Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Monitors With HDMI 2.1, Compared
We looked at 6 gaming monitors with HDMI 2.1 side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
11 min read6 products evaluated
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1 can differ a lot. 1, one spec isn't enough.
1 is judged here on verified response-time claims, because curve radius numbers show real curve intensity.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
Hikers 27 Inch Curved Monitor 170Hz 144Hz
Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Our take Check price for Hikers 27 Inch Curved Monitor 170Hz 144Hz (opens in a new tab)
Also Worth Considering
LG 27GR83Q-B 27-inch Ultragear QHD (2560x1440) IPS Gaming Monitor
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for LG 27GR83Q-B 27-inch Ultragear QHD (2560x1440) IPS Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
Hoowel 27 Inch 280Hz 240Hz Curved Gaming Monitor WQHD Curved Monitor
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Hoowel 27 Inch 280Hz 240Hz Curved Gaming Monitor WQHD Curved Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Another Strong Option
Acer Nitro 27in QHD 2560x1440 IPS 275Hz Gaming Monitor KG271U Z2bmiipx
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Acer Nitro 27in QHD 2560x1440 IPS 275Hz Gaming Monitor KG271U Z2bmiipx (opens in a new tab)
Best Premium Pick
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A 27 Inch 4K 160Hz G-SYNC Gaming Monitor
Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A 27 Inch 4K 160Hz G-SYNC Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
CUNPU 24 Inch 240Hz Gaming Monitor
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for CUNPU 24 Inch 240Hz Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 6
Hikers 27 Inch Curved Monitor 170Hz 144Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Hikers 27 Inch Curved Monitor 170Hz 144Hz is our overall pick in this lineup.
Best for
- Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Why we like it
1 fast va panel 4000:1 contrast ratio with ai crosshair, ai bluelight and ai picture quality. 2K resolution - with wqhd 2560×1440 and fast va panel, this gaming monitor delivers ultra-clear visuals, revealing every detail with precision.
LG 27GR83Q-B 27-inch Ultragear QHD (2560x1440) IPS Gaming Monitor is a reasonable point of comparison here, close enough that the actual listing details are worth checking before deciding between them.
It's worth picking this one if you want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around. Marketed specs and real-world performance can differ, so check independent reviews before assuming the headline number tells the full story.
Key dimensions & specs
- Hikers 27 inch wqhd 2560×1440 2k 170hz 144hz curved gaming monitor HDMI 2.1 fast
- 2K resolution - with wqhd 2560×1440 and fast va panel
- Fast and smooth gameplay - 170hz refresh rate with freesync
Pros
- Hikers 27 inch wqhd 2560×1440 2k 170hz 144hz curved gaming monitor HDMI 2.1 fast
- 2K resolution - with wqhd 2560×1440 and fast va panel
- Fast and smooth gameplay - 170hz refresh rate with freesync
- Built for gaming with versatile connectivity - two HDMI 2.1 ports
Cons
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
Also Worth Considering2 of 6
LG 27GR83Q-B 27-inch Ultragear QHD (2560x1440) IPS Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LG 27GR83Q-B 27-inch Ultragear QHD (2560x1440) IPS Gaming Monitor is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Re-imagine every scene with vivid, responsive ips.
Held up against Hikers 27 Inch Curved Monitor 170Hz 144Hz, both cover the basics equally well, what actually separates them is officially validated by nvidia as g-sync compatible.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Compatibility with your exact setup matters more than the spec sheet alone, so confirm it works with your specific gear before buying.
Key dimensions & specs
- Enjoy smoother, vivid colors and high-resolution graphics thanks to HDMI 2.1
- Re-imagine every scene with vivid, responsive ips
- Officially validated by nvidia as g-sync compatible
Pros
- Enjoy smoother, vivid colors and high-resolution graphics thanks to HDMI 2.1
- Re-imagine every scene with vivid, responsive ips
- Officially validated by nvidia as g-sync compatible
- Amd freesync premium equips serious gamers with a fluid, virtually tear-free gaming experience
Cons
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
Solid Alternative3 of 6
Hoowel 27 Inch 280Hz 240Hz Curved Gaming Monitor WQHD Curved Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Hoowel 27 Inch 280Hz 240Hz Curved Gaming Monitor WQHD Curved Monitor is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
1 with vrr for ps5/xbox/PC gaming. Super fast and smooth - 2k wqhd resolution fast va panel with 280hz refresh rate; 1ms mprt response time; freesync technology.
Hikers 27 Inch Curved Monitor 170Hz 144Hz is a reasonable point of comparison here, close enough that the actual listing details are worth checking before deciding between them.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Marketed specs and real-world performance can differ, so check independent reviews before assuming the headline number tells the full story.
Key dimensions & specs
- Hoowel 27 inch curved gaming monitor 280hz 240hz refresh
- Super fast and smooth - 2k wqhd resolution fast va panel with 280hz refresh rate
- Ai gaming assistant features - multiple game modes (gamer/fps/rts/rpg) combined with ai crosshair
Pros
- Hoowel 27 inch curved gaming monitor 280hz 240hz refresh
- Super fast and smooth - 2k wqhd resolution fast va panel with 280hz refresh rate
- Ai gaming assistant features - multiple game modes (gamer/fps/rts/rpg) combined with ai crosshair
- Stunning visual quality - 5000:1 contrast ratio
Cons
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
Another Strong Option4 of 6
Acer Nitro 27in QHD 2560x1440 IPS 275Hz Gaming Monitor KG271U Z2bmiipx on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Acer Nitro 27in QHD 2560x1440 IPS 275Hz Gaming Monitor KG271U Z2bmiipx is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
The kg271u 27" ips monitor with 2560 x 1440 wqhd resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio presents stunning, high-quality images with excellent detail. Say “goodbye” to stuttering and tearing.
5ms gtg (gray to gray) response time enhanced gamers’ in-game experience.
Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Compatibility with your exact setup matters more than the spec sheet alone, so confirm it works with your specific gear before buying.
Key dimensions & specs
- Quality visuals
- Say “goodbye” to stuttering and tearing
- Up to 275hz refresh rate: the 275hz refresh rate
Pros
- Quality visuals
- Say “goodbye” to stuttering and tearing
- Up to 275hz refresh rate: the 275hz refresh rate
- Goodbye ghosting
Cons
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
Best Premium Pick5 of 6
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A 27 Inch 4K 160Hz G-SYNC Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A 27 Inch 4K 160Hz G-SYNC Gaming Monitor is the premium option here, positioned above the rest on price.
Best for
- Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it
Why we like it
Features 3840 x 2160 resolution gaming monitor with ultra-fast 160hz refresh rate designed for professional gamers and immersive gameplay. Elmb sync technology enables elmb and variable-refresh-rate technologies to work simultaneously to eliminate ghosting and tearing for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates.
Set next to Hikers 27 Inch Curved Monitor 170Hz 144Hz, the two land close enough on paper that it's worth comparing both listings directly on the spec that matters most for your setup.
This fits best if you are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it. Marketed specs and real-world performance can differ, so check independent reviews before assuming the headline number tells the full story.
Key dimensions & specs
- Features 3840 x 2160 resolution gaming monitor with ultra-fast
- Elmb sync technology enables elmb and variable-refresh-rate technologies
- Nvidia g-sync compatible
Pros
- Features 3840 x 2160 resolution gaming monitor with ultra-fast
- Elmb sync technology enables elmb and variable-refresh-rate technologies
- Nvidia g-sync compatible
- Superior color performance
Cons
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
Worth a Look6 of 6
CUNPU 24 Inch 240Hz Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
CUNPU 24 Inch 240Hz Gaming Monitor is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Tailored for gaming enthusiasts, this monitor features an 240hz refresh rate and a max 1ms mprt response time. Featuring next-gen va panel technology, this monitor delivers exceptional performance for both gaming and work.
Hikers 27 Inch Curved Monitor 170Hz 144Hz is a reasonable point of comparison here, close enough that the actual listing details are worth checking before deciding between them.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Compatibility with your exact setup matters more than the spec sheet alone, so confirm it works with your specific gear before buying.
Key dimensions & specs
- Born for gamers
- See the big picture and the details
- Elite gaming performance
Pros
- Born for gamers
- See the big picture and the details
- Elite gaming performance
- Customized gaming port
Cons
- Check compatibility with your exact setup before buying
- Marketed specs and real-world specs often differ
How We Chose These Gaming Monitors With HDMI 2.1
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- A High Refresh Rate Only Helps if Your GPU Can Actually Push That Many Frames
- A gaming monitor's high refresh rate (240Hz, 360Hz, or higher) only delivers a real benefit if your graphics card can render frames fast enough to fill it, pairing a 240Hz monitor with a GPU that struggles to hit 100 frames per second in your games means the monitor's extra capability goes largely unused, check your realistic frame rates in the games you actually play against the monitor's refresh rate before paying a premium for headroom you won't use..
- Backlight Strobing Reduces Motion Blur but Can Conflict With Adaptive Sync
- Backlight strobing and adaptive sync solve different problems on a gaming monitor and often can't run at the same time, strobing meaningfully reduces motion blur but usually disables adaptive sync while active, meaning you're choosing between smoother motion and tear-free gaming depending on the specific game and settings, check whether a monitor supports both simultaneously before assuming it's an either-or choice..
- A Larger Screen at the Same Resolution Reduces Effective Sharpness
- Resolution and screen size aren't independent specs when it comes to actual sharpness, the same resolution stretched across a bigger panel produces a lower pixel density and a visibly softer image at a given viewing distance, calculate or check the pixels-per-inch figure if sharpness matters to you as much as raw screen size..
- Gray-to-Gray Response Time Numbers Don't Capture All Motion Blur Sources
- The single response time number on a gaming monitor's spec sheet is a narrow measurement that doesn't tell the whole motion clarity story, panel technology, backlight behavior, and overdrive settings all affect perceived blur independently of that one number, look for independent motion testing rather than assuming a lower advertised response time always means visibly less blur..
- G-Sync and FreeSync Compatibility Isn't Universal Across GPU Brands
- A gaming monitor's adaptive sync technology (NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync) reduces screen tearing by matching the monitor's refresh rate to your GPU's output, but full G-Sync certification generally requires an NVIDIA GPU, while FreeSync is more broadly compatible across both AMD and NVIDIA cards in most cases, check the monitor's specific certification against your actual GPU brand rather than assuming any adaptive sync label works with any graphics card..
What to Look for in a Gaming Monitor With HDMI 2.1
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
A High Refresh Rate Only Helps if Your GPU Can Actually Push That Many Frames
A gaming monitor's high refresh rate (240Hz, 360Hz, or higher) only delivers a real benefit if your graphics card can render frames fast enough to fill it, pairing a 240Hz monitor with a GPU that struggles to hit 100 frames per second in your games means the monitor's extra capability goes largely unused, check your realistic frame rates in the games you actually play against the monitor's refresh rate before paying a premium for headroom you won't use.
Backlight Strobing Reduces Motion Blur but Can Conflict With Adaptive Sync
Backlight strobing and adaptive sync solve different problems on a gaming monitor and often can't run at the same time, strobing meaningfully reduces motion blur but usually disables adaptive sync while active, meaning you're choosing between smoother motion and tear-free gaming depending on the specific game and settings, check whether a monitor supports both simultaneously before assuming it's an either-or choice.
A Larger Screen at the Same Resolution Reduces Effective Sharpness
Resolution and screen size aren't independent specs when it comes to actual sharpness, the same resolution stretched across a bigger panel produces a lower pixel density and a visibly softer image at a given viewing distance, calculate or check the pixels-per-inch figure if sharpness matters to you as much as raw screen size.
Gray-to-Gray Response Time Numbers Don't Capture All Motion Blur Sources
The single response time number on a gaming monitor's spec sheet is a narrow measurement that doesn't tell the whole motion clarity story, panel technology, backlight behavior, and overdrive settings all affect perceived blur independently of that one number, look for independent motion testing rather than assuming a lower advertised response time always means visibly less blur.
G-Sync and FreeSync Compatibility Isn't Universal Across GPU Brands
A gaming monitor's adaptive sync technology (NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync) reduces screen tearing by matching the monitor's refresh rate to your GPU's output, but full G-Sync certification generally requires an NVIDIA GPU, while FreeSync is more broadly compatible across both AMD and NVIDIA cards in most cases, check the monitor's specific certification against your actual GPU brand rather than assuming any adaptive sync label works with any graphics card.
How to Choose a Gaming Monitor With HDMI 2.1
| Modest frame rates in your games | LG 27GR83Q-B 27-inch Ultragear QHD (2560x1440) IPS Gaming Monitor |
|---|---|
| Hikers 27 Inch Curved Monitor 170Hz 144Hz | |
| High-end GPU pushing high frame rates | ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A 27 Inch 4K 160Hz G-SYNC Gaming Monitor |
| Lowest price in this lineup | LG 27GR83Q-B 27-inch Ultragear QHD (2560x1440) IPS Gaming Monitor |
|---|---|
| Hoowel 27 Inch 280Hz 240Hz Curved Gaming Monitor WQHD Curved Monitor | |
| ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A 27 Inch 4K 160Hz G-SYNC Gaming Monitor |
- LG 27GR83Q-B 27-inch Ultragear QHD (2560x1440) IPS Gaming Monitor)
- Built and validated specifically for NVIDIA GPUs.
- Works more broadly across AMD and NVIDIA cards in most cases.
Match this to your actual setup and priorities.
| Hikers 27 Inch Curved Monitor 170Hz 144Hz | |
| Hoowel 27 Inch 280Hz 240Hz Curved Gaming Monitor WQHD Curved Monitor |
- Independent input lag testing, not just the headline refresh rate number, since the two specs don't always move together.
- Hikers 27 Inch Curved Monitor 170Hz 144Hz is worth checking against its specific spec sheet before assuming any pick here covers your exact need.
- You need the strongest real-world performance and sturdiest build, where ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A 27 Inch 4K 160Hz G-SYNC Gaming Monitor justifies the extra cost.
- You want straightforward everyday use without paying for headroom you won't need, where LG 27GR83Q-B 27-inch Ultragear QHD (2560x1440) IPS Gaming Monitor already covers the job at the lowest price here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all gaming monitor features work with a console?
No, some high refresh rate or adaptive sync features require a PC connection and GPU-side support, verify the monitor's feature list against your specific console's actual output capability.
Are built-in gaming monitor speakers good enough?
They're a convenience for quick cable-free audio, but thin form factors limit bass and volume compared to even modest external speakers, treat them as a backup rather than a primary audio solution.
Is a bigger gaming monitor always sharper?
No, stretching the same resolution across a larger screen reduces pixel density, a 32-inch 1440p monitor looks visibly softer than a 27-inch 1440p monitor at the same viewing distance.
Is a 1ms gaming monitor actually blur-free?
Not necessarily, the gray-to-gray number is one narrow measurement, panel technology, backlight behavior, and overdrive tuning all affect real perceived motion blur, check independent motion clarity testing instead.
Can I use backlight strobing and adaptive sync at the same time?
Usually not, strobing modes often can't run simultaneously with G-Sync or FreeSync, check whether a specific monitor supports both together before assuming it's not a tradeoff.
What does the curve radius number mean on a curved gaming monitor?
A lower number means a tighter, more aggressive curve, suited to very wide ultrawide panels, a higher number is gentler and better suited to a standard-width panel.
Bottom Line
Best overall: Hikers 27 Inch Curved Monitor 170Hz 144Hz — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all gaming monitors with hdmi 2.1 on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.