The HP Omen 32q is a very affordable display for gamers who want a larger screen and resolution that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Its $350 usually pays for a high-speed 1080p or a budget-oriented 27-inch alternative, so it can be considered a steal. However, there will be some omissions to help it be very competitive in its cutthroat segment, so let’s give it a closer look.
HP Omen 32q Specifications
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 1ms MPRT
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 400 cd/m2
- Speakers: None
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 2, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions (WxHxD) 28.09″ x 24.36″ x 9.58″
- Weight: 19.8 lbs
Design and Features
The HP Omen 32q still belongs to the Omen line, but it isn’t as flashy as the older models. The monitor has a matte black finish, and it doesn’t come with RGB lights like the HP Omen 27k. The screen’s bezels were made to be as thin as possible, making this low-priced option suitable for a triple display setup.
It’s larger than your average monitor, so you may have to make room for it if there are more than the usual peripherals on your desk. Its base needs almost ten inches of depth, but at least it’s flat, so it can be used as a platform for phones or smaller gadgets. The whole package weighs 19.8 pounds, so you can move it around easily enough.
It’s a budget model, but its build quality is comparable with some of the premium options out there. The plastics used are thick and sturdy, and there were no cosmetic defects on any of its parts. The included stand isn’t the most stable, but it can keep the large display upright reliably.
The HP Omen 32q took the “budget” character too seriously since creature comforts like joysticks are not included. You are left with a few buttons for the OSD, so it may take some practice and more effort to master. Joysticks are essential for users who like to calibrate often, but its omission is acceptable if the monitor is extra cheap.
The stand included in the package offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort. This is a considerable convenience for gamers since ergonomic stands are not usually included in budget models. You can use VESA mounts, but there is very little reason to spend the extra for it.
Another simplified aspect of the HP Omen 32q to cut the pricing is its connectivity layout. The I/O only includes DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, along with a 3.5mm jack for earphones. Some options have USB ports, but all that can do is help with cable management.
It also doesn’t have speakers, but that’s okay since it’s better to use headphones for immersive entertainment. It would be nice to have extras, but built-ins usually don’t sound good enough for entertainment purposes.
Display and Performance
The HP Omen 32q sports a 32-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms boosted response time. The backlight has a 400 cd/m2 output, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1 like most IPS monitors. This model is HDR 400-certified, but we all know how limited that is when it comes to true HDR performance.
32-inch 1440p monitors have about the same pixel density as a 24-inch 1080p model. However, it’s clearer and crisper than the latter since the extra pixel count is still there. You will need a more powerful GPU for consistent frames, but it’s not going to be as demanding as a 4K variant.
The HP Omen 32q covers 97% sRGB and 71% of the DCI-P3 color space, so it is not the most vibrant out there. Its default accuracy had a deltaE average of 1.98, so it is decent and neutral out of the box. Most gamers won’t mind, but professionals will need a better output from the monitor.
Calibrating it reduced the deltaE average to 0.94, making it suitable for editing work and content creation. The downside is that you will need a colorimeter to achieve the same results since every panel is different. We don’t recommend doing it unless you are into color-critical work, plus getting a better display should be your priority for that.
Its backlight reached 377 cd/m2 in SDR, but it peaked at 419 cd/m2 when its HDR mode kicked in. That’s plenty for daily use, but it is not enough to extend the screen’s dynamic range. You need a brighter output and local dimming, but those are usually found on models that have four-digit price tags.
Its panel uniformity needs some improvement since it had some backlight leaks at the top edge. They showed up as clouding in dark scenes, but lighter backgrounds, such as browsers, are not as affected. Note that this can change with every unit made due to manufacturing tolerances, so there are better ones out there.
The HP Omen 32q redeems its limitations with excellent motion handling and pixel response time. It is smooth as butter and has minimal blurring, so you only need to add a modest amount of overdrive. You can get a VA alternative for the same price, but it will be slower regarding transitions.
The HP Omen 32q is compatible with both FreeSync and G-sync for stutter and tear-free gaming. It is essential to have dual compatibility so you don’t have to ditch the monitor when you go with the other GPU brand. Input lag sits at 4ms at 165Hz, so it’s as fast as the popular gaming variants out there.
Thoughts on the HP Omen 32q
The HP Omen 32q is a nice pick if you have your heart set on a larger screen but would rather save some money in the process. You get a 32-inch QHD screen for the price of a 240Hz 1080p model. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles, but it’s built well, and it includes a fully-adjustable stand.
However, some of the panel’s qualities, like its gamut coverage, feel like it’s from the mid-2010s. It is not as vibrant as identical options like the Cooler Master GM32-FQ, but to be fair, this option is much cheaper. It’s a decent pick, but there are more capable options if you are willing to spend a bit more.
Pros:
- Affordable 165Hz 1440p Gaming Monitor
- Decent Color Performance
- Great Build Quality
Cons:
- Missing Creature Comforts
- Limited Gamut Coverage Compared to Alternatives
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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