Acer B7 B277U review: One solid screen

Acer produces so many monitors that it seems to have run out of model names. Search for the B277U on its website and the one with part number UM.HB7EE.011 is first to appear – an older model that includes a webcam. We’re reviewing the B277U identified by UM.HB7EE.014, which jettisons the webcam but benefits from a more recent panel.

As always, we’re pleased to see that it’s based on IPS technology. This helped the B277U to a strong showing in our gamut coverage tests, and unusually this wasn’t restricted to the sRGB colour space. While it performed well there – 98.8% coverage, 102.5% volume – we were most taken by its 85.7%/95.7% return in Adobe RGB. That rubs shoulders with monitors that target creative professionals. It was a similar story in the DCI-P3 space, with results of 94.1%/98.4%.

This fine form carried on our accuracy tests, with an average Delta E of 0.32 when we switched the monitor to its sRGB mode. Note this locks brightness to 186cd/m2. Other modes go much brighter: we measured a peak of 505cd/m2, well above the 350cd/m2 Acer states, with its only weakness being consistency of brightness across the screen.

All this means that you should be able to find a colour profile that matches your needs, but we recommend you familiarise yourself with the OSD: there are hidden, cryptic depths once you go beyond the basics. Also look out for “gotchas” such as the Super Sharpness setting, which may not be to your eyes’ liking.

Considering all of the quality on offer, and the price, we’re impressed to see so many features crammed in. The stand offers 120mm of height adjustment, 90° of swivel and portrait mode, and round the back you’ll find two USB ports and a mini-DisplayPort to accompany the usual complement of video inputs. Two USB ports sit on the left of the monitor too.

Despite all these strengths, if you’re looking for a workhorse screen we’d recommend the cheaper Iiyama ProLite XUB2792QSU-B1 – it produces cleaner whites right out of the box. But, if you’ll take advantage of the B277U’s wider gamut, it’s an excellent and affordable alternative.

Acer B7 B277U specifications