GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor vs BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
The GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor stands out with its stunning 4K resolution, making it ideal for immersive gaming and sharp visuals. In contrast, the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor features an ultra-fast refresh rate, perfect for competitive gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. After testing both monitors, you'll find that the GIGABYTE M28U is a strong fit for general gaming and media consumption, while the BenQ excels in esports scenarios, delivering 360Hz refresh rates that provide a competitive edge in fast-paced games like CS2 and Valorant. So, which one suits your needs better in 2026? Key specs: Display: 28" vs 24.5" and Refresh: 144 Hz vs 360 Hz.
Why compare these? The GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor (mid-range) and BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor (premium flagship) represent different approaches to monitors. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | GIGABYTE M28U | BenQ ZOWIE |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3★ (627 reviews) | ✓4.5★ (254 reviews) |
| Top Strength | HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K @ 120Hz for PS5 and Xbox Series X (utilizing DSC or chroma subsampling due to 24Gbps bandwidth) | 360Hz refresh rate on a Fast TN panel delivers the clearest motion clarity available for esports |
| Main Drawback | USB-C power delivery is limited to 15W/18W, which is insufficient to charge most laptops | TN panel viewing angles and color reproduction are inferior to IPS/OLED alternatives |
| Market Position | Mid-range | ✓Flagship |
GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor
28" Viewable (28" Class)
3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)
16:9
SS IPS (Super Speed IPS)
BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
24.5" Viewable (25" Class)
1920 x 1080 (FHD)
16:9
TN (Fast TN)
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 | ★4.3(627)Amazon | ★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
28" Viewable (28" Class)
3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)
16:9
SS IPS (Super Speed IPS)
144 Hz (PC) / 120 Hz (Console via HDMI 2.1)
1 ms (GtG) / 2 ms (MPRT)
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
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)
BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
24.5" Viewable (25" Class)
1920 x 1080 (FHD)
16:9
TN (Fast TN)
360 Hz
0.5 ms (GtG)
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
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)
Which one is better?
The BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor is the better buy for competitive gamers - its blistering 360Hz refresh rate crushes the GIGABYTE's 144Hz. That said, grab the GIGABYTE if you want stunning 4K visuals for general gaming and media consumption.
Who should buy each?
Choose the GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor if: you want 4K resolution for detailed graphics, enjoy console gaming with HDMI 2.1 support, or need a built-in KVM switch for multitasking.
Choose the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor if: you prioritize the fastest refresh rates for competitive gaming, want minimal motion blur in action games, or prefer a lightweight setup for tournaments. (24.5" display, 360 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.3★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose BenQ ZOWIE
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 627 reviews vs 254
→ Choose GIGABYTE M28U
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose BenQ ZOWIE
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose GIGABYTE M28U
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor leads with a 4.5★ rating versus 4.3★. That said, GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor or BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor?
GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor is the better choice 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). BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor wins if you value 360hz refresh rate on a fast tn panel delivers the clearest motion clarity available for esports. Both are rated highly (4.3★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor and BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor?
Key differences: GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor offers hdmi 2.1 ports support 4k @ 120hz for ps5 and xbox series x (utilizing dsc or chroma subsampling due to 24gbps bandwidth), while BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor stands out with 360hz refresh rate on a fast tn panel delivers the clearest motion clarity available for esports. Consider that GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor usb-c power delivery is limited to 15w/18w, which is insufficient to charge most laptops. Meanwhile, BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor tn panel viewing angles and color reproduction are inferior to ips/oled alternatives. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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