Dell Dell - S2725QC 27" IPS LED 4K UHD 120Hz FreeSync Review
The Dell S2725QC packs a 120Hz refresh rate and USB-C into a sharp 4K IPS panel for around $300. It's the best monitor you can buy if you want one screen to handle everything from work to play.
The 30-Second Version
A shockingly good 4K all-rounder for the price. The 120Hz refresh and USB-C connectivity make it a no-brainer for mixed-use desks.
Overview
The Dell S2725QC is the monitor you buy when you want one screen to do everything well, but you don't want to spend a fortune. It's a 27-inch 4K IPS panel with a surprisingly smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and it nails the basics with excellent connectivity and a clean design. The one thing to know? This isn't a flashy gaming beast or a pro-grade color machine—it's a fantastically balanced all-rounder that makes both work and play look great without any drama.
Performance
The 120Hz refresh rate on a 4K monitor at this price is the real surprise. In our database, its performance lands in the 59th percentile, which sounds average, but that's because it's up against dedicated 240Hz+ gaming screens. For everyday use and casual gaming, 120Hz is a massive upgrade over the standard 60Hz, making everything from scrolling webpages to playing games feel noticeably smoother. The 8ms response time is fine for most things, but competitive esports players will want something faster.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The 120Hz refresh rate at 4K is a killer combo for the price. 99th
- USB-C with 65W power delivery cleans up your desk in one cable. 93th
- The IPS panel delivers sharp, vibrant 4K visuals that are great for movies and work. 90th
- It's a Dell. Build quality and reliability are top-notch. 83th
Cons
- Color coverage is just 99% sRGB. Creators needing DCI-P3 or Adobe RGB should look elsewhere. 31th
- The speakers are an afterthought. Plan on using headphones or external speakers.
- HDR is 'ready,' but it's not a true HDR experience. Don't buy this for HDR gaming.
- Ergonomics are basic. You get tilt adjustment, but no height or swivel without a VESA mount.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 3840 (4K UHD) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Curved | No |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Response Time | 8 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync Premium |
Color & HDR
| Brightness | 350 nits |
| Color Gamut | 99 percent |
Connectivity
| HDMI Ports | 2 |
| USB-C | 1 |
| Headphone Jack | No |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Tilt | Yes |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Webcam | No |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Weight | 6.5 kg / 14.3 lbs |
Value & Pricing
At around $300, this monitor is an absolute steal. You're getting a feature set—4K, 120Hz, USB-C—that usually costs $100-$200 more. It's not perfect, but for the money, it delivers way more than it has any right to.
vs Competition
Compared to the Samsung Odyssey G9 or ASUS ROG Swift OLEDs, this Dell isn't trying to be a hardcore gaming monitor. Those have higher refresh rates, better contrast, and gaming features, but they cost three to five times as much. A more direct competitor is something like an LG UltraGear. You might find an LG with slightly better color or a higher refresh rate, but you'll often sacrifice the super-clean USB-C connectivity. For a single-cable work-and-play setup, the Dell S2725QC is hard to beat.
| Spec | Dell Dell - S2725QC 27" IPS LED 4K UHD 120Hz FreeSync | Samsung Odyssey Samsung - 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Dual 4K UHD Quantum | LG UltraGear LG UltraGear 45" WUHD DUAL MODE 4K 165Hz FHD 330Hz | ASUS ROG Swift ASUS Republic of Gamers Swift OLED PG27UCDM 26.5" | MSI MPG MSI 27 inch WQHD 2K 1440P 360Hz with AMD FreeSync | Dell UltraSharp Dell UltraSharp 27" 4K HDR 120 Hz Monitor (2-Pack) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 | 57 | 45 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 7680 x 2160 | 5120 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 2560 x 1440 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | IPS | VA | OLED | OLED | OLED | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 120 | 240 | 165 | 240 | 360 | 120 |
| Response Time Ms | 8 | 1 | - | - | 0 | 5 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync Premium | FreeSync Premium Pro | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium Pro | - |
| Hdr | - | HDR10+ | HDR10 | HDR400 | HDR400 | HDR |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
Common Questions
Q: Is this good for photo or video editing?
It's fine for hobbyists. The colors are vibrant and accurate for sRGB content (like web browsing), but pros needing wider color gamuts (DCI-P3, Adobe RGB) for print or film should get a dedicated creator monitor.
Q: Can I use this for competitive gaming?
Casual gaming, absolutely. The 120Hz and FreeSync are great. But if you're seriously into fast-paced esports titles, the 8ms response time will hold you back compared to dedicated 1ms gaming monitors.
Q: Does the USB-C port charge my laptop?
Yep! It delivers up to 65W of power, which is enough to charge and run most thin-and-light laptops like MacBook Airs, Dell XPS, or Lenovo Yoga models. Just check your laptop's power requirements.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a competitive esports player who needs the absolute fastest response time, this isn't it. Go get a 240Hz+ 1080p or 1440p gaming monitor instead. Also, serious content creators who live in Adobe RGB or DCI-P3 color spaces should skip this and look at a Dell UltraSharp or a pro-grade LG.
Verdict
We're giving this a strong recommendation for anyone who needs a single, excellent monitor for a mixed-use desk. If your day involves spreadsheets, web browsing, some casual gaming, and Netflix after hours, this is your screen. It does the 'everything' job brilliantly without asking for a premium price.