ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ
Expert rating8.3 / 10
- Panel:
- 27-inch IPS QHD
- Refresh Rate:
- 165Hz
Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Manufacturer: ASUS Last updated: 2026-09-12
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ (27-Inch QHD IPS/165Hz/1ms MPRT/ELMB/G-Sync Compatible Long-Running Favorite) Review
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27-inch QHD IPS gaming monitor with 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms MPRT response time, Extreme Low Motion Blur, HDR10 and G-Sync Compatible certification.
The original VG27AQ has been on best-seller lists for years, and it's held that position by being the monitor reviewers keep recommending as the default 27-inch QHD gaming pick. ASUS's ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) mode is a genuine differentiator, letting you trade some brightness for noticeably cleaner motion in fast-paced games without giving up adaptive sync.
Why It Still Holds Up
ELMB Sync is still one of the few implementations that lets motion blur reduction and variable refresh rate run together rather than forcing a choice between them, which matters a lot in games with inconsistent frame rates. The panel's color accuracy is also above average for the price, and ASUS's GamePlus overlay adds useful crosshair and FPS counter tools.
Where It Falls Short
HDR10 support is shallow, and being an older design, it lacks the USB-C and higher refresh rates of newer ASUS monitors like the VG27AQ3A. The stand is basic compared to ASUS's higher-end ROG lineup.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against the newer ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A, the original VG27AQ tops out at a lower 165Hz versus 180Hz, but often sells at a lower price, making it the better value pick for buyers who don't need the extra headroom. Compared to the Dell S2721DGF, the two are close rivals, with Dell typically offering tighter factory calibration and ASUS offering ELMB Sync as a unique motion-clarity feature.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | ASUS |
|---|---|
| Model Number | VG27AQ |
Panel
| Panel Type | IPS |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 in |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 (QHD) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 165 Hz |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Sync | Adaptive-Sync, NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible |
Features
| HDR Support | Yes |
|---|---|
| Curved | No |
Panel technology
| Panel Technology | IPS |
|---|---|
| Panel Coating | Matte anti-glare |
Screen geometry
| Native Resolution | 2560x1440 |
|---|---|
| Screen Curvature | Flat |
Motion
| Max Refresh Rate | 165 Hz |
|---|---|
| Response Time MPRT | 1 ms |
| Backlight Strobing | Yes |
Adaptive sync
| VRR Standard | G-Sync Compatible |
|---|
HDR and brightness
| HDR Certification | HDR10 signal only |
|---|---|
| SDR Brightness | 350 nits |
| Native Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
Connectivity
| DisplayPort Version | 1.2 |
|---|---|
| HDMI Version | 2.0 |
Stand, mounting and form
| Height Adjustment Range | 130 mm |
|---|---|
| Pivot To Portrait | Yes |
| VESA Mount Pattern | 100x100 |
| Built-in Speakers | Yes |
| Series | TUF Gaming VG27AQ |
|---|---|
| Color Gamut | 100% sRGB |
| HDR Formats | HDR10 |
| Source URL | https://www.asus.com/displays-desktops/monitors/tuf-gaming/tuf-gaming-vg27aq/techspec/ |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating8.3 / 10
A proven, well-rounded 27-inch QHD gaming monitor whose ELMB Sync motion clarity still stands out years after launch.
Best for
- Gamers wanting the cleanest possible motion clarity
- Buyers seeking a proven, widely-reviewed value pick
- Fast-paced shooter players
Not for
- Buyers wanting the newest refresh-rate ceiling
- USB-C dock seekers
- HDR content enthusiasts
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ (27-Inch QHD IPS/165Hz/1ms MPRT/ELMB/G-Sync Compatible Long-Running Favorite)?
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ (27-Inch QHD IPS/165Hz/1ms MPRT/ELMB/G-Sync Compatible Long-Running Favorite) is a monitor from ASUS. Key specs: Panel Type IPS, Screen Size 27, Aspect Ratio 16:9, Resolution 2560 x 1440 (QHD), Refresh Rate 165Hz.
Will the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ (27-Inch QHD IPS/165Hz/1ms MPRT/ELMB/G-Sync Compatible Long-Running Favorite) work with my current setup?
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ (27-Inch QHD IPS/165Hz/1ms MPRT/ELMB/G-Sync Compatible Long-Running Favorite) lists Panel Type is IPS. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ (27-Inch QHD IPS/165Hz/1ms MPRT/ELMB/G-Sync Compatible Long-Running Favorite) best suited to?
It suits gamers wanting the cleanest possible motion clarity, buyers seeking a proven, widely-reviewed value pick, fast-paced shooter players.
What are the drawbacks of the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ (27-Inch QHD IPS/165Hz/1ms MPRT/ELMB/G-Sync Compatible Long-Running Favorite)?
It is a poor fit for buyers wanting the newest refresh-rate ceiling, usb-c dock seekers, hdr content enthusiasts.
Compare and read more
- Acer Predator XB273U GX (27-Inch QHD IPS/270Hz/0.5ms/95% DCI-P3/HDR10/NVIDIA Reflex Latency Analyzer) vs ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ (27-Inch QHD IPS/165Hz/1ms MPRT/ELMB/G-Sync Compatible Long-Running Favorite)
- Acer Predator XB273U (27-Inch QHD IPS/170Hz/1ms GTG/95% DCI-P3/G-Sync Compatible) vs ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ (27-Inch QHD IPS/165Hz/1ms MPRT/ELMB/G-Sync Compatible Long-Running Favorite)
- AOC AGON PRO AG276QSG2 (27-Inch QHD Mini-LED IPS/300Hz/1ms/98% DCI-P3/G-Sync Ultimate/1152-Zone Backlight) vs ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ (27-Inch QHD IPS/165Hz/1ms MPRT/ELMB/G-Sync Compatible Long-Running Favorite)
- Acer Nitro XV320QU (32-Inch QHD IPS/170Hz/1ms VRB/95%+ DCI-P3/HDR10/KVM Switch) vs ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ (27-Inch QHD IPS/165Hz/1ms MPRT/ELMB/G-Sync Compatible Long-Running Favorite)
- AOC 27G4X (27-Inch QHD IPS/180Hz/1ms MPRT/Standard Gamut/HDR10/Budget High-Refresh Value) vs ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ (27-Inch QHD IPS/165Hz/1ms MPRT/ELMB/G-Sync Compatible Long-Running Favorite)