ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27-inch QHD Monitor Review UK 2026 — Worth It?

Quick Verdict

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ hits the sweet spot for 2026 gaming monitors. 1440p resolution at 165Hz on an IPS panel gives you a meaningful upgrade over 1080p 144Hz monitors without requiring a top-tier GPU. At this price, it's exceptional value.

1440p vs 1080p

At 27 inches, the jump from 1080p to 1440p is significant. Text is noticeably sharper, game environments have more detail, and UI elements are cleaner. If you have a mid-range GPU (RTX 3070 or above, RX 6700 XT or above) that can drive 1440p, the upgrade is worthwhile.

165Hz Refresh Rate

165Hz gaming is visibly smoother than 60Hz — the difference is immediately apparent to anyone. G-Sync Compatible (FreeSync Premium) eliminates screen tearing across the supported range. ELMB Sync enables motion blur reduction and variable refresh simultaneously — a feature not all monitors support.

IPS Panel

IPS panels have wider colour accuracy and viewing angles than TN panels. Colours are accurate enough for photo editing use in addition to gaming. The trade-off is IPS glow — some backlight bleed is visible in dark corners, which is standard for IPS technology at this price.

Who Should Buy This?

Gamers with mid-to-high-end GPUs who want the best 1440p gaming monitor under £300. The step up from 1080p is significant; the step to 4K is expensive.