If you're a competitive gamer seeking high refresh rates and the fastest response times for fast-paced games, the BenQ XL2566K (TN) is a solid, more affordable option. However, it offers lower image quality and less vibrant colors which aren't ideal for HDR gaming or color-critical tasks like photo editing. On the other hand, if you prioritize stunning visuals, excellent color depth, and are into HDR gaming or professional creative work, the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) would suit you better, though it comes at a higher price. Its wider screen and higher resolution also enhance productivity and media consumption, but with a lower refresh rate, it may not be the best for highly competitive gaming scenarios. 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 MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED)
Best in class for casual gaming
Best in class contrast
Best in class response time
Key differences
Casual Gaming
5.9/10
9.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
360Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
1131:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
303 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
275 nits
N/A
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
N/A
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
98.5 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is best in class for casual gaming, while the BenQ XL2566K (TN) is poor.
Competitive Gaming
9.2/10
5.9/10
360Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
5.2 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
0.0 ms
20 - 360 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
48 - 240 Hz
Yes
STROBING / BFI
No
303 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
275 nits
The BenQ XL2566K (TN) is excellent for competitive gaming, while the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is poor.
Productivity
4.8/10
2.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
91 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The BenQ XL2566K (TN) and MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) are both poor for productivity, though the BenQ XL2566K (TN) is somewhat better.
Cost
$599
$1,700
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The BenQ XL2566K (TN) has a price of $599 and the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) costs $1,700.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
Yes
The BenQ XL2566K (TN) is not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption while the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
No
Yes
The BenQ XL2566K (TN) is not suitable for digital photo editing while the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is suitable for digital photo editing.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The BenQ XL2566K (TN) is not suitable for print photo editing while the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
Media Consumption
5.1/10
5.4/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
1131:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
303 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
275 nits
N/A
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
Matte
COATING
Matte
The MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) and BenQ XL2566K (TN) are both poor for media consumption.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the BenQ XL2566K (TN) and MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) 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 MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) 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."
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.