ASUS ProArt ASUS ProArt 27" QHD 2K 1440P 75Hz IPS with Review
The ASUS ProArt PA278CV delivers professional-grade color accuracy for photo and video editing at a surprisingly approachable price, making it a secret weapon for budget-conscious creatives.
The 30-Second Version
The ASUS ProArt PA278CV is a 27-inch 1440p monitor built for color-accurate work like photo editing and design. Its factory calibration, USB-C with charging, and full adjustability stand out, though its 75Hz refresh is just okay. It's a solid value for creatives, especially when found on sale.
Overview
If you're a creative pro or office worker hunting for a 27-inch 1440p monitor that nails color accuracy, the ASUS ProArt PA278CV is likely on your radar. It's a QHD (2560 x 1440) IPS panel with a 75Hz refresh rate, and its main claim to fame is factory calibration for 100% sRGB and Rec. 709 coverage with a Delta E < 2. That's jargon for 'the colors you see are the colors you get,' which is crucial for photo editing, design, and video work. It's not a gaming or high-refresh beast, but for its target audience, the specs are spot-on. Prices swing from $229 to $458 depending on the vendor, so shopping around is a must.
Performance
Performance here is about precision, not speed. The 75Hz refresh and 5ms response time land in the 46th percentile against all monitors, meaning it's fine for everyday tasks and light gaming, but don't expect buttery-smooth motion in fast-paced shooters. Where it shines is in our color accuracy metrics, scoring in the 85th percentile. The 350-nit brightness and IPS panel deliver consistent, vibrant colors across the 178-degree viewing angles. The 65W USB-C port is a star, letting you connect a laptop, charge it, and send video and data over one cable. It's a clean, efficient setup.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Out-of-the-box color accuracy is excellent for the price. 96th
- USB-C with 65W power delivery simplifies desk setups. 91th
- Full ergonomic stand (height, tilt, swivel) is included. 90th
- DisplayPort daisy-chaining supports multi-monitor setups easily. 88th
- Connectivity options are top-tier (97th percentile).
Cons
- Built-in speakers are weak, as many buyers note. 31th
- 75Hz refresh rate feels dated next to 100Hz+ office monitors.
- HDR support is basic (HDR400) and not a major selling point.
- Panel brightness is good but not exceptional for very bright rooms.
- The stand is sturdy but quite heavy.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 2560 (QHD) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Curved | No |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 |
| Adaptive Sync | Adaptive-Sync |
Color & HDR
| Brightness | 350 nits |
| Color Gamut | 16.7 Million Colors (8-Bit) |
Connectivity
| HDMI Ports | 1 |
| DisplayPort | 1 |
| USB-C | 1 |
| Speakers | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Tilt | Yes |
| Swivel | Yes |
| Pivot | No |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Webcam | No |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Power | 28 |
| Weight | 8.4 kg / 18.5 lbs |
Value & Pricing
At the low end of its $229-$458 range, this monitor is a steal for any color-sensitive work. At the high end, you're paying a premium for the ProArt name. For pure office use, cheaper 1440p monitors exist, but they won't have this color fidelity or USB-C. For creative work, it undercuts dedicated 4K professional monitors by hundreds while delivering 95% of the accuracy for most users. Keep an eye on Amazon and Newegg for frequent sales that bring it closer to that $229 mark.
vs Competition
Stacked against its peers, the PA278CV carves a niche. The Dell UltraSharp 27" 4K is sharper and has a better stand, but costs more and lacks USB-C charging. The LG UltraGear and ASUS ROG Swift are all about high refresh rates for gaming, sacrificing color accuracy and office-friendly features. For a creative on a budget, this ASUS is the clear pick. For a general office user who doesn't need color calibration, a basic 27" 1440p monitor from brands like Gigabyte or AOC will save you money. It's a specialist that does a few things very well.
| Spec | ASUS ProArt ASUS ProArt 27" QHD 2K 1440P 75Hz IPS with | 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 | IPS | VA | OLED | OLED | OLED | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 75 | 240 | 165 | 360 | 240 | 165 |
| Response Time Ms | 5 | 1 | - | 0 | - | 1 |
| Adaptive Sync | Adaptive-Sync | FreeSync Premium Pro | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium Pro | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium |
| Hdr | - | HDR10+ | HDR10 | HDR400 | HDR400 | HDR10 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the ASUS ProArt good for video editing?
Yes, its 100% Rec. 709 coverage and factory calibration make it a strong, affordable choice for HD video editing and color grading.
Q: Can you daisy-chain these monitors?
Yes, using DisplayPort, you can daisy-chain up to four PA278CV monitors from a single computer port, which is great for multi-display setups.
Q: Does the USB-C port charge a laptop?
Yes, the USB-C port delivers up to 65W of power, enough to charge most laptops while handling video and data, which really cleans up your desk.
Q: Is this monitor good for gaming?
It's okay for casual gaming thanks to Adaptive-Sync, but the 75Hz refresh rate is a bottleneck for competitive play; look for a 144Hz+ monitor instead.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you're a hardcore gamer or someone who just needs a basic screen for spreadsheets and Netflix. The 75Hz refresh rate and focus on color won't benefit you. Also, if you work in a field requiring wider color gamuts like Adobe RGB or DCI-P3, you'll need a more advanced (and expensive) panel. For general use, a cheaper 1440p monitor or a high-refresh-rate option will serve you better.
Verdict
Should you buy this? If you edit photos, design graphics, or handle video and need trustworthy colors without breaking the bank, yes, absolutely. It's a focused tool that excels at its job. The USB-C and ergonomics are icing on the cake. If you're a gamer, a casual streamer, or just need a second screen for documents and web browsing, you can find better value elsewhere. This monitor is for the person who gets annoyed when their reds don't match. For them, it's a no-brainer.