HP OMEN 27q 27" Black 2023

The HP OMEN 27q is a fast, colorful 1440p gaming monitor that gets the fundamentals right. Its 95% DCI-P3 color coverage is a standout at this price, making games look fantastic. Just don't buy it for the HDR, and make sure you shop around since prices vary wildly.

The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time do their job well. Motion is fluid and we didn't notice any distracting ghosting during fast-paced shooters. FreeSync Premium keeps things tear-free, which is exactly what you want. Brightness tops out at 400 nits, which is solid for indoor use but means HDR content looks pretty flat. There's no real local dimming to speak of, so don't expect eye-searing highlights. The real star here is the color performance. With 95% DCI-P3 coverage, games look vibrant and punchy, landing this panel in the top tier for color among its peers.

Stacked against the Samsung Odyssey G7 G70D, the OMEN 27q gives up a lot in contrast and HDR punch since it lacks a VA panel's deep blacks. The LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B and ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCDMG are in a completely different league for image quality, but they'll cost you significantly more. The MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 and Samsung Odyssey G60SD bring that same OLED advantage to the table, though at a premium. The Dell UltraSharp U4025QW is a different beast entirely, aimed at productivity with its ultrawide 5K2K panel. The HP holds its own with better color gamut coverage and a more ergonomic stand than most IPS rivals, making it a smarter buy if you also do color-sensitive work on the side.

Pricing is all over the place for this model, ranging from $150 to $471 across different vendors. At the low end of that spectrum, this monitor is an absolute steal. You're getting a high-refresh QHD panel with great color and a premium stand for less than many budget 1080p options. If you're seeing it closer to $470, you should probably walk away. At that price, you're bumping up against entry-level OLEDs and higher-spec IPS panels that offer better HDR. Shop around and snag it for under $250 to feel really good about your purchase.

The HP OMEN 27q is a 27-inch QHD gaming monitor that nails the basics without emptying your wallet. You get a crisp 2560x1440 IPS panel, a smooth 165Hz refresh rate, and genuinely good color coverage right out of the box. It's not trying to be a flashy OLED or a 4K beast, and that's kind of the point. This is a straightforward, fast display for people who just want their games to look sharp and feel responsive.

HP packed in some nice extras too. The stand offers full ergonomic adjustments, the port selection is solid with a Thunderbolt connection, and the design is clean enough to blend into a home office. It's not the brightest panel we've tested and the HDR is more of a checkbox than a feature, but for pure SDR gaming and daily work, it's a strong contender in a crowded market.

If deep blacks and cinematic HDR are a priority, look elsewhere. This is an IPS panel with no local dimming, so dark scenes in a dim room will look gray and washed out. You'd be much happier saving up for a good VA panel like the Samsung Odyssey G7 or jumping to an OLED.

The HP OMEN 27q is a fantastic daily driver for gamers who want a sharp, colorful, and responsive display without chasing the latest panel tech. It's a perfect match for a mid-range gaming PC and doubles as a solid work monitor. If you can find it for a good price, it's an easy recommendation.