BenQ MOBIUZ BenQ MOBIUZ EX381U 38 4K eARC 144Hz 1ms DP 1.4 Review
The BenQ MOBIUZ EX381U is a huge 38-inch 4K monitor that wants to do it all. We tested its gaming chops, media features, and whether it's worth the desk real estate.
The 30-Second Version
A massive 38-inch 4K gaming monitor that's fast enough for most and packed with useful features like eARC. It's a fantastic all-in-one media command center, as long as you have the desk space.
Overview
The BenQ MOBIUZ EX381U is a big, bold monitor that tries to be your all-in-one command center for gaming and media. It's got a huge 38-inch 4K screen, a fast 144Hz refresh rate, and a ton of ports, including a 90W USB-C. The one thing to know? It's a fantastic gaming and entertainment screen, but it's not the best for serious creative work, and it's definitely not saving any desk space. This is a monitor that wants to be the centerpiece of your setup.
Performance
The performance here is solid, landing in the 92nd percentile in our database. The 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make for a smooth, responsive gaming experience, and the HDR600 support gives movies and games a nice pop. Honestly, the biggest surprise is how well it balances being a big screen for immersion with being fast enough for competitive play. It's not the absolute fastest monitor out there, but it's more than enough for most gamers.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Huge, immersive 38-inch 4K screen is fantastic for gaming and movies. 98th
- Excellent gaming performance with 144Hz and 1ms response. 96th
- Great port selection with HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, and 90W USB-C for one-cable laptop docking. 90th
- Built-in eARC is a rare and useful feature for connecting a console sound system directly. 88th
Cons
- Color accuracy is just okay (65th percentile), so photo and video editors should look elsewhere. 25th
- The stand and ergonomics are pretty basic for a monitor this size and price.
- It's a massive unit. The 'portable' score is in the 8th percentile for a reason.
- The feature set is good, but some competitors offer more for the money.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 37.5" |
| Resolution | 3840 (4K UHD) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Response Time | 1 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync Premium Pro |
Color & HDR
| Brightness | 600 nits |
| Color Gamut | 98% P3 |
| HDR | HDR600 |
| HDR Support | HDR600 |
Connectivity
| Thunderbolt | 90 W |
| Speakers | No |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Tilt | Yes |
| Swivel | Yes |
| Pivot | No |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Weight | 11.3 kg / 24.9 lbs |
Value & Pricing
At $750, this is a good deal for a 38-inch 4K 144Hz monitor with this many features. You're getting a lot of screen and performance for your money. It's not the cheapest, but it's priced right for what it offers.
vs Competition
This sits in a weird spot. The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 gives you an insane ultrawide experience but costs way more. The MSI MPG 32" 4K 240Hz monitor is faster for pure esports, but you lose screen size. And the LG UltraGear 45" offers a wild dual-mode resolution, but its pixel density is lower. The BenQ's strength is being a great all-arounder: big, fast, and well-connected. If you want the biggest, fastest, or most color-accurate screen, those others win. If you want one great screen for everything from gaming to watching shows, the BenQ makes a strong case.
| Spec | BenQ MOBIUZ BenQ MOBIUZ EX381U 38 4K eARC 144Hz 1ms DP 1.4 | Samsung Odyssey Samsung - 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Dual 4K UHD Quantum | MSI MAG MSI 32" UHD 4K 165Hz Nvidia G-Sync Compatible | LG UltraGear LG UltraGear 45" WUHD DUAL MODE 4K 165Hz FHD 330Hz | ASUS ROG Swift ASUS Republic of Gamers Swift OLED PG27UCDM 26.5" | BenQ MOBIUZ BenQ MOBIUZ EX271U 27" 4K HDR 165 Hz Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 37.5 | 57 | 32 | 45 | 27 | 27 |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 7680 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 5120 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | IPS | VA | OLED | OLED | OLED | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 144 | 240 | 165 | 165 | 240 | 165 |
| Response Time Ms | 1 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 1 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync Premium Pro | FreeSync Premium Pro | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium |
| Hdr | HDR600 | HDR10+ | HDR400 | HDR10 | HDR400 | HDR10 |
Common Questions
Q: Is this good for competitive gaming?
It's good, not great. The 144Hz and 1ms are solid, but if you're a pro chasing every frame, you'd want a 240Hz or 360Hz monitor. For everyone else, it's more than fast enough.
Q: Can I use this with my work laptop?
Absolutely. The 90W USB-C port is a game-changer. One cable charges your laptop and sends video, audio, and data. It's perfect for switching from work to play.
Q: How's the HDR?
The HDR600 certification means it gets decently bright and has local dimming. It's good for gaming and movies, giving you that pop you want, but it's not going to match the insane contrast of a high-end OLED.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you're a professional photo or video editor. The color performance is just mid-tier. Go get a dedicated ProArt or UltraSharp instead. Also, if your desk is the size of a postage stamp, this monitor will eat it.
Verdict
We recommend the BenQ MOBIUZ EX381U if you're a gamer who also consumes a ton of media and wants a single, massive screen to do it all. The combination of size, speed, and features like eARC and 90W USB-C is hard to beat at this price. Just make sure your desk is big enough and you're not planning on doing pro-level color work.