Best Products > Computer Components 54 54 people found this article helpful The 6 Best 27-Inch LCD Monitors of 2023 Top-rated monitors for every budget and use case By Matthew S. Smith Matthew S. Smith Twitter Writer Beloit College Matthew S. Smith has been writing about consumer tech since 2007. Formerly the Lead Editor at Digital Trends, he's also written for PC Mag, TechHive, and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 4, 2023 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Twitter University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Tweet Share Email Computer Components Monitors Keyboards Mice Cards CPU USB/USB-C Storage Laptop Bags & Backpacks Printers A 27-inch monitor hits the sweet spot. Smaller monitors get quickly cluttered, while larger displays can be too bulky and expensive. If you're primarily focused on baseline productivity tasks, just about any 1080p panel will suffice, provided it has suitable adjustment options for your desktop setup. However, professional photo and video editors will want a monitor to support higher resolutions, ideally 4K. Gamers will want a monitor with attractive visuals, a high refresh rate, and a low response time. The Rundown Best Overall: Dell S2721QS at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Dell S2721H at Amazon Jump to Review Best 4K Gaming Monitor: LG 27GN950-B at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget Gaming: Dell S2721HGF at Amazon Jump to Review Best Curved: Samsung 27-inch G5 Odyssey Gaming Monitor at Amazon Jump to Review Best Audio: Dell C2722DE at Amazon Jump to Review Best QHD: ViewSonic VG2755-2K at Amazon Jump to Review in this article Expand Our Picks Our Picks What to Look for in a 27-Inch LCD Monitor FAQ Best Overall Dell S2721QS 27 4K UHD Monitor Best Buy View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dell What We Like Outstanding image quality Attractive design Sturdy adjustable stand What We Don't Like No significant negatives The Dell S2721QS sets the standard for value among 27-inch monitors, delivering a beautiful, vibrant 4K screen at a modest price. Image quality is outstanding, not just for the price, but at any cost. You could spend several times the amount on a monitor without seeing a difference in image quality. The monitor’s sharp 4K resolution is backed by accurate, eye-catching color performance and a good contrast ratio for an LCD monitor. It’s bright and has an anti-glare coat, so the monitor is enjoyable in any room. This is a sturdy, well-designed, attractive monitor. The ergonomically adjustable stand tilts, swivels, and pivots. It has a modern white exterior with a textured pattern that offers some visual flair. This monitor is a great value but doesn’t look like a budget pick. Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 3820 x 2160 | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:0 | Video Inputs: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2 Best Budget Dell S2721H 27 Inch Monitor Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dell What We Like Low cost Premium build quality AMD Freesync and 75Hz refresh rate What We Don't Like Only 1080p The Dell S2721H is perhaps the best bargain for a 27-inch monitor. Not only is this a beautiful IPS panel, but it also features a faster-than-average 75 Hz refresh rate and AMD Freesync. If you’re looking for a gaming monitor on a tight budget, the Dell S2721H is just about perfect. The only downside is that you only get 1080p resolution, but unless you’re doing detailed creative work with photos, videos, or graphic design, 1080p will work just fine. Also, if you’re trying to max out framerates on a low-budget or mini PC, 1080p is far less taxing on your hardware. The Dell S2721H comes with built-in speakers to sweeten the deal. Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Refresh Rate: 75 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 2x HDMI 1.4 Best 4K Gaming Monitor LG 27GN950-B 27-inch Gaming Monitor Amazon View On Amazon View On Adorama.com What We Like Bright, punchy 4K image Up to 144 Hz refresh rate Sturdy, attractive design What We Don't Like Extremely expensive The LG 27GN950-B is a 4K gaming monitor that pulls no punches. It has a high-refresh, 144 Hz display with excellent image quality, precise color accuracy, and a good contrast ratio for a monitor of its type. Its combination of image quality, refresh rate, and responsiveness is challenged by only a handful of alternatives, most of which are even more expensive. It’s also compatible with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia’s G-Sync. Though built for gaming, the LG 27GN950-B’s high price affords a variety of features that are helpful in day-to-day use. It has a sturdy stand can adjust for height, tilt, and pivot. A ring of RGB lights built in the rear provides some visual fun. It also has two rear USB-A ports, which are great for connecting the wired peripherals that gamers prefer. Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 3820 x 2160 | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 Best Budget Gaming Dell S2721HGF 27-inch Gaming Monitor Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Best Buy What We Like Great image quality Up to 144 Hz refresh rate Attractive design What We Don't Like Only 1920 x 1080 resolution Stand adjusts only for height and tilt The Dell S2721HGF delivers a rich, deep, vibrant image with a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz. The monitor is compatible with AMD’s FreeSync and Nvidia’s G-Sync, so you’ll enjoy smooth gameplay with a video card from either company. This monitor has a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080, which, on a 27-inch display, leads to low pixel density. You’ll notice the lack of sharpness in detail-oriented tasks. This is a curved display, but the curve is minor and doesn’t significantly impact gaming. In some alternatives, the S2721HGF lacks cosmetic features, such as RGB lighting. The included stand adjusts for height and tilt but lacks a swivel or pivot. This is better than many budget gaming monitors, and it’s also VESA compatible, so you can add a monitor arm for more options. Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: VA | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2 Best Curved Samsung 27-inch G5 Odyssey Gaming Monitor Amazon View On Amazon View On Samsung View On Staples What We Like Great image quality Aggressive, eye-catching curve 144 Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync support What We Don't Like Bulky design Stand adjusts only for tilt The Samsung G5 Odyssey has an aggressive 1000R curvature, as curved as on a 27-inch monitor. The G5 Odyssey delivers an outstanding image thanks to its high-contrast LCD panel, accurate color, and 2560 x 1440 (QHD) resolution. Because it’s built for gaming, the G5 can refresh at up to 144 Hz, providing an ultra-smooth look. It has official support only for AMD FreeSync, but Nvidia G-Sync is unofficially compatible and works well in most games. You can adjust the stand only for tilt, which is unfortunate and a bit surprising, given the G5 Odyssey’s price. It is VESA compatible, however, so you can add a monitor arm. The display has an aggressive, bulky look that won’t please everyone but is sure to stand out from the crowd. Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: VA | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2 Best Audio Dell C2722DE 27-inch Video Conferencing Monitor Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Antonline.com What We Like Dual 5-watt built-in speakers Includes webcam and microphones Good image quality What We Don't Like Expensive for its size Webcam quality is just OK The Dell C2722DE is built specifically for people who’ve shifted to remote work. It includes a pair of dual 5-watt speakers, which are louder than the speakers found in other 27-inch monitors. They also face forward, improving sound clarity. This monitor has a built-in webcam and microphone array, though the webcam’s video quality is just OK. The stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. The monitor works as a USB-C hub and can provide up to 90 watts of power delivery for charging a laptop or powering an external device. The long list of extra features doesn’t mean the screen takes a backseat. The C2722DE has an attractive, color-accurate display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution. Price is the only downside since it is a bit expensive. Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 mode Best QHD ViewSonic VG2755-2K 27-inch LED Monitor Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On B&H Photo Video What We Like Sharp QHD resolution Attractive, accurate color USB-C compatible What We Don't Like Expensive for its resolution The Viewsonic VG2755-2K is a great QHD monitor for those who want a sharp image but don't want to leap to 4K. It also has a USB-C hub that can provide up to 60 watts of power to external devices. This monitor has a simple, no-fuss design with a sturdy stand that adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. Laptops with a USB-C port with Power Delivery and DisplayPort can connect to the monitor and charge without an external power brick. The VG2755-2K is no slouch in image quality. It has a bright, highly color-accurate display with excellent sharpness. ItsIt's 2560 x 1440 resolution may not be 4K, but it's pixel-dense compared to 1080p and looks great in everyday use. Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 mode What to Look for in a 27-Inch LCD Monitor Resolution In a 27-inch monitor, 1920 x 1080 is acceptable but not outstanding. Stepping down to 1080p for a higher refresh rate is a good tradeoff for gaming. However, for creative work such as photo editing, you’ll want a display that offers at least 2160 x 1440. 4K monitors are increasingly common, and the extra resolution is excellent if you can afford it. If you plan to play games at 4K, ensure your PC is capable. What to Look For in a Gaming Monitor Bezel Size An excellent way to reduce the footprint of a monitor on your desk is to look for one with a slim bezel. Reducing the bezel size makes your screen smaller without reducing the usable screen space of the monitor. Fortunately, even inexpensive monitors now frequently feature slim bezels. Ports Most modern monitors include HDMI ports, which are almost universally compatible with computers. Look for DisplayPort on higher-end models, a more robust connection. Some displays include older ports, such as VGA, which can be helpful. Other extras to look for include AUX audio and USB passthrough. "Prioritize monitors that use HDMI 2.0 or 2.1. DisplayPort is rare and not yet worth the extra cash." — Jeremy Bongiorno, Studio Frequencies FAQ Is refresh rate or resolution more important? If you’re using a monitor primarily for gaming, your first priority should be refresh rate. The jump from a basic 60 Hz to 144Hz or more will deliver a significant improvement in your gameplay experience. On the other hand, for photographers, videographers, and graphic designers high resolution can be absolutely vital. 4K monitors are also often more color accurate, another critical factor for creators. However, if you have the money to spare, you don’t need to compromise, since high end monitors offer both high resolution and high refresh rates. Is 27 inches the best size of monitor? 27 inches is a great compromise between expensive and bulky larger monitors and cramped smaller monitors. It provides plenty of space for getting work done or for playing immersive games. However, if you have the budget, a larger display will have more screen real estate, though in some situations only a 21 inch or smaller display may be adequate. Also, if you do need more screen space you could always buy two low price 27 inch screens such as the Dell S2721H and use them in a dual monitor configuration. Are built-in speakers an important feature? Built in speakers in monitors are something that’s nice to have, but which shouldn’t be considered a deal breaker. Most built in speakers produce sub-par audio, and good headphones or desktop speakers are available for not much money and will deliver much better sound. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit