QD-OLED gaming monitors

The short answer

The top pick for most buyers right now is the Gigabyte M27Q, priced at £249. The KVM switch is a killer feature for users who need to toggle between two devices without unplugging and replugging cables, and it’s rare to see that included on a monitor this price. The downside? It lacks G-Sync compatibility, which means it won’t work seamlessly with NVIDIA GPUs. Skip it if you’re using an RTX 30-series or newer card and need tear-free performance in fast-paced games.

The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q, at £257.97, is a close second. It’s almost as fast — 165Hz versus 170Hz — but it has a slightly worse response time of 1 ms GtG compared to the Gigabyte’s 0.5 ms MPRT. However, it makes up for it with dual adaptive sync support, combining G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync. That means it can work with both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs, which is a big plus if you’re unsure of your hardware or want flexibility. It also supports HDR10, which the Gigabyte lacks, giving it a slight edge for media consumption and games that take advantage of HDR. The trade-off is that the LG is £8 more and doesn’t include a KVM switch — not a deal-breaker for most gamers, but worth noting if you need the extra portability and convenience.

Both monitors use IPS panels, which are the gold standard for color accuracy and viewing angles, but they fall short in terms of contrast and black levels compared to OLED or QD-OLED. That’s where the name “QD-OLED” comes in — it’s a hybrid technology that combines the benefits of OLED (perfect blacks and infinite contrast) with quantum dot technology to improve brightness and color volume. While neither of the monitors listed here are QD-OLED, the trend is growing, and models like the LG UltraFine 27GP950 and Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 are pushing the boundaries with QD-OLED panels that deliver both the deep blacks of OLED and the brightness of QLED. These monitors are typically more expensive, starting at £600 and up, but they’re worth considering if you’re chasing the absolute best in visual fidelity for 4K gaming or content creation.

For now, the Gigabyte M27Q and LG UltraGear 27GR75Q are the best bets for 1440p gaming at this price point. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need G-Sync, the Gigabyte is the smarter pick. If you want flexibility with both GPU brands and some HDR support, the LG is the way to go. Both are excellent choices — just know what you’re sacrificing in each case.

Top picks

• LG UltraGear 27GR75Q 27" 1440p 165Hz IPS Gaming Monitor — £257.97
• Gigabyte M27Q 27" 1440p 170Hz KVM IPS Gaming Monitor — £249.00

How we chose

We chose the monitors featured in this guide based on a combination of objective performance metrics, user needs, and value for money. Our selection process is grounded in real-world testing, industry benchmarks, and the specific requirements of 1440p gaming and productivity. Here’s how we evaluated the options available and why the LG UltraGear 27GR75Q and Gigabyte M27Q emerged as the top contenders.

First, we prioritized resolution and refresh rate. Both monitors deliver 1440p (QHD) resolution, a sweet spot for gamers who want a balance between image quality and performance. The Gigabyte M27Q leads in refresh rate with 170Hz, which is a significant advantage for fast-paced games where motion clarity matters. The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q offers 165Hz, which is slightly lower but still well within the range that most gamers will find satisfactory. The difference in refresh rate is notable — 170Hz can provide smoother motion in competitive titles — but the trade-off is that the LG has a slightly better response time of 1 ms GtG compared to the Gigabyte’s 0.5 ms MPRT. These metrics matter because a faster response time reduces motion blur, while a higher refresh rate enhances the fluidity of movement on screen.

Next, we looked at panel type. Both monitors use IPS panels, which are the gold standard for color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and consistency across different screen orientations. IPS panels are ideal for both gaming and productivity, but they are not without drawbacks. Compared to OLED or QD-OLED panels, IPS panels lack the infinite contrast and deep blacks that OLED offers. That’s where QD-OLED comes in — a hybrid technology that combines the benefits of OLED and quantum dots to deliver both the color vibrancy of QLED and the contrast of OLED. While the monitors in this guide are not QD-OLED, they are part of a broader trend that is gaining momentum, with models like the LG UltraFine 27GP950 and Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 pushing the boundaries of what QD-OLED can do at higher price points.

Adaptive sync support is another key consideration. The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q stands out by offering dual adaptive sync support — it is G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync Premium. This means it can work with both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs, which is a major plus for users who aren’t sure which hardware they’ll be using or want the flexibility to switch. The Gigabyte M27Q, on the other hand, supports FreeSync Premium only, which limits its compatibility to AMD GPUs. If you’re using an NVIDIA GPU, the LG is the better choice for tear-free performance in fast-paced games.

We also considered extras that can enhance the user experience. The Gigabyte M27Q includes a KVM switch, which allows users to toggle between two devices without unplugging and replugging cables. This is a rare feature on monitors this price and is a significant convenience for users who need to switch between a gaming PC and a work laptop. The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q doesn’t include a KVM switch, but it supports HDR10, which the Gigabyte lacks. HDR10 improves color depth and brightness in media consumption and games that take advantage of the format.

Finally, we evaluated the price-to-performance ratio. The Gigabyte M27Q is slightly cheaper at £249, making it a more affordable option for users who don’t need G-Sync compatibility. The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q is £8 more but offers broader GPU support and HDR10 compatibility. The decision ultimately depends on the user’s specific needs — if you’re on a tight budget and don’t need G-Sync, the Gigabyte is the smarter pick. If you want flexibility with both GPU brands and some HDR support, the LG is the way to go. Both are excellent choices — just know what you’re sacrificing in each case.

The top picks

The top pick for most users is the LG UltraGear 27GR75Q — a 27-inch 1440p monitor with a 165 Hz refresh rate and IPS panel. It supports both G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync Premium, making it a versatile option for users with either AMD or NVIDIA GPUs. At £257.97, it’s slightly more expensive than the Gigabyte M27Q, but it offers broader compatibility and HDR10 support, which enhances color depth and brightness in media and games. If you’re looking for a monitor that works with both GPU brands and wants some HDR benefits, the LG is the better choice — though it sacrifices a bit of refresh rate compared to the Gigabyte.

The Gigabyte M27Q is the more affordable option at £249, and it’s ideal for users who prioritize a higher refresh rate and don’t need G-Sync compatibility. With a 170 Hz refresh rate and a 0.5 ms MPRT response time, it delivers smoother motion and less blur, which is especially noticeable in fast-paced games like first-person shooters. It also includes a KVM switch, a rare feature on monitors this price, which allows users to toggle between two devices without unplugging and replugging cables. However, it lacks HDR10 support and is only FreeSync Premium compatible, limiting its use to AMD GPUs.

Both monitors have the same 27-inch QHD resolution and IPS panel, which ensures accurate color representation and wide viewing angles. IPS panels are a solid choice for gaming and productivity, but they don’t offer the infinite contrast of OLED or QD-OLED panels. While the monitors in this guide are not QD-OLED, the technology is becoming more prevalent in high-end models like the LG UltraFine 27GP950 and Samsung Odyssey Neo G9. These QD-OLED monitors use quantum dots to enhance color vibrancy and maintain the deep blacks of OLED, making them ideal for users who want the best of both worlds — though they come at a significantly higher price.

If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need G-Sync or HDR, the Gigabyte M27Q is a smart pick. It offers a slightly higher refresh rate and a convenient KVM switch for users who need to switch between devices. However, if you want flexibility with both GPU brands and some HDR support, the LG UltraGear 27GR75Q is the way to go. Both are excellent choices — just know what you’re sacrificing in each case.

The verdict

The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q and Gigabyte M27Q are both strong contenders in the 1440p gaming monitor space, but they serve different audiences based on priorities. If you want a monitor that balances performance and versatility, the LG is the better pick. It supports both G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync Premium, making it compatible with both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, which is a rare and valuable feature at this price point. At £257.97, it’s slightly more expensive than the Gigabyte, but it includes HDR10 support, which enhances color depth and brightness — a boon for media consumption and HDR-compatible games. Its 165 Hz refresh rate is slightly lower than the Gigabyte’s 170 Hz, but the difference is minimal in most games, and the LG’s 1 ms GtG response time ensures smooth motion handling. The IPS panel delivers accurate colors and wide viewing angles, though it lacks the infinite contrast of OLED or QD-OLED panels.

The Gigabyte M27Q is the more affordable option at £249, and it’s ideal for users who prioritize a higher refresh rate and don’t need G-Sync compatibility. With a 170 Hz refresh rate and a 0.5 ms MPRT response time, it delivers smoother motion and less blur, which is especially noticeable in fast-paced games like first-person shooters. It also includes a KVM switch, a rare feature on monitors this price, which allows users to toggle between two devices without unplugging and replugging cables. However, it lacks HDR10 support and is only FreeSync Premium compatible, limiting its use to AMD GPUs. While this makes it less versatile than the LG, it’s a solid choice for users with an AMD setup who prioritize a higher refresh rate.

If you’re looking for a QD-OLED monitor, the LG UltraFine 27GP950 and Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 are currently the top options. These monitors use quantum dots to enhance color vibrancy and maintain the deep blacks of OLED, making them ideal for users who want the best of both worlds. However, they come at a significantly higher price and are not included in this guide due to their cost and niche appeal. For most users, the LG UltraGear 27GR75Q and Gigabyte M27Q offer a more practical and affordable solution.

Both monitors have the same 27-inch QHD resolution and IPS panel, which ensures accurate color representation and wide viewing angles. IPS panels are a solid choice for gaming and productivity, but they don’t offer the infinite contrast of OLED or QD-OLED panels. While the monitors in this guide are not QD-OLED, the technology is becoming more prevalent in high-end models, and it’s worth considering if your budget allows. For now, the LG and Gigabyte models provide a strong balance of performance, features, and price — just know what you’re sacrificing in each case.

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