The Best HDR Monitors (2025 Reviews)

The selection of HDR monitors is nowhere as broad as the selection of HDR TVs. If you want to get the best possible HDR for the money, then check out this HDR monitor buying guide.

If you’re in the market for an HDR monitor, you’ve probably come across terms such as ‘fake HDR’ and ‘pseudo-HDR’ — and now you’re worried that you’ll end up buying a bad HDR display.

We don’t blame you!

Monitor manufacturers put HDR labels on just about anything these days, and that’s why in this buying guide, we’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about HDR when it comes to monitors.

TypeMonitorSizeResolutionPanel Type, Dimming ZonesRefresh Rate
Best Mini LED HDR Monitors27"2560x1440VA,
336
180Hz
27"2560x1440IPS,
1152
180Hz
27"2560x1440IPS,
576
240Hz
27"3840x2160IPS,
1152
160Hz
32”3840x2160VA,
1196
165Hz
32”3840x2160IPS,
1152
144Hz
32”3840x2160IPS,
1152
144Hz
Best Mini LED UltraWide HDR Monitors34”3440x1440VA,
2304
165Hz
49”5120x1440VA,
2048
240Hz
57"7680x2160VA,
2392
240Hz
Best UltraWide OLED HDR Monitors34"3440x1440QD-OLED165Hz
34"3440x1440QD-OLED240Hz
39"3440x1440W-OLED240Hz
45"3440x1440W-OLED240Hz
45"3440x1440W-OLED240Hz
49"5120x1440QD-OLED240Hz
Best OLED HDR Monitors27"2560x1440QD-OLED360Hz
27"2560x1440QD-OLED480Hz
32"3840x2160QD-OLED240Hz
32"3840x2160W-OLED240Hz
(1080p 480Hz)
42"3840x2160W-OLED144Hz
best overall

MSI MPG 321URX

MSI MPG 321URX Monitor
  • QD-OLED panel
  • Infinite contrast ratio
  • VRR up to 240Hz
best value

Xiaomi G Pro 27i

Xiaomi G Pro 27 Mini LED Monitor
  • 1152-mini LED FALD
  • 27″ 1440p fast IPS panel
  • VRR up to 180Hz
budget pick

AOC Q27G3XMN

AOC Q27G3XMN Monitor
  • 336-mini LED FALD
  • 27″ 1440p fast VA panel
  • VRR up to 180Hz

In truth, these are the only displays worth buying for the sake of HDR. They feature either OLED or LED panels with full-array local dimming (FALD), which is essential for good HDR (High Dynamic Range) picture quality.

We didn’t include any monitors with edge-lit local dimming – while there are some great models out there, they simply cannot do justice to HDR.

Here’s why: the beauty of HDR image lies in the display’s ability to produce incredibly bright and vivid details in highlights of the picture while preserving black depth and details in shadows at the same time, thus creating this ‘high dynamic range.’

Of course, a wide color gamut and a high screen resolution are also very important in making the picture look great! 

On the other hand, LED-backlit HDR monitors without proper local dimming solutions simply cannot deliver a ‘true’ HDR picture as for them to produce specific bright details, for instance, their entire screen has to adapt, which leads to overexposing of dark areas.

You can view our changelogs for this buying guide at the end of this article.

Best Mini LED HDR Monitors

If you don’t want to deal with OLED’s risk of burn-in, limited brightness and uncommon subpixel layouts, mini LED is the way to go for HDR.

The Pros:

  • High peak brightness, decent pixel density, wide color gamut
  • 336-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 VA panels)

About The Monitor

The AOC Q27G3XMN finally makes “budget HDR monitor” a thing.

Sure, $300 is still a lot for a gaming monitor to some users, but you get exceptional value for your money. In fact, unlike some $900+ “HDR monitors”, the Q27G3XMN actually delivers a true HDR experience.

Image Quality

To start with, the Q27G3XMN is the cheapest monitor with FALD (full-array local dimming), which is the most important feature if you want good HDR image quality on an LED-backlit display.

What’s more, it doesn’t skimp on the number of local dimming zones. With 336 mini LED dimming zones, you get excellent control over the backlight, resulting in simultaneously bright highlights (up to 1,200-nits) and deep inky blacks.

Edge lit Dimming vs Full array Dimming

Apart from the decent full-array local dimming solution that allows for bright highlights without sacrificing black depth, the AOC Q27G3XMN has a wide 96% DCI-P3 and 90% Adobe RGB color gamut for vibrant colors.

Further, the 1440p resolution results in a decent pixel density of 108 PPI (pixels per inch) on the 27″ viewable screen of the monitor, meaning that you’ll get plenty of screen space with sharp details and text.

While the image won’t be as sharp as that of a 27″ 4K display, it will still look crisp while being significantly less demanding to drive – and you won’t have to use any scaling.

The monitor’s VA panel also ensures 178° wide viewing angles (with minor VA gamma/saturation shift), as well as a rapid 1ms GtG pixel response time speed.

While the AOC Q27G3XMN still has some minor ghosting behind fast-moving objects, it’s not nearly as noticeable as it is with traditional high refresh rate VA panels.

Features

freesync and gsync

Moving on, the AOC Q27G3XMN supports a variable refresh rate for tear-free gameplay up to 180FPS.

Other features include Shadow Boost (improves visibility in dark scenes by manipulating the gamma curvature), Game Color, a crosshair overlay, various picture presets, on-screen timers and a refresh rate tracker.

Check out our AOC Q27G3XMN review for more information.

Design & Connectivity

AOC Q27G3XMN Design

The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers height up to 130mm, pivot by 90°, -5°/23° tilt, +/- 30° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports and a headphone jack.

Alternatives

  • KTC M27T20 – 27″ 1440p 165Hz VA gaming monitor with a bit wider color gamut and faster response time, 576-zone mini LED FALD, USB-C 90W and KVM – it’s about $150 more expensive though.
  • Acer XV275U P3 – newly released 27″ 1440p 170Hz flat-screen VA gaming monitor with a 576-zone mini LED FALD, but no USB-C or KVM

The Pros:

  • High peak brightness, decent pixel density, wide color gamut
  • 1152-zone mini LED FALD
  • Quick 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

About The Monitor

The Xiaomi G Pro 27i is another affordable mini LED HDR gaming monitor, however, unlike the AOC Q27G3XMN and the KTC M27T20, it uses an IPS panel.

Image Quality

While the Xiaomi G Pro 27i has more dimming zones (1152) than the Q27G3XMN, it uses an IPS panel with a lower native contrast ratio of ~1,000:1. So, in terms of black depth and blooming, it’s not a huge improvement.

What the Xiaomi G Pro 27i does offer though, is a wider 97% Adobe RGB and 99% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage for even more vibrant colors.

On top of that, IPS panels have virtually flawless 178° wide viewing angles, resulting in consistent colors regardless of the angle you’re looking at the screen. This makes the Xiaomi G Pro 27i suitable for professional color-critical work too, whereas the Q27G3XMN can only be used for basic content creation.

Additionally, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i has a faster pixel response time speed, so you won’t have to worry about any ghosting behind fast-moving objects. You also get smooth VRR performance up to 180FPS for tear-free gameplay.

Design & Connectivity

Xiaomi G Pro 27 Monitor Design

The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers height up to 120mm, pivot by 90°, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 45° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs, two HDMI 2.0 ports and a headphone jack.

The Pros:

  • 576 dimming zones, high brightness, wide color gamut
  • High pixel density
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 240Hz
  • Fully ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options, including USB type-C with 65W PD and KVM

The Cons:

  • Minor blooming/haloing noticeable in certain scenes

About The Monitor

If you want an even higher refresh rate, there’s the AOC AG274QZM with 240Hz!

Image Quality

Now, while the AG274QZM offers a bit clearer motion and lower input lag in comparison to the Xiaomi G Pro 27i thanks to its higher refresh rate, the overall HDR image quality is not as good due to the fewer local dimming zone count (576).

The AOC Agon Pro AG274QZM supports VRR up to 240FPS and has plenty of useful features, such as Shadow Control, Game Color, a refresh rate tracker, various picture presets, RGB lighting, crosshair overlays and Picture by Picture.

Design & Connectivity

AOC AG274QZM Design

The stand is sturdy and ergonomic with up to 120mm height adjustment, 90° pivot, +/- 20° swivel, -3°/21° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

You also get a detachable shading hood and a small puck for quick OSD settings.

Connectivity options include DP 1.4, two HDMI 2.1 ports, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 65W Power Delivery, a microphone jack, a headphone jack, two 5W integrated speakers, a quad-USB 3.0 hub and built-in KVM functionality.

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 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

In comparison to the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, the Innocn 27M2V provides you with a higher 4K UHD resolution.

Image Quality

Just like the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, the Innocn 27M2V has a wide 99% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage and a high ~1000-nit peak brightness for HDR content.

While the difference between 4K and 1440p is not that noticeable on a 27″ monitor for watching videos and playing games, details and text are a lot sharper when it comes to regular desktop use, office-related work, photo/video editing, etc.

So, if you have a powerful enough GPU for high frame rate gaming at 4K, the Innocn 27M2V is worth the investment.

The monitor also has a rapid 1ms GtG pixel response time speed and VRR support up to 144FPS for NVIDIA GPUs and 160FPS for AMD GPUs. The difference between 144Hz and 160Hz is not noticeable, so don’t worry about it if you have a GeForce card.

Other supported features include PiP/PbP support, crosshair overlays, a refresh rate tracker and Shadow Balance (improves visibility in dark scenes).

Check out our full Innocn 27M2V review for more information.

Design & Connectivity

Innocn 27M2V Design

The stand of the monitor is robust and offers height adjustment up to 120mm, +/- 15° swivel, +/- 15° tilt, 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options are abundant and include two HDMI 2.1 ports, DP 1.4 with DSC, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 90W Power Delivery (65W in HDR), dual 5W built-in speakers, integrated KVM functionality, a headphone jack and a dual-USB 3.0 hub.

Alternatives

In case the Innocn 27M2V is not available in your region, check out the Redmagic 4K Gaming Monitor with the same panel and local dimming solution.

If neither is available and you want a 27″ 4K HDR display, you’ll have to settle with the Cooler Master Tempest GP27U, the KTC M27P20 Pro or the Acer XV275K P3 as an alternative. These three displays use the same panel with a fewer 576-zone FALD backlight yet they cost around the same as the 1152-zone models.

There’s also the LG 27GR95UM with a 1560-zone mini LED FALD backlight, but it currently has local dimming algorithm issues, so we can only recommend it once (or if) it gets a proper firmware update.

We also recommend waiting for the MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M model with a 27″ 4K 160Hz IPS panel with a 1080p 320Hz Dual Mode and an 1152-zone mini LED FALD backlight.

The Pros:

  • 1196 dimming zones, high brightness, wide color gamut
  • High pixel density
  • Plenty of features, including VRR and MBR up to 165Hz
  • Ergonomic stand, USB hub

The Cons:

  • The aggressive 1000R screen curvature won’t appeal to some gamers
  • Minor blooming (in very demanding scenes)
  • VRR brightness flickering in dark scenes of games with fluctuating frame rates (expected drawback of VA panels)
  • Low brightness for larger APLs

About The Monitor

If you don’t mind its aggressive 1000R screen curvature, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 is one of the best mini LED gaming monitors available.

Image Quality

The Samsung Neo G7 has 1196 dimming zones and a high native contrast ratio of ~4,000:1, which allows it to produce much deeper blacks with fewer blooming artifacts than the IPS models, while the peak brightness is the same at around ~1,200-nits!

However, while both the Innocn 27M2V and the Neo G7 can achieve around 1200-nits for 10% APL (Average Picture Level, white window test size), the Neo G7 is limited to around 300-nits at 100% APL and 550-nits at 50% APL, while the Innocn 27M2V (and the other mini LED displays in this guide) can still maintain the same high peak brightness at larger APLs. This will make HDR scenes with plenty of bright elements dimmer and not as eye-catching.

The 4K UHD resolution looks great even on 32″ sized displays with a pixel density of 138 PPI, resulting in plenty of screen real estate and sharp details.

Further, the monitor has a wide 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage and a rapid 1ms GtG pixel response time speed. So, you won’t get quite as vibrant colors as that of the IPS variants.

Now, the Neo G7 has a steep 1000R screen curvature that some users like, some don’t mind it, and some can’t stand it. So, it comes down to personal preference, but keep in mind it will take some time to get used to in case you don’t like it at first.

Features

Variable refresh rate is supported over HDMI 2.1 VRR and FreeSync Premium up to 165FPS. While the monitor doesn’t have official G-SYNC Compatible certification by NVIDIA, you can use VRR with GeForce cards without issues.

Some units might exhibit some VRR brightness flickering, in which case you can use the VRR Control feature to prevent it (though this can introduce some micro-stutter).

Motion Blur Reduction is available as well, which uses backlight strobing to improve motion clarity at the cost of picture brightness.

Other noteworthy features include Black Equalizer, various picture presets, crosshair overlays, a refresh rate tracker, Picture in Picture, Adaptive Picture (integrated sensors) and CoreSync RGB lighting at the back of the monitor.

Check out our full Samsung Neo G7 review for more information.

Design & Connectivity

Samsung S32BG75 Review

The stand of the monitor is prone to some wobbling, but it has full ergonomic support with up to 120mm height adjustment, +/- 15° swivel, +/- 90° pivot, -9°/13° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.1 ports with 40 Gbps and DSC, a headphone jack and a dual-USB 3.0 hub.

Alternatives

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 model has a higher 240Hz refresh rate, but it has scanline issues. Considering how demanding 4K UHD is for high frame rates with decent picture settings in most games, we recommend the cheaper Neo G7.

The Pros:

  • High pixel density
  • Accurate and vibrant colors
  • Plenty of features including VRR up to 144Hz
  • Fully ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options, including KVM and USB-C with 90W PD

The Cons:

  • Minor blooming/haloing noticeable in certain scenes
  • Occasional flickering when using VRR and local dimming at the same time

About The Monitor

In case you want a flat-screen 32″ 4K high refresh rate HDR gaming monitor, the Innocn 32M2V is the best option available.

Image Quality

Since it has an IPS panel and an 1152-zone mini LED FALD backlight, the Innocn 32M2V will have a bit more blooming artifacts in comparison to the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7.

However, you will get a significantly wider color gamut with 99% Adobe RGB and 99% DCI-P3 color space coverage, wider viewing angles and VRR performance for tear-free gameplay up to 160FPS without any brightness flickering!

Additionally, the Innocn 32M2V offers plenty of features, such as integrated KVM functionality and a USB-C port with DP Alt Mode and 90W Power Delivery, as well as the standard gaming features.

Check out our Innocn 32M2V review for more information.

Design & Connectivity

Innocn 27M2V Design

The stand is sturdy and offers height adjustment up to 80mm, +/- 25° swivel, -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 90W PD, two 5W built-in speakers, a headphone jack and a dual-USB 3.0 hub.

Alternatives

The Pros:

  • High pixel density
  • Accurate and vibrant colors
  • Plenty of features including VRR up to 144Hz
  • 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

If you want a better mini LED display, we recommend the BenQ EX321UX.

Image Quality

The BenQ EX321UX is based on the same (or a very similar) panel as the Innocn 32M2V with the 1152-zone mini LED FALD backlight, 99% DCI-P3 / Adobe RGB color gamut coverage and other key panel-related specifications.

However, its local dimming solution is a bit better tuned as there’s no flickering when using VRR and local dimming at the same time. Moreover, it has a more premium design, better OSD controls (with a remote controller provided) and a 3-year warranty.

For more information, be sure to check out our detailed BenQ EX321UX review.

Design & Connectivity

BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX Monitor Design

The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers height adjustment up to 100mm, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 15° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR10), three HDMI 2.1 ports with 48 Gbps (one with eARC), USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 65W PD, a headphone jack and a USB hub (three USB-A 3.0 and two USB-C ports).

Alternatives

Best Mini LED UltraWide HDR Monitors

Want an ultrawide monitor with a mini LED backlight for proper HDR support? You’ll find al the best models right here!

The Pros:

  • 2304-zone mini LED FALD
  • High contrast ratio, vibrant colors
  • Plenty of features including VRR up to 165Hz
  • Ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options, KVM, USB-C 90W PD

The Cons:

  • Minor blooming/haloing noticeable in certain scenes
  • Minor ghosting behind fast-moving objects (mostly in dark scenes)
  • VRR brightness flickering in dark scenes of games with fluctuating frame rates (expected drawback of VA panels)

About The Monitor

Want a 34″ 3440×1440 curved ultrawide monitor with a mini LED backlight? The Innocn 34M1R might be for you!

Image Quality

The Innocn 34M1R boasts a 2304-zone mini LED FALD backlight, a 1,000-nit peak brightness and a wide 99% DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB color gamut for an amazing HDR viewing experience.

It also has a high 165Hz refresh rate, VRR support and a decent pixel response time speed for a VA panel. This means that some ghosting will be noticeable in fast-paced games (mostly in darker scenes), but most users will find it tolerable.

You also get professional-grade Delta E < 2 factory calibration and plenty of additional features, including PiP/PbP support.

Design & Connectivity

Innocn 34M1R Design

The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers a good range of ergonomics with up to 120mm height adjustment, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 25° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

The screen has a light matte anti-glare coating and a 1500R curvature for added immersion.

Connectivity options include USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 90W PD, DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a dual-USB 3.0 hub, integrated speakers (the soundbar below the bottom bezel) and a headphone jack.

The Pros:

  • High contrast ratio, impressive peak brightness, decent color gamut
  • Fast response time
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 240Hz
  • Ergonomic stand, USB hub

The Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Noticeable blooming in some scenes
  • VRR brightness flickering in dark scenes of games with fluctuating frame rates (expected drawback of VA panels)

About The Monitor

Now, as we mentioned earlier, even though mini LED FALD monitors are brighter than OLEDs and don’t suffer from the risk of burn-in, they offer an overall inferior HDR gaming experience due to the lower contrast ratio, blooming artifacts and slower pixel response time. However, if you want a 49″ super-ultrawide gaming monitor with good HDR image quality, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is a viable option.

Image Quality

This gigantic 49″ sized screen has a mini LED backlight that’s capable of reaching up to 1,000-nits of brightness for small windows and a brief time, as well as a strong 400-nits sustained brightness for SDR (600-nits for HDR) with a 100% white window. So, the monitor is overall brighter and can produce punchier highlights.

However, even though it has one of the best FALD implementations with 2048 zones, it still has over 7 million pixels, so those zones won’t be able to always effectively dim parts of the image that are supposed to be dark without some light bleeding into them from the surrounding lit zones, thus creating blooming or the halo effect.

To be fair, this is not a big issue unless you’re looking at a particularly demanding scene, such as fireworks and stars in the night sky.

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 also doesn’t have as vibrant colors as that of OLEDs with around 95% DCI-P3 gamut coverage (~85% Adobe RGB, ~125% sRGB gamut size).

Moving on, while the monitor is rather fast for an LED-backlit panel, some minor ghosting and overshoot can be detected with some fast-moving objects, though it won’t bother most users.

The 5120×1440 resolution results in a pixel density of 110 PPI on the 49″ sized screen of the monitor and you get a regular RGB subpixel layout, so text is sharp and clear with plenty of screen real estate available.

Lastly, the monitor supports FreeSync Premium Pro and it’s G-SYNC Compatible with a 96-240Hz range, however, VRR can cause micro-stuttering on some units, which some users might find bothersome.

Other useful features include Black Equalizer, PiP/PbP and RGB lighting.

Visit our Samsung Neo G9 review for more details.

Design & Connectivity

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Monitor Design

The stand of the monitor is robust and versatile with up to 120mm height adjustment, -5°/15° tilt, +/- 15° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility, while the screen has an aggressive 1000R curvature for added immersion and a matte anti-glare coating against reflections.

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.1 ports (limited to 144Hz), a headphone jack and a dual-USB 3.0 hub.

Alternatives

If you’re looking for something a bit different yet also extravagant, check out the Samsung Odyssey Ark. It’s a 55″ 4K UHD display with a 1000R curved fast VA panel and a 1056-zone mini LED FALD backlight.

Considering its screen size though, the amount of dimming zones is not as generous as that of the G95NA. Therefore, the HDR image quality won’t be as good as that of the Neo G9 yet the display is more expensive. It’s more of a niche display for those looking for a curved 55″ display that can be used both vertically and horizontally.

The Pros:

  • High contrast ratio, impressive peak brightness, decent color gamut
  • Fast response time
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 240Hz
  • Ergonomic stand, USB hub, KVM

The Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Noticeable blooming in some scenes
  • VRR brightness flickering in dark scenes of games with fluctuating frame rates (expected drawback of VA panels)

About The Monitor

The Samsung Odyssey G95NC is basically a beefed-up version of the G95NA.

Image Quality

While the G95NA is equivalent to two 27″ 2560×1440 displays side by side, the G95NC is comparable to two 32″ 4K monitors sitting next to each other, just without the bezels in between them.

This 57″ super-ultrawide gaming monitor has a screen resolution of 7680×2160, so you will need a powerful PC rig to do it justice. Keep in mind that the RTX 40-series GPUs don’t support the maximum resolution of this monitor – they’re limited to 120Hz at 7680×2160, whereas AMD’s 7000-series cards support 240Hz.

However, even with the RTX 4090, you won’t be able to get over 120FPS at 7680×2160 with decent picture settings in most games. So, you can think of this monitor as an investment for your future GPU upgrades.

The Samsung Odyssey G9/G95NC S57CG95 has a peak brightness of 1300-nits for <10% white windows and up to 800-nits for 100% white windows. Thanks to its 2392-zone mini LED FALD backlight, blooming is minimal, though still noticeable in demanding scenes.

Finally, you get a respectable 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, a rapid 1ms GtG pixel response time speed and the standard gaming feature set, including VRR support up to 240Hz.

Check out our full Samsung G95NC review for more information.

Design & Connectivity

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 57 inch Model Design

The stand of the monitor offers height adjustment up to 120mm, -5°/12° tilt, +/- 15° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility. The screen has a steep 1000R curvature for added immersion.

Connectivity options include DP 2.1, three HDMI 2.1 ports, a headphone jack, two USB-A 3.0 ports and two USB-B ports for the integrated KVM functionality.

Best UltraWide OLED HDR Monitors

Don’t want to deal with blooming artifacts of mini LED monitors? Want an instantaneous pixel response time speed and an infinite contrast ratio without backlight bleeding? An OLED monitor is for you!

The Pros:

  • Infinite contrast ratio, high peak brightness, wide color gamut
  • Instant response time
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 165Hz
  • Ergonomic stand, USB hub
  • 3-year warranty that covers burn-in

The Cons:

  • Risk of burn-in
  • Minor text fringing due to the triangular RGB subpixel layout
  • Not as bright as mini LED displays

About The Monitor

The Dell Alienware AW3423DWF is one of the best value HDR gaming monitors you can get right now!

Image Quality

Based on an OLED panel, the AW3423DWF has self-emissive pixels that can individually turn off thereby providing you with true blacks and an infinite contrast ratio without any backlight bleeding, blooming, or glowing.

Another advantage of OLEDs is that the pixels can instantaneously change colors, resulting in no noticeable trailing behind fast-moving objects, making them ideal for fast-paced games.

The Dell AW3423DWF uses Samsung’s new QD-OLED panel that’s enhanced with quantum dots for a wider color gamut, higher brightness and better burn-in resistance.

It covers 99.3% of the DCI-P3 color space and 95% Adobe RGB, which is equivalent to around 149% sRGB gamut size. The colors are vibrant and rich, allowing you to watch HDR content the way its creators intended.

You’ll also find dedicated sRGB and DCI-P3 color modes with adjustable brightness and gamma in case you want to do color-critical work or to view SDR content without over-saturation.

Further, the monitor has a peak brightness of 1,000-nits and it can sustain 250-nits when displaying a 100% white window. Mini LED displays can get significantly brighter, but they don’t have as high contrast ratio due to blooming artifacts.

In short, OLED displays are better at displaying dark scenes and viewing content in dim rooms, whereas mini LED monitors excel at displaying bright scenes and viewing content in bright environments.

The main disadvantage of OLEDs is the risk of image burn-in.

If a static image is left on the screen for too long, some bright elements can become permanently stuck. However, as long as you use a screen saver and the monitor’s integrated features, such as Pixel Refresher and Panel Refresher, you’ll be fine. Dell even offers a three-year warranty that covers burn-in.

Moving on, the Dell Alienware AW3423DWF has an ultrawide resolution of 3440×1440 pixels, which results in a pixel density of 110 PPI (pixels per inch) on its 34″ viewable screen. Overall, you get plenty of screen space with sharp details and no scaling necessary, while the ultrawide format provides you with an extended field of view in compatible games. Moreover, it’s not nearly as demanding to drive as 4K UHD.

One thing to keep in mind is that while the monitor has regular RGB subpixels, they’re in a triangular layout, so there’s some colored fringing on small text. For gaming and videos, it’s not an issue, but if you’re looking at text a lot (coding, writing), it might bother you a bit.

Features

The Dell AW3423DWF supports VRR (variable refresh rate) for tear-free gameplay up to 165Hz/FPS.

The combination of the instant response time, imperceptibly low input lag and VRR ensure a responsive and enjoyable gaming experience. Unfortunately, MBR (Motion Blur Reduction) is not supported, which could’ve reduced the otherwise unavoidable perceived motion blur via backlight strobing.

Other features include Dark Stabilizer (improves visibility in dark scenes), crosshair overlays, on-screen timers, a refresh rate tracker, RGB lighting, PiP/PbP and more.

Check out our full Dell AW3423DWF review for more information.

Design & Connectivity

Dell AW3423DWF Review

The stand of the monitor is robust and versatile with up to 110mm height adjustment, -5°/21° tilt, +/- 20° swivel, +/- 4° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

The screen has a subtle 1800R curvature and a glossy screen finish, which makes the image more vivid as there’s no graininess associated with matte anti-glare coatings. However, it also makes the screen more reflective and raises black levels when hit by direct lighting.

Connectivity options include two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs, HDMI 2.0 (limited to 100Hz), a headphone jack, line-out and a quad-USB 3.0 hub.

Alternatives

There are 6 monitors that use the same QD-OLED panel, offering a similar image quality and performance. However, they still have some differences in features, warranty, connectivity options, price, HDR accuracy, etc. Here’s how they compare:

 Dell AW3423DWFDell AW3423DWMSI MEG342CMSI 341CQPSamsung OLED G85SB / G85SDPhilips Evnia 34M2C8600
Max. Refresh Rate165Hz (120Hz 10-bit)175Hz (144Hz 10-bit)175Hz 10-bit175Hz 10-bit175Hz 10-bit175Hz 10-bit
Ports2x DP 1.4,
1x HDMI 2.0,
4x USB
1x DP 1.4,
2x HDMI 2.0,
4x USB
1x DP 1.4
2x HDMI 2.1
1x USB-C (65W PD)
4x USB
1x DP 1.4
2x HDMI 2.1
1x USB-C,
2x USB
1x Mini-DP 1.4,
1x micro HDMI 2.1
1x USB-C (65W PD)
1x USB-C
1x DP 1.4,
2x HDMI 2.0,
1x USB-C (90W PD),
4x USB
Cooling fans121NoneNone1
HDR
(AMD GPUs)
GoodGoodGoodGoodBad*Bad**
HDR
(NVIDIA GPUs)
GoodGoodGoodGoodGoodBad**
PiP/PbPYesNoYesYesNoYes
Ambient Light SensorNoYesYesNoYesYes
Updatable FirmwareYesYesYesYesYesYes
Other Notable FeaturesN/AG-SYNC moduleKVM switchKVM SwitchTizen OSKVM Switch
Ambiglow RGB
Price (MSRP)$1,100$1,300$1,100$900$1,500$800
Burn-in Warranty (in the US)3 years3 years3 years3 yearsN/AN/A
*Limited to ~450-nits unless VRR is disabled. Removing FreeSync Premium Pro in CRU is required to fix the issue.
**HDR Game Mode reaches ~1000-nits but over-brightens the image, while True Black Mode is limited to ~450-nits and some scenes are too dark

The pricing and warranty can vary by region. Generally, we recommend going with the Dell AW3423DWF due to its price and warranty that covers burn-in.

The Pros:

  • Infinite contrast ratio, high peak brightness, wide color gamut
  • Instant response time
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 240Hz
  • Ergonomic stand, USB-C 98W PD, KVM
  • 3-year warranty that covers burn-in

The Cons:

  • Risk of burn-in
  • Minor text fringing due to the triangular RGB subpixel layout
  • Not as bright as mini LED displays

About The Monitor

The MSI MPG 341CQPX is a generation newer 34″ 3440×1440 QD-OLED gaming monitor than the Dell AW3423DWF – the main improvement is the 240Hz refresh rate.

Image Quality

A 240Hz refresh rate provides you with a small but noticeable improvement in motion clarity as opposed to 165Hz/175Hz of the previous-generation models.

The Dell AW3423DWF can often be found on sale for $700, while the MSI MPG 341CQPX goes for $900, so whether that price difference is worth the extra refresh rate is up to you.

However, the MSI MPG 341CQPX also offers a few extra features, including a USB-C port with 98W Power Delivery, HDMI 2.1 with 48 Gbps, built-in KVM switch, advanced OLED care features (Pixel Shift, Logo Brightness Adjustment, etc.) and uses a heatsink for cooling instead of an audible fan.

Be sure to check out our in-depth MSI MPG 341CQPX review for more information.

Design & Connectivity

MSI MPG 341CQPX Back View

The monitor’s stand is robust and offers height adjustment up to 100mm, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 30° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

It has the same glossy screen surface and 1800R curvature as the Dell AW3423DWF.

Connectivity options include DP 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.1 ports with full 48 Gbps, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 98W PD, a dual-USB 3.0 hub and a headphone jack.

Alternatives

There are also 34″ 3440×1440 240Hz W-OLED gaming monitors available, such as the ASUS PG34WCDM and the LG 34GS95QE.

While they offer a higher white luminance, their W-OLED panel has more noticeable fringing issues, not as high color volume and gamut and a steep 800R screen curvature. They are, however, also available as 39″ 3440×1440 240Hz variants, such as the LG 39GS95QE.

The Pros:

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

The Cons:

  • Risk of burn-in
  • Noticeable text fringing due to RWBG subpixel layout
  • Not as bright as mini LED displays

About The Monitor

If you want a larger ultrawide HDR monitor, check out the LG 39GS95QE!

Image Quality

A lot of gamers prefer ultrawide displays larger than the most popular 34″ models, mainly in the 38″ – 39″ form factor range. However, they also prefer the screen resolution to scale up for that high pixel density, in this case, that would be 3840×1600 for the same ~110 PPI of the 34″ 3440×1440 models.

Unfortunately, the LG 39GS95QE has the same 3440×1440 resolution as those 34″ models, so while you get a bigger screen and the same amount of screen real estate, text and fine details won’t be as sharp.

You get a pixel density of roughly 95 PPI, which is the same as that of a 24″ 1080p or a 32″ 2560×1440 display. So, the details are still going to be reasonably sharp. To help illustrate the size of this monitor, you can think of the LG 39GS95QE as a 32″ 2560×1440 display with ~30% extra width.

It uses LG’s MLA+ W-OLED panel with improved brightness of up to 1300-nits peak (for small HDR highlights) and 275-nits for 100% APL (Average Picture Level, white window size). However, its colors aren’t quite as bright and saturated as that of QD-OLED panels, but you still get an excellent 98.5% DCI-P3 gamut coverage.

Further, this LG’s W-OLED panel still uses the older RWBG (instead of their new RGWB) subpixel layout that will cause minor fringing on small text and fine details. This isn’t noticeable in videos and games, but it can be distracting if you plan on doing a lot of work that involves reading and typing.

Finally, the LG 39GS95QE has a high 240Hz refresh rate, which in addition to OLED’s instantaneous pixel response time speed ensures buttery-smooth performance. VRR is supported as well with NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certifications for tear-free gameplay up to 240FPS.

Design & Connectivity

LG UltraGear 39GS95QE B Review

The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers a good range of ergonomics, including up to 120mm height adjustment, +/- 10° swivel, -10°/15° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

The screen has a steep 800R curvature for added immersion and a bit heavier matte anti-glare coating that adds some graininess to the image (mainly noticeable on solid colors) but it efficiently prevents reflections.

Connectivity options are abundant and include DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.1 ports with full 48 Gbps bandwidth, a headphone jack (with DTS Headphone:X support) and a dual-USB 3.0 hub.

Alternatives

  • ASUS ROG Swift PG39WCDM – ASUS’ model based on the same panel with KVM, USB-C (90W Power Delivery, DP Alt Mode), BFI up to 120Hz and a better 3-year burn-in warranty. No word on pricing and availability yet though.

The Pros:

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

The Cons:

  • Risk of burn-in
  • Not as bright as mini LED displays
  • Tilt-only stand, not VESA mount compatible
  • Expensive
  • Low pixel density

About The Monitor

Those looking for a premium HDR gaming monitor might be interested in the Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 with a bendable screen!

Image Quality

A 45″ ultrawide is taller than a 32″ 16:9 monitor and almost as wide as a 49″ super-ultrawide display, which results in a particularly immersive viewing experience.

Its 3440×1440 resolution is not ideal for such a huge screen size as you get a pixel density of ~83 PPI (similar to that of 27″ 1080p displays) on top of the RWBG subpixel layout, so text and fine details won’t be that sharp.

However, since you’ll be sitting further away from the screen as you would from a 27″ 1080p monitor, the individual pixels won’t be noticeable.

In games and videos, this won’t be an issue at all, and a higher 5120×2160 resolution would be significantly more demanding on the GPU.

The Corsair Flex also has a bendable screen, allowing you to bend it anywhere between 800R and completely flat.

It has a decent peak brightness for small HDR highlights, but SDR brightness is quite low (150-nits 100% APL, 600-nits 10% APL, 800-nits < 3% APL).

Other features include a 98% DCI-P3 wide color gamut and VRR support up to 240Hz for tear-free gameplay. The monitor also features crosshair overlays, a refresh rate tracker and PiP/PbP support.

Design & Connectivity

Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD Monitor Design

The stand is tilt-only by ~22° and while its legs are removable, the screen is not VESA mount compatible. You can get the desk clamp adapter separately though.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.1 ports, DP 1.4 with DSC, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 30W PD, a quad-USB 3.0 hub and a headphone jack.

The Pros:

  • Infinite contrast ratio, decent peak brightness, wide color gamut
  • Instant response time
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 240Hz
  • Ergonomic stand, USB hub
  • 2-year warranty that covers burn-in

The Cons:

  • Risk of burn-in
  • Not as bright as mini LED displays
  • Low pixel density

About The Monitor

The LG 45GS95QE is also a 45″ 3440×1440 240Hz ultrawide OLED gaming monitor, but it has a fixed 800R screen curvature!

Image Quality

Even though it doesn’t have a cool bendable screen, the LG 45GS95QE still has some advantages over the Corsair Xeneon Flex. To start with, it’s more affordable as you can find it for $1,100, whereas the Flex starts at $1,300.

More importantly, it has a newer MLA+ W-OLED panel with a significantly higher brightness. It can reach up to 1,300-nits for small < 3% APL, 750-nits for 10% APL and 275-nits for 100% APL.

Other than that, the specifications are pretty much the same, including the 98.5% DCI-P3 color gamut, VRR support up to 240Hz and the standard gaming features.

Check out our LG 45GS96QB review for more details – it’s the same monitor but with a different stand, integrated 7W speakers and a USB-C port (65W) for $100 extra.

Design & Connectivity

LG 45GS95QE Design

The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers a good range of ergonomics, including up to 120mm height adjustment, +/- 10° swivel, -1°/15° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1 ports, a dual-USB 3.0 hub and a headphone jack with DTS Headphone:X support.

Alternatives

The LG 45GR95QE is the older version of this monitor. It can be found for $1,000, but it has notably lower brightness performance (similar to the Xeneon Flex).

The LG 45GS96QB uses the same panel as the 45GS95QE, but has a different design, dual 7W integrated speakers and a USB-C port with DP Alt Mode and 65W Power Delivery. Usually, it’s $100 more expensive than the 45GS95QE.

In April 2025, LG will release the 45GX950A and 45GX990A ultrawide monitors with a higher 5120×2160 resolution and RGWB subpixel layout.

The Pros:

  • Infinite contrast ratio, decent peak brightness, wide color gamut
  • Instant response time
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 240Hz

The Cons:

  • Risk of burn-in
  • Not as bright as mini LED displays

About The Monitor

The MSI MPG 491CQPX is the best super-ultrawide gaming monitor with an OLED panel!

Image Quality

The MSI MPG 491CQPX brings all of the advantages of OLED (infinite contrast and instant response times) to the 49″ super-ultrawide form factor that many gamers love.

It uses Samsung’s QD-OLED panel, which means high peak brightness and vibrant colors. It’s a third-gen panel with a better subpixel layout, so fringing on small text and fine details is barely an issue now.

You’ll also find plenty of useful features, including VRR up to 240Hz (FreeSync Premium Pro certified), Black Equalizer, crosshair overlays and PiP/PbP.

Design & Connectivity

MSI MPG 491CQP Design

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

It uses the same screen coating as other QD-OLED panels, meaning that the image is more vivid, but also more reflective, and it has a moderate 1800R screen curvature for extra immersion.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 98W PD, a dual-USB 3.0 hub and a headphone jack.

Alternatives

  • MSI MPG 491CQP – the cheaper model with 144Hz
  • Samsung OLED G9 – Samsung’s model that’s usually more expensive yet doesn’t have USB-C or KVM

Best OLED HDR Monitors

Would you rather have an OLED HDR monitor with the standard 16:9 aspect ratio? Here are the best models available!

The Pros:

  • Infinite contrast ratio, decent peak brightness, wide color gamut
  • Instant response time
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 360Hz
  • Fully ergonomic design and rich connectivity options, including KVM and USB-C with 90W PD
  • 3-year warranty that covers burn-in

The Cons:

  • Risk of burn-in
  • Not as bright as mini LED displays

About The Monitor

If you’re not a fan of the ultrawide format, the MSI MPG 271QRX is available in the popular 27″ form factor with a 1440p 360Hz QD-OLED panel!

Image Quality

The MSI MPG 271QRX uses Samsung’s QD-OLED panel with a high peak brightness (250-nits SDR, 1000-nits HDR) and a wide 99.3% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage with Delta E < 2 factory calibration (for sRGB, Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 modes).

Further, thanks to its higher 360Hz refresh rate, motion is clearer and you get smooth VRR performance.

The MSI MPG 271QRX uses Samsung’s 3rd-gen QD-OLED panel with an improved subpixel layout, so there will be less fringing on small text and fine details.

Supported features include RGB lighting, Night Vision, crosshair overlays, a refresh rate tracker, various picture presets and on-screen timers. It also supports Picture in Picture / Picture by Picture.

Design & Connectivity

MSI MPG 271QRX Monitor Design

The stand offers height adjustment up to 110mm, -5°/15° tilt, +/- 30° swivel, +/- 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

It has a heatsink for cooling and a semi-glossy screen finish for a more vivid image, but it’s reflective and raises the black level when hit with direct lighting.

Connectivity options include DP 1.4, two 48 Gbps HDMI 2.1 ports, USB-C (DP Alt Mode and 90W Power Delivery), a headphone jack, a built-in KVM and a dual-USB 2.0 hub (2 downstream + 1 upstream).

Alternatives

 Dell AW2725DFMSI MPG 271QRXMSI MAG 271QPXSamsung G60SDGigabyte FO27Q3ASUS XG27ACDNG
ScreenGlossyGlossyGlossyMatteGlossyGlossy
Video Ports2x DP 1.4,
HDMI 2.0*
DP 1.4,
2x HDMI 2.1,
USB-C 90W
DP 1.4,
2x HDMI 2.1,
USB-C 15W
DP 1.4,
2x HDMI 2.1
DP 1.4,
2x HDMI 2.1
USB-C 18W
DP 1.4,
2x HDMI 2.1,
USB-C 90W
Other Ports3x USB-A,
USB-C
2x USB-A,
USB-B,
HP
HP2x USB-A,
USB-B,
HP
2x USB-A,
USB-B,
HP, Mic, 2x5W
3x USB-A,
USB-B,
HP
FeaturesKVMKVMKVM,
ELMB
CoolingActive (Fan)Passive (Heatsink)Passive (Heatsink)Passive (Pulsating Heat Pipes)Passive (Heatsink)Passive (Heatsink)
Burn-in warranty3 years3 years3 years3 years3 years3 years
Price (MSRP)$900$800$750$900$800$800
*Supports HDMI 2.1 Forum VRR

Note that there are also 1440p 240Hz QD-OLED models at a bit lower price if you don’t need such a high refresh rate, such as the MSI MAG 271QPX E2, the Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q2 and the AOC AG276QZD2.

Alternatively, consider the LG 27GS95QE or the ASUS XG27AQDMG.

These are 27″ 1440p 240Hz gaming monitors based on LG’s W-OLED panel with MLA+ technology for higher brightness.

LG’s model has a matte anti-glare coating, whereas the ASUS XG27AQDMG has a glossy screen surface with a polarizer – it offers a vivid image quality and while it’s reflective, it doesn’t raise blacks like the glossy QD-OLED displays.

They are also a bit more affordable ($650 – $750), but have an RWBG subpixel layout, which results in noticeable fringing on small text and fine details.

We don’t recommend other 27″ 1440p 240Hz W-OLED models as they lack the MLA+ technology, resulting in notably lower brightness.

The Pros:

  • Infinite contrast ratio, decent peak brightness, wide color gamut
  • Instant response time
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 480Hz, BFI up to 240Hz
  • Fully ergonomic design
  • 3-year warranty that covers burn-in

The Cons:

  • Risk of burn-in
  • Not as bright as mini LED displays

About The Monitor

If you want an even higher refresh rate, there’s the ASUS PG27AQDP with 480Hz!

Image Quality

The ASUS PG27AQDP is based on LG’s W-OLED panel with MLA+ technology, so you get a higher white luminance than that of QD-OLED panels, but the color gamut and volume are not as good.

Luckily, the monitor uses a newer panel with the RGWB subpixel layout, so there are no major issues with text fringing on small text and fine details.

Now, the jump to 480Hz from 360Hz is not that big, but it is noticeable and if you can output 480FPS in games, it’s definitely worth the cost if you play a lot of competitive eSports titles.

For most gamers though, 360Hz will do just fine, in which case we recommend getting the MSI MPG 271QRX or MAG 271QPX models as they offer better value for money.

However, the ASUS PG27AQDP has one more trick up its sleeve – ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur). This technology uses BFI (Black Frame Insertion) to add black frames between regular frames to eliminate perceived motion blur behind fast-moving objects.

It can’t work at the same time as VRR or HDR, and it decreases brightness to around 200-nits, but at 240Hz BFI – you get the same motion clarity as 480Hz native, which is perfect for games where you can only maintain 240FPS. You can also use BFI at 120Hz, in which case you get the same motion clarity as that of 240Hz native.

Check out our full ASUS PG27AQDP review for more details.

Design & Connectivity

ASUS ROG SWift OLED PG27AQDP Design

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

The screen has a matte anti-glare coating that diffuses reflections but adds a bit of graininess to the image (only slightly noticeable on solid colors).

Connectivity options include DP 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.1 ports with DSC, a dual-USB 3.0 hub and a headphone jack.

Alternatives

In Q2 2025, we’re also expecting 27″ 1440p 500Hz QD-OLED gaming monitors with a bit higher peak brightness (HDR True Black 500), such as the MSI MPG 272QR X50.

In Q1 2025, we’ll have the first 27″ 4K 240Hz QD-OLED models, such as the MSI MPG 272URX.

The Pros:

  • Infinite contrast ratio, decent peak brightness, wide color gamut
  • High pixel density
  • Instant response time
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 240Hz
  • Ergonomic design and rich connectivity options, including KVM and USB-C with 90W PD
  • 3-year warranty that covers burn-in

The Cons:

  • Risk of burn-in
  • Not as bright as mini LED displays

About The Monitor

In case you’d rather have a larger screen with a higher resolution and a still rapid 240Hz refresh rate, the MSI MPG 321URX is for you!

Image Quality

The difference between 240Hz and 360Hz is not that noticeable, so a lot of gamers will be interested in the MSI MPG 321URX with a 31.5″ 4K panel.

Just like the 271QRX, the 32″ model uses Samsung’s QD-OLED panel with the same semi-glossy finish, improved subpixel layout, 250-nits/1000-nits peak brightness and wide color gamut. It also has excellent Delta E < 2 factory calibration for both sRGB and DCI-P3.

The MSI MPG 321URX also offers a higher resolution, which results in a higher pixel density with 140 PPI for sharper text and details.

You also get the same gaming features, such as PiP/PbP, crosshair overlays, Night Vision, etc.

Check out our full MSI MPG 321URX review for more details.

Design & Connectivity

MSI 321URX Review

The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers a good range of ergonomics, including up to 110mm height adjustment, -5°/15° tilt, +/- 30° swivel, +/- 10° pivot for balancing and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

It has a heatsink for cooling and a semi-glossy screen finish for a more vivid image, but it’s reflective and raises the black level when hit with direct lighting.

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.1 ports with full 48 Gbps and CEC support, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 90W Power Delivery, a dual-USB 2.0 hub (2 downstream + 1 upstream type B), a headphone jack and built-in KVM functionality.

Alternatives

The MSI MPG 321URX is the most affordable 32″ 4K 240Hz QD-OLED model in the US, going for just $950. However, in other regions, the following alternatives might be cheaper. Here’s a comparison of all 32″ 4K 240Hz QD-OLED models available.

 Dell AW3225QFASUS PG32UCDMSamsung G80SDGigabyte FO32U2Gigabyte FO32U2PMSI 321URXMSI 321UPXHP Omen Transcend 32
ScreenGlossy (Curved)GlossyMatteGlossyGlossyGlossyGlossyGlossy
Video PortsDP 1.4,
2x HDMI 2.1
DP 1.4,
2x HDMI 2.1,
USB-C 90W
DP 1.4,
2x HDMI 2.1
DP 1.4,
2x HDMI 2.1,
USB-C 18W
DP 2.1,
mini-DP 2.1,
2x HDMI 2.1,
USB-C 65W
DP 1.4,
2x HDMI 2.1,
USB-C 90W
DP 1.4,
2x HDMI 2.1,
USB-C 15W
DP 2.1,
2x HDMI 2.1,
USB-C 140W
Other Ports3x USB-A,
USB-B,
USB-C
3x USB-A
USB-B,
HP, SPDIF
2x USB-A,
USB-B
2x USB-A,
USB-B,
HP, Mic,
2x5W
2x USB-A,
USB-B,
HP, Mic, 2x5W
2x USB-A,
USB-B,
HP
HP3x USB-A,
2x USB-C,
HP, 4x3W
Dolby VisionYesYesNoNoNoNoNoYes
KVMNoYesNoYesYesYesNoYes
CoolingActivePassivePassivePassivePassivePassivePassiveActive
Burn-in warranty3 years3 years3 years3 years3 years3 years3 years3 years
Price (MSRP)$1200$1300$1300$1100$1200$950$900$1,300
Monitors based on Samsung’s 32″ 4K 240Hz QD-OLED panel

Note that MSI also offers the MSI MAG 321UP model with a 32″ 4K 165Hz QD-OLED panel for $800.

In 2024, other manufacturers are going to release various 32″ 4K 240Hz QD-OLED flat-screen models as well. Check out our OLED monitors article for more details.

The Pros:

  • Infinite contrast ratio, decent peak brightness, wide color gamut
  • High pixel density
  • Instant response time
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 240Hz, 1080p 480Hz Dual Mode, and BFI up to 120Hz
  • Ergonomic design, KVM, USB-C 90W PD
  • 3-year warranty that covers burn-in

The Cons:

  • Risk of burn-in
  • Not as bright as mini LED displays

About The Monitor

Next, here’s the ASUS PG32UCDP. It uses a 32″ 4K 240Hz W-OLED panel by LG and supports a 1080p 480Hz Dual Mode!

Image Quality

The ASUS PG32UCDP uses a newer RGWB subpixel layout, so just like with the 32″ 4K QD-OLED panels, text fringing on small details and text is no longer an issue.

You also get an improved brightness performance thanks to the MLA+ panel, with a peak brightness of up to 1,300-nits for < 3% APL, 750-nits for 10% APL and 275-nits for 100% APL. However, keep in mind again, that these measures refer to white luminance and that QD-OLED panels have a higher color luminance as well as a wider color gamut, which results in a higher perceived brightness in the end.

Still, the ASUS PG32UCDP has a wide 98.5% DCI-P3 color gamut and decent peak brightness, resulting in a vibrant image quality.

The main reason to consider this model is, of course, the 1080p 480Hz Dual Mode. With a press of a button, the monitor can swap between 4K 120Hz and 1080p 480Hz modes for improved motion clarity and reduced latency in competitive games.

Naturally, since the 1920×1080 resolution will be displayed on a large 31.5″ sized screen, the image quality won’t be nearly as good due to the low pixel density, but this won’t be that big of an issue in fast-paced competitive games.

Noteworthy features include VRR up to 240Hz, BFI up to 120Hz, Shadow Boost, crosshair overlays, a refresh rate tracker and more.

Check out our full ASUS PG32UCDP review for more information.

Design & Connectivity

ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDP Review

The stand of the monitor offers height adjustment up to 110mm, +/- 15° swivel, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility. The screen has a matte anti-glare coating that adds a bit of graininess to the image (mainly noticeable on solid colors), but efficiently prevents reflections.

Connectivity options include DP 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.1 ports with full 48 Gbps bandwidth, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 90W PD, three downstream USB-A 3.0 ports, a headphone jack and SPDIF.

Alternatives

  • LG 32GS95UE – LG’s model based on the same panel, however, it doesn’t have USB-C, KVM or ELMB. Moreover, its burn-in warranty is only 2 years

The Pros:

  • Infinite contrast ratio, decent peak brightness, wide color gamut
  • Instant response time
  • Plenty of features, including VRR up to 144Hz
  • Rich connectivity options, smart OS

The Cons:

  • Risk of burn-in
  • Noticeable text fringing due to RWBG subpixel layout
  • Not as bright as mini LED displays

About The Monitor

Looking for a larger OLED monitor? A lot of gamers absolutely love LG’s 42″ C4 TV and find its size manageable as a desktop monitor.

Image Quality

For most people, a 42″ screen will be too big for regular desktop use. However, if you don’t mind its size, the LG OLED42C4 offers exceptional value for the money as it can be found for as low as $900!

It offers a similar image quality as that of other OLED displays with wide viewing angles, a wide color gamut, an infinite contrast ratio and decent brightness. 4K UHD resolution also results in a similar pixel density of 106 PPI on the 42″ sized screens.

Motion clarity is not as smooth due to the lower 120Hz refresh rate, but you still get instantaneous pixel response time speed and smooth VRR performance.

Since it is a TV, you also get all the smart features and even Dolby Vision support.

Design & Connectivity

LG OLED42C4 Design

The LG OLED42C4 has a design with legs to better fit on a regular PC desk, but there are no ergonomic adjustments apart from VESA mount compatibility. It has a glossy screen finish for a more vibrant image quality, but it’s reflective.

Connectivity options include four HDMI 2.1 ports, RJ45, tuner, composite-in, both analog and digital audio jacks, three USB 2.0 ports, WiFi, Bluetooth and dual 10W integrated speakers (no subwoofer though).

Alternatives

  • ASUS PG42UQ – Based on the same panel with a 138Hz factory overclocked refresh rate, matte anti-glare coating, a heatsink for a bit higher brightness and a DisplayPort input; however, it doesn’t have any smart TV features or Dolby Vision support, and it goes for $1,050 – $1,400. While it is better for PC use overall (unless you prefer a glossy screen finish), it’s not worth the extra $500 over the C4 that can be found for $900.

Conclusion

Found the best HDR monitor for you?

Feel free to leave us any questions you might have in the comments below!

All in all, we recommend the MSI MPG 321URX. If you don’t need USB ports and high power delivery, get the cheaper MAG 321UPX model, and if you don’t need 240Hz, get the even cheaper MAG 321UP model with 165Hz.

Of course, if you’re too worried about burn-in and/or would prefer a brighter image, the Innocn 32M2V and the BenQ EX321UX are excellent mini LED alternatives.

In case you prefer the ultrawide format, go with the MSI MPG 341CQPX or the Innocn 34M1R.

If you want a smaller 27″ screen, the MSI MPG 271QRX is the best model available – or the MAG 271QPX if you don’t need high USB-C PD and USB ports, and the MAG 271QPX E2 variant if you’re okay with the lower 240Hz refresh rate.

However, the AOC Q27G3XMN and the Xiaomi G Pro 27i mini LED models offer exceptional value for the price here as well. So, if you can tolerate a bit of blooming, they’ll provide you with a brighter image and no fear of burn-in.

In case you want a big-format gaming display, the LG OLED42C4 offers amazing value for the price, while the Samsung Neo G9 G95NC, the LG 39GS95QE, the LG 45GS95QE, the Corsair Xeneon Flex and the MSI 491CQPX are worth considering if you want something extravagant.

Changelog +

  • January 11, 2025:
    – Replaced the Samsung OLED G9 with the MSI MPG 491CQPX.
  • November 23, 2024:
    – Replaced the Cooler Master Tempest G27Q with the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, and the LG OLED42C3 with the OLED42C4.
    – Added more alternatives for the MSI MPG 271QRX and 321URX models.
  • October 17, 2024:
    – Added the BenQ EX321UX.
  • September 11, 2024:
    – Added the ASUS PG27AQDP.
  • August 2, 2024:
    – Replaced the LG 32GS95UE with the ASUS PG32UCDP.
  • July 23, 2024:
    – Added the MSI MPG 341CQPX and the LG 45GS95QE.
  • May 3, 2024:
    – Added the LG 39GS95QE.
  • March 29, 2024:
    – Replaced the Dell AW2725DF with the MSI MPG 271QRX, and the Dell AW3225QF with the MSI MPG 321URX.
  • February 6, 2024:
    – Replaced the Acer X32FP with the Innocn 32M2V.
    – Added the Innocn 34M1R.
  • January 15, 2024:
    – Replaced the ASUS PG27AQDM with the Dell AW2725DF.
    – Added the Dell AW3225QF.
  • November 24, 2023:
    – Checked up on the guide to ensure that our picks are still the best options available.
  • October 30, 2023:
    – Added the AOC Q27G3XMN.
    – Added review summaries for the Samsung OLED G9 and Samsung G95NC monitors.
  • April 23, 2023:
    – Replaced the LG 27GR95QE with the ASUS PG27AQDM.
  • March 10, 2023:
    – Added the LG 27GR95QE, the Innocn 27M2V, the Acer X32FP, the AOC AG274QZM, and the Corsair Flex.
  • November 22, 2022:
    – Replaced the Dell Alienware AW3423DW with the AW3423DWF model.
  • November 9, 2022:
    – Removed the Sony Inzone M9.
    – Added the Cooler Master Tempest GP27U and GP27Q.
  • July 22, 2022:
    – Added the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7.
  • April 21, 2022:
    – Added the LG OLED42C2.
  • March 11, 2022:
    – Replaced the ASUS PG35VQ, PG27UQ and PG32UQX with the Dell AW3423DW.
  • February 1, 2022:
    – Included upcoming monitors announced at CES as alternatives where appropriate.
  • December 11, 2021:
    – Added review summaries for the monitors that were missing them.
  • November 24, 2021:
    – Checked up on the guide to ensure that our picks are still the best options available.
  • August 10, 2021:
    – Added the ASUS PG32UQX, the Samsung Neo G9, the LG OLED48C1, and the Acer XB323UGX to the table; dedicated review sections will be added soon.
    – Replaced the Philips 436M6 with Gigabyte FV43U, the Acer XB323UGP with ASUS PG329Q, the LG 27GN950 with LG 27GP950, the LG 38GN950 with Dell AW3821DW, and the LG 32UL500 with BenQ EW3270U.
  • December 15, 2020:
    – Added the Dell AW2721D and the Acer XB323UGP.
    – Removed the ASUS CG32UQ as it’s too expensive. The Samsung G7 is a much better option for the money.

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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.