LG Smart Monitor LG 27" UHD 4K 60Hz IPS AMD FreeSync HDR10 Built-in Review
The LG Smart Monitor has a brilliant 4K panel and a stand worthy of a $500 monitor, but its smart TV brain feels slow and confused. Here's who should actually buy it.
The 30-Second Version
Buy it for the excellent 4K panel and phenomenal stand, not the smart TV OS. It's a top-tier office monitor with a handy, if sluggish, streaming bonus.
Overview
The LG Smart Monitor is a weird, brilliant, and slightly confused gadget. It's a fantastic 4K IPS monitor that also has a smart TV platform crammed into it. The one thing to know is this: you're buying a great office monitor first, and a 'smart' device second. The 27-inch 4K panel is sharp, the colors are vibrant, and the stand is one of the best we've seen. But the whole 'no PC needed' webOS experience? It's a neat party trick, not a primary workflow.
Performance
The performance story is a split personality. The display itself is excellent, landing in the 92nd percentile for display quality and 97th for color. That 90% DCI-P3 coverage and 4K resolution make text and images look fantastic. But the 'performance' of the smart features is where it stumbles. The webOS interface is slow, and that 60Hz refresh rate puts it in the 38th percentile for performance, meaning it's not built for fast-paced gaming or super-smooth scrolling. It's a productivity and media screen, not a performance beast.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The stand is an absolute dream. Full height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustment is rare at this price, and it's built like a tank. 97th
- The 4K IPS panel looks fantastic for work and movies. Colors are rich and viewing angles are wide. 97th
- Connectivity is top-tier with USB-C (65W power delivery), two HDMI ports, and a built-in USB hub. It's a one-cable solution for modern laptops. 96th
- Having a remote to control Netflix, YouTube, and other apps without touching your computer is genuinely convenient. 92th
Cons
- The webOS smart platform is sluggish. Expect some lag when switching apps or navigating menus.
- HDR10 support is basically a checkbox. At 350 nits, you're not getting a true HDR experience.
- The built-in speakers are the typical monitor fare—fine for system sounds, but you'll want headphones or proper speakers for media.
- It's heavy. At over 15 pounds, this isn't a monitor you'll be moving around your desk often.
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 | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync |
Color & HDR
| Brightness | 350 nits |
| Color Gamut | DCI-P3 90% |
| HDR | HDR10 |
| HDR Support | HDR10 |
Connectivity
| HDMI Ports | 2 |
| USB-C | 1 |
| Speakers | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Tilt | Yes |
| Swivel | Yes |
| Pivot | Yes |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Webcam | No |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Weight | 7.1 kg / 15.7 lbs |
Value & Pricing
At around $300, the value is solid if you want a great 4K office monitor with a killer stand. You're paying a small premium for the smart features, but you're getting a panel and ergonomics that often cost more on their own. If the smart stuff is just a bonus for you, it's worth it. If you're buying it for the smart TV experience, you might be disappointed.
Price History
vs Competition
Compared to a basic 4K monitor like a Dell S2722QC, the LG wins on ergonomics and has the smart TV bonus. Compared to a proper smart display or a high-refresh gaming monitor, it's not even in the same race. The Samsung Odyssey or ASUS ROG Swift models are for hardcore gamers who need 240Hz. This LG is for the person who wants one clean screen for their laptop, occasional streaming, and spreadsheets, all without needing a separate streaming stick.
| Spec | LG Smart Monitor LG 27" UHD 4K 60Hz IPS AMD FreeSync HDR10 Built-in | Samsung Odyssey Samsung 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Curved Gaming Computer | MSI MPG MSI 32" UHD 4K 240Hz with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro | ASUS ProArt ASUS ProArt Display OLED PA32UCDM 31.5" 4K HDR 240 | LG UltraGear LG UltraGear 45" WUHD DUAL MODE 4K 165Hz FHD 330Hz | Dell UltraSharp Dell UltraSharp 27" 4K HDR 120 Hz Monitor with |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 | 57 | 32 | 31.5 | 45 | 27 |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 7680 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 5120 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | IPS | VA | OLED | OLED | OLED | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60 | 240 | 240 | 240 | 165 | 120 |
| Response Time Ms | 5 | 1 | — | 0.10000000149011612 | — | 5 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync | FreeSync Premium Pro | G-Sync Compatible | Adaptive-Sync | G-Sync Compatible | — |
| Hdr | HDR10 | HDR10+ | HDR | Dolby Vision | HDR10 | HDR |
Common Questions
Q: Can I really use this for work without a computer connected?
Technically, yes, via the Remote PC or cloud app features in webOS. But it's slow and clunky. Think of it as an emergency option, not your daily driver. You'll want a laptop or PC plugged into that USB-C port for real work.
Q: Are the speakers any good?
They're typical monitor speakers—okay for video calls and system pings, but tinny and weak for movies or music. Plan on using the headphone jack or external speakers.
Q: Is the stand really as good as they say?
Yes. It's one of the best parts of the monitor. Full height adjustment, swivel, tilt, and even pivot to portrait mode. It's a feature you usually only get on much more expensive professional monitors.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you're a competitive gamer. That 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time will feel like molasses next to a 240Hz gaming monitor. Also skip it if you want a seamless smart TV experience; get a regular TV or a dedicated streaming device instead. This is a hybrid, and hybrids make compromises.
Verdict
We recommend the LG Smart Monitor, but with a specific use case in mind. If you need a sharp, adjustable 4K monitor for your home office and you like the idea of kicking back with the remote to watch Netflix without booting up your computer, it's a great buy. Just don't expect the smart interface to be snappy, or the HDR to blow you away. It's a fantastic monitor that happens to have a slow smart TV inside.