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With the evolution and advancement of gaming consoles like the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 (and soon, the 5) comes the growth and improvement of gaming monitors. When their graphics and features improve, they need monitors that can keep up with the technology. A good monitor is an integral part of any excellent gaming experience.
Few people know or understand the difference between a standard HDTV screen and a true gaming monitor. With all of the consoles’ abilities and the features of the games themselves, a monitor needs more specific capabilities. Things like refresh rate, response time, screen size, HDMI ports, and many other bonus features can make or break your gaming experience.
Many brands pride themselves on their monitors. One such brand with consistently excellent products is BenQ. BenQ creates high-quality, affordable monitors for the average gamer to more advanced competitors. If you’re in the market for a new screen, it’s hard to go wrong with a BenQ screen. Their proprietary technology has improved gaming experiences across the board.
Read through our guide of the best BenQ gaming monitor reviews, and find the screen that suits your needs for the best pro-gamer experience.
Top 7 List: Quick Preview
| Portable Monitor Name | Display Size | Refresh Rate | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ ZOWIE XL2456 | 24.5 Inches | 240hz | View |
| BenQ EL2870U | 28 Inches | 60hz | View |
| BenQ ZOWIE RL2455S | 24 Inches | 60hz | View |
| BenQ ZOWIE Xl2731 | 27 Inches | 144hz | View |
| BenQ ZOWIE XL2430 | 24 Inches | 144hz | View |
1) Best Overall: BenQ ZOWIE XL2456
If your budget is no question, and you’re looking for a monitor that does it all, then the BenQ ZOWIE XL2456 will be your best option.
The ZOWIE XL2456 is a powerful screen with amazing graphics, rapid response rates, and dynamic capabilities that provide a crystal clear picture even during quick gameplay moments. The monitor has extra features to make it easier to focus on the gameplay, and it has an easy screen-switch button to navigate between the menu and the game. The 1080p screen resolution and the 3-year warranty don’t hurt, either.
Key Specifications:
- Screen Size: 24.5 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Response Time: 1 ms (GTG)
- Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Bonus Features: The XL2456 comes with side shields to block out distractions during gameplay. It is a wall mount, LCD screen, so you can easily position it for the best view. It has full swivel, height, and tilt adjustability up to 100 mm.
- Incredible response time
- Dynamic Accuracy (Dynac) technology for optimum fast-motion gameplay
- Removable shield for elimination outside distractions
- Lots of connectivity options (HDMI, headphones/headset jack, DisplayPort, DVD Link, etc.)
- A little expensive for some
- Not much improvement of blur reduction over other BenQ models
2) Best Value: BenQ EL2870U
If the ZOWIE XL2546 is a little out of your price range, or you’re looking for something dependable but don’t need all the bells and whistles, BenQ has some fantastic value monitors, too! Here are reviews of some of our favorites.
Key Specifications:
- Screen Size: 28 inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
- Response Time: 1 ms
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Bonus Features: With low blue light settings, auto-brightness adjustment, and zero flicker technology, the screen can adjust to reduce eye strain and headaches. It also has built-in speakers and a convenient, integrated hidden cable management system.
- Comfortable viewing adjustment technology for extended sessions to reduce strain
- Comes with AMD Free Sync for smoother gameplay
- Multiple input ports for multiple device connections
- Super high res, 4K graphics for great views
- A little heavy but very sturdy
- Not much adjustment in terms of positioning, but you can mount it
If you’re looking for a screen with a lot of the same graphics qualities as our overall pick, but you don’t want to spend as much money, the EL2870U is a top choice.
3) Best Budget: BenQ ZOWIE RL2455S
If you don’t need something with all the extras, but you still want fantastic resolution and great refresh rates, then look no further.
Key Specifications:
- Screen Size: 24 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Response Time: 1 ms
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Bonus Features: Color Vibrance and Black eQualizer technology, created by BenQ, makes the screen easier to look at for longer playing sessions. It’s compatible with console and PC games. It also has built-in speakers and 2 HDMI ports.
- Incredibly affordable – great for casual gamers
- Amazing picture quality using BenQ’s proprietary Color Vibrance and Black eQualizer technologies
- Full tilt adjustment from 5 to 15 degrees
- Quick response and refresh rates
- Not much in the way of extra features
- Lower resolution than other, larger BenQ models
If you aren’t looking for a monster of a monitor with lots of bonus features, this is the one. It’s less than $200, easily mounted and adjusted, and has the fantastic picture quality on which BenQ has built its reputation.
As we said, BenQ is a trusted provider of high-quality monitors. The ones above are just the beginning. Here are a few more of our favorite models and what they have to offer.
4) Alternative Pick #1: BenQ ZOWIE Xl2731
The ZOWIE XL2731 is a powerhouse, full stop. It has a wicked high refresh rate, the quick response time that makes BenQ a leader in the industry, and great graphics. It’s also another one that won’t kill your bank account, which is always a bonus.
Key Specifications:
- Screen Size: 27 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Response Time: 1 ms
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Bonus Features: It has the proprietary BenQ Color Vibrance and Black eQualizer picture technology for optimal viewing. The height stand is adjustable. If you choose to mount it, it has full height, swivel, and tilt adjustability. It also has multiple input points, including a headphone jack.
- Rapid response time and refresh rate for amazing quick gameplay moments
- Fantastic resolution and picture customization options for comfortable viewing
- Very affordable
- Can sit on the adjustable stand or mount and tilt easily
- Not the highest refresh rate offered by BenQ – but still high
- Somewhat heavy but durable
Get one for yourself on Amazon!
5) Alternative Pick #2: BenQ ZOWIE XL2430
The XL2430 is another popular monitor from their ZOWIE line, and it delivers. With a fast response rate, excellent resolution, and S-Switch display settings, the XL2430 gives gamers of all skill levels the advantage and comfort they need for a great session. It’s easy to customize and set up, and works exceptionally with faster gameplay moments, too.
Key Specifications:
- Screen Size: 24 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Response Time: 1 ms
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Bonus Features: The XL2430 features the S-Switch option from BenQ. It allows for easier menu navigation, customized profiles, and changing monitor settings with one simple click. It has multiple input jacks for multiple devices. This monitor also has the usual Color Vibrance and Black eQualizer technology for a smoother viewing experience.
- Great resolution and customizable settings for better/personalized viewing
- Works with fast gameplay because of the high refresh rate
- S-Switch makes it easy to adjust settings on the go without exiting the game
- Complete tilt, swivel, and height adjustment when mounted (100 mm x 100 mm)
- A bit more expensive than other models of similar screen size
- No USB 3.0 jack – not needed for all gamers
Conclusion
BenQ is a trusted brand among gamers. They consistently create amazing products that suit all types of games and lifestyles, and they have some of the best graphics on the market. While our preference is the ZOWIE XL2456, you cannot go wrong with one of their many other monitors. They frequently update their technology and specs, so gamers of all skill levels can rest assured that they are getting their money’s worth with a BenQ monitor. Buy one now and see the difference for yourself!
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