LG UltraGear 27GS50F-B.AUSQ 27" Review

The LG Ultragear 27GS50F-B is a 27-inch, 1080p gaming monitor that delivers a smooth 180Hz experience for a very reasonable price. It's great for competitive gaming but the low pixel density is noticeable for everyday use. If you want high frames on a budget and play fast-paced titles, it's a solid pick.

If you're hunting for a 27-inch gaming monitor under $200, the LG Ultragear 27GS50F-B is likely on your radar. It's a 1080p screen with a 180Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync, and HDR10 support, all wrapped in a sleek, borderless design. For the price, it's a straightforward play for smooth esports performance without breaking the bank. We see a lot of folks searching for a 'cheap 180Hz monitor' or a 'good second monitor for gaming,' and this LG fits that bill neatly. Just know going in that you're getting a Full HD experience on a 27-inch panel, which is a trade-off we'll get into.

The 180Hz refresh rate is the star here. In our database, its performance score lands in the 'well above average' range for its class, which means it delivers on its core promise of smooth motion. The 1ms MBR (Motion Blur Reduction) mode helps, though it can dim the screen a bit. For fast-paced shooters like Valorant or Apex Legends, the high refresh rate and FreeSync support make a noticeable difference in reducing tearing and keeping gameplay fluid. It's not the absolute fastest panel out there, but for the money, it's a strong performer where it counts.

At its typical street price around $167, the LG 27GS50F-B sits in a crowded but sensible spot. You're paying for high refresh rate performance first and everything else second. There are cheaper 144Hz options and more expensive 1440p monitors, but if 180Hz at 1080p is your specific target, this LG often undercuts similar models from brands like Acer or ASUS. Just be sure you're okay with the resolution trade-off for the screen size.

This monitor has clear competitors. The AOC 27G2 is a perennial favorite at a similar price, often offering better ergonomics with a full adjustable stand. Stepping up to around $250 opens the door to 1440p, 165Hz monitors like the Gigabyte M27Q, which is a massive upgrade in clarity. Against its direct peers, this LG wins on pure motion smoothness (180Hz vs. the common 144Hz) but loses on adjustability and sometimes pixel sharpness. For a pure secondary monitor or a dedicated esports rig on a tight budget, it holds its own.

Skip this monitor if you do a lot of text-based work, photo editing, or want a sharp image for movie watching—the 1080p resolution on a 27-inch screen just isn't ideal for that. Also, if you need to adjust your monitor's height or rotation, look elsewhere, as this stand only tilts. In those cases, consider a 24-inch 1080p monitor for clarity or stretch your budget to a 27-inch 1440p model like the Dell S2722DGM.

So, should you buy the LG Ultragear 27GS50F-B? If your primary goal is getting the highest possible refresh rate for under $170 to play competitive games, and you're comfortable with 1080p on a 27-inch screen, then yes, it's a straightforward recommendation. The performance is there. But if you do any significant productivity work, consume a lot of media, or just want a sharper picture, spending a bit more for a 1440p monitor or opting for a 24-inch 1080p panel will be a better long-term investment. This is a focused tool, not a jack-of-all-trades.