Compare MSI MAG 274QPF X30MV vs BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X

Assembly and basic joystick access are approachable, but the sluggish on-screen menu and awkward adjustments make frequent tweaking tedious.

Assembly and initial adjustments are straightforward, with markings that make a familiar position easy to recreate.

It can handle both work documents and gaming without OLED static-image anxiety, although limited USB features and local dimming issues reduce flexibility.

Despite sharp text, the design is almost entirely dedicated to esports. People wanting a broadly useful work display will find too many compromises.

Lush color, deep blacks and bright HDR effects deliver a particularly immersive experience for story-driven and solo games.

The focus on pure motion rather than HDR contrast or immersion leaves narrative-heavy, cinematic games better served by OLED.

Deep VA blacks are among the monitor's strongest attractions, with higher local-dimming settings approaching near-black backgrounds. More aggressive settings can also suppress small bright details.

Blacks lack the depth of OLED and can look gray, although some players find them decent once the monitor is tuned. Dark-scene richness is not the priority.

MPRT makes tracked motion sharper but locks brightness, disables VRR and may introduce discomfort or strobe artifacts. It is a situational option rather than an unrestricted upgrade.

DyAc 3 can make fast movement extraordinarily crisp, and some testers prefer it to modern OLED motion. Others see only tiny differences in actual games, and strobing can create duplication or discomfort.

The 300Hz ceiling adds fluidity, but black trails and pixel transitions that cannot fully keep pace prevent uniformly crisp motion.

Rapid tracking is remarkably well defined, especially with DyAc 3 engaged. The gain over top-end OLED can be obvious in tests yet subtle to some players in real matches.

Genre presets are plentiful, but many change little and Premium Color can look excessively saturated. User mode is a safer starting point for natural color.

Custom profiles and game-specific settings can improve target visibility. Some filters need moderation to avoid unnaturally subdued colors, and presets can be switched quickly.

Two HDMI 2.1 inputs and DisplayPort cover video needs, but no USB-C data, USB-A ports or KVM makes the connections sparse for a versatile workstation.

The multiple HDMI inputs are useful, while the straightforward rear port orientation makes cables easier to attach. The connection mix is otherwise focused on gaming.

Black smearing during dark transitions remains the clearest motion drawback, despite being reasonably controlled for a VA panel in some tests.

Fast TN response and DyAc 3 keep trails very limited in action, with some testers finding it cleaner than a strobing competitor. Mild duplication or crosstalk can still appear under particular tests.

The box contains the essentials, including a DisplayPort cable and mounting hardware, without much extra.

The wired S Switch is a highlight because it makes changing display settings fast. Side shields and supplied cables further support dedicated esports setups.

Most transitions are reasonably quick, yet dark transitions and imperfect 300Hz compliance lag behind the best fast IPS displays.

Pixel transitions are exceptionally fast for an LCD, supporting clean, immediate motion. OLED remains quicker in strict pixel-response terms.

Rapid VA provides much better native contrast than typical IPS but sacrifices off-axis consistency and clean dark-pixel transitions.

Fast TN helps deliver very precise moving images without OLED burn-in worries. Its weaker contrast, off-axis colors and narrow everyday usefulness are substantial tradeoffs.

300Hz, HDMI 2.1 and low lag make fast competitive play appealing. Dark smearing, imperfect pixel compliance and limited strobing keep it from being the cleanest esports option.

This is where the monitor excels: 360Hz, precise motion and competitive visibility controls make fast shooters feel remarkably controlled. Its advantages are most meaningful to committed esports players.

QHD is less demanding than 4K, but actually taking advantage of 300Hz in fast games still requires strong enough PC hardware and settings.

The 360Hz ceiling is difficult to fully exploit at 1440p in demanding games such as Warzone. The monitor remains responsive below that ceiling, but hardware and frame rate influence the best settings.

Dark-screen bleed is barely perceptible in ordinary viewing, though complicated local-dimming patterns can trigger stray illumination.

Light leakage is minimal for a TN panel, helping it avoid one of the common LCD drawbacks.

The LCD panel avoids the static-image burn-in worries associated with OLED use, which is reassuring for a work-and-gaming desktop.

The TN LCD avoids the static-image burn-in concerns associated with OLED, an advantage for interfaces with fixed elements during long sessions.

Sturdy protective inserts secure the screen well, even if the outer packaging is fairly plain.

The carefully designed box is easy to repack, a thoughtful benefit for transporting the display to events.

The understated design is acceptable, but extensive plastic construction falls short of a premium finish.

The monitor is solid but its gray plastic exterior is less lavish than the high price might imply.

The base feels stable to one tester, though another observed mild screen wobble when pressing the controls.

The display holds its position securely, even at maximum height or when the desk is bumped.

Viewing angles are a clear VA limitation, with color and brightness shifts from the sides; some users find them tolerable at normal distances.

Color shifts sharply whenever the screen is seen from the side or at the wrong vertical angle. The problem is minor when staring squarely into a match but unpleasant for relaxed viewing or office work.

The wide Adobe RGB coverage is useful for photography, but color precision benefits from calibration and turning off local dimming.

Photo editors will miss the color fidelity and consistent viewing angles offered by OLED or professional IPS alternatives.

Most impressions are positive, especially at lower prices and in bright rooms; a more critical assessment objects to firmware assumptions, OSD polish and regional pricing.

Most praise its unusually effective esports focus while acknowledging that this is a niche, costly purchase. A few competitors and hands-on users question whether the gains justify the sacrifice.

A 300Hz QHD image with low latency, HDMI 2.1 and rich HDR makes this an attractive gaming display, provided the player accepts some VA artifacts.

For fast PC games, the monitor is highly responsive and clear, though its absence of HDR and weaker image quality make it less suited to all types of PC gaming.

A 27-inch 2560×1440 screen balances sharpness, desktop room and gaming performance nicely, but cannot match native 4K fine detail.

A rare 1440p resolution at this compact size adds visible detail without moving to a larger esports display. It is an appealing upgrade from older 1080p ZOWIE monitors.

VRR is supported over HDMI and DisplayPort and generally functions well, but fluctuating frame rates can trigger dark-scene flicker.

Adaptive refresh is available to help games with fluctuating frame rates, though it cannot operate at the same time as DyAc 3.

Inputs feel very responsive with little visible delay, which helps both fast shooters and general gaming.

Controls feel immediate, with measured and subjective impressions both supporting a highly responsive experience.

The 300Hz refresh rate is a standout advantage over many budget Mini-LED rivals, especially for high-frame-rate PC gaming.

The 360Hz refresh is extremely smooth even if 500Hz and 600Hz alternatives are now available. Very high frame rates help exploit it, but speed remains strong below its ceiling.

Standard RGB subpixels and QHD density produce clear text and defined game detail at normal seating distances.

QHD makes text and small opponents crisp, especially compared with a conventional 24-inch 1080p gaming monitor. In some side-by-side tests, the density advantage is subtle.

The matte coating copes well with typical room glare and bright conditions, though directly facing a strong light source can still be troublesome.

The matte surface keeps reflections subdued, making nearby light sources less distracting.

The Fast setting is the most reliable compromise between blur and overshoot, while Fastest can introduce obvious artifacts.

A well-chosen AMA overdrive setting can control overshoot. Higher settings are not necessarily an improvement.

Screen brightness is impressively even, with minimal patchiness or edge darkening in ordinary use.

A hands-on reviewer found the TN panel pleasantly even in dark areas, complementing the overall clean presentation.

Height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustments are smooth and generous, making the included stand a practical strength.

Smooth tilt, swivel and height adjustments offer an unusually wide range of ergonomic options. Reference marks and tilt readings help recreate a chosen configuration.

The bright Mini-LED backlight brings genuine high-impact HDR well beyond ordinary LCD monitors, though accuracy and dimming behavior vary with content and setup.

HDR is not supported, a major concession that makes this a poor choice for gamers buying primarily for cinematic picture quality.

Menu categories are understandable, but the interface responds slowly and shortcut customization is limited, making repeated image adjustments frustrating.

The supplied S Switch allows quick menu navigation without reaching behind the display, making display control especially convenient.

Exceptionally high native VA contrast and a 1,152-zone backlight produce powerful separation between dark and bright content. The benefit is greatest with more aggressive local dimming.

The TN panel cannot match OLED depth or contrast, and darker material can look comparatively flat. One enthusiastic tester finds its TN contrast adequate, but the wider preference is clear.

Night Vision can make dark environments easier to inspect, but its basic shadow adjustment trails better-tuned rival solutions.

The adjustable Black eQualizer can help enemy models stand apart from their surroundings, making it a practical visibility control for competitive matches.

Excellent contrast, wide color and spectacular brightness deliver an impressive image for the segment. HDR accuracy and small-highlight behavior are less polished than the headline numbers suggest.

The 1440p panel looks crisp and surprisingly colorful for TN, yet OLED still delivers deeper contrast and much better viewing angles. Image quality is deliberately secondary to motion.

Color accuracy is best with the appropriate User or calibrated gamut modes. Default saturation, warmer sRGB settings on some units and unstable colors with local dimming make precision more complicated.

Colors are more lively than older TN displays might suggest, but accuracy still trails good OLED panels. This is a tuned gaming image, not a dependable professional reference.

Adaptive Sync works smoothly for some gamers across a broad refresh range. Dark, fluctuating frame rates can still cause flicker, making the experience more conditional than the spec sheet suggests.

Variable refresh can smooth inconsistent frame delivery, especially in demanding battle royale matches. It cannot run alongside DyAc 3, making this a choice between approaches rather than a combined benefit.

DisplayPort 1.4 can drive the native 300Hz mode and supports firmware updates, though it lacks the bandwidth headroom of newer versions.

DisplayPort handles the high-refresh gaming setup, though reaching 1440p at 360Hz requires display stream compression.

The construction feels more plasticky than its price might suggest, even though the overall appearance is tidy.

The housing feels sturdy, with no obvious weak areas or creaking. Even an otherwise critical comparison praises its construction.

Flicker-free standard backlighting and blue-light filtering provide welcome comfort options. Optional MPRT strobing is a separate feature with possible flicker or strain.

Comfort varies strikingly: one long-session user reported more strain with DyAc active, while another found this TN screen much easier to watch than OLED. Sensitivity to strobing is individual.

Restrained black styling looks pleasant without a flashy gaming theme, although the protruding central logo section is less elegant.

A restrained dark shell and clean front avoid flashy gaming styling. The thicker body and prominent bezels will not appeal to everyone.

The 27-inch size is seen as a comfortable match for QHD gaming and desktop use.

A compact 24-inch screen puts game information in a focused field of view; some players prefer that to a more immersive 27-inch panel. The size is a deliberate esports choice.

Its HDR hardware and 300Hz performance can be excellent value at discounted prices, but some local prices exceed what rivals justify.

The price is the largest obstacle for most shoppers: only serious competitors are likely to justify paying so much for TN. One especially enthusiastic tester considered it worth the money.

Full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 connections improve high-refresh PC and modern console flexibility, including scaled 4K120 input.

Modern HDMI bandwidth broadens compatibility with recent graphics hardware, making the monitor less limited than older ZOWIE esports models.

Tool-free stand assembly is simple and quick, and basic positioning is straightforward.

Assembly requires little effort, and ergonomic reference markings help get the display into a familiar position quickly.

Standard 100×100 mounting makes third-party monitor arms practical, and fitting an Ergotron arm was straightforward.

Haloing is noticeably less pronounced than on some IPS Mini-LED monitors, especially in easier scenes, but bright objects and complex patterns can still produce visible glow.

There are no built-in speakers, so standalone console or movie setups need headphones or external audio.

Quantum dots produce an exceptionally broad color range, with vivid HDR colors and useful Adobe RGB/P3 coverage for appropriate content.

PS5 and Xbox benefit from HDMI 2.1, VRR and 120Hz support, including scaled 4K input in Console Mode. Dolby Vision and some less common 4K video cadences are unavailable.

The stand occupies relatively little desk area while leaving space for mouse movements. Its compact footprint is especially helpful on crowded competition desks.

A Mac mini successfully recognized the display and applied a color profile, complementing its broader PC and console support.

Firmware updating over DisplayPort is reported as straightforward and useful. One earlier assessment incorrectly believed updates were unavailable, so the experiences are inconsistent.

An on-screen tilt-angle reference helps competitors reproduce their exact preferred monitor position. It is a small but purposeful tournament feature.

The gaming controls are extensive and designed around competition rather than decoration. Profiles, visibility adjustments and precise positioning suit players who fine-tune their setup.

The TN presentation avoids the gray-band artifacts one OLED owner noticed on a competing panel, giving uniform solid colors a cleaner appearance.

Highlights can look exceptionally bright and punchy, but aggressive dimming can suppress small highlights while some tone curves blow out fine bright details.

Console Mode accepts 4K input and downscales it to the 1440p panel, helping compatibility with current consoles.

Magnetic side panels help block peripheral distractions and bright activity around a stage. They are more useful at events than against a plain wall at home.

Packing QHD into roughly 24 inches produces especially crisp text and distant detail. The difference is pronounced versus 1080p, but less dramatic against other 1440p displays.

Player settings can be stored, exported and applied across sessions, including from a phone. Recreating a familiar tournament profile is notably simple.

The available buying information was not convincing enough for one outlet to verify a precise U.S. listing. Buyers should confirm the exact model before ordering.

The matte surface keeps text clear and softens reflections, though it is less pristine than glossy glass and can show subtle off-axis tint.

The dedicated puck simplifies menu access and fast profile changes. One tester wishes switching profiles were even more convenient, but the general response is positive.

The conventional RGB LCD pixel layout keeps text crisp without the fringe concerns sometimes associated with OLED subpixels.

No USB data hub is built in, limiting peripheral connection and laptop versatility.

Standard 100×100 VESA support makes it easy to use a monitor arm instead of the included stand.

Missing support for some 4K 24Hz and 50Hz signals may limit video playback from certain console sources.

Variable-refresh flicker ranges from barely detectable in some tests to quite distracting in dark scenes or loading screens, depending on conditions.

Mini-LED brightness remains strong across larger HDR scenes rather than dimming as aggressively as the OLED displays used for comparison.

Zone-specific filters can reveal opponents through distracting storm or ring colors in battle royale games. Turning them too high can wash out the scene, so a moderated setting works best.

Exceptionally bright SDR and HDR output is a defining strength; test conditions and dimming settings affect how much of the advertised peak you see in real content.

There is no built-in KVM, so switching USB accessories between computers needs a separate solution.

The dense backlight substantially improves blacks and HDR contrast, but stronger dimming can alter colors, darken small objects and create uneven brightness transitions.

The tight pixel density makes far-off opponents, silhouettes and terrain detail easier to identify. The advantage is useful but not a substitute for game skill.

PIP and PBP can display multiple video sources and help with screen sharing, but they cannot replace USB switching or docking.

Multiple color-space modes and user adjustments offer useful flexibility, but HDR white balance is locked and some preset calibrations are inaccurate.

HDR tone tracking is acceptable in some modes but can lift midtones, shift color temperature or clip bright detail depending on the scene.

A downloadable Windows color profile adds a practical software option for users configuring this TN display.

Missing companion OSD software disappoints those who want to change settings from a PC instead of navigating the monitor's slower menus.

A phone can store and apply detailed display presets without repeatedly visiting the on-screen menus. Reviewers particularly like its convenience for esports setups.

Xbox users must rely on supported HDR10 modes rather than Dolby Vision.

The three-year manufacturer warranty is regarded as a reassuring advantage for this class.

Gamma is generally reasonable with local dimming off, but darker scenes and aggressive dimming can shift it enough to affect accuracy.

The prominent bezels are less sleek than some modern displays, though one tester liked their symmetry. At events, the thick frame can also help visually contain the game.