BenQ Zowie XL2546X gaming monitor review: The best entry point for your esports aspirations

Benq Zowie XL2546X (Front & Back)

The BenQ Zowie XL2546X is one of the best gaming monitors we’ve ever used, thanks to its ultra-fast refresh rate, comprehensive control over functionality, and low latency gaming.

Performance

For gamers accustomed to 144Hz and 180Hz monitors, we assure you that the jump to a whopping 240Hz will be mind-blowing, mainly benefitting in fast-paced video games like Call of Duty titles, Valorant, and Fortnite. The higher refresh rate minimises motion blur and ghosting, enhancing response times and giving players a competitive edge. The TN panel, known for its low latency, ensures that enemy movements are clear and crosshair positioning is precise.

Modes and controls

The monitor features an analog control stick at the back, allowing users to switch seamlessly between different game modes and presets. These modes adjust brightness, black levels, and other picture settings to suit various gaming preferences. We found the FPS 1 (first-person shooter) mode to offer the best colour accuracy, making it easier to distinguish enemy outlines from their environment. Other modes include three gamer modes, a standard mode for light desktop tasks, and a movie mode for streaming. The On Screen Display (OSD) menu lets users manually adjust the display settings like colour contrast, brightness, black levels, gamma, and the DyAc 2 feature to fine-tune one’s gaming experience.

Viewing experience

The monitor’s Fast TN panel, DyAc 2, and adaptable colour modes significantly enhance the viewing experience. The DyAc 2 truly excels when playing games that require quicker reflexes such as Tom Clancy’s: Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, and Overwatch 2 enabling players to spot opponents easily. The 24.1” screen combined with 320cd/㎡ (nits) brightness is more than adequate for both AAA games and competitive titles. Additionally, the adjustable height of the monitor enhances accessibility.

Connectivity

The BenQ Zowie XL2546X is equipped with a single DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, making it highly convenient for PC and console gaming setups. It also includes a headphone jack. While it does not feature a USB port, it still has capable connectivity options.

Benq Zowie XL2546X (Side view and left angle view)

Display features

Despite its 1080p (FHD) resolution, the gaming experience is impressive due to the higher refresh rates and the responsive TN panel. The adaptable colour modes enhance various use cases including FPS gaming, streaming, and daily tasks.

Build quality 

While the monitor’s plastic build and thick bezels may not meet high-end standards, it remains functional. The design, although not flashy, is practical for a mid-range monitor.

As shown in the promotional images of the monitor, the review model didn’t include the analog control stick, so we won’t be able to comment on that.

Pricing

The Benq XL2546X is a beefy model, packing great specifications, ease of use, and customisable features, offering a great price-to-performance ratio with its price – Rs 42,990 – available on Amazon (as of writing this article). While there are cheaper monitors with similar refresh rates, the Fast TN panel and DyAc 2 features justify the higher price for esports gamers.

Final verdict

The Benq Zowie XL2546X Fast TN 240 Hz is a great monitor if you’re an esports enthusiast and want to have a competitive advantage in most esports titles. The smooth and buttery refresh rate, low latency and the promised specifications make it a worthwhile purchase. If you’re considering a professional career in esports, this gaming monitor is a great entry point to kickstart your ambitions.