Best 2K Monitors With G Sync and 1ms Response Time: 5 Picks (2026)

A fast 2K screen is only part of the story, because the sync label and the response time type decide how smooth games feel in practice. The best 2k monitors with g sync and 1ms response time in this guide are five 27 inch models with a maker published 1 ms figure and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible support, with each 1 ms type stated plainly.

Quick verdict on the best 2k monitors with g sync and 1ms response time

Start with the LG 27GP850-B if you want the clearest all round pick, because it pairs a Nano IPS panel with a maker published 1 ms GtG figure and NVIDIA validated G-Sync Compatible support. The Dell S2721DGF is the closest rival, with the same 1 ms GtG type and a wider FreeSync Premium Pro label for AMD cards.

The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD is the color pick, with Quantum Dot color on a Rapid IPS panel, while the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ is the motion clarity pick, with ELMB Sync pairing a 1 ms MPRT figure and variable refresh at the same time. The AOC Q27G2S is the straightforward pick, with a 27 inch IPS panel, 165 Hz over DisplayPort, and a 1 ms MPRT figure through its motion blur reduction mode. All five run at 165 Hz, so the choice turns on the response type and the sync label rather than the refresh rate.

Quick comparison table

Use this table to compare the five picks at a glance before you read the detail sections. It shows the panel type, the refresh rate, the response time with its type, and the sync label exactly as the maker states it, because those four points decide whether a model fits your graphics card and your games.

How we selected these monitors

Every model in this guide is a 27 inch 2K monitor with a maker published 1 ms figure and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible support, and every figure below comes from the maker spec page or datasheet. A model was kept only if all three points held at once, so three familiar names that fail one point are left out and named in the third section below.

Why the best 2k monitors with g sync and 1ms response time are mostly G-Sync Compatible

Most 2K monitors with a 1 ms label use G-Sync Compatible rather than a native G-Sync module, because the native module class at 2K generally lists 4 ms GtG. That gap is the key fact behind this roundup, and it explains why every pick here carries the Compatible label rather than the full hardware module label.

A native G-Sync module adds a dedicated scaler and variable overdrive, but the older 2K panels built around it were tuned for color and viewing angles first, so their GtG figures sit near 4 ms. The newer fast IPS panels in this guide reach 1 ms GtG or 1 ms MPRT without a module, and NVIDIA validates them for tear free variable refresh over DisplayPort instead. A reader who insists on a hardware module at 2K will therefore trade away the 1 ms headline, and a reader who insists on 1 ms will trade away the module.

How to read 1 ms figures by type, GtG, MPRT, and VRB

A 1 ms label means little until you know which type it is, because GtG, MPRT, and VRB measure different things and need different settings. GtG tracks pixel color changes, MPRT tracks perceived blur with backlight strobing, and VRB is Acer’s name for its own strobing mode, so the same number can describe three different behaviors.

GtG is the strictest of the three for pixel speed, because it times a gray to gray transition with no strobing help, and the LG, Dell, and MSI picks publish it. MPRT is a motion blur figure that depends on the backlight flashing between frames, so the ASUS and AOC picks reach 1 ms MPRT only with their blur reduction modes turned on. VRB works the same way as MPRT under a brand name, and it dims the picture while it runs, so a VRB figure should never be read as a GtG figure.

What left three familiar models out of this roundup

Three models from the shortlist did not make the final five, and each one fails a different point in the test above. Naming them here matters, because all three appear in retail roundups under this keyword, and a reader who buys on the headline alone could end up with a FreeSync only screen.

The Gigabyte M27Q fails the sync point: Gigabyte lists FreeSync Premium and Adaptive Sync, with no G-Sync Compatible line on its spec page, and its response figure is 0.5 ms MPRT on revision 1.0 and 1 ms MPRT on revision 2.0, with no GtG figure published. The Acer Nitro XV272U V fails on both detail points: Acer lists FreeSync Premium as its tearing prevention technology with no G-Sync Compatible line, and its spec page lists 2 ms GtG with 1 ms VRB. The Samsung Odyssey G5 G55C fails the sync point too: Samsung lists 1 ms MPRT and FreeSync only, with no G-Sync Compatible certification, so it is a curved VA alternative for AMD cards rather than a G-Sync pick.

The five monitors in detail

Each section below follows the same pattern, so you can compare the models side by side. It starts with who the monitor fits best, then covers the panel, the refresh rate, the response time type, and the sync label, and it ends with when to buy it and when to skip it.

All five picks share the same core shape: a 27 inch 2560 by 1440 panel, a 165 Hz ceiling, a maker published 1 ms figure, and G-Sync Compatible support over DisplayPort. A 27 inch 2K panel also keeps text sharp at a normal desk distance, which is why this size dominates the 1440p gaming market. The differences sit in the panel technology, the response time type, the color coverage, and the ports, so the winner is the model whose strengths match your graphics card and your games.

LG 27GP850-B

The LG 27GP850-B leads this group because it is the only pick here that pairs a Nano IPS panel with a maker published 1 ms GtG figure and a wide color gamut. LG lists 165 Hz with an overclock to 180 Hz, G-Sync Compatible validation from NVIDIA, and FreeSync Premium, so it covers both graphics card camps.

LG lists a 27 inch Nano IPS panel at 2560 by 1440, DCI-P3 98 percent color coverage, VESA DisplayHDR 400, and 350 nits typical brightness. The 1 ms GtG figure applies in the Faster response mode, the overclock to 180 Hz needs DisplayPort 1.4 and a graphics card that supports it, and the stand adjusts for tilt, height, and pivot. That combination makes it the safest single pick for mixed gaming and everyday use.

The limits are the usual ones for an entry level HDR label: DisplayHDR 400 adds brightness headroom but is not a full HDR experience, and the 180 Hz overclock is an extra rather than the native rate. The Nano IPS panel keeps colors rich at wide angles, while the GtG figure keeps fast motion clean without strobing, so the LG suits a reader who wants speed without giving up color or brightness.

Pros: 27 inch Nano IPS panel, 1 ms GtG in Faster mode, 165 Hz with overclock to 180 Hz, NVIDIA validated G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync Premium, DCI-P3 98 percent, DisplayHDR 400, tilt height and pivot stand.

Cons: 1 ms GtG needs the Faster mode, 180 Hz overclock needs DisplayPort 1.4, DisplayHDR 400 is entry level HDR, and the panel is a 2021 design with newer rivals now close behind it.

Buy it for the best all round mix of GtG speed, color, and dual camp sync in this group. Skip it if you want a native G-Sync module, or you need a higher refresh rate than 165 Hz.

Dell S2721DGF

The Dell S2721DGF is the closest rival to the LG, with the same 1 ms GtG type, the same 165 Hz ceiling, and a Fast IPS Nano Color panel. Dell certifies it as G-Sync Compatible and pairs that with FreeSync Premium Pro, which makes it the strongest pick here for a reader who may switch between NVIDIA and AMD cards.

Dell lists a 27 inch Fast IPS panel at 2560 by 1440, 165 Hz over DisplayPort and 144 Hz over HDMI, a 1 ms gray to gray figure in Extreme mode, 98 percent DCI-P3 coverage, 1.07 billion colors, and DisplayHDR 400. The variable refresh range runs from 48 to 165 Hz, the stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot, and the monitor includes DisplayPort and HDMI inputs plus a USB hub for peripherals.

The 1 ms GtG figure needs the Extreme overdrive step, and that step can add inverse ghosting on some content, so the middle overdrive step suits most play. Dell also leaves out a dedicated sRGB clamp mode, so color critical sRGB work needs a software profile rather than a one button preset. Those are narrow limits, and they do not change the core case: this is the most flexible sync package in the group.

Pros: 27 inch Fast IPS Nano Color panel, 1 ms GtG in Extreme mode, 165 Hz DisplayPort and 144 Hz HDMI, G-Sync Compatible Certified, FreeSync Premium Pro, 98 percent DCI-P3, DisplayHDR 400, full ergonomic stand with USB hub.

Cons: 1 ms GtG needs Extreme mode, Extreme overdrive can add inverse ghosting, no dedicated sRGB clamp mode, and HDMI caps the refresh rate at 144 Hz.

Buy it for the strongest dual camp sync package and a full ergonomic stand. Skip it if you want a GtG figure that holds at a moderate overdrive step, or you need an sRGB clamp mode built in.

MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD

The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD is the color pick in this group, because its Rapid IPS panel adds Quantum Dot color to a maker published 1 ms GtG figure. MSI lists 165 Hz, G-Sync Compatible support, and a USB-C port with DisplayPort alternate mode, which suits a desk that also hosts a laptop.

MSI lists a 27 inch Rapid IPS panel at 2560 by 1440, a 1 ms GtG response time, a 1 ms MPRT figure in its datasheet, 300 nits brightness, a 1000 to 1 contrast ratio, and a variable refresh range from 48 to 165 Hz. The Quantum Dot layer widens the color range beyond a standard IPS panel, and the USB-C port carries video alongside DisplayPort and HDMI, so a laptop can drive the screen over a single cable.

HDMI caps this monitor at 144 Hz, so the full 165 Hz rate needs DisplayPort or USB-C, and the stand is less generous than the Dell stand on swivel range. The Rapid IPS panel is the reason to choose it anyway: it pairs the GtG figure with color that suits both games and photo work, and the USB-C port removes one cable from a laptop desk.

Pros: 27 inch Rapid IPS Quantum Dot panel, 1 ms GtG, 165 Hz, G-Sync Compatible, USB-C with DisplayPort alternate mode, 300 nits brightness, variable refresh from 48 to 165 Hz.

Cons: HDMI caps the refresh rate at 144 Hz, the stand swivel range is narrower than the Dell, no built in speakers are listed in the maker spec, and the Quantum Dot layer adds cost over a plain IPS panel.

Buy it for Quantum Dot color with a true GtG figure and a USB-C laptop connection. Skip it if you connect over HDMI only, or you want built in speakers in the maker spec.

ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ is the motion clarity pick, because its ELMB Sync mode pairs a 1 ms MPRT figure with G-Sync Compatible support at the same time. ASUS lists a 144 Hz native refresh rate that rises to 165 Hz over DisplayPort, plus HDR10 and built in speakers, which suits a compact desk.

ASUS lists a 27 inch IPS panel at 2560 by 1440, 100 percent sRGB coverage, 350 nits typical brightness, a 1000 to 1 contrast ratio, HDR10, and two 2 watt speakers. ELMB Sync is the headline feature: it runs extreme low motion blur together with variable refresh, so the 1 ms MPRT figure and tear free play work in the same mode instead of forcing a choice between them.

The 1 ms figure here is MPRT, not GtG, so it describes perceived blur with strobing rather than pixel transition speed, and strobing dims the picture while it runs. The 165 Hz rate needs DisplayPort, since HDMI caps at 144 Hz, and the monitor has no USB hub and no USB-C port. For a reader who notices blur during fast camera pans, those trade-offs are worth it; for a reader who wants a GtG figure, the LG, Dell, and MSI picks fit better.

Pros: 27 inch IPS panel, 1 ms MPRT with ELMB Sync, G-Sync Compatible, ELMB and variable refresh run together, 144 Hz native rising to 165 Hz DisplayPort, 100 percent sRGB, HDR10, built in speakers.

Cons: 1 ms figure is MPRT rather than GtG, strobing dims the picture, 165 Hz needs DisplayPort, no USB hub, and no USB-C port.

Buy it for the clearest motion in fast games with blur reduction and sync running together. Skip it if you want a published GtG figure, or you connect over HDMI only.

AOC Q27G2S

The AOC Q27G2S is the straightforward value pick in this group, with a 27 inch IPS panel, 165 Hz over DisplayPort, and a 1 ms MPRT figure through its motion blur reduction mode. AOC lists G-Sync Compatible support alongside FreeSync, so it covers NVIDIA cards without asking for a native module.

AOC lists a 27 inch IPS panel at 2560 by 1440, a 10 bit IPS panel, 350 nits brightness, a variable refresh range from 48 to 165 Hz, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and one DisplayPort 1.4 port. The 1 ms MPRT figure comes from the motion blur reduction mode, which flashes the backlight to cut perceived blur, and the 165 Hz rate needs DisplayPort since HDMI caps at 144 Hz.

One conflict is worth stating plainly: some retail listings label this model 1 ms GtG, but the maker launch material ties the 1 ms figure to MPRT through motion blur reduction, so this guide uses MPRT and not GtG. Motion blur reduction and variable refresh often cannot run together, so pick one mode per game, and expect the picture to dim when strobing is on. The AOC suits a reader who wants the core 2K and 165 Hz package with no extra features to pay for.

Pros: 27 inch IPS panel, 1 ms MPRT with motion blur reduction, 165 Hz DisplayPort, G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync, 10 bit IPS panel, two HDMI 2.0 ports and DisplayPort 1.4.

Cons: 1 ms figure is MPRT rather than GtG, motion blur reduction dims the picture, 165 Hz needs DisplayPort, and some retail listings mislabel the response time type.

Buy it for a straightforward 165 Hz 2K pick with G-Sync Compatible support and no extras. Skip it if you want a published GtG figure, or you need blur reduction and variable refresh at the same time.

Buying guide for a 2K G-Sync setup

Start with your graphics card and your cable, then match the response time type to the games you play, because a monitor that cannot reach its headline refresh rate on your port is a poor buy at any size. The three sections below walk through ports, response types, and setup in that order.

Matching refresh rate, ports, and cables to your graphics card

A 165 Hz headline only holds if the port and cable behind it can carry it, because HDMI caps several picks here at 144 Hz while DisplayPort reaches the full rate. Check the port table on the maker spec page for your model, use DisplayPort for the top refresh rate, and keep the cable that ships in the box.

NVIDIA cards from the 10 series onward support G-Sync Compatible mode over DisplayPort, while AMD cards use FreeSync over DisplayPort or HDMI, so the cable choice follows the card. The LG needs DisplayPort 1.4 for its 180 Hz overclock, the Dell and AOC need DisplayPort for 165 Hz, and the MSI needs DisplayPort or USB-C for the same rate. A short DisplayPort cable from a known brand avoids the flicker that a long or damaged cable can cause at high refresh rates.

Choosing between GtG speed and MPRT clarity

Choose GtG speed if you play fast shooters and want the pixel transitions themselves to be quick, and choose MPRT clarity if you notice blur during fast camera pans. MPRT modes use backlight strobing, which can dim the picture and may not run together with variable refresh on some models, so read the mode notes first.

The LG, Dell, and MSI picks publish GtG figures, so they suit a reader who wants speed with no strobing and no brightness loss. The ASUS pick is the exception among the MPRT models, because ELMB Sync runs strobing and variable refresh together, while the AOC pick asks you to choose one mode per game. A GtG figure also stays valid at any refresh rate, while an MPRT figure only holds while strobing is on, so a reader who turns strobing off loses the headline number entirely. That is the trade in one line: GtG speed is always on, MPRT clarity is a mode you choose per game. If you play mostly slow strategy or story games, either type is fine, and the panel color and stand matter more than the response label.

Setting up G-Sync Compatible mode and overdrive

G-Sync Compatible mode needs a NVIDIA card from the 10 series or newer, a DisplayPort cable, and the setting turned on in the NVIDIA control panel. Set the refresh rate to the top rate in display settings, pick a moderate overdrive step first, and raise it only if ghosting remains visible in your games.

Start with the middle overdrive step on the LG, Dell, and MSI picks, because the fastest step can add inverse ghosting that looks worse than the blur it removes. Turn on ELMB or motion blur reduction only for fast games on the ASUS and AOC picks, and turn it off for desktop work, since strobing dims the picture and can tire the eyes over a long session. Cap the frame rate a few frames under the refresh ceiling in the driver, so the card stays inside the variable refresh range instead of bouncing against its top edge.

Frequently asked questions

The questions below cover the points that cause the most confusion after readers have read the product sections. They focus on the difference between native G-Sync and G-Sync Compatible, the two 1 ms types, and AMD cards, because those three points decide most purchases in this group.

Is G-Sync Compatible the same as native G-Sync

Native G-Sync uses a hardware module inside the monitor, while G-Sync Compatible uses the open Adaptive Sync standard over DisplayPort and a NVIDIA driver validation. Compatible monitors cover the same tear free play in most games, but the module class adds a wider variable refresh range and variable overdrive in some models.

The practical difference is small at 2K and 165 Hz, because every pick here is validated for tear free variable refresh in the range most games use. The validation process also covers flicker and blanking behavior at low frame rates, which is why a validated monitor is a safer buy than an unvalidated Adaptive Sync screen that merely works. A native module still matters for a reader who plays at very low frame rates, where its wider range and variable overdrive help most, but that reader gives up the 1 ms headline at 2K. For the games and frame rates in this roundup, the Compatible label is the right trade.

Does 1 ms MPRT mean the same as 1 ms GtG

No, the two figures measure different things, and a 1 ms MPRT label does not promise 1 ms GtG pixel transitions. MPRT describes perceived motion blur with backlight strobing, while GtG describes how fast a pixel changes color, so compare GtG with GtG and MPRT with MPRT when you shop.

The ASUS and AOC picks in this guide publish MPRT figures, while the LG, Dell, and MSI picks publish GtG figures, and the table states the type for each model. Retail listings often drop the type letters and print a bare 1 ms, which is how the AOC pick in this guide gets mislabeled as GtG in some stores. Always open the maker spec page and read the response time line in full before you compare two models, because the type letters are the whole difference. A strobing mode can make motion look sharper than its GtG figure suggests, but it dims the picture and needs to be turned on, while a GtG figure holds with no strobing at all. Read the type first, then the number.

Can I use these monitors with an AMD graphics card

Yes, variable refresh also runs on AMD cards through FreeSync or Adaptive Sync, and the Dell carries the FreeSync Premium Pro tier while the LG carries FreeSync Premium. The G-Sync Compatible label matters for NVIDIA cards, while the FreeSync tiers cover AMD cards, so the same screen serves either camp.

The Dell is the strongest AMD pick here because FreeSync Premium Pro adds HDR aware variable refresh, while the LG, AOC, and MSI picks cover standard FreeSync or Adaptive Sync variable refresh. If you switch camps later, the same monitor follows you, since the sync label is a property of the screen and the driver rather than a lock to one brand. That flexibility is one reason this roundup favors dual camp models, and the Dell and LG picks lead on that point with their FreeSync tiers stated in the table. The ASUS pick runs variable refresh through Adaptive Sync, so an AMD card can use it too, though ASUS leads with the G-Sync Compatible label. Check the sync line for your card before you buy, and use DisplayPort for the widest variable refresh range.

Conclusion

Choose the LG 27GP850-B for the best all round mix of GtG speed and color, the Dell S2721DGF for dual camp sync, the MSI MAG274QRF-QD for Quantum Dot color, the ASUS VG27AQ for strobed motion clarity, or the AOC Q27G2S for a straightforward 165 Hz pick. Match the sync label to your card first, then the 1 ms type to your games.