Expert Rating

93

On all accounts, the LG 27GL850 gaming monitor is an ideal choice for both casual and professional gamers. Being G-SYNC compatible, players will also be able to enjoy the benefits of Adaptive Sync technology even if they have an NVIDIA graphics card. Fast paced gamers will also appreciate it’s high refresh rate of 144Hz, its 1440p resolution, and its low 4ms input lag. These are just a few reasons why it’s considered one of the best gaming monitors for Xbox One X. But, does it make our list of the best computer monitors?

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Why We Like It – LG 27GL850

The LG 27GL850 is a top spec gaming monitor that comes packed with an impressive 1ms response time which completely eliminates motion blur, a respectable peak brightness of 350 nits, and Adaptive Sync technology which helps avoid screen tearing during fast gameplay. Its Nano IPS panel is also remarkable in that it offers 98% DCI-P3 coverage, which allows for stunning image quality thanks to a wide color gamut.

Pros
  • Low input lag of 4ms for high game responsiveness
  • NVIDIA G-Sync compatible
  • HDR10
Cons
  • Mediocre contrast ratio of 1000:1
  • No in-built speakers

Performance

Compared to the LG 27UK650-W, the LG 27GL850’s high refresh rate is no doubt one of its top selling points. Facilitated by AMD FreeSync’s Variable Refresh Rate technology, the monitor is able to match its refresh rate with that of your GPU, thereby getting rid of screen tearing. Built in gaming features such as Dynamic Action Sync which minimizes input lag, and Black Stabilizer for brightening dark scenes also significantly improves gaming performance. Support for HDR content delivers a rich, vivid picture quality, and it’s Nano IPS technology (where nanoparticles absorb excessive light) further explores its wide color gamut.

Related: If you like this gaming monitor, also check out our LG 27GL650F-B 27 Inch Full HD Ultragear G Sync compatible gaming monitor review.

Design

While being smaller than the BenQ PD3200U at a screen size of 27 inches, the LG 27GL850 Nano IPS monitor offers just enough screen real estate for both gaming and office use, as well as much better viewing angles compared to what you’d get from a TN panel. It’s also designed to look like most gaming monitors, but with an added flair thanks to its thin bezels, borderless design and red trim. The IPS display has decent ergonomics since it can tilt and be rotated into portrait mode, but can’t swivel. Like most IPS monitors & TN panels though, it can be VESA-mounted, but if not, it comes with an excellent stand.

Related: Also check out our LG 27MD5KL B Ultrafine review.

Value

The LG 27GL850 IPS gaming monitor is in the upper tier in terms of price, but it is indeed one of the best gaming monitors in the market despite being announced less than 12 months ago. It comes with a flicker-free screen, and a built-in low blue light filter for reduced eye strain which helps deliver a great gaming experience. Users will however have to contend with its IPS glow, which makes it unsuitable for dark room viewing. The monitor has 2 HDMI ports as opposed to the ASUS MG28UQ’s 3, and has wide viewing angles of 178 degrees that make the IPS panel ideal for both office use and multimedia viewing.

LG 27GL850 Wrap Up

Aside from having remarkable refresh rates, the LG 27GL850 IPS monitor’s only bone of contention is its mediocre contrast ratio of 762:1, which means the black colors are not as dark and can be frustrating, especially in a dark room or environment. Also, in sRGB mode, the monitor offers very accurate colors, but locks most of the On-Screen Display settings leaving you with control only over the brightness. The monitor is almost similar to TN panels in terms of response time, and is actually better feature-wise when compared to some TN monitors. Being a best-in-class IPS gaming display though, it firmly remains at the top of its league.

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