Skip to main content
    Best 1440p 165Hz Gaming Monitors 2026
    UPDATED 2026·3 min read

    Best 1440p 165Hz Gaming Monitors 2026

    Alex Chen
    Alex ChenSenior Electronics Editor
    OUR #1 PICK

    Dell S2722DGM

    Well-rounded 1440p 165Hz gaming monitor

    As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Our deals are community-vetted (Slickdeals + r/buildapcsales), verified to live Amazon listings, and tracked with our own daily price history — never paid placement. Prices change often; always confirm the live price on Amazon. How we pick deals →

    1440p at 165Hz is the competitive gaming sweet spot — sharp enough for immersion, fast enough for competitive play. We tested the best panels in this hotly contested category.

    Best Overall

    Dell S2722DGM

    Our top-rated pick — skip to the full review below or check it on Amazon now.

    View on Amazon

    Quick Picks

    1 TOP CHOICES

    Dell S2722DGM
    Best Overall

    Dell S2722DGM

    Well-rounded 1440p 165Hz gaming monitor

    Panel: 27" VA curved

    Resolution: 2560x1440

    The S2722DGM hits the sweet spot of fast response times, deep VA contrast, and accurate colors out of the box.

    Check Today's Price

    Our Testing Methodology

    Each monitor was tested with a pursuit camera for real-world response time measurement, colorimeter for accuracy and coverage, and subjective evaluation across FPS, RPG, and desktop use cases over 2+ weeks.

    Why trust us?1,325+ guides publishedIndependent testingNo sponsored reviewsUpdated monthly

    Comparison Table

    3 PRODUCTS COMPARED

    ← Scroll to compare →

    ProductBest ForKey SpecScore
    Best Overall27" VA curved8.6/10View on Amazon
    Best Value27" IPS8.7/10View on Amazon
    Best for Competitive27" IPS8.3/10View on Amazon

    Quick Summary

    #ProductBest ForScore
    1Dell S2722DGMBest Overall8.6/10Check Price →
    2Gigabyte M27QBest Value8.7/10Check Price →
    3ASUS VG27AQ1ABest for Competitive8.3/10Check Price →

    1440p 165Hz Gaming Monitors Reviews

    3 PRODUCTS REVIEWED

    Dell S2722DGM
    Panel27" VA curved
    Resolution2560x1440
    Refresh165Hz
    Response1ms MPRT
    #1Best Overall

    Dell S2722DGM

    Best for: Well-rounded 1440p 165Hz gaming monitor

    The S2722DGM hits the sweet spot of fast response times, deep VA contrast, and accurate colors out of the box. The subtle curve adds immersion without distorting content. Dell's build quality and warranty seal the deal.

    Why we like it

    • Excellent VA contrast ratio for deep blacks
    • Good factory calibration out of the box
    • Dell 3-year warranty with advance exchange

    Flaws

    • VA panel has slower pixel transitions than IPS
    • Limited HDR performance despite certification
    • Stand is basic with no height adjustment
    8.6/10
    Performance
    8
    Features
    8
    Ease of Use
    9
    Value
    9
    Overall
    8.6
    In stock on Amazon · Links verified Jun 2026

    Prices checked Jun 18, 2026

    Gigabyte M27Q
    Panel27" IPS
    Resolution2560x1440
    Refresh170Hz
    ExtrasKVM switch + USB-C
    #2Best ValueBest Value

    Gigabyte M27Q

    Best for: Feature-rich 1440p gaming monitor with KVM switch

    The M27Q punches above its price class with a KVM switch, USB-C input, and excellent IPS panel that hits 170Hz. Perfect for gamers who also use their monitor for productivity and switching between PC and laptop.

    Why we like it

    • Built-in KVM switch for multi-device setups
    • USB-C input with 15W charging
    • Excellent IPS color accuracy

    Flaws

    • IPS glow noticeable in dark scenes
    • HDR performance is mediocre
    • OSD navigation can be clunky
    8.7/10
    Performance
    8
    Features
    9
    Ease of Use
    8
    Value
    10
    Overall
    8.7
    In stock on Amazon · Links verified Jun 2026

    Prices checked Jun 18, 2026

    ASUS VG27AQ1A
    Panel27" IPS
    Resolution2560x1440
    Refresh170Hz
    Response1ms GTG
    #3Best for Competitive

    ASUS VG27AQ1A

    Best for: Fast IPS 1440p monitor for competitive FPS gaming

    ASUS's ELMB (motion blur reduction) technology combined with a fast IPS panel makes this the choice for competitive FPS players. Crisp motion clarity at 170Hz ensures you see every enemy before they see you.

    Why we like it

    • ELMB motion blur reduction for competitive play
    • Fast 1ms GTG response with minimal overshoot
    • Ergonomic stand with full adjustability

    Flaws

    • ELMB reduces brightness significantly
    • Slightly washed-out colors at default settings
    • Higher price than Dell and Gigabyte options
    8.3/10
    Performance
    9
    Features
    8
    Ease of Use
    8
    Value
    7
    Overall
    8.3
    In stock on Amazon · Links verified Jun 2026

    Prices checked Jun 18, 2026

    The Bottom Line

    The Dell S2722DGM delivers the best overall experience. The Gigabyte M27Q is the value king with excellent factory calibration and KVM switching.

    Best Overall

    Dell S2722DGM

    Our #1 recommendation — the best overall pick in this guide.

    View on Amazon

    Still on the fence? Send a gift card.

    Skip the guesswork — a Giftcards.com card lets the recipient pick the exact model they want, delivered instantly.

    Browse Gift CardsAffiliate link

    Looking for more monitors & displays options?

    Browse all Monitors & Displays guides →

    How to Choose the Best 1440p 165Hz Gaming Monitors in 2026

    BUYING GUIDE

    IPS vs VA for Gaming

    IPS panels offer better color accuracy and wider viewing angles — ideal for bright, colorful games. VA panels deliver deeper blacks and higher contrast for dark scenes and horror games. For competitive FPS, IPS has faster pixel response. For cinematic games, VA's contrast wins.

    Best Overall

    Dell S2722DGM

    A great example of this in practice — check current price on Amazon.

    View on Amazon

    G-Sync vs FreeSync

    FreeSync monitors work with both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs (via G-Sync Compatible). Dedicated G-Sync modules add premium cost but offer variable overdrive. For most gamers, a FreeSync monitor with G-Sync Compatible certification is the best value.

    FAQ

    COMMON QUESTIONS

    Head-to-Head Comparisons

    COMPARE TOP PICKS SIDE BY SIDE

    Found this guide helpful?

    Browse More Guides

    RELATED GUIDES

    We use cookies for analytics (Google Analytics) and advertising (Google AdSense, Amazon Associates) to improve your experience. Privacy Policy