BenQ MOBIUZ EX2710S 27" Dark Grey

An affordable 165Hz IPS gaming monitor with colors that punch way above its class. Skip the speakers, enjoy the silky gameplay.

The BenQ MOBIUZ EX2710S is that rare thing: a 27-inch gaming monitor that doesn't try to be everything and ends up nailing the basics. If you're a console gamer or just someone who wants buttery-smooth 165Hz action without breaking the bank, this refurbished IPS panel is an absolute sweet spot. The one thing to know? You're buying fantastic motion clarity and vibrant colors, but at 1080p on a 27-inch screen you'll occasionally notice the pixels. It's not a dealbreaker for fast-paced games, just don't expect a retina experience.

We clocked this panel's 165Hz refresh and 1ms MPRT response in our database, and it landed in the 78th percentile for performance—strong, but what surprised us was how well the image optimization features work together. Black eQualizer lifts shadow detail without washing out the whole scene, and HDRi actually makes mediocre HDR10 content look more punchy than monitors that cost twice as much. Color accuracy out of the box is a standout (85th percentile), covering 99% sRGB so games pop without looking oversaturated. Input lag is basically nonexistent with FreeSync Premium keeping everything tear-free on Xbox and PC. It's not the fastest 1080p panel we've tested, but it's close enough that you'd need a stopwatch to tell.

The price spread on this thing is bizarre. We've seen vendors ask anywhere from $140 to $3,164 (yes, really). The refurbished model we tested from Memory Express Inc. landed near the low end of that, and at that price it's a steal. If you spot a new one around $180, grab it. Paying above $250, though, makes zero sense when you're flirting with 1440p territory. Stick to the refurb deals from reputable sellers and you'll feel like you got away with something.

The natural rival is any 27-inch 1440p 165Hz monitor, like the LG UltraGear 27G810A-B or the Samsung Odyssey G7 G70F. Those give you far sharper text and more desktop real estate, which is a huge quality-of-life upgrade if you also work on the same screen. But if you're purely gaming on a console or an older GPU, the BenQ's lower 1080p resolution is easier to drive—you'll actually hit 165fps more consistently. Another angle is ultrawide: the ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL1B gives you immersion on a different level, but it's a lot more money and desk space. For a straightforward, no-fuss gaming monitor, the EX2710S beats them on simplicity and price, especially refurbished.

If you're after sharp text for work or high-end visuals, this isn't it. Go get a 1440p or 4K monitor instead. The 1080p resolution on a 27-inch canvas will annoy you every time you open a spreadsheet or read a long document. And if immersive sound is part of your gaming ritual, do yourself a favor and buy external speakers right out of the gate—the built-in ones are an afterthought.

If you're shopping for a first gaming monitor or upgrading from a TV, grab the BenQ MOBIUZ EX2710S refurbished from a seller like Memory Express Inc. and call it a day. The 165Hz IPS panel, great color, and adjustable stand make it an easy recommendation for console and budget PC gamers alike. Just factor in a decent set of speakers or a headset because the built-in ones are a joke.