ASUS TUF Gaming VG328H1B 31.5" Black 2020

Big, fast, and cheap, this curved 165Hz monitor is a budget gamer's dream. Just don't expect razor-sharp text at 1080p on a 32-inch screen.

The 165Hz refresh rate is the star here, and it delivers. Paired with FreeSync Premium, games feel fluid and responsive, and the 1ms MPRT keeps motion blur in check. Our database puts overall performance in the 77th percentile, which is well above average for this class. The VA panel gives you a 3000:1 contrast ratio, so blacks look deep and scenes have punch. But brightness tops out at 250 nits, which is mediocre. In a bright room, it can feel a bit dim. And that 1080p resolution on a 31.5-inch screen means you're trading sharpness for size. For fast-paced shooters and console gaming at 120Hz, it's great. For detailed productivity work, it's underwhelming.

Against the LG UltraGear 27G810A-B, the ASUS gives you a bigger curved screen and deeper contrast, but the LG likely has better color accuracy and a sharper image at 1440p. The Acer Nitro XV272U W2bmiiprx is another 1440p option that will look noticeably crisper for text and detail work. If you're a competitive gamer who wants raw speed and immersion on a budget, the ASUS wins. If you care about image quality or do mixed productivity, the 1440p competitors are the smarter buy.

Pricing is all over the place. US listings range from $136 to $1,490, which is a wild spread. The $136 renewed listing on Amazon is an absolute steal if you can find it in stock. At that price, this monitor is a no-brainer for budget gamers. At the high end, you're getting ripped off, plain and simple. Shop around and don't pay more than a few hundred bucks for this thing.

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG328H1B is a 31.5-inch curved VA panel that bets big on speed and size while keeping the price low. The headline is 165Hz with FreeSync Premium, and for a monitor this big, that's the whole pitch. It's a solid upgrade if you're coming from a 60Hz screen and want that immersive curve without spending a fortune.

But here's the thing: 1080p on a 32-inch panel means pixel density takes a hit. Text isn't razor sharp, and if you sit close, you'll notice it. For pure gaming, especially fast-paced stuff, the smoothness mostly makes up for it. For office work or anything text-heavy, it's a compromise.

If you're doing photo editing, video work, or anything where color accuracy and sharp text matter, this isn't your monitor. The 250 nits brightness and 1080p resolution will frustrate you. Go grab a 1440p IPS panel like the Acer Nitro XV272U instead. And if you need DisplayPort, this one's a hard pass.

For budget-conscious gamers who want a big, fast, curved display, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG328H1B is a solid pick, especially if you can snag it under $200. The 165Hz refresh rate and deep contrast make games look and feel great. Just know you're trading sharpness for size, and the lack of DisplayPort is annoying. If you're mostly gaming and don't mind 1080p, this is a good deal. If you need crisp text or do creative work, look elsewhere.