The 27-inch monitor size has dominated gaming desk setups for years, and for good reason. It’s big enough to feel genuinely immersive, small enough that your eyes don’t have to travel to keep up with the action. Pair that size with a curved panel and a fast refresh rate and you have a monitor that works brilliantly for everything from competitive shooters to open-world adventures. These are the five best 27-inch curved gaming monitors on the market right now.
Quick Comparison
| Monitor | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Panel | Sync |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS TUF VG27AQ1A | 1440p | 170Hz | IPS | G-Sync Compatible |
| MSI Optix MAG273R2 | 1080p | 165Hz | IPS | FreeSync |
| Gigabyte G27QC | 1440p | 165Hz | VA | FreeSync |
| Acer Predator XB273GX | 1080p | 270Hz | IPS | G-Sync |
| Dell S2722DGM | 1440p | 165Hz | VA | FreeSync |
1. ASUS TUF VG27AQ1A (27”, 1440p IPS, 170Hz)
ASUS’s TUF Gaming line has always represented excellent value, and the VG27AQ1A is a standout example. The IPS panel delivers accurate colors and wide viewing angles, while 1440p at 27” hits the sharpness sweet spot. G-Sync Compatible certification means it works cleanly with NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, and the 170Hz refresh rate is a notch above many competitors at the same price.
Pros:
- 1440p IPS panel is sharp, accurate, and vibrant
- 170Hz is fast enough for most competitive gaming
- ELMB-Sync blur reduction works simultaneously with variable sync
Cons:
- IPS glow visible in dark room gaming
- Stand could be more robust at this price
2. MSI Optix MAG273R2 (27”, 1080p IPS, 165Hz)
For gamers who want maximum frame rates without taxing their GPU, the MAG273R2 makes a practical case for 1080p at 27”. The IPS panel punches above its price with accurate sRGB coverage, and 165Hz feels genuinely smooth whether you’re on a mid-range GPU or a flagship card. MSI includes a fully adjustable stand that you’d expect to pay more for.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly without sacrificing panel quality
- 165Hz IPS is fast and consistent for competitive play
- Full ergonomic stand with height, tilt, swivel, and pivot
Cons:
- 1080p at 27” is noticeably soft compared to 1440p
- No USB-C display input
3. Gigabyte G27QC (27”, 1440p VA, 165Hz)
Gigabyte’s G27QC is a budget champion for gamers who want 1440p without spending flagship money. The VA panel delivers contrast ratios that IPS panels can’t touch, making dark scenes in story games look genuinely dramatic. At 165Hz it’s plenty fast for casual competitive play, and the 1500R curve feels natural at 27 inches.
Pros:
- 1440p resolution at a very accessible price point
- VA contrast makes dark scenes look stunning
- 1500R curve is comfortable for extended sessions
Cons:
- VA panels have slower pixel response, slight ghosting in fast scenes
- Color accuracy not as strong as IPS options
4. Acer Predator XB273GX (27”, 1080p IPS, 270Hz)
Acer’s Predator line is built for competitive players and the XB273GX makes its priorities clear: raw speed. Native G-Sync at 270Hz is about as fast as a 27” panel gets, and the IPS panel keeps response times sharp. If you play FPS games at a level where frame-time consistency matters, this monitor removes refresh rate from the equation entirely.
Pros:
- Native G-Sync module for the most consistent variable refresh experience
- 270Hz is exceptional for competitive FPS play
- Fast IPS response times with minimal overdrive artifacts
Cons:
- 1080p at 27” looks soft next to 1440p alternatives
- Premium pricing reflects the G-Sync module cost
5. Dell S2722DGM (27”, 1440p VA, 165Hz)
Dell’s S2722DGM brings the brand’s reputation for build consistency and panel quality to the budget 1440p category. The 1500R curved VA panel has a measured, clean look - no RGB, no aggressive styling - that fits professional home office setups as well as gaming desks. Dell’s warranty and dead-pixel policy are standout advantages over off-brand alternatives.
Pros:
- Clean, professional design works outside pure gaming contexts
- 1440p VA panel delivers excellent contrast for the price
- Dell’s warranty and after-sales support are industry-leading
Cons:
- 165Hz is adequate but not exceptional for fast-paced shooters
- VA ghosting is visible in very fast motion
What to Look For
Resolution first. At 27 inches, 1440p is the right choice for most buyers. It’s sharp, GPU-friendly, and hits a sweet spot that 1080p undershoots and 4K overshoots for gaming.
Panel type trade-offs. IPS offers better colors and faster response. VA offers deeper blacks and higher contrast. Both work well at 27” - pick based on whether you prioritize color accuracy or dark room contrast.
Refresh rate vs. price. 165Hz covers most gaming scenarios. Going higher (240Hz+) has diminishing returns unless you’re a serious competitive player. Spend the budget difference on resolution or panel quality instead.
Sync technology. FreeSync Premium covers AMD and NVIDIA (as G-Sync Compatible). Only pay for native G-Sync if you specifically need the lowest possible frame-time variance for competitive play.
Final Thoughts
The ASUS TUF VG27AQ1A is the most balanced choice for most gamers: 1440p IPS at 170Hz is a combination that ages well and works for both gaming and creative work. Competitive players who prioritize frame rate over resolution should look at the Acer Predator XB273GX. Budget buyers who want 1440p and can live with VA will find the Gigabyte G27QC hard to beat for the price.
Frequently asked questions
Is 27 inches the right size for a gaming monitor?+
27 inches is widely considered the ideal gaming monitor size for most desk setups. It's large enough to feel immersive without requiring you to move your head to track on-screen action. At a typical desk distance of 60-80cm, a 27" 1440p monitor delivers excellent pixel density and image clarity.
What resolution should I get with a 27-inch curved monitor?+
1440p (WQHD, 2560x1440) is the recommended resolution for 27-inch gaming monitors. It hits the right balance of sharpness, GPU demand, and frame rate potential. 1080p at 27" starts to look soft at normal viewing distances, and 4K at 27" requires a powerful GPU to drive at high refresh rates.
How does a curved screen affect gaming at 27 inches?+
At 27 inches the curve effect is subtler than on ultrawide monitors, but it still reduces edge distortion and gives the panel a slight wrap that feels more natural than flat. Most gamers find the 1500R or 1800R curves common on 27" monitors comfortable for both gaming sessions and everyday productivity.