As one of ASUS’ great gaming monitors (another one of which is the ASUS ROG PG279Q), the ASUS ROG Strix XG438Q combines a 4K HDR non-glare display with a two 10W speakers, a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, and G Sync compatibility to come in at #3 on our best 120hz gaming monitor list. Find out if it makes our best gaming monitor list too.
Why We Like It – Asus ROG Strix XG438Q
The ASUS ROG Strix XG438Q is a non-curved large gaming monitor with a 4K HDR VA panel that is perfect for both gaming & viewing HDR content.
- Excellent Color Performance & Contrast Ratio For A Gaming Display
- G Sync Compatible
- Has Game Fast Input Technology To Reduce Input Lag
- No Batteries Are Included For The Remote Control
- 4ms Response Time
Performance
If you choose this gaming monitor, expect nothing but great things. The 4K (3840 x 2160) screen display has a high refresh rate of 120Hz (up to 144Hz), a 90% DCI P3 color gamut, and uses a combination of FreeSync 2 HDR & DisplayHDR 600 to deliver the smoothest, tear, and stutter-free visuals possible. It also utilizes GameFast Input Technology to improve response time when you’re playing fast-paced games. While it does have a headphone jack, you won’t have to use it as ASUS has also included two 10W internal speakers on this monitor.
Related: Check out our LG 24ML600M-B review if you like monitors with high refresh rates.
Viewing Angle
The monitor has the standard wide viewing angle range of 178° vertically and 178° horizontally. Unlike many other monitors (such as the Alienware AW3420DW), this one is not curved, so it won’t provide an immersive experience like a curved design would. The VA panel has a contrast ratio of 4000:1, uses ultra-low blue light technology to reduce eye strain, and offers 9 preset HDR modes options to choose from, in addition to a variety of adjustable settings such as maximum brightness and Dynamic dimming. You can also use SDR mode instead of an HDR mode for content. This just might be a top monitor for Xbox Series X.
Durability
Dark plastic is used to cover the back of the ASUS XG438Q and is designed with the Republic Of Gamers in mind. A removable panel on the back of the monitor is used to cover the monitor’s various connection ports and doubles as a cable routing channel. The monitor is compatible with a 100x100mm VESA Wall Mount, but you will have to buy this separately. The ROG Strix only comes with a three-legged stand (two long ones in the front and a short one in the back), but this will easily support the monitor.
Related: Also check out our Benq Zowie XL2540 review.
Ports & Expandability
Behind the removable plastic panel on the back of this monitor, you will find one Displayport, three HDMI ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and a 3.5mm audio out plug. The ASUS ROG Strix XG438Q also comes with an RGB projector that is powered via USB and is controlled with ASUS Aura Sync. This is a fun little add-on that will project the ROG logo on a surface of your choice, although you don’t need to use it. Also, this monitor has two built-in 10W speakers if you don’t feel like wearing headphones.
Value
No ROG Strix XG438Q review would be complete without a price evaluation, so is this monitor worth the $1,099.99 it demands? Well, we do think it’s a worthwhile monitor but it is priced a bit high. A solid cheaper widescreen option is the AOC AGON AG493UCX 49″ Curved Immersive Gaming Monitor. However, the XG438Q does have free shipping, although there is no specific manufacturers’ warranty offered and you will have to pay extra to return this item. Still, this type of gaming monitor scores a 4.5 out of 5-stars based on 139 Amazon reviews, so you shouldn’t have to worry about returning it.
ASUS ROG Strix XG438Q Wrap Up
The ASUS ROG Strix XG438Q is a tad pricey at just about $1,100, but it offers a 4K HDR display on a non-curved screen, which is something that sets it apart from the other top monitors. We liked that the speakers were 10W (instead of 2W or 5W), and even though it is a bit tacky, the ROG projector definitely adds a bit of character to the monitor overall.
