The 5 Best 1440p Monitors - April 2019
Reviews

Despite the popularity of 4k with TVs, not everyone wants a 4k monitor. That doesn't necessarily mean you should be stuck with a low-resolution 1080p screen. A resolution of 1440p (also known as Quad-HD) strikes a great balance between 1080p and 4k. For medium-sized screens, 1440p delivers enough pixel density to see more details, but it doesn't require a significantly more powerful computer for decent gaming performance.

We've reviewed 25 monitors with a 2560x1440 or 3440x1440 resolution, and below are our recommendations for the best 1440p monitors available to purchase in 2019.

1. Best 1440p Monitor: Gigabyte AD27QD

   

   Gigabyte AD27QD

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.0

   Mixed Usage

   Score components:

   • 30% Office
   • 30% Multimedia
   • 25% Gaming
   • 10% Media Creation
   • 5% HDR Gaming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.0

   Office

   Score components:

   • 16% Resolution and Size
   • 15% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 12% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 7% Ergonomics
   • 7% Reflections
   • 7% Gray Uniformity
   • 6% Input Lag
   • 5% SDR Color Gamut
   • 5% SDR Color Volume
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 4% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 4% Gradient
   • 2% Motion Blur
   • 2% Refresh Rate
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Image Flicker
   • 1% Curve radius

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.5

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 23% Input Lag
   • 14% Resolution and Size
   • 13% Motion Blur
   • 12% Refresh Rate
   • 9% Ergonomics
   • 8% Image Flicker
   • 6% Reflections
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% SDR Color Gamut
   • 1% SDR Color Volume

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.9

   Multimedia

   Score components:

   • 17% Resolution and Size
   • 10% Input Lag
   • 8% Reflections
   • 8% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 4% Motion Blur
   • 4% Refresh Rate
   • 4% SDR Color Gamut
   • 4% SDR Color Volume
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Image Flicker
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Pre Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.0

   Media Creation

   Score components:

   • 21% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Ergonomics
   • 7% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Input Lag
   • 6% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Motion Blur
   • 6% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Reflections
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Color Gamut
   • 3% SDR Color Volume
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Local Dimming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   6.9

   HDR Gaming

   Score components:

   • 14% Contrast
   • 12% Input Lag
   • 9% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 9% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Black Uniformity
   • 7% Local Dimming
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Motion Blur
   • 5% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Gradient
   • 5% HDR Color Gamut
   • 5% HDR Color Volume
   • 3% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 2% Gray Uniformity

   Score distribution:
   Size : 27 "
   Resolution : 2560x1440
   Refresh Rate : 144 Hz
   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS
   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : FreeSync

   The Aorus AD27QD is the best 1440p monitor that we've tested so far. The Aorus is a great 27" monitor with excellent gaming features, wide viewing angles, and excellent motion handling thanks to an incredibly fast response time and optional black frame insertion feature.

   The AD27QD is designed with gaming in mind. It has a great design, with customizable RGB bias lighting and unique companion software that makes it easy to adjust your settings on the fly. It has excellent low input lag, and it supports FreeSync variable refresh rate technology, even when connected to a recent NVIDIA graphics card.

   Unfortunately, like most IPS monitors, the Aorus AD27QD doesn't look as good in a dark room, and although it can display an HDR signal, it isn't bright enough for HDR to really stand out. Overall, though, it is a great 1440p monitor that should please most people.

   See our review

2. G-SYNC Gaming Alternative: ASUS PG279QZ

   

   ASUS PG279QZ

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Size : 27 "

   Resolution : 2560x1440

   Refresh Rate : 144 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : G-Sync

   If you want a great 1440p gaming monitor like the Aorus AD27QD but would prefer a G-SYNC monitor to work perfectly with your NVIDIA graphics card, check out the ASUS PG279QZ instead. The PG279QZ is an excellent gaming monitor that delivers very similar performance to the Aorus, but with G-SYNC support instead of AMD's FreeSync. The PG279QZ doesn't support HDR, but other than that performs very similarly.

   See our review

3. Best Widescreen 1440p Monitor: Dell AW3418DW

   

   Dell AW3418DW

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   7.7

   Mixed Usage

   Score components:

   • 30% Office
   • 30% Multimedia
   • 25% Gaming
   • 10% Media Creation
   • 5% HDR Gaming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.9

   Office

   Score components:

   • 16% Resolution and Size
   • 15% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 12% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 7% Ergonomics
   • 7% Reflections
   • 7% Gray Uniformity
   • 6% Input Lag
   • 5% SDR Color Gamut
   • 5% SDR Color Volume
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 4% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 4% Gradient
   • 2% Motion Blur
   • 2% Refresh Rate
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Image Flicker
   • 1% Curve radius

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.2

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 23% Input Lag
   • 14% Resolution and Size
   • 13% Motion Blur
   • 12% Refresh Rate
   • 9% Ergonomics
   • 8% Image Flicker
   • 6% Reflections
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% SDR Color Gamut
   • 1% SDR Color Volume

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.4

   Multimedia

   Score components:

   • 17% Resolution and Size
   • 10% Input Lag
   • 8% Reflections
   • 8% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 4% Motion Blur
   • 4% Refresh Rate
   • 4% SDR Color Gamut
   • 4% SDR Color Volume
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Image Flicker
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Pre Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.5

   Media Creation

   Score components:

   • 21% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Ergonomics
   • 7% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Input Lag
   • 6% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Motion Blur
   • 6% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Reflections
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Color Gamut
   • 3% SDR Color Volume
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Local Dimming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   5.7

   HDR Gaming

   Score components:

   • 14% Contrast
   • 12% Input Lag
   • 9% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 9% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Black Uniformity
   • 7% Local Dimming
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Motion Blur
   • 5% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Gradient
   • 5% HDR Color Gamut
   • 5% HDR Color Volume
   • 3% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 2% Gray Uniformity

   Score distribution:
   Size : 34 "
   Resolution : 3440x1440
   Refresh Rate : 100 Hz
   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS
   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : G-Sync

   If you want a 1440p monitor with a wide aspect ratio, check out the Dell Alienware AW3418DW. It is a 34" monitor with a 3440x1440 resolution. This wide format offers more flexibility for multitasking, and it provides for a more immersive multimedia experience. The unique design looks great in any setting, and although it can't switch to a portrait orientation, the stand can be easily placed in a comfortable viewing position.

   The AW3418DW delivers decent overall picture quality, and it has excellent motion handling and low input lag, which is great for gaming. It has great wide viewing angles, perfect for sharing work with a nearby colleague or a quick co-op gaming session, and it supports NVIDIA's G-SYNC technology.

   Unfortunately, it can't get very bright, so it might not look as good if you have a lot of natural light, and it also doesn't look as good in a very dark room. Overall, though, the Alienware AW3418DW is a very good monitor that should please most people.

   See our review

4. Cheaper Widescreen Alternative: Dell U3417W

   

   Dell U3417W

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Size : 34 "

   Resolution : 3440x1440

   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : No

   If the Dell Alienware AW3418DW is too expensive, get the Dell U3417W. For office use, the Dell is just as good as the AW3418DW. It is a little bit brighter and has better reflection handling. Like the ASUS, the large, high-resolution screen is wonderful for multitasking. Unfortunately, the U3417W doesn't handle motion as well, as it has a slower response time, lower refresh rate, and it doesn't support G-SYNC or any other VRR technology. This means gamers might not be as pleased.

   See our review

5. Best Budget 1440p Monitor: Dell U2518D

   

   Dell U2518D

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   7.7

   Mixed Usage

   Score components:

   • 30% Office
   • 30% Multimedia
   • 25% Gaming
   • 10% Media Creation
   • 5% HDR Gaming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.8

   Office

   Score components:

   • 16% Resolution and Size
   • 15% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 12% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 7% Ergonomics
   • 7% Reflections
   • 7% Gray Uniformity
   • 6% Input Lag
   • 5% SDR Color Gamut
   • 5% SDR Color Volume
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 4% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 4% Gradient
   • 2% Motion Blur
   • 2% Refresh Rate
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Image Flicker
   • 1% Curve radius

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.8

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 23% Input Lag
   • 14% Resolution and Size
   • 13% Motion Blur
   • 12% Refresh Rate
   • 9% Ergonomics
   • 8% Image Flicker
   • 6% Reflections
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% SDR Color Gamut
   • 1% SDR Color Volume

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.7

   Multimedia

   Score components:

   • 17% Resolution and Size
   • 10% Input Lag
   • 8% Reflections
   • 8% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 4% Motion Blur
   • 4% Refresh Rate
   • 4% SDR Color Gamut
   • 4% SDR Color Volume
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Image Flicker
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Pre Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.7

   Media Creation

   Score components:

   • 21% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Ergonomics
   • 7% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Input Lag
   • 6% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Motion Blur
   • 6% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Reflections
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Color Gamut
   • 3% SDR Color Volume
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Local Dimming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   6.8

   HDR Gaming

   Score components:

   • 14% Contrast
   • 12% Input Lag
   • 9% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 9% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Black Uniformity
   • 7% Local Dimming
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Motion Blur
   • 5% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Gradient
   • 5% HDR Color Gamut
   • 5% HDR Color Volume
   • 3% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 2% Gray Uniformity

   Score distribution:
   Size : 25 "
   Resolution : 2560x1440
   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz
   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS
   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : No

   The Dell U2518D is the best budget 1440p monitor that we've tested so far. This versatile 25" 1440p monitor has wide viewing angles and delivers good overall picture quality. It has a simple, elegant design that looks great in any setting, and the excellent stand makes it a great choice if you are looking to equip an entire office.

   It is a versatile monitor, but it lacks some of the more advanced features typically found on higher-end monitors. It has a maximum 60Hz refresh rate, which may disappoint more serious gamers, and it doesn't support any VRR technologies like FreeSync or G-SYNC. It has a good selection of inputs, including a built-in USB hub.

   Unfortunately, although the U2518D supports HDR, there isn't much benefit to using it, as it can't get very bright in HDR, and can't display a wide color gamut. Overall, though, the U2518D is a very good monitor for a variety of uses, and it should please most budget shoppers.

   See our review