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Head-to-head · Best 1440p 144hz Gaming Monitors

Dell Alienware AW2725DF vs MSI G274QPF-QD

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Dell Alienware AW2725DF comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). Dell Alienware AW2725DF is best for: Competitive gamers who want a 360Hz QD-OLED panel and can live with an audible cooling fan. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Dell Alienware AW2725DF
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best 1440p 144hz Gaming Monitors
Dell Alienware AW2725DF
4 sources$500as of Sep 6

The Dell Alienware AW2725DF runs a Samsung Display QD-OLED panel at 360Hz, which puts it among the fastest OLED monitors tested. Tom's Hardware praised the high refresh rate and adaptive-sync support, and TFTCentral noted the panel's rated 0.03ms G2G response time and fully adjustable stand. Reviewers also pointed out that the screen wobbles during adjustments and that the cooling fan is audible. Hardcore gamers chasing ultra-high refresh rates are the fit; anyone who wants a rock-steady stand or silent operation is not.

Strengths
  • — 360Hz refresh rate with adaptive-sync support including AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and VESA AdaptiveSync
  • — Samsung Display QD-OLED panel with 2560 x 1440 resolution and 1000 nits peak brightness
  • — 0.03ms G2G response time for gaming
Watch-outs
  • — Screen has noticeable wobble during adjustments
  • — Active cooling fan audible when listening closely
$500 · Buy at dell.comFull review →
MSI G274QPF-QD
Ranked #2 in Best 1440p 144hz Gaming Monitors
MSI G274QPF-QD
2 sources$244.98as of Oct 20

The MSI G274QPF-QD punches above its price point as an affordable 1440p gaming monitor. TweakTown praised its Quantum Dot Rapid IPS panel and 170 Hz refresh rate, calling it one of the most compelling and affordable 1440p gaming monitors available. Reviewers also flagged limits: HDMI caps at 144 Hz, and there is no USB passthrough or software support. Competitive esports players are the fit; anyone who needs full USB functionality is not.

Strengths
  • — Crisp Rapid IPS panel
  • — Color accuracy on par with more expensive options
  • — Impressive 170 Hz refresh rate
Watch-outs
  • — HDMI limited to 144 Hz
  • — No USB passthrough or software support
  • — No dedicated power button
$244.98 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Dell Alienware AW2725DF

The Dell Alienware AW2725DF is a QD-OLED panel at 360Hz, against 180Hz on the AOC Q27G3XMN's VA panel and 210Hz on the MSI MAG 275QF's Rapid IPS panel. Its stand adjusts for tilt, height, swivel and rotation, where the MSI MAG 275QF has no height or swivel adjustment. Its 1000 nits peak brightness is below the AOC's 1300 nits, and it costs more than both.

MSI G274QPF-QD

The MSI G274QPF-QD is a 27-inch Rapid IPS monitor like the MSI MAG 275QF, running at 170Hz against the MAG's 210Hz, and it costs less. It carries VESA DisplayHDR 400, where the AOC Q27G3XMN has DisplayHDR 1000 from a mini LED backlight. Its HDMI ports are limited to 144Hz and it has no USB passthrough.

Specs side-by-side

SpecDell Alienware AW2725DFMSI G274QPF-QD
Screen Size27 in27 in
Resolution2560 x 14402560x1440
Refresh Rate360Hz170 Hz
Panel TypeSamsung QD-OLEDRapid IPS
Response Time0.03ms G2G1ms
Brightness250 nits (SDR), 1000 nits (peak HDR)300 cd/m² (Typ.), 400 cd/m² (Peak)
HDR SupportVESA DisplayHDR True Black 400VESA DisplayHDR 400
Connectivity—2x HDMI 2.0b, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB Type-C (DP Alt.), 1x Headphone out
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