ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV  Monitor Review

Reviewed Aug 13, 2020 at 08:22am
Writing modified May 29, 2024 at 09:49am
Tested using Methodology v1.2 
ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV

Track

0.0
Mixed Usage 
0.0
Office 
0.0
Gaming 
0.0
Media Consumption 
0.0
Media Creation 
0.0
HDR 

Track

 0

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is a budget-friendly monitor that's intended for creative professionals. Its superb ergonomics, high peak brightness, and wide viewing angles make it a good fit for nearly any type of workspace. It comes with good color accuracy out-of-the-box and has an excellent SDR color gamut; however, it can't display a wide color gamut and doesn't support HDR. Although it's limited to a 75Hz refresh rate and doesn't have many extra gaming features, it still has variable refresh rate (VRR) support. Unfortunately, it has a low contrast ratio and mediocre black uniformity, which is normal for most IPS panels. On the bright side, it provides a generous number of USB ports and even has a pair of built-in speakers.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is a decent monitor for most uses. It has a large screen with a high resolution that's well-suited for work or media consumption. It's okay for gaming as it has variable refresh rate (VRR) support and low input lag, but it's limited to a 75Hz refresh rate. It has superb ergonomics, wide viewing angles, and it overcomes glare easily in bright lighting conditions. Unfortunately, it has a low contrast ratio that makes it less ideal for dark room viewing, and it doesn't support HDR.

Pros
  • Superb ergonomics.
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Flicker-free backlight.
Cons
  • No HDR support.
  • Low contrast ratio.
0.0
Office 

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is a great office monitor. Its large screen and high resolution allow you to work comfortably, with plenty of screen space to have multiple windows opened at the same time. It has wide viewing angles, it overcomes glare easily, and it has superb ergonomics, so you can adjust the monitor however you like. Input lag is low and the monitor's 75Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through documents feel just a tad smoother.

Pros
  • Superb ergonomics.
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Flicker-free backlight.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
0.0
Gaming 

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is an okay monitor for gaming, but it isn't exactly suited for this use. It has a limited 75Hz refresh rate, and the response time is slow, leading to motion blur. Luckily, it supports FreeSync VRR with G-SYNC compatibility to reduce screen tearing, and it has low input lag for a responsive feel.

Pros
  • Superb ergonomics.
  • Variable refresh rate (VRR) support.
  • Flicker-free backlight.
Cons
  • Slow response time.
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Mediocre black uniformity.
0.0
Media Consumption 

The ASUS PA278QV is a decent monitor for media consumption. It delivers good picture quality thanks to its high resolution and its large screen feels immersive. It has superb ergonomics and wide viewing angles, making it easy to share content with others. It's well-suited for bright rooms, as it handles reflection well and it gets bright enough to overcome glare. However, it doesn't perform all that well in dark rooms due to its low contrast ratio and mediocre black uniformity.

Pros
  • Superb ergonomics.
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Flicker-free backlight.
Cons
  • No HDR support.
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Mediocre black uniformity.
0.0
Media Creation 

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is a very good monitor for content creators. Its high pixel density results in sharp images and text, and there's plenty of screen space to have multiple windows opened at the same time. It has superb ergonomics, wide viewing angles, and it gets bright enough for use in any lighting conditions. Unfortunately, its contrast ratio and black uniformity are both mediocre, so blacks look more grayish. It has near full coverage of the sRGB color space; however, its Adobe RGB coverage is only decent.

Pros
  • Superb ergonomics.
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Flicker-free backlight.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Mediocre black uniformity.
0.0
HDR 

The ASUS ProArt PA278QV doesn't support HDR.

  • 0.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Gaming
  • 0.0
    Media Consumption
  • 0.0
    Media Creation
  • 0.0
    HDR
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated May 29, 2024: Added that the Dell P2423D has better Text Clarity.
    2.  Updated Apr 18, 2023: Confirmed that 1440p works on this monitor with the PS5.
    3.  Updated Apr 18, 2023: Clarified text throughout as part of Test Bench 1.2, including adding text to the Console Compatibility boxes.
    4.  Updated Jun 29, 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.

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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV and it's also available in a 24-inch size with a 1080p resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio. It's one of many monitors in ASUS' ProArt lineup, some of which you can see in the table below.

    Model Size Resolution  Display Type Refresh Rate  Adaptive Sync
    PA278QV 27" 2560 x 1440 IPS 75Hz Yes
    PA248QV 24" 1920 x 1200 IPS 75Hz Yes
    PA329C 27" 3840 x 2160 IPS 60Hz No
    PA27UCX-PK 27" 3840 x 2160 Mini LED / IPS 60Hz Yes
    PA32UCX-PK 32" 3840 x 2160 Mini LED / IPS 60Hz Yes
    PA34VC 34" 3440 x 1440 IPS 100Hz Yes
    PQ22UC 22" 3840 x 2160 OLED 60Hz No

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their ASUS PA278QV 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.

    Our unit of the ASUS PA278QV was manufactured in April 2020, you can see the label here.

    Popular Monitor Comparisons

    The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is an overall decent monitor that's suitable for a wide variety of uses. Compared to other monitors in its price range, it stands out for its superb ergonomics, high SDR peak brightness, and great viewing angles.

    For more options, check out our recommendations for the best office monitors, the best monitors, and the best monitors for photo and video editing.

    ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV

    Track

    The ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV is newer than the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV with more features, and they perform similarly overall. The PA278CV has an added USB-C port that makes it easy to connect your laptop and charge it with a single cable. It also has a DisplayPort outport for daisy chaining a second monitor.

    ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A

    Track

    The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A and the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV are very different monitors. The VG249Q1A is a gaming monitor with a 24" screen, a 1080p resolution, and a 165Hz refresh rate, while the ProArt Display PA278QV is a 27" productivity monitor with a 1440p resolution and a 75Hz refresh rate. The VG249Q1A provides a much better gaming experience due to its significantly faster response times, but the ProArt Display PA278QV has much better ergonomics, a brighter screen, and wider viewing angles. It also has four USB 3.0 ports, which the VG249Q1A lacks.

    Samsung Odyssey G55T C27G55T

    Track

    The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is much better than the Samsung Odyssey G55T C27G55T; however, they aren't intended for the same use. The ASUS is a budget monitor for content creators with superb ergonomics and wide viewing angles. It also has a faster response time, but gaming feels smoother and more responsive on the Samsung due to its higher refresh rate.

    Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0)

    Track

    The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV and the Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) are entry-level 1440p monitors meant for different uses. The Gigabyte is focused on gaming with a higher refresh rate, better motion handling, and lower input lag. While the ASUS is meant for content creation in SDR, the Gigabyte still displays a wider range of colors, and it supports HDR, which the ASUS doesn't. The Gigabyte also has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode, which allows you to easily connect a laptop, which the ASUS doesn't have. The Gigabyte even has a KVM switch, so you can change sources and use the same devices on both.

    Show more 
    How We Test Monitors
    How We Test Monitors

    We buy and test more than 30 monitors each year, all of which we purchase ourselves, without 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, custom tools to measure various aspects and deliver objective, data-driven results. We also consider multiple factors before making any recommendations, including the monitor's cost, its performance compared to the competition, and whether it's easy to find.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    Curved
    LockedLocked
    Curve Radius
    LockedLocked

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    Accelerated Longevity Test
    Uniformity PicturesN/A
    0.0
    Build Quality

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    0.0
    Ergonomics
    Height Adjustment
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Tilt Range
    LockedLocked
    Rotate Portrait/Landscape
    LockedLocked
    Swivel Range
    LockedLocked
    Wall Mount
    LockedLocked

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    Stand
    Base Width
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Base Depth
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Thickness (With Display)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Weight (With Display)
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)

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    Display
    Size
    Locked27"
    Housing Width
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Housing Height
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Thickness (Without Stand)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Weight (Without Stand)
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)
    Borders Size (Bezels)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Controls

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    In The Box
    Power Supply
    LockedLocked

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    Picture Quality
    0.0
    Contrast
    Native Contrast
    LockedLock : 1
    Contrast With Local Dimming
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Local Dimming
    SAMPLE
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    ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV Local Dimming Video Sample
    Local Dimming
    LockedLocked
    Backlight
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    SDR Brightness
    Real Scene
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)
    LockedLock
    Minimum Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²

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    0.0
    HDR Brightness
    VESA DisplayHDR Certification
    LockedLocked
    Real Scene
    LockedN/A
    Peak 2% Window
    LockedN/A
    Peak 10% Window
    LockedN/A
    Peak 25% Window
    LockedN/A
    Peak 50% Window
    LockedN/A
    Peak 100% Window
    LockedN/A
    Sustained 2% Window
    LockedN/A
    Sustained 10% Window
    LockedN/A
    Sustained 25% Window
    LockedN/A
    Sustained 50% Window
    LockedN/A
    Sustained 100% Window
    LockedN/A
    Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Horizontal Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
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    ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV Horizontal Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Washout From Left
    LockedLock°
    Color Washout From Right
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Left
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Right
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Left
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Right
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Left
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Right
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Left
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Right
    LockedLock°

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    0.0
    Vertical Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
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    ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV Vertical Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Washout From Below
    LockedLock°
    Color Washout From Above
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Below
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Above
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Below
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Above
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Below
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Above
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Below
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Above
    LockedLock°

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    0.0
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    50% DSE
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Color Accuracy (Pre-Calibration)
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    sRGB Gamut Area xy
    LockedLock%
    White Balance dE (Avg.)
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature (Avg.)
    LockedLock K
    Gamma (Avg.)
    LockedLock
    Color dE (Avg.)
    LockedLock
    Contrast Setting
    LockedN/A
    RGB Settings
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked
    Brightness Setting
    LockedN/A
    Measured Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Brightness Locked
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Color Accuracy (Post-Calibration)
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    sRGB Gamut Area xy
    LockedLock%
    White Balance dE (Avg.)
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature (Avg.)
    LockedLock K
    Gamma (Avg.)
    LockedLock
    Color dE (Avg.)
    LockedLock
    Contrast Setting
    LockedLock
    RGB Settings
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked
    Brightness Setting
    LockedLock
    Measured Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    ICC Profile
    Download

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    0.0
    SDR Color Gamut
    sRGB Coverage xy
    LockedLock%
    sRGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Adobe RGB Coverage xy
    LockedLock%
    Adobe RGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    SDR Color Volume
    sRGB In ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    sRGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Adobe RGB In ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    Adobe RGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    HDR Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    LockedN/A
    DCI-P3 Coverage xy
    LockedN/A
    DCI-P3 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Rec. 2020 Coverage xy
    LockedN/A
    Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    HDR Color Volume
    DCI-P3 In ICtCp
    LockedN/A
    DCI-P3 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Rec. 2020 In ICtCp
    LockedN/A
    Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Reflections
    Screen Finish
    LockedLocked
    Total Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Indirect Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Calculated Direct Reflections
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Text Clarity
    Pixel Type
    LockedIPS
    Subpixel Layout
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    LockedLock Bit

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    Motion
    0.0
    Refresh Rate
    Native Refresh Rate
    LockedLock Hz
    Max Refresh Rate
    Locked75 Hz
    Max Refresh Rate Over DP
    LockedLock Hz
    Max Refresh Rate Over HDMI
    LockedLock Hz
    Max Refresh Rate Over DP @ 10-bit
    LockedN/A
    Max Refresh Rate Over HDMI @ 10-Bit
    LockedN/A
    Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
    FreeSync
    LockedLocked
    G-SYNC
    LockedLocked
    VRR Maximum
    LockedLock Hz
    VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    VRR Supported Connectors
    LockedLocked
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedYes

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    0.0
    Response Time @ Max Refresh Rate
    Recommended Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked
    Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%
    Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Worst 3 Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Worst 3 Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Response Time @ 120Hz
    Recommended Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked
    Rise / Fall Time
    LockedN/A
    Total Response Time
    LockedN/A
    Overshoot Error
    LockedN/A
    Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
    LockedN/A
    Worst 3 Total Response Time
    LockedN/A
    Worst 3 Overshoot Error
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Response Time @ 60Hz
    Recommended Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked
    Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%
    Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Worst 3 Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Worst 3 Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%

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    Backlight Strobing (BFI)
    Backlight Strobing (BFI)
    LockedLocked
    Maximum Frequency
    LockedLock Hz
    Minimum Frequency
    LockedLock Hz
    Longest Pulse Width Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Shortest Pulse Width Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Pulse Width Control
    LockedLocked
    Pulse Phase Control
    LockedLocked
    Pulse Amplitude Control
    LockedLocked
    VRR At The Same Time
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Image Flicker
    Flicker-Free
    LockedLocked
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    LockedLocked

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    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    Native Resolution @ Max Hz
    LockedLock ms
    Native Resolution @ 120Hz
    LockedN/A
    Native Resolution @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    Backlight Strobing (BFI)
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    Resolution And Size
    Native Resolution
    Locked2560 x 1440
    Aspect Ratio
    LockedLocked
    Megapixels
    LockedLock MP
    Pixel Density
    LockedLock PPI
    Measured Screen Diagonal
    LockedLock"
    Screen Area
    LockedLock in²

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    0.0
    PS5 Compatibility
    4k @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    HDR
    LockedLocked
    VRR
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Xbox Series X|S Compatibility
    4k @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    HDR
    LockedLocked
    VRR
    LockedLocked

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    Inputs Photos
    Video And Audio Ports
    DisplayPort
    LockedLocked
    Mini DisplayPort
    LockedLocked
    HDMI
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.1 Rated Speed
    LockedLocked
    DVI
    LockedLocked
    VGA
    LockedLocked
    Daisy Chaining
    LockedLocked
    3.5mm Audio Out
    LockedLocked
    HDR10
    LockedNo
    3.5mm Audio In
    LockedLocked
    3.5mm Microphone In
    LockedLocked

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    USB
    USB-A Ports
    LockedLocked
    USB-A Rated Speed
    LockedLocked
    USB-B Upstream Port
    LockedLocked
    USB-C Ports
    LockedLocked
    USB-C Upstream
    LockedLocked
    USB-C Rated Speed
    LockedLocked
    USB-C Power Delivery
    LockedLocked
    USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
    LockedLocked
    Thunderbolt
    LockedLocked
    macOS Compatibility

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    Features
    Additional Features
    Speakers
    LockedLocked
    RGB Illumination
    LockedLocked
    Multiple Input Display
    LockedLocked
    KVM Switch
    LockedLocked

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    On-Screen Display (OSD)