The only downside is that the price can vary wildly depending on what features you’re after. What’s more, next-gen console gamers who own a PS5 or Xbox Series X are better off looking at the best 4K monitors or gaming TVs instead – only the dinky Xbox Series S is equipped to output at 1440p resolutions natively. It also has four USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports (two on the side, two on the rear), a USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 port and a USB-C 3.1 3.2 Gen 1 port capable of carrying a video signal and supplying 65W of power to a connected device simultaneously. There are plenty of other 4K monitors around that compete with the AOC U27P2CA: the LG 27GP950-B, for instance, keeps the resolution and the 27-inch screen size, while reducing the response time to 1ms. That's going to make it more suitable for gamers, and it's currently one of the best 4K monitors on the market – though it's worth noting that it's significantly more expensive than the AOC model we've reviewed here.

The Q27V4EA performed well on test, producing 88.7% of the sRGB colour gamut with minimal variation – meaning you’re seeing sRGB content as the creator intended. Contrast reached 850:1, which is par for the course where IPS panels are concerned, while luminance (brightness) peaked at 250cd/m² – good enough for any indoor environment. We’d also point out that this monitor refreshes at 75Hz with a 4ms response time (G2G), meaning it isn’t totally hopeless for gaming. Calibrating the AOC Q27P2Q improved the dE average to 0.78 which is excellent for a budget monitor. However, basic use doesn’t necessitate it since the improvements won’t be as profound or noticeable. Those who work with color might need it, but the cost of the colorimeter and this monitor can buy a better-tuned model like the BenQ SW2700PT.There's an argument to be made that a 4K resolution doesn't make a whole lot of difference at a 27-inch size, but Windows and macOS will scale their interfaces accordingly. We spent several hours writing up this review on the monitor, with no eye strain or fatigue at all. It’s generally accepted that 27in is the sweet spot for 1440p monitors, but anywhere down to 24in is also perfectly good for working or casual gaming. WQHD gaming monitors will almost always measure 27in across the diagonal. It’s simply a matter of preference and available space. AOC’s USB-C equipped P2 displays: UHD or QHD resolution, smart and functional design, ergonomic stands From a practical standpoint, the EX3210R is fairly basic, with no extra ports beyond the HDMI and DP video ports and a stand that provides height adjustment, swivel and tilt. That’s alright by us, though: this is a gaming monitor, after all. Hook it up to a mid-range rig and you won’t be disappointed – especially at this price. You will occasionally find 1440p VA LCD panels, particularly if you’re looking for cheap gaming monitors. These offer fantastic contrast and good colours but weaker viewing angles and higher response times than IPS.

In keeping with everything else about this 4K monitor, the on-screen menu is business-like and functional. It's operated via four rather sombre and utilitarian buttons on the bottom edge of the display, giving you control over input selection, contrast, brightness, colour temperature, the picture-in-picture mode, and plenty more besides. It's all very straightforward and simple to operate. It’s also great to see such a strong selection of ports. Many similar monitors settle for either USB-C or a USB hub, but rarely both. The fact that two USB ports are mounted on the side of the monitor for easy access is also a huge plus.Adjustability: Ideally, you want a monitor on a stand that can rise/sink, pivot, swivel and tilt. You can make do with a cheaper, less adjustable stand if you’re prepared to wedge books or similar underneath, but it’s nowhere near as convenient or stable as a proper stand. The 27” AOC U27P2CA also employs a 4K resolution panel, but this time with an IPS panel. The extra sharpness due to the higher pixel density on a smaller frame size and the increased colour accuracy make the monitor truly shine by offering true-to-life imagery with its wide gamut coverage. Similar to its 32” cousin, the U27P2CA also offers a Picture-by-Picture mode.

Build quality for the AOC Q27P2Q is great since there are no signs of weaknesses or cosmetic defects once it’s out of the box. The plastics feel durable enough to last a few years, and the monitor itself feels sufficiently reinforced when fully assembled. The stand doesn’t wobble, so you can type vigorously without getting dizzied by a shaking screen. The AOC Q27P2Q is a great choice if you want a reliable screen that will not disappoint when it comes to color quality. The screen is ready to use right away thanks to its superb factory calibration, but you can get more out of it if you have a colorimeter. Its also well-designed and equipped for the price point, ensuring that every dollar you spend is worth it. The BenQ Mobiuz EX3210R is an incredibly solid 32in curved gaming monitor with good credentials and an even better price tag. This 1440p, 165Hz VA monitor performed well on test, delivering a wide gamut of colours accurately. Contrast and brightness are both good, although the entry-level HDR 400 certification is best ignored – you won’t notice much of a change. But that’s okay: this is a vibrant monitor, and an immersive one too, thanks to that aggressive 1800R curvature. AOC expands its professional P2 line-up of business monitors with four new displays in 27” (68.6 cm) and 32” (80 cm) sizes. Each of the new monitors employs USB-C connectivity for a single cable connection to laptops, tablets and mobile devices to simultaneously transfer the video signal, power and data to connected SSD or hard drives. Aimed at business users who require large screens with high resolutions to display multiple applications at once, the 32” U32P2CA and the 27” U27P2CA boast ultra-sharp 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), while the 32” Q32P2CA and the 27” Q27P2CA have a native resolution of QHD (2560 x 1440). AOC’s USB-C equipped P2 displays: UHD or QHD resolution, smart and functional design, ergonomic standsLong story short: the 27-inch AOC U27P2CA wants to give you a 4K screen for your home office or your actual office for as little money as possible. It brings with it a number of useful features without dazzling in terms of its performance or the picture it produces. The 27” AOC U27P2CA also employs a 4K resolution panel, but this time with an IPS panel. The extra sharpness due to the higher pixel density on a smaller frame size and the increased colour accuracy make the monitor truly shine by offering true-to-life imagery with its wide gamut coverage. Similar to its 32” cousin, the U27P2CA also offers a Picture-by-Picture mode. The new monitor offers two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort connection, and four USB 3.2 Type-A connections. Additionally, AOC has included a USB Type-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt and USB Power Delivery up to 65 W. AOC Q27P2CA is also equipped with dual speakers. All models are 100 x 100 mm VESA mount compatible and include a fully ergonomic stand with 150 mm height adjustment, 90° pivot orientation and a wide tilt and swivel range. The 32” models boast two 3W speakers, while the 27” employ two 2W speakers. All models feature 3.5 mm headphone connections as well. There are four USB-A ports, including two mounted on the side for easy access. The USB-C port, meanwhile, is capable of delivering 65W of power and carrying a video signal at the same time, so you can charge your laptop while using the Q27P2CA as a second monitor.

When we put the Q27P2CA through its paces, it produced a great set of results, indicating that the panel is colourful (max 134% sRGB coverage) and accurate (an average Delta E of 1.16 in sRGB mode). It’s bright and punchy, too – suitable for any working environment from well-lit kitchens to dingy makeshift offices.Screen size (inch) 27, Panel resolution 2560x1440, Refresh rate 75 Hz, Panel type IPS, USB-C connectivity USB-C 3.2 x 1 (DP alt mode, upstream, power delivery up to 65 W), HDMI HDMI 1.4 x 2, Display Port DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, D-SUB (VGA) 0x, DVI 0x, Sync technology (VRR) Adaptive Sync While the upgrade might sound appealing at first, it’s worth bearing in mind a couple of key caveats. The first is that this monitor is a bit more expensive than its lower-res sibling; the second is that at only 27in across the diagonal, the benefits of a 4K resolution are less pronounced than they are at larger screen sizes. On paper, the AOC U27P2CA is identical in almost every way to its sibling, the AOC Q27P2CA, but one: this monitor has a 4K panel, while the Q27P2CA settles for 1440p. All that translates into a picture that's very comfortable to look at, and of course very sharp. We tested the monitor with office applications, movies and games, and had no complaints – this is one of those products that isn't best in class but that's perfectly good for most people, and that's reflected in the price. We've seen panels with brighter, more vivid, more accurate colours, for example, but they're also going to cost you more.