When you’re selecting the best 27-inch monitors, look for excellent contrast ratios and complete color gamut coverage to ensure vibrant, accurate colors. Strong brightness is essential to handle various lighting conditions in your home or office. These features, along with low response times and input lag, contribute to superior image quality and smooth performance for tasks ranging from office work to multimedia use.
We analyzed 196 monitors, certified 5 as top performers, and sifted through 319,390 reviews. Unfortunately, 71% of experts were untrustworthy. Our rigorous process uses True Score and Trust Score to filter out fake and low quality reviews and ensure reliability. The winning monitors excelled in key testing areas, earning their place on our buying guide.
How Did We Rank the Best 27 Inch Monitors?
To bring you the best 27-inch monitor recommendations, Gadget Review dissected testing protocols from over 200 sources, pored over user feedback, and tapped into expert critiques. This meticulous approach allowed us to pinpoint the essential criteria: 2 required test results and 1 must-have specifications. Our unique true score system translates this deep analysis into a straightforward guide, helping you choose the ideal monitor with ease.
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
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 or higher (infinite), offering deep blacks and bright whites for an exceptional viewing experience.
- Color Accuracy: At least 90% of the (sRGB or Adobe) color gamut, providing rich and vibrant colors.
Latest Updates
- 04/29/2024: Published the list of best 27 inch monitors based on our True Score system.
Top Best 27 Inch 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
Budget pricing with exceptional performance. The HP OMEN 27QS delivers on all types of tasks, from streaming to productivity to graphic design and photo editing.
True Score
85834Experts
911kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $130$299.99$169.99Snapshot
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 Tests
All Retailers
- $169.99$300Save $130
- $279.99$430Save $150
- $329.99$429Save $99
Our Verdict
If you’re working with a tight budget but want a flexible monitor for offices, media creation, design, and gaming, the HP OMEN 27QS is hard to argue against. Its 389.5 nits of brightness and contrast ratio of 1014:1 make it an excellent choice in offices with nearly any light level, ensuring bright and richly detailed visuals. The monitor also features a blue-light filter, flicker-free tech, and a rotating screen for improved productivity and reduced eye strain.
The OMEN also features a perfect sRGB color gamut, covering 100% of the gamut, making it a phenomenal choice for browsing the web and doing web design or web-focused graphic design. This high color precision carries over to the 94.4% DCI P3 color gamut coverage, making the OMEN a great pick if you want an HDR-ready monitor to watch movies or edit HDR content.
For gamers, the OMEN 27QS’s appeal lies in its competitive 8.5ms input lag and excellent 4.2 ms response time. Both of these metrics mean you can expect smoother gameplay without ghosting or lag ruining your immersion.
Despite its low price tag, the OMEN delivers stellar color accuracy and responsiveness. You should pick one up if you’re on a budget and looking for fluidity for games, precision for creative projects, and eye-care features for use around the office.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240
A premium-priced OLED that lives up to its price with unmatched contrast, outstanding color accuracy and unparalleled response times, excellent for productivity, gaming, and multimedia.
True Score
838310Experts
88335Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $441$999.99$559.34Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent OLED Picture Quality
- Ultra-Fast Response Time
- Low Input Lag
- High Refresh Rate and VRR Support
Reasons to Avoid
- Lower Peak Brightness Levels
- Higher Input Lag with Different Refresh Rates
- Potential OLED Burn-In
Specifications
Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers No Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type OLED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 Panel Type OLED Refresh Rate 240 Hz Response Time 0.03 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 318 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 9,473 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 96 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 90 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 107 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) 70 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 14 Response Time (ms) 1 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 2 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 70 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 70 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 70 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 70 All Tests
All Retailers
- $559.34$1,000Save $441
- $999.99
- $1,198.27
Our Verdict
The OLED panel of the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 is the main selling point of the monitor, and it shows in the price tag and contrast ratio. At an exceptional 9473:1, the monitor produces rich, deep blacks and brilliant whites. While the fact it’s an OLED means its brightness is only 317.5 nits, it’s still plenty bright for most offices, though you may want to keep it out of direct sunlight.
Because the Xeneon is an OLED, burn-in can still be a concern, but you get an outstanding sRGB color gamut of 106.96%, the best on our list, and a fantastic 96.10% DCI P3 xy coverage. This exceptional color accuracy makes the monitor an excellent choice for video editors and graphic designers, and the built-in blue light filter and flicker-free features mean you can set worries about eye strain aside.
The monitor’s input lag of 13.6 ms isn’t the best, but it’s good enough for most gaming. If you’re more concerned about lag, the LG 27GP950-B is a much better choice. However, the Xeneon cannot be beaten regarding response time, clocking in at just 0.8 ms. No matter how fast scenes, games, or content get, it will not blur. Plus, the 240 Hz refresh rate means you’ll never have to worry about visual tearing.
The Xeneon is expensive, but it’s an exceptional choice if you’re not concerned about price. It has unbeatable contrast, outstanding color accuracy, and unreal response times, so it can handle just about anything you throw at it. It also delivers wide viewing angles and extremely rich, dynamic picture quality. Pick one up if you’re looking for an OLED monitor that does it all, and you don’t need to see the price tag.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dell U2723QE
A 4K monitor without the 4K price, the Dell U2723QE is an exceptional productivity monitor with fantastic color accuracy and contrast for creative professionals, though gamers will find the refresh rate disappointing.
True Score
83838Experts
87580Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $100$579.99$479.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good image quality
- Wide Viewing Angles
- Great build quality
Reasons to Avoid
- Subpar refresh rate
- Poor response time
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 16:9 Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers No Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type LCD Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 1 HDR Format HDR10, HDR400 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4k) Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 60 Hz Response Time 8 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27″ Sync Technology n/a All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 334 Contrast Ratio (as ratio x:1) 1,673 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 94 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) 72 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 9 Response Time (ms) 9 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 43 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 43 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 33 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 35 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 9 All Tests
All Retailers
- $479.99$580Save $100
- $489.00$912Save $423
- $549.99
Our Verdict
If you’re on a tighter budget but still need a 4K display in a 27-inch package, Dell’s U2723QE is the way to go. With a built-in flicker-free, blue light filter and a rotating screen, it’s got plenty of productivity-first features built into it, though it comes at the cost of a refresh rate of just 60 Hz.
The low refresh rate isn’t an issue if you want to do graphic design or edit video. The monitor’s 100% sRGB coverage and 93.6% DCI P3 color gamut coverage make it an outstanding choice for any task that demands high color accuracy.
While it’s less bright than the LG 27GP950 (another 4K) monitor, it still puts out a respectable 333 nits, making it plenty bright for most office environments. It also features an excellent non-OLED panel contrast ratio of 1673:1, meaning any high-fidelity content you watch will be all the more dramatic, with deeper blacks and brighter whites.
The low input lag of 9.1 ms and good refresh rate of 8.6 ms would make this an excellent pick for gamers looking to enjoy 4K gaming, but the limited refresh rate means you have to be willing to compromise on smoothness and accept some level of visual tearing in higher frame rate games.
Despite this limitation, the U2723QE is an outstanding workhorse monitor at a price that makes it competitive with lower-resolution 1440p monitors. If you need high color accuracy, great brightness and contrast, and 4K resolution, Dell’s U2723QE is an obvious choice for offices, editors, and designers, as long as you’re willing to compromise on the refresh rate.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
LG 27GP950-B
A premium-priced monitor with 4K fidelity, outstanding brightness, and excellent responsiveness, the LG 27GP950-B easily handles editing, design, productivity, and gaming.
True Score
82834Experts
87903Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $423$899.99$476.99Snapshot
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 Tests
All Retailers
- $476.99$900Save $423
- $496.99$897Save $400
- $896.99$937Save $40
- $899.99
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a 27-inch monitor with native 4K resolution and ultra responsiveness, the LG 27GP950-B is an outstanding pick. Thanks to its outstanding input lag and response time—4.2 ms and 4.4 ms, respectively—the monitor is especially fantastic for gaming. If that response time still isn’t snappy enough for you, though, the Corsair Xeneon features a mind-blowing 0.8 ms response – but it needs to run at 240 Hz to beat the 27GP’s input lag.
Thanks to its 100% coverage of the sRGB gamut, it’s also great for web browsing and design. If you’re a graphic artist or a video editor, the best-in-class DCI P3 coverage of 96.8% is also extremely attractive and helps ensure that colors render properly in any content you have to work with.
With a brightness of 410 nits and a contrast of 1194:1, the 27GP is very bright and handles brightly lit offices excellently. Between this high brightness and the excellent color gamut coverage, it’s a great choice if you need a monitor that will perform well in design work or other creative tasks.
The only real downside this LG monitor suffers from is its price tag. Compared to other monitors on our list, it’s near the top regarding expense, and the lack of a blue light filter might cause some eye strain over extended periods of use, especially given the high brightness. Despite this shortcoming, the monitor is still an exceptional choice, with outstanding color accuracy, brightness, and responsiveness, making it highly versatile for almost anything you want to do with it. Just be mindful that this premium performance comes with a premium price tag.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Alienware AW2723DF
Versatile and capable, the Alienware AW2723DF can handle anything from creative projects to HDR streaming to intense gaming at a mid-range price.
True Score
78804Experts
81293Customers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $145$704.92$559.99Snapshot
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 Tests
All Retailers
- $559.99$705Save $145
- $574.19
Our Verdict
The Alienware AW2723DF is an excellent 27-inch monitor that combines high-performance specs crucial for creative professionals and gamers alike. Its leading-edge brightness of 402.8 nits and a solid contrast ratio of 1015:1 guarantee vivid and deep images.
This model also stands out thanks to its exceptional color accuracy, boasting 99.6% sRGB coverage. This is essential for tasks demanding precise color representation, like photo editing or graphic design. The AW27 also features a blue light filter, flicker-free tech, and a rotating screen, giving it excellent flexibility and making it a wonderful choice for productivity.
If you’re hoping to add some play to your work, the AW27 also features a low input lag of 8.6ms and a swift response time of 4.6ms, which helps give you a competitive edge. This provides smooth, low-lag gameplay. If streaming is more your speed, the monitor features HDR support and a DCI P3 color gamut coverage of 93%, making it a great pick for watching HDR content.
The Alienware AW2723DF is hard to compete with for versatility and flexibility. Whether you’re looking for high-octane gaming sessions or precision-driven creative projects, its prowess in color accuracy, top-tier responsiveness, and wealth of eye-strain-reducing features make it an easy pick if you want a monitor that doesn’t compromise on performance, visual quality, or available features.
Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best 27 Inch Monitors?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required), 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. |
Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) | > 90% | Yes | How much of the sRGB color gamut is covered by the monitor, which helps indicate color accuracy for web content and games. |
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. If you work in video production, choosing a good monitor for video editing that maintains a high contrast ratio is essential for accurately rendering scenes.
Contrast Ratio (higher is better)
2. Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xY) Test Results
Since color gamut comes in a variety of different types, there’s bound to be some confusion as to which is meant for what. sRGB is an extremely common gamut that is used for the vast majority of web content, including how YouTube videos display, and is the primary gamut used for video games.
If you’re looking for accurate colors while web browsing, watching videos or playing games, you’re going to want a coverage of at least 90%. Higher is always better and hitting 100% means that if you correctly calibrate your monitor, you should be seeing content exactly as it was intended. Higher than 100% means that more than just the standard gamut has been covered, which can create more saturated and vivid colors. Coming in under 100% means the colors are less accurate, though this doesn’t become a major issue until you start to fall under 90%.
For photographers and graphic designers, opting for a monitor for photo editing or a monitor for graphic design can deliver extensive coverage of color gamuts like Adobe RGB and DCI-P3, ensuring precision in your work.
Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy)
> 90%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of the sRGB gamut that the monitor covers.
Units of Measurement: %
Tools to Measure: Colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
The sRGB color gamut is the most commonly used gamut for most colors when browsing the web, watching videos on the web on sites like YouTube, and when playing video games.
Color Gamut SRGB (in %; higher is better)
Best 27 Inch Monitors: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring resolution: A 27-inch monitor offers plenty of screen real estate, but the resolution matters too. Opting for a low-resolution display on a larger screen can result in pixelation and decreased image clarity. Consider at least a 1440p (2560 x 1440 pixels) resolution for a 27-inch monitor, or even 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) if you prioritize sharpness and detail, especially a 4K gaming monitor if you’re an avid gamer. When it comes to gaming, 27-inch gaming monitors with 1440p or 4K resolutions can offer an immersive experience, while 24-inch monitors might be more suitable if you prefer compact setups. 1080p gaming monitors in the 24-inch size can provide high performance without breaking the bank, ideal for both casual and competitive gamers.
- Disregarding panel type: Different panel types—such as IPS, TN, and VA—offer varying characteristics in terms of color accuracy, viewing angles, and response times. IPS panels generally provide the best color reproduction and wide viewing angles, making them suitable for tasks like content creation and graphic design. TN panels offer faster response times, which may be preferred for gaming. If budget is a concern, consider good budget monitors with TN panels, which often provide good performance at a lower cost. Consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting the panel type.
- Overlooking refresh rate and response time: If you’re into gaming or fast-paced tasks, pay attention to the monitor’s refresh rate and response time. A higher refresh rate (e.g., a 144Hz monitor) and lower response time (e.g., 1ms) can result in smoother motion and reduced motion blur. However, if you prioritize color accuracy over speed, you may not need the fastest specs. 120Hz gaming monitors can also be a great option, offering improved fluidity without needing powerful graphics hardware.
- Neglecting connectivity options: Ensure the monitor has the necessary ports to connect to your devices, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB. Also, consider additional features like USB hubs or built-in speakers if they’re important for your setup. If you’re using a Mac Mini, make sure you have a compatible monitor for Mac Mini that has the correct connectivity options.
The Best 27 Inch Monitors Tests Compared
Product | True Score
|
Brightness
|
Contrast Ratio
|
Color Gamut (DCI P3)
|
Color Gamut (sRGB)
|
Input Lag
|
Response Time (ms)
|
Reflections %
| |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $169.99 $300 $130 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $559.34 $1,000 $441 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $479.99 $580 $100 |
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $476.99 $900 $423 |
| 78 |
|
|
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|
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| $559.99 $705 $145 |