Your precise needs are a key consideration when shopping for a monitor. If you’re largely 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. No matter what you’re looking for, our collection of the best 27-inch LCD monitors has you covered. 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, too, 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 it 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 The Dell S2721H is perhaps the best bargain on the market today when it comes to 27 inch monitors. Not only is this a beautiful IPS panel, but one that 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, then 1080p is far less taxing on your hardware. Additionally, 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 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 that 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 This is a curved display, but the curve is minor and doesn’t significantly impact gaming. The S2721HGF lacks cosmetic features, such as RGB lighting, found on some alternatives. The included stand adjusts for height and tilt but lacks 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 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 The stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. The monitor works as a USB-C hub and can provide up to 90 watts 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 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 Laptops that have 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. Its 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 Matthew S. Smith is a technology journalist and product reviewer with nearly 15 years of experience. He’s tested over 600 monitors or laptop displays since 2010 and has a record of objective testing results that goes back a decade.
What to Look for in a 27-Inch LCD Monitor
Resolution
In a 27 inch monitor, 1920 x 1080 is perfectly acceptable, but not particularly outstanding. For gaming, stepping down to 1080p for a higher refresh rate is a good tradeoff. 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 great if you can afford it. If you’re planning to play games at 4K, make sure your PC is capable of it.
Bezel Size
A good way to reduce the footprint of a monitor on your desk is to look for one with a slim bezel. Reducing the size of the bezel 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, which is a more powerful and modern connection. Some displays include older ports such as VGA as well, which can be useful. Other extras to look for include AUX audio and USB passthrough.
