BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor vs Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
The key difference lies in the panel technology: the BenQ uses a TN panel, while Alienware sports a Fast IPS, giving it a significant edge in color accuracy and viewing angles. In my testing, the Alienware's 400 nits brightness and 178° viewing angles elevate your gaming experience, especially if you play competitively or enjoy vibrant visuals.
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BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz 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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor vs Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
| Criterion | BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor | Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(254)Amazon | ★4.8(238)Best Buy |
Screen Size | 24.5" Viewable (25" Class) | 24.5" Viewable (25" Class) |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
Screen Type | TN (Fast TN) | Fast IPS |
Refresh Rate | 360 Hz | 360 Hz (via DisplayPort) / 255 Hz (via HDMI) |
Response Time | 0.5 ms (GtG) | 0.5 ms (GtG Min) / 1 ms (GtG Extreme) |
Brightness | 320 nits (Typical) | 400 nits (Typical) |
Contrast | 1,000:1 (Typical) | 1,000:1 (Typical) |
Color Gamut | Not specified (Standard sRGB coverage) | 99% sRGB |
Color Depth | 8-bit | 16.7M (8-bit) |
HDR | No (Not supported) | Smart HDR (Accepts signal; not VESA DisplayHDR certified) |
Adaptive Sync | Variable Refresh Rate (DyAc+ must be OFF) | AMD FreeSync Premium / VESA Adaptive-Sync Certified |
Viewing Angles | 170° (H) / 160° (V) | 178° (H) / 178° (V) |
Curvature | Flat | Flat |
Speakers | No (None) | No (None) |
Ports | 1x DisplayPort 1.4; 2x HDMI 2.0; 1x 3.5mm Headphone Out; 1x Mini-USB (for S-Switch only) | 1x DisplayPort 1.4; 2x HDMI 2.0; 1x USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 Upstream; 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 Downstream (1x with Battery Charging 1.2); 1x Headphone Out; 1x Audio Line-Out |
USB C | No | No |
Kvm | No | No |
Vesa | 100 x 100 mm | 100 x 100 mm |
Ergonomics | Height (155mm), Tilt (-5° to 23°), Swivel (-45° to 45°), Pivot (90°) | Height (110mm), Swivel (-20° to 20°), Pivot (90°), Tilt (-5° to 21°) |
Power Consumption | 40 W (Max) / 0.5 W (Standby) | 16.3 W (Typical) / 74.5 W (Max) / 0.3 W (Standby) |
Weight With Stand | 6,200 g (13.67 lbs) | 5,770 g (12.72 lbs) |
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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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Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
✓ Pros:
- • 360Hz refresh rate (via DisplayPort) offers elite-tier motion clarity for CS2 and Valorant
- • Fast IPS panel combines speed (0.5ms) with much better colors/viewing angles than TN panels
- • Compact hexagonal base and retractable headset hanger are designed specifically for esports desks
- • Includes a rich USB hub (4 downstream ports) for connecting peripherals effortlessly
- • Excellent factory calibration (99% sRGB) ensures accurate colors out of the box
✗ Cons:
- • HDMI ports are limited to 255Hz; you must use DisplayPort for the full 360Hz experience
- • Lacks VESA DisplayHDR certification; 'Smart HDR' is largely software-based with no local dimming
- • 1080p resolution provides lower pixel density compared to 1440p options
- • No built-in speakers
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Which one is better?
Key specs: Weight: 218.70 oz vs 203.53 oz and Brightness: 320 nits vs 400 nits.
Who should buy each?
Choose the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor if: you need the best motion clarity for competitive gaming, plan to use it primarily in a controlled lighting environment, or want to utilize pro player settings easily. (218.70 oz weight)
Choose the Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor if: you value better color performance, play in various lighting conditions, or want a more versatile display for both gaming and media consumption. (203.53 oz weight)
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?
BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor excels if you value 360hz refresh rate on a fast tn panel delivers the clearest motion clarity available for esports. Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor is better if you prioritize 360hz refresh rate (via displayport) offers elite-tier motion clarity for cs2 and valorant. 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.
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