Every monitor in this specific Dell roundup comes from the company’s own SE or Plus series lines rather than the Alienware sub-brand, worth stating clearly since Alienware is the name most closely associated with Dell gaming displays. Our top pick within this SE and Plus-focused lineup is the Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor S2725DSM, which combines 1440p resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate and built-in speakers at $189.99.
Dell’s SE series here prioritizes core gaming specifications, refresh rate and FreeSync support, at the lowest possible price, while the Plus series adds practical extras like built-in speakers and more flexible stand adjustability for a moderate premium. None of these eight monitors carry Alienware’s design language or typically higher price point, so buyers specifically comparison shopping against Alienware displays should treat this as a genuinely different, more budget-focused product line.
Top 3 picks at a glance
Top picks at a glance
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| Model | Key spec | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell 27 240Hz SE2726HG | 27″ FHD, 240Hz | $109.99 | Best refresh-rate value |
| Dell 24 240Hz SE2426HG | 23.8″ FHD, 240Hz | $94.99 | Cheapest 240Hz option |
| Dell 24 SE2426H | 23.8″ FHD, 144Hz | $89.99 | Cheapest overall |
| Dell 27 S2725QS | 27″ 4K UHD, 120Hz | $268.99 | Best 4K value |
| Dell 27 SE2726H | 27″ FHD, 144Hz | $108.99 | Larger budget 1080p |
| Dell 27 Plus S2725HSM | 27″ FHD, 144Hz, speakers | $146.99 | Budget with extras |
| Dell 27 Plus QHD S2725DSM | 27″ QHD, 144Hz, speakers | $189.99 | Best overall value |
| Dell 24 Plus S2425HSM | 23.8″ FHD, 144Hz, speakers | $149.99 | Compact with extras |
Dell 27 240Hz Gaming Monitor SE2726HG
This 27-inch IPS panel pushes to a 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p resolution, backed by AMD FreeSync Premium and a TÜV 3-Star certification indicating Dell has specifically tested the panel for eye comfort factors like flicker and blue light. At $109.99, it’s a strong refresh-rate-per-dollar option in this lineup.
Estimated response time should be strong given the 240Hz target and IPS panel technology, well suited to fast-paced competitive titles where motion clarity at high frame rates matters more than absolute resolution.
Dual HDMI ports alongside DisplayPort 1.4 give this monitor solid connectivity flexibility for buyers running multiple source devices, whether that’s a gaming PC alongside a console or a secondary computer.
At this price, this monitor’s core value proposition is straightforward: genuine 240Hz IPS performance with eye-comfort certification at a price that undercuts many competing brands’ equivalent specification.
- Pros
- 240Hz refresh rate at a competitive price point
- TÜV 3-Star certification for tested eye comfort
- Dual HDMI plus DisplayPort 1.4 connectivity
- Cons
- 1080p resolution limits sharpness compared to the QHD and 4K models here
- No mention of built-in speakers, unlike Dell’s Plus series models
- Basic tilt-only stand adjustability
Who it’s for: competitive gamers who want genuine 240Hz performance without a large budget.
Dell 24 240Hz Gaming Monitor SE2426HG
This is a more compact version of the SE2726HG above, using a 23.8-inch IPS panel with the same 240Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium support and TÜV 3-Star certification, at a roughly $15 lower price given the smaller screen size.
Estimated performance should closely match the 27-inch SE2726HG, since both share the same core panel technology, refresh rate and certification, with the primary difference being screen size and the resulting pixel density, which is actually sharper on this smaller panel at the same 1080p resolution.
This is the cheapest 240Hz monitor in this entire Dell lineup, making it the clear pick for buyers who specifically want the highest achievable refresh rate at the lowest possible price, provided the more compact 23.8-inch size fits their desk setup.
Between this model and its 27-inch sibling, the choice comes down to screen size preference and desk space, since the core gaming performance and refresh rate are essentially identical between the two.
- Pros
- Cheapest 240Hz monitor in this entire Dell lineup
- Sharper effective pixel density than the 27-inch 240Hz sibling
- Same TÜV 3-Star eye comfort certification as the larger model
- Cons
- Smaller 23.8-inch screen offers less immersion than the 27-inch models here
- 1080p resolution limits sharpness compared to the QHD and 4K models
- No built-in speakers, unlike Dell’s Plus series
Who it’s for: budget buyers who want the cheapest possible 240Hz gaming monitor.
Dell 24 Gaming Monitor SE2426H
This is the most affordable monitor in this entire Dell lineup, using a 23.8-inch IPS panel at a more modest 144Hz refresh rate, still with AMD FreeSync and TÜV 3-Star certification, at $89.99.
Estimated response time should be solid at 1ms, and while 144Hz trails the 240Hz models covered above, it remains a genuinely competitive refresh rate for the vast majority of gaming use cases, with the savings here going toward the lowest price point in this entire roundup rather than the highest possible refresh rate.
This model illustrates a practical tradeoff within Dell’s own lineup: a roughly $5-20 savings over the 240Hz models in exchange for a meaningfully lower, but still solid, refresh rate ceiling.
For buyers who don’t specifically need the extra frame rate headroom of 240Hz, this monitor delivers a genuinely capable 144Hz gaming experience at the lowest price in Dell’s current SE lineup covered here.
- Pros
- Cheapest monitor in this entire Dell lineup at $89.99
- Still delivers a genuinely competitive 144Hz refresh rate
- Same TÜV 3-Star eye comfort certification as the pricier SE models
- Cons
- 144Hz trails the 240Hz models elsewhere in this lineup
- 1080p resolution limits sharpness compared to QHD and 4K options
- No built-in speakers or extended stand adjustability
Who it’s for: the most budget-conscious buyers who still want a genuinely capable 144Hz gaming monitor.
Dell 27 Monitor S2725QS
This is the only 4K panel in this Dell lineup, combining genuine 4K UHD resolution with IPS panel technology, a 120Hz refresh rate, and FreeSync Premium support at $268.99, the highest price point in this roundup but still reasonably accessible for genuine 4K gaming.
Estimated performance at 4K resolution should deliver sharp, detailed image quality well suited to both gaming and general desktop use, though driving 4K at 120Hz consistently in demanding AAA titles requires a genuinely capable GPU, likely an RTX 5070 Ti-class card or better.
The 5ms response time listed here is higher than the 1ms ratings on the 1080p SE-series models in this lineup, a reasonable tradeoff given 4K IPS panels generally carry slightly higher response time specifications than their 1080p counterparts.
For buyers specifically wanting 4K resolution, this monitor represents a genuinely accessible entry point into that resolution tier without the premium pricing often associated with 4K gaming displays from other brands.
- Pros
- Only 4K resolution option in this entire Dell lineup at an accessible price
- 120Hz refresh rate at 4K is a rare combination at this price point
- FreeSync Premium support for AMD GPU variable refresh rate
- Cons
- Requires a genuinely capable GPU to drive 4K at meaningful frame rates
- 5ms response time is higher than the 1ms SE-series 1080p models
- Highest price in this entire Dell lineup
Who it’s for: buyers who want an accessible entry point into 4K gaming without premium pricing.
Dell 27 Monitor SE2726H
This 27-inch IPS panel offers a 144Hz refresh rate at 1080p resolution with AMD FreeSync and TÜV 3-Star certification, essentially a larger-screen version of the SE2426H covered earlier, at a modest price premium for the additional screen size.
Estimated response time should be strong at 1ms, and the larger 27-inch screen here delivers more immersion than the 23.8-inch SE2426H, while keeping the same 144Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution for consistent gaming performance across both screen sizes.
This monitor fills a specific gap in Dell’s lineup: a larger 27-inch screen at the 144Hz refresh tier, positioned between the compact 144Hz SE2426H and the 240Hz-focused SE2726HG at the same 27-inch size.
For buyers who want a 27-inch screen but don’t need the SE2726HG’s 240Hz ceiling, this monitor offers a genuine savings while retaining the larger screen size and solid 144Hz performance.
- Pros
- 27-inch screen size at the 144Hz refresh rate tier
- TÜV 3-Star certification for tested eye comfort
- Modest price premium over the smaller SE2426H for meaningfully more screen
- Cons
- Trails the SE2726HG’s 240Hz refresh rate at a similar 27-inch size
- 1080p resolution limits sharpness compared to QHD and 4K models here
- No built-in speakers, unlike Dell’s Plus series models
Who it’s for: buyers who want a 27-inch screen at a solid 144Hz refresh rate without paying for 240Hz.
Dell 27 Plus Monitor S2725HSM
This is the entry point into Dell’s Plus series in this lineup, adding built-in 2x3W speakers and a fully adjustable height/tilt/pivot/swivel stand to the same core 27-inch 1080p 144Hz specification found on the SE2726H, for a roughly $38 premium.
Estimated gaming performance should closely match the SE2726H given the shared panel specification, with the meaningful differences here being practical rather than performance-related: built-in speakers reduce the need for separate desk speakers, and the fully adjustable stand offers ergonomic flexibility the SE-series tilt-only stands don’t provide.
The Ash White color option available on this Plus series model is also a notable difference from the black-only SE series monitors elsewhere in this lineup, appealing to buyers building a lighter-colored desk setup.
This monitor makes the most sense for buyers who specifically value the built-in speakers and full stand adjustability enough to justify the premium over the functionally similar SE2726H, rather than buyers focused purely on gaming performance per dollar.
- Pros
- Built-in speakers reduce the need for separate desk speakers
- Fully adjustable height/tilt/pivot/swivel stand versus SE-series tilt-only
- Ash White color option for lighter-themed desk setups
- Cons
- Roughly $38 premium over the SE2726H for the same core gaming specification
- 1080p resolution limits sharpness compared to the QHD and 4K models here
- 144Hz refresh rate, not the 240Hz found on Dell’s SE-series flagship models
Who it’s for: buyers who value built-in speakers and full stand adjustability over maximum refresh rate.
Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor S2725DSM
This is our top overall pick: a 27-inch QHD panel at 144Hz, combining Dell’s Plus series extras, built-in speakers and full stand adjustability, with the sharper QHD resolution missing from the other Plus series model in this lineup, at $189.99.
Estimated response time and gaming performance should be strong given the 144Hz refresh rate and IPS panel technology, and the QHD resolution here delivers noticeably sharper text and image detail than the 1080p Plus series sibling, a real quality-of-life improvement for both gaming and everyday desktop use.
AMD FreeSync support handles variable refresh rate here, and combined with the built-in speakers and fully adjustable stand, this monitor represents the most complete package in Dell’s Plus series lineup covered in this roundup.
Between resolution, refresh rate, built-in speakers, and stand flexibility, this monitor offers the strongest overall combination of features in Dell’s SE and Plus lineup, which is why it earns our top pick for most buyers researching Dell gaming monitors.
- Pros
- Strongest overall feature combination in Dell’s SE and Plus lineup covered here
- QHD resolution delivers a real sharpness upgrade over the 1080p Plus model
- Built-in speakers and fully adjustable stand add practical convenience
- Cons
- 144Hz refresh rate trails the 240Hz SE-series models in this lineup
- Priced above every SE-series model here for the added features and resolution
- No HDR certification specifically mentioned at this price point
Who it’s for: most buyers who want the best overall balance of resolution, refresh rate and practical extras.
Dell 24 Plus Monitor S2425HSM
This is the compact entry into Dell’s Plus series, using a 23.8-inch IPS panel at 144Hz with the same built-in speakers and fully adjustable stand found on the larger Plus series models, at $149.99.
Estimated response time and gaming performance should be solid given the 144Hz refresh rate and IPS panel technology, with the compact 23.8-inch size at 1080p resolution delivering a sharper effective pixel density than the 27-inch Plus series sibling.
The Ash White color option carries over from the other Plus series models, and the built-in speakers plus full stand adjustability provide the same practical extras found across Dell’s Plus series lineup, just in a more compact form factor.
This monitor makes sense for buyers who want Dell’s Plus series practical extras, speakers and stand flexibility, in a smaller desk footprint than the 27-inch Plus series options in this lineup.
- Pros
- Compact 23.8-inch size suits tighter desk setups
- Same Plus series extras (speakers, adjustable stand) as the larger models
- Sharper effective pixel density than the 27-inch 1080p Plus model
- Cons
- Smaller screen offers less immersion than the 27-inch Plus series models
- 144Hz refresh rate, not the 240Hz found on Dell’s SE-series flagship models
- Priced above the equivalent SE-series 23.8-inch model for the added features
Who it’s for: buyers who want Dell’s Plus series practical extras in a more compact size.
How we tested and picked
Nina Alvarez, Display Specialist with 9 years evaluating gaming monitors, compiled this roundup using a colorimeter, photodiode response-time tester and pattern generator that the site relies on to validate manufacturer response time and contrast claims. Where a specific model hasn’t been run through that equipment, figures in this article are explicitly marked as estimates based on the panel class and Dell’s published specifications.
We flagged upfront that none of these eight monitors carry the Alienware name, since Alienware is the sub-brand most commonly associated with Dell gaming displays, and readers specifically shopping for Alienware would be misled by treating this SE and Plus-focused batch as representative of Dell’s full gaming catalog.
Selection criteria weighted refresh rate, resolution, and the practical Plus series extras (speakers, stand adjustability) as the primary differentiators within this Dell lineup, since Dell maintains fairly consistent IPS panel quality across the SE and Plus tiers, with these specifications and features driving the meaningful buying decisions.
Pricing reflects a snapshot at time of writing and fluctuates with retailer promotions, so treat the comparison table as directional guidance rather than a live price feed.
What to look for in a Dell gaming monitor
SE series versus Plus series versus Alienware
Dell’s SE series, covering five of the eight monitors in this roundup, prioritizes core gaming specifications like refresh rate and FreeSync support at the lowest possible price, with basic tilt-only stands and no built-in speakers. The Plus series, covering three models here, adds built-in speakers and full height/tilt/pivot/swivel stand adjustability for a moderate premium. Alienware, not represented in this specific lineup, sits above both as Dell’s dedicated gaming sub-brand, typically with more distinctive industrial design and a higher price point. Knowing which tier a specific Dell monitor belongs to matters more than the Dell name alone.
TÜV 3-Star eye comfort certification
Several SE-series models in this lineup carry TÜV 3-Star certification, an independent testing standard covering factors like flicker reduction and blue light output. This certification reflects Dell’s testing for extended viewing comfort rather than a gaming performance specification, worth noting for buyers who spend long hours in front of their monitor across both work and gaming use.
Refresh rate tiers within Dell’s SE series
This lineup includes both 144Hz and 240Hz SE-series models at 1080p resolution, often at a price difference of only $5-20 between comparable screen sizes. Given how modest that price gap often is, buyers deciding between Dell’s 144Hz and 240Hz SE-series options should lean toward 240Hz unless a specific budget constraint makes the savings meaningful.
Built-in speakers and stand adjustability as real differentiators
The Plus series models’ built-in speakers and full stand adjustability aren’t gaming performance upgrades, but they’re genuinely practical for many desk setups, reducing the need for separate speakers and allowing pivot, height and swivel adjustment that SE-series tilt-only stands don’t offer. Buyers should weigh these practical extras against the price premium based on their actual desk setup needs.
Matching resolution to GPU capability
The S2725QS’s 4K resolution is the clear outlier in this lineup, and while it’s priced accessibly for a 4K panel, driving it at meaningful frame rates in demanding titles requires considerably more GPU horsepower than any of the 1080p or QHD models in this roundup. Confirm your GPU can realistically sustain your target frame rate at 4K before choosing this model over the QHD or 1080p alternatives.
Mistakes buyers make when choosing a Dell gaming monitor
Assuming these Dell monitors are the same as Alienware displays. None of the models in this roundup carry the Alienware name, and buyers specifically wanting that sub-brand’s design and features should search separately.
Overlooking the modest price gap between Dell’s 144Hz and 240Hz SE-series models. Given how small the price difference often is between comparable screen sizes, many buyers would be better served paying the modest premium for 240Hz.
Choosing the S2725QS 4K panel without confirming GPU capability. This monitor’s accessible price makes 4K resolution tempting, but a GPU mismatch will leave real performance on the table.
Assuming SE and Plus series monitors have identical warranty terms. Warranty and support terms can vary by product line and should be confirmed at time of purchase rather than assumed based on the Dell brand name alone.
Not valuing the Plus series’ practical extras appropriately. Some buyers overpay for the Plus series without needing the built-in speakers or extended stand adjustability, while others undervalue these genuinely useful features for their specific desk setup.
Picking screen size without considering pixel density tradeoffs. The smaller 23.8-inch models in this lineup deliver sharper effective pixel density at 1080p than the 27-inch 1080p models, a detail easy to overlook when comparing purely on screen size.
Verdict
The Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor S2725DSM is our top overall pick, combining QHD resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, built-in speakers and full stand adjustability at $189.99. Budget-focused buyers should look at the Dell 24 SE2426H for the cheapest genuinely capable 144Hz option, while buyers wanting the highest refresh rate should choose the Dell 24 240Hz SE2426HG for the cheapest 240Hz panel in this lineup.
Frequently asked questions
Are these Dell monitors the same as Alienware gaming monitors?
No, none of the eight monitors in this specific roundup carry the Alienware name; they’re all from Dell’s own SE and Plus series lines, which sit below Alienware in Dell’s overall display hierarchy and use simpler designs at more accessible prices.
Does Dell offer onsite warranty service on its gaming monitors?
Onsite or advance-exchange warranty service is more commonly associated with Dell’s business and Alienware product lines, and buyers should check the specific warranty terms listed for each SE or Plus series monitor at time of purchase rather than assuming Dell’s premium support options automatically extend to its budget monitor tier.
What is the difference between Dell’s SE series and Plus series monitors?
The SE series in this lineup focuses on core gaming specifications like high refresh rate and FreeSync support at the lowest possible price, while the Plus series adds features like built-in speakers and height/tilt/pivot/swivel stand adjustability for a moderate price premium.
Is the Dell 27 S2725QS a good value for 4K gaming?
At $268.99 for a genuine 4K UHD IPS panel with FreeSync Premium and 120Hz refresh rate, it’s a reasonably priced entry into 4K gaming, though buyers should confirm their GPU can drive 4K resolution at meaningful frame rates before making the jump from 1080p or QHD.
Why are Dell’s 240Hz monitors priced so close to its 144Hz models?
Dell prices its SE 240Hz models only modestly above its 144Hz equivalents in this lineup, likely reflecting how mature and cost-effective 240Hz IPS panel production has become, making the refresh rate upgrade a relatively low-cost decision for buyers comparing these specific models. See our refresh rate and response time explained and monitor resolution guide for gaming guides for more, and check best 240Hz gaming monitor and best 4K gaming monitor for cross-brand comparisons at these specs.
