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Benq Zowie XL2546K Review

Enrest Walugembe Avatar
Updated Feb 7, 2024 12:20 PM

True Score

84
82
5

Experts

91
1,398

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

Top critics lauded the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K and recommended it for gaming, work, and general use. They praised its FreeSync technology and 240Hz refresh rate, which is similar to the Acer Predator XB273U GXbmiipruzx. However, reviewers criticized its low contrast ratio and small screen size.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K is a mid-range Full HD gaming monitor released in September 2020, promising flawless motion handling to gamers and movie lovers. This unit has an outstanding 240Hz refresh rate, settings itself apart among the best gaming monitors available today. A suite of motion-optimization features, including FreeSync tech, G-SYNC compatibility, and super-fast 4.6 ms response times offer responsive performance during games. This monitor also has a low input lag. With a 25-inch screen and 1080p resolution, this device is also ideal for office use. Explore the features of the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K and see how it stacks up against the top computer monitors on the market.

Consensus

our Verdict

Analysts were pleased with the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K, mentioning that it’s a good choice for gaming. They appreciated the ultra-low 2.3 ms input lag and super-high 240Hz refresh rate and they observed that it offers better motion handling than this BenQ 24-inch IPS monitor. The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K also supports variable refresh rate (VRR) technology, reducing stuttering scenes during gaming and video playback. Experts at Tom’s Hardware mentioned that the small 25-inch screen and 1080p resolution will favor office and general use. In addition to built-in FreeSync support, this unit is compatible with G-SYNC and tests revealed that it counters screen tearing during fast-paced scenes. Reviewers from RTINGS noted that it provides clear text and recommended it for office use. Unlike IPS devices such as the Dell Alienware AW2720HF however, this BenQ monitor suffers from washed-out imagery at wide viewing angles. Reviewers also discovered that it has a low contrast ratio and is therefore not very suited to gaming and movie playback in dark spaces.

ReasonS to Buy

  • 240Hz refresh rate
  • Outstanding response time
  • Low input lag
  • Ergonomic stand
  • Lacks HDR tech

Reason to Avoid

  • Narrow viewing angles
  • Mediocre 820:1 contrast ratio
  • Small screen is not immersive

Benq Zowie XL2546K Specs

Display TypeLED
HDMI Inputs3
HDR Formatn/a
Max Resolution1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Panel TypePanel TypeTN
Refresh Rate240 Hz
Response TimeResponse Time1 ms
Screen size24.5"
Sync TechnologySync TechnologyAMD FreeSync Premium

All Specs

Test Results

Brightness (nits)324.7867
Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1)913.6
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy)0
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv)0
Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy)76.9
Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy)98.1
Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy)0
Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy)0
Input Lag (ms)18.2
Response Time (ms)3.65
Reflections % (Total Reflections)5.2
Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left)33
Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right)36
Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above)60
Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below)11

All Tests

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    Product Comparison

    Benq Zowie XL2546K Review

    BenQ Zowie XL2540 Review

    BenQ Zowie XL2540 Review

    ASUS Tuf Gaming VG259QM Review

    ASUS Tuf Gaming VG259QM Review

    True Score

    84
    NR
    NR
    NR

    Ranking

    #

    28

    /

    196

    #

    /

    8

    #

    /

    196

    #

    /

    Market Context

    The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K is a mid-range Full HD gaming monitor released in September 2020, promising flawless motion handling to gamers and movie lovers. This…

    The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K is a mid-range Full HD gaming monitor released in September 2020, promising flawless motion handling to gamers and movie lovers. This unit has an outstanding 240Hz refresh rate, settings itself apart among the best gaming monitors available today. A suite of motion-optimization features, including FreeSync tech, G-SYNC compatibility, and super-fast 4.6 ms response times offer responsive performance during games. This monitor also has a low input lag. With a 25-inch screen and 1080p resolution, this device is also ideal for office use. Explore the features of the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K and see how it stacks up against the top computer monitors on the market.

    The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K has a better response time and wider SDR color gamut, resulting in better gaming performance and more vibrant colors compared to…

    The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K has a better response time and wider SDR color gamut, resulting in better gaming performance and more vibrant colors compared to the BenQ ZOWIE XL2540.

    The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K trails the HDR-equipped ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM in most respects. The ASUS device boasts a better contrast ratio, higher 295 peak…

    The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K trails the HDR-equipped ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM in most respects. The ASUS device boasts a better contrast ratio, higher 295 peak brightness, more ergonomic stand, and wider viewing angles.

    The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K has slightly slower response times, narrower viewing angles, and a dimmer screen than the Dell Alienware AW2521HF. On the other hand,…

    The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K has slightly slower response times, narrower viewing angles, and a dimmer screen than the Dell Alienware AW2521HF. On the other hand, the BenQ monitor has a Black Frame Insertion feature, which is lacking on the Dell model.

    Display Type

    LED

    HDMI Inputs

    3

    HDR Format

    n/a

    Max Resolution

    1920 x 1080 (Full HD)

    Panel Type

    TN

    Refresh Rate

    240 Hz

    Response Time

    1 ms

    Screen size

    24.5"

    Dig Deeper

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    Score Card

    E

    Expert Score

    82

    *.75

    We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

    C

    Customer Score

    91

    *.25

    We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

    True Score

    84

    Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

    Expert Scores

    • Rtings
      101.4

      Category Trust Rating

      75
      The XL2546K boasts an impressive refresh rate for games that can take advantage of it,… Read More

      By:

      Samuel Breton
    • Tom’s Hardware
      89.25

      Category Trust Rating

      70
      The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K is an excellent gaming monitor. It has an exceptionally low input… Read More

      By:

      Charlie Noon
    • Techradar
      39

      Category Trust Rating

      100
      The BenQ Zowie XL2546K leaves out HDR and extended color but has DyAc+, which is… Read More

      By:

      Aleksha McLoughlin
    • WePC
      72

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      When it comes to the old-school monitor technology that competitive FPS gamers like, this represents… Read More

      By:

      Christian Eberle
    • Gamesradar
      44.1

      Category Trust Rating

      60
      If you’re the sort of person that only plays competitive titles and is looking for… Read More

      By:

      Nick Ross