Buying Guide

The Best ASUS TUF Gaming Monitors

Seven TUF monitors across 1080p, 1440p and 4K, compared on refresh rate and warranty.

By , PC Hardware Editor

13 min read7 products evaluated

Desktop monitors on monitor arms above a wooden desk with keyboards and mice
Illustrative image

ASUS's TUF line spans esports 1080p panels, 1440p all-rounders and a 4K model. Most listings carry a three-year warranty.

We compared refresh rate, resolution and stand across the range.

Quick Picks

Which of the 7 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Best All-Rounder

    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A

    1440p at 210Hz on a height-adjustable stand.

    Best for: Most gaming PCs.

    Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  2. Fastest Refresh

    ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A

    The highest refresh rate here (310Hz).

    Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

    Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  3. Best 4K Pick

    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A

    4K at 160Hz with 95% DCI-P3.

    Best for: High-end graphics cards.

    Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  4. Best 1440p Value

    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A

    1440p at 180Hz near $200.

    Best for: Mid-range budgets.

    Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  5. Best Large Screen

    ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B

    A 31.5-inch curved VA panel.

    Best for: Single-player games.

    Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  6. Best Budget 240Hz

    ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A

    240Hz on a 23.8-inch panel.

    Best for: Tight budgets.

    Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Best All-Rounder1 of 7

ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A

ASUS's VG27AQL5A runs a 27-inch 1440p Fast IPS panel at 210Hz on a height-adjustable stand.

Best for

Most gaming PCs.

Skip if

If budget leads, the VG249QM5A was cheaper at our last price check.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A

Why we like it

It is the TUF model to pick for a balanced 1440p setup. A DisplayPort cable comes in the box, the stand adjusts for height, and DisplayWidget Center changes settings with a mouse. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 210Hz: the VG259QMRL5A offers 310Hz, and the VG27UQ1A comes in at 160Hz.

It matches the VG27AQM5A, the VG27UQ1A and the VG27AQ3A on screen size (27 inches). It is the only pick here with a FreeSync Premium; the VG32WQ3B has a FreeSync instead. It also offers a mid price tier for 1440p. It was priced above the VG27AQ3A and below the VG32WQ3B at the time of writing.

Key specs

Refresh rate
210Hz
Resolution
2560x1440 (1440p)
Size
27 inches
Panel
Fast IPS
Adaptive sync
FreeSync Premium
Stand
height adjustment

Pros

  • 210Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
  • a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing

Cons

  • Costs more than the VG249QM5A at the time of writing

Fastest Refresh2 of 7

ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A

ASUS's VG259QMRL5A runs a 24.5-inch 1080p Fast IPS panel at 310Hz and adds DisplayHDR 400 and a height-adjustable stand.

Best for

Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.

Skip if

If budget leads, the VG249QM5A was cheaper at our last price check.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMRL5A

Why we like it

It is the esports model in the TUF line. Nothing else here matches its 310Hz refresh rate; the VG27AQM5A comes closest at 300Hz. Its 24.5 inches screen size ranks sixth of 7 here, behind the VG32WQ3B (31.5 inches) and ahead of the VG249QM5A (23.8 inches).

It shares a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution with the VG249QM5A; the VG27AQ3A goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It shares a 99% sRGB color gamut with the VG249QM5A; the VG27UQ1A goes with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. At 1080p, 310Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.

G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. When we checked, only the VG249QM5A cost less, and the VG27AQ3A cost more.

Key specs

Refresh rate
310Hz
Resolution
1920x1080 (1080p)
Size
24.5 inches
Panel
Fast IPS
HDR
DisplayHDR 400
Color gamut
99% sRGB
Adaptive sync
FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
Stand
height adjustment

Pros

  • a 310Hz refresh rate for fast motion
  • a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • 99% sRGB colour coverage
  • FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing

Cons

  • Costs more than the VG249QM5A at the time of writing

Fastest 1440p3 of 7

ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A

The VG27AQM5A pushes a 27-inch 1440p Fast IPS panel to 300Hz with 95% DCI-P3 coverage.

Best for

High-end cards in fast games.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the VG249QM5A cost less when we checked.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A

Why we like it

It is the fastest 1440p model in the TUF range here. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 300Hz: the VG259QMRL5A offers 310Hz, and the VG27UQ1A comes in at 160Hz. It matches the VG27AQL5A, the VG27UQ1A and the VG27AQ3A on screen size (27 inches).

It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the VG27UQ1A; the VG249QM5A goes with a 99% sRGB color gamut. It also comes with built-in speakers and a 3-year warranty. To see 300Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.

G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was priced above the VG32WQ3B and below the VG27UQ1A at the time of writing.

Key specs

Refresh rate
300Hz
Resolution
2560x1440 (1440p)
Size
27 inches
Panel
Fast IPS
Response
0.3ms
Color gamut
95% DCI-P3
Adaptive sync
G-SYNC, ELMB Sync
Warranty
3-year

Pros

  • a 300Hz refresh rate for fast motion
  • 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
  • a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage

Cons

  • Costs more than the VG249QM5A at the time of writing

Best 4K Pick4 of 7

ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A

The VG27UQ1A brings TUF to 4K at 160Hz with 95% DCI-P3 coverage and a three-year warranty.

Best for

High-end graphics cards.

Skip if

Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the VG259QMRL5A offers 310Hz.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A

Why we like it

It needs a strong graphics card to use its refresh rate at 4K. On refresh rate it trails the group at 160Hz, while the VG259QMRL5A offers 310Hz. It matches the VG27AQL5A, the VG27AQM5A and the VG27AQ3A on screen size (27 inches).

A 3840x2160 (4K) resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the VG259QMRL5A uses a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the VG27AQM5A; the VG27AQ3A goes with a 130% sRGB color gamut. It also comes with 4K at 120Hz for consoles over HDMI.

Reaching 160Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. At our last price check it topped the group, with the VG27AQM5A the nearest cheaper option.

Key specs

Refresh rate
160Hz
Resolution
3840x2160 (4K)
Size
27 inches
Panel
Fast IPS
Response
1ms
HDR
HDR
Color gamut
95% DCI-P3
Adaptive sync
G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
Warranty
3-year

Pros

  • 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
  • a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage

Cons

  • Refresh rate trails the VG259QMRL5A (310Hz)
  • Costs more than the VG249QM5A at the time of writing

The catch

Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the VG259QMRL5A covers it better at 310Hz.

Best 1440p Value5 of 7

ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A

The VG27AQ3A pairs 1440p at 180Hz with wide colour coverage and speakers.

Best for

Mid-range budgets.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the VG249QM5A, which cost less when we checked.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A

Why we like it

It suits a desk used for games and video alike. The 27-inch 1440p panel refreshes at 180Hz. ELMB Sync runs motion-blur reduction and variable refresh together, and it supports FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC Compatible modes.

On refresh rate it ties with the VG32WQ3B at 180Hz. It matches the VG27AQL5A, the VG27AQM5A and the VG27UQ1A on screen size (27 inches). A 130% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the VG32WQ3B uses a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut.

G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. You also get this: a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles.

Key specs

Refresh rate
180Hz
Resolution
2560x1440 (1440p)
Size
27 inches
Panel
Fast IPS
Response
1ms
Color gamut
130% sRGB
Adaptive sync
FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible

Pros

  • 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
  • a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • 130% sRGB colour coverage

Cons

  • Costs more than the VG249QM5A at the time of writing

Best Large Screen6 of 7

ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B

ASUS's VG32WQ3B is a curved 31.5-inch 1440p VA screen at 180Hz.

Best for

Single-player games.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B

Why we like it

VA contrast and the large size suit slower single-player games. On refresh rate it ties with the VG27AQ3A at 180Hz. On screen size it leads this guide at 31.5 inches, ahead of the VG27AQL5A (27 inches).

A VA panel is unique to it among these picks, while the VG249QM5A uses a fast IPS panel. A 90% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the VG27AQ3A uses a 130% sRGB color gamut. No other pick in this guide offers a FreeSync; compare the VG27AQL5A, which has a FreeSync Premium.

It also comes with a 3-year warranty and 90% DCI-P3 coverage. When we checked, only the VG27AQL5A and cheaper picks cost less, and the VG27AQM5A cost more.

Key specs

Refresh rate
180Hz
Resolution
2560x1440 (1440p)
Size
31.5 inches
Panel
VA
Color gamut
90% DCI-P3
Adaptive sync
FreeSync
Warranty
3-year

Pros

  • 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
  • 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
  • 90% DCI-P3 colour coverage
  • FreeSync to reduce screen tearing

Cons

  • a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
  • Costs more than the VG249QM5A at the time of writing

Best Budget 240Hz7 of 7

ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A

The VG249QM5A is the smallest 240Hz TUF screen at 23.8 inches, with a three-year warranty.

Best for

Tight budgets.

Skip if

Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the VG32WQ3B offers 31.5 inches.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM5A

Why we like it

It is one of the cheapest 240Hz monitors here at the time of writing. Its 240Hz refresh rate ranks third of 7 here, behind the VG259QMRL5A (310Hz) and ahead of the VG27UQ1A (160Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 23.8 inches, while the VG32WQ3B comes in at 31.5 inches.

Like the VG259QMRL5A, it has a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution, while the VG32WQ3B uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. Like the VG259QMRL5A, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the VG27AQM5A uses a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also offers 240Hz at a budget price tier and 99% sRGB coverage.

At 1080p, 240Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the VG259QMRL5A was the next step up.

Key specs

Refresh rate
240Hz
Resolution
1920x1080 (1080p)
Size
23.8 inches
Panel
Fast IPS
Color gamut
99% sRGB
Adaptive sync
FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
Warranty
3-year

Pros

  • a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
  • a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
  • 99% sRGB colour coverage
  • FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing

Cons

  • Screen size trails the VG32WQ3B (31.5 inches)

The catch

If screen size is your priority, the VG32WQ3B (31.5 inches) is the stronger choice.

How We Chose These ASUS TUF Gaming Monitors

Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

A large monitor showing a game on a low media unit
A large monitor showing a game on a low media unit
What we compared
We lined up seven monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 4 of 7 picks leave out response.
What every pick has in common
All 7, from the VG27AQL5A to the VG249QM5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
Where the specs have gaps
The VG27AQL5A, the VG259QMRL5A, the VG32WQ3B and the VG249QM5A give no response; the VG27AQL5A, the VG27AQM5A, the VG27AQ3A, the VG32WQ3B and the VG249QM5A give no HDR.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the VG249QM5A ($100 to $150) to the VG27UQ1A ($250 to $500).

What to Look for in an ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Refresh rate

    The VG259QMRL5A tops refresh rate at 310Hz and the VG27UQ1A sits lowest at 160Hz. If refresh rate is your first filter, the VG259QMRL5A sets the ceiling at 310Hz.

  2. Screen size across these picks

    Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the VG249QM5A to 31.5 inches on the VG32WQ3B, a 32% spread. For less, the VG27AQL5A is the runner-up at 27 inches.

    A gaming monitor on a desk with purple bias lighting
    A gaming monitor on a desk with purple bias lighting
  3. Panel

    The VG27AQL5A, the VG259QMRL5A, the VG27AQM5A, the VG27UQ1A, the VG27AQ3A and the VG249QM5A list Fast IPS; the VG32WQ3B lists VA. Settling panel first narrows 7 picks to 6 or 1.

  4. Response

    The VG27AQM5A lists 0.3ms; the VG27UQ1A and the VG27AQ3A list 1ms. Sort out response before price: it splits 3 stated picks into groups of 2 and 1.

    A gaming monitor above a keyboard and mouse on a black desk
    A gaming monitor above a keyboard and mouse on a black desk
  5. Extras that separate them

    The VG27AQM5A: built-in speakers. The VG27UQ1A: a 3-year warranty with advance replacement. The VG32WQ3B: a 3-year warranty.

How to Choose an ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Most gaming PCsVG27AQL5A1440p at 210Hz on a height-adjustable stand
Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame ratesVG259QMRL5AThe highest refresh rate here (310Hz)
High-end cards in fast gamesVG27AQM5A300Hz at 1440p
High-end graphics cardsVG27UQ1A4K at 160Hz with 95% DCI-P3
Mid-range budgetsVG27AQ3A1440p at 180Hz near $200
Single-player gamesVG32WQ3BA 31.5-inch curved VA panel
Tight budgetsVG249QM5A240Hz on a 23.8-inch panel

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures
A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures

Key specs side by side

The VG259QMRL5A leads on refresh rate at 310Hz, ahead of the VG27AQM5A at 300Hz.

MonitorRefresh rateResolutionSizePanel
VG27AQL5A210Hz2560x1440 (1440p)27 inchesFast IPS
VG259QMRL5A310Hz1920x1080 (1080p)24.5 inchesFast IPS
VG27AQM5A300Hz2560x1440 (1440p)27 inchesFast IPS
VG27UQ1A160Hz3840x2160 (4K)27 inchesFast IPS
VG27AQ3A180Hz2560x1440 (1440p)27 inchesFast IPS
VG32WQ3B180Hz2560x1440 (1440p)31.5 inchesVA
VG249QM5A240Hz1920x1080 (1080p)23.8 inchesFast IPS

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

The VG249QM5A was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the VG27UQ1A the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.

Price tierMonitors
About $100 to $150VG249QM5A
About $150 to $250VG259QMRL5A, VG27AQ3A, VG27AQL5A, VG32WQ3B
About $250 to $500VG27AQM5A, VG27UQ1A

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the VG27AQM5A compare with the VG259QMRL5A on refresh rate?

Between the top two, it is 310Hz on the VG259QMRL5A against 300Hz on the VG27AQM5A, a 3% difference. The spread runs down to the VG27UQ1A at 160Hz.

Which has the largest screen size: the VG32WQ3B or the VG27AQL5A?

The VG32WQ3B tops screen size at 31.5 inches; the VG27AQL5A follows at 27 inches, 17% apart. The VG249QM5A closes the ranking at 23.8 inches.

What does the VG27UQ1A add over the VG249QM5A?

On paper it adds screen size (27 inches against 23.8 inches). It does not win everywhere: the VG249QM5A still leads on refresh rate (240Hz). On our last price check the VG249QM5A was in the $100 to $150 tier and the VG27UQ1A in the $250 to $500 tier, with 5 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size decides your purchase.

Why is the VG32WQ3B our Best Large Screen pick?

It earns the label for a 31.5-inch curved VA panel. The price of that: the VG249QM5A, the cheapest pick, still beats it on refresh rate (240Hz against 180Hz). It is aimed at single-player games.

Do the VG27AQL5A and the VG259QMRL5A differ on resolution?

The VG27AQL5A, the VG27AQM5A, the VG27AQ3A and the VG32WQ3B use 2560x1440 (1440p); the VG259QMRL5A and the VG249QM5A use 1920x1080 (1080p); the VG27UQ1A uses 3840x2160 (4K).

What extras do the VG27AQL5A and the VG259QMRL5A include?

The VG27AQL5A: 1440p at 210Hz with overclock. The VG259QMRL5A: a 310Hz overclocked refresh rate. The VG27AQM5A: 1440p at 300Hz.

Bottom Line

The VG27AQL5A is the balanced 1440p pick. The VG259QMRL5A is the esports choice, and the VG27UQ1A covers 4K.

About the author

PC Hardware Editor

Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.

Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility

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