If you're a competitive gamer looking for the fastest response times and highest refresh rates for an edge in fast-paced games, the BenQ XL2566K is built for that purpose, though it compromises on resolution and color accuracy. On the other hand, the Gigabyte M27Q-X offers better resolution, color reproduction, and is suitable for tasks like digital photo editing, making it more versatile for both productivity and casual gaming at a lower price point. However, you'll sacrifice some of the specialized gaming features and ultra-high refresh rates that the BenQ provides. Choose based on whether your priority is top-tier competitive gaming performance or a balance of gaming, productivity, and media consumption. 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 BenQ XL2566K (TN)
Excellent for competitive gaming
Best in class refresh rate
Advantages of the Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS)
Good text clarity
Good image clarity
Good brightness
Key differences
Casual Gaming
5.9/10
6.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
360Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
1131:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1088:1
303 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
459 nits
N/A
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
508 nits
N/A
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
73.0 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) is only fair for casual gaming, while the BenQ XL2566K (TN) is poor.
Competitive Gaming
9.2/10
8.0/10
360Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
5.2 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
6.8 ms
20 - 360 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 240 Hz
Yes
STROBING / BFI
Yes
303 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
459 nits
The BenQ XL2566K (TN) is excellent for competitive gaming, while the Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) is very good.
Productivity
4.8/10
6.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
91 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
109 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) is only fair for productivity, while the BenQ XL2566K (TN) is poor.
Media Consumption
5.1/10
6.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
1131:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1088:1
303 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
459 nits
N/A
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
508 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) is only fair for media consumption, while the BenQ XL2566K (TN) is poor.
Cost
$599
$365
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
$900
The BenQ XL2566K (TN) has a price of $599 and the Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) costs $365.
Digital Photo Editing
No
Yes
The BenQ XL2566K (TN) is not suitable for digital photo editing while the Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) is suitable for digital photo editing.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The BenQ XL2566K (TN) is not suitable for print photo editing while the Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the BenQ XL2566K (TN) and Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the BenQ XL2566K (TN) and Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the BenQ XL2566K (TN) and the Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) compare to other monitors
"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."
"The company delivers again with the Gigabyte M27Q X, a 1440p monitor that comes equipped with just about everything you want and need from a gaming monitor. It may not be a 4K panel, but it more than makes up for its lower resolution in performance, bringing a whopping 240Hz refresh rate and a host of unusual features, including an onboard KVM and plenty of ports. It's a great performer, though low brightness levels and a so-so contrast ratio keep it short of top marks."
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.
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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.