BenQ Zowie XL2566X+ 400 Hz 25-inch gaming monitor review: Raw performance for esports

The BenQ Zowie XL2566X+ is a 25-inch FHD TN gaming monitor with 400 Hz and Adaptive-Sync.

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BenQ Zowie XL2566X+
(Image: © Tom's Hardware)

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Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

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BenQ Zowie XL2566X+
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The XL2566X+ isn’t the brightest of the bunch out of the box but it is more than bright enough. There’s no need for concerns about headroom because there’s no HDR and the backlight strobe barely affects light output. With DyAc2 engaged, you can still peak at around 310 nits, which is plenty bright.

The XL2566X+’s black levels are lower than all but the VA-based R25f-30 so its contrast is above average among TN and IPS panels at an impressive 1,433.7:1.

After Calibration to 200 nits

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BenQ Zowie XL2566X+
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Calibration adds a few points to the XL2566X+’s contrast ratio, taking it to 1,442.9:1. I would normally call this a wash visually. Still, since I selected a darker gamma preset, the picture is noticeably more dimensional and textured.

The XL2566X+ retains its best-of-the-rest status in the ANSI test with an excellent 1,376:1 score. It is very consistent which speaks to its high component quality and precise grid polarizer. This is excellent performance.

Test Takeaway: If you’re spoiled by OLEDs as I am, these panels won’t seem impressive. However, the XL2566X+ contrast is higher than the average in the IPS and TN categories. And it retains that dynamic range with calibration. It is very consistent and provides as much image depth as possible for this technology. And it’s more than bright enough for SDR gaming with its backlight strobe.

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Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

2 Comments Comment from the forums
  • helper800
    I would say OLEDs do it much better, hz for hz, than this TN panel for the same price.
    Reply
  • UnforcedERROR
    I wish BenQ would move on from TN panels. They've been coasting off their reputation ever since they released the xl2420T and haven't attempted to innovate at all, especially since they are routinely chosen for LAN events. OLEDs are better for motion clarity even at lower refresh rates, and a TN priced around the same cost as some of the 360hz offerings is ridiculous.
    Reply