Best Gaming Monitors 27 Inch Under $400: 8 Top Picks Today (2026)

A 27 inch screen with a 1440p panel changes how games look, yet this tier mixes true 165Hz and 170Hz screens with slower panels that only claim gaming speed. The best gaming monitors 27 inch under 400 in this guide are eight real QHD screens with maker specs and clear response time types, and honest limits for buyers who want size and speed.

Quick verdict on the best gaming monitors 27 inch under 400

Start with the LG 27GP850-B if color comes first, because its Nano IPS panel runs at 165Hz with a 1 ms GtG figure, 98 percent DCI-P3 color, and a 180Hz overclock over DisplayPort. The MSI G274QPF is the speed pick, with a Rapid IPS panel at 170Hz and a 1 ms GtG figure plus a 1 ms MPRT figure from the MSI datasheet.

The Dell S2721DGF is the safest all round pick, with a Fast IPS panel at 165Hz, a 1 ms GtG figure in Extreme mode, and a full height adjustable stand. The Gigabyte M27Q is the best desk sharing pick, with a 170Hz SS IPS panel, a 0.5 ms MPRT figure, and a built in KVM switch for two computers.

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ suits players who want ELMB Sync motion blur reduction with G-Sync Compatible adaptive sync, while the Samsung Odyssey G5 G55C is the only curved screen here, with a 1000R VA panel at 165Hz and a 1 ms MPRT figure. The Gigabyte G27Q is the plain value pick at 144Hz with a 1 ms MPRT figure, and the Acer Nitro XV272U Vbmiiprx adds a 170Hz overclock and built in speakers.

Every model here is a 27 inch screen at 2560 x 1440, and no current street figure was confirmed for any model, so confirm the exact model suffix and the current listing before you order. A 1440p panel needs a stronger graphics card than a 1080p panel, so match the screen to the card you own before you buy.

Quick comparison table

Use this table to narrow the list before you read the detailed sections. It compares panel type, resolution and refresh rate, response time type, and the best use for each model, because those four points decide motion clarity, color, and how the screen fits your desk and your games.

How we selected these screens

Every model here is a real 27 inch gaming monitor with a published datasheet, and every figure in this guide comes from the maker or a spec listing. Models were kept only if their published specs showed a 27 inch panel, a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher, and a clear role as a gaming screen in the 400-dollar tier.

Why the best gaming monitors 27 inch under 400 are all 1440p

A 1440p panel is the sweet spot at 27 inch, because it gives about 109 pixels per inch, so text stays sharp and games show far more detail than on a 1080p screen of the same size. All eight screens here run at 2560 x 1440, so the choice is about refresh rate, panel type, and response time type rather than resolution.

A 27 inch 1080p screen shows larger pixels and softer text, while a 4K panel with a high refresh rate costs far more than this tier and needs a far stronger graphics card. A 1440p screen at this budget is the right balance of sharpness, speed, and card demand for most players.

Why refresh rate and response time type matter most

Refresh rate and response time type decide how motion looks, and they are the two figures that sellers confuse most often. A 170Hz panel draws a new frame 170 times per second, so fast movement looks smoother than on a 144Hz screen, while response time decides how fast a pixel changes color and how much blur trails behind moving objects.

Response time type matters because GtG, MPRT, and VRB measure different things, and a 1 ms figure means little without its label. GtG measures a pixel changing from one gray level to another, MPRT measures motion blur with a backlight trick, and VRB is Acer’s name for its blur reduction mode, so this guide states the type with every figure.

How to read a 165Hz claim on HDMI and DisplayPort

A 165Hz claim often applies to only one input, so the port you use decides the speed you get. The Dell S2721DGF and the MSI G274QPF both reach their top rate over DisplayPort and run at 144Hz over HDMI, because their HDMI ports run an older version, while the Gigabyte M27Q reaches 170Hz over its ports as listed.

A console or a laptop with only HDMI may therefore run at 144Hz on some models here, which is still smooth, but it is not the headline figure. Use DisplayPort from a desktop graphics card when you want the full refresh rate, and read the manual for the exact port limits before you buy a cable or an adapter.

The eight monitors in detail

Each section below follows the same pattern, so you can compare the models side by side. It starts with who the screen fits best, then covers the panel, the refresh rate, the response time type, the color, and the ports. Each profile also notes when to buy it and when to skip it.

LG UltraGear 27GP850-B

This monitor fits players who want the widest color in this guide, with a 27 inch Nano IPS panel at 165Hz and a 1 ms GtG figure. The LG UltraGear 27GP850-B is a 27 inch Nano IPS monitor with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate with a 180Hz overclock, and a published 1 ms GtG figure from LG.

LG lists 98 percent DCI-P3 color, VESA DisplayHDR 400, 350 nits of typical brightness, AMD FreeSync Premium, and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible adaptive sync. The Nano IPS panel holds color steady at 178 degree viewing angles in both directions, and the 180Hz overclock needs a graphics card with DisplayPort 1.4, so a weaker card will run the screen at 165Hz.

The stand adjusts height, tilt, and pivot, which is a real win next to tilt only rivals, and the monitor has two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort plus a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount. There are no built in speakers, and the HDR400 label adds little on a 350 nit panel, so treat it as a color label rather than true high dynamic range performance.

Pros: 27 inch Nano IPS with 165Hz and 1 ms GtG, 180Hz overclock over DisplayPort, 98 percent DCI-P3 color, DisplayHDR 400, FreeSync Premium and G-Sync Compatible, height tilt pivot stand.

Cons: 180Hz overclock needs DisplayPort 1.4, no built in speakers, HDR400 adds little at 350 nits, and the Nano IPS panel costs more than the plain IPS rivals here.

Buy it for the widest color and the best all round IPS panel in this guide. Skip it if you need built in speakers, a 170Hz panel, or a curved screen for immersion.

MSI G274QPF

This monitor fits players who want the fastest panel in this guide, with a 27 inch Rapid IPS screen at 170Hz and a 1 ms GtG figure. The MSI G274QPF is a 27 inch Rapid IPS monitor with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 170Hz refresh rate over DisplayPort, and a published 1 ms GtG figure with a 1 ms MPRT figure in the MSI datasheet.

MSI lists 400 nits of typical brightness, VESA DisplayHDR 400, AMD FreeSync, and a 48 to 170Hz adaptive sync range. The Rapid IPS panel gives 178 degree viewing angles, and the 170Hz rate runs over DisplayPort by overclocking, while the two HDMI 2.0b ports run at 144Hz, so the port you pick decides the speed you get.

The stand adjusts height, tilt, swivel, and pivot, which makes it one of the most flexible stands here, and the monitor includes Night Vision for dark scenes plus a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount. There is no USB hub and no built in speakers listed, and the base model has no quantum dot layer, which only the G274QPF-QD variant adds.

Pros: 27 inch Rapid IPS with 170Hz and 1 ms GtG, 1 ms MPRT figure also published, 400 nits typical brightness, DisplayHDR 400, full height swivel pivot tilt stand, Night Vision mode.

Cons: 170Hz needs DisplayPort overclocking, 144Hz only over HDMI, no USB hub, no built in speakers listed, and no quantum dot layer on the base model.

Buy it for the fastest refresh rate in this guide with a true GtG figure. Skip it if you need a USB hub, built in speakers, or the wider color of the quantum dot variant.

Dell S2721DGF

This monitor fits buyers who want a safe brand name pick with a full stand, with a 27 inch Fast IPS panel at 165Hz and a 1 ms GtG figure. The Dell S2721DGF is a 27 inch Fast IPS monitor with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate over DisplayPort, and a published 1 ms GtG figure in Extreme mode from Dell.

Dell lists 98 percent DCI-P3 color, 400 nits of typical brightness, VESA DisplayHDR 400, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible adaptive sync. The 165Hz rate runs over DisplayPort while HDMI runs at 144Hz, and some spec listings show a 4 ms typical figure with the 1 ms figure only in Extreme mode, so the fast figure needs that mode turned on.

The stand is a strong point, with height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustment, plus a clean design that suits work as well as play. Ports include two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, and the monitor has no built in speakers, so a headset or separate speakers are needed for sound.

Pros: 27 inch Fast IPS with 165Hz and 1 ms GtG in Extreme mode, 98 percent DCI-P3 color, 400 nits typical brightness, FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync Compatible, full ergonomic stand.

Cons: 1 ms figure needs Extreme mode, 144Hz only over HDMI, no built in speakers, no sRGB emulation mode, and the design is plain next to the LG.

Buy it for a safe Dell gaming screen with a full stand and wide color. Skip it if you want built in speakers, a 170Hz panel, or a screen that hits its fast figure without an extra mode.

Gigabyte M27Q

This monitor fits buyers who run two computers from one desk, with a 27 inch SS IPS panel at 170Hz and a 0.5 ms MPRT figure. The Gigabyte M27Q is a 27 inch Super Speed IPS monitor with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 170Hz refresh rate, and a published 0.5 ms MPRT figure from Gigabyte, which is not a GtG figure.

Gigabyte lists 92 percent DCI-P3 color, VESA DisplayHDR 400, AMD FreeSync Premium, and a built in KVM switch that lets one keyboard and mouse control two computers. Ports include one DisplayPort 1.2 port, two HDMI 2.0 ports, one USB-C port, and a USB 3.0 hub, so a laptop and a desktop can share the same desk setup.

The stand adjusts height and tilt, and the monitor supports OSD Sidekick software for changing settings with a mouse and keyboard. Gigabyte does not publish a GtG figure for this model, so do not compare its 0.5 ms MPRT figure directly with a 1 ms GtG figure from another screen, and the KVM adds cost that pure gamers may not need.

Pros: 27 inch SS IPS with 170Hz and 0.5 ms MPRT, built in KVM switch, USB-C port and USB 3.0 hub, 92 percent DCI-P3 color, DisplayHDR 400, FreeSync Premium, OSD Sidekick software.

Cons: No published GtG figure, KVM adds cost for single PC gamers, stand has no swivel or pivot, and the 170Hz rate needs a card that can feed it.

Buy it for a two computer desk with one keyboard, one mouse, and one screen. Skip it if you only run one PC, want a published GtG figure, or need a full swivel and pivot stand.

ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ

This monitor fits players who want motion blur reduction with adaptive sync at the same time, with a 27 inch IPS panel at 165Hz and a 1 ms MPRT figure. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ is a 27 inch IPS monitor with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate by overclocking, and a published 1 ms MPRT figure using ASUS ELMB Sync from ASUS.

ASUS lists HDR10, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible adaptive sync, Shadow Boost for dark areas, and GamePlus tools with a crosshair and a timer. ELMB Sync lets the blur reduction run together with variable refresh rate, which is rare in this group, and the 165Hz rate needs a graphics card that supports it over DisplayPort.

The stand adjusts height, tilt, swivel, and pivot, and ports include two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, so a console and a PC can stay connected at once. ASUS does not publish a GtG figure for this model, so its 1 ms figure cannot be compared directly with a GtG figure, and the 165Hz ceiling is lower than the 170Hz models here.

Pros: 27 inch IPS with 165Hz and 1 ms MPRT, ELMB Sync blur reduction with adaptive sync, G-Sync Compatible, Shadow Boost and GamePlus tools, HDR10, full height swivel pivot tilt stand.

Cons: 165Hz ceiling is lower than rival 170Hz models, no published GtG figure, 165Hz needs DisplayPort overclocking, and no built in speakers listed.

Buy it for ELMB Sync motion clarity with adaptive sync running at the same time. Skip it if you want 170Hz, a published GtG figure, or built in speakers.

Samsung Odyssey G5 G55C

This monitor fits players who want a curved screen for immersion, with a 27 inch VA panel at 165Hz and a 1 ms MPRT figure. The Samsung Odyssey G5 G55C is a 27 inch VA monitor with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 1000R curve, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a published 1 ms MPRT figure in the Samsung spec table.

Samsung lists a 2500 to 1 contrast ratio, HDR10, AMD FreeSync Premium, and 178 degree viewing angles. The VA panel gives deeper blacks than the IPS screens here, so night scenes and dark games look richer, and the 1000R curve wraps the image around the viewer at a normal desk distance.

The trade-off is VA dark pixel smear, because dark transitions are slower than on IPS, and the stand adjusts tilt and height only, with no swivel or pivot. There are no built in speakers, and the Samsung page also shows a 2 ms MPRT line in its feature text, which conflicts with the 1 ms figure in its spec table, so the spec table figure is the one used here.

Pros: 27 inch curved VA with 165Hz and 1 ms MPRT, 1000R curve for immersion, deep 2500 to 1 VA contrast, HDR10, FreeSync Premium, 178 degree viewing angles.

Cons: VA dark transitions can smear, stand has no swivel or pivot, no built in speakers, Samsung feature text conflicts with its own spec table on the MPRT figure, and HDR10 adds little at this brightness.

Buy it for curved immersion and deep VA contrast in dark games. Skip it if you want IPS color accuracy, a full swivel and pivot stand, or a flat screen for shared viewing.

Gigabyte G27Q

This monitor fits buyers who want a plain 144Hz IPS screen with speakers, with a 27 inch panel, a 1 ms MPRT figure, and a simple setup. The Gigabyte G27Q is a 27 inch IPS monitor with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate with a 165Hz overclock, and a published 1 ms MPRT figure from Gigabyte.

Gigabyte lists 92 percent DCI-P3 color, VESA DisplayHDR 400, AMD FreeSync Premium, and two 2W built in speakers. The IPS panel gives 178 degree viewing angles, and ports include one DisplayPort 1.2 port, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and a USB 3.0 hub, plus a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount for an arm or a wall bracket.

The 144Hz ceiling is lower than the 165Hz and 170Hz models here, and Gigabyte does not publish a GtG figure for this model, so its 1 ms figure cannot be compared directly with a GtG figure. The stand adjusts height and tilt only, with no swivel or pivot, and the 1 ms figure needs the Aim Stabilizer blur reduction mode, which cannot run at the same time as adaptive sync.

Pros: 27 inch IPS with 144Hz and 1 ms MPRT, 165Hz overclock, 92 percent DCI-P3 color, DisplayHDR 400, FreeSync Premium, built in 2W speakers, USB 3.0 hub.

Cons: 144Hz ceiling is lower than rival models here, no published GtG figure, 1 ms figure needs Aim Stabilizer mode, stand has no swivel or pivot, and the design is plain next to the MSI.

Buy it for the lowest fuss 144Hz IPS screen in this guide with built in speakers. Skip it if you want 165Hz or higher, a published GtG figure, or a full ergonomic stand.

Acer Nitro XV272U Vbmiiprx

This monitor fits buyers who want a 170Hz overclock on a 27 inch AS-IPS panel with a 0.5 ms GtG figure. The Acer Nitro XV272U Vbmiiprx is a 27 inch Agile-Splendor IPS monitor with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate with a 170Hz overclock over DisplayPort, and a published figure of up to 0.5 ms GtG from Acer.

Acer lists 95 percent DCI-P3 color, VESA DisplayHDR 400, AMD FreeSync Premium, a 1 ms VRB figure, and two 2W built in speakers. The 170Hz overclock runs over DisplayPort only, while HDMI runs at 144Hz, and the wide color gamut makes games and video look vivid on the 27 inch panel.

The stand adjusts height, tilt, swivel, and pivot, which is one of the best stands here, and the monitor includes a USB 3.0 hub plus a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount. Acer sells several XV272U variants with different suffixes and different response figures, so confirm the Vbmiiprx suffix before you order, because the plain XV272U lists a 1 ms VRB figure instead.

Pros: 27 inch AS-IPS with 144Hz and 170Hz overclock, up to 0.5 ms GtG figure, 1 ms VRB figure, 95 percent DCI-P3 color, DisplayHDR 400, FreeSync Premium, built in 2W speakers, full ergonomic stand.

Cons: 170Hz overclock needs DisplayPort, 144Hz only over HDMI, several XV272U variants share the name with different figures, and the overclock adds setup steps.

Buy it for a 170Hz overclock with speakers and a full stand in one box. Skip it if you want 170Hz without overclocking, a single clear variant name, or a simpler setup.

Buying guide for best gaming monitors 27 inch under 400

Start with the panel type, because it decides color, contrast, and viewing angles before any other spec does, then match the refresh rate to your graphics card, and finish with the ports and the stand. A screen at this budget is a set of trade-offs, so the winner is the model whose limits you notice least.

Matching panel type to your games

IPS suits most buyers, because it holds color steady at wide angles and gives clean motion with a true GtG figure on the LG, MSI, Dell, and Acer models. Seven of the eight screens here use IPS, so a buyer who shares the screen, works on it by day, and plays by night should start with IPS and only leave it for a clear reason.

VA suits dark games, because its deeper blacks make night scenes richer, while the curved Samsung is the only VA screen here and the only curved screen in the group. Pick VA if you play horror or dark open world games in a dim room, and pick IPS if you share the screen or you care about color accuracy.

Ports, stands, and the daily setup

Ports decide what else can plug in, and the spread in this group is wide enough to matter. The Gigabyte M27Q is the only model with USB-C and a KVM switch, while the MSI and Dell need DisplayPort for their top refresh rate, so a laptop with only HDMI will run those two at 144Hz and still play smoothly.

Stands decide daily comfort, and the LG, MSI, Dell, ASUS, and Acer all give height adjustment, while the Gigabyte models and the Samsung give less. A VESA arm fixes a limited stand for little extra cost, and every model here supports a VESA mount, with 100 x 100 mm on most models in this group.

What to skip and what sits above this group

Several screens sit outside this group for clear reasons, and knowing why helps you avoid a wrong purchase. A 27 inch 1080p screen shows larger pixels and softer text, a 4K 144Hz screen costs far more than this tier, and a 60Hz office screen with a gaming label gives up the speed that makes a gaming monitor worth buying.

What to skip depends on the mismatch, not the model. Skip a VA screen if fast dark motion smear bothers you, skip a 144Hz screen if you already own a graphics card that can feed 165Hz or 170Hz, and skip a KVM screen if you only run one PC. The eight models here cover IPS speed, VA contrast, and curved immersion, so matching the panel to your games will find a fit.

Frequently asked questions

The questions below cover the choices that cause the most confusion after buyers have read the product sections. They focus on HDMI refresh rate limits, 1440p sharpness, and curved screens, because those three points decide most purchases in this group, so read them before you buy.

Can a 165Hz monitor run at 165Hz over HDMI

Yes, a 165Hz monitor can run at 165Hz over HDMI if the HDMI port and the cable support that speed at 1440p. The Dell S2721DGF and the MSI G274QPF both run at 144Hz over HDMI and need DisplayPort for their full 165Hz or 170Hz, while the LG and Gigabyte models have their own port limits.

The fix is simple, because a desktop graphics card with DisplayPort gives the full refresh rate on every model here, and a laptop with only HDMI still gets 144Hz, which is smooth for most games. Read the manual for the exact port limits, use the cable that ships in the box when one is included, and set the refresh rate in your display settings after you connect.

Is 1440p worth it over 1080p at 27 inch

Yes, 1440p is worth it over 1080p at 27 inch, because it gives about 109 pixels per inch against about 82 pixels per inch for 1080p, so text stays sharp and games show far more detail. All eight screens here run at 2560 x 1440, and a mid range graphics card can reach high frame rates at this resolution with sensible settings.

A 1080p screen would look softer on a 27 inch panel, while a 4K screen needs a far stronger graphics card and costs far more than this tier. If you sit very close to the screen or you edit photos for a living, a larger 4K screen may suit you better, but for games at this budget, 1440p at 27 inch is the right call.

Do I need a curved screen for gaming at 27 inch

No, a curved screen is not needed for gaming at 27 inch, because seven of the eight models here are flat and play just as well, while the curved Samsung suits buyers who want immersion. The 1000R curve on the Samsung Odyssey G5 G55C wraps the image around the viewer, which suits single player games and movies in a dim room.

A flat screen suits shared viewing, work, and competitive play, because the image stays true from the side and the stand takes less desk depth. If you want immersion above all else, pick the curved Samsung, but if you share the screen or play competitively, pick one of the flat IPS models instead.

Conclusion

Choose the LG 27GP850-B for the widest color, the MSI G274QPF for the fastest 170Hz panel, the Dell S2721DGF for a safe all round pick, the Gigabyte M27Q for a two computer KVM desk, the ASUS VG27AQ for ELMB Sync, the Samsung G5 G55C for curved immersion, the Gigabyte G27Q for plain value, or the Acer XV272U Vbmiiprx for a 170Hz overclock.