UK buying shortlist
Best Gaming Monitors in the UK (2026): Refresh-Rate and Resolution Checks
Written by Everyday Technology Desk Everyday technology editorial desk · Monitors & Displays beat · reviewed 18/07/2026
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.
Quick answer · Top 4
Compare all four options
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Pick 1 - Best budget
AOC 24G2SPU 24-inch Gaming Monitor
View Amazon resultsAt a glance:Best budget monitors route anchor picks
Trade-off:1080p resolution is less suited to spreadsheet-heavy productivity than 27-inch QHD/4K options.
Pick 2 - Best overall
LG 27GP850-B 27-inch QHD Gaming Monitor
View Amazon resultsAt a glance:QHD gaming through a compatible DisplayPort output
Trade-off:HDMI is limited to 144Hz at QHD; there is no USB-C laptop charging.
Pick 3 - Best premium
Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EU 27-inch QHD Monitor
Check price on AmazonAt a glance:QHD gaming with a curved-screen preference
Trade-off:Curved panel preference is subjective for office-first workflows.
Pick 4 - Best specialist or alternative
Dell S2722QC 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor
View Amazon resultsAt a glance:4K desk work with USB-C video and charging
Trade-off:The published maximum refresh rate is 60Hz, not a high-refresh gaming mode.
Everyday Technology Desk: before you choose: Check the exact device, port, app, operating-system and warranty fit before checkout.
Decision checks: device and port fit · portability · support and warranty
The 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
Best budget
AOC 24G2SPU 24-inch Gaming Monitor
Strong budget lane for buyers upgrading from basic 60Hz panels while accepting tighter feature and size trade-offs.
Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.
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
Overall winner
Best overall
LG 27GP850-B 27-inch QHD Gaming Monitor
Best overall gaming balance of QHD clarity, high-refresh responsiveness, and practical value for most buyers with mid-to-strong GPU headroom.
Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.
Highlights
- DisplayPort supports 165Hz, or up to 180Hz overclocked, at QHD resolution.
- QHD panel density is a practical step-up from 1080p at this size.
Drawbacks
- HDMI is limited to 144Hz at QHD; there is no USB-C laptop charging.
Buyer fit
Best for
- QHD gaming through a compatible DisplayPort output
- Desks needing height, tilt and pivot adjustment
Not for you if
- Laptops needing one-cable USB-C video and charging
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
Premium-leaning curved lane for buyers who prioritise immersion over the most neutral productivity presentation.
Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.
Highlights
- The 27-inch QHD panel offers a curved-screen alternative to a flat display.
- HDMI and DisplayPort inputs support separate desktop or laptop video connections.
Drawbacks
- Curved panel preference is subjective for office-first workflows.
Buyer fit
Best for
- QHD gaming with a curved-screen preference
- HDMI or DisplayPort setups that do not need USB-C charging
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
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
- A 3840×2160 panel provides more desktop pixels than Full HD or QHD.
- A compatible USB-C laptop can send video to the monitor and receive up to 65W charging through one suitable cable.
Drawbacks
- The published maximum refresh rate is 60Hz, not a high-refresh gaming mode.
Buyer fit
Best for
- 4K desk work with USB-C video and charging
- Setups needing height, swivel, tilt and pivot adjustment
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.
Before you compare
Check these first
- 1Check panel size versus desk depth, available ports for your platform, and stand/VESA flexibility.
Your four roles
View specs & trade-offs
Trade-off:1080p resolution is less suited to spreadsheet-heavy productivity than 27-inch QHD/4K options.
Not ideal for:Buyers specifically targeting 27-inch screen size
Check:Confirm the exact 24G2SPU/24G2SP variant, stand bundle, input set, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
Warranty and support: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.
Sources: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.
View specs & trade-offs
Trade-off:HDMI is limited to 144Hz at QHD; there is no USB-C laptop charging.
Not ideal for:Laptops needing one-cable USB-C video and charging
Check:Confirm the exact 27GP850-B regional model, stand bundle, input set, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
Warranty and support: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.
Sources: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.
View specs & trade-offs
Trade-off:Curved panel preference is subjective for office-first workflows.
Not ideal for:Users who prefer flat panels for design or spreadsheet alignment
Check:Confirm the exact LS27CG552EU/UK suffix, curve, stand adjustment limits, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
Warranty and support: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.
Sources: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/.
View specs & trade-offs
Trade-off:The published maximum refresh rate is 60Hz, not a high-refresh gaming mode.
Not ideal for:Buyers prioritising high-refresh esports performance over sharpness
Check:Confirm the exact S2722QC model code, USB-C DP Alt Mode/PD needs, included cable, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
Warranty and support: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.
Sources: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 | View Amazon results |
| 2. LG 27GP850-B 27-inch QHD Gaming Monitor | Best overall | QHD gaming through a compatible DisplayPort output | Laptops needing one-cable USB-C video and charging | HDMI is limited to 144Hz at QHD; there is no USB-C laptop charging. | 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 | View Amazon results |
| 3. Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EU 27-inch QHD Monitor | Best premium | QHD gaming with a curved-screen preference | 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 | 4K desk work with USB-C video and charging | Buyers prioritising high-refresh esports performance over sharpness | The published maximum refresh rate is 60Hz, not a high-refresh gaming mode. | 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 | View Amazon results |
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.
What would change the winner?
The lead pick remains the right starting point only while this shortlist matches your priorities. Reconsider it when a different use case or fit requirement matters more.
Known limitations
We did not run first-party-use or laboratory verification for every candidate in this guide; recommendations are based on structured evidence review and explicit trade-off handling.
Find another route
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: Check the product details, limitations and retailer terms before deciding.
- 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.
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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:
- Everyday Technology Desk
- 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).
- If your priority is strict value control, compare Best Monitors Under £300 in the UK (2026).
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Compare before choosing
Compare the routes that match your budget, priorities or setup before deciding which shortlist is the best fit.
Compare this next: Best Monitors for Home Working in the UK (2026): Top 4 Desk-Fit Picks
Other routes to compare
- Best Monitors Under £300 in the UK (2026): Top 4 by Setup Fit
- Best QHD Monitors for Work in the UK (2026)
Use this related shortlist to compare trade-offs before finalising your Top 4 pick.