Head to head
Dell UltraSharp U2725QE vs ASUS ProArt PA279CRV
Two 27-inch 4K work monitors: Dell's Thunderbolt-hub UltraSharp U2725QE against ASUS's factory-calibrated ProArt PA279CRV, about $230 cheaper. Which one your desk needs.
RTINGS' 2026 work monitor list puts these two next to each other: the Dell UltraSharp U2725QE as the best upper mid-range work monitor, and the ASUS ProArt PA279CRV as the best mid-range one. Both are 27-inch 4K IPS screens with sharp text and fully adjustable stands. The Dell is a Thunderbolt dock with a better panel; the ASUS is a calibrated creator's monitor for much less money.
This is an editorial comparison built from manufacturer specs and published reviews, not our own testing. Prices are approximate Amazon prices seen October 7, 2026. On that day the Dell was sold on Amazon by a third-party seller, not Amazon itself; the ASUS was sold by Amazon.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. “Check price” buttons on this page are affiliate links, at no extra cost to you; they never change the verdict.
Option A
Dell UltraSharp U2725QE
- 27" 4K
- IPS Black
- 120Hz
- ~$627.69
A 27-inch 4K work monitor that doubles as a Thunderbolt dock, with better contrast than ordinary IPS.
- Work
- 5 out of 5
- Color
- 4 out of 5
- Value
- 4 out of 5
Editorial fit scores, 1–5, from published reviews and specs — not lab measurements.
Affiliate link to Amazon. Price approx., seen Oct 2026.
Read the breakdown: Dell UltraSharp U2725QE
Option B
ASUS ProArt PA279CRV
- 27" 4K
- IPS
- 60Hz
- ~$399
A factory-calibrated 4K monitor with 96W USB-C for about $400: the creator's pick on a budget.
- Color
- 5 out of 5
- Work
- 4 out of 5
- Value
- 4 out of 5
Editorial fit scores, 1–5, from published reviews and specs — not lab measurements.
Affiliate link to Amazon. Price approx., seen Oct 2026.
Read the breakdown: ASUS ProArt PA279CRVSpec sheet
Side by side
| Feature | U2725QE | ProArt PA279CRV |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. Amazon price (Oct 2026) | ~$627.69 (third-party seller) | ~$399 (sold by Amazon)Edge |
| List price | $849.99 (Dell.com) | $469 at launch; $429 at the ASUS StoreEdge |
| Panel and contrast | IPS Black; 3,000:1Edge | IPS; 1,000:1 |
| Refresh rate | 120HzEdge | 60Hz |
| Brightness | 450 nits typical; 600 nits peakEdge | 350 nits typical; 400 nits peak |
| Color | 99% DCI-P3; ΔE < 1.5 average; RTINGS says white balance needs calibrating | 99% DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB; Calman Verified, ΔE < 2; very accurate sRGB mode (RTINGS)Edge |
| USB-C / Thunderbolt | Thunderbolt 4; up to 140W (EPR)Edge | USB-C; 96W |
| Hub and network | 5x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 2.5GbEEdge | USB-C + 3x USB-A |
| KVM switch | YesEdge | No |
| Daisy chain | Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort out | DisplayPort out |
| Stand | Height (150 mm), tilt, swivel, pivot | Height (130 mm), tilt, swivel, pivot |
| Speakers | None | 2x 2WEdge |
| Warranty | 3 years, Advanced Exchange | 3 years, including zero bright dot |
| Review standing | Wirecutter top 4K pick; RTINGS best upper mid-range work monitor | RTINGS best mid-range work monitor; TechRadar 4.5/5 |
Manufacturer specs and published reviews; prices are approximate Amazon prices seen October 7, 2026. “Edge” marks the side we think comes out ahead on that row.
Fit scores
How they fit, scored
| Scenario | Dell UltraSharp U2725QE | ASUS ProArt PA279CRV |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | 2 out of 5 | 1 out of 5 |
| Work / productivity | 5 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| HDR | 2 out of 5 | 1 out of 5 |
| Color / creative | 4 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Value | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
Editorial fit scores, 1–5 — not lab measurements. Higher score per row highlighted.
Choose the U2725QE if…
- Your laptop lives on the desk and you want one Thunderbolt cable for charging, Ethernet, and peripherals.
- You switch between two computers; the KVM switch moves your keyboard and mouse with the screen.
- You read and write all day and want IPS Black's crisper contrast and 120Hz scrolling.
- You'll pay about $230 more for those extras, and don't mind a third-party Amazon seller (or buy from Dell).
Choose the ProArt PA279CRV if…
- You edit photos or design and want accurate color out of the box, without a calibrator.
- One laptop and 96W USB-C charging are all the docking you need.
- You want built-in speakers and a lower price: ~$399 against ~$627.69.
- You'd rather buy a listing sold by Amazon itself.
Our verdict
ASUS ProArt PA279CRV
For most home offices, the ProArt PA279CRV: sharp 4K text, accurate color, and 96W USB-C for about $230 less. The U2725QE is the better monitor and earns its price if you'll use what the ASUS lacks: Thunderbolt docking with Ethernet, a KVM switch for two computers, 120Hz, and IPS Black contrast.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for a MacBook?
Both work over a single USB-C cable. The Dell's Thunderbolt 4 port adds Ethernet and a bigger hub, and charges up to 140W on laptops that support Extended Power Range; the ASUS supplies 96W, enough for most MacBooks. Neither is a 5K monitor, so macOS scaling at 4K applies to both.
Can either monitor be used for gaming?
Casually. The Dell runs at 120Hz with variable refresh rate, but RTINGS calls its response time bad, so fast motion blurs. The ASUS is 60Hz with slow response. If gaming matters, an OLED like the Gigabyte MO27Q28GR is a far better fit.
Why is the Dell sold by a third party on Amazon?
On October 7, 2026, the U2725QE's Amazon buy box belonged to a third-party seller at $627.69, with no offer from Amazon itself. That can change. Dell.com sold it for $849.99; buy from whichever seller you trust.
Disclosure: Independent editorial comparison based on published reviews and manufacturer specs, not our own lab measurements. Prices are approximate Amazon prices seen October 7, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.