The HP OMEN 27qs is a 240Hz 1440p gaming monitor with a reduced price tag that doesn’t omit essential features. It’s not as flashy as the older OMEN displays, but it makes up for that by using a Fast IPS panel compared to the VA modules used on the older generation. Let’s take a closer look to gauge what we can expect if we choose to spend less on a 240Hz variant.
HP OMEN 27qs Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
- Response Time: 1ms MPRT
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 400 cd/m² (600 cd/m²)
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 3 Watts)
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot– Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB 3.2 x 2, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions With Stand (WxHxD): 24.161″ x 20.6″ x 7.6″
- Weight: 17.42 lbs
Design and Features
The HP OMEN 27qs uses a simpler aesthetic, but that always works in favor of most users. The monitor has a matte black finish, so it won’t clash with either workstations or themed gaming setups. The display is bezel-free on three sides, but you will still see inner borders like with most available monitors today.
It is not gigantic by today’s standards, but those with non-regular-sized desks and plenty of peripherals may face some placement issues. It’s a little over 2 feet wide, but it’s only 7.6 inches deep, so shallow surfaces shouldn’t be a problem. It’s slightly heavier than similar monitors at 17.42 pounds, but we still think that it is portable enough.
The HP OMEN 27qs’s build quality is great even if it doesn’t belong in the high-end segment. The plastics used are thick and sturdy, plus there were no cosmetic defects on any of its parts. The included stand is firm and stable, so the screen won’t sag or wobble in the middle of an intense session.
The HP OMEN 27qs has a d-pad at the back and a dedicated power button instead of a joystick. It is not as tactile as the latter, but it is easier to use and takes less time to master and manipulate versus mushy keys. You have to reach in quite a bit to get to it, but that’s a minor inconvenience.
The included stand for the 27qs offers tilt, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. Comfortable viewing angles are doable, although multi-monitor setups might be tougher to do since you can’t swing the screen from left to right. A VESA mount can be used for that, but that’s an added cost that only becomes necessary in select instances.
The HP OMEN 27qs is a budget model, but it has a decent I/O layout compared to some of its competitors. It has DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 slots, and two usable USB 3.2 ports, along with a 3.5mm jack. It could use HDMI 2.1 or USB-C for better functionality with other devices, but it’s understandable that they are not present.
HP squeezed in a pair of 3-watt speakers for basic audio purposes such as background music. They are not powerful enough for games and movies, plus they distort when the volume level is too high. However, it is always nice to have more add-ons, even if the product deserves headphones for immersion and focus.
Display and Performance
The HP OMEN 27qs sports a 27-inch Fast IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms MPRT response time. The backlight has a 400 cd/m2 output while the contrast is listed at 1000:1. The monitor is rated for DisplayHDR 400 performance, but we all know how limited it is in producing desired effects.
27-inch 1440p monitors are very popular because they are the sweet spot of the gaming monitor business. Their pixel density is an upgrade over long-standing 1080p models, but they aren’t as demanding as a 4K screen. You will need more GPU horsepower to maximize it, but you can get away with most top three or so cards.
The HP OMEN 27qs covers 100% sRGB and 92% DCI-P3 coverage for great vibrancy in games and movies. Its default accuracy had a deltaE average of 2.06, so it already balanced out of the box. Most users won’t need to do much to get it ready for gaming, so it’s a considerable bonus for a budget model.
Calibrating it reduced the dE average to 1.16, which is more neutral for daily use. It is not a whole world of improvement, but it makes the monitor usable for content creation and some editing. However, you will need a colorimeter to achieve this, and those are not cheap or practical if you are only gaming.
The HP OMEN 27qs’s brightness reached 421 cd/m2 in SDR, and it peaks at 566 cd/m2 when its HDR mode is active. It also has local dimming, but its zones are so limited that it only causes clouding. The screen’s contrast isn’t great as well since it only managed to produce 1022:1 at 40% brightness.
Panel uniformity for the test sample was okay for the most part until the local dimming mode kicked in. There are no backlight leaks that produce noticeable clouding, but dark scenes in HDR looked like it was all over the place. The panel can vary, but the terrible local dimming can’t be changed by manufacturing tolerances.
The HP OMEN 27qs’s pixel response time is excellent, making it highly suitable for games like Valorant or Apex Legends. It barely shows any trails or ghosting, unlike its VA counterparts, which were rife with it. Setting the overdrive to its level 3 setting is the best option since it improves upon this performance without adding overshoot.
The HP OMEN 27qs is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync for tear and stutter-free gaming. Dual compatibility enhances the value per dollar ratio of any gaming monitor since you can keep it and VRR functionality even if you upgrade to the other GPU brand. Its input lag sits at 3ms at 240Hz, making it one of the best options for E-Sports in its price group.
Thoughts on the HP OMEN 27qs
The HP OMEN 27qs is a fantastic choice for gamers who want speed and affordability in one package. Its IPS panel shows great color quality and responsiveness, so it’s perfect for immersive and competitive gaming. It’s built and designed well, even if it is missing some essential add-ons.
What ruins its excellence is its dismal HDR performance, which we usually don’t mind on other options. Its local dimming capability simply ruins the screen’s uniformity, so most gamers will probably ignore it. However, it’s still an excellent buy beyond that for gamers who want lightning-fast performance and eye-popping color.
Pros:
- Excellent Color Quality
- Very Affordable for 240Hz 1440p
- Fast and Responsive
- FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible
Cons:
- Terrible HDR Performance
- NO USB-C or HDMI 2.1
About the Author: 
Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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