TN / Esports vs OLED
BenQ ZOWIE XL2586X+ vs ASUS PG27AQWP-W: 600Hz TN or 540Hz OLED?
The ZOWIE is a single-purpose 24-inch esports tool with DyAc 2 strobing; the ASUS is a 27-inch OLED that is nearly as fast and far better at everything else.
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Pick for a tournament-style setup
BenQ ZOWIE XL2586X+
Choose the ZOWIE if you play one competitive shooter at very high, stable frame rates and want 24 inches, shields, and the S Switch.
Check price on AmazonPick for one screen that does it all
ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27AQWP-W
Choose the ASUS if you want esports speed plus a superb picture for every other game.
Check price on AmazonTwo routes to clear motion
The XL2586X+ pairs a 600Hz Fast TN panel with DyAc 2 backlight strobing. The PG27AQWP-W relies on OLED's near-instant pixels at 540Hz. At full speed both are extraordinarily clear. The ZOWIE's strobing helps most when your frame rate is stable; ZOWIE lists VRR as available only with DyAc 2 off. The OLED keeps VRR on and needs very high frame rates to reach its best clarity.
Size and resolution
The ZOWIE is 24.1 inches at 1080p, a size many competitive players prefer because the whole screen stays in view. The ASUS is 26.5 inches at 1440p, sharper and more immersive, and slightly more demanding to drive.
Everything else
This is where the OLED wins decisively. PC Gamer described the ZOWIE's TN image as washed out outside competitive games, with no HDR. The ASUS offers deep contrast, bright HDR, and good text. It does need burn-in precautions, which the TN does not.
Ergonomics
ZOWIE includes side shields, the S Switch puck for quick profile changes, and a 155mm bearing-mounted height range. The ASUS has a standard ROG stand.
Verdict
If the monitor is purely a competitive tool, the ZOWIE's format and strobing are hard to beat. For almost everyone else, the OLED is the better purchase.
Side-by-side
| Attribute | TN / EsportsBenQ ZOWIE XL2586X+ BenQ ZOWIE's 24.1-inch 1080p 600Hz Fast TN with DyAc 2: the most capable esports TN we recommend, if your PC can feed it. Check price on Amazon | OLEDASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27AQWP-W A 27-inch 1440p 540Hz tandem WOLED with a glossy TrueBlack coating and some of the highest measured OLED brightness: our competitive OLED pick. Check price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Choose this if… | ||
| Choose this if… | You play esports shooters at very high frame rates and nothing else matters. | Competitive shooters come first and you can push very high frame rates. |
| Panel and motion | ||
| Panel family | ||
| Panel family | TN | OLED |
| Panel subtype | ||
| Panel subtype | Fast TN | WOLED (4th gen, Primary RGB Tandem) |
| Motion technology | ||
| Motion technology | DyAc 2 backlight strobing (VRR and flicker-free operation only with DyAc 2 off) | ELMB black frame insertion (Tom's Hardware lists 120Hz at 1440p and 270Hz at 720p) |
| Backlight | ||
| Backlight | Edge-lit LED with DyAc 2 strobing | Not applicable (OLED) |
| Coating | ||
| Coating | Matte anti-glare | TrueBlack glossy, zero haze |
| Subpixel layout | ||
| Subpixel layout | RGB stripe (LCD) | RGWB (improved over older RWBG) |
| Size and speed | ||
| Size | ||
| Size | 24.1″ (16:9) | 26.5″ (16:9) |
| Resolution | ||
| Resolution | 1920×1080 | 2560×1440 |
| Refresh rate | ||
| Refresh rate | 600Hz | 540Hz |
| Dual mode | ||
| Dual mode | No | 1280×720 at 720Hz |
| Adaptive sync / VRR | ||
| Adaptive sync / VRR | Adaptive-Sync (only with DyAc 2 off) | FreeSync Premium Pro certified; G-SYNC Compatible (certification was pending at TFTCentral's review) |
| Image and HDR | ||
| HDR (manufacturer) | ||
| HDR (manufacturer) | None | VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 |
| Independent measurements (not normalized) | ||
| Independent measurements (not normalized) |
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| Connectivity | ||
| DisplayPort | ||
| DisplayPort | 1x DisplayPort 1.4 (1080p 600Hz) | 1x DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20) |
| HDMI | ||
| HDMI | 3x HDMI 2.1 (1080p 600Hz from PC; 1080p 120Hz from PS5 and Xbox Series X|S) | 2x HDMI 2.1 |
| USB-C | ||
| USB-C | None | None |
| KVM | ||
| KVM | No | No |
| Console notes | ||
| Console notes | HDMI 2.1 at 1080p 120Hz for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. | HDMI 2.1 ports; at 1440p consoles output up to 120Hz. ASUS markets PS5 and Xbox support; exact console resolution modes not independently verified here. |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty | Unknown (not listed on the US product page) | 3 years including burn-in (US) |
| Burn-in coverage | ||
| Burn-in coverage | Not applicable (LCD) | Covered |
| Stand | ||
| Stand | 155mm height on industrial bearings, tilt -5° to 35°, swivel ±45°; shielding hood and S Switch included | Adjustable ROG stand |
Scroll sideways to see every monitor. Measurements come from different outlets and methods, so compare them only within the same source.