27-inch monitors are the sweet spot for most gaming setups. Our guide identified four top-performing monitors from a pool of over 196 evaluated models. These have at least 144Hz refresh rates for smooth motion and input lag under 15ms for responsive gameplay. We evaluated 319,486 reviews, filtering out unreliable sources and fake reviews.
Our rigorous certification process and A.I.-powered True Score method ensure these winning monitors excel in testing performance and reliability, making them exceptional choices for gamers seeking quality and dependability.
How Did We Rank the Best 27 Inch Gaming Monitors?
For our Best 27 Inch Gaming Monitors guide, we meticulously examined testing methods, customer feedback, and expert reviews from over 200 sites. We identified the essential criteria by analyzing critical pain points and test results. Our evaluation includes 2 required test results, 1 nice-to-have feature, and 1 must-have specification, ensuring our guide presents the most reliable options. Our true score system distills this information, delivering a definitive buying guide tailored for serious gamers.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must have a screen size of 27″.
? Test Criteria
- Input Lag: An input lag of less than 13milliseconds ensures a highly responsive gaming experience with minimal delay between action and on-screen response.
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 or higher (infinite), offering deep blacks and bright whites for an exceptional viewing experience.
? “Nice To Haves”
- Fast Response Time: 10ms or less, ensuring smooth transitions without motion blur.
Latest Updates
- 04/21/2024: Completely and thoroughly overhauled the guide to include the best and latest 27″ gaming monitors.
Top 27 Inch Gaming Monitors For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
HP OMEN 27QS
The HP OMEN 27QS strikes a balance between performance and affordability. It offers low input lag, vibrant colors, and a high refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and multimedia tasks.
True Score
85834Experts
911kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $100$299.99$199.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good Image quality
- Low response time
- Low input lag
- High refresh rate
Reasons to Avoid
- Low contrast ratio
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 16:9 
Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 
Bluelight Filter Yes 
Built-In Speakers Yes 
Built-In Webcam No 
Curved Screen No Display Type LED 
Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10, HDR400 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 
Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 240 Hz 
Response Time 1 ms 
Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27″ 
Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 390 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,014 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 94 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 86 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) 68 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 9 Response Time (ms) 4 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 5 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 32 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 33 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 26 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 27 All Retailers
$199.99$300Save $100Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
$279.99$430Save $150Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
$329.99$429Save $99Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
For those looking for a monitor that balances performance and cost-effectiveness, the HP OMEN 27QS is an excellent budget-friendly 27-inch gaming monitor. This powerhouse has a low input lag of 8.5 ms and a best-in-class response time of 4.2 ms, ensuring that every action is as instantaneous as your reflexes. Its 1440p (2560 x 1440) resolution provides crisp, detailed visuals that elevate the gaming experience. The importance of these metrics can’t be overstated for competitive gamers, where every millisecond counts towards victory or defeat.
Furthermore, the HP OMEN 27QS impresses with its 100% sRGB color gamut coverage, ensuring vivid and accurate colors for an immersive gaming experience. However, it’s worth noting the monitor’s lower contrast ratio of 1014:1 might affect the depth of blacks in dark scenes. On the brighter side, literally, it boasts an exceptional brightness level of 389.5 nits, not far behin the 410 nits of the LG 27GP950-B, making it suitable for well-lit environments. Additionally, with a refresh rate of 240 Hz and compatibility with G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium, this monitor is a versatile choice for gamers, reducing screen tearing and ensuring smooth gameplay across various titles.
The HP OMEN 27QS is a solid option for other uses, such as watching movies, creating content, and performing productivity tasks. Its combination of low input lag, high refresh rate, and excellent color accuracy enhances gaming and the overall visual experience, making it a well-rounded monitor for various multimedia applications. This adaptability, coupled with its gaming-centric performance, positions the HP OMEN 27QS as a compelling option for users seeking a monitor that excels in gaming and beyond.
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Category Snapshot
Computer Monitors
- Total Brands/Products Tested
27 Brands, 196 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Dell, HP
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$100-$1,500
- Average True Score
74.46
- Important Test Criteria
Brightness (cd/m2)
Contrast Ratio (1000:1) - Most Trusted Testers
- Top Monitor Experts
- Typical Warranty
2 years
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – AKKO
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
LG 27GP950-B
The LG 27GP950-B delivers premium 4K gaming performance with exceptional input lag and vibrant colors. Its versatility extends to content creation and multimedia, justifying its premium price.
True Score
82834Experts
87903Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $423$899.99$476.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- 4K resolution delivers great picture quality
- High peak brightness level
- Great color accuracy
- HDMI 2.1 ports for connectivity to modern consoles
- Support for HDR content
Reasons to Avoid
- Low contrast
- Poor reflection handling
- So-so ergonomics
Specifications
Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter n/a Built-In Speakers No Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type IPS Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10, HDR600 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4k) Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 144 Hz Response Time 1 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 410 Contrast Ratio (as ratio x:1) 1,194 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 97 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 88 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) 70 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 4 Response Time (ms) 4 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 38 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 37 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 33 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 35 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 8 All Retailers
- $476.99$900Save $423
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes 
$496.99$897Save $400Availability
In StockFree Shipping
- $896.99$937Save $40
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $899.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
For those looking for a 4K 27-inch monitor, the LG 27GP950-B is a fantastic choice for gaming enthusiasts who don’t mind paying for premium quality. As the most expensive option in the lineup, this monitor justifies its price tag with exceptional performance metrics critical for gaming. It boasts the best-in-class input lag of a mere 4.2 ms paired with a swift response time of 4.4 ms, ensuring that every action is as instantaneous as it is smooth. The monitor’s 100% sRGB coverage guarantees vibrant and accurate colors, essential for an immersive gaming experience.
The LG 27GP950-B doesn’t shy away from its shortcomings, such as a lower contrast ratio of 1194:1, which, while not leading the pack, still delivers decent depth in visuals, only trailing behind the Dell G2724D’s 1350:1. However, it makes up for this with a luminance of 410 nits, making it one of the brightest options available, enhancing visibility and detail in various gaming environments. Furthermore, its 144 Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution offer impressive clarity and fluidity, crucial for fast-paced games. Including G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility also ensures a tear-free gaming experience across a wide range of hardware configurations.
Thanks to its extensive color spectrum and superior brightness levels, the LG 27GP950-B excels not only in gaming but also in content creation and multimedia enjoyment. Whether editing high-resolution photos or enjoying cinematic content, this monitor’s performance remains consistent and reliable. Its balance of gaming-centric and versatile features positions it as a compelling choice for users who demand high-quality visuals for gaming and various other applications.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dell G2724D
The Dell G2724D offers budget-friendly gaming with top-notch features like low input lag and high brightness. It is versatile for gaming, productivity, and multimedia tasks.
True Score
82822Experts
88126Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $96$299.99$204.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great image quality
- Low Input lag
- High native refresh rate
Reasons to Avoid
- Subpar contrast ratio and HDR color gamut
- Okay response time
- No HDMI 2.1 and USB ports
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 16:9 Available Inputs DisplayPort, HDMI Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers No Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type LED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10, HDR400 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 165 Hz Response Time 1 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium, G-Sync, VESA Adaptive-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 432 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,350 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 86 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 82 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) 63 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 9 Response Time (ms) 4 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 5 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 34 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 37 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 30 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 28 All Retailers
- $204.00$300Save $96
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
For those looking for a more budget-oriented 27-inch gaming monitor. the Dell G2724D doesn’t compromise on essential features. With an input lag of just 9 ms and a swift response time of 4.3 ms, this monitor ensures minimal motion blur and lag, which is crucial for fast-paced gaming. The Dell G2724D has best-in-class features, such as its 432 nits of brightness and a 1350:1 contrast ratio, significantly enhancing the viewing experience by providing brighter brights and darker darks. This translates into a tangible difference in gaming, where every detail matters, from spotting enemies in dark corners to enjoying sunlit landscapes in open-world games.
With 1440p resolution and a rapid 165 Hz refresh rate, this monitor delivers sharp, fluid visuals essential for an engaging gaming experience. Its compatibility with G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium ensures that NVIDIA and AMD users can experience seamless, stutter-free gameplay, underscoring the monitor’s versatility and appeal. With its superior contrast ratio and accurate color rendition, this monitor is well-equipped for tasks requiring precise color details, such as digital art and graphic design. Furthermore, its ergonomic features, including adjustable stands and a blue light filter, promote comfort during extended use, whether for work, gaming, or watching films, showcasing its broad utility.
The Dell G2724D’s performance in key areas like response time, input lag, brightness, and contrast, coupled with high refresh rates and VRR support, make it a strong contender in its category. Its capabilities extend beyond gaming, making it a solid choice for various activities, from content creation to everyday productivity, underscoring its broad appeal and practicality in various use cases.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Alienware AW2723DF
The Alienware AW2723DF offers exceptional performance for mid-range gaming. Its low input lag, high brightness, and 240 Hz refresh rate make it a versatile choice for gaming and multimedia tasks.
True Score
78804Experts
81293Customers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $114$564.29$449.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Superb image quality
- Low input lag
- High native refresh rate
Reasons to Avoid
- Mediocre contrast ratio
- Adequate response time
- No HDMI 2.1
Specifications
Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers No Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type IPS Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10, HDR600 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 240 Hz Response Time 1 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 403 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,015 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 93 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 90 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) 68 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 9 Response Time (ms) 5 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 8 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 37 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 38 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 39 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 37 All Retailers
- $449.99$564Save $114
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $559.99$705Save $145
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a mid-range 27-inch gaming monitor, the Alienware AW2723DF is an exceptional choice with impressive performance metrics. Sporting an input lag of 8.6 ms and a response time of 4.6 ms, this monitor ensures smooth and responsive gameplay, which is critical for fast-paced games. Furthermore, it features an impressive 402.8 nits of brightness, surpassing that of competitors like the HP OMEN 27QS, making it an excellent choice for gamers in well-lit environments.
This monitor boasts an almost perfect sRGB coverage of 99.6%, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors for an immersive gaming experience. However, the monitor’s relatively low contrast ratio of 1015:1 is worth noting, which might affect the depth of black levels in dark scenes. On the flip side, the monitor excels with a high refresh rate of 240 Hz and G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility, offering a tear-free experience across a wide range of hardware. The 1440p resolution adds to the gaming immersion, providing detailed and crisp visuals in a wide array of games.
If you do more than gaming on your monitor, the Alienware AW2723DF’s performance shows it could be well-suited for other applications, such as content creation and productivity tasks, thanks to its high color accuracy and brightness. The combination of fast response times and high refresh rates makes this monitor a viable option for watching fast-paced videos or sports, ensuring a smooth viewing experience. The Alienware AW2723DF’s robust feature set, including exceptional brightness, high refresh rate, and comprehensive sync technology support, makes it a versatile choice for gaming and a range of multimedia applications.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best 27 Inch Gaming Monitors?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 1 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these computer monitors and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase the best gaming monitor!
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contrast Ratio | >1000:1 | Yes | The difference in brightness between the whites (lit sections) and blacks (dim or unlit sections) of a monitor panel. |
| Input Lag | < 13 ms | Yes | The time it takes for the monitor to register inputs from the user and process them as action. |
| Response Time | < 13 ms | No (Nice to have) | The time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 110+ computer monitor reviewers and found that 33 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for computer monitors.
- Samuel Breton – Rtings, MuckRack
- Chris Eberle – Tom’s Hardware, LinkedIn
- Tony Hoffman – PC Mag, MuckRack
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every computer monitor review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Computer Monitor Test Data & Results
1. Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) Test Results
Contrast Ratio
> 1000:1
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How bright the monitor will get, usually under specific testing conditions, like 10% windows (which means 10% of the screen is a white box.)
Units of Measurement: Ratio
Tools to Measure: Luminance meter or photometer or colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
Contrast ratio is how dynamic images are given detail and dramatic effect, with very dark areas appearing truly dark, while bright areas are bright and pop.
Contrast ratio is responsible for making images appear “dynamic” and “dramatic.” By having a good contrast ratio, a monitor is able to recreate dramatic differences between light and dark spots in scenes, images and games accurately.
At a minimum, we recommend a contrast ratio of 1000:1, as this will do a good enough job at allow for detail in dark scenes and images. If contrast ratio gets too low, the picture quality suffers, and the monitor performs worse across the board, no matter the lighting condition. By getting a monitor with a sufficiently high contrast ratio, you can ensure the picture quality doesn’t suffer, and dramatic scenes with stark shifts in lighting, whether they be in games or videos, are created as accurately as possible.
Contrast Ratio (higher is better)
2. Input Lag (ms) Test Results
Input lag is more of a concern when it comes to gaming, but if you plan on using a monitor for a bit of gaming when you aren’t focused on productivity, editing or other tasks, lower values help improve responsiveness. High input lag means your actions take longer to register on the monitor, effectively introducing an artificial delay to your reactions.
It’s for this reason that we generally recommend an input lag under 13 ms. This ensures the delay that’s introduced has minimal impact on your reactions to what’s happening on screen. It’s important to note that a high input lag won’t have any real effect on anything that isn’t gaming, so it can be safely ignored if you don’t plan on gaming on your monitor.
Input Lag (ms)
< 13ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of time it takes for a monitor to register an input from the user and display it.
Units of Measurement: Milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Input Lag Meter
Why It’s Important:
Input lag introduces artificial delay when gaming, which creates a mismatch between your reactions and on-screen action and creates frustration.
Input Lag (in ms; lower is better)
3. Response Time (ms) Test Results
Response time measures how long it takes pixels to change from one color to another, often gray to gray. Low response times means the monitor is able to keep up with constant shifts in colors, and helps prevent motion blur from being introduced whatever you’re watching.
We generally recommend a response time that is 13 ms or less, as this will keep motion blur to a minimum, but if you don’t watch a lot of very high intensity videos or play fast-paced games, response time isn’t going to matter much. It’s important to note that monitors will often advertise a 1ms or 2ms or 5ms response time, to name a few, but response time tests measure full color to color shifts, as well as overshoots, which produces different times than what the monitor often claims on the box. This is why response time is a listed spec, but also a testable criterion.
Response Time (ms)
< 13 ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of time it takes for pixels on a monitor to shift from one color to another.
Units of Measurement: Milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Response time tool, camera
Why It’s Important:
Faster response times keep the screen from becoming muddied and blurred when fast-paced action scenes in movies or games start.
Response Time (in ms; lower is better)
Best 27 Inch Gaming Monitors: Mistakes To Avoid
- Overlooking Panel Type: Consider the different panel types (TN, IPS, VA) and their characteristics. TN panels often offer faster response times but poorer color accuracy and viewing angles compared to IPS and VA panels. Choose the panel type that aligns with your priorities for color reproduction, viewing angles, and response time.
- Not Considering Resolution: While 27-inch monitors commonly come in 1440p (QHD) resolution, you may also find options in 1080p (Full HD) or even 4K. Choose a resolution that balances visual fidelity with your graphics card’s performance capabilities.
- Ignoring Adaptive Sync Technology: Adaptive Sync technologies like AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync can prevent screen tearing and stuttering, enhancing gaming smoothness. Ensure your monitor supports the adaptive sync technology compatible with your GPU.
- Not Checking Connectivity Options: Verify that the gaming monitor has the necessary ports (e.g., DisplayPort, HDMI) for connecting to your gaming setup. Additionally, ensure the cables you use support the desired resolution and refresh rate.
The Best 27 Inch Gaming Monitors Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Brightness
|
Contrast Ratio
|
Color Gamut (DCI P3)
|
Color Gamut (sRGB)
|
Input Lag (ms)
|
Response Time (ms)
|
Reflections % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  $199.99 $300 $100 |
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $476.99 $900 $423 |
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $204.00 $300 $96 |
| 78 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $449.99 $564 $114 |
