BenQ GW2490C 24 inch 144 23.8" Review
The BenQ GW2490C offers smooth 144Hz performance for your home office, but its visual specs are firmly middle-of-the-road.
The 30-Second Version
A decent 24-inch office monitor with a useful 144Hz refresh rate and USB-C port. Its picture quality is average, but the smoothness and eye-care features are nice. Worth it if those perks fit your workflow.
Overview
The BenQ GW2490C is a 24-inch IPS monitor that tries to do a lot. It's got a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming, USB-C for easy laptop connections, and BenQ's eye-care tech to help you stare at it all day. But it's also a 1080p screen with middling brightness, so it's not trying to wow you with specs. It's more about getting work done comfortably.
Performance
The 144Hz refresh rate is the star here. It makes everything feel smoother, from scrolling web pages to casual gaming. But the 250-nit brightness is underwhelming, and the 1080p resolution on a 24-inch screen is just average. Our data puts its overall performance in the middle of the pack. It's fast, but the picture quality isn't leading.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 144Hz refresh rate makes everything feel fluid. 92th
- USB-C port simplifies connecting modern laptops. 78th
- BenQ's eye-care features are legit for long sessions. 72th
- The compact size fits easily on any desk. 66th
Cons
- 250-nit brightness is dim, especially for bright rooms. 23th
- 1080p resolution feels basic at this size. 30th
- Built-in speakers are weak and tinny.
- No height adjustment, only tilt.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 23.8" |
| Resolution | 1920 (Full HD) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Curved | No |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync |
Color & HDR
| Brightness | 250 nits |
| Color Gamut | 99% sRGB |
Connectivity
| USB-C | 1 |
| Speakers | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | No |
| Tilt | Yes |
| Swivel | No |
| Pivot | No |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Webcam | No |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Power | 20 |
| Weight | 3.5 kg / 7.7 lbs |
Value & Pricing
For around $120-$130, it's a fair deal. You're paying for that high refresh rate and USB-C connectivity, which are nice upgrades over basic office monitors. But you're also accepting average picture quality. If those specific features are worth the price to you, it's a sensible buy. If you just want a clear, bright screen, you can find better value elsewhere.
vs Competition
This isn't competing with the high-end gaming or 4K work monitors listed. Compared to a basic 60Hz office screen, the GW2490C wins with its smoother motion and better connectivity. But against something like a Dell UltraSharp, you lose out on resolution, color, and adjustability. It sits in a weird middle ground: better than budget options for fluidity, but not as good as proper productivity or gaming screens for image quality.
| Spec | BenQ GW2490C 24 inch 144 23.8" | LG UltraGear LG - UltraGear 27" IPS Dual Mode (4K UHD 180Hz, | ASUS ROG Strix ASUS ROG Strix 27 inch UHD 4K 160Hz IPS AMD | MSI MAG MSI 27" WQHD 2K 1440P 280Hz with AMD FreeSync | Samsung Odyssey Samsung - 27” Odyssey G50D QHD IPS 180Hz 1ms AMD | Gigabyte M27UP GIGABYTE 27" UHD 4K 160Hz with AMD FreeSync |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 23.799999237060547 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 2560 x 1440 | 2560 x 1440 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | IPS | IPS | IPS | OLED | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 144 | 180 | 160 | 280 | 180 | 160 |
| Response Time Ms | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0.5 | 1 | 1 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | Adaptive-Sync | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible |
| Hdr | - | HDR10 | HDR10 | HDR | HDR400 | HDR400 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Color | Compact | Display | Feature | Ergonomic | Performance | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ GW2490C 24 inch 144 23.8" | 64.6 | 92.2 | 22.5 | 30.1 | 72.3 | 65.8 | 78 | 45.9 |
| LG UltraGear 27" Dual Mode Compare | 92 | 80.4 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 94.1 | 99.9 | 97.3 |
| ASUS ROG Strix 27 inch Compare | 97.4 | 88.5 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 91.1 | 98.9 | 74 |
| MSI MAG 27" Compare | 77.1 | 80.4 | 77.3 | 82.4 | 87.8 | 99.3 | 96.7 | 99.3 |
| Samsung Odyssey 27” G50D Compare | 83.7 | 63.4 | 71 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 94.1 | 95 | 98.1 |
| Gigabyte M27UP 27" Compare | 83.7 | 89.6 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 91.1 | 98.1 | 74.6 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the 144Hz refresh rate useful for non-gamers?
Absolutely. It makes mouse movement, window dragging, and scrolling feel incredibly smooth, which is a nice quality-of-life boost for any desktop work.
Q: How good are the built-in speakers?
They're basic 2W speakers. Fine for system sounds or a quick video call, but you'll want headphones or proper speakers for anything else.
Q: Can I adjust the height of the monitor?
No, it only tilts. For height adjustment, you'd need to mount it using its VESA 100x100 bracket.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you're a content creator, serious gamer, or work in a bright room. The color accuracy and brightness are mediocre, and the 1080p resolution lacks detail. For those uses, a monitor with better specs is a must.
Verdict
Buy this if you want a single, compact monitor for general home office use and appreciate smooth scrolling. The 144Hz and USB-C are genuine upgrades for daily comfort. But don't buy it expecting a stunning visual experience or serious gaming performance.