ASUS 27" Review
The ASUS VY27UQ proves you don't need to spend a fortune for a great 4K creative display. Just don't expect to game on it.
The 30-Second Version
A sharp, color-accurate 4K monitor for creatives on a budget. Fantastic for still images, painfully slow for anything else.
Overview
The ASUS VY27UQ is a solid, no-frills 4K monitor that nails the basics for creative work. Its one thing to know? This is a fantastic screen for photo editing or design on a budget, but don't expect it to be anything else. It's a 60Hz panel, so gaming feels sluggish, and the HDR is more of a checkbox than a feature. If you're a creative who needs accurate colors and sharp detail without breaking the bank, this is your pick. Just know you're buying a tool, not an entertainment center.
Performance
The performance score lands in the 38th percentile, which tells you exactly what you're getting: a workhorse, not a racehorse. The 60Hz refresh rate feels dated next to even basic 144Hz gaming monitors. But here's the surprise: for its intended creative use, it's excellent. The display and color scores are in the 90th percentile, meaning this thing delivers stunning, accurate 4K imagery. It's fast enough for Photoshop, but you'll feel every single frame if you try to game on it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stunning 4K IPS panel with fantastic color accuracy (99% sRGB). 91th
- Great value for creative professionals on a tight budget. 87th
- Solid build quality and decent ergonomics with VESA mount support. 82th
- Clean, simple design without distracting gamer aesthetics. 73th
Cons
- 60Hz refresh rate feels slow and choppy for any motion. 27th
- HDR10 support is basically useless at only 350 nits brightness.
- Built-in speakers are an afterthought—just use headphones.
- No USB-C connectivity, which is a missed opportunity for modern laptops.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 3840 (4K UHD) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Curved | No |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 |
| Adaptive Sync | Adaptive-Sync |
Color & HDR
| Brightness | 350 nits |
| Color Gamut | 1.07 Billion Colors (10-Bit) |
| HDR | HDR10 |
| HDR Support | HDR10 |
Connectivity
| HDMI Ports | 1 |
| Speakers | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | No |
| Tilt | Yes |
| Swivel | No |
| Pivot | No |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Touchscreen | No |
| Weight | 5.1 kg / 11.2 lbs |
Value & Pricing
At around $200-$250, the value is undeniable for a 4K creative monitor. You're getting 90th-percentile image quality for half the price of many professional-grade displays. Is it worth it? Absolutely, but only if your primary use is static image work. If you need speed for gaming or video, this money is better spent elsewhere.
vs Competition
Compared to the Dell UltraSharp 27" 4K, you're trading 120Hz smoothness and a USB-C hub for a much lower price. The Dell is the better all-rounder, but the ASUS wins on pure dollar-for-image-quality. Against the MSI 32" 4K 240Hz, it's not even a contest—the MSI is for high-end gaming, and this ASUS isn't. Your real choice is between this and spending more for features you might not need. For pure color-accurate work, the ASUS is the smarter buy.
| Spec | ASUS 27" | LG UltraGear LG - UltraGear 27" IPS Dual Mode (4K UHD 180Hz, | Samsung Odyssey Samsung Odyssey G7 27" UHD 4K 144Hz IPS AMD | MSI MAG MSI 27" UHD DUAL MODE 4K 160Hz FHD 320Hz FreeSync | BenQ Mobiuz BenQ MOBIUZ EX271U 27" 4K HDR 165 Hz Gaming | Dell UltraSharp Dell UltraSharp U3225QE 31.5" 4K HDR 120 Hz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 31.5 |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60 | 180 | 144 | 160 | 165 | 120 |
| Response Time Ms | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0.5 | 1 | 5 |
| Adaptive Sync | Adaptive-Sync | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium | - |
| Hdr | HDR10 | HDR400 | HDR10+ | HDR1000 | HDR10 | HDR |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Color | Compact | Display | Feature | Ergonomic | Performance | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS 27" | 87.4 | 60.6 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 72.3 | 39.3 | 73.1 | 27 |
| LG UltraGear 27" Dual Mode Compare | 89.8 | 80.4 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 94.1 | 99.9 | 97.3 |
| Samsung Odyssey G7 27" Compare | 95.1 | 78.7 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 90 | 98.9 | 90.6 |
| MSI MAG 27" Compare | 97.1 | 80.4 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 97.6 | 96.7 | 76.2 |
| BenQ Mobiuz EX271U 27" Compare | 92 | 88.5 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 92.1 | 91.8 | 74 |
| Dell UltraSharp Dual 31.5" Compare | 97.6 | 72.4 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 87.8 | 58.3 | 97.2 | 90.6 |
Common Questions
Q: Is this good for gaming?
No, not really. The 60Hz refresh and 5ms response time will feel sluggish compared to even a basic 144Hz gaming monitor. It'll work, but you won't enjoy it.
Q: How's the HDR?
It's bad. 350 nits isn't enough for real HDR impact. Think of it as a mild brightness boost, not the eye-popping contrast you see in movies or games.
Q: Does it work with MacBooks?
Yes, but you'll need a USB-C to DisplayPort or HDMI adapter since there's no direct USB-C port. The image will look great once you're connected.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a gamer or someone who edits fast-paced video, skip this. The 60Hz cap will drive you nuts. Go get a monitor with at least 120Hz, like the Dell UltraSharp 27" 4K if you need color accuracy, or a dedicated gaming panel if you don't.
Verdict
We recommend the ASUS VY27UQ for budget-conscious creatives who prioritize image quality over everything else. It's a focused tool that does one job very well. If your workflow is all about Photoshop, Lightroom, or graphic design, this monitor delivers professional-grade visuals without the professional-grade price tag. Just plug it in, calibrate it, and get to work.