Best 1440p Gaming Monitors in Canada

1440p is the resolution most Canadian PC gamers land on, and for good reason: a 1440p gaming monitor looks noticeably sharper than 1080p without asking as much of your graphics card as 4K. This guide compares eight 1440p (QHD) gaming monitors sold in Canada — from a ~$200 budget pick to a premium QD-OLED — with approximate prices in CAD, and explains what actually matters before you buy.

1440p, or QHD, means 2560 × 1440: roughly 78% more pixels than 1080p and about 44% fewer than 4K. Most 1440p gaming monitors are 27 inches, because that size keeps text and fine detail crisp at a normal desk distance. Refresh rate and GPU performance still matter: a 200Hz screen only feels smoother if your computer can produce enough frames to stay near it.

A note on accuracy. Prices below are approximate and current as of October 2026, taken from Best Buy Canada listings, and can change — several are current sale prices, and availability moves. We haven't personally tested these monitors; our picks are based on verified manufacturer and retailer specifications, not hands-on reviews. Some listings are sold by third parties on Best Buy Marketplace, so check the seller, warranty, and shipping first.

Quick Picks

• Best budget 1440p — Acer Nitro XV270U X1 (~$200): 27-inch QHD IPS at 200Hz, sold and shipped by Best Buy. For shoppers who want high-refresh 1440p for the least money.
• Best high-refresh value — MSI MAG 274QF X24 (~$230): 27-inch QHD Rapid IPS at 240Hz for about what 165Hz monitors used to cost. For competitive players on a budget.
• Best curved — Samsung Odyssey G5 27" (~$190–$300): 27-inch QHD VA with a 1000R curve and 165Hz. For an immersive, wrapped picture.
• Best high-refresh budget/mid-range — Lenovo Legion 27Q-10 (~$250): 27-inch QHD IPS at 240Hz with G-SYNC Compatible and a fully adjustable stand. For speed without a premium price.
• Best all-rounder — LG 27G610A-B (~$300): 27-inch QHD IPS at 200Hz with DisplayHDR 400, sold and shipped by Best Buy. For one screen that handles gaming, work, and media.
• Best premium IPS — ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS (~$399): 27-inch QHD Fast IPS at 180Hz with ELMB Sync and USB-C. For shoppers who want tuning features and USB-C over raw refresh rate.
• Best premium 1440p — Alienware AW2725DM (~$400): 27-inch QHD IPS at 180Hz with DisplayHDR 400, 95% DCI-P3, and a 3-year warranty. For a polished PC-and-console all-rounder.
• Best premium OLED — MSI MAG 271QP QD-OLED X28 (~$650): 26.5-inch QHD QD-OLED at 280Hz with True Black HDR 400. For the best contrast and motion available at 1440p.

There's no single best 1440p gaming monitor for everyone — the right one depends on your GPU, your games, your desk, and your budget.

Quick Comparison Table

All eight are 1440p (2560 × 1440) gaming monitors. Prices are approximate, current as of October 2026, and subject to change.

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Pros and Cons at a Glance

Prices are approximate, in CAD, and can change. The points below are based on documented specifications such as panel type, resolution, and refresh rate, not hands-on testing.

Acer Nitro XV270U X1 (~$200) — Best Budget 1440p Option

• Pros: 27" 1440p IPS at 200Hz — the cheapest way here to get QHD with a high refresh rate; IPS colour and viewing angles.
• Cons: IPS contrast is weaker than VA or OLED, so dark scenes look flatter; 200Hz at 1440p needs a fairly capable GPU to be worthwhile.

MSI MAG 274QF X24 (~$230) — Best High-Refresh Value

• Pros: 240Hz at 1440p for a low price; Rapid IPS panel; strong motion smoothness for competitive play.
• Cons: you'll only benefit from 240Hz with a GPU that can drive that many frames at 1440p; IPS contrast limits dark-scene depth.

Samsung Odyssey G5 27" (~$190–$300) — Best Curved 1440p Option

• Pros: curved 27" 1440p VA panel at 165Hz (180Hz variants exist); deeper blacks and stronger contrast than IPS; often discounted.
• Cons: VA panels can show more motion smearing in fast scenes; the curve is a personal preference; the wide price range reflects different variants, so verify the exact model.

Lenovo Legion 27Q-10 (~$250) — Best High-Refresh Budget/Mid-Range Option

• Pros: 240Hz at 1440p; IPS panel with consistent colour; well balanced between refresh rate and price.
• Cons: needs a capable GPU to make 240Hz useful; IPS contrast can't match VA or OLED; fewer premium extras than the top-tier picks.

LG 27G610A-B (~$300) — Best All-Rounder

• Pros: 27" 1440p IPS at 200Hz; a balanced choice for gaming and desktop work; fast enough for competitive play.
• Cons: sits at the top of the value band; IPS black levels are limited; you're paying near-premium money without premium panel technology.

ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS (~$399) — Best Premium IPS Option

• Pros: 180Hz fast IPS at 1440p with responsive motion; wide viewing angles; the kind of feature set premium IPS buyers expect.
• Cons: costs far more than the budget QHD picks for the same resolution and similar refresh; IPS can't match OLED blacks.

Alienware AW2725DM (~$400) — Best Premium 1440p Option

• Pros: 180Hz IPS at 1440p with a premium build; strong colour and motion performance for an IPS panel.
• Cons: premium price for IPS contrast; you're close to OLED money without OLED blacks.

MSI MAG 271QP QD-OLED X28 (~$650) — Best Premium OLED Option

• Pros: QD-OLED with true blacks, extremely fast response, and a 280Hz refresh rate; the best motion clarity here.
• Cons: by far the most expensive option; OLED displays need care with long static content; text rendering looks slightly different from LCD due to the subpixel layout.

Check current price. No retailer links appear here yet — no affiliate program is active. Once one is approved, each pick above will carry a "Check current price" link to a Canadian retailer. For now, search the full model number to see today's price and stock.

Acer Nitro XV270U X1 — Best budget 1440p option (~$200)

Why consider it. The least expensive route to high-refresh 1440p here, and it's sold and shipped by Best Buy itself. Key specs. 27-inch 2560 × 1440 (QHD) · IPS · 200Hz · 0.5ms GTG (manufacturer) · 250 cd/m² · 99% sRGB · height, tilt, swivel, pivot stand · VESA mounting · no speakers. Refresh rate. 200Hz, above the 144Hz–165Hz typical at this price; adaptive sync comes from AMD FreeSync Premium. Panel type. IPS, for wide viewing angles and consistent colour. Best for. Shoppers who want the most 1440p for the money. Potential drawbacks. Modest 250 cd/m² brightness, no speakers, and standard sRGB colour rather than a wider gamut. Who should consider it. Budget builders with a mid-range GPU, especially anyone stepping up from a 1080p 60Hz screen.

MSI MAG 274QF X24 — Best high-refresh value (~$230)

Why consider it. A 240Hz 1440p gaming monitor for roughly the price of a 165Hz one — the standout refresh-rate-per-dollar pick. Key specs. 27-inch 2560 × 1440 (QHD) · Rapid IPS · 240Hz · 0.5ms GTG (min) · 250 cd/m² · FreeSync Premium · HDR Ready · HDMI 2.0b and DisplayPort 1.4a · tilt-only stand · VESA 75 × 75 · no speakers. Refresh rate. 240Hz, but only over DisplayPort — HDMI tops out at 144Hz at 1440p on this model. Panel type. Rapid IPS, a faster-response IPS variant. Best for. Competitive players who want the highest refresh rate for the money. Potential drawbacks. The stand tilts but doesn't adjust height or pivot, and 250 cd/m² limits HDR headroom. Who should consider it. FPS and esports players with a GPU that can push high frame rates at 1440p.

Samsung Odyssey G5 27" — Best curved 1440p option (~$190–$300)

Why consider it. The clearest and most affordable way into a curved 1440p screen, with a 1000R curve that wraps the picture around your view. Key specs. 27-inch 2560 × 1440 (QHD) · VA · 1000R curved · 165Hz (newer listings 180Hz) · 1ms MPRT · roughly 2500:1 static contrast · FreeSync Premium · HDR10. Refresh rate. 165Hz on the most widely listed model; some newer G5 curved listings reach 180Hz. Panel type. VA, which typically delivers deeper blacks and higher contrast than IPS. Best for. Immersion-first gaming — story-driven and single-player titles especially. Potential drawbacks. The G5 line spans many model codes and sellers, so prices and specs move between roughly $190 and $300; the cheapest listings are often third-party; VA can show more dark-scene smearing and narrower viewing angles. Who should consider it. Shoppers who want 1440p on a tight budget and prefer a curved, high-contrast picture over IPS colour.

Lenovo Legion 27Q-10 — Best high-refresh budget/mid-range option (~$250)

Why consider it. 240Hz at 1440p with G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium, and a fully adjustable stand, for around the price of many 180Hz monitors. Key specs. 27-inch 2560 × 1440 (QHD) · IPS · 240Hz · 0.5ms MPRT and 1ms OD · 300 cd/m² · 99% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3 · two HDMI 2.1 plus DisplayPort 1.4 · height, tilt, pivot, swivel · no speakers. Refresh rate. 240Hz, with NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VESA Adaptive Sync all supported. Panel type. IPS. Best for. The middle ground — high refresh without a premium price. Potential drawbacks. Sold by Lenovo Canada through Best Buy Marketplace with a shorter 1-year warranty, and you'll want DisplayPort to reach 240Hz. Who should consider it. PC gamers who want 1440p 240Hz without spending $400 or more.

LG 27G610A-B — Best all-rounder (~$300)

Why consider it. A 200Hz QHD IPS panel with DisplayHDR 400 and a full ergonomic stand, sold and shipped by Best Buy, with a large, well-reviewed track record. Key specs. 27-inch 2560 × 1440 (QHD) · IPS · 200Hz · 1ms GTG · VESA DisplayHDR 400 and HDR10 · 99% sRGB · two HDMI plus DisplayPort · height, tilt, swivel, pivot. Refresh rate. 200Hz — a clear step above 144Hz while staying easier to drive than 240Hz. Panel type. IPS, with AMD FreeSync and FreeSync Premium for adaptive sync. Best for. One screen for gaming, work, and video. Potential drawbacks. No USB-C or USB hub, and DisplayHDR 400 is entry-level HDR — don't expect OLED-like contrast. Who should consider it. Shoppers who want a balanced 1440p monitor from a mainstream retailer and don't need the highest refresh rate.

ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS — Best premium IPS option (~$399)

Why consider it. A refined Fast IPS display with 180Hz, G-SYNC Compatible support, ELMB Sync motion-blur reduction, and USB-C for laptop users. Key specs. 27-inch 2560 × 1440 (QHD) · Fast IPS · 180Hz · 1ms GTG · DisplayHDR 400 · ELMB Sync · USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode), DisplayPort, HDMI · tripod socket · height, tilt, swivel, pivot. Refresh rate. 180Hz — smooth, though lower on paper than cheaper 200Hz and 240Hz rivals. Panel type. Fast IPS, tuned for quicker pixel response than a standard IPS panel. Best for. Shoppers who want premium build, tuning software, and USB-C connectivity, backed by G-SYNC Compatible and FreeSync adaptive sync. Potential drawbacks. Costs more than faster monitors, and it's sold through a Marketplace seller with a 1-year warranty. Who should consider it. Players who dock a laptop and want USB-C, and anyone who prefers extra image-tuning tools over peak refresh rate.

Alienware AW2725DM — Best premium 1440p option (~$400)

Why consider it. A polished, well-supported 180Hz QHD IPS monitor with DisplayHDR 400, wide DCI-P3 colour, a USB hub, and a 3-year warranty — sold and shipped by Best Buy. Key specs. 27-inch 2560 × 1440 (QHD) · IPS · 180Hz · DisplayHDR 400 · 95% DCI-P3 · HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, USB 5Gbps hub · height, tilt, swivel · 3-year warranty. Refresh rate. 180Hz over DisplayPort; HDMI tops out at 144Hz at QHD here. Panel type. IPS with a glossy finish, which looks vibrant in bright rooms and can show reflections in others. Variable refresh rate supports G-SYNC Compatible and FreeSync, plus a dedicated console mode. Best for. A premium all-rounder for PC and PS5 or Xbox use. Potential drawbacks. More expensive than some faster IPS monitors, and Dell lists a 4ms black-white-black response figure that reads higher than the GtG numbers other brands quote. Who should consider it. Shoppers who want a refined, console-friendly 1440p monitor and value a longer warranty.

MSI MAG 271QP QD-OLED X28 — Best premium OLED option (~$650)

Why consider it. The OLED pick: per-pixel lighting for true blacks, 0.03ms response, 280Hz, and DisplayHDR True Black 400. Key specs. 26.5-inch 2560 × 1440 (QHD) · QD-OLED · 280Hz · 0.03ms GTG · True Black HDR 400 · 99% DCI-P3 · two HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a, USB-C with 15W power delivery · height, tilt, swivel, pivot · VESA 100 × 100 · 3-year warranty with burn-in coverage. Refresh rate. 280Hz, the highest here, with NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro adaptive sync. Panel type. QD-OLED, combining OLED's contrast and speed with quantum-dot colour. Best for. Fast, dark, high-motion games where contrast and clarity matter most. Potential drawbacks. Roughly triple the price of the budget pick; OLED pixels can develop burn-in from long-term static elements even with care features; it's the smallest screen here at 26.5 inches. MSI also lists a MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 variant at a much higher current price, so check the exact model and seller. Who should consider it. Enthusiasts who want the best image quality and motion available at 1440p and will pay for it.

What Is a 1440p Gaming Monitor?

1440p is the resolution listed as QHD, WQHD, or "2K" — 2560 × 1440 pixels, sitting between 1080p (1920 × 1080) and 4K (3840 × 2160).

Compared with 1080p, a 1440p gaming monitor shows more detail: sharper textures, cleaner text, and more usable desktop space. Compared with 4K, it's easier to drive — fewer pixels means your GPU can reach higher frame rates without the same class of graphics card. That balance of sharpness and performance is why 1440p is so popular.

Not every gaming PC can run every game at high frame rates at 1440p. Demanding titles, high graphics settings, and upscaling technology all change what your system can achieve.

1440p vs 1080p vs 4K

• 1080p — easiest to run and usually cheapest; great for high frame rates on modest hardware, especially at 24–25 inches.
• 1440p — the middle ground: clearly sharper than 1080p, noticeably easier to drive than 4K, and a good fit at 27 inches.
• 4K — the sharpest, and generally the most demanding; best suited to powerful GPUs and larger screens.

There's no universally right resolution. The best choice depends on your GPU, the games you play, the monitor size you want, how close you sit, and your budget.

How Much Refresh Rate Do You Need?

Refresh rate (Hz) is how many times per second the screen redraws, and higher rates make motion look smoother.

• 144Hz — the long-standing gaming baseline; smooth for most players.
• 165Hz — a small step up, common on value monitors.
• 180Hz — the current mainstream for 1440p gaming monitors.
• 200Hz — a little smoother again, often paired with better colour than budget panels.
• 240Hz and higher — very smooth motion for fast competitive games.

A higher refresh rate doesn't automatically improve every game. If your computer can't produce enough frames to keep up, the extra headroom goes unused — so match the monitor to what your system can realistically deliver.

IPS vs VA vs OLED

IPS panels generally offer wide viewing angles and consistent colour, which makes them a safe choice for a 1440p gaming monitor. Contrast is typically modest.

VA panels usually deliver stronger contrast and deeper blacks than most IPS displays, which suits darker games and video. Viewing angles and motion can be weaker than IPS, though actual performance varies by model.

OLED panels use per-pixel lighting, so blacks are true black, contrast is outstanding, and response is very fast. OLED monitors generally cost more, and long-term considerations such as burn-in risk exist — many models, including MSI's, include care features and burn-in coverage.

No panel type is universally better. IPS suits colour and angles, VA suits value and contrast, and OLED suits shoppers who want the best picture and will pay for it.

What Size 1440p Monitor Should You Get?

• 24 inches — compact and sharp, but 1440p is less common here; better suited to competitive play than immersion.
• 27 inches — the most common pairing for 1440p. Pixel density stays high, text looks crisp, and the screen fits most desks.
• 32 inches — more immersive, and a popular size for 4K. At 1440p, pixel density drops, so text is slightly softer than at 27 inches.
• Ultrawide — expands your field of view in supported games, but needs more desk space and GPU power.

For most shoppers, 27 inches is the safest starting point: it's the size most 1440p monitors are built around.

Can Your PC Handle 1440p Gaming?

GPU performance has the biggest effect on the frame rates you'll actually see at 1440p. A mid-range card can handle competitive titles at high frame rates; demanding AAA games at maximum settings are hard for any card.

Rather than chasing a specific model, think about your mix. If you play mostly esports and older games, 1440p is easy to drive. If you play the newest releases at high settings, expect to use lower settings or upscaling and frame-generation features to reach high frame rates. Variable refresh helps here — when your frame rate dips, adaptive sync keeps the image smooth.

Which 1440p Monitor Suits Your Games?

• Competitive FPS — prioritise refresh rate and response. A 1440p 240Hz monitor such as the MSI MAG 274QF X24 or Lenovo Legion 27Q-10 gives the smoothest motion, if your PC can drive it.
• Story and AAA games — resolution and contrast matter more than peak refresh; a curved VA panel or an OLED shines here.
• Racing games — a curved, high-refresh 1440p panel adds both immersion and smoothness.
• RPGs — you want a comfortable, sharp picture for long sessions, so a 27-inch QHD IPS screen with an adjustable stand works well.
• General gaming — a 1440p 180Hz monitor is a sensible default: smooth enough for fast games, sharp enough for everything else.

How Much Should You Spend on a 1440p Gaming Monitor?

• Under $250 — 1440p with 165Hz to 240Hz refresh rates on IPS or VA panels. The Acer Nitro XV270U X1 and Samsung Odyssey G5 curved live here.
• $250–$350 — more speed and better stands: 200Hz to 240Hz IPS panels, often with wider colour coverage and DisplayHDR 400.
• $350–$500 — premium LCD territory: stronger build, better colour accuracy, USB hubs and USB-C, longer warranties.
• $500+ — OLED. You're paying for true blacks, near-instant pixel response, and high refresh rates rather than size.

Spending more doesn't automatically get you a better monitor for your setup: a $250 screen that matches your GPU can serve you better than a $650 one your PC can't drive. If your budget is tighter, our Best Gaming Monitors Under $300 in Canada guide covers both 1080p and 1440p.

Key 1440p Monitor Features Explained

• Adaptive sync — matches the monitor's refresh rate to your frame rate so the image stays smooth and tear-free. It's the single most useful feature to look for.
• FreeSync — AMD's adaptive-sync standard; FreeSync Premium adds a minimum refresh rate and low frame-rate compensation, and works with most modern GPUs.
• G-SYNC compatibility — NVIDIA's validation of adaptive sync on a monitor. Most 1440p gaming monitors here support it; a true G-SYNC module is rarer today.
• HDR — a brightness and contrast standard. Entry-level DisplayHDR 400 on an LCD adds only modest impact; OLED's True Black HDR 400 is a much bigger step up.
• Response time — how quickly pixels change. Lower is generally better, but listed figures (GTG, MPRT, OD) aren't directly comparable between brands, so treat them as a rough guide.
• DisplayPort — the standard way to reach the highest refresh rates on PC; most 240Hz+ monitors need it.
• HDMI — handy for consoles and laptops, but it often caps refresh rate lower than DisplayPort at 1440p. Check the version (HDMI 2.1 versus 2.0).
• Height adjustment and pivot — an adjustable stand lets you set the screen at eye level and rotate to portrait. Some budget monitors only tilt.
• VESA mounting — a VESA-compatible monitor can go on a desk arm or wall mount, freeing up desk space.

How to Choose a 1440p Gaming Monitor

1. Be honest about your GPU. 1440p needs more power than 1080p. If your card can't hold the frame rates you want, a 1080p high-refresh monitor is the better buy.
2. Set a refresh-rate target. 144Hz–180Hz suits most players; 240Hz only makes sense if your system can push those frames at 1440p.
3. Choose the panel technology. IPS for colour and viewing angles, VA for contrast and deeper blacks, OLED for true blacks and the fastest motion at a much higher price.
4. Stay near 27" unless you have a reason not to. 2560 × 1440 keeps text and detail crisp at 27" without demanding extra desk space.
5. Check adaptive sync, ports, and cables. Confirm FreeSync or G-SYNC compatibility, and that the ports and included cable support your target resolution and refresh rate.
6. Look at the stand and desk fit. Height, tilt, swivel, and VESA mounting matter if you'll use an arm or share the desk.

If your budget is tighter, our Best Gaming Monitors Under $300 in Canada guide covers 1080p and entry 1440p options.

Before You Buy

• Prices in this guide are approximate, in CAD, and can change — verify the live listing.
• Availability changes, and monitor model numbers are frequently revised with small differences between variants.
• Confirm resolution, refresh rate, panel type, and port list on the manufacturer or retailer page.
• Check the included cable supports your target resolution and refresh rate at the same time.
• Make sure your GPU, desk space, and stand requirements match the monitor you're ordering.

FAQ

Is 1440p better than 1080p for gaming?

1440p is sharper and shows more detail, but it needs more GPU performance to reach the same frame rates. If your card can't keep up, a 1080p high-refresh monitor can feel smoother.

Is 1440p good for gaming?

Yes — it's the most popular middle ground. You get noticeably more detail than 1080p while staying easier to drive than 4K, with options at almost every price.

Is 1440p worth it in Canada?

For most PC gamers, yes. A capable 1440p gaming monitor in Canada now starts around $200, and premium options like OLED are widely stocked by Canadian retailers.

What refresh rate should I get for 1440p gaming?

180Hz is a sensible target for most players, and 144Hz to 165Hz is still smooth. A 1440p 240Hz gaming monitor makes sense only if your GPU can consistently push high frame rates in your games.

Is 27 inches good for 1440p?

Yes — it's the most common pairing. At 27 inches, 2560 × 1440 keeps text and fine detail crisp, and the screen still fits most desks.

Is IPS or VA better for gaming?

Neither is universally better. IPS typically offers wider viewing angles and more consistent colour; VA typically offers deeper blacks and higher contrast. Choose based on which you value more.

Is OLED worth it for a gaming monitor?

If image quality and motion are your priorities, yes — OLED delivers true blacks, excellent contrast, and extremely fast response. It costs significantly more, and long-term burn-in is worth understanding before you buy.

What GPU do I need for 1440p gaming?

There's no single answer; it depends on your games, settings, and target frame rate. Mid-range cards handle esports and older titles at high frame rates, while the newest AAA games at maximum settings are demanding for any GPU.

The Bottom Line

The best 1440p gaming monitor for you depends on your budget, your GPU, your panel preference, and the games you play. The Acer Nitro XV270U X1 is the budget pick; the MSI MAG 274QF X24 and Lenovo Legion 27Q-10 deliver the most refresh rate per dollar; the Samsung Odyssey G5 curved is the immersion choice; the LG 27G610A-B is the balanced all-rounder; and the ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS, Alienware AW2725DM, and MSI MAG 271QP QD-OLED X28 cover the premium end, with OLED the clear step up in image quality. Match the monitor to your hardware first — a high refresh rate only helps if your PC can drive it.

Related Borealis guides

• Gaming Monitors — our full category guide.
• Best Gaming Monitors Under $300 in Canada — our wider guide if your budget is tighter, covering 1080p and 1440p.
• Best Gaming Mice Under $100 in Canada — pair your monitor with the right mouse.
• Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboards in Canada — match your monitor with a solid keyboard.
• Best Gaming Headsets Under $100 in Canada — complete your setup with a good headset.
• All Borealis articles — the full library, including upcoming guides.