The WQHD or 1440p monitors are the perfect middle ground between regular FHD and expensive 4K gaming monitors. The best part is that you get a vibrant and vivid picture quality compared to FHD panels. More importantly, you do not need a high-end graphics card to drive the monitor, unlike 4K monitors. Win-win, we’d say.
At the same time, QHD monitors are not as expensive as their 4K counterparts, and you get decent high-performing monitors at an affordable price point.
So, if you are in the market looking for some great WQHD or 1440p gaming monitors, you have come to the right place. Below are our top recommendations for the best gaming monitors that you can buy. But before that,
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1. AOC CQ27G2 Frameless Gaming Monitor
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz | Size: 27-inch | Panel: VA
- Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x 3.5mm audio
The AOC CQ27G2 is one of the best picks for 1440p budget gaming monitors. It ticks plenty of boxes for the price. It is a curved monitor and has a subtle curvature of 1500mm. Plus, it is compatible with both Freesync and G-Sync, thus giving you the flexibility of changing the GPU without worrying about monitor compatibility in the future.
Moreover, the monitor allows the GPU to adjust the frame rate as per the ask of the game. That means you’ll see less ghosting, screen tears, and stutters.
At the same time, the 27-inch VA panel gives you just enough screen real estate to play games with ease. Perhaps, the most compelling thing about this WQHD gaming monitor is its contrast levels. And the AOC CQ27G2 delivers it without missing a beat, even though it doesn’t have HDR. If we talk numbers, you can expect around 3600:1 contrast ratio on this budget monitor.
The high contrast panel means you can play graphically oriented games like Horizon Zero Dawn on your PS4 in all its glory. Add features like a 144Hz refresh rate to the table, and you’ll get smooth gameplay on your hands. At the same time, this monitor has lower frame tears and low input lag, especially considering the price.
Last but not least, the panel can display 90% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 120% of the sRGB color gamut.
2. Acer Nitro VG271UP Pbmiipx Gaming Monitor
- Refresh rate: 144Hz | Size: 27-inch | Panel: IPS
- Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.0 Ports, 1 x Display Port
The Acer Nitro VG271UP Pbmiipx and the AOC CQ27G2 share quite a few common features. It comes with a 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync VRR support, which results in a smooth and responsive gaming experience. Plus, the IPS panel brings home a beautiful panel with decent viewing angles. More importantly, it has minimal input lag, which is a big plus.
Other than that, it has ample connectivity options. You get to choose from HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports as per your preference. However, the low price tag means you do not get USB ports.
Again, the VG271UP Pbmiipx doesn’t have an ergonomic stand. It’s small and tends to wobble at times. More importantly, the stand is pretty stiff and doesn’t allow any tilt or height adjustment.
On the upside, the VG271UP Pbmiipx comes with 100 x 100 VESA holes which lets you mount the monitor on a monitor mount. Apart from making the display more flexible, mounts also save space on your desk.
3. MSI Optix MAG27CQ Curved Gaming Monitor
- Refresh rate: 144Hz | Size: 27-inch | Panel: IPS
- Ports: 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DVI
The 27-inch MSI Optix MAG27CQ looks at every part of a gaming monitor, all thanks to its 1800R curvature and sharp design. However, it’s not just about the looks, and the MAG27CQ packs muscle power as well. It has an impressively low input lag, and the FreeSync support ensures a clean screen with minimum screen tearing.
Unlike the one above, this is a VA panel which translates into bad viewing angles. Unless you are facing the screen, the colors appear a bit washed out. On the upside, the gentle curve of the screen wraps around the vision and lets you see pretty much the whole screen without moving.
The screen dynamics are quite great. It displays 110% of the sRGB color spectrum and 85% of NTSC. So if, at times, you want to use the monitor for casual photo editing work, you can do it pretty easily.
The connectivity options are more or less similar to the ones above. There are options for DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, and legacy DVI connectors as well. The only catch is that the high refresh rate of 144Hz is only supported over DisplayPort.
4. Gigabyte G27Q Gaming Monitor
- Refresh rate: 144Hz | Size: 27-inch | Panel: IPS
- Ports: 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 2 x HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0 hub, 1 x 3.5mm audio
The Gigabyte G27Q gaming monitor cost a little more than its counterparts above, but it packs plenty of goodness. This flat-screen monitor delivers a vivid and sharp picture. It can display up to 92% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum and 120% of the sRGB color gamut. That being said, this gaming monitor delivers a fast response time and low input speed.
It has a slightly higher price tag than the ones above, but you get the advantage of an additional USB 3.0 Type-A port. This ensures that you can connect some of your accessories directly to the monitor.
At the same time, the screen delivers an excellent picture quality. And the HDR capability is the cherry on top. Do note that HDR works only over the DisplayPort. When engaged, this WQHD gaming monitor delivers gorgeous visuals in compatible games.
Like the one above, the G27Q also has a 144Hz refresh rate, and if you engage the right Overdrive mode, the odds of overshooting go down.
Like most monitors on this list, the G27Q is also compatible with AMD FreeSync Premium and G-Sync.
5. Dell S3220DGF Gaming Monitor
- Refresh rate: 165Hz | Size: 32-inch | Panel: VA
- Ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.4; 2x HDMI 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm audio,
If you are willing to spend a few bucks more, then the Dell S3220DGF is worth considering. This 32-inch monitor is designed for mainstream gaming. It boasts of a sturdy and solid build, and it’s this build that makes it unique. It has a gentle curve and features like a high refresh rate of 165Hz and FreeSync 2 HDR support.
The latter ensures that you can play HDR-10 games in all their glory. Additionally, the VA panel brings high contrast ratio and accurate color. The panel is highly responsive. Needless to say, all these translate into a panel that gives you an immersive experience when you game.
At the same time, the 165Hz refresh rate and playing eSports games is smooth and minus any stutters. Furthermore, the unofficial G-Sync compatibility ensures that you can pair it with both NVIDIA GPU and an AMD GPU.
Long story short, the Dell S3220DGF is not one of the coolest-looking monitors out there. But if you often play single-player games and want an immersive experience, this Dell monitor is worth considering.
Game Away!
Apart from the ones above, you can have a peek at the ViewSonic Elite XG270QG or the HP Omen X 27 if you are into serious gaming. The HP monitor boasts of 240Hz high refresh rate. At the same time, the panel is clear with no stuttering or blur.
Last updated on 02 February, 2022
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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