The catch
ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD
Reaching 165Hz means using an overclock setting over DisplayPort.
Side by side
ASUS VG27AQ vs VG27AQL1A: Older AQ swivels its stand much wider, AQL1A adds USB
Quick verdict
The VG27AQL1A brings the USB hub and wider stated color gamut. The VG27AQ makes sense when its current offer is lower or you need the stand's much wider swivel range. A five-hertz difference by itself is too small to justify upgrading.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
The interval moves by only 0.18 ms for five hertz
On the VG27AQ the maximum-refresh interval is about 6.06 ms, and on the VG27AQL1A it is 5.88 ms.
Where this comes from
1000 ÷ 165 − 1000 ÷ 170 = 0.178 ms. No measured input-lag difference is shown by this.
The catch
ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD 170Hz
To hit 170Hz you must overclock and use a compatible DisplayPort source.
ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD
- Why pick it
- Turning the screen far toward another seat is something you want.
- A monitor USB hub isn't needed, and the better current offer is what you prefer.
- The catch
- Reaching 165Hz means using an overclock setting over DisplayPort.
ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD 170Hz
- Why pick it
- Two USB-A peripheral ports on the monitor are what you're after.
- A documented wider color gamut would help how you use it.
- The catch
- To hit 170Hz you must overclock and use a compatible DisplayPort source.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money
What this page compares
ASUS VG27AQ and VG27AQL1A differ in USB ports, stand swivel and QHD gaming. Both stop at 144Hz on HDMI, so look at more than 165 versus 170Hz.
The useful differences lie beyond 165Hz versus 170Hz
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Angling the monitor toward a neighboring chair
A far wider swivel range belongs to the VG27AQ.
- ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD
- Better fit
- ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD 170Hz
- Good
Plugging a mouse and keyboard into the monitor
The USB hub comes only with the VG27AQL1A.
- ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD
- Depends
- ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD 170Hz
- Better fit
Gaming over HDMI
Through HDMI, both stop at 144Hz.
- ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD
- Similar
- ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD 170Hz
- Similar
Moving up solely for 170Hz in place of 165Hz
A 0.18 ms interval change by itself makes a weak case for upgrading.
- ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD
- Better fit
- ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD 170Hz
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
The interval moves by only 0.18 ms for five hertz
On the VG27AQ the maximum-refresh interval is about 6.06 ms, and on the VG27AQL1A it is 5.88 ms.
How we worked this out
1000 ÷ 165 − 1000 ÷ 170 = 0.178 ms. No measured input-lag difference is shown by this.
The headline refresh difference disappears over HDMI
A maximum of 144Hz through HDMI is specified for both.
How we worked this out
HDMI ranges of 48 to 144Hz are listed by ASUS for both. The higher overclock rates on them use DisplayPort.
Total swivel on the older stand is 140 degrees more
Against 40 degrees on the VG27AQL1A, the VG27AQ offers a 180-degree total sweep.
How we worked this out
90 + 90 = 180 degrees and 20 + 20 = 40 degrees. That leaves a difference of 140 degrees, subject to physical clearance.
Option A
ASUS, VG27AQ
TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD
Familiar PC gaming needs are covered by this 27-inch QHD IPS screen that goes up to 165Hz. In daily use the flexible stand matters more than chasing a few extra hertz on a closely related model.
- Best for
- An uncomplicated QHD gaming desk with a stand that adjusts
Facts we checked
- IPS panel, 27-inch, 2560 by 1440, refreshing at up to 165Hz
- Two HDMI 2.0 inputs and DisplayPort 1.2
- Built-in stereo speakers, with 130 mm of height adjustment
Option B
ASUS, VG27AQL1A
TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD 170Hz
A USB hub and a wide-gamut panel are what the VG27AQL1A brings to the familiar 27-inch QHD gaming format. Since its 170Hz ceiling is only a small step from 165Hz, give more weight to the connections and the current offer.
- Best for
- QHD gaming that also wants a wider color gamut and a USB hub
Facts we checked
- Up to 170Hz refresh on a 27-inch, 2560 by 1440 IPS panel
- Covers 96 percent of DCI-P3
- Inputs are DisplayPort and two HDMI, with two USB-A downstream ports
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD | ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD 170Hz | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native resolution | 2560 × 1440 | 2560 × 1440 | The QHD desktop is the same on both. |
| Maximum refresh | 165Hz overclock | 170Hz overclock | In refresh count, the difference is just 3%. |
| HDMI refresh ceiling | 144Hz | 144Hz | Through HDMI, the extra five hertz is not available. |
| USB hub | No | Two USB-A downstream ports | Peripherals can stay connected at the screen on the newer model. |
| Stand swivel | 90 degrees each way | 20 degrees each way | Toward a neighboring seat, the VG27AQ can turn much farther. |
| Stand depth | 211 mm | 215 mm | Only 4 mm separates the footprints. |
| Published gamut | 100% sRGB | 96% DCI-P3 | Different color spaces are referenced here. These are not comparable accuracy scores. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD
- USB hub, USB-C video and laptop charging are all absent.
With ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD 170Hz
- A wide gamut doesn't automatically make ordinary sRGB content more accurate.
Decision guide
How to decide
Pick the VG27AQL1A for its USB hub and wider stated color gamut. Pick the VG27AQ if its current offer is lower or the stand's much wider swivel range matters to you. Five hertz alone is too small a difference to be a strong reason to upgrade.
Those extra five hertz are the smallest practical difference
Less than two-tenths of a millisecond separates their refresh intervals at maximum overclock settings. That does not establish a visible or measured latency advantage. And over HDMI both share the same 144Hz ceiling anyway.
The older model may have the better stand
Swivel on the VG27AQ is 90 degrees to either side, against 20 degrees each way on the VG27AQL1A. That matters for showing work to someone beside you or angling the screen around another device. Both still need enough physical clearance to turn.
Hub and gamut make the stronger case for upgrading
A desk can be simplified by two USB-A ports, and the VG27AQL1A's stated DCI-P3 coverage can matter for suitable content. A wider gamut isn't automatically more accurate for ordinary web content, so use the right color mode and workflow. These are clearer reasons to choose the newer model than the small change in refresh number.
What this page can’t tell you
- Whether overclocking is available depends on the source and the supported mode.
- We infer no winner on measured color accuracy or input lag.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the computer monitors we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
18 of the 50 models checked meet every need here: “At 120Hz or higher, motion looks smoother”, “Adjustable height, tilt and rotation”, and “A screen that stays comfortable for everyday office work”.
18 models fit, out of 50 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “At 120Hz or higher, motion looks smoother”, “Adjustable height, tilt and rotation”, and “A screen that stays comfortable for everyday office work”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD |
|
|
|
| ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD 170Hz |
|
|
|
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD
Turning the screen far toward another seat is something you want.
See price & reviews on AmazonASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch QHD 170Hz
Two USB-A peripheral ports on the monitor are what you're after.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money