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Narrowing your screen search to one of the best G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitors can be an incredibly shrewd move. Taking this approach will throw you into a particular world of great monitors but also save you some money by avoiding the G-Sync ‘proper’ premium while still getting you, effectively, a G-Sync monitor. Smooth.
And you don’t have to rely just on us for the information that some FreeSync monitors work with G-Sync – Nvidia themselves tested loads of monitors in order to find out which are the best gaming monitors to work with its G-Sync adaptive sync technology.
But what’s the actual deal with these, the best G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitors? Well, it means you can pick up one of the best graphics cards (opens in new tab) from either the Nvidia or AMD family and benefit from super smooth pictures, frame rates, and low input lag. Adding one of these niche-but-excellent monitors to your setup allows you to add in the benefits of enabling Nvidia’s G-Sync tech too, which is an enormous bonus.
This development and sharing of tech means you don’t always have to pay a premium to get the picture-smoothing tech. You can get a full list of G-Sync monitors here (opens in new tab) at Nvidia’s website, but a great place to start your search is right here with our top picks for the best G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitors money can buy right now.
The best G-Sync Compatible FreeSync monitors 2022
1. MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD
The best G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 27-inchResolution: 2,560 x 1,440 at 144HzBrightness: 300 cd/m2Response time: 1ms GTGRefresh rate: 165HzViewing angle: 178° H&VContrast ratio: 1,000:1Features: IPS panel, Nvidia G-Sync Compatible, DisplayPort 1.2 x1, HDMI 2.0 x2, USB-C with 15W charging
Reasons to buy
+Crazy quick IPS panel+Great all-round feature set+Excellent colour coverage
Reasons to avoid
-A bit expensive for a 1440p panel-15W USB-C charging-Limited HDR support
It feels like 1440p and 27 inches has been the sweet spot for affordable PC gaming for an age – throw in G-Sync compatibility and it looks even sweeter. Does it make sense for consoles, too? MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD likes to think so, in part thanks to a compatibility mode that allows a 4K input from the PS5 to run at 2.5 on this 2,560 by 1,440 pixel panel.
If that doesn’t actually make much sense (why tolerate the performance wilting demandings of 4K if you’re not getting the visual upsides of same?), this MSI panel still has a lot going for it. For starters, it runs at 165Hz and packs a high-quality IPS panel with colour accuracy that’s well above the norm for a gaming monitor.
Arguably even more important, this monitor is seriously zippy. Rated officially at 1ms response, it’s one of if not the fastest LCD gaming monitors we’ve ever seen. That speed makes it great for all kinds of PC gaming and a particular joy for online shooters. It’s also feature-packed, including that G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor characteristic, plus USB-C connectivity (albeit limited to 15W of charging power). The only slight snag is the price. It’s pretty expensive. For this kind of money, you can get something bigger, if not quite as capable.
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2. ASUS VG27AQ
The best budget G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 27-inchPanel type: IPSAspect ratio: 16:9Resolution: 2560 x 1440Response time: 1msRefresh rate: 144Hz (Overclockable to 165Hz)Weight: 15.9 pounds
Reasons to buy
+Terrific quality to pictures+Great colours and vibrancy+Lovely and smooth+Good settings menu
Reasons to avoid
-Some in-game edges have a bit of a blur-Matte finish gives lighter pictures a sheen
The VG27AQ is a really great monitor, that would be at home in other best lists, not just in this niche. It’s a great IPS panel that has quality speeds and would be a fine choice for a PC player or console owners – or better, both. It was a joy to play both types of systems on that it’d really suit a multi-monitor and multi-device/system setup.
In my ASUS VG27AQ review (opens in new tab) I was impressed by basically all it offered; it is exceptionally versatile and turned its hand to anything. The slight downsides of a little haze and sheen here and there are just that – slight. The rest of what the VG27AQ offers easily makes this the best G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor going right now.
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3. ASUSROG Strix XG27UQ
The best 4K G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor
Specifications
Size: 27-inchResolution: 4K (3840×2160)Refresh Rate: 144HzResponse Time: 1msPanel: IPSPorts: 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x DisplayPort, 2x USB 3.0, earphone jack
Reasons to buy
+Perfect specs of 4K, 144Hz, 1ms+It’s far cheaper than any other monitor with similar specs+The best way to play the latest AAA games
Reasons to avoid
-Quite expensive-Need a 3080 or better to unlock its full potential
Until now, 4K60fps+ gaming has been a concept only attainable by the hardcore enthusiasts who dedicate everything they have to PC gaming. Not anymore. Thanks to the recent launch of the 30-series cards from Nvidia, and AMD’s RX series equivalents, it’s finally affordable for those who desire it. To reach that level, you need one of the best monitors on the market, but they’re usually more expensive than the graphics cards themselves.
The ASUS XG27UQ changes that entirely, bringing almost the best possible specs on a 4K screen down to a reachable tier for general PC gamers. It’s still not cheap, but for the first time ever a 4K monitor with 1ms response time and a 144Hz refresh rate is below the $1k mark. Quite considerably actually, coming in at around $800/£800. It’s still a hefty price tag, don’t get me wrong, but it’s far cheaper than the other top tier offerings.
The ASUS XG27UQ is like a gaze into what PC gaming will be like for everyone 5 to 10 years down the line. With ray tracing on, Cyberpunk 2077 had my jaw on the floor, with stunning lighting effects and texture detail throughout Night City. As did Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, with the sunrays splitting the treetops. if you have a rig capable of it – seriously, don’t upgrade to 4K if your graphics card is a few years old – then you will not be disappointed with this monitor.
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4. Dell S2721DGF
The best no-frills G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor
Specifications
Size: 27-inchResolution: 1440pRefresh Rate: 165HzResponse Time: 1msPanel: IPSPorts: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 5x USB 3.0, headphones, audio line-out
Reasons to buy
+All the best specs; 1440p, 165Hz, 1ms+Wide viewing angles+Stunning, sleek design
Reasons to avoid
-Poor HDR performance and dark areas
Dell offers a lot of monitors, from basic 1080p run-of-the-mill office jobs to uber impressive 4K beauties. The S2721DGF slots firmly in the middle, offering gaming performance at 1440p, and while the specs are those you’d expect of a top-notch competitive esports ready screen, it certainly doesn’t look like one on the outside.
When any PC gamer is looking for a monitor, two specs are vital; refresh rate and response time, and – often, G-Sync compatibility. The Dell S2721DGF is almost perfect in this regard, offering 165Hz and 1ms respectively, as well as that sweet Sync tech. Another attraction is the IPS panel, which is excellent and contributes to the bang-to-buck value that the monitor offers. The monitor is covered in a matte, all-black finish, with thin, flat bezels around the edge, making it a brilliant choice for anyone looking for a double or triple-monitor set-up.
The only place this monitor trips up is in HDR performance, especially dark areas. The contrast is low, which means it’s often hard to differentiate between subtle blacks and greys, but if you’re using this primarily for gaming and not movie-watching, it’s not too big of a deal. This is one of the best 1440p G-sync compatible FreeSync monitors on the market.
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5. Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165
The best premium 1440p G-Sync-compatible FreeSync monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 32-inchPanel type: IPSAspect ratio: 16:9Resolution: 2560 x 1440Response time: 1msRefresh rate: 144Hz (Overclockable to 165Hz)Weight: 15.9 pounds
Reasons to buy
+Nicely calibrated image quality+Good feature set+Great build quality
Reasons to avoid
-Expensive for a 1440p panel-Limited HDR performance-Fast but not crazy quick
1440p has been the sweet spot for PC gaming for several years. But the new Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165 stretches the appeal of 1440p to breaking point courtesy of its 32-inch proportions and premium pricing. It’s certainly a nicely calibrated panel with excellent colour coverage thanks to the use of quantum dot technology in its backlight. It’s also pretty quick, with sub-3ms GtG pixel response and user-configurable overdrive, not to mention 165Hz refresh. But it’s not exceptional by any of those measures. And at this price point, it needs to be.
Likewise, the Xeneon’s basic HDR support is good but nothing special. But the biggest problem remains the combination of price and the mediocre pixel density that comes with stretching 1440p or 2,560 by 1,440 pixel over a fairly large 32-inch IPS panel. The result is adequate but far from exceptional image detail and sharpness. For gaming, it’s debatable – do you want more frames or more detail. In mitigation, the Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165 is beautifully built and is certainly one of the most premium, but best, G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitors that money can buy right now.
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6. Samsung Odyssey G7
The best Samsung G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 27″; 1000R curvePanel type: VAAspect ratio: 16:9Resolution: 2560 x 1440Refresh rate: 240HzResponse time: 1msBrightness: 350 nitsContrast ratio: 2500:1Features: G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync Premium, 2x USB 3.0 hub
Reasons to buy
+Gorgeous VA panel+Super-fast response+Nice design and build quality
Reasons to avoid
-Seriously pricey-Extreme curve could be too much-Not a true HDR display
Looking for one of the best G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitors that blends nearly everything that’s best about the latest LCD technology? You just found it in the Samsung Odyssey G7 C27G7. With local dimming, adaptive sync, high refresh, HDR, quantum dot technology, a curved panel, and more, on paper it’s got the works.
More specifically, it comes with a 27-inch diagonal with 1440p resolution and 240Hz refresh for what many would agree absolutely nails the sweet spot in terms of balancing detail with speed and response. The main question mark concerns the use of VA panel technology, which is traditionally associated with slow pixel response and generally slightly laggy performance – not so here. Samsung claims 1ms response times and this monitor feels and looks at least that quick. No question, it’s comparable with the best TN monitors for sheer speed. That it also matches IPS panels for colours and adds excellent contrast into the mix makes for an incredibly compelling package.
As for negatives, they’re limited to a particularly poor HDR implementation given the DisplayHDR 600 certification, plus a niggling doubt that the extreme 1000R curve may be a bit too much of a good thing – and it is pricey for what it offers.
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7. Razer Raptor 27
A solid and reliable G-Sync comaptible FreeSync monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 27-inchPanel type: IPSAspect ratio: 16:9Resolution: 2560x1440Response time: 1msRefresh rate: 144HzWeight: 12.3 lbs
Reasons to buy
+Superb image quality and crispness+Some of the best colors and contrasts+Excellent speeds to back up the G-Sync compatibility+Great Razer design
Reasons to avoid
-A bit pricey
Razer’s first foray into gaming displays is a great success. The Raptor is a 27-inch panel that has quality specs under the hood. An IPS panel with a 1440p resolution, it has a 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate; and it offers that sweet G-Sync compatibility.
Elsewhere, there’s also a slick black design that has RGB in the stand – because of course it does – and a mesh material all over the back, much like you’d find on speakers. The traditional Razer-green cables contrast nicely with the black stand and monitor and are tidily kept in check at the back with cable guides, too. The ports will have you covered practically speaking too: an HDMI, a DisplayPort, one USB-C, two USB 3s, and a headphone jack.
This is a terrific gaming monitor all in then, and one which has a quality of picture that alone makes it easy to recommend as one of the best G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitors. The screen’s speed is fast and pacey for smooth pictures, the image quality is crisp and gorgeous, and the color range and contrasts are deep and immersive. It’s a little pricey perhaps, but if you’re looking for a great PC monitor that has compatibility with Nvidia’s screen tech, this sure is a strong contender.
Read more: Razer Raptor 27 review
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8. AOC Agon AG273QX
A speedy demon with image quality to boot
Specifications
Screen size: 27-inchPanel type: VAAspect ratio: 16:9Resolution: 2560 x 1440Response time: 1msRefresh rate: 165HzWeight: 17.2 pounds
Reasons to buy
+Blistering screen speeds+Wonderfully bright and vivid pictures+Decent pre-sets+Good picture quality+Good value
Reasons to avoid
-Massive, intrusive stand-Contrasts are just OK in darker games-Legacy model
If speed is paramount for you in your G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor, then this AOC model is very worthy of your consideration. We think that 1440p gaming is still the sweet spot for gaming setups right now so this 27-inch, QHD, FreeSync 2, VA panel with blistering speeds – 165Hz refresh; 1ms response – is right up there when it comes to speed-focused gaming at that perfect resolution. It doesn’t compromise too much on image quality too and had real quality colour and HDR chops to make this monitor offer much more than just the speedy element. A decent all-rounder for those looking to have a speedy-focus to their monitor but one of the best ones going if you’re just chasing those speeds.
Read more in our full AOC Agon AG273QX review (opens in new tab) here. And please note that this model is unfortunately not available in the US yet. It might well come to that side of the pond, but for the moment this is an EU-only model. In the US, your closest available AOC match would probably be the AOC C27G2 (opens in new tab).
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9. AOC G2590FX
A best value-busting G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 24.5-inchPanel type: TNAspect ratio: 16:9Resolution: 1920 x 1080Response time: 1msRefresh rate: 144HzWeight: 9.26 lbs
Reasons to buy
+Excellent color range+Super slim bezel
Reasons to avoid
-Sub-par viewing angles
Despite being ‘just’ a TN panel the AOC G2590FX is a super affordable entry point into high frame rate gaming on an almost bezel-less screen. The loss of viewing angle and really rich colors that a TN panel can give you is compensated by a lightning refresh rate of 144Hz and a zippy 1ms response time. This 25-inch monitor can show off frames fast as your GPU can squeeze them out, no jaggies or input lag permitted, especially as it’s got that sweet G-Sync compatibility.
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10. Alienware AW2720HF
The best premium 1080p G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 27-inchPanel type: IPSAspect ratio: 16:9Resolution: 1920 x 1080Response time: 1msRefresh rate: 240HzWeight: 28.24 lbs
Reasons to buy
+Great design+Very fast refresh rateGreat all-round specs
Reasons to avoid
-‘Only’ 1080p
This is a great monitor if your budget is in the $400 / £400 range. Alienware’s 27-inch model is a thing of beauty on the outside, with a stylish design that we’ve come to know from Dell’s gaming wing, and a gaming beast on the inside. A 1080p IPS panel that offers a lightning-quick 1ms response time and an astonishing 240Hz refresh rate all combine to make a great gaming monitor that would be a great fit for any player. I suppose if we’re being picky, it would be even better to have all those specs at a 1440p resolution but that would certainly bump the cost up by a fair chunk. A fine monitor from a good manufacturer that oozes quality and style.
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11. Acer Nitro XV273K
The next best 4K G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor
Specifications
Screen size: 27-inchPanel type: IPSAspect ratio: 16:9Resolution: 3840 x 2160Response time: 1msRefresh rate: 144HzWeight: 14.5 lbs
Reasons to buy
+4K resolution!+Premium compilation of specs
Reasons to avoid
-A bit pricey
As you can imagine a lovely 4K resolution on a monitor oozing quality gaming specs does bump up the price a bit. However, the Acer Nitro XV273K and its specs do go a long way to justify the price tag, and it’s a worthwhile investment if you want the biggest resolution in this niche of gaming monitor. Its a tremendous 4K HDR IPS-panel monitor that’s G-Sync compatible – an excellent start. This is then reinforced by the particulars of the aforementioned gaming specs in the form of a a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. Neither of which are easy on a 4K panel. All that, and it is from a reputable maker of quality gaming monitors, a great option.
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12. Alienware AW2521HF
The best G-Sync compatible monitor for esports and competitive players
Specifications
Screen size: 24.5″Aspect ratio: 16:9Resolution: 1920 x 1080 @ 240HzResponse time: 1msBrightness: 400 cd/m2Contrast ratio: 1,000:1Viewing angle: 178° H&VFeatures: IPS panel, Nvidia G-Sync & AMD FreeSync support, LED backlight & edgelight, USB 3.0 hub, preset game modes including built-in FPS counter
Reasons to buy
+Rapid response time and high refresh rate+Sleek, matte black design+Four USB 3.0 ports with simple cable management
Reasons to avoid
-Uneven blacks and unimpressive picture quality-Suited only for competitive gaming
The Alienware AW2521HF is one of the most affordable 1080p 240Hz G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitors with a 1ms response time out there, making it an ideal choice for gamers who want to compete at the highest level in games like Valorant, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, or anything else with an elite esports scene. On that front, it excels, with buttery smooth motions and its G-Sync compatibility is key in that regard.
Unfortunately though, if you’re a fan of playing non-competitive or single-player games and appreciate the ever-improving graphics in the latest games, you may prefer to opt for a 1440p or 4k monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate so your games look even better. If those are out of your price range, even a 144Hz 1080p monitor may be the preferred choice because this display has a problem with uneven blacks, making dark scenes look slightly dodgy. This is also the case if you’re watching movies or TV shows on it. A brilliant monitor with a very specific audience.
Graphics cards
And, just as a last public service announcement, if you’re trying to buy one of the recently released graphics cards – or a machine powered by one – then these pages are going to be of interest:
Graphics card stock
Buy RTX 3060 | Buy RTX 3060 Ti | Buy RTX 3070 | Buy RTX 3080 | Buy RTX 3090 | Buy AMD RX 6900 XT | Buy RX 6800
Laptop deals and stock
RTX 3060 laptop deals | RTX 3070 laptop | RTX 3080 laptop
PC deals and stock
RTX 3060 PC | RTX 3070 PC | RTX 3080 PC | RTX 3090 PC
If you’re after something different you can browse our guides to the best PS5 monitors, best Xbox Series X monitors, best PS4 monitors, the best portable monitors, and best G-Sync monitors here.
If you’re after something that’s TV-shaped then head over to our best gaming TV guide as well as our best TV for PS5 and Xbox Series X, best OLED TV, and best 120Hz 4K TV guides which will all see you right.
