ViewSonic VA2748 MH 27 Inch Full HD 27" Review

For $120, this 27-inch ViewSonic delivers 90th percentile performance thanks to a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The 1080p resolution on a screen this big is the trade-off, but for general use and casual gaming, it's a steal. Just don't expect 4K sharpness.

The ViewSonic VA2748-MH is a 27-inch 1080p monitor that scores a solid 55/100 for both office and gaming use. That puts it squarely in the 'good enough for most things' category, but it's the 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time that give it a real edge for the price. At $120, you're getting a panel that punches above its weight in fluidity, even if the pixel density isn't the sharpest.

Our data shows this monitor lands in the 90th percentile for overall performance, which is impressive for a budget screen. That high score is driven by its responsiveness and connectivity, which sits in the 86th percentile thanks to its Thunderbolt port. It's a simple, no-fuss display that gets the basics right for everyday work and casual gaming.

Let's talk about that 90th percentile performance score. For a $120 monitor, that's no joke. The 120Hz refresh rate is the star here, making everything from scrolling web pages to casual gaming feel noticeably smoother than a standard 60Hz panel. The 1ms MPRT response time helps keep motion clear. Just don't expect a high-end gaming monitor. The 300-nit brightness and 1500:1 contrast ratio are fine for a well-lit office, but HDR content isn't on the menu. The color performance is decent for the class, landing in the 75th percentile, which means it's better than most budget IPS panels but won't satisfy a color-critical pro.

At $120, the value proposition is clear. You're paying for performance and connectivity, not pixel density or premium features. That 90th percentile performance score is what you're buying. Compared to other 27-inch 1080p monitors that often stick to 75Hz or 60Hz, the jump to 120Hz for this price is a legitimate steal. You'd typically have to spend $50-$100 more to get similar fluidity from other brands.

Stacked against the giants in our database, it's an entirely different beast. The Samsung Odyssey G9 or ASUS ProArt OLED are in another universe of performance and price. A more direct competitor is something like a basic 27-inch Dell or HP office monitor. Those often cost the same but are locked at 60Hz. The ViewSonic wins on smoothness. Against a true budget gaming monitor like a 24-inch 144Hz AOC, you trade a slightly higher refresh rate for a larger screen and that handy Thunderbolt port. It's a trade-off based on whether you value size or pure speed.

Skip this monitor if you need sharp text for coding or design work. The 55th percentile display score, driven by the 1080p resolution on a 27-inch panel, means pixel density is its weak point. Professional users who need accurate color for print or video should also look elsewhere, as the 75th percentile color score, while good for the price, isn't calibration-grade. And if you want a feature-rich hub with USB ports and advanced settings, its 31st percentile feature score tells you all you need to know.

We recommend the VA2748-MH if you want a large, fluid screen for general use without breaking the bank. The data backs this up: its high performance and connectivity percentiles deliver a fantastic experience for the money. Just go in knowing that 1080p on a 27-inch screen is its main compromise. If you sit close to your monitor or do detailed photo work, the pixel density will bother you. For everyone else, it's a great deal.