The Alienware AW2725Q is the latest addition to the rapidly growing 27-inch 4K, 240Hz OLED gaming monitor category. It uses the same Samsung-sourced QD-OLED panel as its competitors, but what makes this model stand out—beyond its stunning new AW30 design—is its incredible price. At $1,199, it’s significantly cheaper than competitors like the $2,099 Asus ROG PG27UCDM or the $1,799 MSI MPG272URX. This makes the new Alienware AW2725Q the most affordable 27-inch 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor available in Australia at the time of writing.
How Dell manages to undercut the competition so aggressively is beyond me, but after two weeks of using this monitor, while there are certainly some compromises, they are far from deal-breakers.
Design & Build
At first glance, the AW2725Q immediately commands attention, but not in the way previous Alienware monitors have. Gone is the distinctive white Legend design language and large, over-the-top feet. The new AW30 design language marks a shift in Alienware’s aesthetic, moving away from the sci-fi-inspired, aggressive look of the past toward a more refined, functional, and modern appearance. The monitor wouldn’t look out of place in an office setting—if not for the glowing Alienware head logo on the back.
The new color is a deep Navy blue, which shifts in hue depending on the lighting in the environment. While I personally miss the white/black combo of previous Alienwares, this new aesthetic is far less polarising and will sit well in more setups.
The rear panel features a gently curved oblong design with just the illuminated Alienware logo and the new AW30 glyph. The revised stand design is significantly more compact, utilizing a squircle-shaped, flat metal base that saves a ton of desk space. This change aligns with the industry-wide trend of gaming hardware adopting sleeker, more versatile aesthetics that can blend seamlessly into both gaming setups and professional workspaces.
As expected from Alienware, the build quality is exceptional. The stand is sturdy and offers a full range of ergonomic adjustments, including height, tilt, swivel, pivot, and even 90-degree rotation for portrait use. This makes it a versatile option for different desk setups, whether you’re using it as a primary gaming display or a secondary screen for creative work. For those who prefer mounting options, the AW2725Q supports VESA mounting.
The new design also enhances cable management with a cleverly integrated cable-routing channel in the stand, keeping everything neat and organized. The monitor includes multiple connectivity options: two HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC support), one DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB hub with three USB-A ports and a USB Type-C port with data-only functionality and 15W Power Delivery.
However, it’s here that we start to see some of the cost-cutting measures Alienware implemented. The lack of DisplayPort 2.1 means that while the monitor can still achieve 4K 240Hz, it isn’t as future-proof as some competing options. Additionally, the USB Type-C port does not support video input, 65W Power Delivery, or a KVM switch—features that are standard on Asus and MSI’s competing models.
For users who frequently switch between devices, the absence of a KVM switch makes juggling multiple setups more cumbersome. Even more frustrating is the lack of a 3.5mm audio output, which means you’ll need to plug your headphones directly into your PC or console rather than the monitor. If you’re someone with multiple connected devices, such as a gaming PC, MacBook, or console, this omission makes the experience far less convenient.
Panel Performance
The AW2725Q features the same 27-inch 4K QD-OLED display as the Asus PG27UCDM, meaning you get a stunning OLED panel with a blistering 240Hz refresh rate and a lightning-fast 0.03ms response time. The contrast and black levels are phenomenal, delivering near-infinite contrast ratios and perfect blacks that make HDR content truly shine. Colors are incredibly vibrant, with deep saturation and excellent out-of-the-box accuracy. You get 99% DCI-P3 coverage with a Delta E<2, and the factory calibration ensures that the display looks fantastic without requiring much tweaking.
For those who use their monitor for both work and play, the AW2725Q’s 166 PPI (pixels per inch) density is a game-changer. It results in incredibly sharp text and visuals, making it an excellent option for productivity tasks like photo editing, video production, and even general office work. The high pixel density eliminates the color fringing issues found on older OLEDs, making text appear crisp and comfortable for long writing or coding sessions.
Gaming is where this monitor truly excels. Textures appear razor-sharp, distant objects retain their definition, and the overall image clarity is noticeably better than lower-resolution alternatives like 1440p or ultrawide monitors. Hooking up my PS5 to the AW2725Q, the home screen looked unnervingly sharp—it’s difficult to describe, but once you see it, you’ll understand. That sharpness carries over into games, where HUD elements and text are exceptionally clear.
Brightness levels are solid, though not the highest among OLEDs. The AW2725Q is certified for VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 and supports Dolby Vision HDR—something rare in this category. Peak brightness reaches around 1000 nits in HDR highlights, making it excellent for gaming and media consumption. However, those working in extremely bright environments may find it lacking compared to Mini-LED alternatives. Fortunately, the anti-reflective coating does a decent job of minimizing glare, though, like all OLEDs, this monitor performs best in controlled lighting conditions.
The 240Hz refresh rate is another major selling point, ensuring silky-smooth gameplay when paired with NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. This is a game-changer for fast-paced shooters and esports titles where every millisecond counts. That said, pushing 4K at 240Hz requires an incredibly powerful GPU, and most users will need to rely on features like DLSS or dynamic resolution scaling to take full advantage of this refresh rate.
Burn-in is always a concern with OLED panels, but Alienware has taken significant steps to mitigate this risk. The AW2725Q features a graphite film heatsink to keep the panel cool and employs AI algorithms to regulate pixel power distribution. Additionally, it includes automatic pixel-shifting and dimming features to help extend the lifespan of the display. Dell also provides a three-year warranty that covers burn-in, offering peace of mind to those worried about long-term durability.
Verdict
The Alienware AW2725Q is an outstanding gaming monitor that successfully balances cutting-edge display technology with a more refined and mature design. Its 4K QD-OLED panel delivers breathtaking visuals, its 240Hz refresh rate ensures ultra-smooth motion, and its thoughtful ergonomics make it comfortable to use for extended periods. While compromises like the lack of a KVM switch, USB-C video input, and 3.5mm audio output are frustrating, they don’t outweigh the monitor’s strengths—especially given its aggressively competitive price.
And it’s impossible to ignore the price of this monitor. At just under $1200, you can’t get a 27-inch 4K, 240Hz QD-OLED to beat this. I never thought I could say that an Alienware product is the best value for money but here we are. So, if you’re looking for the best 27-inch 4K OLED gaming monitor at the best possible price, the AW2725Q is an easy recommendation. It may not be the most feature-packed option, but it delivers where it truly matters: stunning image quality, elite gaming performance, and exceptional value.
Alienware Australia kindly loaned the AW2725Q to PowerUp for the purpose of writing this review
