If you're a competitive gamer seeking the best performance with the highest refresh rates and fastest response times, the BenQ XL2566K with its TN panel is better suited for you. However, it has a lower screen resolution and size, which makes it less ideal for productivity and media consumption. Conversely, the Gigabyte M32U, with its IPS panel, offers higher resolution and larger screen size that's great for a sharp image during productivity tasks and an immersive experience when consuming media. Its color depth and range are also better, making it suitable for digital photo editing, but it has lower refresh rates which can be a drawback for competitive gaming. 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
Very good response time
Advantages of the Gigabyte M32U (IPS)
Very good for productivity
Good text clarity
Good image clarity
Key differences
Competitive Gaming
9.2/10
4.5/10
360Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
5.2 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
7.1 ms
20 - 360 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 144 Hz
Yes
STROBING / BFI
Yes
303 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
350 nits
The BenQ XL2566K (TN) is excellent for competitive gaming, while the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is poor.
Productivity
4.8/10
8.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
91 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
140 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is very good for productivity, while the BenQ XL2566K (TN) is poor.
Media Consumption
5.1/10
6.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
1131:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1125:1
303 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
350 nits
N/A
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
456 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is only fair for media consumption, while the BenQ XL2566K (TN) is poor.
Cost
$599
$650
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
$900
$1,000
The BenQ XL2566K (TN) has a price of $599 and the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) costs $650.
Digital Photo Editing
No
Yes
The BenQ XL2566K (TN) is not suitable for digital photo editing while the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is suitable for digital photo editing.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
5.9/10
6.2/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
360Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
1131:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1125:1
303 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
350 nits
N/A
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
456 nits
N/A
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
87.0 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Gigabyte M32U (IPS) to be only fair for casual gaming, while the BenQ XL2566K (TN) is poor.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the BenQ XL2566K (TN) and Gigabyte M32U (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 M32U (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the BenQ XL2566K (TN) and Gigabyte M32U (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the BenQ XL2566K (TN) and the Gigabyte M32U (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 Gigabyte M32U gaming monitor is almost a slam-dunk choice, considering everything you get as part of the package. Gigabyte goes for broke with things like its built-in KVM switch and GameAssist, and those come close to paying off. Add in the well-executed, more familiar offerings, and this is a monitor that deserves serious thought if you’re in the market for what it delivers."
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.