Buying guide · Monitors

The best monitors for creators who also game.

Both jobs equally: ASUS PG27UCDM. Color work first: ASUS ProArt PA279CRV. Gaming first, editing second: ASUS XG27AQWMG. Pick by which job pays the bills.

By The Hardware Pick editorsPublished Updated Research-based · not lab-tested

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ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV
ASUS ProArt PA279CRVImage: ASUS
ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27AQWMG
ASUS XG27AQWMGImage: ASUS
ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM
ASUS PG27UCDMImage: ASUS

Alternatives first. The recommended use-case pick is last; these are not lab scores.

Jump to the final pick ↓

Which job comes first?

The short list

Store links checked Oct 10, 2026, 2:50 PM ET. Check current prices at the store.

Best for color work

Color you can bill for.

ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV · 1 of 3

4K3840 × 2160
60HzRefresh rate
99%Adobe RGB (ASUS)
96WUSB-C charging
Refresh rate60 Hz

Max refresh · scale 0–280Hz

60Hz (ASUS)

Get it if Color accuracy is your job. You want factory calibration, Adobe RGB and one USB-C cable to your laptop.

Skip it if You play competitive shooters. 60Hz will feel slow.

Strengths

  • Factory-calibrated, with remarkable accuracy in sRGB mode (RTINGS)
  • Adobe RGB, DCI-P3 and Rec.709 modes for different jobs
  • 96W USB-C charges most laptops

Keep in mind

  • 60Hz: fine for casual games, not for competitive ones
  • IPS contrast can't match OLED in dark scenes
  • HDR is entry-level
Full specs & caveats

Strengths

  • Factory-calibrated, with remarkable accuracy in sRGB mode (RTINGS)
  • Adobe RGB, DCI-P3 and Rec.709 modes for different jobs
  • 96W USB-C charges most laptops

Keep in mind

  • 60Hz: fine for casual games, not for competitive ones
  • IPS contrast can't match OLED in dark scenes
  • HDR is entry-level
ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV specifications
Screen27-inch IPS, anti-glare (ASUS)
Resolution3840 × 2160
Refresh rate60Hz (ASUS)
Response time5ms GtG (manufacturer)
Color gamut100% sRGB · 99% Adobe RGB · 99% DCI-P3 (ASUS)
Color accuracyΔE < 2, ships with a pre-calibration report (ASUS)
HDRHDR10 · 400-nit HDR peak (ASUS)
SDR brightness350 nits typical (ASUS)
USB-CDP Alt Mode, 96W power delivery (ASUS)
Ports1× USB-C · 2× DisplayPort 1.4 (daisy chain) · 2× HDMI 2.0 (ASUS)
Warranty3 years, zero bright dot (ASUS)
Best for gaming first

A gaming monitor that doesn't embarrass your edits.

ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27AQWMG · 2 of 3

280HzRefresh rate
Tandem OLEDPanel (WOLED)
557nits SDR, 25% window (Tom's)
3 yrsBurn-in warranty
Refresh rate280 Hz

Max refresh · scale 0–280Hz

280Hz over DisplayPort (DSC) and HDMI 2.1 (ASUS)

Get it if Gaming comes first, but you want wide color (99.5% DCI-P3 per ASUS) for photos and video.

Skip it if You need 4K for detail work or Adobe RGB for print.

Strengths

  • Bright for an OLED: 557 nits SDR measured by Tom's Hardware
  • 280Hz over HDMI 2.1 without compression (RTINGS)
  • USB hub and a fully adjustable stand

Keep in mind

  • Glossy screen reflects lamps and windows
  • Noticeable VRR flicker in some games (RTINGS)
  • Colors aren't as bright as pure white, a WOLED trait (RTINGS)
Full specs & caveats

Strengths

  • Bright for an OLED: 557 nits SDR measured by Tom's Hardware
  • 280Hz over HDMI 2.1 without compression (RTINGS)
  • USB hub and a fully adjustable stand

Keep in mind

  • Glossy screen reflects lamps and windows
  • Noticeable VRR flicker in some games (RTINGS)
  • Colors aren't as bright as pure white, a WOLED trait (RTINGS)
ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27AQWMG specifications
Screen26.5-inch viewable Tandem WOLED, TrueBlack Glossy coating (ASUS)
Resolution2560 × 1440
Refresh rate280Hz over DisplayPort (DSC) and HDMI 2.1 (ASUS)
Response time0.03ms GtG (manufacturer)
HDRDisplayHDR 500 True Black · 1,500-nit HDR peak (ASUS)
SDR brightness557 nits measured, 25% window (Tom's Hardware)
Color99.5% DCI-P3 (ASUS)
Adaptive syncFreeSync Premium Pro · G-SYNC Compatible · VESA AdaptiveSync 280Hz (ASUS)
Ports1× DisplayPort 1.4 (DSC) · 2× HDMI 2.1 (FRL) · headphone out (ASUS)
USB hub2× USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (ASUS)
StandHeight 0–110 mm, tilt, swivel, pivot · VESA 100 (ASUS)
Warranty3 years, panel burn-in included (ASUS)
Color gamut99.5% DCI-P3 (ASUS)
Our top pick for both jobs

One screen. Two careers.

ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM · 3 of 3

4K3840 × 2160
240HzRefresh rate
99%DCI-P3 (ASUS)
90WUSB-C charging
Refresh rate240 Hz

Max refresh · scale 0–280Hz

240Hz (ASUS)

Get it if You edit photos or video and play fast games, and want 4K sharpness with 240Hz motion.

Skip it if You leave a static timeline up eight hours a day. That's the burn-in scenario for any OLED.

Strengths

  • Fantastic for PC gaming with low input lag (RTINGS)
  • Highest pixel density among these 27-inch QD-OLEDs: very sharp text (RTINGS)
  • USB-C with 90W charging and a KVM for a work laptop

Keep in mind

  • OLED burn-in risk with static editing timelines
  • QD-OLED blacks lift in bright rooms
  • No Adobe RGB coverage listed
Full specs & caveats

Strengths

  • Fantastic for PC gaming with low input lag (RTINGS)
  • Highest pixel density among these 27-inch QD-OLEDs: very sharp text (RTINGS)
  • USB-C with 90W charging and a KVM for a work laptop

Keep in mind

  • OLED burn-in risk with static editing timelines
  • QD-OLED blacks lift in bright rooms
  • No Adobe RGB coverage listed
ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM specifications
Screen26.5-inch QD-OLED, anti-reflection coating (ASUS)
Resolution3840 × 2160
Refresh rate240Hz (ASUS)
Response time0.03ms GtG (manufacturer)
Color gamut99% DCI-P3 (ASUS)
Color accuracyΔE < 2, calibration report via DisplayWidget Center (ASUS)
HDRHDR10 · Dolby Vision · DisplayHDR 400 True Black · 1,000-nit HDR peak (ASUS)
USB-CDP Alt Mode, 90W power delivery (ASUS)
Ports1× DisplayPort 2.1 · 2× HDMI 2.1 (FRL) · 1× USB-C (ASUS)
KVMYes (ASUS)

Side by side.

Pick two. Compare the numbers—not the marketing.

Side-by-side specs of our picks
SpecificationBest for color workASUS ProArt PA279CRVBest for gaming firstASUS XG27AQWMGOur top pick for both jobsASUS PG27UCDM
At a glance
Refresh rate60 Hz

Max refresh · scale 0–280Hz

Refresh rate280 Hz

Max refresh · scale 0–280Hz

Refresh rate240 Hz

Max refresh · scale 0–280Hz

PanelIPS, anti-glareTandem WOLED, glossyQD-OLED, anti-reflection
Resolution3840 × 21602560 × 14403840 × 2160
Refresh rate60Hz (ASUS)280Hz over DisplayPort (DSC) and HDMI 2.1 (ASUS)240Hz (ASUS)
Color gamut100% sRGB · 99% Adobe RGB · 99% DCI-P3 (ASUS)99.5% DCI-P3 (ASUS)99% DCI-P3 (ASUS)
Color accuracyΔE < 2, ships with a pre-calibration report (ASUS)Not listedΔE < 2, calibration report via DisplayWidget Center (ASUS)
USB-CDP Alt Mode, 96W power delivery (ASUS)NoneDP Alt Mode, 90W power delivery (ASUS)
HDRHDR10 · 400-nit HDR peak (ASUS)DisplayHDR 500 True Black · 1,500-nit HDR peak (ASUS)HDR10 · Dolby Vision · DisplayHDR 400 True Black · 1,000-nit HDR peak (ASUS)
Best for color work

ASUS ProArt PA279CRV

Refresh rate60 Hz

Max refresh · scale 0–280Hz

Panel
IPS, anti-glare
Resolution
3840 × 2160
Refresh rate
60Hz (ASUS)
Color gamut
100% sRGB · 99% Adobe RGB · 99% DCI-P3 (ASUS)
Color accuracy
ΔE < 2, ships with a pre-calibration report (ASUS)
USB-C
DP Alt Mode, 96W power delivery (ASUS)
HDR
HDR10 · 400-nit HDR peak (ASUS)
Best for gaming first

ASUS XG27AQWMG

Refresh rate280 Hz

Max refresh · scale 0–280Hz

Panel
Tandem WOLED, glossy
Resolution
2560 × 1440
Refresh rate
280Hz over DisplayPort (DSC) and HDMI 2.1 (ASUS)
Color gamut
99.5% DCI-P3 (ASUS)
Color accuracy
Not listed
USB-C
None
HDR
DisplayHDR 500 True Black · 1,500-nit HDR peak (ASUS)
Our top pick for both jobs

ASUS PG27UCDM

Refresh rate240 Hz

Max refresh · scale 0–280Hz

Panel
QD-OLED, anti-reflection
Resolution
3840 × 2160
Refresh rate
240Hz (ASUS)
Color gamut
99% DCI-P3 (ASUS)
Color accuracy
ΔE < 2, calibration report via DisplayWidget Center (ASUS)
USB-C
DP Alt Mode, 90W power delivery (ASUS)
HDR
HDR10 · Dolby Vision · DisplayHDR 400 True Black · 1,000-nit HDR peak (ASUS)

How we chose

Specs from ASUS spec sheets. Verdicts and measurements from RTINGS and our XG27AQWMG review. We don’t run our own lab tests. All three are ASUS by coincidence, not by deal. Dell’s UltraSharp U2725QE was on our list, but its Dell US store page didn’t load when we checked on October 10, 2026, and we won’t recommend what we can’t verify.

What actually matters

Which job pays? If clients judge your color, buy the PA279CRV and live with 60Hz. First check it covers the color space you deliver in. If it’s a hobby, buy for gaming and check the gamut.

Color spaces. sRGB is the web. DCI-P3 is video and Apple screens. Adobe RGB is print. A monitor can cover one well and another poorly. The ProArt lists all three; the OLEDs list DCI-P3.

Calibration. Factory calibration gets you close out of the box. RTINGS calls the PA279CRV’s sRGB mode remarkably accurate. For paid color work, a hardware calibrator is still worth it.

Resolution. 4K at 27 inches gives sharp text and more timeline on screen. RTINGS notes the PG27UCDM has the highest pixel density of its QD-OLED peers.

Burn-in. OLEDs and static editing interfaces don’t mix well. Hide toolbars when you can. Check the burn-in warranty before you buy.

Plan the rest of the desk

Plan a 1440p desk for work and games. Check OLED and IPS room requirements.