ASUS TUF Gaming ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ HDR Gaming Monitor - 27 Review
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ delivers smooth 1440p gaming at a price that makes it a standout value, though its HDR and adjustability are just okay.
The 30-Second Version
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ is a 27-inch 1440p gaming monitor with a 155Hz refresh rate. It's a great value pick for smooth gaming at a mid-range price, though its HDR and ergonomics are basic.
Overview
If you're hunting for a 27-inch gaming monitor that hits the sweet spot between price and performance, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ is a solid contender. It packs a 1440p IPS panel, a 155Hz refresh rate, and support for both G-Sync and Adaptive-Sync, all for around $260. That's a pretty compelling package for anyone looking to upgrade from a basic 1080p screen without spending a fortune. It's not the flashiest monitor out there, but it covers the essentials for gaming and everyday use.
Performance
In our tests, the VG27AQ lands in the middle of the pack for performance and display quality. That 155Hz refresh rate is a standout feature, giving you smooth motion in fast-paced games. The 1440p resolution is a big step up from 1080p, offering more detail without needing a top-tier GPU to drive it. The HDR10 support is there, but it's not a true high-end HDR experience. For most gaming and media, the IPS panel delivers good colors and viewing angles, though it doesn't quite match the vibrancy of more expensive screens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent price for a 1440p, high-refresh-rate monitor 91th
- 155Hz refresh rate provides smooth gaming 84th
- IPS panel offers good colors and viewing angles 71th
- G-Sync Compatible and Adaptive-Sync support for reduced tearing 68th
- Strong overall build quality and reliability
Cons
- HDR10 support is basic and not very impactful 29th
- Ergonomic adjustments are limited (stands tall but doesn't swivel much) 30th
- Connectivity options are a bit sparse 33th
- Not the brightest or most color-accurate IPS panel
- Design is functional but not stylish
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 2560 (QHD) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 155 Hz |
| Adaptive Sync | G-Sync Compatible |
Color & HDR
| HDR | HDR10 |
| HDR Support | HDR10 |
Features
| Weight | 5.8 kg / 12.8 lbs |
Value & Pricing
At $261, the VG27AQ sits in a very competitive price bracket. You're getting core gaming features like high refresh rate and adaptive sync at a cost that's often reserved for 1080p monitors. It's a value pick for someone who wants to step into 1440p gaming without overspending on bells and whistles they might not need.
vs Competition
The VG27AQ faces stiff competition. The MSI MPG 322URX QD-OLED is a completely different beast with stunning OLED picture quality and 4K resolution, but it costs several times more. The ASUS ROG Swift 27" 4K monitor offers higher resolution and refresh rate, again at a much higher price. For a more direct rival, monitors like the Gigabyte M27Q offer similar 1440p/170Hz specs with better ergonomics and a KVM switch, often around the same price. The VG27AQ's strength is its reliable, no-fuss approach at a very specific budget point.
| Spec | ASUS TUF Gaming ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ HDR Gaming Monitor - 27 | Samsung Odyssey Samsung - 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Dual 4K UHD Quantum | LG UltraGear LG UltraGear 45" WUHD DUAL MODE 4K 165Hz FHD 330Hz | MSI MPG MSI 27 inch WQHD 2K 1440P 360Hz with AMD FreeSync | ASUS ROG Swift ASUS Republic of Gamers Swift OLED PG27UCDM 26.5" | BenQ MOBIUZ BenQ MOBIUZ EX271U 27" 4K HDR 165 Hz Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 | 57 | 45 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 | 7680 x 2160 | 5120 x 2160 | 2560 x 1440 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | - | VA | OLED | OLED | OLED | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 155 | 240 | 165 | 360 | 240 | 165 |
| Response Time Ms | - | 1 | - | 0 | - | 1 |
| Adaptive Sync | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium Pro | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium Pro | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium |
| Hdr | HDR10 | HDR10+ | HDR10 | HDR400 | HDR400 | HDR10 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the ASUS TUF VG27AQ good for gaming?
Yes, its 155Hz refresh rate and 1440p resolution make it a strong choice for gaming, and it works with both G-Sync and Adaptive-Sync to reduce screen tearing.
Q: How does the VG27AQ compare to a 4K monitor?
This monitor uses a 1440p resolution, which is sharper than 1080p but less detailed than 4K. It's easier to drive with a mid-range GPU and is much cheaper than most 4K gaming monitors.
Q: Is this monitor good for photo editing?
The IPS panel provides decent colors and viewing angles, which is okay for casual editing. For professional color-critical work, you'd want a monitor with higher color accuracy and calibration.
Q: Does it have good HDR?
It supports HDR10, but the effect is minimal. It's not a true high-contrast HDR experience like you'd get on a more expensive OLED or high-end IPS monitor.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you're a competitive gamer chasing the absolute best motion clarity and color uniformity, or if you need extensive ergonomic adjustments like swivel and height. Also, if you're a content creator who needs perfect color accuracy, look at higher-end IPS panels or OLED monitors. For those cases, consider the Gigabyte M27Q for better features at a similar price, or step up to an OLED like the MSI model if your budget allows.
Verdict
Should you buy this? If your priority is getting a smooth, 1440p gaming experience for around $260, and you don't care much about premium HDR or extensive adjustability, then yes. It's a dependable monitor that does its job well. But if you're willing to spend a bit more, you can find competitors with better color, more features, or superior ergonomics. This is a buy for the budget-conscious gamer who wants the core upgrades without the premium tax.