The AOC CQ27G2 is a decent 27 inch, 1440p monitor with a VA panel. It has a simple design, with a wide stand that supports the monitor well and okay ergonomics. Like most VA monitors, it has a high native contrast ratio, which delivers deep blacks, but this comes at the expense of viewing angles, which are disappointing. It delivers a great overall gaming experience, with low input lag and a fast response time, but like many VA monitors we've tested, there's noticeable motion smearing in dark scenes, which may be distracting. Room choice is important with this monitor, as it can't get very bright, so glare might be an issue in a bright room. Although it has a high contrast ratio, it has bad black uniformity, so it's also not a great choice for a pitch-black room.
We buy and test more than 30 monitors each year, with units that we buy completely on our own, without any cherry-picked units or samples. We put a lot into each unbiased, straight-to-the-point review, and there's a whole process from purchasing to publishing, involving multiple teams and people. We do more than just use the monitor for a week; we use specialized and custom tools to measure various aspects with objective data-based results. We also consider multiple factors before making any recommendations, including the monitor's cost, its performance against the competition, and whether or not it's easy to find.
Our Verdict
The AOC CQ27G2 is a decent monitor for most uses. The low input lag and great response time deliver a great overall gaming experience. It's also a decent choice for office use or multimedia, but the limited viewing angles might be an issue for some users. Although it has decent reflection handling, it can't get very bright, so it might not be the best choice if you're in a bright room.
- High native contrast results in deep blacks.
- Low input lag.
- Excellent SDR color gamut.
- Image degrades at an angle.
- Mediocre peak brightness.
- Bad black uniformity.
The AOC CQ27G2 is a decent monitor for office use. The 27", 1440p screen is great for multitasking, as you can comfortably work with multiple windows open, and it has good text clarity. It has decent reflection handling, but it might not be bright enough if there's a lot of natural light. The stand has an okay range of ergonomic adjustments, so it should be comfortable for most people.
- High native contrast results in deep blacks.
- Low input lag.
- Excellent SDR color gamut.
- Image degrades at an angle.
- Mediocre peak brightness.
- Bad black uniformity.
This is a great monitor for gaming. The AOC CQ27G2 has a fast response time at the max refresh rate, similar to other 144Hz VA monitors we've tested, but there's noticeable motion smearing in some dark scenes. It has low input lag for a responsive gaming experience, and it supports FreeSync variable refresh rate technology for a nearly tear-free gaming experience.
- High native contrast results in deep blacks.
- Low input lag.
- Excellent SDR color gamut.
- Noticeable motion smearing in dark scenes.
- Image degrades at an angle.
- Mediocre peak brightness.
- Bad black uniformity.
This is an okay monitor for multimedia. The AOC CQ27G2's 27", 1440p display is great for watching videos, thanks to the high-resolution screen, high contrast ratio, and excellent uniformity. It has decent reflection handling, but it might not be bright enough if you're in a room with lots of natural light. It also has disappointing viewing angles, so it's not a good choice if you like to watch videos with other people.
- High native contrast results in deep blacks.
- Low input lag.
- Excellent SDR color gamut.
- Image degrades at an angle.
- Mediocre peak brightness.
- Bad black uniformity.
The AOC CQ27G2 is a decent monitor for media creation. The 27" 1440p screen makes it easier to see more of your work at once. It has an outstanding SDR color gamut, with great coverage of the Adobe RGB color space, and excellent uniformity with no noticeable color bleed. Unfortunately, it's best enjoyed from directly in front due to the disappointing viewing angles, so it's not a great choice if you often share your screen with a colleague or client.
- High native contrast results in deep blacks.
- Low input lag.
- Excellent SDR color gamut.
- Image degrades at an angle.
- Mediocre peak brightness.
- Bad black uniformity.
Changelog
- Updated Apr 18, 2023: Confirmed that 1440p works on this monitor with the PS5.
- Updated Nov 24, 2022: Added the AOC C27G2 and AOC C27G2Z models to the Variants section to point out the differences.
- Updated Jun 16, 2022: Updated to Test Bench 1.2, resulting in changes to the results and scores with the Response Time and Input Lag. Added tests for Console Compatibility and macOS compatibility and made minor changes to other tests, which you can see in our Changelog.
- Updated Aug 28, 2020: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the 27 inch AOC CQ27G2, which replaces the AOC CQ27G1, which we've also tested. There are similar 144Hz models available from AOC, some of which are listed below. In Europe, the CQ27G2U is the equivalent model. It appears to have the same hardware, but the stand is entirely black.
If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their CQ27G2 doesn't correspond to our review, please let us know and we'll update the review. Note that some tests such as gray uniformity may vary between units.
| Model | Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Curve |
| C27G2 | 27" | 1080p | 165Hz | 1500R |
| C27G2Z | 27" | 1080p | 240Hz | 1500R |
| CQ27G2 | 27" | 1440p | 144Hz | 1500R |
| CQ27G2U | 27" | 1440p | 144Hz | 1500R |
| CQ27G1 | 27" | 1440p | 144Hz | 1800R |
| CQ32G1 | 32" | 1440p | 144Hz | 1800R |
You can see the label for our unit here.
Popular Monitor Comparisons
The AOC CQ27G2 is a great gaming monitor overall, but not quite as good as some of the other 144Hz gaming monitors we've tested, including the Samsung CHG70.
See our recommendations for the best gaming monitors, the best 1440p monitors, and the best 27 inch monitors.
The AOC CQ27G2 and the Samsung Odyssey G51C S27CG51 are both entry-level 1440p gaming monitors with a few similarities. The Samsung has a slightly higher refresh rate, but motion handling is similar between each. The Samsung has better reflection handling and gets a bit brighter, making it a slightly better choice for use in well-lit rooms. The Samsung also supports HDR, which the AOC doesn't, and it has swivel adjustment, making it easier to place in an ideal position.
The ASUS TUF VG27AQ is much better than the AOC CQ27G2. The ASUS uses an IPS panel, which results in better viewing angles but worse contrast. The ASUS has better ergonomics, a higher peak brightness, and faster response times. Unfortunately, the ASUS supports HDR, but this doesn't add much. On the other hand, the AOC has much better contrast, so blacks look black in a dark room instead of gray.
The AOC CQ27G1 and the AOC CQ27G2 are nearly identical, and most of the differences we measured can be attributed to panel variance. The newer CQ27G2 uses a slightly different panel structure and has clearer text than the CQ27G1, and it has a slightly more aggressive curve (1500R vs. 1800R).
The LG 27GL850-B/27GL83A-B is much better than the AOC CQ27G2 for most uses. They use different panel technologies, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The 27GL850-B has wider viewing angles, much faster response times, and higher peak brightness. The 27GL850-B supports HDR, but this doesn't add much. On the other hand, the AOC CQ27G2 has a much higher native contrast ratio, resulting in much deeper blacks.
The AOC CQ27G2 is much better than the Samsung Odyssey G55T C27G55T. The AOC has significantly better ergonomics, faster response time, and lower input lag, especially when playing at 60Hz. However, the Samsung provides better visibility in well-lit rooms due to its higher peak brightness and better reflection handling.
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A is much better than the AOC CQ27G2. The ASUS has an IPS panel that provides wide viewing angles, it has better ergonomics, a quicker response time, a higher max refresh rate, and supports HDR. However, the AOC has a VA panel with a much better contrast ratio and it has a slightly lower input lag.
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ1B is a bit better overall than the AOC CQ27G2. The ASUS gets brighter, supports HDR, has a quicker response time at 60Hz, and a higher max refresh rate. However, the AOC has much better ergonomics, a quicker response time at its max refresh rate, and a lower input lag.
Although the AOC CQ27G2 and the Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 1.0) are both 1440p gaming monitors, there are many differences between them. Gaming-wise, the Gigabyte performs better because it has a higher refresh rate of 170Hz and a much faster response time. The Gigabyte has an IPS with wider viewing angles, while the AOC has a VA panel that makes it a better choice for dark rooms. The Gigabyte offers more features, like a USB-C input, HDR support, and a Picture-in-Picture mode. It also gets much brighter to combat glare.
The Samsung CHG70 is much better than the AOC CQ27G2 for most users. The CHG70 has better ergonomics, higher peak brighteness, and it supports HDR. On the other hand, the AOC has a much better response time at 60Hz, making it a better choice if you're planning on gaming on a console.
The AOC CQ27G2 and the MSI Optix MAG271CQR are very similar overall. The AOC has better ergonomics, so it's easier to place it in an ideal viewing position. On the other hand, the MSI is much brighter, and it has better reflection handling, making it a better choice for a bright room.
For most uses, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM is significantly better than the AOC CQ27G2. The ASUS gets brighter, its IPS panel has much wider viewing angles, and it has better motion handling due to its higher refresh rate and faster response time. It also has better ergonomics and supports HDR. The AOC is a better choice for dark room gaming, though, as it has a VA panel that can produce deeper blacks.
The Dell S2721DGF is much better than the AOC CQ27G2 for most users. The Dell has much better ergonomics, higher peak brightness, better reflection handling, and much better motion handling. The Dell also has wide viewing angles. On the other hand, the AOC has better contrast, so it might be a better choice for a dark room.
The Acer Nitro XV340CK Pbmiipphzx and the AOC CQ27G2 are very different monitors. The Acer is an ultrawide with much wider viewing angles, faster response time, and gets a lot brighter to combat glare. On the other hand, the AOC has a VA panel that can produce deeper blacks, and it has better color accuracy out-of-the-box.
Overall, the Gigabyte G27QC is a bit better than the AOC CQ27G2. The Gigabyte has a higher refresh rate, faster response time at 60Hz, and gets brighter. However, the AOC has better ergonomics and a Black Frame Insertion feature to help improve motion clarity.
The Dell S3221QS is better than the AOC CQ27G2 overall; however, they aren't intended for the same use. The Dell is an office monitor with a much bigger screen, a higher resolution, and it gets a lot brighter. The AOC is a gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, a much faster response time, and lower input lag.
The Dell S2721HGF and the AOC CQ27G2 score similarly overall; however, there are a few differences between them. The AOC has a higher 1440p resolution compared to the Dell's 1080p, making it a better choice if you also use it for work, but its response time isn't as good as the Dell's, especially in dark scenes. Both monitors have VA panels that are well-suited for dark rooms; however, the Dell is better for well-lit rooms because it gets a lot brighter. If you often share your screen with others, the Dell has wider viewing angles, but it doesn't allow for any swivel adjustment, which the AOC does.
The AOC CQ27G2 is much better than the Samsung C27RG5. The AOC has better ergonomics, a higher-resolution screen, and a much faster response time. The AOC is more versatile, as the variable refresh rate (VRR) feature is available over HDMI and DisplayPort, and it has an optional black frame insertion feature. The Samsung we tested has much better black uniformity, but this varies between units.
For most uses, the Gigabyte G32QC is a bit better than the AOC CQ27G2. The Gigabyte has higher peak brightness, a higher refresh rate, and supports HDR. However, the AOC has a higher contrast ratio, better ergonomics, and better color accuracy out-of-the-box.
Test Results
The AOC CQ27G2 has a very similar design to the AOC CQ27G1, but with a silver stand instead of black. It has a slightly more aggressive curve, which is noticeable, but not as distracting as the 1000R curve on the Samsung Odyssey G7. The E.U. equivalent model, the AOC CQ27G2U, has a black stand and looks nearly identical to the AOC CQ27G1.
The AOC CQ27G2 has good overall build quality. Although almost entirely made of plastic, it feels decently solid. There are no noticeable gaps, and the bottom of the border is uniform. AOC doesn't appear to have made any changes to the overall construction compared to the AOC CQ27G1.
The AOC CQ27G2 has okay ergonomics, with a great height adjustment, good swivel range, and great tilt range. It doesn't rotate, but this is normal for curved monitors. It's much better than the Samsung C27RG5.
The back has a simple design similar to other AOC monitors we've tested. There's no RGB lighting, but there's a small hole in the back of the stand for cable management. There's also a quick release button on the back.
The stand is wide, but there's plenty of space in front to place small objects. It supports the monitor well, with very little wobble.
The AOC CQ27G2 has the same control scheme as the older AOC CQ27G1, but they've changed the buttons a bit.
Like most VA monitors, the AOC CQ27G2 27" has a great contrast ratio, resulting in deep blacks in dark scenes.
This monitor doesn't support local dimming. The video is provided for reference only.
Unfortunately, the AOC CQ27G2 27 has mediocre peak brightness. It's slightly dimmer than the AOC CQ27G1 we tested, although this is likely due to panel variance. While it's bright enough for most rooms, it might not be bright enough if you have a lot of natural light. If you want a similar monitor that can get brighter, check out the Gigabyte G27QC or the Samsung C27RG5.
This monitor doesn't support HDR.
Like most VA monitors, the horizontal viewing angle is disappointing. This monitor is best enjoyed sitting directly in front of it. Note that our tests don't account for the curvature of the screen.
Disappointing vertical viewing angles, which is normal for VA panels. This isn't a good choice if your monitor isn't mounted at eye-level, or if you often share your screen with someone standing beside you.
Overall, the AOC CQ27G2 27" has excellent uniformity. There are some noticeable dark patches throughout the display, and the sides are a bit darker, but it's not very noticeable with regular content.
Unfortunately, the AOC CQ27G2 that we tested has bad black uniformity. There's noticeable flashlighting along the top and bottom bezel, and it can be distracting if you're in a dark room. This varies between units, though, so let us know if you get one with better black uniformity than ours.
Out of the box, the AOC CQ27G2 has great accuracy. There are no noticeable issues in shades of gray, and most colors are displayed accurately. Gamma is almost flat, close to 2.2 instead of following the sRGB target curve, so some scenes are darker than they should be.
After calibration, the AOC CQ27G2 is extremely accurate. There are no noticeable issues with the white balance, gamma follows the target curve almost perfectly, and most colors are displayed accurately, except for pure blue, which is significantly undersaturated.
Excellent SDR color gamut, with essentially perfect coverage of the sRGB color space used by most content. It also has great coverage of the Adobe RGB color space often used for professional photo editing.
Outstanding SDR Color Volume. It can display dark, saturated colors thanks to the high contrast ratio, and most colors are as bright as pure white. Unfortunately, pure blues aren't very bright, but this is pretty common for LCDs.
This monitor doesn't support HDR.
This monitor doesn't support HDR.
Decent reflection handling, good enough for most rooms.
Good text clarity, better than the AOC CQ27G1. It's recommended to run the ClearType tuner in Windows, as diagonal or curved lines are noticeably clearer, as seen in the top photo.
Great gradient handling, almost identical to the AOC CQ27G1. There's noticeable 8-bit banding in darker shades, but this shouldn't be an issue for most people.
The 144Hz refresh rate is excellent for gaming and desktop use. It's FreeSync certified, and although it's not officially certified by NVIDIA, we could enable G-SYNC compatible mode when connected to our RTX 2070 Super over DisplayPort.
| Overdrive Setting | Response Time Chart | Response Time Tables | Motion Blur Photo |
| off | Chart | Table | Photo |
| weak | Chart | Table | Photo |
| medium | Chart | Table | Photo |
| strong | Chart | Table | Photo |
Great response time at the max refresh rate. There's some overshoot in a few transitions, and dark scene transitions are significantly slower, causing noticeable motion smearing in dark scenes. This can be seen in the dark lines to the left of our logo in the pursuit camera photo. The level of overdrive can be adjusted, but there's very little difference between them, so we recommend the highest setting, 'Strong'.
Overall, motion looks similar to other 144Hz VA monitors we've tested, like the LG 32GK650F-B and the Nixeus EDG 34.
| Overdrive Setting | Response Time Chart | Response Time Tables | Motion Blur Photo |
| off | Chart | Table | Photo |
| weak | Chart | Table | Photo |
| medium | Chart | Table | Photo |
| strong | Chart | Table | Photo |
The 60Hz response time is decent. Like at the max refresh rate, there's very little difference between the overdrive settings, and 'Strong' is still the best. There's significant overshoot in dark scenes, causing noticeable motion smearing in dark scenes, which is somewhat common for VA panels.
Max Refresh Rate:
| BFI Setting | Motion Blur Photo |
| mbr-1 | Photo |
| mbr-10 | Photo |
| mbr-20 | Photo |
| boost | Photo |
120Hz:
| BFI Setting | Motion Blur Photo |
| mbr-1 | Photo |
| mbr-10 | Photo |
| mbr-20 | Photo |
| boost | Photo |
The AOC CQ27G2 has a decent black frame insertion feature. BFI can be activated through the "Boost" overdrive setting, or by adjusting the MBR setting. Our measurements and photos were taken with the "Boost" setting, which appears to be either a specially tuned BFI mode, or a combination of overdrive and BFI. Increasing the MBR setting decreases the amount of time each frame is visible on the screen, causing the apparent brightness to decrease, but improving the appearance of motion.
The backlight is completely flicker-free at all brightness levels.
Outstanding low input lag, even for console gamers at 60Hz. As there are two BFI modes: Boost and MBR, we measured both. The posted results are with the Boost mode; with the MBR mode at 20, we measured 5.5ms of input lag.
The 27", 1440p screen delivers a sharp image that should please most people, and doesn't require a top of the line graphics card to achieve decent frame rates when gaming.
Unfortunately, there are some issues when using this monitor with a recent MacBook. SDR works fine with a fixed refresh rate, but the variable refresh rate feature doesn't work at all, both in-game and on the desktop.
