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Conclusion
Most of the monitors we review have some special feature that sets them apart from the competition, and some even create new categories. But most users just want a competent display with good picture quality, decent pixel density, and a low price. The Q2781PQ offers all of that in a 27” IPS screen with appealing styling, solid build quality, and good value. The only thing you should take with a grain of salt is the “bezel-free” claim.
We’re not sure how many users care about the size of a monitor’s bezel, but it seems whenever we review a monitor like this, some readers comment that the panel isn’t truly frameless. Even though AOC uses the term, its website photos clearly show a bezel. At just 8mm however, it is the narrowest one we’ve measured and is discretely hidden behind the anti-glare layer for a minimalist appearance. Coupled with a super-slim panel and a spindly-looking, but solid base, the Q2781PQ should have no trouble fitting in with modern desktops that eschew the clutter of papers and objects. It’s easy to imagine a modern, wireless keyboard and mouse sitting in front of the monitor along with a tiny cube PC or a tower hidden on the floor. I think it looks great with the mini-ITX Thermaltake Core V1 system I just built.
AOC markets the Q2781PQ as part of its style line, but cuts no corners when it comes to performance or accuracy. It will require a bit of effort to extract optimal image quality but it’s acceptable without adjustment. Calibration of the User color temp and a change to gamma is all that’s needed to put it in the realm of professional displays.
Gamers may be shopping elsewhere for higher refresh rates and adaptive-sync, but casual players who don’t want to spend a lot of money, or accept a TN screen, may find what they’re looking for here. Input lag won’t break records at 63ms, but it is lower than nearly all the 60Hz QHD displays in our database.
The panel is the best part of the Q2781PQ. With a high-quality part from LG Display and 2560x1440 resolution, those willing to spend around $350 will be hard-pressed to find a better monitor. What we have here is a product that meets its design goals and delivers exactly what’s promised for a reasonable price. It won’t be a benchmark for future displays, but it will satisfy users who just need a good screen. For its solid performance, styling, and build quality, we’re giving the AOC Q2781PQ our Tom’s Hardware Editor Recommended Award.
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