ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ  Monitor Review

Review updated Apr 27, 2020 at 09:37am
Retest Aug 10, 2020 at 03:32pm
Tested using Methodology v1.1 
ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ

Track

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

Track

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The ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ is a very good monitor that's designed to satisfy even the most demanding gamers. It delivers great picture quality with its 1440p resolution and it has a high 144Hz refresh rate that can be easily overclocked to 165Hz. Its IPS panel provides excellent viewing angles, but it isn't the best for dark room gaming, as it has a mediocre contrast ratio coupled with significant black uniformity issues. Motion handling is superb, improved by its black frame insertion feature, and its native G-SYNC support delivers a nearly tear-free gaming experience. Unfortunately, it doesn't support HDR, but it does have several extra gaming features as well as integrated speakers. Best of all, these great features come with an impressive build quality that should last for years.

This monitor is a newer version of the ASUS ROG PG279Q.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

The ASUS PG279QZ is a very good monitor for most uses. Its 27 inch screen and 1440p resolution let you work comfortably, with plenty of space for multiple windows opened at the same time. Gamers should be happy with its high refresh rate, low input lag, and G-SYNC support. Dark room performance is rather disappointing, but it performs well in bright rooms and it has wide viewing angles, so you can share your work or for some co-op gaming. Color accuracy is good; however, its coverage of Adobe RGB may not be sufficient for professional photo or video editing.

Pros
  • Excellent gaming features.
  • Excellent motion handling.
  • Wide viewing angles.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • No HDR support.
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Office 

The ASUS PG279QZ is a great office monitor. It has a very good resolution and size that make multitasking easy. The viewing angles are excellent, allowing you to share your work, and you can position the monitor however you like thanks to its impressive ergonomics. It has a decent peak brightness and reflection handling, which is best for an averagely-lit room.

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Gaming 

The ASUS PG279QZ is an excellent monitor for gaming. Apart from its large 27 inch screen size and sharp resolution, this monitor has excellent low input lag and it supports G-SYNC. Additionally, its high refresh rate and fast response time make it a great choice for gamers. It's not the best for dark room gaming due to its low contrast ratio and poor black uniformity, but it handles bright rooms very well.

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Multimedia 

The ASUS PG279QZ is a decent monitor for media consumption. It has a very low input lag and is very responsive to your actions. Its QHD resolution allows you to display much of the content in its native resolution and the monitor can handle well any annoying reflections from the light sources in your room.

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Media Creation 

The PG279QZ is a very good monitor for media creation. Its large size and high resolution allow you to multitask comfortably and its great ergonomics lets you switch from landscape to portrait mode easily. Its IPS panel provides wide viewing angles and it has excellent gray uniformity, with almost no sign of dirty screen effect. Sadly, it's an 8-bit panel, but its gradient performance is superb.

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HDR Gaming 

The ASUS PG279QZ doesn't support HDR.

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

    1.  Updated Aug 10, 2020: The monitor's G-SYNC support has been changed from 'compatible' to 'native'.
    2.  Updated Feb 17, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
    3.  Updated Jan 11, 2019: Review published.
    4.  Updated Jan 09, 2019: Our testers have started testing this product.

    Check Price

    27"PG279QZ
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    27"PG279QZ
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    27"PG279QZ
    ASUS

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the 27 inch (PG279QZ) which is the only size of this monitor available. There are other variants within the ASUS gaming range which differ in design, size, and refresh rate. The ASUS PG279QZ is the newer version of the ASUS PG279Q, and it has now been replaced by the ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM.

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their PG279QZ 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.

    Model Size Native Resolution Refresh rate Notes
    PG279QZ 27" 1440p 144Hz G-SYNC support
    PG279Q 27" 1440p 144Hz G-SYNC support
    PG279QM 27" 1440p 240Hz G-SYNC support, HDR
    VG248QE 24" 1080p 144Hz Lightboost support
    VG245H 24" 1080p 75Hz FreeSync support
    VG278Q 27" 1080p 144Hz FreeSync support
    VG275Q 25" 1080p 75Hz FreeSync support

     Our unit of the ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ was manufactured in September 2018.

    Popular Monitor Comparisons

    Comparison picture

    Left: ASUS PG279Q. Middle: ASUS PG279QZ. Right: Acer Predator XB271HU.

    The ASUS PG279QZ is an excellent gaming monitor with a well-balanced set of features. In the crowded market of 27 inch 1440p monitors with a 144Hz refresh rate, its performance is among the best; however, the lack of HDR support is a bit disappointing. For other options, check out our recommendations for the best gaming monitors, the best G-SYNC monitors, and the best 1440p gaming monitors we've tested so far.

    ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q

    Track

    The ASUS ROG PG279Q is very similar to the ASUS PG279QZ. The two monitors are nearly identical in design and have a very similar overall performance, except for brightness. The older PG279Q is brighter than the newer PG279QZ.

    LG 27UD68-B

    Track

    The ASUS PG279QZ is better than the LG 27UD68P-B. The ASUS PG279QZ has better ergonomics, lower input lag, higher refresh rate, and a faster response time that will please gamers. On the other hand, the LG 27UD68P-B has higher resolution that can fit more detail on the screen.

    AOC AGON AG271QX

    Track

    The ASUS PG279QZ is better than the AOC AGON AG271QX for most people. The ASUS is an IPS monitor with much better viewing angles whereas the AOC has a TN panel with almost instantaneous response time and better black uniformity. The ASUS PG279QZ has better ergonomics and a BFI option to make the image crisper.

    Acer Predator XB271HU Bmiprz

    Track

    The ASUS PG279QZ is somewhat better than the Acer Predator XB271HU Bmiprz. The ASUS PG279QZ has marginally better reflection handling, and it ships with a slightly better pre-calibration which is important for office users who usually don't calibrate their monitors.

    Show more 

    Video

    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
    SizeLocked27"
    CurvedLockedLocked
    Curve RadiusLockedLocked
    Weight (without stand)
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)
    Weight (with stand)
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)

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    Stand
    Width
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    0.0
    Ergonomics
    Height Adjustment
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Switch Portrait/LandscapeLockedLocked
    Swivel RangeLockedLocked
    Tilt RangeLockedLocked

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    Back
    Wall MountLockedLocked

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    Borders
    Borders
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    Thickness
    Thickness (with stand)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Thickness (without stand)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    0.0
    Build Quality

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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
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ Local Dimming Video Sample
    Local Dimming
    LockedLocked
    Backlight
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    SDR Peak Brightness
    SDR Real Scene
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR ABL
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    HDR Peak Brightness
    HDR Real Scene
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR ABL
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Horizontal Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
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    ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ 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
    JOIN NOW

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    ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ 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%
    5% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    5% 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
    Pre Calibration
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Luminance
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Luminance Settings
    LockedLock
    Contrast Setting
    LockedLock
    RGB Controls
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Post Calibration
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Luminance
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Luminance Settings
    LockedLock
    Contrast Setting
    LockedLock
    RGB Controls
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock

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

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

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

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

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    0.0
    Image Retention
    IR After 0 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 2 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 4 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 6 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 8 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 10 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    LockedLock Bit

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    0.0
    Color Bleed
    Pixel Row Error
    LockedLock%
    Pixel Column Error
    LockedLock%

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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
    Sub-Pixel Layout
    LockedLocked

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    Motion
    0.0
    Response Time @ Max Refresh Rate
    Best Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked
    Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%
    Dark Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Response Time @ 60Hz
    Best Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked
    Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%
    Dark Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Image Flicker
    Flicker-FreeLockedLocked
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    LockedLocked
    BFI Maximum Frequency
    LockedLock Hz
    BFI Minimum Frequency
    LockedLock Hz

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    0.0
    Refresh Rate
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedG-SYNC
    Native
    LockedLock Hz
    Max Refresh Rate
    Locked165 Hz
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    FreeSync
    LockedLocked
    G-SYNC
    LockedLocked
    VRR Maximum
    LockedLock Hz
    VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    VRR Supported ConnectorsLockedLocked

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    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    Native Resolution
    LockedLock ms
    Native Resolution @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLock ms
    Variable Refresh Rate @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    10 Bit HDR
    LockedN/A
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    Resolution And Size
    Native ResolutionLocked2560 x 1440
    Aspect RatioLockedLocked
    MegapixelsLockedLock MP
    Pixel Density
    LockedLock PPI
    Screen DiagonalLockedLock"
    Screen AreaLockedLock in²

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    Inputs
    Total Inputs
    DisplayPortLockedLocked
    Mini DisplayPortLockedLocked
    HDMILockedLocked
    DVILockedLocked
    VGALockedLocked
    DisplayPort OutLockedLocked
    USBLockedLocked
    USB CLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Microphone In 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Digital Optical Audio OutLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out RCALockedLocked
    Power SupplyLockedLocked

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    Features
    Additional Features
    RGB Illumination
    LockedLocked
    Speakers
    LockedLocked
    HDR10LockedLocked
    Multiple Input Display
    LockedLocked

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    On-Screen Display (OSD)
    Controls

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    In The Box

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