ASUS MS27UC

The ASUS MS27UC is a 4K Google TV monitor with USB-C docking and decent speakers, but its picture quality, HDR, and gaming performance all rank below average in our database. At 558 EUR, it's hard to recommend unless you specifically need a desk display that doubles as a streaming device. Most buyers will get more for their money from a dedicated TV or gaming monitor.

The 4K IPS panel covers 99% sRGB, which sounds fine until you realize that's table stakes for a monitor in this price range. HDR performance lands at the 13th percentile, so don't expect any meaningful high dynamic range punch. The two 5-watt front speakers are Harman-certified, but audio also scores at the 13th percentile, which tells you the certification is doing more marketing work than acoustic work. Gaming at the 18th percentile means casual play is fine, but serious gamers will feel the lack of high refresh rates and fast response times. The USB-C port with 90W power delivery is genuinely useful for laptop users, but the overall connectivity score of 7th percentile suggests the port selection isn't as generous as the marketing copy implies.

Stacked against the LG C5 OLED, Sony BRAVIA 5, or Samsung Neo QLED QN70F, the MS27UC gets outclassed in picture quality, HDR, and smart features. Those are proper TVs with proper TV performance. The TCL QM8K and Hisense U8 also deliver significantly better HDR and gaming performance for similar or less money. Where the ASUS has an edge is the monitor form factor and USB-C connectivity, which none of those TVs offer. But that's a narrow advantage when the core viewing experience falls this far behind.

At 558 EUR in Germany, this is a tough sell. You're paying TV money for a monitor that doesn't match the picture quality of dedicated TVs in the same range. The Google TV integration and USB-C docking are nice conveniences, but they don't justify the price when the core display performance is below average. If you specifically need a 4K monitor that can also stream content without extra hardware, it might make sense. For everyone else, there are better ways to spend 558 EUR.

The ASUS MS27UC is a 27-inch 4K monitor that wants to be your living room TV. It runs Google TV, packs a pair of Harman-certified speakers, and has enough ports to double as a docking station. On paper, that's a neat trick. In practice, it's a monitor trying to play TV and not quite nailing either role.

Our database puts this thing in a rough spot. Picture quality sits at the 36th percentile, display at 28th, and gaming at 18th. The smart features and connectivity are even lower, both at the 7th percentile. That's not a great look for a product whose whole pitch is being a smart, connected display.

Skip this if you care about HDR, high refresh rate gaming, or overall picture quality. The 13th percentile HDR score means movies and games with dark scenes will look flat and washed out compared to even budget TVs. If you're buying for a living room, get a TCL QM8K or Hisense U8 instead. If you're buying for gaming, get a proper gaming monitor with a high refresh rate. This thing is for desk jockeys who want streaming convenience, not for anyone chasing image quality.

This is for a specific buyer: someone who wants a 4K display on their desk that can also stream Netflix without a separate box, and who plans to plug in a laptop via USB-C. If that's you, the MS27UC does the job, just without much flair. If you want a TV for your living room, buy an actual TV. If you want a gaming monitor, buy a gaming monitor. This sits awkwardly between both worlds and doesn't excel at either.