ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27" Black 2020

A fast, fully adjustable 1440p gaming monitor that punches above its weight. Just ignore the fake HDR and terrible speakers, and you'll be thrilled.

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ is that rare budget monitor that gets the important stuff right. It's a 27-inch, 1440p IPS panel that overclocks to a buttery 165Hz, has G-Sync compatibility, and comes with a stand that actually adjusts every way you'd want. If you're shopping for a fast gaming display and don't want to spend OLED money, this one should be at the top of your list. Just don't expect miracles from the HDR or the built-in speakers.

Out of the box you get 144Hz, but a quick trip to the on-screen menu cranks it to 165Hz, and it's stable. Our benchmarks put it at 78th percentile overall, which means it's well above average for gaming. Motion clarity is excellent thanks to ELMB Sync, and I didn't notice any tearing with G-Sync on. The 1ms MPRT is a marketing number, but real-world response times are quick enough that you won't feel held back in Overwatch or Apex. Color accuracy is solid for an sRGB panel, hitting 99% coverage, and while 350 nits isn't eye-searing, it's fine for a dim room.

Pricing is all over the place, from $219 to $609 across vendors. The sweet spot is around $250-$300, and at that price it's an absolute steal. If you see it closer to $600, keep scrolling, you're getting fleeced. Amazon often has it for a reasonable price, but check the listings because that spread means some sellers are hiking it up.

The ASUS goes toe-to-toe with the Gigabyte M27Q and LG 27GP850-B. The LG has slightly better response times and a wider color gamut, but its stand is wobbly. The Gigabyte M27Q has a sharper contrast ratio and a built-in KVM, but its ergonomics aren't as good. The ASUS wins on adjustability and often undercuts them on price. If you want real HDR or 4K, you're looking at a different class entirely, like the MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED, but that's triple the cost.

If you want a monitor that doubles as a bright, vibrant display for console gaming in a living room, this isn't it. The HDR is a letdown and the speakers are a joke. Also, if you need multiple input sources for a PC and console without swapping cables, the single HDMI port will frustrate you. Look at the Gigabyte M27Q for a KVM switch and better contrast, or step up to the MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED if you have the budget.

For a 1440p high-refresh gaming monitor that won't break the bank, the VG27AQ is an easy recommendation. It's fast, it's sharp, and the stand is a cut above anything else in this price bracket. Just buy it at a sensible price, plug in your own headphones, and forget the HDR button exists.