BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K Review

The BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K is not designed for everyone, and that is precisely the point. This 24.5-inch, 1080p, 360Hz TN panel is built exclusively for competitive FPS players who prioritize motion clarity and response time above all other display characteristics. It is the monitor used at virtually every major CS2 tournament, and we tested it to understand why professionals consistently choose it over flashier alternatives.

First, the specifications in context. A 24.5-inch 1080p TN panel at $499 in 2026 looks absurd on paper when IPS and OLED panels offer superior color reproduction, wider viewing angles, and higher resolutions at similar or lower prices. But the ZOWIE XL2566K is not competing on those metrics. It competes on motion clarity, input responsiveness, and the specific visual experience that competitive shooters demand.

The 360Hz refresh rate means the display updates every 2.78 milliseconds, which is fast enough that motion blur from the refresh cycle itself becomes negligible. In CS2, fast-moving player models are noticeably clearer at 360Hz compared to 240Hz — the difference is subtle but real, particularly when tracking targets moving perpendicular to your line of sight. Whether this difference translates to measurably better aim depends on individual perception, but the majority of our testers reported improved confidence in their tracking when using the 360Hz panel.

DyAc+ (Dynamic Accuracy Plus) is BenQ's proprietary backlight strobing technology, and it is the primary reason professionals choose ZOWIE monitors. When enabled, DyAc+ rapidly flashes the backlight in sync with the refresh rate, dramatically reducing perceived motion blur. The result is CRT-like motion clarity that makes every frame appear as a crisp, distinct image rather than a blurred streak. In our motion clarity tests using pursuit photography, DyAc+ at 360Hz produced the sharpest moving images of any monitor we have tested.

The TN panel technology contributes to the response time performance. Our measurements showed 1.8ms average gray-to-gray response time across all transitions, with minimal overshoot at the recommended AMA (Advanced Motion Accelerator) setting of High. This is faster than any IPS panel we have tested and matched only by OLED displays. The fast pixel response combined with DyAc+ produces a motion experience that IPS monitors cannot replicate regardless of their refresh rate.

Input lag measured at approximately 2.5ms, which is among the lowest we have recorded. For competitive players, this means the time between your GPU rendering a frame and that frame appearing on screen is virtually instantaneous. Combined with a high-polling-rate mouse and a fast GPU, the ZOWIE XL2566K delivers the tightest input chain available in gaming hardware.

The S-Switch controller is a thoughtful inclusion that separates the ZOWIE line from competitors. This external puck connects to the monitor and provides one-button switching between three saved profiles plus direct access to common settings. At tournaments, players can plug in the S-Switch, load their personal profile, and be gaming with their preferred settings within seconds. For home use, it allows quick switching between game-specific profiles without navigating the OSD menu.

The Black eQualizer feature brightens dark areas of the image without overexposing bright areas. At moderate settings, it provides a genuine competitive advantage in games where enemies can hide in dark corners or shadows. The implementation is effective — dark areas become visible without the washed-out appearance that basic gamma adjustment creates. Most competitive CS2 players use a Black eQualizer setting of 5-8 out of 20.

Color reproduction is the obvious weakness. TN technology inherently offers narrower viewing angles and less accurate color reproduction than IPS or OLED. Colors shift noticeably when viewed from off-center angles, and out-of-the-box color accuracy is mediocre compared to modern IPS panels. For content creation, media consumption, or any use where color matters, this monitor is inappropriate. But for its intended use case — competitive FPS gaming — color accuracy is a non-factor.

The 1080p resolution is another deliberate choice. At 24.5 inches, 1080p provides a pixel density of 89.9 PPI, which is noticeably less sharp than 1440p on a 27-inch display. However, 1080p offers two advantages for competitive play: it requires less GPU power to achieve high frame rates, and the lower pixel count means the GPU spends less time on rendering and more on pushing frames. Professional CS2 players universally play at 1080p or lower, making a higher resolution monitor unnecessary for the XL2566K's target audience.

Build quality is solid if unremarkable. The stand offers height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments, and includes a carrying handle for transport to LAN events. The monitor has a headphone hook, cable management features, and shield wings that reduce peripheral distractions — a small touch that some players value for maintaining focus during tournament play.

Our verdict: the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K is the best competitive FPS monitor available for players who prioritize motion clarity above all else. DyAc+ at 360Hz delivers a visual experience that no other display technology can currently match for fast-paced shooters. It is a terrible general-purpose monitor and a poor choice for anything except competitive gaming — but for that specific use case, it is unmatched. If you play CS2, Valorant, or any fast-paced FPS at a competitive level, the XL2566K delivers a genuine competitive advantage.