HP OMEN OMEN by HP 31.5-inch QHD 165Hz Curved Gaming Review

The HP OMEN 32c scores in the 98th percentile for color and 99th for connectivity, which is insane for a $300 monitor. Its 165Hz, 1440p curved VA panel delivers smooth, immersive gaming. Just don't expect fancy ergonomics or class-leading HDR.

The HP OMEN 32c is a 31.5-inch QHD curved gaming monitor that punches well above its weight class in a few key areas. Its connectivity lands in the 99th percentile, which means you're getting Thunderbolt support alongside the standard HDMI and DisplayPort, a rarity at this price point. Color performance is also a standout, sitting in the 98th percentile with 99% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3 coverage. That's a lot of color for a monitor that typically sells between $260 and $320.

Where it makes its case is as a balanced, immersive gaming display. The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time put its performance in the 93rd percentile, which translates to smooth, responsive gameplay. The 1500R curve wraps the 1440p screen around you, and with a 68.3/100 gaming score in our database, it's clear this panel is built for that purpose. It's not trying to be the absolute fastest or sharpest, but it bundles strong performance with excellent connectivity and color at a very accessible price.

Let's talk numbers. A 93rd percentile performance score means this monitor is faster than nearly all of its peers. The 165Hz refresh rate is the sweet spot for high-refresh gaming without needing a top-tier GPU to push it, and the 1ms response time keeps motion blur in check. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium, so screen tearing is a non-issue if your system can keep up.

The color metrics are where it gets impressive. That 98th percentile color score is backed by 99% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3 coverage, which is excellent for a VA panel at this price. You're getting 400 nits of brightness and HDR10 support, too. It won't match a high-end OLED for contrast, but for games and general media, the colors pop and shadows have decent detail. The display itself scores a solid 66th percentile, meaning the QHD resolution on a 31.5-inch screen offers good pixel density without being overly demanding.

For a monitor that typically floats between $260 and $320, the value proposition is strong. You're getting 98th percentile color performance and 99th percentile connectivity, which are specs you'd usually pay a lot more for. The 165Hz refresh rate is the current sweet spot for high-value gaming monitors. When you stack it against the competition, you're trading some raw speed or resolution for a better overall feature set at this price. It's a bundle that makes sense if you want great color and future-proof ports without breaking the bank.

Compared directly to the usual suspects, the OMEN 32c carves out a niche. The Samsung Odyssey G9 or ASUS ROG Swift OLED will destroy it in raw speed, resolution, or contrast, but they also cost two to three times as much. Against other monitors in its $300-ish range, its Thunderbolt port and color gamut are differentiators. A flat-screen 1440p 170Hz monitor might match its speed, but likely won't touch its DCI-P3 coverage or offer that immersive curve. The MSI or LG options in the competitor list often target higher refresh rates (240Hz+) or 4K, but you'll pay for it. This HP is for the gamer who wants a great all-around experience with excellent color, not just the highest frame rate counter.

Skip this monitor if you need top-tier ergonomics or are super sensitive to motion clarity. Its ergonomic score is in the 32nd percentile, so if you need extensive swivel, pivot, or height adjustment, look elsewhere. Also, if your main goal is esports and you must have the absolute highest refresh rate possible (240Hz or 360Hz), there are faster, if less feature-rich, options. Finally, if you hate curved screens, this obviously isn't for you.

If you want a curved, immersive 1440p gaming monitor with surprisingly good color and fantastic connectivity, the OMEN 32c is an easy recommendation. The data doesn't lie: 98th percentile color and 99th percentile connectivity at this price is a steal. Just go in knowing the ergonomics are basic, and it's a large, dedicated display. For its $260-$320 street price, it delivers a balanced, feature-rich package that's hard to beat unless you're chasing ultra-high refresh rates or perfect blacks.