ViewSonic VX2718-2KPC-MHD 27" Black 2021

The ViewSonic VX2718-2KPC-MHD delivers 1440p resolution and 180Hz refresh rate for around $180 USD, which is exceptional value. The curved VA panel looks sharp and colors are good, but ghosting in dark scenes is a real issue for fast-paced games. The built-in speakers and included DisplayPort cable are both disappointing, though easy to work around. If you're a budget gamer looking for a big upgrade from 1080p, this is a solid buy. Competitive esports players should look for something with faster response times.

The headline numbers are solid. 180Hz refresh rate over DisplayPort, 1ms MPRT response time, and FreeSync Premium for tear-free gaming. In our database, this monitor's performance lands in the 82nd percentile, which puts it well above average for gaming monitors. The 1440p resolution at 27 inches gives you a pixel density that makes text crisp and games look noticeably sharper than 1080p. You'll need a decent GPU to push 180 frames at 1440p, but even hitting 120-144fps feels great on this panel.

The catch is the VA panel. VA panels are known for better contrast than IPS but worse response times, and that shows up here. Multiple owners report ghosting, especially with dark scenes. The 1ms MPRT number is a bit of marketing magic too. That's the moving picture response time, which uses backlight strobing to reduce perceived blur. The actual gray-to-gray response time is likely slower, and that's where the ghosting complaints come from. If you play fast-paced competitive shooters and you're sensitive to motion blur, this might bug you. For RPGs, strategy games, and casual play, it's much less noticeable.

The MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 is the obvious step-up if you want better motion handling and color. That's a QD-OLED panel with true blacks and near-instant response times, but it costs significantly more. The LG UltraGear 27G810A-B is another strong alternative, typically offering better brightness and a more refined stand, though you'll pay a premium for it. The ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG sits in a similar space with better build quality and more ergonomic options.

Where the ViewSonic wins is pure price-to-performance. The Gigabyte M Series OLED MO27Q28G and BenQ MA Series MA270U are both excellent monitors, but they're aimed at different buyers. The Gigabyte is a premium OLED gaming panel, and the BenQ is more of a productivity-focused display. If you're on a strict budget and want 1440p at high refresh rates, the ViewSonic is hard to beat. If you can stretch your budget, the MSI or LG will give you a noticeably better experience, especially if you're sensitive to ghosting.

At $180 USD, this monitor is a steal. You're getting 1440p, 180Hz, and a curved panel for less than what many 1080p 144Hz monitors cost. The CAD pricing of $245-257 is also competitive for the Canadian market. When you look at what else is available at this price point, you're mostly finding 1080p panels or 1440p monitors capped at 75Hz. The VX2718-2KPC-MHD undercuts a lot of the competition while offering a feature set that's genuinely impressive for the money.

The value proposition gets even better when you factor in the sales. Multiple owners mention picking this up during Black Friday for around $200 and feeling like they got a bargain. The main trade-off is build quality and the included accessories. The stand is basic, the speakers are bad, and the DisplayPort cable is reportedly defective for some users. But those are all fixable with a VESA mount, external speakers, and a $10 cable. The core panel itself is where the value lives.

The ViewSonic VX2718-2KPC-MHD is one of those monitors that makes you wonder why you'd spend more. A 27-inch curved VA panel, 2560 x 1440 resolution, and a 180Hz refresh rate for around $180 USD. That's a combo that would have cost you double just a few years ago. It's aimed squarely at budget-conscious gamers who want the 1440p high-refresh experience without selling a kidney.

ViewSonic isn't trying to reinvent anything here. This is a straightforward gaming monitor with a 1500R curve, FreeSync Premium, and a 1ms MPRT response time. The spec sheet reads like a greatest hits of mid-range gaming features. And honestly, for most people, that's exactly what they need. You get the immersive curve, the sharp resolution, and the smooth frame rates, all in a package that won't make your wallet weep.

The interesting part is how ViewSonic positions this thing. It's not just a gaming monitor. They're pitching it for work, movies, and general use too. The ViewMode presets and eye care features suggest they want this on your desk all day, not just during your evening gaming sessions. Whether it earns that spot depends on how picky you are about color accuracy and brightness, which we'll get into below.

Competitive esports players should look elsewhere. If you're grinding ranked matches in Valorant, CS2, or Overwatch, the ghosting on this VA panel will frustrate you. The 1ms MPRT marketing number doesn't translate to real-world response times, and fast motion in dark scenes shows visible smearing. You'd be better served by an IPS panel with a true 1ms gray-to-gray response or an OLED like the MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2, even if it costs significantly more.

Content creators and photo editors should also be cautious. The 250 nits brightness and 42nd percentile color score mean this isn't a monitor for color-critical work. If you need accurate color grading or HDR content creation, look at something like the BenQ MA Series MA270U, which is built for productivity and has better color performance. The ViewSonic is a gaming monitor first, and the color specs reflect that.

For budget gamers, this is an easy recommendation. If you're coming from a 1080p 60Hz monitor, the jump to 1440p at 180Hz is transformative. The curve adds immersion, the resolution makes everything sharper, and the high refresh rate makes games feel responsive. Just factor in the cost of a decent DisplayPort cable and maybe a VESA mount if you want better ergonomics.

For competitive esports players, I'd look elsewhere. The ghosting on this VA panel is a real issue in fast-paced games, and the 1ms MPRT claim doesn't hold up in practice. If you're playing Counter-Strike, Valorant, or Overwatch at a high level, you'll want a monitor with a faster actual response time. An IPS panel with a true 1ms gray-to-gray response or an OLED would serve you better, even if it costs more. For everyone else, the VX2718-2KPC-MHD is a fantastic value that's hard to fault at this price.