Dell 27 Inch Monitor Review

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Buying a screen for your PC can be a difficult balancing act, but if you pick one of the best 27-inch LCD monitors, you will find they offer an ideal compromise between size and cost. Smaller monitors can make getting work done a cluttered chore, while larger displays can be too bulky and expensive. 27 inches is often considered the sweet spot, almost regardless of your budget.

Your precise needs are a key consideration when shopping for a monitor. If you're largely focused on baseline productivity tasks, just about any 1080p panel will suffice, provided it has suitable adjustment options for your desktop setup. However, professional photo and video editors will want a monitor to support higher resolutions, ideally 4K. Gamers will want a monitor with attractive visuals, a high refresh rate, and a low response time. No matter what you're looking for, our collection of the best 27-inch LCD monitors has you covered.

The Rundown

The Dell S2721QS sets the standard for value among 27-inch monitors, delivering a beautiful, vibrant 4K screen at a modest price.

If you're looking for a gaming monitor on a tight budget, the Dell S2721H is just about perfect.

Its combination of image quality, refresh rate, and responsiveness is challenged by a handful of others, most of which cost more.

The Dell S2721HGF delivers a rich, deep, vibrant image with a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz.

The G5 Odyssey delivers an outstanding image thanks to its high contrast LCD panel, pleasant color, and QHD resolution.

The monitor includes a pair of dual 5-watt speakers, which are louder than the speakers found in other 27-inch monitors.

It has a bright, highly color-accurate display with excellent sharpness.

What We Like

Outstanding image quality
Attractive design
Sturdy adjustable stand

What We Don't Like

No significant negatives

The Dell S2721QS sets the standard for value among 27-inch monitors, delivering a beautiful, vibrant 4K screen at a modest price. Image quality is outstanding, not just for the price, but at any price. You could spend several times the amount on a monitor without seeing a difference in image quality.

The monitor's sharp 4K resolution is backed by accurate, eye-catching color performance and a good contrast ratio for an LCD monitor. It's bright, too, and has an anti-glare coat, so the monitor is enjoyable in any room. This is a sturdy, well-designed, attractive monitor. The ergonomically adjustable stand tilts, swivels, and pivots. It has a modern white exterior with a textured pattern that offers some visual flair. This monitor is a great value, but it doesn't look like a budget pick.

_{Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 3820 x 2160 | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:0 | Video Inputs: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2}

Dell S2721H 27 Inch Monitor

What We Like

Low cost
Premium build quality
AMD Freesync and 75Hz refresh rate

What We Don't Like

Only 1080p

The Dell S2721H is perhaps the best bargain on the market today when it comes to 27 inch monitors. Not only is this a beautiful IPS panel, but one that also features a faster than average 75 Hz refresh rate and AMD Freesync. If you're looking for a gaming monitor on a tight budget, the Dell S2721H is just about perfect.

The only downside is that you only get 1080p resolution, but unless you're doing detailed creative work with photos, videos, or graphic design, 1080p will work just fine. Also, if you're trying to max out framerates on a low budget or mini PC, then 1080p is far less taxing on your hardware. Additionally, the Dell S2721H comes with built in speakers to sweeten the deal.

_{Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Refresh Rate: 75 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 2x HDMI 1.4}

What We Like

Bright, punchy 4K image
Up to 144 Hz refresh rate
Sturdy, attractive design

What We Don't Like

Extremely expensive

The LG 27GN950-B is a 4K gaming monitor that pulls no punches. It has a high-refresh, 144 Hz display with excellent image quality, precise color accuracy, and a good contrast ratio for a monitor of its type. Its combination of image quality, refresh rate, and responsiveness is challenged by only a handful of alternatives, most of which are even more expensive. It's compatible with both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia's G-Sync, as well.

Though built for gaming, the LG 27GN950-B's high price affords a variety of features that are helpful in day-to-day use. It has a sturdy stand that can adjust for height, tilt, and pivot. A ring of RGB lights built in the rear provides some visual fun. It also has two rear USB-A ports, which are great for connecting the wired peripherals that gamers prefer.

_{Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 3820 x 2160 | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4}

What We Like

Great image quality
Up to 144 Hz refresh rate
Attractive design

What We Don't Like

Only 1920 x 1080 resolution
Stand adjusts only for height and tilt

The Dell S2721HGF delivers a rich, deep, vibrant image with a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz. The monitor is compatible with both AMD's FreeSync and Nvidia's G-Sync, so you'll enjoy smooth gameplay with a video card from either company. This monitor has a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 which, on a 27-inch display, leads to low pixel density. You'll notice the lack of sharpness in detail oriented tasks.

This is a curved display, but the curve is minor and doesn't significantly impact gaming. The S2721HGF lacks cosmetic features, such as RGB lighting, found on some alternatives. The included stand adjusts for height and tilt but lacks swivel or pivot. This is better than many budget gaming monitors, and it's also VESA compatible, so you can add a monitor arm for more options.

_{Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: VA | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2}

What We Like

Great image quality
Aggressive, eye-catching curve
144 Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync support

What We Don't Like

Bulky design
Stand adjusts only for tilt

The Samsung G5 Odyssey has an aggressive 1000R curvature, which is as curved as you'll find on a 27-inch monitor. The G5 Odyssey delivers an outstanding image, thanks to its high contrast LCD panel, accurate color, and 2560 x 1440 (QHD) resolution. Because it's built for gaming, the G5 can refresh at up to 144 Hz, providing an ultra-smooth look.

It has official support only for AMD FreeSync, but Nvidia G-Sync is unofficially compatible and works well in most games. You can adjust the stand only for tilt, which is unfortunate and a bit surprising, given the G5 Odyssey's price. It is VESA compatible, however, so you can add a monitor arm. The display has an aggressive, bulky look that won't please everyone but is sure to stand out from the crowd.

_{Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: VA | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2}

What We Like

Dual 5-watt built-in speakers
Includes webcam and microphones
Good image quality

What We Don't Like

Expensive for its size
Webcam quality is just OK

The Dell C2722DE is built specifically for people who've shifted to remote work. It includes a pair of dual 5-watt speakers which are louder than the speakers found in other 27-inch monitors. They also face forward, improving sound clarity. This monitor has a built-in webcam and microphone array, though the webcam's video quality is just OK.

The stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. The monitor works as a USB-C hub and can provide up to 90 watts power delivery for charging a laptop or powering an external device. The long list of extra features doesn't mean the screen takes a backseat. The C2722DE has an attractive, color-accurate display with 2560 x 1440 resolution. Price is the only downside, since it is a bit expensive.

_{Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 mode}

What We Like

Sharp QHD resolution
Attractive, accurate color
USB-C compatible

What We Don't Like

Expensive for its resolution

The Viewsonic VG2755-2K is a great QHD monitor for those who want a sharp image but don't want to leap to 4K. It also has a USB-C hub that can provide external devices with up to 60 watts of power. This monitor has a simple, no-fuss design with a sturdy stand that adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot.

Laptops that have a USB-C port with Power Delivery and DisplayPort can connect to the monitor and charge without an external power brick. The VG2755-2K is no slouch in image quality. It has a bright, highly color-accurate display with excellent sharpness. Its 2560 x 1440 resolution may not be 4K, but it's pixel dense compared to 1080p, and looks great in everyday use.

_{Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 mode}

Final Verdict

The Dell S2721QS (view at Amazon) is an incredible 4K monitor. It has wonderful image quality, an attractive design, an adjustable stand, and no significant downsides. You can spend more for a 27-inch monitor, but the S2721QS provides excellent value at a mid-range price point. If price isn't a factor, and you want the best of the best with no real compromises, the LG 27GN950-B offers both 4K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate.

About Our Trusted Experts

Andy Zahn has written about computers and other tech for Lifewire, The Balance, and Investopedia, among other publications. He has reviewed numerous computers, and has been building gaming PCs of his own since 2013. Andy is also an avid photographer, videographer and gamer, and knows the importance of investing in a good monitor.

Matthew S. Smith is a technology journalist and product reviewer with nearly 15 years of experience. He's tested over 600 monitors or laptop displays since 2010 and has a record of objective testing results that goes back a decade.

FAQs

Is refresh rate or resolution more important?
If you're using a monitor primarily for gaming, your first priority should be refresh rate. The jump from a basic 60 Hz to 144Hz or more will deliver a significant improvement in your gameplay experience. On the other hand, for photographers, videographers, and graphic designers high resolution can be absolutely vital. 4K monitors are also often more color accurate, another critical factor for creators. However, if you have the money to spare, you don't need to compromise, since high end monitors offer both high resolution and high refresh rates.

Is 27 inches the best size of monitor?
27 inches is a great compromise between expensive and bulky larger monitors and cramped smaller monitors. It provides plenty of space for getting work done or for playing immersive games. However, if you have the budget, a larger display will have more screen real estate, though in some situations only a 21 inch or smaller display may be adequate. Also, if you do need more screen space you could always buy two low price 27 inch screens such as the Dell S2721H and use them in a dual monitor configuration.

Are built-in speakers an important feature?
Built in speakers in monitors are something that's nice to have, but which shouldn't be considered a deal breaker. Most built in speakers produce sub-par audio, and good headphones or desktop speakers are available for not much money and will deliver much better sound.

What to Look for in a 27-Inch LCD Monitor

Resolution

In a 27 inch monitor, 1920 x 1080 is perfectly acceptable, but not particularly outstanding. For gaming, stepping down to 1080p for a higher refresh rate is a good tradeoff. However, for creative work such as photo editing, you'll want a display that offers at least 2160 x 1440. 4K monitors are increasingly common, and the extra resolution is great if you can afford it. If you're planning to play games at 4K, make sure your PC is capable of it.

"The ideal resolution of a monitor depends on the size you need. Generally speaking, the larger the monitor, the higher the resolution should be. Hence why 4K (or 3840 x 2160) is so desirable, but 1920 x 1080 is still Full HD and should be more than adequate for most setups." — Jeremy Bongiorno, Studio Frequencies

Bezel Size

A good way to reduce the footprint of a monitor on your desk is to look for one with a slim bezel. Reducing the size of the bezel makes your screen smaller without reducing the usable screen space of the monitor. Fortunately, even inexpensive monitors now frequently feature slim bezels.

Ports

Most modern monitors include HDMI ports, which are almost universally compatible with computers. Look for DisplayPort on higher-end models, which is a more powerful and modern connection. Some displays include older ports such as VGA as well, which can be useful. Other extras to look for include AUX audio and USB passthrough.

"Prioritize monitors that use HDMI 2.0 or 2.1. DisplayPort is rare and not yet worth the extra cash." — Jeremy Bongiorno, Studio Frequencies