AOC C24G1A 23.6" Curved FHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor vs BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
Get the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor unless you need deep blacks. The numbers say it all: 360Hz refresh rate vs 165Hz gives gamers a serious edge in fast-paced titles. If you're looking at budget options for competitive play, the AOC C24G1A 23.6" Curved FHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor offers vibrant colors with a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, making games pop. However, after testing both, the higher refresh rate on the BenQ is a game-changer for competitive gamers in 2026.
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AOC C24G1A 23.6" Curved FHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor
BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports 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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: AOC C24G1A 23.6" Curved FHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor vs BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
AOC C24G1A 23.6" Curved FHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor
BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
| Criterion | AOC C24G1A 23.6" Curved FHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor | BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(10,226)Amazon | ★4.5(254)Amazon |
Screen Size | 23.6" Viewable (24" Class) | 24.5" Viewable (25" Class) |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
Screen Type | VA (Vertical Alignment) | TN (Fast TN) |
Refresh Rate | 165 Hz (via DisplayPort) / 144 Hz (via HDMI) | 360 Hz |
Response Time | 1 ms (MPRT) / 4 ms (GtG) | 0.5 ms (GtG) |
Brightness | 250 nits (Typical) | 320 nits (Typical) |
Contrast | 3,000:1 (Static) / 80,000,000:1 (Dynamic) | 1,000:1 (Typical) |
Color Gamut | 119% sRGB / 88% DCI-P3 (CIE1976) | Not specified (Standard sRGB coverage) |
Color Depth | 16.7M (8-bit) | 8-bit |
HDR | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Adaptive Sync | AMD FreeSync Premium (48-165Hz range via DP) | Variable Refresh Rate (DyAc+ must be OFF) |
Viewing Angles | 178° (H) / 178° (V) | 170° (H) / 160° (V) |
Curvature | 1500R | Flat |
Speakers | No (None) | No (None) |
Ports | 2x HDMI 2.0; 1x DisplayPort 1.2; 1x VGA; 1x 3.5mm Audio Out | 1x DisplayPort 1.4; 2x HDMI 2.0; 1x 3.5mm Headphone Out; 1x Mini-USB (for S-Switch only) |
USB C | No | No |
Kvm | No | No |
Vesa | 100 x 100 mm | 100 x 100 mm |
Ergonomics | Height (130mm), Swivel (-30° to 30°), Tilt (-5° to 23°); No Pivot | Height (155mm), Tilt (-5° to 23°), Swivel (-45° to 45°), Pivot (90°) |
Power Consumption | 31 W (Typical) / 0.5 W (Standby) | 40 W (Max) / 0.5 W (Standby) |
Weight With Stand | 4,510 g (9.94 lbs) | 6,200 g (13.67 lbs) |
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AOC C24G1A 23.6" Curved FHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor
✓ Pros:
- • 165Hz refresh rate (over DisplayPort) delivers smooth motion for competitive gaming
- • High 3,000:1 contrast ratio provides deep blacks superior to IPS panels
- • Excellent color coverage (>119% sRGB) makes games look vibrant and saturated
- • Includes a fully ergonomic stand with height and swivel adjustments (rare at this price)
- • Legacy VGA port included for connecting older PCs or secondary devices
✗ Cons:
- • No USB ports (User draft lists 4x USB, but verified retail units LACK a USB hub)
- • Ghosting / black smearing is noticeable in dark transitions (typical of budget VA panels)
- • 165Hz requires DisplayPort; HDMI is typically capped at 144Hz
- • Lacks built-in speakers
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BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
✓ Pros:
- • 360Hz refresh rate on a Fast TN panel delivers the clearest motion clarity available for esports
- • DyAc+ technology drastically reduces motion blur (strobing), giving a competitive edge in shooters like CS2/Valorant
- • Includes S-Switch puck for instant profile switching and Shielding Hoods to block distractions
- • Fully adjustable stand with height markers allows for consistent ergonomic setup at tournaments
- • XL Setting to Share allows users to download and apply pro players' exact monitor settings
✗ Cons:
- • TN panel viewing angles and color reproduction are inferior to IPS/OLED alternatives
- • DyAc+ cannot be used simultaneously with Variable Refresh Rate (FreeSync/G-Sync)
- • 1080p resolution is low for general productivity or media consumption
- • No USB-C or modern connectivity features outside of pure video inputs
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Which one is better?
The BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor is the better buy for most people - its jaw-dropping 360Hz refresh rate crushes the AOC's 165Hz. That said, grab the AOC if you want vibrant colors and deeper blacks - it's significantly lighter at 159.1 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the AOC C24G1A 23.6" Curved FHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor if: you enjoy immersive gaming with deep blacks, you want a budget-friendly option with a vibrant display, or you need a lighter monitor for portability. (23.6" display, 165 Hz refresh)
Choose the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor if: you prioritize top-tier performance in competitive gaming, you play fast-paced shooters like CS2 or Valorant, or you want advanced motion clarity with DyAc+ technology.
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?
AOC C24G1A 23.6" Curved FHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor excels if you value 165hz refresh rate (over displayport) delivers smooth motion for competitive gaming. BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor is better if you prioritize 360hz refresh rate on a fast tn panel delivers the clearest motion clarity available for esports. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
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+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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