The 4 Best 27-Inch Monitors - Summer 2024 Reviews

The best 27-inch monitor we've tested is the Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx. This monitor is versatile for different uses, as it has features for both gaming and productivity. Its high 4k resolution produces high pixel density, so you get crisp and detailed images no matter what you use the monitor for. It has a USB-C port that makes it easy to connect a laptop thanks to its DisplayPort Alt Mode and 90W of power delivery. In terms of gaming features, it has full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth so that you can take advantage of gaming consoles and modern graphics cards, and it has a fast response time that makes motion look crisp.

On top of that, it has good picture quality with excellent peak brightness and good reflection handling, so it's a great choice if you want to use it in a well-lit room. It also has decent HDR picture quality, as it uses Mini LED backlighting, making it a good choice for watching the latest movies or TV shows. If you want even better picture quality, the Gigabyte AORUS FO27Q3 is a better choice thanks to its QD-OLED panel with perfect blacks. However, OLEDs like that risk burn-in with constant exposure to the same static elements over time, so the Acer is better for everyday use.

If you don't need something versatile but still want premium productivity features, check out the Dell U2723QE, which often costs less than the Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx. The Dell has fewer gaming features than the Acer, like the lack of HDMI 2.1 bandwidth and VRR support. That said, if you aren't a gamer, this doesn't make much of a difference, and it has the same high resolution as the Acer for sharp text clarity.

The main advantage of getting the Dell over the Acer is that it's packed with extra productivity features, like a KVM switch, which makes it ideal for multitasking. It has a massive USB hub with five USB-A ports and three USB-C ports, meaning it's very easy to connect multiple devices. Each USB-C port serves different purposes, with one supporting DisplayPort Alt Mode and 90W of power delivery. You can even connect power-hungry laptops and charge them while you're working. Besides the USB ports, it even has a dedicated sRGB mode that results in excellent accuracy before calibration, which is ideal if you're a photo editor who needs accurate colors.

If you find the Dell U2723QE too expensive and prefer something cheaper, check out the Dell S2722QC. It's a step-down monitor from the U2723QE, which is why it costs less, and you can often find it on sale as well. It has fewer features as it lacks a KVM switch and has a smaller USB hub with only two USB-A ports and one USB-C port, but it still it supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. With 65W of power delivery, it isn't enough to charge power-hungry laptops, for which you need to connect an external power source, but it's still enough power to charge many smaller laptops.

Regarding picture quality, the S2722QC doesn't have a dedicated sRGB mode like the U2723QE, so you need to calibrate it for the most accurate colors. Luckily, it actually has better reflection handling than the U2723QE, and it gets very bright, so you won't have any issues using it in a well-lit room.

If you want a budget 27-inch monitor, the Dell S2721QS is a good choice. It's another step-down model from the Dell S2722QC with fewer features. It doesn't include USB ports, so you can't connect your devices to the monitor or your laptop via USB-C. However, it's still a good choice if you don't need the extra ports, as it performs similarly to the S2722QC. It has a 4k resolution for sharp text and gets bright enough to fight glare.

That said, if you want a budget-friendly monitor with more features than the S2721QS, consider the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV, which has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode so you can easily connect your laptop to it. It has a lower 1440p resolution than the S2721QS, so text isn't as sharp. This means you must choose between getting something with a high 4k resolution and limited features or something with more features and a lower resolution if you're on a budget.