GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor vs BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
If you're debating between the GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor and the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor, the choice hinges on your gaming needs. The GIGABYTE, with its 3840 x 2160 resolution, offers stunning visuals, while the BenQ excels with a jaw-dropping 360Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth gameplay. In real-world use, the GIGABYTE M28U shines for high-resolution gaming and multitasking, thanks to its built-in KVM switch. However, if you're all about competitive gaming and need the clearest motion clarity, the BenQ's 0.5ms response time and DyAc+ technology deliver an edge in fast-paced shooters like CS2. So, what does this mean for your setup? Let's dive deeper into the specs and features.
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GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM 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: GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor vs BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor
BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
| Criterion | GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor | BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(271)Best Buy | ★4.5(254)Amazon |
Screen Size | 28" Viewable (28" Class) | 24.5" Viewable (25" Class) |
Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
Screen Type | SS IPS (Super Speed IPS) | TN (Fast TN) |
Refresh Rate | 144 Hz (PC) / 120 Hz (Console via HDMI 2.1) | 360 Hz |
Response Time | 1 ms (GtG) / 2 ms (MPRT) | 0.5 ms (GtG) |
Brightness | 300 nits (Typical) | 320 nits (Typical) |
Contrast | 1,000:1 (Typical) | 1,000:1 (Typical) |
Color Gamut | 94% DCI-P3 / 120% sRGB | Not specified (Standard sRGB coverage) |
Color Depth | 8-bit | 8-bit |
HDR | VESA DisplayHDR 400 | No (Not supported) |
Adaptive Sync | AMD FreeSync Premium Pro | Variable Refresh Rate (DyAc+ must be OFF) |
Viewing Angles | 178° (H) / 178° (V) | 170° (H) / 160° (V) |
Curvature | Flat | Flat |
Speakers | 2x 3 W (Stereo) | No (None) |
Ports | 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 | 1x DisplayPort 1.4; 2x HDMI 2.0; 1x 3.5mm Headphone Out; 1x Mini-USB (for S-Switch only) |
USB C | Yes (Video + Data + 15W Power Delivery) | No |
Kvm | Yes (Built-in) | No |
Vesa | 100 x 100 mm | 100 x 100 mm |
Ergonomics | Height (130mm), Tilt (-5° to 20°); No Swivel or Pivot | Height (155mm), Tilt (-5° to 23°), Swivel (-45° to 45°), Pivot (90°) |
Power Consumption | 40.5 W (Typical) / 115 W (Max) / 0.5 W (Standby) | 40 W (Max) / 0.5 W (Standby) |
Weight With Stand | 6,930 g (15.28 lbs) | 6,200 g (13.67 lbs) |
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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
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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 gamers - its 360Hz refresh rate crushes the GIGABYTE's 144Hz, making it perfect for fast-paced esports. That said, grab the GIGABYTE M28U if you want stunning 4K visuals for single-player games and multitasking - it's a worthy investment.
Who should buy each?
Choose the GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor if: you crave 4K gaming with vibrant visuals, need a KVM switch for two devices, or multitask with multiple applications.
Choose the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor if: you play competitive shooters, prioritize ultra-fast response times, or want the clearest motion during gameplay. (24.5" display, 360 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor excels if you value hdmi 2.1 ports support 4k @ 120hz for ps5 and xbox series x (utilizing dsc or chroma subsampling due to 24gbps bandwidth). 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?
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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