HP Omen 27u Review: Slick Style And 144Hz 4K Performance

The HP Omen 27u is a 27-inch IPS Ultra HD gaming monitor with 144 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR, HDMI 2.1 and extended color.

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HP Omen 27u
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(Image: © HP)

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Now that some 240 Hz QHD and 144 Hz UHD monitors are selling for similar prices, the choice comes down to frame rate versus resolution. If you have a console, resolution will probably be the higher priority since it maxes out at 120 Hz. The only box to check then is HDMI 2.1. Some UHD screens have it, and some do not.

The HP Omen 27u has HDMI 2.1 and a host of other attractive features along with a superb image and solid gaming performance. And it delivers all of that in a well-built and stylish package for $700. That’s a premium price but not quite at the level of the bleeding edge screens with full-array backlights and Mini LED.

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

My favorite aspect of the Omen 27u is its color accuracy. With no adjustments, in its default picture mode, it aced my grayscale, gamma and gamut tests with errors well under 2dE. And it did this for SDR and HDR content. It truly earns the moniker “factory calibrated.” Add in a large color gamut with nearly 91% coverage of DCI-P3, and you have a great-looking and colorful monitor. And its contrast is quite good, with around 1,100:1 for SDR and over 6,400:1 for HDR.

Gaming was a pleasurable experience with decent overdrive and flawless Adaptive-Sync. MPRT blur reduction is also well implemented. Though it can’t be used with AS, it effectively increases motion resolution with only the occasional frame tear. The only enhancement I didn’t care for was Edge Precision which caused ringing in moving images. What would I add here? Just an sRGB mode to give users a choice. As awesome as the Omen 27u’s color is, one should be able to choose sRGB for SDR content if they want it.

If you’re looking to go Ultra HD for well under $1,000, the HP Omen 27u has excellent image quality with solid gaming performance, build quality and styling. With HDMI 2.1 included, it covers PC and console gaming with equal competence.

Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

3 Comments Comment from the forums
  • cknobman
    Mfg's should not be allowed to label something "HDR" with an edge lit panel and no local dimming.
    It's fake "HDR" at best.
    Reply
  • wifiburger
    700$ is one garbage price to pay to get 144hz at 4k

    there's no way 144hz cost them more vs a 60hz model to make; it's pure price gauging

    It's been 7+ years and we're still at 700$+ for high refresh 4k; I just don't buy it:rolleyes:
    Reply
  • NormaBATES007
    32 ms input lag?? You sure?? I just bought it but I'm going to return the bloody thing. That is way too slow. Who wants 32 ms input lag! What monitor has 32 ms input lag these days? Ouch!! Or did you meant 3.2 ms. Cause 3.2 or 32 is a huge difference!
    If this is a mistake I would change it in the article cause no one will buy this monitor. I almost got a heart attack reading this! Going to return it.. This is bad if 32 ms input lag is the real thing..
    Reply