ASUS VA279QG 27'' Full HD 120Hz 27" Review

This 27-inch ASUS monitor delivers 120Hz smoothness for under $140, putting its performance in the 91st percentile. That's a great deal for casual gamers and anyone who hates screen lag. Just know the 1080p resolution on a big screen isn't the sharpest, and it's missing some creature features.

The ASUS VA279QG is a 27-inch monitor that scores a 57.6 out of 100 in our overall rating, with its gaming performance hitting a more respectable 62.8. That's not a top-tier score, but it's solid for a budget-friendly screen. The key numbers here are 1080p, 120Hz, and a 1ms response time, which lands its performance in the 91st percentile. That means it's faster than most monitors in our database, even if its display quality sits around the middle of the pack at the 55th percentile.

For a price that floats between $119 and $139, you're getting a big screen with surprisingly good motion handling. It's built for a desk, not for travel, scoring a dismal 14 out of 100 for portability. But if you want a large, smooth display for casual gaming and everyday work without breaking the bank, this is a contender.

Let's talk about that 91st percentile performance score. That's driven by the 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT response time, which together make motion look a lot smoother than on a standard 60Hz office monitor. It supports Adaptive-Sync, too, which helps keep gameplay tear-free. The 300-nit brightness and 3000:1 contrast ratio are decent, putting color performance in the 76th percentile. It won't blow you away with HDR or deep blacks, but for a budget IPS panel, it's perfectly fine for general use and less demanding games.

Connectivity is another strong point, sitting in the 89th percentile. You get HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, and even a legacy VGA port, which is a nice throwback for older systems. The built-in speakers are a bonus, though you'll probably want to use headphones or external speakers for anything serious.

For $119 to $139, you're getting a monitor whose performance punches well above its weight class. The 120Hz refresh rate alone is a feature you'd typically pay more for. When you compare it to other 27-inch 1080p screens stuck at 60Hz, the value proposition is clear: you get much smoother motion for basically the same money. Just don't expect premium extras like a swivel stand or USB hub.

Stacked against its peers, the VA279QG's main trick is offering 120Hz where others don't. A basic Dell or HP 27-inch 1080p monitor at this price will be 60Hz. If you want more features, you'd step up to something like an MSI or AOC model with 144Hz and better stands, but you'll pay $50-$100 more. Compared to a 4K monitor like the Dell UltraSharp 27", you're giving up massive resolution and clarity for much better motion handling at a fraction of the cost. It's a trade-off: raw pixel density for smoothness.

Skip this if you're a content creator or need pin-sharp text. The 1080p resolution on a 27-inch panel (82 PPI) means pixels are more visible, and its display quality score is only in the 55th percentile. Also, hardcore gamers chasing high frame rates should look for a 144Hz or 240Hz panel instead. And if you need a feature-rich hub with USB ports and full ergonomic adjustability, look elsewhere—this monitor's feature set ranks in the 31st percentile.

If you want a large, affordable monitor that makes everyday scrolling and casual gaming feel noticeably smoother, the ASUS VA279QG is a data-backed pick. Its 91st percentile performance score for motion is legit. But if you're a pixel-peeping creative professional or a competitive esports player needing every edge, its average display quality and lack of features will hold you back. For the price, it does one thing very well.