HP Omen 27qs G2 27-inch QHD 280 Hz gaming monitor review: Reference-level video and color

HP delivers reference-quality color and speedy gameplay with the Omen 27qs G2.

HP Omen 27qs G2
Editor's Choice
(Image: © 3DTested)

Why you can trust 3DTested Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

With so much attention focused on OLEDs of late, it’s a little harder to find a high-performance 27-inch LCD panel for less than $500. But if you have $450 to spend, the HP Omen 27qs G2 is a great choice that also delivers a great picture.

HP Omen 27qs G2

(Image credit: HP)

For gaming, the Omen 27qs G2 is at the top of its class. With 280 Hz, it’s smoother than the competition and to that, it adds a precise overdrive for near elimination of motion blur. It also has the best MPRT backlight strobe I’ve seen yet, with no trace of the phasing artifact that is often a deal-breaker. You can use the G2 with systems on middle to high performance levels and enjoy high motion resolution and quick response.

Picture quality is top-notch, like any HP monitor, with accurate color out of the box and pro-level results from calibration. Color covers more of DCI-P3 than most of its competitors, over 93% in my tests, and there’s an easy-to-reach sRGB mode for those color-specific tasks. The only thing I wished for was extra gamma presets, but the default setting is right on the 2.2. Reference.

(Image credit: 3DTested)

I was also impressed by the Omen 27qs G2’s audio quality. That’s not something I usually find worthy of comment, but HP has done a great job with the internal speakers. Not only is there plenty of distortion-free volume available, but quieter levels are super clear and dynamic with a wide sound stage. That makes the G2 great for any kind of gaming or entertainment.

There’s nothing to complain about here. The Omen 27qs G2 is a superb gaming and all-around display that costs less than a similarly spec’d OLED. For $450 at this writing, you’re getting a lot for the money. Those who can’t quite come up with $600 for an OLED should definitely check it out.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor