20-05-2025
ViewSonic XG275D-4K Monitor Review
The gaming monitor market is getting very interesting, with brands pushing the limits of display technology and introducing new options for high frame rates and 4K resolution. But the ViewSonic XG275D-4K monitor is doing something a bit different, and it's rather astounding.
This 27-inch monitor allows users to switch between 4K resolution at 160Hz and Full HD at 320Hz with a single button press, addressing the common dilemma gamers face when choosing between visual fidelity and competitive performance. At $499.99, it positions itself as a cost-effective alternative to purchasing two separate displays for different gaming scenarios, and honestly, it is one of my favourite monitors of the year so far.
Out of the box, the monitor is relatively unassuming but carries forward the ViewSonic style we've come to appreciate at CGM. The ViewSonic XG275D-4K monitor features a standard matte black chassis with minimal bezels, giving it a clean, modern appearance. ViewSonic has implemented a pragmatic stand design with a reduced footprint, creating more desk space for keyboard and mouse placement—a practical consideration for competitive gamers who need room to manoeuvre.
The stand offers comprehensive adjustment options, including height adjustment up to 130 mm, bidirectional pivot, ±45 degrees of swivel, and -3 to 20 degrees of tilt. These movement ranges accommodate various sitting positions and desk setups. For those preferring alternative mounting options, the monitor includes 75×75 mm VESA compatibility, so you can wall mount the monitor or use a monitor arm to get it off your desk should you wish.
The screen comes with an anti-glare hard coating (3H) that effectively minimizes reflections in bright environments. RGB lighting on the rear panel adds visual flair, similar to what we've seen on other ViewSonic gaming monitors. Thankfully, the lighting is subtle enough that it doesn't overwhelm the setup, allowing users to customize the appearance to match their gaming environment.
The monitor features a 27-inch Fast IPS panel with a native 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160). But as I teased earlier, there's something special about the XG275D-4K—this display has the ability to operate in two distinct modes, which ViewSonic refers to as 'Dual Mode.'
Users can select between native 4K resolution at 160Hz or Full HD (1080p) at an impressive 320Hz refresh rate. This means you can push visuals to their limit on your new GPU at 4K, then swap to 1080p to maximize frame rate in an esports title like League of Legends—something very useful for any kind of competitive play.
The panel delivers a peak brightness of 300 to 350 nits (specifications vary slightly between sources), a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1, and support for HDR10. While these specifications won't match those of high-end HDR displays, they provide acceptable dynamic range for most gaming applications. I found it performed well when displaying deep blacks and bright colours in games like Doom Eternal. However, since it's an IPS display, you won't get the rich, inky blacks that OLED panels can deliver. That said, what the XG275D-4K does deliver is solid for most people's needs.
Colour performance is respectable, with the panel covering 94 percent of DCI-P3, 91 percent of NTSC, and 99 percent of the sRGB colour spaces. However, I didn't find it as accurate as some of the professional screens we use at CGM. For gaming, it was more than enough, but for colour-dependent work, it wasn't quite as precise as I would personally prefer. The 10-bit colour depth—achieved via 8-bit + FRC technology—helps create smooth gradients with minimal banding, making the monitor suitable for both gaming and light creative work.
The ViewSonic XG275D-4K boasts a 0.5 ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) and a 2 ms grey-to-grey (GtG) response time, promising minimal motion blur during fast-action sequences. The monitor supports both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync technologies, ensuring tear-free gaming experiences regardless of graphics card preference.
The monitor also includes a 24.5-inch esports setting, which scales down the usable display area to provide a more focused field of view. This allows competitive gamers to keep all on-screen action within their immediate vision, potentially improving reaction times in fast-paced games. I was surprised by how interesting I found this mode. While it's not a feature I think most average gamers will take advantage of, it's a great addition, and I have to commend ViewSonic for the foresight to include it.
I have to say, there are plenty of reasons to consider this monitor—and they go well beyond just gaming. The central selling point of the ViewSonic XG275D-4K monitor is its switchable refresh rate technology, but how you use that flexibility is what makes it so exciting.
With a dedicated button press, users can toggle between 4K at 160Hz or Full HD at 320Hz. This functionality eliminates the previous need for gamers to purchase separate monitors for different types of games. Even content creators can jump between the modes without requiring additional displays. And because it's so easy to activate, it's a feature that can actually be used whenever you need it.
In 320Hz mode, the display becomes particularly suitable for competitive gaming genres like first-person shooters, where fluid motion and reduced input lag can provide a competitive edge. Switching to 4K mode at 160Hz offers the sharp, detailed image quality that enhances visually rich single-player games and content creation.
A DisplayPort 1.4 input provides similar capabilities for PC connections. One particularly useful addition is the USB-C port with 65-watt power delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode support. This allows users to connect and charge laptops or other compatible devices while using the monitor, reducing cable clutter for those who switch between work and gaming on different devices.
Audio capabilities include dual 2W stereo speakers and a 3.5 mm audio jack for headphone connection. While the built-in speakers won't replace dedicated audio equipment, they offer a convenient option for casual use. For those who prefer a clean desk setup with minimal cables, the built-in speakers will work in a pinch. However, they are a bit quiet and lack the depth to deliver a nuanced audio experience. For anyone serious about gaming or PC audio, I would always recommend treating the monitor's speakers as a last resort.
As with most ViewSonic monitors, the on-screen display is navigated via a joystick control with directional inputs (up, right, down, left, centre/power), which is typically more intuitive than the multi-button configurations found on some competing models. Physical controls also include a dedicated dual-mode button for quickly switching between refresh rate and resolution presets. It worked as expected—nothing to write home about. That said, when it came to changing settings, I have to say it delivered where it needed to. It felt responsive and didn't cause any frustration when I needed to make quick adjustments.
At $499.99, the ViewSonic XG275D-4K occupies the mid-range of gaming monitors. This pricing is particularly competitive, considering users effectively receive two display configurations in one unit—a 4K panel for content consumption and detail-oriented games, and a high-refresh Full HD monitor for competitive gaming.
You'd be hard-pressed to find another monitor at this price point that delivers the same range of features. And while I would have liked to see a slightly higher peak brightness, the XG275D-4K delivers where it counts most for its intended purpose.
For gamers who enjoy a variety of titles—from fast-paced competitive shooters to visually rich single-player adventures—the ViewSonic XG275D-4K offers a flexible solution without requiring multiple specialized displays. At $499.99, the ViewSonic XG275D-4K provides fantastic value for anyone looking to upgrade their setup while staying budget-conscious. The feature set on offer makes it one of the best monitors you can buy for the price, hands down.
