ASUS
ASUS TUF Gaming 27" 2K HDR Gaming Monitor (VG27AQ)
Bottom line: The ASUS TUF Gaming 27" 2K HDR Gaming Monitor ($249.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 1440p at 165Hz hits the sweet spot for mid-range and high-end GPUs alike; main trade-off: displayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0 only, so no 4K120 or DSC-era console features.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 1440p at 165Hz hits the sweet spot for mid-range and high-end GPUs alike
- ✓ ELMB Sync runs motion blur reduction and adaptive sync together, rare at this price
- ✓ G-SYNC Compatible certified, so NVIDIA VRR works without a hardware module
- ✓ Full height, tilt, swivel, and pivot stand plus VESA mounting for arm setups
- ✓ Shadow Boost brightens dark scenes without washing out lit areas
Cons
- ✗ DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0 only, so no 4K120 or DSC-era console features
- ✗ IPS panel means black levels trail VA alternatives in dark rooms
- ✗ HDR support is entry-level, not a true high-nit HDR experience
- ✗ Built-in speakers are a convenience feature, not a headset replacement
Manufacturer description
27” WQHD (2560x1440) IPS 1ms MPRT gaming monitor with 155Hz (overclocked) refresh rate and G-SYNC Compatibility for a tear-free experience Extreme Low motion Blur Sync (ELMB Sync) technology to reduce screen tearing and ghosting Marathon ready with ASUS Eye Care Technology to minimize eye fatigue and an ergonomic stand with full height/tilt/swivel/pivot adjustments to accommodate any desk
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored ASUS TUF Gaming 27" 2K HDR Gaming Monitor using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming monitors category. ASUS's gaming monitors lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for gaming monitors of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASUS VG27AQ good for competitive FPS games?
Yes. The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT response cover fast-paced shooters, and ELMB Sync reduces ghosting during quick flicks. Shadow Boost also helps spot enemies in dark corners of maps.
Does the VG27AQ work with G-SYNC on an NVIDIA graphics card?
It is G-SYNC Compatible certified, meaning NVIDIA adaptive sync runs over DisplayPort without a dedicated G-SYNC module. Enable G-SYNC in the NVIDIA Control Panel after connecting via DisplayPort 1.2.
Can I use this monitor with a PS5 or Xbox Series X at 120Hz?
The panel uses HDMI 2.0, which carries 1440p at up to 120Hz on consoles that support it, but not 4K120. Check your console's display settings for supported output modes.
Can the VG27AQ be wall or arm mounted?
Yes, it is VESA mountable, so you can swap the included stand for a monitor arm or wall bracket. Confirm the VESA pattern and weight rating on the product listing before ordering hardware.
Is 27 inches at 1440p sharp enough without scaling?
At 2560x1440 on a 27-inch panel you get roughly 109 pixels per inch, which reads clearly at a normal desk distance without OS scaling. That density is why this size and resolution pairing is the most common gaming setup.
Key Features
- 27” WQHD (2560x1440) IPS 1ms MPRT gaming monitor with 155Hz (overclocked) refresh rate and G-SYNC Compatibility for a tear-free experience
- Extreme Low motion Blur Sync (ELMB Sync) technology to reduce screen tearing and ghosting
- Marathon ready with ASUS Eye Care Technology to minimize eye fatigue and an ergonomic stand with full height/tilt/swivel/pivot adjustments to accommodate any desk
- Shadow Boost enhances image details in dark areas, brightening scenes without over-exposing bright areas
- Flexible connectivity options with DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI (v2.0)
- 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud: Receive complimentary access with the purchase of this product (valid until 8/31/2026)
Full Specifications
| Size | 27” 2K WQHD IPS |
|---|---|
| Brand | ASUS |
| Color | Black |
| Model | VG27AQ |
| Warranty | 3 Year Warranty with ARR |
| UnitCount | 1 |
| ReleaseDate | 2019-08-14T00:00:01Z |
| Manufacturer | ASUS |
| ItemPartNumber | VG27AQ |
| Full listing title | ASUS TUF Gaming 27" 2K HDR Gaming Monitor (VG27AQ) - QHD (2560 x 1440), 165Hz (Supports 144Hz), 1ms, Extreme Low Motion Blur, Speaker, G-SYNC Compatible, VESA Mountable, DisplayPort, HDMI,Black |
Ready to buy?
ASUS TUF Gaming 27" 2K HDR Gaming Monitor (VG27AQ) - QHD (2560 x 1440), 165Hz (Supports 144Hz), 1ms, Extreme Low Motion Blur, Speaker, G-SYNC Compatible, VESA Mountable, DisplayPort, HDMI,Black is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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