Alienware 39 5K OLED (AW3926QW) Review: Next-Gen Panel Tech Takes the Crown for Ultrawides

Zackery Cuevas — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:25:16 +0000

Just like the soon-to-be-reviewed LG UltraGear evo GX9, the Alienware 39 5K OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3926QW) is a 39-inch ultrawide curved "5K2K" (5,120-by-2,160-pixel) gaming monitor with a cutting-edge QD-OLED panel. On paper, these two monitors are matched in almost every category, from their dual-mode options to their …

LG's 1,000Hz Monitor Launches for $999. Is It Overkill?

Michael Kan — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:42:25 +0000

The 25-inch monitor can hit up to 1,000 frames per second natively at 1080p.

It might be unnecessary, but US customers can now buy a 1000Hz gaming monitor from LG.

The company today kicked off sales of the LG UltraGear 25G590B, which was originally announced in May. The vendor has dubbed it the world’s first full HD gaming monitor that can …

LG to Remove Unwanted Monitor Pop-Ups, Following Nudge From Microsoft

Michael Kan — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:22:50 +0000

LG monitors quietly installed an app that showed a pop-up ad for McAfee software, an example of how third-party devices can leverage Windows to install bloatware and adware.

LG has agreed to disable a pop-up ad for McAfee software on its monitors.

As Windows Latest reports, a Microsoft executive reached out to LG to pull the plug after the PC hardware review channel Gamers Nexus reported that …

Ready for Brighter OLEDs? DisplayHDR True Black 1400 Is Ready to Deliver

Jon Martindale — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:03:39 +0000

Displays will need a max peak brightness of 1,400 nits and up to 700 nits full-screen. Lenovo and Samsung will be the first to showcase qualifying screens at this week's Bilibili World 2026.

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) has announced a new certification for flagship OLED monitors. Dubbed DisplayHDR True Black 1400, it demands a lot from the displays in terms of brightness and contrast, but the first ones to meet it are just around the corner.

VESA's

Alienware 34 280Hz QD-OLED (AW3426DW)

Zackery Cuevas — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:02:21 +0000

The Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3423DWF) was one of our favorite ultrawide gaming monitors when we reviewed it a few years ago, thanks in part to its remarkable picture quality. Now, Alienware hopes to impress …

The Best Curved Monitors for 2026

Tony Hoffman, Zackery Cuevas — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:45:55 +0000

Gamer, graphic designer, or multitasker? A curved monitor could be your key to work or play that's more immersive. Here's how to buy one, plus our top picks, based on our hands-on (and eyes-on) reviews.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Curved Monitors?

The biggest pro? The experience of using a curved display is often described as "immersive." It draws you into the scene, lending a feeling of dimensionality that you don't get with a flat panel. Many recent ultrawide …

This New Asus ROG 540Hz OLED Monitor Looks Perfect for Esports Pros

Tony Hoffman — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:54:48 +0000

There's plenty to like in Asus's Computex 2026 monitor offerings, including the 540Hz ROG Strix OLED XG259QWPG Ace and a portable ePaper display that reduces eye strain.

With Asus celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Republic of Gamers brand, it's no surprise that the company unveiled multiple ROG gaming monitors at Computex, including the 540Hz ROG Strix OLED XG259QWPG Ace, touted as the first OLED esports

Samsung The Movingstyle Essential

Tony Hoffman — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:35:02 +0000

In its marketing material for the 32-inch Samsung The Movingstyle Essential ($699.99), the company uses the phrase "It's How We Roll." Indeed, when mounted on the shaft extending from its disc-shaped, wheeled base, this freestanding smart monitor can be rolled from room to room, and a …

A Triple Threat: MSI's Latest Gaming OLED Gives You Plenty of Refresh Rate Options

Zackery Cuevas — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:21:41 +0000

At Computex 2026, MSI teased a tri-mode OLED gaming monitor and Mac-specific productivity displays with a wealth of I/O ports.

MSI brought its latest QD-OLED gaming monitor to Computex 2026, and the company says the MPG OLED 322URDX36 is the world’s first 31.5-inch 4K 360Hz gaming monitor to feature a "triple mode" configuration. In addition, MSI added a wave of Mac-specific productivity monitors to its …

Your Phone Is About to Blow Up With Acer's New Keyboard-Friendly Portable Monitor

Tony Hoffman — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:37:46 +0000

Launched at Computex, the PM161Q JB is a 15.6-inch portable monitor you can attach to a pogo-style keyboard and your phone, supersizing your texts (and everything else).

At Computex this week, Acer debuted two portable monitors that can be directly attached to pogo-style keyboards. When so connected, the 15.6-inch Acer PM161Q JB can serve as a large screen for an Android phone or iPhone with a USB-C port, making texting or typing documents …

Full Stack: Alienware's New 39-Inch 5K OLED Piles On the RGB Layers

Zackery Cuevas — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:19:04 +0000

At Computex, Alienware unveiled the first 39-inch 5K OLED gaming monitor with RGB stripe technology. Plus, brightness-boosting 'penta tandem' panel tech comes to a new 34-inch OLED.

Computex 2026 is in full swing this week, and Alienware is marking the occasion in a big way, with the introduction of not one, not two, but four monitors, including the world’s first 39-inch 5K OLED gaming monitor with RGB stripe …

First Look: Samsung’s New 6K Odyssey G8 Gaming Monitor Is Pure Overkill—in the Best Way

Zackery Cuevas — Wed, 20 May 2026 18:33:28 +0000

I got my eyes on the latest line of displays from Samsung, including the 32-inch 6K Odyssey G8 (G80HS). Just wow.

If you're still not sold on the splendor of high-resolution PC gaming, maybe Samsung can change your mind. The company launched a bunch of new and updated computer monitors this week, including an eye-popping 6K gaming display. I got some hands-on time with these new panels …

You Can't Unsee This Early Memorial Day Deal on a Samsung Curved Gaming Monitor

Carlos Mejia — Wed, 20 May 2026 13:51:02 +0000

This incredible 49-inch Odyssey G9 monitor will give gamers a visual edge while putting $450 in savings back in their pocket.

With the unofficial start of summer on the horizon, retailers are already celebrating by bringing major discounts on top tech. Amazon and Walmart are already out here dropping prices across their inventory for Memorial Day, and that’s …

How We Test Monitors

Tony Hoffman, Chris Stobing — Tue, 19 May 2026 21:37:34 +0000

What you expect to see from a PC monitor isn't always what you get. That's why standardized testing is an important part of the review process at PC Labs. Here's how we test every monitor we review.

We test desktop monitors of all stripes here at PCMag, from barebones budget screens to moderately priced mainstream displays to high-end, big-screen Ultra High Definition (UHD) models that cost thousands of dollars. Every monitor we review is subjected to a series of image-quality and performance tests that we …

Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED Monitor (S3225QC)

Tony Hoffman — Sun, 17 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000

The Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED Monitor (S3225QC, $499.99) feels like several monitors rolled into one. It has the screen size, resolution, color coverage, and pixel density for creative work, a refresh rate and adaptive sync suitable for casual gaming, and a magnificent OLED screen and …

Alienware 27 240Hz QD-OLED (AW2726DM)

Zackery Cuevas — Sun, 10 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000

At first glance, the Alienware 27 240Hz QD-OLED (AW2726DM) doesn't stand out. It's a 1440p, 240Hz OLED gaming monitor, with specs that have become fairly standard in the premium gaming monitor space. So what sets Alienware's latest apart from the pack? The arrestingly low price of just …

LG Display Turns Heads With RoboCop-Style OLED Humanoid

Michael Kan — Tue, 05 May 2026 20:01:06 +0000

For now, it's just a robot head, but this 'Humanoid Display' is meant to show off LG Display's P-OLED screen, which can withstand extreme temperatures, among other things.

LOS ANGELES—LG Display usually sells panels for TVs, monitors, and phones. But the Korean manufacturer also sees potential in bringing its bendable display tech to robots. At SID Display Week here today, it showed off a robot head concept outfitted with an OLED screen.

Gigabyte MO27Q28G

Zackery Cuevas — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:56:46 +0000

You might associate hardware manufacturer Gigabyte with motherboards and graphics cards, but the Taiwan-based maker also makes some pretty fine gaming monitors. The latest is the MO27Q28G ($599), a QHD (2,560-by-1,440-pixel) OLED monitor with a 280Hz refresh rate and ultra-thin bezels. It’s a wonderfully lithe monitor with …

The Best Monitors for Photo Editing in 2026

Tony Hoffman — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:37:41 +0000

Whether you're a creative pro, an amateur enthusiast, or a student learning the trade, here's how to shop for a display to use for photo work—plus the top picks from our lab-tested reviews.

How to choose the right display model for photo editing? "Wide-gamut" monitors, broadly speaking, are the best fit for serious photo editors. These models let you select from a palette of more than a billion colors, and are the cat's meow when it comes to photography, although it is important …

The Best Cheap Gaming Monitors for 2026

Zackery Cuevas — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Already blew most of your budget on a graphics card? Getting a great price on a high-refresh gaming monitor might help ease the pain. These are the best low-cost gaming displays we've tested.

When it comes to budget gaming monitors, the size of your panel and its resolution are intertwined. Native resolution has traditionally been limited to 1080p (1,920 by 1,080 pixels) on monitors with panel sizes under 32 inches.

That's changing, though, as more manufacturers broaden their model ranges. We've been able …

Alienware's New OLED Gaming Monitor Offers Gorgeous Visuals, Shocking Price

Zackery Cuevas — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Alienware is determined to bring OLEDs to the masses, and the Alienware 27 240Hz QD-OLED display is priced at an extremely competitive $350.

OLED gaming monitors are usually associated with high sticker prices. But starting today, that might be a thing of the past. Alienware will make QD-OLED technology available at its lowest price point yet—$349.99.

The Alienware 27 240Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW2726DM) is a 27-inch QHD (2,560 by 1,440 …

Apple Studio Display (2026)

Tony Hoffman — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:50:55 +0000

The 2026 version of the Apple Studio Display (starts at $1,599; $1,999 as tested) is more than just a computer monitor. It's got a processor, an audio system, a webcam, and plenty of ports. Apple has enhanced most of these features, too, though overall the monitor is a modest refresh …

Apple Studio Display XDR

Tony Hoffman — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Six years after Apple launched the Pro Display XDR, its superb-but-pricey 32-inch 6K reference monitor, Cupertino has pulled it in favor of a smaller, less expensive, but highly capable replacement. For Mac-based creators who balked at buying its predecessor, the Apple Studio Display XDR (starts at …

One of My Favorite Ultrawide OLED Gaming Monitors Is Now Just $799, Its Lowest Price Ever

Tony Hoffman — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:54:02 +0000

The super ultrawide Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, a magnificent 49-inch gaming panel, is now available at 38% off for Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

When we reviewed the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 nearly three years ago, it wowed us so much that we gave it a 4.5-star rating and our Editors' Choice award despite its original $2,199 list price. The usual price moderation as a product matures, …

Windows Insiders Get Access to 1,000+ Hz Gaming Monitor Support

PCMag Australia — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:24:33 +0000

Jumping from 500Hz, pro players can look forward to shaving off a single millisecond.

Microsoft has released a new build for Windows Insiders that includes support for gaming monitors with refresh rates over 1,000Hz, VideoCardz reports.

As monitor makers try to court semi-pro and professional gamers with supercharged refresh rates, Microsoft must ensure …

Apple Studio Display XDR vs. Apple Studio Display (2026): What's the Difference?

Tony Hoffman — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 22:15:20 +0000

Apple’s 2026 display shakeup replaces the elite 32-inch 6K Pro Display XDR with a 27-inch 5K Studio Display XDR, while also updating the standard Studio Display. Here’s how Apple's two new creator monitors stack up.

Pricing: The Monitor Elite vs. the Mainstream

The base price for the Apple Studio Display XDR, which is targeted at professional content creators such as video editors, photographers, colorists, 3D animators, and game designers, is $3,299, putting it in the …

MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50

Zackery Cuevas — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +0000

OLED panels have quickly become the norm among premium gaming monitors, but few offer refresh rates as high as MSI's MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 ($799). With a whopping 500Hz ceiling and excellent color range and contrast, MSI’s latest 27-inch display is the best of both screen worlds, …

Here's What 2 Years of QD-OLED Monitor Burn-In Looks Like

PCMag Australia — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:59:25 +0000

The team at YouTube channel Monitor Unboxed stress-tested an MSI OLED monitor for two years, and the results aren't as bad as you might think.

One of the big concerns people have with OLED monitors is the potential for burn-in, or image retention. There are ways to avoid it, but what if you ignored all that and used them aggressively? That's what Monitor Unboxed did for two years with its

The Best Cheap Monitors for 2026

Tony Hoffman — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:09:48 +0000

Shop wisely, and you can land a midsize display with wide color coverage and maybe some surprising extras starting at well under $100. Here's how to snag the best cheap monitor (or two of 'em!), plus top picks backed by our deep-dive reviews.

In the market for a low-cost display? The key thing to know: Although no two budget monitor models are identical, manufacturers tend to make similar feature choices to keep prices down.

Cheap monitors used to be limited to panel sizes of 19 or 21 inches, but today, no one should have …

The Best 4K Monitors for 2026

Tony Hoffman — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:54:04 +0000

Fast becoming mainstays of gamers and creative pros, 4K monitors are falling in price—but getting more complicated to buy. Here's how to shop for an ultra-high-definition (UHD) display, plus the top picks from our deep-dive reviews.

Ready to buy a 4K monitor? Let's define 4K first. Most 4K monitors have 16:9 aspect ratios with a native resolution of 3,840 by 2,160 pixels (horizontal by vertical). That's four times as many as a full HD or 1,920-by-1,080-pixel panel—and that's a lot of pixels. Some other resolutions with …

The Best Ultrawide Monitors for 2026

Tony Hoffman — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:23:51 +0000

Super-size, extra-wide monitors for gaming, pro media editing, and productivity are transforming the desktop experience. Ready to go (really) big? Check out the top-performing sprawling displays we've tested along with what to consider when buying one.

Ready to shop for an ultrawide display? The first fundamental to understand is aspect ratio—the relationship between a screen's horizontal and vertical pixel count, i.e., monitor width and height.

The two most common ultrawide aspect ratios are 21:9 and 32:9. The latter is a more extreme example, more than three times …

The Best Gaming Monitors for 2026

Zackery Cuevas — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:22:24 +0000

Elevate your game with a monitor that plays as hard as you do. See what to look for in a gaming display, along with our top-ranked models; we've got deep-dive reviews of the best screens on the scene.

When it comes to deciding which gaming monitor to buy, screen size is a good place to start. Bigger is almost always better, but in some cases you'll want to keep the size of your screen to no more than 27 inches measured diagonally. If you've watched any esports tournaments …

The Best Monitors for 2026

Tony Hoffman — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:04:31 +0000

Make the most of your work, games, or movies with the right monitor. Here's how to shop for a new display, plus the best productivity and gaming panels we've tested, backed by hundreds of deep-dive reviews.

Ready to get started shopping? Regardless of the type of monitor you're eyeing, some general factors are worth considering. Here's a rundown of key areas to consider.

What Are the Price Ranges for Different Types of Monitors?

Monitor prices depend on the target audience, screen size, and the display's features. You can …

TCL Tips Mini LED Gaming Monitor That Can Hit 1,040Hz Refresh Rate

Jon Martindale — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:02:40 +0000

The big downside, besides it being only available in China, is you have to switch to 720p to use it.

The age of ultra-high refresh rate monitors is well and truly here, with a new entry from TCL in the 1,000+ Hz range with Mini LED-enhanced brightness and color pop.

The TCL 27P2A Ultra is a 27-inch display that can handle 550Hz at up to 2K …

Apple Pro Display XDR vs. Apple Studio Display XDR: The 6K Legend Meets Its 5K Successor

Tony Hoffman — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:21:19 +0000

Apple is retiring its elite 6K Pro Display XDR in favor of the 5K Studio Display XDR, a more affordable 27-inch monitor. Should you hunt down the old model before it's gone, or opt for the new one?

Price: Simply Elite vs. Astronomical

The base price for the Apple Studio Display XDR is $3,299. According to Apple, the 27-inch screen’s standard glass is engineered for extremely low reflectivity, but you can opt for nano-texture glass, which further minimizes reflectivity, for $300 extra.

Included in the base price is your …

Apple Just Refreshed Its Top-End Monitor After 6 Years, But It'll Cost You $3,300

James Peckham — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:15:48 +0000

For something slightly more affordable, the updated Studio Display is still $1,599.

Apple is no stranger to top-end monitors designed for content creators, filmmakers, and other professional designers. Its Studio Display and Pro Display XDR models are among the best on the market, but Apple is now introducing successors to both.

The …

HP Omen 34c G2

Zackery Cuevas — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

On paper, the HP Omen 34c G2 looks like a solid ultrawide gaming upgrade: a 34-inch 21:9 panel, a sharper-than-QHD native resolution (3,440 by 1,440 pixels), and a boosted 180Hz refresh rate. In person, though, it looks sedate, with little to suggest it's a gaming panel at all by the …

Samsung Smart Monitor M9 (M90SF)

Tony Hoffman — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

The Samsung Smart Monitor M9 ($1,599 list) is the most impressive smart monitor we’ve tested—an unusually capable screen that pulls double duty as both a premium computer display and a full-fledged smart TV. This jack-of-all-trades device, which packs a beautiful 32-inch 4K OLED screen, rolls three …

The Best Portable Monitors for 2026

Tony Hoffman — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:51:41 +0000

Whether you're a traveling exec, a gamer, or a graphic designer, a portable second monitor can add an extra dimension to your work or play. We've tested most of the major models. Check out our top picks.

You could lug around some smaller desktop displays on the road in a pinch, but "true" portable monitors are those specifically sold as such. Even those range quite a bit in size: from 3.5 inches to 22 inches. Portable displays run the gamut from personal, business, and general-purpose models to …

This RGB-Mini LED Monitor Challenges OLED With Almost 5K Dimming Zones

Jon Martindale — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:56:46 +0000

HKC touts its M10 Ultra as the 'world's first RGB-MiniLED monitor,' but there are some caveats.

For years, OLED has been the pinnacle of display technology for HDR movies, high-fidelity gaming, and just about anything else that needs color, contrast, and depth. But RGB MiniLED technology promises to be almost as good in every way, and at CES, display panel manufacturer …

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