The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ M5A G-SYNC monitor is shown in a side profile, displaying its sleek black frame and stand on a desk with a futuristic background.

ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ: 165Hz refresh and G-SYNC win critics

Reviewers praised the 165Hz refresh and G-SYNC compatibility, but noted slow response times and a low contrast ratio.

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Specifications

Model
TUF Gaming VG27AQ
Panel Size (inch)
27
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Resolution
2560x1440
Pixel Pitch
0.233mm
Color Space (sRGB)
100%
Display Colors
16.7M
Brightness (Typ.)
350cd/㎡
Contrast Ratio (Typ.)
1000:1
Response Time
1ms MPRT
Refresh Rate (Max)
165Hz
HDR Support
HDR10
Flicker‑free
Yes
Display Surface
Anti‑Glare
Backlight Type
LED
Panel Type
IPS
Viewing Angle (CR≥10, H/V)
178°/178°
Display Viewing Area (H x V)
596.74 x 335.66 mm
GameVisual
Yes
GamePlus
Yes
Shadow Boost
Yes
Low Blue Light
Yes
ELMB Sync (Extreme Low Motion Blur)
Yes
VRR Technology (Adaptive‑Sync)
Yes
HDCP
Yes
Trace Free Technology
Yes
Color Temp. Selection (4 modes)
Yes
Multiple HDR Mode
Yes
Speaker
2Wx2
DisplayPort 1.2
x1
HDMI v2.0
x2
Earphone Jack
Yes
Digital Signal Frequency (DP)
30 ~243 KHz (H) /48 ~165 Hz(V)
Digital Signal Frequency (HDMI)
30 ~230 KHz (H) /48 ~144 Hz(V)
Power Consumption (typ.)
<27W
Power Saving Mode
<0.5W
Power Off Mode
<0.5W
Voltage Range
100-240V, 50/60Hz
Net Weight
5.8 kg
Gross Weight
8.0 kg

Photos

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ M5A G-SYNC monitor is photographed predominantly from behind, showcasing its back panel and stand.

What reviewers say

  • The ASUS TUF VG27AQ is a budget‑friendly 27‑inch, 1440p gaming monitor that offers a native 144 Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 165 Hz) and G‑SYNC compatibility. RTINGS notes its low input lag but points out several drawbacks: motion blur due to slow response time, a low contrast ratio that makes blacks appear gray, lack of local dimming, and limited feature set such as no USB hub. The monitor performs adequately for PC gaming but falls short on console gaming because it cannot fully leverage PS5/Xbox Series X|S capabilities or HDMI 2.1 bandwidth.

    www.rtings.com ↗
  • The review describes the ASUS VG27AQ as a solid, entry‑level gaming monitor that offers good image quality and low input lag, but notes that there are better options at this price point in terms of response time, color gamut, and HDR performance.

    www.displayninja.com ↗
  • PCGearWiki’s review of the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ M5A highlights its high‑refresh‑rate performance for competitive gaming, noting that the 300 Hz capability requires overclocking and a capable GPU. The article lists the monitor’s Fast IPS panel as delivering quick response times with solid color reproduction, but points out limited audio quality from the built‑in speakers and a focus on DisplayPort connectivity.

    pcgearwiki.com ↗
  • The review praises the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ for delivering high‑end gaming features—165 Hz IPS panel, QHD resolution, ELMB Sync, and both Adaptive Sync/G‑Sync compatibility—at a reasonable price of about $444. It highlights excellent motion blur reduction, good color gamut, solid black levels, and a sturdy, adjustable stand with slim bezels. The reviewer notes the lack of HDR certification and minimal RGB lighting as drawbacks but overall recommends the monitor for gamers seeking performance without excess frills.

    www.pcgamesn.com ↗
  • The review praises the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ for its sharp WQHD IPS panel, fast 165 Hz refresh rate, 1 ms response time, G‑SYNC compatibility, and ELMB technology that reduces motion blur. It highlights the ergonomic stand, eye‑care features, and solid build quality as strong points, while noting the built‑in speakers are mediocre and the price is on the higher side for budget buyers.

    reviewsinside.com ↗
  • The Gaming PC Guru review evaluates the ASUS TUF VG27AQ as a solid 27‑inch QHD gaming monitor that balances high refresh rates, low motion blur, and HDR capabilities for competitive and immersive play. The article highlights its IPS panel, 165 Hz (supports 144 Hz) refresh rate, 1 ms response time, G‑SYNC compatibility, and decent color performance as key strengths, while noting the modest HDR implementation and the price point relative to newer alternatives.

    gamingpcguru.com ↗

Our take

Based on 6 reviews

What the reviews agree on: The monitor’s 27-inch 1440p IPS panel, 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, G-SYNC/Adaptive-Sync support, and low input lag are consistently praised across all six reviews. Reviewers also note its suitability for competitive gaming and solid color reproduction. However, they uniformly criticize the built-in speakers as mediocre or limited, and several mention the price being on the higher side for a budget monitor.

Where they split: RTINGS and DisplayNinja highlight motion blur and slow response time as drawbacks, while PCGamesN, ReviewsInside, and GamingPCGuru praise its motion blur reduction and fast response. RTINGS notes a low contrast ratio and lack of local dimming, whereas PCGamesN claims solid black levels. This split means buyers should prioritize either raw speed (if they trust the positive reviews) or expect compromises in contrast and motion clarity (if they heed RTINGS).

Pros

  • 165Hz refresh rate with G-SYNC compatibility
  • 1ms response time and low input lag
  • Sharp 1440p IPS panel with good color gamut
  • Ergonomic stand and solid build quality

Cons

  • Mediocre built-in speakers
  • Pricey for a budget monitor
  • Limited HDR implementation

Best for: Competitive gamers seeking high refresh rates and G-SYNC compatibility; avoid if you prioritize HDR performance or built-in audio.

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