UK buying shortlist
Best Gaming Monitors in the UK (2026): Refresh-Rate and Resolution Checks
Choose this guide when gaming is the main job and you need to separate refresh-rate, resolution, connection and desk-fit checks before comparing retailer options.
Top 4 at a glance
Check a retailer or compare all four picks
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Pick 1 - Best budget
AOC 24G2SPU 24-inch Gaming Monitor
Check winner on AmazonPick 2 - Best overall
LG 27GP850-B 27-inch QHD Gaming Monitor
Check on AmazonPick 3 - Best premium
Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EU 27-inch QHD Monitor
Check on AmazonPick 4 - Best specialist or alternative
Dell S2722QC 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor
Check on AmazonThe shortlist
Four options, with the trade-offs visible
Use the fit, limitations and checkout checks before opening a retailer page. Confirm the current price, stock, delivery and returns with the retailer.
Pick 1
Overall winner
Best budget
AOC 24G2SPU 24-inch Gaming Monitor
Verdict
Strong budget lane for buyers upgrading from basic 60Hz panels while accepting tighter feature and size trade-offs.
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Highlights
- Credible low-cost pick for buyers moving from basic 60Hz screens.
- Widely surfaced in UK budget-monitor comparisons.
Drawbacks
- 1080p resolution is less suited to spreadsheet-heavy productivity than 27-inch QHD/4K options.
Buyer fit
Best for
- Best budget monitors route anchor picks
- Entry gaming and mixed-use desks on tighter spend caps
Not for you if
- Buyers specifically targeting 27-inch screen size
Check before buying
- Confirm the exact 24G2SPU/24G2SP variant, stand bundle, input set, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
Pick 2
Best overall
LG 27GP850-B 27-inch QHD Gaming Monitor
Verdict
Best overall gaming balance of QHD clarity, high-refresh responsiveness, and practical value for most buyers with mid-to-strong GPU headroom.
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Highlights
- Strong 27-inch performance/value balance for mixed gaming and daily desktop use.
- QHD panel density is a practical step-up from 1080p at this size.
Drawbacks
- Higher spend than entry-level budget monitor picks.
Buyer fit
Best for
- Best 27-inch monitors route coverage
- Shoppers wanting one 27-inch screen for work and play
Not for you if
- Strict sub-£200 budgets
Check before buying
- Confirm the exact 27GP850-B regional model, stand bundle, input set, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
Pick 3
Best premium
Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EU 27-inch QHD Monitor
Verdict
Premium-leaning curved lane for buyers who prioritise immersion over the most neutral productivity presentation.
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Highlights
- Useful mid-tier 27-inch option for buyers wanting curved immersion without premium pricing.
- Expands 27-inch route coverage beyond a single panel style.
Drawbacks
- Curved panel preference is subjective for office-first workflows.
Buyer fit
Best for
- Best 27-inch monitors route diversification
- Mid-range gaming-focused buyers
Not for you if
- Users who prefer flat panels for design or spreadsheet alignment
Check before buying
- Confirm the exact LS27CG552EU/UK suffix, curve, stand adjustment limits, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
Pick 4
Best specialist or alternative
Dell S2722QC 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor
Verdict
Mixed-use alternative for buyers who split time between gaming and productivity and can accept gaming-specific compromises.
Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.
Highlights
- Strong all-round 27-inch 4K option for mixed work and media use.
- USB-C support makes laptop desk setups simpler for UK home offices.
Drawbacks
- Not positioned as a high-refresh gaming-first display.
Buyer fit
Best for
- Best-monitors main buying route coverage
- 27-inch productivity-focused shortlist picks
Not for you if
- Buyers prioritising high-refresh esports performance over sharpness
Check before buying
- Confirm the exact S2722QC model code, USB-C DP Alt Mode/PD needs, included cable, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
Top 4 comparison
Compare the useful differences, trade-offs and final checks side by side.
1. AOC 24G2SPU 24-inch Gaming Monitor
- Pick role:Best budget
- Best for:Best budget monitors route anchor picks
- Avoid if:Buyers specifically targeting 27-inch screen size
- Key trade-off:1080p resolution is less suited to spreadsheet-heavy productivity than 27-inch QHD/4K options.
- Check before buying:Confirm the exact 24G2SPU/24G2SP variant, stand bundle, input set, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
- Warranty/support status:Warranty details must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. • Support route must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout.
- Review/evidence basis:Product identity, 23.8/24-inch FHD panel, 165Hz class refresh and height-adjustable stand checked against AOC 24G2SPU official product/leaflet evidence: https://www.aoc.com/mt/gaming/monitors/24g2spu_bk and https://www.aoc.com/api/asset/pi26757?ext=pdf
2. LG 27GP850-B 27-inch QHD Gaming Monitor
- Pick role:Best overall
- Best for:Best 27-inch monitors route coverage
- Avoid if:Strict sub-£200 budgets
- Key trade-off:Higher spend than entry-level budget monitor picks.
- Check before buying:Confirm the exact 27GP850-B regional model, stand bundle, input set, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
- Warranty/support status:Warranty details must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. • Support route must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout.
- Review/evidence basis:Product identity, 27-inch QHD panel and height/pivot/tilt stand checked against LG 27GP850-B official product evidence: https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27gp850-b-gaming-monitor
3. Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EU 27-inch QHD Monitor
- Pick role:Best premium
- Best for:Best 27-inch monitors route diversification
- Avoid if:Users who prefer flat panels for design or spreadsheet alignment
- Key trade-off:Curved panel preference is subjective for office-first workflows.
- Check before buying:Confirm the exact LS27CG552EU/UK suffix, curve, stand adjustment limits, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
- Warranty/support status:Warranty details must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. • Support route must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout.
- Review/evidence basis:Product identity, 27-inch QHD resolution and 1000R curved-screen fit checked against Samsung UK Odyssey G5 G55C evidence: https://www.samsung.com/uk/monitors/gaming/odyssey-g5-g55c-27-inch-165hz-curved-qhd-ls27cg552euxxu/
4. Dell S2722QC 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor
- Pick role:Best specialist or alternative
- Best for:Best-monitors main buying route coverage
- Avoid if:Buyers prioritising high-refresh esports performance over sharpness
- Key trade-off:Not positioned as a high-refresh gaming-first display.
- Check before buying:Confirm the exact S2722QC model code, USB-C DP Alt Mode/PD needs, included cable, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
- Warranty/support status:Warranty details must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. • Support route must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout.
- Review/evidence basis:Product identity, 27-inch 4K panel, USB-C input with power delivery and adjustable stand checked against Dell S2722QC official/spec or user-guide evidence: https://www.dell.com/en-hk/shop/dell-27-4k-uhd-usb-c-monitor-s2722qc/apd/210-bcdc/monitors-monitor-accessories and https://dl.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_electronics_accessories/esuprt_electronics_accessories_monitor/esuprt_monitor_s_series/dell-s2722qc-monitor_user%27s-guide2_en-us.pdf
| Pick | Pick role | Best for | Avoid if | Key trade-off | Check before buying | Warranty/support status | Review/evidence basis | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. AOC 24G2SPU 24-inch Gaming Monitor | Best budget | Best budget monitors route anchor picks | Buyers specifically targeting 27-inch screen size | 1080p resolution is less suited to spreadsheet-heavy productivity than 27-inch QHD/4K options. | Confirm the exact 24G2SPU/24G2SP variant, stand bundle, input set, warranty route and seller returns before checkout. | Warranty details must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. • Support route must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. | Product identity, 23.8/24-inch FHD panel, 165Hz class refresh and height-adjustable stand checked against AOC 24G2SPU official product/leaflet evidence: https://www.aoc.com/mt/gaming/monitors/24g2spu_bk and https://www.aoc.com/api/asset/pi26757?ext=pdf | Check winner price |
| 2. LG 27GP850-B 27-inch QHD Gaming Monitor | Best overall | Best 27-inch monitors route coverage | Strict sub-£200 budgets | Higher spend than entry-level budget monitor picks. | Confirm the exact 27GP850-B regional model, stand bundle, input set, warranty route and seller returns before checkout. | Warranty details must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. • Support route must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. | Product identity, 27-inch QHD panel and height/pivot/tilt stand checked against LG 27GP850-B official product evidence: https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27gp850-b-gaming-monitor | Check retailer price |
| 3. Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EU 27-inch QHD Monitor | Best premium | Best 27-inch monitors route diversification | Users who prefer flat panels for design or spreadsheet alignment | Curved panel preference is subjective for office-first workflows. | Confirm the exact LS27CG552EU/UK suffix, curve, stand adjustment limits, warranty route and seller returns before checkout. | Warranty details must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. • Support route must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. | Product identity, 27-inch QHD resolution and 1000R curved-screen fit checked against Samsung UK Odyssey G5 G55C evidence: https://www.samsung.com/uk/monitors/gaming/odyssey-g5-g55c-27-inch-165hz-curved-qhd-ls27cg552euxxu/ | Check retailer price |
| 4. Dell S2722QC 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor | Best specialist or alternative | Best-monitors main buying route coverage | Buyers prioritising high-refresh esports performance over sharpness | Not positioned as a high-refresh gaming-first display. | Confirm the exact S2722QC model code, USB-C DP Alt Mode/PD needs, included cable, warranty route and seller returns before checkout. | Warranty details must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. • Support route must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. | Product identity, 27-inch 4K panel, USB-C input with power delivery and adjustable stand checked against Dell S2722QC official/spec or user-guide evidence: https://www.dell.com/en-hk/shop/dell-27-4k-uhd-usb-c-monitor-s2722qc/apd/210-bcdc/monitors-monitor-accessories and https://dl.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_electronics_accessories/esuprt_electronics_accessories_monitor/esuprt_monitor_s_series/dell-s2722qc-monitor_user%27s-guide2_en-us.pdf | Check retailer price |
Choose this if / Avoid this if
Rule out poor-fit options before comparing finer details.
Avoid if
- Skip this guide if gaming is not your main use case and you mostly need office or creative productivity features.
Dealbreakers
- Treat it as a dealbreaker if refresh-rate expectations, console/PC port needs, or desk space do not align.
Check before buying
- Check panel size versus desk depth, available ports for your platform, and stand/VESA flexibility.
Choose another shortlist if
- Choose another route if colour-work accuracy or low-cost office use matters more than gaming-first fit.
When to pick a different shortlist
If your priorities differ, compare this winner with Best Monitors for Home Working in the UK (2026): Top 4 Desk-Fit Picks.
How we chose
The checks behind the four picks
We weighted refresh/latency fit, resolution-versus-performance trade-offs, and realistic UK value by tier before assigning Top 4 roles.
- Step 1: Compared using published product information, stated buying criteria and current retailer checks.
- Step 2: Practical ownership trade-offs over marketing-heavy spec framing
- Step 3: UK retailer availability checks for usable shortlist continuity
Disclosure
Last reviewed: 18/07/2026
UK Shortlists may earn a commission when you use some retailer links. This does not increase the price you pay.
Retailers cannot pay to change which products we recommend or their order.
Prices, stock, delivery and returns can change. Confirm the final details with the retailer before buying.
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Who checked this shortlist?
- Written / compiled by:
- UK Shortlists Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- UK Shortlists Editorial Team
- Last reviewed:
- 18/07/2026
- Review basis:
- Criteria-based comparison
We compare published product information, retailer details and the buying criteria shown above. UK Shortlists does not currently publish claims based on first-party product use, laboratory testing or long-term testing.
FAQs & alternatives
Is the Premium pick always best?
No. Premium only wins when your real use pattern benefits from the extra capability enough to justify higher spend.
Do these rankings guarantee lowest live price?
No. Price is used as contextual evidence; confirm final checkout pricing and availability before purchase.
Why include a Bonus Pick?
The Bonus slot keeps a credible alternative path visible when buyer preferences differ from the main top-three pattern.
Also consider
- If your buying priority is office productivity, compare [Best Monitors for Home Working in the UK (2026)](/shortlists/best-monitors-for-home-working-uk-2026).
- If your priority is strict value control, compare [Best Monitors Under £300 in the UK (2026)](/shortlists/best-monitors-under-300-uk-2026).
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Compare this next: Best Monitors for Home Working in the UK (2026): Top 4 Desk-Fit Picks