Alienware AW2720HF Review for PS5: Is It Worth Buying?
The Dell Alienware AW2720HF is a 27-inch gaming monitor designed for fast, competitive gaming. It features a Full HD 1080p IPS panel, a 240Hz refresh rate, and a fast response time. These specifications make it attractive to PC gamers, but how well does it perform with a PS5 or PS5 Pro?
My take is that the AW2720HF is still a capable option if your priority is responsive gameplay, especially in competitive shooters. However, its 240Hz refresh rate can be misleading for console buyers. The PS5 supports up to 120Hz in compatible games, so you won’t benefit from the monitor’s full 240Hz capability on your console. You also miss out on 1440p and 4K resolution, HDR, and HDMI 2.1.
Alienware AW2720HF: Quick Verdict
Overall PS5 rating
A responsive 1080p monitor with good colors, low input lag, and 120Hz support for compatible PS5 games. Its limited resolution and lack of HDR make it less appealing if you want the best visual experience from your console.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 27 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 (Full HD) |
| Panel type | IPS |
| Maximum refresh rate | 240Hz |
| Response time | Advertised 1ms GtG |
| Brightness | 350 cd/m² (rated) |
| HDMI | 2 × HDMI 2.0 |
| HDR | No HDR support |
View the official Dell AW2720HF specifications.
How Does the AW2720HF Perform on PS5?
1. Gaming at 1080p and 120Hz
The AW2720HF supports 1080p at 120Hz over HDMI, making it suitable for PS5 games that offer a 120Hz performance mode. Games that support higher frame rates can feel noticeably smoother and more responsive than they do at 60Hz, provided you enable the appropriate in-game mode and the console is configured correctly.
However, the monitor’s 240Hz maximum refresh rate is primarily useful for PC gaming. A PS5 cannot output 240Hz gameplay, so don’t buy this monitor expecting to get 240 frames per second from your console.
My verdict: Good for competitive PS5 gaming, but the extra refresh-rate capability above 120Hz won’t benefit console gameplay.
2. Input Lag and Response Time
One of the AW2720HF’s strongest features is its responsive gaming performance. Independent testing has found very low input lag and fast pixel response, which helps keep movement clear and controls responsive. RTINGS’ review also highlights its strong gaming performance.
This makes it a good fit for competitive shooters, fighting games, and other titles where quick reactions matter. Keep in mind that Dell’s advertised 1ms response time applies to a particular monitor setting, and the fastest overdrive mode can introduce visual overshoot. You don’t necessarily need to use the most aggressive setting to get a good experience.
3. Image Quality and Colors
The IPS panel provides good viewing angles and vibrant colors, with 99% sRGB coverage according to Dell. Games look colorful, and the anti-glare coating helps in brighter rooms.
The biggest compromise is the 1080p resolution on a 27-inch screen. Images are less sharp than they would be on a 27-inch 1440p monitor, particularly when you’re sitting close to the display. You can still enjoy PS5 games, but if you appreciate detailed environments and crisp text, a 1440p or 4K screen is a better match.
4. HDR and Dark-Room Gaming
The AW2720HF doesn’t support HDR, so games won’t deliver the expanded highlights and contrast range available on a good HDR display. Its IPS panel also has limited native contrast, meaning blacks can appear grayish in a dark room.
This isn’t a major problem if you mainly play competitive games in a reasonably lit room. However, for cinematic single-player games, dark scenes, and HDR titles, there are better options.
5. VRR and HDMI Compatibility
The monitor has HDMI 2.0 connections and supports AMD FreeSync on compatible systems. However, you shouldn’t assume its FreeSync support will enable the PS5’s VRR feature. The console’s VRR support is designed for compatible HDMI 2.1 VRR displays, and the AW2720HF does not have HDMI 2.1.
It will still work with a PS5 through HDMI, including at supported 1080p and 120Hz settings. Just don’t buy it specifically for PS5 VRR or HDMI 2.1 features.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Low input lag and fast response time
- Supports 1080p at 120Hz on PS5
- IPS panel with good viewing angles
- Good color coverage for SDR gaming
- Height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments
- Useful USB hub and two HDMI inputs
Cons
- Limited to 1080p resolution
- 240Hz refresh rate is largely wasted on PS5
- No HDR support
- Weak contrast in dark rooms
- No HDMI 2.1 or expected PS5 VRR support
- 27-inch 1080p image isn’t especially sharp
Is the AW2720HF Worth Buying for PS5 in 2026?
That depends on the price and what you want from your setup. If you already own the AW2720HF, there’s no urgent reason to replace it just because it lacks 1440p or 4K. It can still deliver smooth 1080p/120Hz gaming in supported titles, and its low input lag makes it particularly suitable for competitive play.
If you’re buying a monitor specifically for a PS5 or PS5 Pro, though, I’d compare it with modern 27-inch 1440p 120Hz-or-higher monitors. You can get sharper images while retaining the smooth gameplay that matters for shooters. If your budget allows, a 4K 120Hz monitor with HDMI 2.1 and VRR is an even more complete console-focused choice.
Since the AW2720HF is an older model, its value depends heavily on the price you can find today. I wouldn’t pay a premium for its 240Hz specification when a PS5 can only use up to 120Hz.
Final Verdict
The Alienware AW2720HF remains a responsive gaming monitor, and it works with PS5. Its strongest points are low input lag, fast response, good viewing angles, and support for 1080p at 120Hz. For players who mainly play competitive games and don’t mind Full HD, it can still do the job.
However, its 1080p resolution, lack of HDR, limited contrast, and absence of HDMI 2.1 hold it back as a PS5 purchase in 2026. I’d recommend keeping it if you already own one, but I wouldn’t make it my first choice for a new PS5 monitor unless the price is very attractive.