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ASUS PB277Q Monitor Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Review updated Feb 27, 2018 at 03:35 pm
ASUS PB277Q Picture
7.3
Mixed Usage
7.2
Office
8.1
Gaming
7.0
Multimedia
7.2
Media Creation
5.3
HDR Gaming

The Asus PB277Q is a decent 27 inch TN-type LCD monitor with a 75 Hz refresh rate and low input lag for gaming. It has better than average motion handling thanks to its very fast response time and can get bright to overcome ambient glare. Unfortunately, though, its very limited viewing angle and mediocre picture quality reduce its versatility significantly.

Our Verdict

7.3 Mixed Usage

The Asus PB277Q does a decent job with a mixed usage. It gets decently bright with normal content, and its slightly higher than standard refresh rate helps it feel responsive. It also has good ergonomic adjustments which make it easy to find a comfortable viewing position when in use for long periods of time. Unfortunately, its limited contrast and narrow viewing angle mean it won't produce a very pretty image, even when sitting directly in front.

Pros
  • Decently bright
  • Flicker-Free backlight
Cons
  • Poor viewing angle
  • Mediocre picture quality
7.2 Office

Passable choice for usage in an office. The Asus PB277Q's good brightness and high resolution make it an acceptable candidate for most office settings despite the mediocre picture quality. While it does offer a fair range of adjustments with its stand, its limited swivel is particularly unfortunate, since the monitor's small viewing angle makes rotating the monitor a requirement for sharing the screen with colleagues to your side.

8.1 Gaming

Very good gaming monitor. While its 75 Hz refresh rate might not be a large upgrade over standard monitors, this monitor's fast response time and low input lag makes it feel responsive and connected. Unfortunately, it lacks support for variable refresh rate technologies like FreeSync and the picture quality is only mediocre.

7.0 Multimedia

Ordinary monitor for consuming media. While the PB277Q's screen is quite uniform and gets bright, its low contrast ratio means that the picture will look quite flat when used in a darker environment. It also lacks support for HDR and wider color gamuts like DCI-P3 which can greatly enhance the viewing experience.

7.2 Media Creation

The Asus PB277Q is about average for media creation. It comes out of the box with decent accuracy, and its coverage of the standard RGB color space is good. Unfortunately, it lacks support for more professionally oriented colorspaces like Adobe RGB and DCI-P3, and its narrow viewing angles mean having a consistent and accurate picture can be quite difficult.

5.3 HDR Gaming

HDR is not supported. Only a few monitors support HDR, such as the Samsung CHG70.

  • 7.3 Mixed Usage
  • 7.2 Office
  • 8.1 Gaming
  • 7.0 Multimedia
  • 7.2 Media Creation
  • 5.3 HDR Gaming
  1. Updated Dec 08, 2017: Review published.
  2. Updated Dec 06, 2017: Our testers have started testing this product.
  3. Updated Dec 06, 2017: Early access published.
  4. Updated Nov 27, 2017: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

We tested the 27" model (PB277Q). The PB278Q is another monitor in the same series, however, it has an IPS panel instead of the TN panel. We expect it to have better picture quality, especially when viewed at an angle, but slightly more motion blur.

If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their PB277Q doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review. Note that some tests such as the gray uniformity may vary between individual units.

ASUS also has a range of monitors available in the 'Professional' series, some of which are listed below.

Model Size Resolution Refresh rate LCD Type Notes
PB238Q 23" 1920x1080 60Hz IPS  
PA248Q 24" 1920x1200 60Hz IPS Factory calibrated
PB277Q 27" 2560x1440 75Hz TN  
PB278Q 27" 2560x1440 60Hz IPS  
PB287Q 28" 3840x2160 60Hz TN  

Compared To Other Monitors

Comparison picture

Left: MSI Optix G27C. Middle: ASUS PB277Q. Right: Dell  S2716DG
Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

The ASUS PB277Q is a decent 1440p monitor which is great for gaming, however, for other usages, the sub-par picture quality is not ideal and another monitor may be a better choice. See our recommendations for the best gaming monitors under $200, the best budget gaming monitors, and the best gaming monitors.

MSI Optix G27C

The ASUS PB277Q is much better than the MSI Optix G27C. The PB277Q has better ergonomics, so it's easier to adjust to the most optimal viewing positions. There is less motion blur on the PB277Q due to the faster response time, and the higher screen resolution allows you to see more fine details when gaming.

AOC AGON AG271QX

The AOC AGON AG271QX is better than the ASUS PB277Q. The AGON AG271QX is a gaming-oriented monitor and has a much higher native refresh rate, so fast motion looks much smoother. The AOC also has better dark room performance with a higher native contrast ratio and better black uniformity.

ASUS VG248QE

The ASUS PB277Q is a bit better than the ASUS VG248QE. The PB277Q is a larger-sized monitor with a higher native resolution, so you can get more done at the same time or better enjoy your games with the larger screen. The PB277Q has a better vertical viewing angle, which is good if you are planning on wall mounting it above eye level. The ASUS VG248QE has a much higher native refresh rate, so motion in games looks smoother if your PC can run it.

Dell U2715H

The Dell U2715H is better than the ASUS PB277Q. The U2715H uses an IPS panel, which has much wider viewing angles. The U2715H also has better black uniformity, although it still isn't great, this monitor is a better choice than the PB277Q for dark room viewing. The Dell has a DisplayPort out port, which makes it very easy to chain multiple monitors together if your computer supports it. The ASUS PB277Q has a higher native refresh rate, so motion looks a bit smoother.

Dell U2717D

The ASUS PB277Q is a bit better than the Dell U2717D, unless you need wide viewing angles. The ASUS PB277Q uses a TN type panel, which has a higher refresh rate but worse viewing angles. If you are sitting close to the 27" PB277Q, the edges can appear darker or washed out. The PB277Q has much lower input lag than the U2717D, great for gaming or even just browsing the web. The U2717D uses an IPS panel, which isn't as good for late-night browsing in a dark room, but has wider viewing angles.

LG 27UK650-W

The ASUS PB277Q and the LG 27UK650-W are very different monitors. The ASUS is a 1440p TN monitor, while the LG is a 4k IPS monitor. For the most part, the LG performs better because it has a higher resolution, better contrast ratio, and wider viewing angles. Also, it supports VRR and HDR, whereas the ASUS doesn't. That said, the ASUS has a 75Hz refresh rate compared to the LG's 60Hz, and its response time is much faster, resulting in clearer motion.

Dell U2518D

If you'll be sitting right in front of the monitor and responsiveness is what you're after, the ASUS PB277Q is a better choice. For a monitor that will perform well in almost all uses and with HDR support, the Dell U2518D is a better choice. The PB277Q is better for gaming as it has lower input lag and faster response time. On the other hand, the U2518D has better viewing angles that make it more versatile for more uses. Also, the Dell U2518D has better gray uniformity so you won't notice any clouding when browsing the web.

Dell S2719DGF

The Dell S2719DGF is marginally better than the ASUS PB277Q. The Dell S2719DGF has a much higher refresh rate and supports FreeSync which makes it a better gaming monitor. In most other uses, the two monitors perform very similarly.

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Test Results

Design
Design
Style
Size 27"
Curved No
Curve radius N/A
Weight (without stand)
8.8 lbs (4.0 kg)
Weight (with stand)
15.7 lbs (7.1 kg)

The design of the Asus PB277Q is good. It doesn't really stand out but looks quite clean and minimalistic from the front. The stand has a small footprint, but does support the monitor well. The monitor has a decent range of ergonomic adjustments, and some basic cable management at the back to keep a tidy desk. 

Update 07/04/2018: Weight (with stand) and Weight (without stand) have been added to the review.

Design
Stand
Width
11.0" (27.9 cm)
Depth
8.5" (21.6 cm)

The stand of this Asus monitor has a relatively small footprint but still supports the display well and feels stable.

8.1
Design
Ergonomics
Height Adjustment
4.7" (11.9 cm)
Switch portrait/landscape Yes
Swivel Range -60Ā° to 60Ā°
Tilt Range -17.5Ā° to 5Ā°

The monitor has a great range of ergonomic adjustments available, and most importantly, the height can be adjusted within a fairly good range. The monitor swivels left and right, however, it always drags on the table surface so it isn't as smooth as other monitors.

Design
Back
Wall Mount VESA 100x100

The rear of the monitor looks good, with a textured plastic finish. The clip at the back of the stand is useful for cable management, as shown here.

Design
Borders
Borders
0.5" (1.3 cm)

The borders of the monitor are relatively thin, and look good. There is a small gap between the edge of the border and the first pixels.

Design
Thickness
Thickness (with stand)
6.0" (15.2 cm)
Thickness (without stand)
2.7" (6.9 cm)

The monitor is quite thin when viewed from the side. It can be moved close to a wall when the stand is attached, and also sits close to a VESA mount.

7.5
Design
Build Quality

The build quality of this ASUS monitor is good. Although almost entirely plastic, the texture and feel are good. The height adjustment and rotation also feels high quality.

Picture Quality
5.6
Picture Quality
Contrast
LCD Type
TN
Native Contrast
779 : 1
Contrast with local dimming
N/A

The Asus PB277Q monitor has a disappointing contrast ratio. As with other monitors using a TN panel, dark room performance is not great as blacks tend to look gray and give a washed out look to dark scenes in multimedia content. When used in a brighter room, like an office space, the picture quality is much better, black tends to look deeper when there is some ambient light. Since the PB277Q does not have a local dimming feature, the contrast ratio can be raised further.

0
Picture Quality
Local Dimming
Local Dimming
No
Backlight
Direct

The Asus PB277Q monitor does not have a local dimming feature. The video is for reference only.

8.0
Picture Quality
SDR Peak Brightness
SDR Real Scene
344 cd/mĀ²
SDR Peak 2% Window
357 cd/mĀ²
SDR Peak 10% Window
357 cd/mĀ²
SDR Peak 25% Window
357 cd/mĀ²
SDR Peak 50% Window
356 cd/mĀ²
SDR Peak 100% Window
357 cd/mĀ²
SDR Sustained 2% Window
357 cd/mĀ²
SDR Sustained 10% Window
356 cd/mĀ²
SDR Sustained 25% Window
357 cd/mĀ²
SDR Sustained 50% Window
356 cd/mĀ²
SDR Sustained 100% Window
356 cd/mĀ²
SDR ABL
0.000

The ASUS PB277Q has a good peak brightness while displaying SDR content. At around 300 nits on average, it should be bright enough to be enjoyable in most viewing environments.

0
Picture Quality
HDR Peak Brightness
HDR Real Scene
N/A
HDR Peak 2% Window
N/A
HDR Peak 10% Window
N/A
HDR Peak 25% Window
N/A
HDR Peak 50% Window
N/A
HDR Peak 100% Window
N/A
HDR Sustained 2% Window
N/A
HDR Sustained 10% Window
N/A
HDR Sustained 25% Window
N/A
HDR Sustained 50% Window
N/A
HDR Sustained 100% Window
N/A
HDR ABL
N/A

HDR is not supported.

5.2
Picture Quality
Horizontal Viewing Angle
Color Shift from Left
31Ā°
Color Shift from Right
32Ā°
Brightness from Left
49Ā°
Brightness from Right
48Ā°
Black Level from Left
24Ā°
Black Level from Right
19Ā°
Curve Radius N/A

Poor horizontal viewing angle. While red shades remain particularly accurate when viewed at an angle, the PB277Q behaves as expected of a TN-type LCD monitor. Its black level rises very quickly when moving off axis, causing contrast and picture quality to diminish significantly.

5.8
Picture Quality
Vertical Viewing Angle
Color Shift from Below
9Ā°
Color Shift from Above
34Ā°
Brightness from Below
13Ā°
Brightness from Above
37Ā°
Black Level from Below
21Ā°
Black Level from Above
48Ā°

The Asus PB277Q's vertical viewing angle, while being slightly better than the average TN-type monitor, is still quite lacking. When viewed from below, colors shift dramatically to inverted tones, and the loss of brightness is both very rapid and significant. Its picture quality is retained a little better when looking at it from above, however, making this less of an issue for those that often look at their monitors while standing up.

7.7
Picture Quality
Gray Uniformity
50% Std. Dev.
6.166%
50% DSE
0.127%
5% Std. Dev.
1.095%
5% DSE
0.069%

Very good gray uniformity for this Asus monitor, especially the 50% gray. This results in a uniform image, with very little dirty screen effect even when playing sports games or scrolling through web pages. On the test picture, we can see that the top of the screen is a bit darker, but this is due to the sub-par vertical viewing angle which results in a different shade when viewed at a small angle. Besides this, there is a visible warmer zone near the center, but this isn't really an issue.

When it comes to the 5% gray uniformity, the PB277Q is even better. The bottom edge is slightly brighter, and this is mainly caused by the backlight bleed that is also visible on the black uniformity test picture. Overall, this results in an improved dark scene performance.

2.9
Picture Quality
Black Uniformity
Native Std. Dev.
4.079%
Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
N/A

This monitor black uniformity is terrible. The monitor suffers from major backlight bleed and all edges are very bright. This shows up as soon that you display anything really dark and is particularly bad when displaying movies or video games with dark scenes.

9.0
Picture Quality
Pre Calibration
Picture Mode
Standard
Luminance
332 cd/mĀ²
Luminance Settings
90
Contrast Setting
80
RGB controls
Warm Color Temperature
Color Temperature
6,669 K
White Balance dE
1.29
Color dE
1.58
Gamma
2.15

Out of the box, we were able to achieve an excellent pre-calibration measurement with this Asus monitor. When set on the 'Standard' picture mode and the 'Warm' color temperature, both the white balance dE and color dE were just over the 1.0, which for most people would be perfect, as only professional might be able to detect any accuracy at this level.

The color temperature is really close to our 6500K target and the overall gamma, just a bit short of our 2.2 target, but the gamma curve is tracking very closely the target curve, which is better than most monitors out of the box.

9.4
Picture Quality
Post Calibration
Picture Mode
Standard
Luminance
100 cd/mĀ²
Luminance Settings
24
Contrast Setting
70
RGB Controls
91-95-98
Color Temperature
6,391 K
White Balance dE
0.74
Color dE
0.74
Gamma
2.18

After calibration, the monitor accuracy is only marginally better since it was already excellent out of the box. The biggest correction was done on the colors, which are now mostly right on target, especially the 100% primaries. The rest of the corrections were very small and overall, this is a remarkable accuracy for a PC monitor.

You can download our ICC profile calibration here.

8.6
Picture Quality
SDR Color Gamut
sRGB xy
97.9%
Adobe RGB xy
74.0%

Good SDR color gamut. The PB277Q's s.RGB coverage is almost perfect, with very minimal deficiency in the green primary. Unfortunately, though, it lacks proper support for the wider Adobe RGB color space.

8.4
Picture Quality
SDR Color Volume
sRGB in ICtCp
91.3%
Adobe RGB in ICtCp
76.1%

Good SDR color volume. This monitor's good coverage of standard gamuts helps it reproduce the equivalent volume well. Its main deficiency is caused by its poor contrast ratio, which stops it from being able to reproduce darker colors.

0
Picture Quality
HDR Color Gamut
Wide Color Gamut
No
DCI P3 xy
N/A
Rec. 2020 xy
N/A

HDR color gamuts are not supported.

0
Picture Quality
HDR Color Volume
DCI-P3 in ICtCp
N/A
Rec. 2020 in ICtCp
N/A

HDR color gamuts are not supported.

10
Picture Quality
Image Retention
IR after 0 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 2 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 4 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 6 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 8 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 10 min recovery
0.00%

Perfect result here as no image retention could be noticed while running our test.

8.4
Picture Quality
Gradient
Color Depth
8 Bit

Great result on the gradient test for the Asus PB277Q. Beside the 8-bit banding due to the limitation of the monitor, very few issues (small color shades issues in the very dark colors) can be noticed, which is great.

10
Picture Quality
Color Bleed
Pixel row error
0.000%
Pixel column error
0.000%

The Asus PB277Q does not produce color bleed.

7.5
Picture Quality
Reflections

The reflection handling of the Asus PB277Q is good. It has a light-matte finish which diffuses direct reflections on the screen, which is good for an average or dark room. For a bright room though, the reflections may be distracting.

Motion
10
Motion
Motion Blur
80% Response Time
2.9 ms
100% Response Time
6.1 ms
Best Overdrive Setting
60

Trace Free 0
Trace Free 40
Trace Free 60
Trace Free 80
Trace Free 100

Excellent pixel response time, even better than some other TN monitors like the AOC Agon AG271QX. This results in very little blur following fast moving content, which is great for fast paced gaming. Almost all the blur in the photo is due to 75 Hz persistence, which is great. 'Trace Free 60' was the most balanced overdrive setting; '80' was also very good, making the response time a little faster but also adding a bit more overshoot. Those who don't mind overshoot artifacts may prefer 'Trace Free 80', but most people will be better served by '60'.

7.5
Motion
Image Flicker
Flicker-free Yes
PWM Dimming Frequency
0 Hz
Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
No
BFI Maximum Frequency
N/A
BFI Minimum Frequency
N/A

The Asus PB277Q has a flicker-free backlight, which is great as it provides smooth motion when browsing the web or watching videos. Unfortunately, the monitor lacks an optional black frame insertion feature to add flicker which can be useful to clear up motion. Many people do find 75 Hz flicker distracting so it's not a big loss.

7.1
Motion
Refresh Rate
Variable Refresh Rate
No
Native Refresh Rate
75 Hz
Factory Overclock
N/A
Variable Refresh Rate
No
G-SYNC Compatible
No
VRR Maximum
N/A
VRR Minimum
N/A
VRR Maximum With OC
N/A
VRR Supported Connectors N/A

The monitor has a fixed 75 Hz refresh rate, without any variable refresh rate features like FreeSync. While this is better than monitors with a fixed 60 Hz refresh rate and will be decent for most usages and gaming, it won't provide as good of a gaming experience as monitors with a higher refresh rate and a VRR implementation.

Inputs
9.2
Inputs
Input Lag
Native Resolution
7.1 ms
Non-Native Res @ Native Refresh
N/A
Native Resolution @ 60 Hz
8.7 ms
Variable Refresh Rate
N/A
10 bit HDR
N/A
Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
N/A

Excellent low input lag. The input lag at 60 Hz is a little higher because of the lower frame rate, but it's still very good. Unfortunately, no non-native resolution can run at 75 Hz without using a custom resolution; they run at 60 Hz instead.

8.4
Inputs
Resolution and Size
Native Resolution 2560 x 1440
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Megapixels 3.7 MP
Pixel Density 109 PPI
Screen Diagonal 26.9"
Screen Area 310 inĀ²

The monitor has a sharp 1440p resolution and a large 27" size, which will please during almost any usage.

Inputs
Inputs

All inputs are located on the rear of the monitor.

Inputs
Total Inputs
DisplayPort 1 (DP 1.2)
Mini DisplayPort No
HDMI 1 (HDMI 1.4)
DVI 1 (DVI-D, dual link)
VGA 1
DisplayPort Out No
USB No
USB C No
Analog Audio Out 3.5mm 1
Microphone In 3.5mm No
Digital Optical Audio Out No
Analog Audio Out RCA No
Power Supply Internal

There is also a 3.5mm analog audio line in, which can feed the headphones and speakers.

Features
Features
Additional Features
Speakers
Yes
HDR10 No
Multiple input display
PIP + PBP

The monitor has built-in speakers that can be fed from the DisplayPort and HDMI inputs, or from a separate 3.5mm line in. Unfortunately, while they're loud enough for casual usage, they're not loud enough for explosions and loud sounds in movies or gaming.

There is also a picture-in-picture / picture-beside-picture feature that can show two inputs side by side, or one overlaid in a corner of the other. When the inputs are shown side by side their aspect ratio doesn't change, so if two 16:9 inputs are side by side they only occupy a quarter of the screen each.

The monitor also has two ASUS GamePlus features: a crosshair overlay in the center of the screen for games that don't have a crosshair, and a countdown timer overlay that can be placed in a corner of the screen.

Features
On-Screen Display (OSD)
Features
Controls

On the side there is a series of buttons and one mini-joystick. One button is the power button, while the others activate quick settings. The mini-joystick is used to navigate the full OSD, and it works very well.

Features
In The Box

  • Manual
  • VGA Cable
  • HDMI Cable
  • 3.5mm Aux cable