27-inches is considered the sweet spot for gaming monitors. It’s neither too large nor too small for all three of the most common gaming resolutions: 1080p, 1440p, and 4K.
This is also why we recommend that you buy yourself a 27-inch gaming monitor for an ideal gaming experience.
Unfortunately, because manufacturers also know that this is the size where a huge chunk of gamers go to for their monitors, there are far too many 27-inch gaming monitors out there for the casual gamer to reasonably sift through and choose from to be able to pick out the best 27-inch gaming monitor.
Thankfully, we’ve put in the work so you don’t have to do it yourself anymore.
Now, before you go out and buy yourself an all-new monitor, let’s answer the question first, “why are 27 inches the go-to size for gaming monitors?”
Why Are 27-Inch Monitors Ideal for Gaming?
The answer to this is relatively simple: why not?
To explain further, let’s go back to a couple of years ago. 27 inches wasn’t as common and as popular. In fact, affordable 27-inch monitors were near-impossible to find back then. However, today, 27-inch gaming monitors are no longer that much more expensive compared to 24-inch monitors. Not to mention, they come with much better features too.
Perhaps more importantly, 27-inch monitors are rather versatile. The size isn’t too large to make the display look stretched at 1080p. Meanwhile, at 1440p, and especially at 4K, the size is just enough to make games look absolutely splendid.
Of course, display quality still depends on the monitor itself. But, in general, 27 inches is more than fine enough for gaming at all three of the most common resolutions used by gamers.
Related read : Best 32-inch Gaming Monitor
Now scroll down below for our list of recommendations.
Best 27-inch Gaming Monitors
1. Acer Nitro XV273K
The Acer Nitro XV273K is an affordable 27 inch 4K gaming monitor that lets you enjoy everything that 4K resolution has to offer you without breaking the bank. Or, at least, if you can get it at its usual price point.
In a stable market, the value offered by XV273K is undeniable. You get both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync at its price point to help you fight screen tearing, and with a 144Hz refresh rate, it’s the kind of monitor that even competitive gamers would love to play, especially if they want to game at 4K for a change.
Thanks to a pixel density of 163 PPI and its DCI-P3 90% wide color gamut, the image quality is fantastic, and while the HDR content is noticeably worse compared to its more expensive competition, the fact remains that it’s available at a far more reasonable price point.
Acer Nitro XV273K Features
- Screen size: 27 inches
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Panel type: IPS
- Viewing angle: 178º horizontal, 178º vertical
- Notable features:
- AMD Radeon FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible
- DisplayHDR 400
- Quantum Dot technology
- 2 x built-in 4-watt speakers
Pros
- 500-nit peak brightness
- Commendable color accuracy
- Well-constructed
- 144Hz refresh rate at 4K
Cons
- Limited market availability
- Minimal display quality improvement over SDR
2. MSI Optix G27C4
This 27-inch curved gaming monitor is becoming somewhat of a rarity these days. For some reason, stocks are limited and it very rarely sells for what it should have when it came out. But, thankfully, the price is stabilizing and you’re starting to find it in what it was originally sold for, which is good news.
Resolution-wise, the G27C4 leaves a lot to be desired. It’s only got a full HD display, with a 1080p resolution. It also only has a 250-nit peak brightness, which, although is okay, isn’t exactly what we’d consider ideal.
However, despite its shortcomings, we remain steadfast in our recommendation of the G27C4, and for a good reason.
With a 3000:1 contrast ratio and a wide native DCI-P3 color gamut, as well as a VA panel, and of course, the aforementioned gaming-centric features such as high refresh rate and low input lag, the G27C4 is an easy recommendation for the more budget-oriented competitive gamers out there.
MSI Optix G27C4 Features
- Screen size: 27 inches
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Panel type: VA
- Viewing angle: 178º horizontal, 178º vertical
- Notable features:
- 1500R Curvature
- Wide color gamut
- AMD FreeSync Premium
Pros
- Surprisingly good contrast with rich saturation
- AMD FreeSync Premium
- 165Hz refresh rate with Blur Reduction
- Affordable
Cons
- No built-in speakers
- Limited connectivity options
3. ASUS ROG Strix XG279Q
If you’re looking for a high-speed IPS 1440p display, you better be prepared to pay for it.
As the ASUS ROG Strix XG279Q will prove to you, the best 27-inch gaming monitor won’t come cheap. But, for the price, you’d have to admit, you’re getting a lot in return. This includes an overclockable display with a refresh rate of up to 170hz and arguably the fastest response time you can get on a 1440p gaming monitor.
The fact that it has AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility only help seal the deal. But, then again, that’s not all it has. It even has DisplayHDR 400 with motion blur and edge-lit backlighting for some added RGB goodness.
With that said, “crazy sharp and fast” is definitely the right way to describe the XG279Q.
ASUS ROG Strix XG279Q Features
- Screen size: 27 inches
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Refresh rate: 144hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Panel type: IPS
- Viewing angle: 178º horizontal, 178º vertical
- Notable features:
- Overclockable up to 170Hz refresh rate
- Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMBS) technology
- DisplayHDR 400
Pros
- Blur reduction
- Extremely bright display
- Wonderful HDR performance
- Supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync
Cons
- Expensive
4. Razer Raptor 27
Is the Razer Raptor 27 the best 27 inch 144Hz gaming monitor? It’s not the run-away choice, but it is a strong contender. This is thanks to its combination of speed (144Hz refresh rate with 1ms input lag), high-resolution display (2560 x 1440), and physical design that makes managing cables and accessing ports easy.
Premium doesn’t even begin to describe the looks and vibes that the Raptor 27 is giving off.
From its solid aluminum base with RGB lighting, flat green cables, and a built-in cable management system, plus HDR400 support, this edge-lit panel monitor is hard to find any flaws in.
So long as you can afford it, we don’t really see any reason why you shouldn’t buy the Razer Raptor 27.
Razer Raptor 27 Features
- Screen size: 27 inches
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Refresh rate: 144hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Panel type: IPS
- Viewing angle: 178º horizontal, 178º vertical
- Notable features:
- HDR400 support
- Solid aluminum base
- Razer Chroma RGB
- Built-in cable management
- Razer Synapse compatible
Pros
- Smart and straightforward design
- Sharp display
- Plenty of RGB
- Rich and saturated colors
Cons
- Steep asking price
5. Samsung 27-Inch CRG5
Getting a high-speed monitor usually means giving up on getting an IPS panel and settling for a full HD display with a TN panel.
Now, the Samsung 27-inch CRG5 doesn’t really break the norms because it still only has a 1080p resolution display. However, it doesn’t have a TN panel. In fact, it has a surprisingly capable VA panel that’s capable of delivering much better image quality than you’d come to expect from a monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate.
On top of it all, the CRG5 is Nvidia G-sync ready.
For competitive gamers with a serious need for speed, the CRG5 is the best 27-inch gaming monitor.
Samsung 27-Inch CRG5 Features
- Screen size: 27 inches
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Response time: 4ms
- Panel type: VA
- Viewing angle: 178º horizontal, 178º vertical
- Notable features:
- 1500R curved screen
- Robust connectivity options
- Multiple game modes available
Pros
- 240Hz refresh rate
- Excellent color accuracy
- Smooth gaming performance
- Reasonable pricing
Cons
- No built-in speakers
- No USB port
6. ViewSonic ELITE XG270QC
Equipped with an MVA panel with a 1500R curvature and DisplayHDR 400 capabilities, as well as a 165Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, the ViewSonic Elite XG270QC is an easy choice as one of the best 27-inch gaming monitors on the market.
True, it’s not exactly a FALD-quality display, but those come at a more expensive price point. Not to mention, it does have a lot of added features. This includes edge-lit backlighting and, as stated earlier, an MVA panel. Plus, with DisplayHDR 400, the display quality of the XG270QC is noticeably better compared to other SDR monitors.
As a bonus, you get yourself a pair of 3W speakers that are surprisingly large and effective.
ViewSonic Elite XG270QC Features
- Screen size: 27 inches
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Panel type: MVA
- Viewing angle: 178º horizontal, 178º vertical
- Notable features:
- 1500R curved screen
- AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
- VESA DisplayHDR 400
- PureXP Blur Reduction technology
- RGB ambient lighting
- Fully adjustable ergonomic stand
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Ideal for multiple monitor set-ups
- Adjustable stand
- HDR and adaptive sync
Cons
- Lacks an sRGB mode
7. AOC C27G1
For the more prudent gamers out there, the AOC C27G1 is the best 27-inch gaming monitor under $200. But, despite being made available at a modest price point, the C27G1 doesn’t compromise in terms of features, especially for gaming.
Equipped with a 1800R Full HD VA panel, the C27G1 is AMD FreeSync compatible with a 1ms response time on top of a 144Hz refresh rate. It’s also VESA mount compatible with a height-adjustable stand.
On top of it all, the C27G1 is backed by a 3-year zero dead pixel warranty by AOC.
Perhaps the only issue we see with the C27G1 is its lack of brightness. Although you can offset this problem by spending some time calibrating the display, this might not be something most people will be willing to do.
Still, a little bit of TLC and some tinkering is a small price to pay for a gorgeous 27-inch 1080p gaming monitor.
AOC C27G1 Features
- Screen size: 27 inches
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Panel type: VA
- Viewing angle: 178º horizontal, 178º vertical
- Notable features:
- 1800R curved screen
- AMD FreeSync
- Height-adjustable stand
Pros
- Frameless design
- Cheap
- Surprisingly accurate colors
Cons
- Display needs a lot of tweaking
Conclusion
Two factors play a key role when you’re shopping for a gaming monitor: your budget and your needs.
Naturally, the more money you can spend, the better your monitor is. However, there is such a thing as overspending. You definitely don’t want to end up spending more money than you should, especially if you can get the features that you need for a more reasonable price point.
With that said, we’d like to clarify that not every display we recommend is going to look amazing as the other.
It’s only expected that some are objectively better compared to others.
What we can guarantee, however, is that, by following our recommendations, you’ll end up getting the most value out of your hard-earned money.
Also, even if you don’t end up choosing a monitor that we recommended, because of the various tips and advice that we’ve given throughout our list, you’ll have learned how to choose the best gaming monitor based on your own opinion and research.
So, what are you waiting for? Stop settling for a subpar display and start squeezing every bit of performance out of your spruced up gaming machine.
