Acer 27" WQHD 240Hz Gaming Monitor Review & Verdict
Digging into user feedback, the Acer 27" WQHD 240Hz Gaming Monitor earns a conditional score of 8.3/10. The monitor’s high refresh rate and strong color performance win praise from competitive gamers and visual content creators alike, but persistent complaints about firmware quirks, HDR limitations, and panel-specific issues suggest it’s not a universal fit. While OLED variants like the Predator X27U deliver “deep blacks, vibrant colors, and incredibly sharp detail” according to a verified Best Buy buyer, IPS-based Nitro XV2 models split opinion with some users citing “dull colors” and “ghosting” at high refresh rates.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 240Hz refresh rate provides ultra-smooth gameplay | Firmware quirks (settings resetting, panel refresh prompts) |
| Strong color accuracy and wide gamut coverage | HDR performance underwhelms compared to HDR600+ monitors |
| Adjustable ergonomic stand | Ghosting issues reported on IPS models |
| Solid build quality and sleek design | Panel-specific issues like gray banding on OLED |
| Multiple connectivity options including HDMI 2.1 | Bright-room performance weaker on OLED |
| Low input lag ideal for competitive play | Pixel refresh interruptions every 4 hours |
Claims vs Reality
Acer markets the Nitro XV272U and Predator X27U as top-tier gaming displays that combine WQHD resolution with up to 240Hz refresh rates, low response times, and premium color reproduction. Official specs tout AMD FreeSync Premium, HDR400 certification, and “lifelike images” for immersive gameplay.
Users largely confirm the refresh rate claim, with multiple Best Buy reviewers calling 240Hz “buttery smooth” and “effortless” for fast-paced games. OLED owners highlight “no motion blur whatsoever” and “perfect motion resolution,” echoing Tom’s Hardware’s assertion that the X27U has “no trickery, no overdrive, and no strobing.”
However, Acer’s HDR400 marketing runs into the reality of user expectations. Reddit discussions and Tom’s Hardware testing note that while the OLED panel can peak at 600 nits in certain scenarios, it lacks the dimming zones and brightness headroom of HDR600+ competitors. As one Reddit user put it, “a display of this calibre… have no HDR capability worth talking about… seems a bit of a waste.”
Color accuracy claims hold up better. Verified buyers and reviewers report “pro-level accuracy once calibrated” and “super vibrant” colors, though some IPS Nitro owners complain of “dull” reproduction without calibration, and one Fakespot-sourced comment warns “colors aren’t very vibrant at all.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Trustpilot, Best Buy, and Reddit, the unanimous applause lands on motion performance. Competitive FPS players benefit most, with a Best Buy reviewer noting that 1440p OLED at 240Hz “makes gameplay feel so effortless,” and Tom’s Hardware calling the X27U “the most responsive OLED I’ve played on.” Low input lag readings (around 19ms in testing) translate to precise control, a selling point for esports-level play.
Color reproduction is another highlight, especially for content creators. OLED users rave about “deep blacks, vibrant colors, and incredibly sharp detail,” with one buyer saying it’s “suitable for any professional application” after calibration. IPS Nitro models still deliver strong sRGB coverage, making them serviceable for non-HDR creative work.
The ergonomics also earn consistent praise. Adjustable height, tilt, swivel, and pivot allow desk setups to adapt to gaming marathons or design work. “Monitor has a sleek base… can even go up and down,” said a Best Buy customer, while Tom’s Hardware described the X27U’s stand as “high-quality all the way.”
Common Complaints
The most polarizing issue is firmware behavior on OLED units: the mandatory 4-hour pixel refresh prompt interrupts sessions. “It is annoying and you can’t turn it off,” warns one Best Buy reviewer, with others noting multiple interruptions per day.
IPS Nitro models draw criticism for ghosting at advertised refresh rates. A Fakespot-cited buyer said, “at 165Hz the ghosting is so bad that… I might as well be blind.” This undermines Acer’s claim of “0.5ms” response times, showing variance between panel technologies.
HDR limitations frustrate users who expect more from a premium price point. One Reddit user compared it unfavorably to Samsung’s Odyssey G7, which offers HDR600 and higher contrast. Bright-room performance also divides opinion; OLED excels in dark environments but loses impact under strong ambient light.
Divisive Features
HDMI 2.1 support is a flashpoint. Some buyers celebrate the inclusion, saying “even has an option in the settings to turn the 2.1 on/off,” while others return the monitor after receiving older HDMI 2.0 models. Console gamers relying on HDMI 2.1 VRR need to verify specs before purchase.
USB-C video input is appreciated by multi-device users, but its implementation isn’t widely documented. One Best Buy reviewer discovered it via the “AltDP” setting, questioning why Acer doesn’t advertise it more prominently.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Best Buy reviews indicate solid build quality and consistent panel performance over the first months of ownership. “Haven’t had any problems with burn-in,” says a Best Buy buyer after extended use, suggesting Acer’s OLED protection measures are effective despite their intrusiveness.
However, there are cases of receiving older models or non-matching specs. One buyer returned their unit after being sent an HDMI 2.0 variant despite being promised HDMI 2.1. This underscores the need for careful vendor selection and spec confirmation.
Long-term reliability data is sparse, but Reddit’s monitor community notes that OLED panels require careful use to avoid degradation, and firmware quirks have yet to be fully ironed out across revisions.
Alternatives
Reddit comparisons frequently pit Acer’s offerings against Samsung’s Odyssey G7 and LG’s UltraGear series. The G7 is credited with “good speed, strong contrast performance, and HDR600 implementation,” making it appealing for users prioritizing HDR and curved displays. LG’s 27GL850-B, while limited to 144Hz, is praised for consistent IPS color and less aggressive firmware.
Tom’s Hardware points to ASUS PG279QM as a competitive option that uses the same panel as Acer Predator but with variable overdrive for G-Sync users, eliminating locked overdrive concerns seen in Acer models.
Price & Value
Community discussions highlight frequent sales as a major draw. The Predator X27U has been spotted at $489 on Newegg, down from $599–$699, with eBay refurbished listings around $496. Buyers often call it “absolutely worth it” at sale prices, with one noting a $400 discount as the tipping point.
Resale value appears stable for OLED units given their scarcity, but IPS Nitro models see steeper depreciation due to competition in the midrange segment. Savvy buyers recommend waiting for seasonal discounts or verified refurb deals to maximize value.
FAQ
Q: Does the Acer 27" WQHD 240Hz Gaming Monitor support HDMI 2.1?
A: Certain models, like the latest Predator X27U, do. However, some buyers report receiving HDMI 2.0 versions. Always confirm the exact model number and port specs before purchase.
Q: How often does the OLED panel run pixel refresh?
A: Every 4 hours of use, a prompt appears requiring a brief refresh cycle. It cannot be disabled and may interrupt gameplay or work.
Q: Is HDR performance good on these monitors?
A: OLED units look vibrant in HDR but are limited by HDR400 certification, lacking the brightness and dimming zones of HDR600+ competitors. IPS Nitro models also carry HDR400, with similar limitations.
Q: Are there ghosting issues?
A: IPS Nitro models have reports of ghosting at high refresh rates, especially above 165Hz. OLED panels do not exhibit this issue.
Q: Can it connect via USB-C for video?
A: Yes, on models with USB-C ports, enabling “AltDP” allows video input, supporting up to 240Hz.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a competitive gamer or creative professional seeking top-tier motion clarity and color accuracy, and can tolerate OLED’s maintenance prompts or IPS’s occasional ghosting. Avoid if HDR performance is critical or interruptions during long sessions are unacceptable. Pro tip from the community: verify HDMI 2.1 support before purchase and watch for seasonal sales to secure the best value.
