ASUS TUF Gaming ASUS TUF Gaming 27" 2K HDR Gaming Monitor (VG27AQ) Review
The ASUS TUF VG27AQ delivers solid 1440p gaming performance at a very friendly price. It's fast, looks good, and gets the job done without any drama.
The 30-Second Version
The ASUS TUF VG27AQ is a great budget 1440p gaming monitor. It's fast, has good colors, and the price is right. Performance is above average. It's definitely worth buying if you want smooth gaming without overspending.
Overview
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ is a solid 27-inch 1440p gaming monitor that's been around for a while. It's a classic pick for PC gamers who want a smooth, fast screen without spending a fortune. It's got a 165Hz refresh rate, G-Sync compatibility, and an IPS panel, which is a good combo for both gaming and everyday use.
Performance
Performance is decent. The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT response time make it feel fast, and our database shows it scores in the 70th percentile for performance, which is above average. The IPS panel gives you good viewing angles and color, though its HDR is more of a checkbox feature than a real highlight. It's a strong performer for the price, but it's not going to blow your mind.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 165Hz refresh rate makes games feel super smooth. 91th
- IPS panel offers good colors and viewing angles. 84th
- G-Sync compatibility helps eliminate screen tearing. 70th
- Price is very competitive for a 1440p gaming monitor. 65th
Cons
- HDR performance is underwhelming. 29th
- Connectivity options are limited. 30th
- The stand and ergonomics are mediocre. 33th
- It's a bit bulky and not very portable.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 2560 (QHD) |
| Aspect Ratio | 78:1 |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 165 Hz |
| Adaptive Sync | G-Sync Compatible |
Color & HDR
| HDR | HDR |
| HDR Support | HDR |
Features
| Weight | 5.8 kg / 12.8 lbs |
Value & Pricing
At around $261, this monitor is a great value. You're getting a 1440p, high-refresh-rate IPS panel with G-Sync support, which is exactly what a lot of mid-range gamers want. It's not the flashiest or newest screen, but it delivers the core experience without any fuss. For the money, it's a smart buy.
vs Competition
Compared to newer options, it's a trade-off. The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 or ASUS ROG Swift 4K monitors are obviously better, but they cost way more. Against other 1440p screens like the MSI MPG QD-OLED or LG UltraGear, this ASUS loses in pure performance and features, but wins big on price. If you're building a budget-friendly rig, this TUF model is a strong contender against other basic 1440p monitors.
| Spec | ASUS TUF Gaming ASUS TUF Gaming 27" 2K HDR Gaming Monitor (VG27AQ) | Samsung Odyssey Samsung - 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Dual 4K UHD Quantum | LG UltraGear LG UltraGear 45" WUHD DUAL MODE 4K 165Hz FHD 330Hz | ASUS ROG Swift ASUS Republic of Gamers Swift OLED PG27UCDM 26.5" | MSI MPG MSI 27 inch WQHD 2K 1440P 360Hz with AMD FreeSync | Dell UltraSharp Dell UltraSharp 27" 4K HDR 120 Hz Monitor (2-Pack) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 | 57 | 45 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 | 7680 x 2160 | 5120 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 2560 x 1440 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | - | VA | OLED | OLED | OLED | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 165 | 240 | 165 | 240 | 360 | 120 |
| Response Time Ms | - | 1 | - | - | 0 | 5 |
| Adaptive Sync | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium Pro | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium Pro | - |
| Hdr | HDR | HDR10+ | HDR10 | HDR400 | HDR400 | HDR |
Common Questions
Q: Is this monitor good for competitive gaming like FPS titles?
Yes, the 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make it very suitable for fast-paced games, and G-Sync compatibility helps keep things smooth.
Q: How does the HDR actually perform?
It's basic. The HDR support is more of a technical feature than a transformative experience; don't expect stunning HDR highlights like on more expensive monitors.
Q: Can I use this with both a PC and a console?
You can, but connectivity is a weak spot. It only has DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0, which might limit some console features, but it'll work fine for 1440p gaming.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you're a hardcore enthusiast chasing the best possible image quality. If you want true, impactful HDR, superior ergonomics, or the latest connectivity like HDMI 2.1, you'll need to look at more expensive options. This monitor is about core performance, not premium features.
Verdict
Buy this if you're a PC gamer looking for a reliable, no-frills 1440p monitor with a high refresh rate. It's perfect for someone upgrading from 1080p or building their first serious gaming setup. You get the important specs without paying for bells and whistles you might not need.