Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor vs BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
The BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor is the clear winner here due to its staggering 360Hz refresh rate, which crushes the Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor's 60Hz. This makes a massive difference for competitive gamers who thrive on every millisecond of performance. In real-world use, that 360Hz refresh rate translates to incredibly smooth gameplay, ensuring that fast-moving action in games like CS2 and Valorant feels fluid and responsive. Meanwhile, the Samsung's 3000:1 contrast ratio excels in delivering rich blacks, but for gaming, the refresh rate is a game-changer that you can't overlook in 2026.
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Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD 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: Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor vs BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor
BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor
| Criterion | Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor | BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(2,830)Amazon | ★4.5(254)Amazon |
Screen Size | 26.9" Viewable (27" 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 | 60 Hz | 360 Hz |
Response Time | 4 ms (GtG) | 0.5 ms (GtG) |
Brightness | 250 nits (Typical) / 300 nits (Peak) | 320 nits (Typical) |
Contrast | 3,000:1 (Static) | 1,000:1 (Typical) |
Color Gamut | 72% NTSC (CIE 1976) | Not specified (Standard sRGB coverage) |
Color Depth | 16.7M (8-bit) | 8-bit |
HDR | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Adaptive Sync | AMD FreeSync | Variable Refresh Rate (DyAc+ must be OFF) |
Viewing Angles | 178° (H) / 178° (V) | 170° (H) / 160° (V) |
Curvature | 1800R | Flat |
Speakers | No (None) | No (None) |
Ports | 1x HDMI 1.4; 1x VGA (D-Sub); 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 | No | No |
Kvm | No | No |
Vesa | 75 x 75 mm | 100 x 100 mm |
Ergonomics | Tilt only (-2° to 22°) | Height (155mm), Tilt (-5° to 23°), Swivel (-45° to 45°), Pivot (90°) |
Power Consumption | 35 W (Max) / 0.3 W (Standby) | 40 W (Max) / 0.5 W (Standby) |
Weight With Stand | 4,300 g (9.48 lbs) | 6,200 g (13.67 lbs) |
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Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor
✓ Pros:
- • 1800R curvature wraps the field of view for improved immersion
- • High 3,000:1 contrast ratio delivers deep, rich blacks ideal for movies
- • Includes legacy VGA port for compatibility with older computers
- • AMD FreeSync reduces screen tearing during casual gaming
- • 3-sided bezel-less design offers a sleek, modern look
✗ Cons:
- • Limited to 60Hz refresh rate (not ideal for competitive gaming)
- • Stand lacks height, swivel, or pivot adjustments (Tilt only)
- • No built-in speakers
- • Brightness (250 nits) is standard and may not suffice in sunlit rooms
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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 360Hz refresh rate crushes the Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor's 60Hz. That said, grab the Samsung if you want a larger screen with deeper blacks for movies and casual use - it's 2.5" bigger.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor if: you want a larger screen for immersive movie watching, enjoy deep contrast for multimedia, or need a budget-friendly option. (26.9" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Choose the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor if: you compete in fast-paced esports, require ultra-smooth motion for shooters, or need a fully adjustable stand for ergonomic setups. (24.5" display, 360 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor and BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5" FHD 360Hz Esports Monitor are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor excels if you value 1800r curvature wraps the field of view for improved immersion. 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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