If your focus is competitive gaming with the highest refresh rates and response times, the BenQ may be your preferred choice as it offers excellent gaming performance at a lower price. However, if you need a monitor that offers better overall image quality, color accuracy, and higher resolution for tasks such as media consumption or casual gaming, you might prefer the Asus despite its higher cost. Keep in mind that while the Asus also has a high refresh rate suitable for competitive gaming, it is pricier and may not be as cost-effective if gaming is your sole purpose. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Asus PG27AQN (IPS)
Best in class for competitive gaming
Good text clarity
Good image clarity
Good brightness
Advantages of the BenQ XL2566K (TN)
The BenQ XL2566K (TN) has no clear advantages over the Asus PG27AQN (IPS).
Key differences
Casual Gaming
6.7/10
5.9/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
360Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
974:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1131:1
414 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
303 nits
644 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
N/A
92.0 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
N/A
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Asus PG27AQN (IPS) is only fair for casual gaming, while the BenQ XL2566K (TN) is poor.
Productivity
6.5/10
4.8/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
109 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
91 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Asus PG27AQN (IPS) is only fair for productivity, while the BenQ XL2566K (TN) is poor.
Media Consumption
6.0/10
5.1/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
974:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1131:1
414 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
303 nits
644 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
N/A
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Asus PG27AQN (IPS) is only fair for media consumption, while the BenQ XL2566K (TN) is poor.
Cost
$949
$599
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Asus PG27AQN (IPS) has a price of $949 and the BenQ XL2566K (TN) costs $599.
Key similarities
Competitive Gaming
9.5/10
9.2/10
360Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
5.6 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
5.2 ms
20 - 360 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 360 Hz
Yes
STROBING / BFI
Yes
414 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
303 nits
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Asus PG27AQN (IPS) to be best in class for competitive gaming, while the BenQ XL2566K (TN) is excellent.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Asus PG27AQN (IPS) and BenQ XL2566K (TN) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Asus PG27AQN (IPS) and BenQ XL2566K (TN) are not suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Asus PG27AQN (IPS) and BenQ XL2566K (TN) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Asus PG27AQN (IPS) and BenQ XL2566K (TN) are not suitable for print photo editing.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Asus PG27AQN (IPS) and the BenQ XL2566K (TN) compare to other monitors
"The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN is a motion clarity marvel. It’s the first 27-inch 1440p 360Hz monitor on the market, and also the first to use an Ultrafast IPS display. These advancements provide outstanding motion clarity across a broad range of refresh rates. Unfortunately, the monitor’s motion clarity does nothing for its image quality, which is just ok. To be clear, it’s a very nice looking monitor in many situations. However, the monitor’s contrast ratio is rather low. And while it can reach high levels of brightness in HDR, it lacks the nuance and contrast required to look great in HDR games."
"It’s not for everyone in the same way that a top fuel dragster isn’t everyone’s perfect daily driver. The BenQ Zowie XL2566K succeeds in delivering the fastest, sharpest and smoothest display for pro FPS players and that’s all it wanted to do. Its other limitations and premium price tag mean it’s a bespoke tool for a niche market, rather than another general gaming monitor for those who like playing games."
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec monitors team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest monitor information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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About the monitor team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Monitors Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.