Are there any alternatives?

Absolutely, the $300 gaming monitor segment isn’t lacking for competition. Gigabyte’s G27Q comes with an IPS panel with greater color coverage, but you’ll sacrifice the curve and deep blacks. For hardly any extra money you can get the same Acer monitor but in the 32-inch format for more immersion, or if you’re looking to spend a little less, you could contemplate Asus’ TUF Gaming VG27VH1B as it has a lower resolution and will therefore also be less demanding on your graphics card. Similarly, Acer also sells the 27-inch Predator Z1, which comes in at a similar price tag, but drops the resolution to Full HD and has a refresh rate of 144Hz. It’s also a 4-year-old model at this point.

　　Double your budget, and you can grab Samsung’s 1000R Curved G7, but that monitor, despite its unrivaled performance in games comes with shortcomings that might leave you feeling salty about having spent as much as it costs.

　　Overall, I feel like Acer’s XZ272U strikes a balance between price and performance that’s likely to please the greatest audience.

　　

How long will it last?

Unless you end up with a lemon, we expect Acer’s XZ272U to last as long as any monitor should nowadays: Five years at minimum, and Acer will protect your purchase for a warranty period of three years.

　　

Should I buy it?

Yes. If you need a monitor for gaming and general office work, the Acer XZ272U is likely to keep you happy for years to come.