A Beginner's Guide to QHD Monitors this 2025

Monitor resolution plays a key role in how we use our computers, impacting both performance and overall experience. QHD monitors have become a top choice in the market, offering an excellent balance of affordability and performance.

Understanding the key differences and advantages of QHD monitors compared to other resolutions is essential, depending on how you intend to use your computer. In this article, we’ll help you find the right QHD monitor for your needs and guide you in making an informed decision.

What is a QHD Monitor?

So what is the difference between QHD versus FHD? If you're not familiar with QHD monitors, they are essentially a higher-resolution alternative to the more common FHD monitors. A QHD monitor offers a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, also referred to as 1440p or 2K. With about 77% more pixels than a standard 1080p monitor, QHD delivers sharper images and provides more screen space.

For users seeking improved visual clarity, better image reproduction, or enhanced productivity, QHD monitors are the perfect all-in-one solution.

What Makes a Good QHD Monitor?

Now that we’ve clarified what a QHD monitor is, let’s dive into the factors that define a good one. When evaluating these monitors on the market, there are several important aspects to consider.

Panel Technology

To start, consider the type of panel technology used in the monitor you're interested in. The panel type can significantly impact your overall experience with the monitor.

For graphic artists, photo or video editors, and anyone needing top-tier color accuracy and viewing angles, IPS panels are the ideal choice. If you need fast response times for gaming, TN panels are better, though they sacrifice some color accuracy and viewing angles. For excellent contrast ratios and deep blacks, which are perfect for movies and gaming, VA panels are a great option. If you're looking for the best blacks, infinite contrast, excellent color reproduction, and fast response times, OLED panels are a top pick. Just be aware of potential burn-in with OLEDs during long use and take steps to avoid it.

Refresh Rate

Different refresh rates offer various benefits, especially for those who play games, whether casually or professionally. However, even if you're not a hardcore gamer, you can still benefit from a high refresh rate monitor.

For most competitive gamers, particularly those who play FPS games, the sweet spot lies within the range of 144Hz to 165Hz. These refresh rates provide the smoothest experience with a premium feel, all without breaking the bank. For more budget-conscious gamers or general computer users, monitors with refresh rates of 75Hz, 100Hz, and 120Hz are great options. If your budget allows for a higher investment and you’re aiming to compete at a professional level, a 240Hz monitor may be the best choice for you.

Color Accuracy

For professional use, especially when color accuracy is a priority, several factors contribute to a monitor’s color performance. When selecting your next QHD monitor, consider the following: sRGB coverage, DCI-P3, and Adobe RGB.

To ensure better color reproduction, look for a monitor with an sRGB rating of 95% or higher. This will guarantee that your colors are vibrant and true to life. For HDR content, a high DCI-P3 rating is essential, as it ensures more vivid and lifelike colors, especially in bright or dark scenes. For tasks like professional photo and video editing, where precise color accuracy is critical, the monitor should have a high Adobe RGB rating to ensure that every detail is displayed as accurately as possible.

Additional Features

Aside from the key features mentioned earlier, you can also benefit from hardware-related features that enhance your overall experience, such as native Adaptive Sync support. Monitors equipped with G-Sync or FreeSync technologies help eliminate screen tearing, providing a smoother, tear-free gaming experience. This is particularly beneficial for competitive gamers playing fast-paced games like MOBA and FPS, where every frame counts.

If you enjoy watching movies during your downtime, features like HDR support can significantly enhance your viewing experience by improving contrast and expanding the color range, making visuals more vibrant and realistic. Furthermore, it's important to consider the ergonomics of your setup. A monitor with an adjustable stand that allows for height, tilt, and pivot adjustments can make a big difference in comfort. For an even more customizable setup, a VESA-compatible monitor gives you the flexibility to mount it on a monitor arm, aligning the display perfectly to your needs and optimizing your workspace.

Areas to Use QHD Monitors Effectively

QHD monitors are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, depending on your needs. People often have differing opinions on which scenarios are ideal for using QHD monitors, but in this section, we’ve compiled a range of use cases to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you’re using it for gaming, creative work, or everyday tasks, we’ll break down the different scenarios where a QHD monitor excels.

Competitive Gaming

Using a QHD monitor means you can quickly notice and differentiate details, providing a significant advantage in gaming. This is particularly important for competitive games, especially in the FPS and MOBA genres, where quick reactions and attention to detail can make all the difference.

The ability to clearly spot small details that others may miss can give gamers a unique edge over their opponents. In addition to the enhanced detail, most QHD monitors come equipped with high refresh rates, which produce smoother images and improve the overall gaming experience, making it even easier to stay ahead of the competition.

Professional and Creative Work

If you're a content creator, graphic designer, or developer, a QHD monitor can offer several key benefits. For content creators, the increased resolution allows you to see more details, making it easier to spot imperfections in the photos or videos you're editing. This level of clarity ensures that your work is polished and precise.

On the other hand, designers and developers can take advantage of the larger screen space provided by a QHD monitor. This extra real estate allows you to fit all your tools, palettes, and the canvas you're working on simultaneously, streamlining your workflow and enhancing productivity.

Entertainment

When watching movies, a QHD monitor allows you to experience more unique details in each frame, thanks to its superior resolution and color reproduction. While it may not be as large as your household TV, a QHD monitor can still serve as an excellent option for entertainment, offering a high-quality viewing experience during your downtime.

Whether you’re relaxing after a busy day or taking a break from work or gaming, the enhanced visual clarity and vibrant colors make it an enjoyable choice for movie watching.

Popular QHD Monitors on the Market in 2025

With the vast selection of monitors available in the market, we've curated a list of the most popular options that we believe can provide a unique and satisfying experience for any user searching for their next QHD monitor. These monitors are designed to meet a variety of needs and preferences, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your requirements.

LG UltraGear QHD 27-inch Gaming Monitor (27GL83A-B)

If you're in search of an all-in-one monitor that excels across various use cases, the LG UltraGear QHD 27-inch Gaming Monitor is an excellent choice. This monitor is consistently praised for offering a perfect balance of features and price, making it a go-to option for many.

The IPS panel provides impressive color accuracy, ensuring vibrant visuals while maintaining gaming-grade performance. With a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, it’s a top choice for competitive gamers who demand both speed and clarity. Content creators also highly value the monitor’s color precision, making it ideal for photo and video editing. Whether you're gaming, creating, or simply enjoying multimedia, this monitor delivers exceptional performance.

Price: $299.99

Key Specifications:

• Display Size: 27 inches

• Panel Type: IPS

• Response Time: 1ms GtG

• Refresh Rate: 144Hz

• Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

• Color Accuracy: 99% sRGB

LG 27" UltraGear OLED QHD Gaming Monitor (27GR95QE-B)

This monitor has earned a strong reputation in the market for seamlessly combining the perfect blacks and exceptional contrast of OLED with features tailored for gaming. Users especially praise its motion clarity at 240Hz, which provides an incredibly smooth experience, along with virtually no input lag. The 240Hz refresh rate enhances the overall fluidity of gaming, and on top of that, it boasts an OLED panel, ensuring rich colors and deep blacks.

Additionally, the built-in anti-burn-in technology addresses common concerns with OLED displays, making this monitor a standout choice for both gaming and everyday use.

Price: $799.99

Key Specifications:

• Display Size: 27 inches

• Panel Type: OLED

• Response Time: 0.03ms

• Refresh Rate: 240Hz

• Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

• Color Accuracy: 98.5% DCI-P3

Samsung 27" Odyssey G55C QHD Curved Gaming Monitor

The curved display enhances the gaming experience, creating an immersive environment that users find especially engaging. The VA panel delivers exceptional contrast ratios, making it ideal for gaming in dark rooms.

Many users highlight its excellent value for money, as it provides premium features at a more affordable, mid-range price. Given its performance and cost-effectiveness, this monitor is a perfect choice for competitive gamers who are working with a limited budget.

Price: $279.99

Key Specifications:

• Display Size: 27 inches

• Panel Type: VA

• Response Time: 1ms MPRT

• Refresh Rate: 165Hz

• Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

• Curve Radius: 1000R

XPPen Artist Pro 22 (Gen2)

For those in the creative and digital arts fields, Artist Pro 22 (Gen2) is highly recommended by many digital artists due to its exceptional pen accuracy and outstanding color precision.

The impressive color accuracy makes it an excellent choice for professional work, while the QHD resolution ensures plenty of detail for complex designs. Additionally, the built-in express keys and customizable shortcuts enhance workflow efficiency, allowing for a smoother and more productive creative process.

Price: $899.99

Key Specifications:

• Display Size: 21.5 inches

• Panel Type: IPS

• Response Time: 14ms

• Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

• Color Accuracy: 99% Adobe RGB

• Pressure Levels: World's first 16K levels

Dell S3222DGM

Users value the large screen size paired with a gentle curve, offering an immersive experience without feeling overwhelming. The VA panel's impressive contrast ratio enhances both gaming and movie-watching, ensuring vibrant visuals. The ergonomic stand and blue light reduction even features contribute to long-lasting comfort during extended sessions.

Price: $329.99

Key Specifications:

• Display Size: 32 inches

• Panel Type: VA

• Response Time: 1ms MPRT

• Refresh Rate: 165Hz

• Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

• Curve Radius: 1800R

HP 27mq (27-inch)

If you're seeking a budget-friendly monitor that doesn’t compromise on quality, the HP 27mq is an excellent option. The IPS panel ensures exceptional color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for office tasks and content consumption alike. Its slim design and minimal bezels enhance the look of any desk setup, while the built-in speakers offer a convenient, cable-free solution for basic audio needs.

Price: $249.99

Key Specifications:

• Display Size: 27 inches

• Panel Type: IPS

• Response Time: 5ms GtG

• Refresh Rate: 75Hz

• Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

• Color Accuracy: 99% sRGB

Acer ED273U H (LED)

The Acer ED273U H has become popular for its ideal balance of gaming features and ergonomic design. The curved VA panel delivers immersive visuals with impressive contrast, while the 165Hz refresh rate guarantees smooth motion.

Users particularly value the BlueLightShield technology, which enhances comfort during extended gaming sessions, and the zero-frame design, making it a perfect choice for multi-monitor setups.

Price: $269.99

Key Specifications:

• Display Size: 27 inches

• Panel Type: VA LED

• Response Time: 1ms VRB

• Refresh Rate: 165Hz

• Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

• Curve Radius: 1500R

Comparing QHD Monitors Side-by-Side

Conclusion

QHD monitors strike the perfect balance in modern display technology, providing exceptional image quality without the high cost of premium displays. Whether you're a gamer, creative professional, or productivity-focused user, there's a QHD monitor that can enhance your digital experience. If you're searching for a QHD monitor to meet your creative and digital art needs, the XPPen Artist Pro 22 (Gen2) is an excellent choice for digital drawing. Additionally, XPPen offers a range of budget-friendly drawing tablet options with screens to suit various needs. Ready to take your creative and digital art journey to the next level? Consider these monitors for your next purchase.