Let's dive into the world of high-refresh-rate gaming monitors with a detailed review of the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566X. This monitor is designed for gamers who demand the absolute fastest and most responsive display possible. If you're serious about competitive gaming, especially in fast-paced genres like first-person shooters (FPS) or racing games, the XL2566X might just be your next essential piece of kit. We'll break down its key features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right monitor for you.

What Makes the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566X Special?

The BenQ ZOWIE XL2566X isn't just another gaming monitor; it's a purpose-built tool for competitive esports. Its core selling point is its incredibly high 360Hz refresh rate. This means the display updates 360 times per second, providing exceptionally smooth motion clarity and reduced input lag compared to standard 60Hz or even 144Hz monitors. This can translate to a tangible advantage in fast-paced games, allowing you to react quicker and track moving targets more effectively. But what else does this monitor bring to the table?

Beyond the refresh rate, the XL2566X boasts a fast response time, typically advertised as 0.5ms. This refers to how quickly a pixel can change color, minimizing ghosting or blurring during fast motion. A low response time is crucial for maintaining clarity and reducing eye strain during intense gaming sessions. BenQ's DyAc+ (Dynamic Accuracy Plus) technology further enhances motion clarity by reducing motion blur, making fast-moving objects appear sharper and more defined. This is particularly useful in FPS games where quickly acquiring and tracking targets is essential.

The monitor features a 24.5-inch TN (Twisted Nematic) panel. TN panels are known for their fast response times, making them a popular choice for competitive gaming monitors. However, they typically have narrower viewing angles and less vibrant colors compared to IPS (In-Plane Switching) or VA (Vertical Alignment) panels. The XL2566X aims to mitigate these drawbacks with BenQ's color enhancement technologies, but it's important to consider the trade-offs if color accuracy is a top priority for you. The resolution is 1920x1080 (Full HD), which is a common choice for 24.5-inch monitors. This resolution provides a good balance between image sharpness and performance, allowing you to achieve high frame rates even with demanding games. While some gamers might prefer a higher resolution like 1440p, the 1080p resolution of the XL2566X is well-suited for maximizing the benefits of the 360Hz refresh rate.

Design and Features

The BenQ ZOWIE XL2566X sports a functional and minimalist design, prioritizing performance over aesthetics. The matte black finish and angular lines give it a professional, no-nonsense look. The monitor's stand is highly adjustable, allowing you to tilt, swivel, and adjust the height to find the most comfortable viewing position. It also supports pivot functionality, allowing you to rotate the screen 90 degrees for portrait mode use. This can be useful for certain tasks like coding or reading long documents, although it's less relevant for gaming.

One of the standout features of the XL2566X is its extensive customization options. BenQ's S.Switch is an external controller that allows you to quickly switch between different monitor settings. You can save your preferred settings for different games or applications and easily access them with the touch of a button. The monitor also features a built-in Black eQualizer, which enhances visibility in dark areas without overexposing the brighter areas. This can give you a competitive advantage in games where spotting enemies in shadows is crucial. The Color Vibrance feature allows you to adjust the color saturation to your liking, making the colors appear more vivid or muted depending on your preference. The monitor also includes various game modes optimized for different genres, such as FPS, RTS, and MOBA. These modes adjust the monitor's settings to provide the best possible visual experience for each type of game.

In terms of connectivity, the XL2566X offers a range of options, including HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. DisplayPort 1.4 is required to achieve the full 360Hz refresh rate at 1080p resolution. The monitor also includes a headphone jack and microphone input for convenient audio connectivity. The bezels surrounding the screen are relatively thin, which is a welcome design choice for a modern gaming monitor. This helps to minimize distractions and create a more immersive viewing experience. Overall, the design and features of the XL2566X are geared towards providing gamers with the tools they need to perform at their best.

Performance and Image Quality

Now, let's talk about the most crucial aspect of any gaming monitor: performance. The BenQ ZOWIE XL2566X truly shines in this area, delivering an incredibly smooth and responsive gaming experience. The 360Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference compared to lower refresh rate monitors, especially in fast-paced games. Motion blur is significantly reduced, and the overall clarity of the image is exceptional. This allows you to track moving targets with greater precision and react more quickly to in-game events. The low input lag further enhances the responsiveness, making you feel more connected to the game.

The 0.5ms response time also contributes to the monitor's excellent performance. Ghosting and blurring are virtually nonexistent, even during fast-paced action sequences. This is crucial for maintaining clarity and reducing eye strain during long gaming sessions. BenQ's DyAc+ technology further improves motion clarity by reducing motion blur. This technology works by strobing the backlight, which effectively shortens the amount of time each frame is displayed on the screen. This can make fast-moving objects appear sharper and more defined, but it can also introduce some flicker. Some users may be sensitive to this flicker, so it's important to experiment with the DyAc+ settings to find what works best for you.

While the TN panel technology offers excellent response times, it does have some drawbacks in terms of color accuracy and viewing angles. The colors on the XL2566X are not as vibrant or accurate as those on IPS or VA panels. However, BenQ has implemented various color enhancement technologies to mitigate these drawbacks. The monitor offers a range of color presets and customization options that allow you to adjust the colors to your liking. The viewing angles are also narrower than those on IPS or VA panels. This means that the colors and contrast can shift when viewed from off-center angles. However, this is less of an issue for gaming, as you'll typically be sitting directly in front of the monitor. Overall, the performance of the XL2566X is exceptional, making it an excellent choice for competitive gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness.

Is the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566X Worth It?

The question remains: is the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566X worth the investment? The answer depends largely on your priorities and budget. This monitor is undoubtedly one of the fastest and most responsive gaming monitors on the market. Its 360Hz refresh rate, low response time, and DyAc+ technology provide an unparalleled gaming experience, especially in fast-paced games. If you're a competitive gamer who demands the absolute best performance, the XL2566X is definitely worth considering. However, it's important to be aware of the trade-offs. The TN panel technology offers excellent speed but sacrifices some color accuracy and viewing angles compared to IPS or VA panels. The monitor is also relatively expensive compared to other gaming monitors with lower refresh rates.

If you're not a competitive gamer or if you prioritize color accuracy and viewing angles, you might be better off with a different monitor. There are many excellent IPS and VA panel gaming monitors available that offer a good balance between performance and image quality. These monitors typically have lower refresh rates (144Hz or 165Hz) but offer more vibrant colors and wider viewing angles. They are also often more affordable than the XL2566X. Ultimately, the best monitor for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for the absolute fastest and most responsive gaming experience possible, the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566X is an excellent choice. But if you're willing to sacrifice some speed for better image quality or a lower price, there are other options available.

Who is This Monitor For?

So, who is the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566X really for? This monitor is laser-focused on competitive gamers, particularly those who play fast-paced titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, VALORANT, Overwatch, and Rainbow Six Siege. If you're the type of gamer who meticulously analyzes every frame, optimizes your settings for the lowest possible input lag, and strives to gain every competitive edge, then the XL2566X is tailored for you. The difference between a 144Hz or even a 240Hz monitor and the 360Hz of the XL2566X might seem subtle on paper, but in the heat of the moment, that extra smoothness and responsiveness can be the difference between a win and a loss.

However, if you primarily play single-player games, enjoy visually stunning experiences, or work with color-sensitive applications, the XL2566X might not be the best fit. While the monitor offers decent image quality for a TN panel, it simply can't match the vibrancy and accuracy of IPS or OLED displays. For those types of users, a monitor with a higher resolution, wider color gamut, and better contrast ratio would be a more suitable choice. Think of the XL2566X as a specialized tool for a specific job. It excels at providing the fastest and most responsive gaming experience possible, but it's not necessarily an all-around performer. It's a champion in the esports arena, but it might not be the best choice for enjoying a cinematic single-player adventure.

Final Thoughts

The BenQ ZOWIE XL2566X is a top-tier gaming monitor that delivers exceptional performance for competitive gamers. Its 360Hz refresh rate, low response time, and DyAc+ technology provide an incredibly smooth and responsive gaming experience. While the TN panel technology has some drawbacks in terms of color accuracy and viewing angles, the overall performance of the monitor is outstanding. If you're a serious gamer who demands the absolute best, the XL2566X is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to weigh the trade-offs and consider your individual needs and preferences before making a purchase.