Acer SB220Q bi 21.5" FHD IPS Monitor vs GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor
The Acer SB220Q bi 21.5" FHD IPS Monitor is the budget option here, but the GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor is the standout for serious gamers. The key difference lies in the resolution: 1920 x 1080 vs 3840 x 2160. This means the GIGABYTE delivers stunning visual clarity, making it a no-brainer for gaming and content creation. In real-world use, the Acer's 75Hz refresh rate feels smooth but can't compete with the GIGABYTE's 144Hz, which offers a more responsive experience in fast-paced games. The GIGABYTE also boasts a better brightness at 300 nits compared to 250 nits on the Acer. So, if you're gaming or watching HDR content, the GIGABYTE's visuals will shine brighter and clearer, providing a more immersive experience overall.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Acer SB220Q bi 21.5" FHD IPS Monitor
GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Acer SB220Q bi 21.5" FHD IPS Monitor vs GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor
Acer SB220Q bi 21.5" FHD IPS Monitor
GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor
| Criterion | Acer SB220Q bi 21.5" FHD IPS Monitor | GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(43,282)Amazon | ★4.4(271)Best Buy |
Screen Size | 21.5" Viewable | 28" Viewable (28" Class) |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
Screen Type | IPS (In-Plane Switching) | SS IPS (Super Speed IPS) |
Refresh Rate | 75 Hz (via HDMI) / 60 Hz (via VGA) | 144 Hz (PC) / 120 Hz (Console via HDMI 2.1) |
Response Time | 4 ms (GtG) | 1 ms (GtG) / 2 ms (MPRT) |
Brightness | 250 nits (cd/m²) | 300 nits (Typical) |
Contrast | 1,000:1 (Static) / 100,000,000:1 (Dynamic) | 1,000:1 (Typical) |
Color Gamut | 72% NTSC (Approx. 99% sRGB) | 94% DCI-P3 / 120% sRGB |
Color Depth | 16.7M (6-bit + FRC) | 8-bit |
HDR | No (Not supported) | VESA DisplayHDR 400 |
Adaptive Sync | AMD Radeon FreeSync (48-75Hz range via HDMI) | AMD FreeSync Premium Pro |
Viewing Angles | 178° (H) / 178° (V) | 178° (H) / 178° (V) |
Curvature | Flat | Flat |
Speakers | No (None) | 2x 3 W (Stereo) |
Ports | 1x HDMI 1.4; 1x VGA | 2x HDMI 2.1; 1x DisplayPort 1.4 (DSC); 1x USB-C (DP Alt Mode, Data, 15W PD); 3x USB 3.0 Downstream; 1x USB-B Upstream; 1x 3.5mm Headphone Out |
USB C | No | Yes (Video + Data + 15W Power Delivery) |
Kvm | No | Yes (Built-in) |
Vesa | No (Not VESA compatible) | 100 x 100 mm |
Ergonomics | Tilt only (-5° to 15°) | Height (130mm), Tilt (-5° to 20°); No Swivel or Pivot |
Power Consumption | 24 W (Typical) / 0.45 W (Standby) | 40.5 W (Typical) / 115 W (Max) / 0.5 W (Standby) |
Weight With Stand | 2,480 g (5.47 lbs) | 6,930 g (15.28 lbs) |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Acer SB220Q bi 21.5" FHD IPS Monitor
✓ Pros:
- • Ultra-thin 'Zero Frame' design looks modern and saves desk space
- • IPS panel ensures consistent colors and wide viewing angles (178°)
- • 75Hz refresh rate with FreeSync provides smoother gaming than standard 60Hz panels
- • Excellent value for a secondary display or compact primary monitor
- • Lightweight (under 5.5 lbs) makes it easy to move or reposition
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks VESA mount compatibility (cannot be mounted on arms or walls)
- • No built-in audio or headphone jack
- • Stand is basic with no height, swivel, or pivot adjustments
- • Limited connectivity (only 1x HDMI and 1x VGA; no DisplayPort)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor
✓ Pros:
- • HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K @ 120Hz for PS5 and Xbox Series X (utilizing DSC or chroma subsampling due to 24Gbps bandwidth)
- • Built-in KVM switch allows controlling two devices (e.g., PC and Laptop) with one keyboard/mouse
- • Super Speed IPS panel delivers low 1ms response time with wide viewing angles
- • Excellent pixel density (157 PPI) results in extremely sharp text and images
- • Reasonably priced entry point for high-refresh 4K gaming
✗ Cons:
- • USB-C power delivery is limited to 15W/18W, which is insufficient to charge most laptops
- • HDMI 2.1 bandwidth is capped at 24Gbps (relies on DSC for full 4K 144Hz 4:4:4)
- • Stand lacks Swivel and Pivot adjustments
- • Contrast is average for IPS (1,000:1), meaning blacks look gray in dark rooms
- • HDR performance is minimal (DisplayHDR 400) with no local dimming
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which one is better?
The GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor is the better buy for most people - its 3840 x 2160 resolution crushes the Acer SB220Q bi 21.5" FHD IPS Monitor.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Acer SB220Q bi 21.5" FHD IPS Monitor if: you need a lightweight monitor for basic tasks, have limited desk space, or are looking for a budget-friendly option. (21.5" display, 75 Hz refresh)
Choose the GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor if: you want stunning 4K visuals for gaming, need a high refresh rate for smoother gameplay, or want a KVM switch to control multiple devices.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Acer SB220Q bi 21.5" FHD IPS Monitor excels if you value ultra-thin 'zero frame' design looks modern and saves desk space. GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor is better if you prioritize hdmi 2.1 ports support 4k @ 120hz for ps5 and xbox series x (utilizing dsc or chroma subsampling due to 24gbps bandwidth). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.