QHD (2560×1440) at 27 inches is the resolution that hits every sweet spot simultaneously. It’s sharp enough that you can read fine text and appreciate detailed game textures without display scaling. It’s GPU-accessible enough that mid-range hardware can push genuine gaming frame rates. And it’s affordable enough that you don’t have to sacrifice features - high refresh rates, adaptive sync, and color accuracy are all available at 1440p without the price premium of 4K.
A curved 1440p monitor adds immersion to this already strong foundation. These five picks span from budget 75 Hz productivity options to high-refresh 165 Hz gaming monitors, covering every type of user who benefits from QHD resolution in 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Size | Resolution | Refresh | Panel | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell S2722DGM | 27” | QHD 2560×1440 | 165 Hz | VA | 4.7/5 |
| ASUS TUF VG27WQ | 27” | WQHD 2560×1440 | 165 Hz | VA | 4.7/5 |
| LG 27QN600-B | 27” | QHD 2560×1440 | 75 Hz | IPS | 4.4/5 |
| MSI Optix G27C4Q | 27” | QHD 2560×1440 | 144 Hz | VA | 4.5/5 |
| Gigabyte G27QC | 27” | QHD 2560×1440 | 165 Hz | VA | 4.6/5 |
1. Dell S2722DGM - Best Overall Curved QHD Monitor
The Dell S2722DGM is the curved QHD monitor that most people should buy. Its 27-inch VA panel at 2560×1440 runs at 165 Hz with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro - one of the higher adaptive sync certifications, requiring variable refresh from the monitor’s minimum rate all the way to 165 Hz with consistent performance. The 1800R curvature is comfortable for both gaming and productivity, and Dell’s build quality delivers a sturdy stand with height, tilt, and swivel adjustment rarely found at this price. At QHD and 165 Hz, it’s compatible with mid-range and high-end GPUs alike, making it broadly future-proof.
Pros: 165 Hz QHD, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, full ergonomic stand, Dell build quality, wide GPU compatibility. Cons: VA panel not ideal for color-critical creative work, no USB-C connectivity, HDR support is basic.
2. ASUS TUF VG27WQ - Best for Demanding Gamers
ASUS’s TUF VG27WQ is a step up from the Dell S2722DGM in gaming-specific features. The same 27-inch WQHD 1440p VA panel at 165 Hz is enhanced with ASUS’s Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology, which strobes the backlight in sync with the display’s refresh cycle to further sharpen moving images in fast-paced titles. Shadow Boost lifts gamma in dark game areas to reveal enemy positions and environmental details that would otherwise be lost. DisplayHDR 400 certification adds measurable brightness headroom for HDR-enabled games. The TUF three-year warranty is a meaningful differentiator for buyers who plan to keep the monitor for years.
Pros: ELMB motion blur reduction, Shadow Boost dark area enhancement, DisplayHDR 400, 165 Hz, TUF three-year warranty. Cons: No USB-C, stand adjustment not as full as Dell S2722DGM, similar VA limitations for color work.
3. LG 27QN600-B - Best Budget QHD for Productivity
LG’s 27QN600-B takes a different approach - IPS panel technology at 75 Hz for users who prioritize color accuracy and viewing angle consistency over raw refresh rate. At QHD on a 27-inch IPS panel, colors are accurate, consistent across wide viewing angles, and well-suited to home office tasks, document editing, photo review, and video calls. AMD FreeSync makes the 75 Hz range tear-free for casual gaming. The HDR10 mode adds brightness in supported content, and the nearly borderless design looks clean in multi-monitor arrangements. For buyers who want 1440p sharpness without paying for gaming-grade specs they won’t use, this is the honest recommendation.
Pros: IPS color accuracy, QHD 1440p sharpness, budget-friendly, AMD FreeSync, near-borderless design, wide viewing angles. Cons: Only 75 Hz - not suitable for competitive gaming, stand is tilt-only, no USB-C or advanced connectivity.
4. MSI Optix G27C4Q - Best Mid-Range 144Hz QHD Curved
The MSI Optix G27C4Q sits at the 144 Hz mark, offering a meaningful step above 75 Hz without the premium of 165 Hz models. Its 27-inch VA panel at QHD 1440p with 1ms response time and AMD FreeSync Premium delivers smooth adaptive gaming across the full range. MSI’s Night Vision mode enhances dark scene visibility, and the Gaming OSD app on Windows allows full monitor control without physical button navigation. The 1500R curvature is more aggressive than typical productivity monitors, making it better suited to dedicated gaming setups than shared work-and-play desks. Build quality is solid for the price, with a clean RGB-free design.
Pros: 144 Hz QHD at competitive pricing, Night Vision dark scene boost, Gaming OSD app, AMD FreeSync Premium, clean no-RGB design. Cons: 1500R aggressive curve not ideal for productivity, tilt-only stand, no USB-C.
5. Gigabyte G27QC - Best Value 165Hz QHD Curved
Gigabyte’s G27QC delivers the maximum gaming refresh rate - 165 Hz - at QHD resolution for a price that competes directly with 144 Hz alternatives. The 27-inch VA panel at 2560×1440 includes AMD FreeSync Premium, 1 ms response time, and Gigabyte’s OSD Sidekick desktop software for in-Windows monitor adjustments. The 1500R curvature creates strong immersion for gaming sessions. Display preset modes for FPS, RTS, and RPG genres apply optimized brightness and contrast profiles automatically. For buyers who want the best frame rate value at 1440p without compromising on core specs, the G27QC consistently over-delivers.
Pros: 165 Hz QHD at value pricing, AMD FreeSync Premium, OSD Sidekick software, genre display presets, 1 ms response. Cons: Tilt-only stand, no USB-C, 1500R aggressive curve limits productivity use, no HDR certification.
What to Look For
Refresh rate vs. use case drives the decision here. 75 Hz IPS is ideal if your work is primarily productivity-driven with casual gaming on the side. 144 Hz VA is the standard for regular gaming use at 1440p. 165 Hz VA gives you the maximum value gaming spec - worth paying for if you game multiple hours per week.
VA vs. IPS at QHD comes down to primary use. VA panels deliver deeper contrast and better dark scene performance for gaming. IPS panels offer wider viewing angles, faster pixel transitions, and more consistent color across the screen - better for shared-screen productivity, photo review, and creative work.
Curvature radius affects comfort over long sessions. 1800R-2000R is universally comfortable for both gaming and desk work. 1500R-1000R creates strong immersion for dedicated gaming setups but can cause edge distortion during productivity tasks. Check your primary use before choosing an aggressive curve.
Adaptive sync certification level matters if you switch between AMD and NVIDIA GPUs. FreeSync Premium and FreeSync Premium Pro certifications work with NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible mode, so either brand benefits. G-Sync modules (not compatible) are exclusive to NVIDIA and typically add significant cost.
Final Thoughts
The Dell S2722DGM is the most balanced curved QHD monitor for the widest range of buyers - full ergonomic stand, 165 Hz, and Dell build quality at a price that’s genuinely hard to argue with. Pure gamers who want every feature should step up to the ASUS TUF VG27WQ. Productivity users who occasionally game will be well served by the LG 27QN600-B’s IPS accuracy at 75 Hz.
Frequently asked questions
What GPU do I need to run a QHD 1440p curved monitor at 144Hz or higher?+
For competitive and esports titles at QHD 1440p, a mid-range GPU like an RTX 4060 Ti or RX 7700 XT can hit 144+ FPS consistently. For demanding open-world games at maximum settings, an RTX 4070 or RX 7800 XT is more appropriate. QHD is significantly less demanding than 4K, making it the ideal high-quality gaming resolution for mid-tier hardware.
What is QHD and how does it differ from 4K?+
QHD (Quad HD) refers to 2560×1440 resolution, also called 1440p or WQHD. It contains four times the pixels of 720p HD and roughly 78% as many pixels as 4K UHD (3840×2160). On a 27-inch monitor, QHD delivers noticeably sharper text and images than FHD 1080p without requiring the GPU power or higher cost of 4K.
Is 75Hz enough for a QHD curved monitor, or should I buy 144Hz minimum?+
75 Hz is perfectly adequate for office work, photo editing, and casual gaming where you're not chasing high frame rates. For gaming specifically, 144 Hz makes a very visible difference in motion smoothness and perceived responsiveness. If your primary use is work with occasional gaming, 75 Hz saves money. If gaming is a significant use case, 144 Hz is the minimum worth buying.