Dell UltraSharp U2720Q  Monitor Review

Reviewed May 27, 2020 at 08:18am
Retest Dec 08, 2023 at 11:15am
Tested using Methodology v1.2 
Dell UltraSharp U2720Q

Track

0.0
Mixed Usage 
0.0
Office 
0.0
Gaming 
0.0
Media Consumption 
0.0
Media Creation 
0.0
HDR 

Track

 2

The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q is a good 4k monitor that comes with HDR support and wide connectivity options. Like its predecessor, the Dell U2718Q, it features an IPS panel with good viewing angles, allowing you to easily share your work with colleagues. Images and text look sharp due to its high resolution, and its 27 inch screen provides plenty of space for multitasking. If you want to do some gaming on the side, it has a good response time and low input lag, however, there's no VRR support of any kind. On the bright side, its ergonomics are excellent and its USB-C input supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. 

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q is a good monitor for most uses. It's a great choice for any productivity task, as it provides enough screen real estate to have multiple windows opened simultaneously, and its 4k resolution makes text and images look incredibly sharp. Its input lag is low and response time is good, but it doesn't support any variable refresh rate technologies. It has impressive coverage of the Adobe RGB color space for content creators, although you may want to calibrate the monitor first, as its out-of-the-box color accuracy is only decent.

Pros
  • Excellent ergonomics.
  • Good viewing angles.
  • HDR support.
Cons
  • No VRR support.
  • HDR local dimming feature is terrible.
0.0
Office 

The Dell U2720Q is a great office monitor. Its 27 inch screen is great for multitasking and text looks sharp with its 4k resolution. You can easily adjust the screen to your optimal viewing position thanks to its excellent ergonomics, and it has an IPS panel that provides wide viewing angles, which is great when you need to share your work with coworkers. It should perform well in most rooms, although it's not recommended for very bright rooms with a lot of light shining directly on the screen, as its reflection handling is mediocre.

Pros
  • Excellent ergonomics.
  • Good viewing angles.
Cons
  • HDR local dimming feature is terrible.
0.0
Gaming 

The Dell U2720Q is a good monitor for gaming. It has low input lag and its response time is good, but its refresh rate is limited to 60Hz and it doesn't support any variable refresh rate technologies. It's not the most ideal for dark room gaming, as it has a low contrast ratio that makes blacks look grayish. On the upside, the monitor's 4k resolution and large screen size are great for atmospheric or RPG games, as it's able to bring out every little detail in your game for an immersive gaming experience.

Pros
  • Good viewing angles.
Cons
  • 60Hz refresh rate.
  • HDR local dimming feature is terrible.
0.0
Media Consumption 

The Dell U2720Q is a good monitor for media consumption. It has an excellent resolution and screen size to provide great immersion, and its wide viewing angles let you share content with others. Gray uniformity is excellent, as there's very little dirty screen effect, but black uniformity is only passable and its IPS panel has a low contrast ratio, making it less suitable for dark room viewing.

Pros
  • Good viewing angles.
  • HDR support.
Cons
  • HDR local dimming feature is terrible.
0.0
Media Creation 

The Dell U2720Q is a great monitor for media creation. It has a large screen size and a high pixel density, resulting in sharp and detailed images. The IPS panel provides good viewing angles and its excellent ergonomics let you adjust the monitor however you like. It has great coverage of the Adobe RGB color space, but its out-of-the-box color accuracy is only decent, so calibration is highly recommended.

Pros
  • Excellent ergonomics.
  • Good viewing angles.
  • HDR support.
Cons
  • 60Hz refresh rate.
  • HDR local dimming feature is terrible.
0.0
HDR 

Pros
  • Good viewing angles.
Cons
  • HDR local dimming feature is terrible.
  • 0.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Gaming
  • 0.0
    Media Consumption
  • 0.0
    Media Creation
  • 0.0
    HDR
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Dec 08, 2023: Changed the Text Clarity score to 9.0 to better reflect other monitors that we've tested.
    2.  Updated Apr 20, 2023: Confirmed that 1440p @ 60Hz works on this monitor with the PS5.
    3.  Updated Jul 04, 2022: We incorrectly stated that this monitor didn't have a VESA DisplayHDR Certification. It's certified DisplayHDR 400.
    4.  Updated Jun 23, 2022: Updated to Test Bench 1.2, resulting in changes to the results and scores with the Response Time and Input Lag. Added tests for Console Compatibility and macOS compatibility and made minor changes to other tests, which you can see in our Changelog.

    Check Price

    27"U2720Q
    B&H
    27"U2720Q
    BestBuy.com
    27"U2720Q
    Dell

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q and it's available in a 27 inch and 43 inch size. There are also three other models that are slightly different, which you can see in the table below.

    Model Size Panel Type Resolution Note
    Dell U2720Q 27" IPS 4k 2 x USB-C, Displayport Alt mode
    Dell U4320Q 43" IPS 4K 2 x USB-C, DisplayPort Alt mode
    Dell U2720QM 27" IPS 4K 2 x USB-C, DisplayPort Alt Mode
    Dell U2520D 25" IPS 1440p 1 x USB-C, DisplayPort Alt Mode
    Dell UP2720Q 27" IPS 4k Includes built-in colorimeter

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Dell U2720Q doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we'll update the review. Note that some tests such as the gray uniformity may vary between individual units.

    Our unit of the U2720Q was manufactured in April 2020, you can see the label here.

    Popular Monitor Comparisons

    The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q performs largely the same as its predecessor, the U2718Q. There are some improvements in terms of HDR peak brightness and color gamut, but its response time is slower, resulting in a bit more motion blur. For other options, you can also check out our recommendations for the best 4k monitors, the best monitors for dual setup, and the best 4k gaming monitors.

    Dell U2723QE

    Track

    The Dell U2723QE is a newer version of the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q with a few more features. The U2723QE has a bigger USB hub with a KVM switch, allowing you to control two devices with the same keyboard and mouse. It also has Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes, which the U2720Q doesn't support, and it has daisy-chaining support, which you can't do with the U2720Q. The U2723QE also displays deeper blacks than the U2720Q, thanks to its IPS Black panel, but the contrast is still low.

    Dell U2718Q

    Track

    The Dell U2720Q is a 2020 refresh of the Dell U2718Q. Aside from some slight differences in their outer design and the added USB-C ports on the U2720Q, both monitors offer identical features. Performance is largely the same as well, although the U2720Q has a higher peak brightness, better SDR and HDR color gamuts, and it also has better reflection handling. However, the U2718Q has a faster response time and lower input lag.

    Dell S2721QS

    Track

    The Dell S2721QS is a bit better than the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q for most uses. The S2721QS has higher peak brightness and better reflection handling, and it supports variable refresh rate technology to reduce screen tearing when gaming. However, the U2720Q has better ergonomics and more connectivity options, including a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode.

    Dell S2722QC

    Track

    The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q and the Dell S2722QC are similar 4k monitors. The picture quality is about the same between both, but the S2722QC is better for well-lit rooms because it gets brighter. On the other hand, the U2720Q has a better selection of inputs because it has an extra USB-C and USB 3.0 input compared to the S2722QC, and it also has a DisplayPort input. While both monitors have ergonomic stands, the one on the U2720Q offers a wider swivel range and higher height adjustment.

    Show more 

    Video

    How We Test Monitors
    How We Test Monitors

    We buy and test more than 30 monitors each year, all of which we purchase ourselves, without cherry-picked units or samples. We put a lot into each unbiased, straight-to-the-point review, and there's a whole process from purchasing to publishing, involving multiple teams and people. We do more than just use the monitor for a week; we use specialized, custom tools to measure various aspects and deliver objective, data-driven results. We also consider multiple factors before making any recommendations, including the monitor's cost, its performance compared to the competition, and whether it's easy to find.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    Curved
    LockedLocked
    Curve Radius
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Accelerated Longevity Test
    Uniformity PicturesN/A
    0.0
    Build Quality

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Ergonomics
    Height Adjustment
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Tilt Range
    LockedLocked
    Rotate Portrait/Landscape
    LockedLocked
    Swivel Range
    LockedLocked
    Wall Mount
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Stand
    Base Width
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Base Depth
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Thickness (With Display)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Weight (With Display)
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Display
    Size
    Locked27"
    Housing Width
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Housing Height
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Thickness (Without Stand)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Weight (Without Stand)
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)
    Borders Size (Bezels)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Controls

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    In The Box
    Power Supply
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Picture Quality
    0.0
    Contrast
    Native Contrast
    LockedLock : 1
    Contrast With Local Dimming
    LockedLock : 1

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Local Dimming
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Dell UltraSharp U2720Q Local Dimming Video Sample
    Local Dimming
    LockedLocked
    Backlight
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    SDR Brightness
    Real Scene
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)
    LockedLock
    Minimum Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    HDR Brightness
    VESA DisplayHDR Certification
    LockedLocked
    Real Scene
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)
    LockedLock

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Horizontal Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Dell UltraSharp U2720Q Horizontal Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Washout From Left
    LockedLock°
    Color Washout From Right
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Left
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Right
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Left
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Right
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Left
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Right
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Left
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Right
    LockedLock°

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Vertical Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Dell UltraSharp U2720Q Vertical Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Washout From Below
    LockedLock°
    Color Washout From Above
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Below
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Above
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Below
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Above
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Below
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Above
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Below
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Above
    LockedLock°

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    50% DSE
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Color Accuracy (Pre-Calibration)
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    sRGB Gamut Area xy
    LockedLock%
    White Balance dE (Avg.)
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature (Avg.)
    LockedLock K
    Gamma (Avg.)
    LockedLock
    Color dE (Avg.)
    LockedLock
    Contrast Setting
    LockedLock
    RGB Settings
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked
    Brightness Setting
    LockedLock
    Measured Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Brightness Locked
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Color Accuracy (Post-Calibration)
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    sRGB Gamut Area xy
    LockedLock%
    White Balance dE (Avg.)
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature (Avg.)
    LockedLock K
    Gamma (Avg.)
    LockedLock
    Color dE (Avg.)
    LockedLock
    Contrast Setting
    LockedLock
    RGB Settings
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked
    Brightness Setting
    LockedLock
    Measured Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    ICC Profile
    Download

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    SDR Color Gamut
    sRGB Coverage xy
    LockedLock%
    sRGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Adobe RGB Coverage xy
    LockedLock%
    Adobe RGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    SDR Color Volume
    sRGB In ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    sRGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Adobe RGB In ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    Adobe RGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    HDR Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    LockedLocked
    DCI-P3 Coverage xy
    LockedLock%
    DCI-P3 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Rec. 2020 Coverage xy
    LockedLock%
    Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    HDR Color Volume
    DCI-P3 In ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    DCI-P3 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Rec. 2020 In ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Reflections
    Screen Finish
    LockedLocked
    Total Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Indirect Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Calculated Direct Reflections
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Text Clarity
    Pixel Type
    LockedIPS
    Subpixel Layout
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    LockedLock Bit

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Motion
    0.0
    Refresh Rate
    Native Refresh Rate
    LockedLock Hz
    Max Refresh Rate
    Locked60 Hz
    Max Refresh Rate Over DP
    LockedLock Hz
    Max Refresh Rate Over HDMI
    LockedLock Hz
    Max Refresh Rate Over DP @ 10-bit
    LockedLock Hz
    Max Refresh Rate Over HDMI @ 10-Bit
    LockedLock Hz
    Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
    FreeSync
    LockedLocked
    G-SYNC
    LockedLocked
    VRR Maximum
    LockedN/A
    VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    VRR Supported Connectors
    LockedLocked
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedNo

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Response Time @ Max Refresh Rate
    Recommended Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked
    Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%
    Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Worst 3 Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Worst 3 Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Response Time @ 120Hz
    Recommended Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked
    Rise / Fall Time
    LockedN/A
    Total Response Time
    LockedN/A
    Overshoot Error
    LockedN/A
    Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
    LockedN/A
    Worst 3 Total Response Time
    LockedN/A
    Worst 3 Overshoot Error
    LockedN/A
    0.0
    Response Time @ 60Hz
    Recommended Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked
    Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%
    Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Worst 3 Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Worst 3 Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Backlight Strobing (BFI)
    Backlight Strobing (BFI)
    LockedLocked
    Maximum Frequency
    LockedN/A
    Minimum Frequency
    LockedN/A
    Longest Pulse Width Brightness
    LockedN/A
    Shortest Pulse Width Brightness
    LockedN/A
    Pulse Width Control
    LockedLocked
    Pulse Phase Control
    LockedLocked
    Pulse Amplitude Control
    LockedLocked
    VRR At The Same Time
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Image Flicker
    Flicker-Free
    LockedLocked
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    Native Resolution @ Max Hz
    LockedLock ms
    Native Resolution @ 120Hz
    LockedN/A
    Native Resolution @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    Backlight Strobing (BFI)
    LockedN/A

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Resolution And Size
    Native Resolution
    Locked3840 x 2160
    Aspect Ratio
    LockedLocked
    Megapixels
    LockedLock MP
    Pixel Density
    LockedLock PPI
    Measured Screen Diagonal
    LockedLock"
    Screen Area
    LockedLock in²

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    PS5 Compatibility
    4k @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    HDR
    LockedLocked
    VRR
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Xbox Series X|S Compatibility
    4k @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    HDR
    LockedLocked
    VRR
    LockedLocked
    Inputs Photos
    Video And Audio Ports
    DisplayPort
    LockedLocked
    Mini DisplayPort
    LockedLocked
    HDMI
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.1 Rated Speed
    LockedLocked
    DVI
    LockedLocked
    VGA
    LockedLocked
    Daisy Chaining
    LockedLocked
    3.5mm Audio Out
    LockedLocked
    HDR10
    LockedYes
    3.5mm Audio In
    LockedLocked
    3.5mm Microphone In
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    USB
    USB-A Ports
    LockedLocked
    USB-A Rated Speed
    LockedLocked
    USB-B Upstream Port
    LockedLocked
    USB-C Ports
    LockedLocked
    USB-C Upstream
    LockedLocked
    USB-C Rated Speed
    LockedLocked
    USB-C Power Delivery
    LockedLocked
    USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
    LockedLocked
    Thunderbolt
    LockedLocked
    macOS Compatibility

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Features
    Additional Features
    Speakers
    LockedLocked
    RGB Illumination
    LockedLocked
    Multiple Input Display
    LockedLocked
    KVM Switch
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    On-Screen Display (OSD)