ASUS TUF Gaming TUF 27" Review

The ASUS TUF VG27AQ lands in the 93rd percentile for performance with its 165Hz refresh rate and full G-Sync compatibility. Its killer feature is ELMB Sync, which combines motion blur reduction and adaptive sync. For around $280, it's a brilliantly balanced 1440p workhorse.

The ASUS TUF VG27AQ is a 27-inch QHD monitor that nails the fundamentals for a gaming and work setup. Its 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time land it in the 93rd percentile for performance, which means it's faster than the vast majority of monitors out there. And with full ergonomic adjustability in the 97th percentile, you can get it positioned just right without any fuss.

What really sets this screen apart is ASUS's ELMB Sync tech. It lets you run motion blur reduction and G-Sync compatibility at the same time, which is a neat trick you won't find on many other panels. For around $280, you're getting a well-rounded package that doesn't skimp on the features that actually matter for daily use.

Let's talk numbers. That 165Hz refresh rate over DisplayPort is the real deal, pushing this monitor into the top 7% for performance in our database. In practice, that means buttery-smooth motion in fast-paced games, and it pairs perfectly with the G-Sync Compatible certification to eliminate screen tearing. The 1ms MPRT response time helps keep ghosting to a minimum, especially when you enable the ELMB Sync feature.

The IPS panel delivers solid color performance too, sitting in the 91st percentile. You're getting 350 nits of brightness and HDR10 support, which is decent for the price, though don't expect OLED-level contrast. The 2560x1440 resolution is the sweet spot for a 27-inch screen, offering sharper detail than 1080p without the performance hit of 4K.

Priced between $272 and $289, the VG27AQ sits in a very competitive spot. You're getting near-top-tier ergonomics and performance for what many brands charge for a basic 144Hz panel. When you consider that a monitor with similar adjustability often costs $50+ more, the value proposition here is clear. It's a workhorse that doesn't ask for a premium just for the TUF branding.

Stacked against its peers, the VG27AQ's strength is balance. The Samsung Odyssey G9 offers a wilder curve and higher resolution, but it's also multiple times the price. The ASUS ROG Swift OLED has unbeatable contrast and response, but you pay for it with potential burn-in concerns and a much higher cost. Compared to something like a basic Dell S-series gaming monitor, the TUF wins on ergonomics and features every time. Against MSI's similarly priced options, the ELMB Sync tech gives the ASUS a unique edge for motion clarity. It's the best all-rounder in its price bracket.

Skip this monitor if you're chasing the absolute best HDR experience or need something ultra-portable. Its HDR performance is basic due to the 350-nit brightness, and at over 12 pounds, it's in the 60th percentile for compactness—it's not moving around much. Also, if built-in audio is a priority, the 2W speakers are strictly for system sounds in a pinch.

If you want a no-nonsense, high-performance 1440p monitor that you can set up perfectly and forget about, the ASUS TUF VG27AQ is an easy recommendation. The data doesn't lie: it excels in the areas that impact your daily experience the most—smoothness, adjustability, and connectivity. Just temper your expectations for the speakers and HDR, and you've got a monitor that will serve you well for years.