ASUS TUF VG27UQ1A Review – Is This the Ultimate 4K Gaming Monitor?

If you’re chasing buttery-smooth 4K gaming without breaking the bank, the ASUS TUF VG27UQ1A might just be your perfect match. This 27-inch monitor combines a stunning 3840×2160 resolution with a lightning-fast 160Hz refresh rate and 1ms GTG response time. Built for serious gamers, it supports HDR10, delivers 95% DCI-P3 color coverage, and includes ELMB Sync to eliminate ghosting and tearing during fast-paced gameplay.

Whether you’re grinding ranked matches or enjoying cinematic adventures, this display aims to elevate your experience with top-tier clarity and responsiveness. In this review, I’ll cover everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right upgrade for your setup.

Our Verdict

The ASUS TUF VG27UQ1A is a strong performer for gamers and creative users who want smooth, high-resolution visuals without spending a fortune. Its combination of a 160Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and HDMI 2.1 support makes it ideal for high-end PC setups and next-gen consoles. The color accuracy and ergonomics are standout features, but it falls short in HDR brightness and lacks USB-C or hub connectivity.

View on Amazon

Product Specifications

Key Features of the ASUS TUF VG27UQ1A

The ASUS TUF VG27UQ1A is a powerhouse 27-inch 4K HDR monitor built for both competitive gamers and creative professionals. Below, we dive into its most important features and explain what sets it apart in today’s crowded market.

1. 4K UHD Resolution (3840 x 2160)

This monitor delivers a crystal-clear image with four times the detail of Full HD. With a pixel-dense 27-inch panel, everything from textures in fast-paced shooters to fine details in video editing software appears sharp and vibrant. Whether you’re gaming or working, the ultra-high resolution creates an immersive and productive visual experience.

2. High Refresh Rate: 160Hz via DisplayPort

Gamers seeking ultra-smooth motion will appreciate the 160Hz refresh rate through DisplayPort 1.4. Combined with a fast 1ms (GTG) response time, the VG27UQ1A effectively eliminates motion blur and input lag. It’s a perfect fit for FPS, racing, and action games where every millisecond counts. HDMI 2.1 also enables 120Hz support on next-gen consoles, making this a versatile gaming monitor for PC and console.

3. Fast IPS Panel Technology

Unlike traditional IPS panels that trade speed for color accuracy, ASUS’s Fast IPS technology delivers both. This panel type ensures vibrant, lifelike colors with wide 178° viewing angles, while still maintaining rapid response performance suited for esports titles.

4. ELMB Sync (Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync)

ASUS’s proprietary ELMB Sync lets you enable motion blur reduction and adaptive sync simultaneously—a feature most monitors can’t handle. It drastically improves motion clarity in fast-moving scenes without tearing or ghosting, ideal for fast-twitch gaming environments.

5. G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Support

The ASUS TUF VG27UQ1A is G-SYNC compatible and supports AMD FreeSync Premium, giving you tear-free gameplay whether you’re on an NVIDIA or AMD GPU. It also meets VESA AdaptiveSync Display certification standards, ensuring consistent, stutter-free frame pacing.

6. HDR10 Support and 95% DCI-P3 Coverage

While it may not reach the brightness levels of true HDR monitors, the HDR10 support combined with 95% DCI-P3 wide color gamut enhances visuals in compatible games and media. It offers deeper contrast, richer colors, and more dynamic lighting—making it a competent 4K HDR monitor for content consumption and light creative work.

7. HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 Inputs

With two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4 (DSC), this monitor is ready for high-bandwidth 4K gaming at high frame rates. HDMI 2.1 ensures next-gen console support, while DisplayPort handles the full 160Hz refresh rate at 4K for PC gamers.

8. Gaming and Productivity Features

Features like Shadow Boost, GameVisual, and GamePlus enhance visibility, color profiles, and add tools like crosshairs and FPS counters. These features are helpful for competitive gaming and also adaptable for creators who want flexible display controls.

9. Ergonomics and Build Quality

The VG27UQ1A includes an adjustable stand with tilt and VESA mount compatibility. Although it lacks swivel and height adjustments, it offers a stable and functional design with a matte anti-glare screen finish. Its build quality feels premium with a rugged TUF-series design aesthetic.

10. ASUS Display Widget Center

This software lets users tweak monitor settings directly from their desktop without using the on-screen display (OSD). It simplifies adjusting brightness, contrast, and GameVisual presets, making the monitor even more user-friendly.

Performance & Display Quality

Performance and Display Quality

When it comes to real-world performance, the ASUS TUF VG27UQ1A exceeds expectations for both casual and competitive gamers. Its combination of ultra-sharp 4K visuals and fluid high-refresh-rate performance makes it a standout among mid-range IPS gaming monitors.

Stunning 4K Visuals with IPS Precision

The 27-inch Fast IPS panel delivers 3840 x 2160 resolution, which means razor-sharp text, detailed textures, and lifelike images. Whether you’re editing photos, watching 4K content, or exploring massive game worlds, the color reproduction and clarity are superb. The 95% DCI-P3 color gamut ensures rich, vibrant hues, and the 8-bit + FRC panel supports a wide dynamic range.

Responsive, Lag-Free Gaming

With a native 1ms GTG response time, this is a response time monitor built for speed. Fast-moving visuals in FPS and racing games remain crisp, with minimal motion blur or ghosting. The real magic happens when ELMB Sync is enabled. It successfully combines blur reduction with Adaptive Sync, a feature that very few monitors support. The result? Smoother, sharper gameplay without screen tearing—even in graphically demanding titles.

Adaptive Sync Performance

Thanks to G-SYNC Compatibility and FreeSync Premium, the monitor handles variable refresh rates effortlessly. Whether you’re running an NVIDIA or AMD graphics card, the VG27UQ1A keeps your frame pacing smooth and consistent. There’s virtually no screen tearing or judder, even during frame dips in AAA games.

HDR10: Good, but Not Elite

The monitor supports HDR10, but with a typical brightness of 300 nits, it falls short of delivering the punchy highlights found on high-end HDR displays. While games and videos still benefit from the expanded contrast and color range, it’s best viewed as a nice bonus rather than a core selling point.

Brightness, Contrast & Black Levels

The brightness peaks at around 300–350 cd/m², which is decent for most indoor lighting conditions. Blacks are solid but not OLED-level deep, and contrast is typical for an IPS panel at 1000:1. Still, the color accuracy and tone mapping in SDR content are excellent, especially when calibrated.

Viewing Angles

Thanks to IPS technology, the VG27UQ1A maintains consistent color and brightness across wide viewing angles (up to 178° horizontal and vertical). It’s perfect for shared screens or dual-monitor setups, with minimal color shift when viewed from the side.

Gaming Features and User Experience

The ASUS TUF VG27UQ1A isn’t just about specs on paper—it brings those features to life in a way that enhances both competitive and casual gameplay. From motion clarity to on-screen enhancements, it’s designed with the gamer in mind.

ELMB Sync for Crystal-Clear Motion

One of the standout ASUS gaming monitor features is ELMB Sync (Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync). This unique tech allows motion blur reduction and variable refresh rate to work together—a rare capability. When turned on, gameplay feels sharper, especially in fast-paced genres like shooters and racing. Movement remains fluid and ghost-free, giving you a competitive edge.

FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC Compatibility

Whether you’re running an NVIDIA or AMD GPU, the VG27UQ1A has you covered. Its support for FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC Compatibility eliminates screen tearing, minimizes input lag, and maintains smooth frame pacing. This adaptive sync support is especially useful when frame rates dip in graphically demanding 4K titles.

Console-Ready with HDMI 2.1

For console gamers, this is arguably one of the best 4K gaming monitors for PS5 and Xbox Series X. With HDMI 2.1 ports, it supports 4K at 120Hz, ensuring your console experience feels just as responsive and smooth as on a high-end gaming PC. You can take full advantage of next-gen titles with high refresh rates and minimal latency.

GamePlus and GameVisual Enhancements

ASUS includes several helpful tools under its GamePlus and GameVisual suites. GamePlus adds in-game overlays like crosshairs, timers, and FPS counters, which are perfect for practicing or fine-tuning competitive performance. GameVisual offers pre-tuned picture modes tailored for specific genres like FPS, RTS, and RPGs, as well as sRGB mode for content creation.

Shadow Boost and Eye Care

The Shadow Boost feature enhances visibility in dark areas without overexposing brighter zones. This is great for spotting enemies lurking in shadows without compromising overall image quality. Meanwhile, ASUS’s Eye Care technologies—low blue light and flicker-free backlighting—reduce eye strain during long sessions, making the monitor ideal for marathon gaming or mixed use.

Intuitive OSD and DisplayWidget Center

Navigating settings is easy thanks to ASUS’s joystick-style OSD control and included DisplayWidget Center software. You can quickly tweak settings, switch display profiles, or fine-tune color levels right from your desktop—no need to fiddle with physical buttons.

Overall User Experience

Whether you’re gaming solo, streaming content, or multitasking across platforms, the VG27UQ1A feels intuitive and responsive. Setup is straightforward, the stand is stable (though somewhat limited in adjustment), and the software makes it easy to customize the display to your preference. It’s the kind of monitor that feels “just right” out of the box—and only gets better once you personalize it.

Who is This Monitor For?

✔ Casual Gamers: The high refresh rate and stunning visuals make it a great choice for casual gamers who want a premium experience.

✔ Competitive Esports Players: The low latency and fast response time are perfect for esports players who need every advantage.

✔ Content Creators & Professionals: With excellent color accuracy and 4K resolution, this monitor is also suited for professional use, from video editing to graphic design.

A Comparison with Other Products

We compared this robust monitor with some related products LG 27GN950-B, and Gigabyte M28U to help you understand how the ASUS monitor stands out among its peers.

Considerations

• HDR Performance: The LG 27GN950-B boasts DisplayHDR 600 certification, offering brighter highlights and better HDR performance compared to the ASUS’s HDR10 support.
• USB Connectivity: Both the LG and Gigabyte monitors feature USB hubs, providing additional connectivity options, which the ASUS lacks.
• Color Accuracy: For professionals requiring precise color reproduction, the LG’s 98% DCI-P3 coverage may be more suitable than the ASUS’s 95%.

Price & Value for Money

The ASUS TUF VG27UQ1A offers a compelling balance of performance, features, and price—making it one of the best 4K gaming monitors under $289 with a 17% discount for those who want high-end specs without the premium price tag.

For gamers, you’re getting a true 4K resolution with a fast 160Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, backed by Adaptive Sync and ELMB Sync technology. These specs are typically reserved for much pricier monitors, yet ASUS delivers them here in a more accessible package.

The inclusion of dual HDMI 2.1 ports makes it a future-proof gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1—perfect for PS5, Xbox Series X, and high-end gaming PCs. This kind of versatility is rare at this price point, especially when paired with excellent build quality and solid color accuracy.

Yes, it lacks a USB hub and its HDR performance isn’t on par with premium options, but for most gamers, those are minor trade-offs compared to the overall value. If you’re looking for an affordable 4K monitor for gaming that doesn’t compromise where it counts—refresh rate, resolution, sync technology, and responsiveness—the ASUS TUF VG27UQ1A is a standout choice.

Customer Insights

Customer reviews highlight the monitor’s impressive performance and build quality, with many praising its smooth gameplay and vibrant colors. Some users note the high price, but agree that the features justify the cost.

✅ Trustly Score Breakdown

• Performance: 4.8/5
• Build Quality: 4.7/5
• Features & Innovation: 4.6/5
• Customer Satisfaction: 4.5/5
• Value for Money: 4.4/5

Trustly Score: 4.6/5

View on Amazon

📌 Is this Monitor in our top 10? Check here!