 1, Link 2. Its price goes down to $270 on sale, which makes for exceptional value.

  • Koorui G2741L – 4K 160Hz, 1080p 320Hz, 400 nits for $240 – $350
  • Gigabyte M27UP – 4K 160Hz, 1080p 320Hz, 400 nits, KVM, USB-C (DP Alt Mode and 18W PD) for $330 – $380
  • MSI MAG 275UPD E14 – 4K 144Hz, 1080p 288Hz Dual Mode, 250 nits

If you just want a 27″ 4K 60Hz IPS display, check out the KTC H27P27 and Acer VG270K L1 (4K 72Hz with 1080p 144Hz Dual Mode).

Visit our best 4K monitors buyer’s guide for more information and the best deals available. For color-critical work, check out our photo/video editing monitors guide.

Best 4K HDR Monitors

If you want a 27″ 4K monitor with proper HDR support, here are the best models.

The Pros:

  • High peak brightness, high pixel density, wide color gamut
  • 1152-zone mini LED FALD
  • Quick response time, low input lag
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 160FPS, 1080p 320FPS
  • Fully ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options, including KVM and USB-C with 65W 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 160Hz gaming monitor will give it a good run for its money.

Image Quality

The KTC M27P6 offers a native refresh rate of 160Hz, 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 KTC M27P6 is the best 27″ 4K LED-backlit gaming monitor you can get for ~$450.

Besides offering 4K resolution, the monitor features a wide 98% DCI-P3 and 97% Adobe RGB color gamut, a standard 1,000:1 contrast ratio, a strong 1800-nit peak brightness for HDR content and a rapid 2ms GtG response time speed.

The monitor also has a 1152-zone mini LED full-array local dimming solution, allowing it to simultaneously display deep blacks and bright highlights for incredible HDR image quality.

Moving on, the monitor supports variable refresh rate for tear-free gameplay up to 160FPS at 4K or up to 320FPS at 1080p via Dual Mode.

Check out our full KTC M27P6 review for more information.

Design & Connectivity

KTC M27P6 RGB Lighting

The stand is sturdy and offers height adjustment up to 130mm, +/- 45° swivel, 90° pivot, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.1 ports with full 48 Gbps bandwidth, DP 1.4 with DSC, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 65W PD, a headphone jack, built-in KVM and a dual-USB 3.0 hub.

Alternatives

  • MSI MAG 274UPDF E16M – based on the same panel but with lower-tier DisplayHDR 1000 and lower 15W PD over USB-C

The Pros:

  • High peak brightness, high pixel density, wide color gamut
  • 2304-zone mini LED FALD
  • Quick response time, low input lag
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 160FPS, 1080p 320FPS
  • Fully ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options, including KVM and USB-C with 65W PD

The Cons:

  • Very minor blooming/haloing noticeable in certain scenes
  • HDR calibration could be better (hopefully addressed in a future firmware update)

About The Monitor

The KTC M27P6S improves upon the M27P6 with twice as many local dimming zones, increasing the count to 2304 for more precise backlight control and less blooming.

Image Quality

It also uses a glossy screen surface instead of the matte coating found on the M27P6, resulting in a clearer, more vibrant image without the graininess of matte finishes.

The trade-off is increased reflectivity, so you’ll need to be more careful about the lighting in your room.

KTC M27P6 vs KTC M27P6S Reflection Handling

HDR calibration isn’t quite as accurate as on the M27P6, particularly in terms of saturation and color temperature.

Nevertheless, the overall HDR image remains immersive, and a future firmware update could further improve color accuracy.

Check out our full KTC M27P6S review for more information.

Design & Connectivity

KTC M27P6S Rear View

The stand is sturdy and offers height adjustment up to 130mm, +/- 45° swivel, 90° pivot, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.1 ports with full 48 Gbps bandwidth, DP 1.4 with DSC, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 65W PD, a headphone jack, built-in KVM and a dual-USB 3.0 hub.

The Pros:

  • Infinite contrast ratio, decent peak brightness, wide color gamut
  • Instant response time
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 240Hz
  • Fully ergonomic design
  • 3-year warranty that covers burn-in

The Cons:

  • Risk of permanent image burn-in and temporary image retention
  • Not as bright as mini LED displays

About The Monitor

If you want a 27″ OLED gaming monitor with the 4K UHD resolution, the MSI MAG 272UP QD-OLED X24 is the best option for the money!

Image Quality

Thanks to its QD-OLED panel, the monitor offers an infinite contrast ratio, exceptional 99.3% DCI-P3 color gamut, true 10-bit color depth, 178° viewing angles and a peak brightness with up to 1000-nits for small (3% APL) HDR highlights and respectable 250-nits for 100% APL.

In addition to excellent image quality, the high pixel density of 166 PPI eliminates the issues with the uncommon subpixel layout, meaning that there’s no noticeable fringing on small text and fine details.

The MSI MAG 272UP QD-OLED X24 also has a dedicated sRGB mode, along with the usual gaming features, such as crosshair overlays, Night Vision, on-screen timers, VRR up to 240Hz, advanced OLED Care, etc.

Design & Connectivity

MSI MAG 272UP QD OLED X24 Design

The stand of the monitor offers height adjustment up to 110mm, +/- 90° pivot, +/- 30° swivel, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include DP 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.1 ports, a headphone jack and a USB-C port with DP Alt Mode and 15W PD.

The monitor has the same semi-glossy finish as most QD-OLED panels.

Alternatives

  • ASUS XG27UCDMG – it has USB-C with 90W PD, KVM, BFI up to 120Hz (making it a great option for console gamers), but it goes for $960 ($860 on sale), whereas the 272UP X24 can be found for $650
  • Gigabyte MO27U2 – with USB-C (18W PD) and KVM for $650
  • Acer X27 X1 – with USB-C (65W PD) and KVM for $600 – $800
  • MSI MAG 272UP QD-OLED E16 – a cheaper version with a 165Hz maximum refresh rate

The Pros:

  • Infinite contrast ratio, decent peak brightness, wide color gamut
  • Instant response time
  • Plenty of features, including BFI, VRR up to 240Hz at 4K, 480Hz at 1080p
  • Fully ergonomic design
  • Rich connectivity options, including DP 2.1, USB-C (90W PD), KVM
  • 3-year warranty that covers burn-in

The Cons:

  • Risk of permanent image burn-in and temporary image retention
  • Not as bright as mini LED displays
  • Expensive

About The Monitor

The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCWM is a 27″ 4K 240Hz display based on the latest W-OLED panel with RGB stripe subpixel layout for sharp text without fringing.

Image Quality

The main advantage of the new W-OLED panel is the true RGB stripe subpixel layout, which completely eliminates colored fringing on small text and fine details.

However, the 27″ 4K 240Hz QD-OLED models with triangular RGB subpixel layout didn’t have bothersome fringing anyway due to their high pixel density.

Because the ASUS PG27UCWM doesn’t have a white subpixel anymore, this also means that it has lower white luminance, down to 250 nits from 335 nits of the latest RGWB Tandem OLED panels for 100% APL and down to 1000 nits 1.5% APL from 1500 nits.

The good news is that the new RGB panels have significantly higher color luminance than previous-gen W-OLED panels. So, while the white luminance is lower, the overall perceived brightness is better on the new RGB W-OLED models. The color luminance isn’t quite as high as that of QD-OLED panels, but it’s close.

Another downside is that the new RGB W-OLED panels aren’t as accurate as previous-gen W-OLED models when it comes to EOTF tracking.

Just like on QD-OLED displays, there’s the True Black 400 mode that’s accurate but limits the brightness to around 450 nits. Then, there’s the Console HDR mode that can reach the full 1000 nits peak brightness but at the cost of image accuracy, as the image is brighter than intended in dark scenes with raised shadows and midtones.

Next, the ASUS PG27UCWM has the 1080p 480Hz Dual Mode. This feature is now finally available on 27″ models and while the 1080p image will still be blurry on 27″ screens, it’s much better than on 32″ models.

It also supports BFI (Black Frame Insertion) at 120FPS, which improves motion clarity – 120FPS content looks as clear as 240Hz, but the brightness is halved, input latency is increased and you cannot use HDR or VRR at the same time. Still, it’s a great option for consoles and PC games where you cannot output more than 120FPS.

Other useful features include VRR support, 24.5″ screen size emulation, OLED Anti-Flicker, Shadow Boost, crosshair overlays, Dolby Vision support and Neo Proximity Sensor that can automatically dim or shut down the screen once it detects that nobody is in front of it.

Design & Connectivity

ASUS PG27UCWM Design

The stand of the monitor offers height adjustment up to 110mm, +/- 30° swivel, +/- 90° pivot, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include DP 2.1 with full UHBR20 speed, two HDMI 2.1 ports with 48 Gbps, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 90W PD, USB-B, three USB-A 3.0 ports and a built-in KVM switch.

Alternatives

At the moment, there are no other models based on this panel available. While the ASUS PG27UCWM offers excellent HDR image quality and performance with plenty of premium features, it’s rather expensive – almost double the price of something like the MSI MAG 272UP QD-OLED X24 with fairly similar image quality.

It’s also almost $350 more expensive than the XG27UCDMG, which has a lot of similar features (minus the DP 2.1 port). So, it’s up to you whether the TrueBlack glossy coating, DP 2.1, 1080p 480Hz Dual Mode and Dolby Vision are worth the extra cost.

We recommend waiting for other manufacturers to release their (likely more affordable) models based on this panel, unless you’re willing to go all-in on the PG27UCWM, that is, if you can put all of its premium features to good use.

Best 5K Monitors

Want a monitor with an even higher resolution? You’ll find the best 5K monitors here!

The Pros:

  • High pixel density, 5K
  • Accurate and vibrant colors
  • Plenty of features including VRR + MBR up to 180Hz at 5K, 330Hz at 1440p
  • Fully ergonomic stand, KVM

The Cons:

  • IPS glow and not as high contrast as that of VA panels
  • No proper HDR support

About The Monitor

The ASUS ROG Strix 5K XG27JCG boasts a screen resolution of 5120×2880, providing you with stunning detail clarity of 218 PPI (pixels per inch)!

Image Quality

The ASUS XG27JCG is a perfect monitor for both gaming and work, as you can enjoy the sharpness of 5K in office-related apps or graphically-oriented games, and simply switch to the 1440p 330Hz mode for competitive titles.

It also has a wide 97% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, an sRGB emulation mode, a 1000:1 contrast ratio and a 350-nit peak brightness.

With DisplayHDR 600 certification, HDR content gets a boost in brightness up to 600-nits, but since there’s no FALD, you’re not getting a proper HDR viewing experience.

Other useful features include ELMB 2 and ELMB-Sync, Shadow Boost, crosshair overlays, a refresh rate tracker, Sniper, Aspect Control (24.5″ emulation) and VRR support.

Design & Connectivity

ASUS XG27JCG Design

The stand of the monitor offers height adjustment up to 110mm, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 40° swivel, +/- 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include DP 1.4, two HDMI 2.1 ports, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 15W PD, USB-B, three USB-A 3.0 ports, built-in KVM and a headphone jack.

Alternatives

Samsung also offers a monitor based on the same panel, but it’s $150 more expensive, the Samsung G80HF.

If you’re looking for a more affordable 5K monitor, the KTC H27P3 with a 5K 60Hz and 1440p 120Hz Dual Mode IPS Black panel can be found for $570.

The Pros:

  • 2304-zone FALD, DisplayHDR 1000
  • High pixel density
  • Accurate and vibrant colors
  • Plenty of features including VRR up to 330FPS at 1440p, 165FPS at 5K
  • Fully ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options, including USB-C with 90W PD

The Cons:

  • Minor blooming/haloing noticeable in certain scenes

About The Monitor

The LG 27GM950B is a 27″ 5K 165Hz IPS gaming monitor with a 2304-zone mini LED FALD backlight!

Image Quality

The LG 27GM950B doubles the local dimming zone count found on typical 1152-zone mini LED FALD monitors, delivering even more precise backlight control while retaining an impressive 1250 nits peak brightness.

It also offers a wide 99% DCI-P3 gamut coverage for vibrant colors, a fast 1ms GtG response time, and a sharp 5K resolution with a 218 PPI (pixels per inch) pixel density for excellent image clarity.

For fast-paced gaming, you can switch to 2560×1440 resolution to unlock a higher 330Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother and clearer motion.

Other features include AI Upscaling, hardware calibration support, and a range of gaming-oriented tools such as VRR, MBR, crosshair overlays, a refresh rate tracker, Black Stabilizer and more.

Design & Connectivity

LG 27GM950B B Design

The stand offers tilt, height, swivel and pivot adjustments, and it’s VESA mount compatible via the 100x100mm pattern.

The screen has a matte anti-glare coating that’s efficient at eliminating reflections, but adds a bit of graininess to the image.

Connectivity options include DP 2.1 with UHBR20, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB-A 3.0 ports, a headphone jack, dual 7W integrated speakers and USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 90W PD.

Alternatives

More 27″ 5K 165Hz IPS mini LED monitors with 2304-zone FALD are expected in 2026. MSI plans to release a model with a glossy screen surface, the MSI MPG 271KRAW16.

Conclusion

Did you find the perfect 27″ monitor for you?

Feel free to leave us a question below if you need further assistance.

If you’re not interested in HDR, the KTC H27P6 offers exceptional value for the price, while the MSI MPG 272QF X36 provides you with incredible performance.

Nowadays, there are plenty of excellent mini LED and OLED 27″ monitors to choose from, but we highly recommend the MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50, the KTC M27P6S or the LG 27GM950B if you don’t want an OLED display.

Changelog +

  • September 25, 2026:
    – Added the KTC M27P6S.
  • September 18, 2026:
    – Replaced the MSI MPG 272QRF X36 with the ASUS XG27AQNGV.
    – Added the ASUS PG27UCWM.
    – Updated review summaries.
  • June 30, 2026:
    – Removed the Sceptre U275W-UPT, the Acer XV275U F3 and the AOC Q27G40XMN. Review summaries will be updated soon.
  • April 30, 2026:
    – Added the LG 27GM950B to the table. A review summary will be added soon.
  • February 14, 2026:
    – Replaced the SANSUI ES-G27F2 with the Dell SE2726HG, the KTC H27T22 with the KTC 27M1.
    – Added the KTC H27E22. Review summaries will be updated soon.
  • January 16, 2026:
    – Added the MSI MPG 272QRF X36 and the ASUS XG27JCG.
    – Removed the KTC H27E22.
  • November 27, 2025:
    – Added the MSI MAG 272QPW QD-OLED X28.
  • November 25, 2025:
    – Replaced the Xiaomi G Pro 27i with the Acer XV275U F3 and the MSI MAG274UPF E2 with the Gigabyte M27UP.
  • May 26, 2025:
    – Replaced the KTC H27E22F with the SANSUI ES-G27F2.
    – Replaced the HP Omen 27qs with the KTC H27E6.
    – Added a review summary for the ASUS XG27UCDMG.
  • March 27, 2025:
    – Added the MSI MPG 272URX and the LG 27G850A to the table. Review summaries will be added to the article soon.
  • November 28, 2024:
    – Replaced the Samsung G6 with the KTC H27E22. Added review summaries for the KTC H27T22, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i and the MSI MAG274UPF E2.
  • November 22, 2024:
    – Updated the table with the best options. The rest of the article will be updated soon as well.
  • September 11, 2024:
    – Added the ASUS PG27AQDP.
  • August 7, 2024:
    – Replaced the Dell AW2725DF with the MSI MAG 271QPX, and the Redmagic 4K Gaming Monitor with the Innocn 27M2V.
  • May 15, 2024:
    – Replaced the AOC 27G2SP and the ViewSonic XG270 with the KTC H27E22F.
  • January 16, 2024:
    – Replaced the ASUS PG27AQDM with the Dell AW2725DF.
    – Added the MSI MAG274UPF.
    – Replaced the Acer XV272UV with the XV271U M3.
  • November 11, 2023:
    – Replaced the Gigabyte G27F-2 with the AOC 27G2SP and the Philips 278E1A with the Sceptre U275W-UPT.
    – Added review summaries for the HP Omen 27qs and the AOC Q27G3XMN.
  • 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.

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Rob Shafer

Rob is a software engineer with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver. He now works full-time managing DisplayNinja while coding his own projects on the side.