ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27" Black 2020

A once-great budget monitor that's now outclassed by newer rivals. The stand and resolution are still solid, but declining user satisfaction and a wild price spread make it a tougher sell.

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.

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.

Pricing is all over the place, from $246 to $5910 across vendors. The sweet spot used to be around $250-$300, but with the floor creeping up and the ceiling getting ridiculous, you need to be more careful than ever. At the low end it's still a decent pickup, but if you see it anywhere near that $5910 listing, someone's lost their mind. Amazon often has it for a reasonable price, but check the listings because that spread means some sellers are hiking it up.

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.

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. With newer options like the ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQDMG offering OLED contrast or the LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B delivering a massive ultrawide experience, the VG27AQ feels dated. Look at the Gigabyte M27Q for a KVM switch and better contrast, or step up to the MSI MPG 321CURX QD-OLED if you have the budget.

The VG27AQ used to be an easy recommendation, but the market has shifted. Newer panels from LG and ASUS's own ROG line have raised the bar for speed and contrast, and user sentiment has cooled as a result. It's still a fast, sharp 1440p monitor with a great stand, but you should only buy it if you find it under $300. Above that, the competition is simply better.