ASUS TUF Gaming 31.5" Review
The ASUS TUF Gaming 31.5" monitor delivers high-end 180Hz performance and solid color in a big, curved package for just $249. It's a fantastic value for immersive gaming.
The 30-Second Version
For $249, this ASUS TUF is a killer value. You get a big, 180Hz curved screen with great color for smooth, immersive gaming. It's not the brightest or most adjustable, but for the price, it's an easy recommend.
Overview
The ASUS TUF Gaming 31.5" monitor is a big, curved screen for gamers who want immersion without breaking the bank. For $249, you're getting a 180Hz refresh rate and solid color performance in a package that's built to last, which is the whole point of the TUF line.
Performance
This thing is fast. A 180Hz refresh rate puts it in the 95th percentile for performance, so motion looks incredibly smooth in fast-paced games. The 0.5ms response time and ASUS's ELMB tech do a great job minimizing ghosting. The main trade-off is the VA panel, which can have slower pixel transitions in dark scenes compared to an IPS, but for the price, it's hard to complain. Color performance is also a high point, hitting the 94th percentile with 90% DCI-P3 coverage.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The 180Hz refresh rate makes everything feel incredibly smooth. 97th
- Color accuracy and coverage are excellent for the price. 94th
- The 1500R curve adds real immersion to games and media. 91th
- ASUS's ELMB and Shadow Boost features work well to clean up motion and dark scenes. 86th
Cons
- The stand only tilts, which is pretty basic for ergonomics.
- Brightness is capped at 300 nits, so HDR is more of a checkbox feature.
- It's a big, heavy screen that isn't winning any portability awards.
- The built-in speakers are there, but you'll want a headset or external speakers.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 31.5" |
| Resolution | 2560 (QHD) |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Curved | Yes |
| Curvature | 1500 |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 180 Hz |
| Response Time | 1 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync |
Color & HDR
| Brightness | 300 nits |
| Color Gamut | 90% DCI-P3, 120% sRGB |
| HDR | HDR10 |
| HDR Support | HDR10 |
Connectivity
| HDMI Ports | 1 |
| DisplayPort | 1 |
| Speakers | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | No |
| Tilt | Yes |
| Swivel | No |
| Pivot | No |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Webcam | No |
| Power | 32 |
| Weight | 6.0 kg / 13.2 lbs |
Value & Pricing
At $249, this monitor is a steal. You're getting high-end gaming performance (180Hz, 0.5ms) and great color in a large, curved format. The only things you're really sacrificing are premium ergonomics and super bright HDR. If your budget is around $250 and you want a big screen for immersive gaming, this is one of the best values out there.
Price History
vs Competition
Stacked up against the competition, the TUF holds its own by being way cheaper. The Samsung Odyssey G9 and ASUS ROG Swift OLED are in a different league (and price bracket) with better panels and features. A closer match is something like the MSI MPG 32" 4K, but that's also more expensive. The TUF's real win is offering 95th percentile performance for a mid-range price. You give up some ergonomics and peak brightness, but you save a lot of cash.
| Spec | ASUS TUF Gaming 31.5" | LG UltraGear LG - UltraGear 27" IPS Dual Mode (4K UHD 180Hz, | Samsung Odyssey Samsung Odyssey G7 27" UHD 4K 144Hz IPS AMD | MSI MAG MSI 27" UHD DUAL MODE 4K 160Hz FHD 320Hz FreeSync | BenQ Mobiuz BenQ MOBIUZ EX271U 27" 4K HDR 165 Hz Gaming | Dell UltraSharp Dell UltraSharp U3225QE 31.5" 4K HDR 120 Hz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 31.5 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 31.5 |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | VA | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 180 | 180 | 144 | 160 | 165 | 120 |
| Response Time Ms | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.5 | 1 | 5 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium | - |
| Hdr | HDR10 | HDR400 | HDR10+ | HDR1000 | HDR10 | HDR |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Color | Compact | Display | Feature | Ergonomic | Performance | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS TUF Gaming 31.5" | 91.4 | 60.6 | 65.2 | 97.2 | 72.3 | 94.1 | 85.9 | 62.1 |
| LG UltraGear 27" Dual Mode Compare | 89.8 | 80.4 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 94.1 | 99.9 | 97.3 |
| Samsung Odyssey G7 27" Compare | 95.1 | 78.7 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 90 | 98.9 | 90.6 |
| MSI MAG 27" Compare | 97.1 | 80.4 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 97.6 | 96.7 | 76.2 |
| BenQ Mobiuz EX271U 27" Compare | 92 | 88.5 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 92.1 | 91.8 | 74 |
| Dell UltraSharp Dual 31.5" Compare | 97.6 | 72.4 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 87.8 | 58.3 | 97.2 | 90.6 |
Common Questions
Q: How fast is the response time?
It's a claimed 0.5ms (Gray-to-Gray), which is extremely fast and helps minimize motion blur in games, especially when combined with the 180Hz refresh rate.
Q: Can I wall-mount this monitor?
Yes, it has a standard 100x100mm VESA mount pattern on the back, so you can use it with most monitor arms or wall brackets.
Q: Is this good for competitive gaming?
Absolutely. The 180Hz refresh rate and fast response time put it in the top tier for smoothness, which is a huge advantage in fast-paced shooters and esports titles.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you're a content creator who needs perfect color accuracy or an HDR enthusiast. The 300-nit brightness and basic HDR10 support won't wow you. Also, if you need a super adjustable stand out of the box, look at models with full ergonomic arms, because this one only tilts.
Verdict
Buy this if you're a gamer on a budget who wants a large, immersive screen with buttery-smooth performance. The 180Hz refresh rate and good color make it a fantastic value for fast-paced games. Just make sure your desk is big enough and you have a VESA mount if you need more adjustability.