We’ve explored a range of flagship gaming and productivity monitors on this blog, from premium brands like Samsung and LG—often costing £1,000 or more. So when AOC reached out with their AGON Pro AG326UD, a gaming monitor priced at less than half of those flagship models, I was intrigued to see how it would measure up against the competition.
This post dives into everything you need to know about this monitor, from its specs and performance to its design and any features it may be missing. If you’re considering upgrading your gaming or productivity setup without breaking the bank, read on.
Unboxing and Setup
The unboxing experience is straightforward, with all accessories conveniently placed on top of the monitor. The package includes:
- VESA mount for arm setups
- USB, HDMI, and DisplayPort cables
- Power supply (integrated into the monitor)
- Screws for assembly
- User manual and paperwork
Attaching the stand requires a bit of effort, as it uses screws rather than a screwless design. While the included screwdriver was a bit fiddly, swapping it for a standard screwdriver resolved the issue. The stand itself is sturdy but slightly off-centred—ideal for esports players needing more desk space, though it might be a visual quirk for others.
Design: Gaming Meets Practicality
The AGON Pro AG326UD is unmistakably a gaming monitor, featuring angular lines and LED lighting on the back. However, it also boasts features that make it suitable for everyday use, including:
- Slim Profile: The screen’s top half is impressively thin, while the bottom half houses the internal power supply and components, adding bulk.
- Headphone Hanger: A fold-out arm on the stand provides a convenient spot for your headset.
- Cable Management: A clip at the bottom of the stand keeps cables tidy.
- Bold Branding: The AGON logo appears prominently on both the front and back.
While the design caters to gamers, the stand’s size might feel restrictive. For more flexibility, pairing it with a VESA-compatible monitor arm like the SecretLab Monitor Arm is a great option.
Secretlab UK
Connectivity and Specs
The monitor is well-equipped for a range of setups, offering:
- 2x HDMI 2.1 Ports
- 1x DisplayPort 1.4 Port
- 3 USB 3.0 Ports, one with Power Delivery
- Built-in power supply (no external brick)
These specs ensure compatibility with most modern gaming PCs and consoles.
Display: Stunning QD-OLED Performance
The AGON Pro AG326UD boasts a 4K UHD QD-OLED panel with flagship-level features:
- 0.03ms response time
- 165Hz refresh rate
- 99% DCI-P3 colour gamut
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
The result? Deep, inky blacks, vibrant colours, and a 1000-nit peak brightness that elevates everything from gaming to movie watching. Compared to older technologies like TN, IPS, or VA panels, the difference is night and day—literally. OLED’s ability to turn off individual pixels eliminates haloing and ghosting, offering an unmatched visual experience.
AOC
Performance in Games
To see how the monitor handles real-world gaming, I tested it across several titles:
- Fortnite: ~105 FPS
- Call of Duty: ~150 FPS (high settings) / ~175 FPS (competitive settings)
- Forza: ~183 FPS
- Overwatch: ~200 FPS
- Cyberpunk 2077: ~75 FPS (high settings)
- Helldivers 2: ~100 FPS
These results demonstrate strong performance, especially considering the monitor’s price point. Competitive gamers can achieve even higher frame rates by lowering settings or resolution.
Key Features and Shortcomings
While the AGON Pro AG326UD is packed with value, there are a few areas where it could improve:
- Refresh Rate: At 165Hz, it’s excellent for most gamers, but competitive players might prefer 240Hz or higher.
- USB-C: Lacking this port makes it less versatile for those with laptops or Macs.
- Reflective Screen: Unlike flagship monitors with anti-reflective coatings, the glossy screen may not appeal to everyone.
On-Screen Display (OSD)
Navigating settings is intuitive with AOC’s G-Menu software, offering features like:
- Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes
- Game-specific settings (FPS counter, sniper scope)
- Burn-in protection settings
- Customisable crosshair for FPS games
The built-in speakers are adequate but fall short of a dedicated headset or sound system.
Warranty and Burn-In Protection
One standout feature is the 3-year warranty, which includes burn-in cover. For OLED buyers concerned about image retention, this is a significant reassurance and sets the monitor apart from competitors offering only 2 years of coverage.
Final Thoughts: Worth It?
The AOC AGON Pro AG326UD punches above its price point, offering flagship-level features at a fraction of the cost. While it may lack some high-end extras like 240Hz refresh rates or USB-C, its performance and warranty make it a compelling choice for casual gamers, competitive players, and console users alike.
For those wary of quality control issues with other brands, AOC’s reliability and thoughtful design make it an excellent alternative. If you’re looking for a monitor that delivers top-tier visuals without the flagship price tag, the AGON Pro AG326UD is definitely worth considering.
What do you think about this monitor? Let us know in the comments below—especially if there are other features or games you’d like us to test in future posts!
