BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K monitor review: Esports monitor not just for pros
In today’s “work from home” world, it can be tough to find a balanced monitor between a solid workhorse for emails, websites, and more during the day, and an all-singing, all-dancing option for late-night VALORANT sessions where every frame counts.
Thankfully, the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K does a good job of covering both bases, and won’t cost you the earth. With a 360Hz refresh rate, it can make your everyday work feel buttery smooth, while also adding a new dimension to competitive gaming.
GGRecon Verdict
We’ve seen monitors that offer a lot less for considerably more cash, making the ZOWIE XL2566K well worth a look.
Its robust design makes it stand out from the crowd, but it’s also packed with clever features that make it an easy recommendation for budding pro players.
Wowie, ZOWIE
Click to enlargeMonitor bases don’t often get the respect they deserve, particularly when they hold up huge panels. The ZOWIE XL2566K offers an impressively compact footprint on the desk, meaning it feels steady but won’t take up half of your workspace as many alternatives can.
Still, the talking point here is those two side plates, ideal for blocking out glare in a competitive environment, or just keeping your screen just a little more private.
We’re also quite pleased to report that the ZOWIE XL2566K is lacking in all the usual RGB illumination you’ll see on some of its contemporaries. While many will argue it lacks pizzazz as a result, we’re just happy to have a monitor that doesn’t double as a light show when we’re working or playing.
The height and angle of the monitor are both easily adjustable, and springs in the stand mean there’s no need to unscrew anything - you can push it around quite easily.
Click to enlargeChanging the settings on the monitor is an absolute breeze as well. The 5-way S Switch allows you to change all the settings without having to dive behind the display or fumble for buttons, too, which is much appreciated on a busy desk.
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Slick as you like
Click to enlargeSo, what’s the ZOWIE XL2566K like to use? It’s lightning fast, making use of that super high refresh rate. Will it make you instantly better at twitchy shooters? No - but it can’t hurt your chances.
The monitor used DyAc technology, making on-screen elements look clearer. It doesn’t pop off the screen as an OLED panel might, but it’s certainly a big help for spotting UI such as crosshairs in the midst of battle.
The Black eQualizer lets users increase visibility in darker areas without simply raising the brightness and warping everything else. In our testing, we found it useful in darker games, especially combined with the aforementioned DyAc tech keeping key elements visible.
It’s worth noting that the monitor supports PS5 and Xbox Series X, too - so you don’t have to be a PC gamer to reap its benefits. In fact, it’ll still support up to 120Hz on each, with HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort offered. There’s also a headphone jack.
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The Verdict
We’ve seen monitors that offer a lot less for considerably more cash, making the ZOWIE XL2566K well worth a look.
Its robust design makes it stand out from the crowd, but it’s also packed with clever features that make it an easy recommendation for budding pro players.
4.5
Buy the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K here. Review unit provided by the manufacturer.
