The Best Gaming Monitors 27″ Reviewed

When it comes to getting an awesome gaming rig, or even a regular” computer that we plan on using for gaming, most often we’re looking at the hardware specs of the machine, if it can be overclocked and how well it is going to hold up after long gaming sessions etc.

Rarely if ever are we looking at the monitor in order to get the best gaming monitors for our money.

But isn’t the screen as important as the rig is? Or maybe even more important?

I mean what good is having the fastest gaming desktop in the world if you only have a tiny 13″ screen to play on? Isn’t an incredibly crisp large screen a heck of a lot better to play on?

If not, then why even have a graphics card?

So for me, having an equally awesome monitor is VERY important. The larger, crisper picture the better!

And stop thinking that you can always upgrade later. You’re cheating yourself. If you’re going to buy or build something amazing, then do it right.

Get the best gaming monitor you can afford! You’ll appreciate the rig a LOT more, I promise!

And the best part of getting a superior monitor right from the beginning is that once you have something that is quality, it is not like a motherboard that’ll need replacing in a year or two with something faster.

The best gaming monitors I will review below should last you years of serious gaming time.

So if you are not up to date using the best 27-inch gaming monitor, now is the time to begin your search for an upgrade so that you can get the most out of your system.

The below monitors are products that I own or have owned. So I feel pretty confident that I can “speak” about how they perform.

So let’s get on with it…here are my reviews of the best 27-inch gaming monitors you can buy in 2020…

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

Best Gaming Monitors List

Main specifications we are looking at

• Panel & Backlight Type
• Resolution & Refresh
• Color Depth & Gamut
• Response Time
• Brightness
• 3D Enabled
• G-Sync Enabled
• Video Inputs

Asus ROG swift

• TN, W-LED
• 2560×1440 (1440pp) @ 144hz
• 8-bit / sRGB
• 1ms
• 350 cd/m2
• YES
• YES
• Display Port
• Asus ROG swift

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

Acer 4K2K

• TN, W-LED
• 3840×2160 (4k) @ 60hz
• 8-bit / sRGB
• 1ms
• 300 cd/m2
• NO
• YES
• Display Port

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

Dell U2713HM

• IPS Widescreen
• 2560×1440 (1440p) @ 60hz
• 8-bit / sRGB
• 8ms
• 350 cd/m2
• NO
• NO
• 1x Analogue, 1x DVI-D, 1x HDMI, 1x Displayport

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

Best Gaming Monitors Advancements

The most important monitor advancement to look for when buying a gaming monitor in 2019 is G-Sync technology. This feature is currently available with the Asus ROG Swift PG278Q G-Sync gaming monitor with other models being released soon.

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

Why Should I Upgrade?

You may be happy with your current 1080p setup and feel like there is no need to upgrade your monitor.

However a lot has changed with gaming systems over the years and if you have recently upgraded your PC, yet have decided to keep your old monitor, you need to learn more about what has changed and what hasn’t over the past several years.

While 1080p monitors have been the go-to model ever since around 2015-2016, the technology behind these high-resolution devices has changed and changed again many times since then.

The engines driving these amped-up CPUs have become more power efficient and offer a variety of upgraded features that would make your gaming experience much better if you had a newer monitor.

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

What has changed in the world of PC gaming?

Here are just a few of the PC gaming upgrades that have occurred over the years and how they contribute to your need for a new 27-inch gaming monitor. We will cover these topics after the mini-reviews.

• G Sync Monitors
• IPS Gaming Display
• Resolution
• Refresh Rates
• Response Times
• Color Gamut
• Brightness and Contrast
• Connectivity
• Backlighting
• Bezel Thickness
• Size and Standard
• 3D Gaming

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

The Best 27 Inch Budget Gaming Monitors

Asus 27” TRUE 3D Widescreen

This widescreen monitor features full HD support with 1920 x 1080 max resolution and flicker-free 3D images with Nvidia 3D Vision 2.

It has an ergonomic design that features swivel, tilt, and height adjustments so that you can get the best possible view.

It has a 16.7 million color display which makes it an excellent choice for gamers, and it has a response time of 2ms.

It also features an LED backlight and is 3D ready. Connections for this 27 in widescreen gaming monitor include HDMI, D-Sub, Dual-link, and DVI-D.

[wps_accordion style=”standard”][wps_accordion_item title=’Panel & Backlight Type’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] TN, W-LED[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’Resolution & Refresh’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]1920×1080 (1080p) @ 144hz[/wps_accordion_item]

[wps_accordion_item title=’Color Depth & Gamut’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] 8-bit / sRGB[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’Response Time’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]2ms[/wps_accordion_item]

[wps_accordion_item title=’Brightness’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] 300 cd/[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’3D Enabled’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]YES[/wps_accordion_item]

[wps_accordion_item title=’G-Sync Enabled’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] NO[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’Video Inputs’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]HDMI D-Sub Dual-Link DVI-D[/wps_accordion_item]

[/wps_accordion]

Enjoy ultra-smooth action with 144Hz rapid refresh rate and vivid color performance thanks to Splendid Video Intelligence Technology.

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

The Best 27-Inch Overall Gaming Monitor for 2020

Asus PG278Q ROG Swift

The Asus ROG Swift is the ideal monitor for gamers.

It features an incredible 144Hz refresh rate and rapid response time of 1 ms.

It is the first monitor to feature Nvidia G-Sync technology that synchronizes the display’s refresh rate to the GPU.

Connectivity is simple with this machine, and it includes all the latest ports and connections including a dual USB 3.0 ports.

[wps_accordion style=”standard”][wps_accordion_item title=’Panel & Backlight Type’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] TN, W-LED[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’Resolution & Refresh’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]1920×1080 (1080p) @ 144hz[/wps_accordion_item]

[wps_accordion_item title=’Color Depth & Gamut’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] 8-bit / sRGB[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’Response Time’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]2ms[/wps_accordion_item]

[wps_accordion_item title=’Brightness’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] 300 cd/[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’3D Enabled’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]YES[/wps_accordion_item]

[wps_accordion_item title=’G-Sync Enabled’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] NO[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’Video Inputs’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]HDMI D-Sub Dual-Link DVI-D[/wps_accordion_item]

[/wps_accordion]

The GamePlus technology enhances your gaming experience making this the perfect monitor for FPS games as well as RTS/MOBA games like Max Payne.

It features a super-narrow 6mm bezel that can easily be used in multi-display gaming setups and with the VESA mount capability, you can play comfortably for hours on end.

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

Acer Nitro VG270K

The Acer XB280HK is the world’s first 4k2k display to feature Nvidia’s G-Sync technology.

It provides stunning, ultra-smooth graphics and rich color for an outstanding gaming experience.

The spacious 28-inch LED-backlit display with 4k2k Ultra HD resolution offers you four times the resolution of standard 1080p devices.

Objects look sharp and more vibrant while game play improves completely.

[wps_accordion style=”standard”][wps_accordion_item title=’Panel & Backlight Type’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] TN, W-LED[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’Resolution & Refresh’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]1920×1080 (1080p) @ 144hz[/wps_accordion_item]

[wps_accordion_item title=’Color Depth & Gamut’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] 8-bit / sRGB[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’Response Time’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]2ms[/wps_accordion_item]

[wps_accordion_item title=’Brightness’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] 300 cd/[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’3D Enabled’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]YES[/wps_accordion_item]

[wps_accordion_item title=’G-Sync Enabled’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] NO[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’Video Inputs’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]HDMI D-Sub Dual-Link DVI-D[/wps_accordion_item]

[/wps_accordion]

Enjoy 170/170 viewing angles that provide brilliant images which can be seen from any angle.

The Acer XB280HK is made from eco-friendly post-consumer recycled plastic materials and a distinctive base that allows the screen to tilt from -5 degrees to 35 degrees.

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

The Best 27-inch Gaming Monitor for Professionals

Dell UltraSharp Monitor

The IPS panel Dell UltraSharp monitor features a high-end 2560 x 1440 resolution display that will offer you an amazing view while gaming.

Ideal for professional use as well, this monitor includes a DVI port, DisplayPort, VGA, and HDMI connectors.

There is also a USB 3.0 hub with one upstream and four downstream ports. It features a thin, matte black bezel and a non-glare screen which makes it perfect for multi-screen setups.

[wps_accordion style=”standard”][wps_accordion_item title=’Panel & Backlight Type’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] TN, W-LED[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’Resolution & Refresh’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]1920×1080 (1080p) @ 144hz[/wps_accordion_item]

[wps_accordion_item title=’Color Depth & Gamut’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] 8-bit / sRGB[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’Response Time’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]2ms[/wps_accordion_item]

[wps_accordion_item title=’Brightness’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] 300 cd/[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’3D Enabled’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]YES[/wps_accordion_item]

[wps_accordion_item title=’G-Sync Enabled’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ] NO[/wps_accordion_item][wps_accordion_item title=’Video Inputs’ open=’no’ icon=’plus’ ]HDMI D-Sub Dual-Link DVI-D[/wps_accordion_item]

[/wps_accordion]

Other features include height adjustment, tilt, swivel and pivot in portrait mode.

This is an affordable monitor that provides high-resolution graphics and may be used for gaming or non-gaming PC tasks.

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

Information on Input Lag

You may be new to gaming and not understand what input lag actually is.

Simply put, if you are playing a first-person shooter game, for example, it is imperative for the mouse or keyboard to communicate instantly when you want to turn left or right.

If you have poor input lag, there is a small delay between moving your mouse and the action showing up on the screen.

This split-second delay can make a huge difference in your gameplay, and can be extremely frustrating. Just try playing games like Boom Beach with drag, you will NOT last long!

G-Sync is a hardware-based engine that communicates using a controller on the graphics card, and the controller on the monitor itself.

If you have an older model monitor, more than likely it will not have this controller already installed.

Currently, the Asus ROG Swift is the only 27-inch gaming monitor on the market that will support this type of technology.

However, more companies are coming out with G-Sync enabled monitors to provide more players with access to this technology.

NVIDIA G-SYNC is a groundbreaking new display technology that delivers the smoothest and fastest gaming experience ever. G-SYNC’s

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

Why Resolution Matters

Most PC games these days are designed to work best in 16:9 format.

Chances are if you are still using a monitor from around 2015, you are still using the older 16:10 format.

Anything that was purchased prior to 2004 provides 4:3 format. Resolution is very important in today’s modernized games.

The higher the resolution that your monitor provides, the less filtering is required.

Filters can reduce your FPS and overall distort your view as you are playing.

The higher the resolution, the more you will be able to appreciate the amazing graphics featured on the games you play.

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

The Refresh Rate

A monitor’s refresh rate is the time that it takes for the screen to refresh the display. Monitors that have a 60hz refresh rate are able to refresh 60 times per second.

The higher that the refresh rate is, the better your gameplay will be.

Today’s modern PC games are typically able to push far past 60hz per second, therefore if you still have an older monitor, all the power-packed in your upgraded PC will be wasted since your monitor can not display anything over 60 fps.

Best gaming monitors are able to push easily anywhere from 120hz up to 144hz.

In order to get the most out of your gaming experience, you will need to avoid all 60hz monitors that are on the market.

Keep in mind that as your monitor resolution increases, so does the bandwidth required to push the refresh rate.

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

The Color Gamut

If you are only using your PC for games, then this feature is not as important as the others, however, if you are using your machine for professional use then you will need to learn more about the color gamut.

This is a term that is used for color reproduction.

For those who are into Adobe photoshop and image editing, the color gamut is critical.

You will want to work with something that is as close to the printed output image as possible.

Monitors that include this feature are often in the IPS category. An IPS Gaming Display can offer 10+ billion colors or 10 bit depth.

Most gaming monitors will rely on TN panel technology which offers up to 4 billion colors on the latest models.

The upside of this lower color reproduction is that they typically feature the must-have 1ms response time.

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

The Pros and Cons of TN and IPS Technology

Twisted Nematic film panels are the most common types of monitors that are available on the market.

They were featured in the very first LCD and LED monitors and included many advantages.

Pros

• They are less expensive to produce
• Wide viewing angles
• Response tie of modern variants are much better
• 10-bit color panels are available
• They have very fast response times
• They can operate at refresh rates over 120hz

Cons

• Most have restrictive view angles
• No support available for 120hz refresh rates
• Response times still slower than TN Tech
• The image will fade dramatically particularly in the vertical viewing position
• Limited color gamut range
• Can create unwanted movie noise (or a rigid gradient)

IPS or In-plane switching, also known as Super TFT is a technology that was developed in 1996 by Hitachi, however, it was not made available to the public until several years later. IPS is available in different variants and has improved greatly over time.

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

Bezel Thickness

While the bezel thickness (the frame around the screen) may not seem to be the most important aspect, many gamers and professionals use multi-monitor setups these days and the bezel thickness can have an impact when you want your monitor’s side by side.

Today’s models offer monitor bezels at a thickness of less than one inch. If this is something that interests you, you will want to look for a gaming monitor that has a thin bezel.

 

Size and Standard of your Monitor

If you are still using the old VGA cables to connect your monitor to your PC then you are limiting your overall viewing capacity to a resolution that is restricted to 1080p at 60hz, or 1440p t 30hz.

Today’s gaming monitors have been optimized to display port connectivity while others soon to be released will have HDMI 2.0 capabilities.

Most newer PCs will still offer VGA, DVI and HDMI while newer systems will include a display port, Thunderbolt, or HDMI 2.0.

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

Monitor Stands

Monitor stands come in all shapes, sizes and costs. There are single, dual and even triple stands. The best dual monitor stand or triple stands are manufactured by Mount-It! the company, which has over 500 different stands and mounts specifically for gamers and monitors.

[wps_spacer size=”30″]

Conclusion

Gaming is all about having fun and you want to experience that WOW factor with each game that you play.

Having the best gaming monitors is something you have to consider.

Therefore, if you are going to upgrade your system, you need to take full advantage of today’s current technological advancements.

When you purchase a new monitor, consider many of the same aspects that you would when buying a new HDTV.

You don’t want a standard television mixed in with all your other high tech devices such as a Blu-Ray player or gaming console.

You would consider all the features before making a final commitment, and the same thorough analysis should be made when it comes to buying a new monitor for your gaming PC.

Leave us a comment here at Balloon Boy Game and let us know YOUR favorite best gaming monitors.