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BenQ ZOWIE XL2566X+ review

BenQ ZOWIE's 24.1-inch 1080p 400Hz Fast TN with DyAc 2: the sensible DyAc 2 choice for most competitive players.

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Quick verdict

The XL2566X+ gives competitive players ZOWIE's second-generation DyAc strobing, the same bearing-mounted stand, shields, and S Switch as the flagship, and a 400Hz refresh rate that more PCs can actually feed. For most players the step from 400Hz to 600Hz is harder to use than the step from 240Hz to 400Hz.

We rank it on specifications and on independent testing of its sibling models, because we did not find published measurements of this exact model. Its HDMI ports are 2.0 and stop at 240Hz, so use DisplayPort for 400Hz.

24.1″ · 1080p · 400Hz · TN (Fast TN) · DyAc 2

Buy it if

  • You play competitive shooters and hold 300 fps or more.
  • You want DyAc 2, shields, and the S Switch.
  • You connect your PC over DisplayPort.

Skip it if

  • You want measured proof before buying; the XL2586X+ and ASUS XG248QSG have published reviews.
  • You need strobing and VRR together.
  • You want a monitor for mixed use or HDR.

Key specifications

Specifications for BenQ ZOWIE XL2566X+
Exact modelXL2566X+
Size / aspect24.1″ / 16:9
Resolution1920×1080
Refresh rate400Hz
Dual modeNo
Panel familyTN
Panel subtypeFast TN
Subpixel layoutRGB stripe (LCD)
CoatingMatte anti-glare
CurvatureFlat
BacklightEdge-lit LED with DyAc 2 strobing (dual backlight design, per ZOWIE)
Motion technologyDyAc 2 backlight strobing (flicker-free only with DyAc 2 off)
Adaptive sync / VRRNot listed on ZOWIE's US page
HDRNone
DisplayPort1x DisplayPort 1.4 (1080p 400Hz)
HDMI3x HDMI 2.0 (up to 240Hz)
USB-CNone
USB portsUnknown
KVM switchNo
AudioUnknown
Stand155mm height on industrial bearings, tilt -5° to 35°, swivel ±45°; shielding hood, S Switch, K Locker
VESA mount100 x 100 mm
WarrantyUnknown (not listed on the US product page)

Specifications are manufacturer-stated unless marked as measured. “Unknown” means we could not verify the value, not that it is zero or absent.

Advantages and drawbacks

Advantages

  • DyAc 2 strobing with ZOWIE's dual backlight design.
  • 400Hz over DisplayPort 1.4.
  • Same esports stand, shields, and S Switch as the flagship.
  • DisplayPort and HDMI cables included.

Drawbacks

  • No independent measurements located for this exact model.
  • HDMI 2.0 ports stop at 240Hz.
  • TN viewing angles and color; no HDR.

What independent testing reports

We did not find numeric measurements for this exact model that we could attribute with their test conditions. Statements below are either manufacturer specifications or reviewers' qualitative findings, and each one says which.

Motion, response, and latency

At 400Hz each frame lasts 2.5 ms on a sample-and-hold display; DyAc 2 strobing shortens how long each frame is visible, which reduces perceived blur further. ZOWIE describes DyAc 2 as using a dual backlight design. We have not found measurements of crosstalk, response, or lag for this exact model, so we make no measured performance claims.

Image quality and HDR

ZOWIE lists 320 nits and 1,000:1 native contrast on a 24.1-inch Fast TN panel. Expect typical TN trade-offs: narrow viewing angles and color that shifts off-axis. Specification-based only.

Connectivity, PC, and console notes

One DisplayPort 1.4 for 400Hz and three HDMI 2.0 ports that stop at 240Hz. Consoles run at 1080p 120Hz. ZOWIE includes DisplayPort and HDMI cables.

Warranty and ownership

As an LCD, no burn-in concern. Warranty length is not listed on ZOWIE's US page.

Warranty: Unknown (not listed on the US product page)

Alternatives worth comparing

Questions buyers ask

Should I buy the XL2566X+ or the XL2586X+?

If your PC rarely exceeds 400 fps in your main game, the XL2566X+ gives you DyAc 2 and the same ergonomics for less. The XL2586X+ adds 600Hz and HDMI 2.1.

Final recommendation

For most competitive players who want ZOWIE's DyAc 2 experience, the XL2566X+ is the better value than the 600Hz flagship. Choose it knowing our assessment is specification-based.

Sources

First published . Last substantive update .