BenQ GW2790TC 27" 144 Review
The BenQ GW2790TC packs a 144Hz refresh rate and a USB-C port into a $160 monitor. It's a surprisingly capable hybrid for work and casual play.
The 30-Second Version
The BenQ GW2790TC is a 27-inch 1080p monitor that's a great fit for hybrid home offices. It combines a smooth 144Hz refresh rate for casual gaming, a convenient USB-C port for easy connectivity, and a fully adjustable stand, all for around $160. It's a practical, feature-focused screen for the price.
Overview
The BenQ GW2790TC is a 27-inch monitor that tries to be a jack-of-all-trades for your desk. It's got a 1080p IPS panel with a surprisingly high 144Hz refresh rate, a USB-C port for easy laptop docking, and a fully adjustable stand. At around $160, it's squarely in the budget-to-midrange zone for a 27-inch screen. If you're looking for a monitor that can handle some light gaming and office work without breaking the bank, this one's on the list.
Performance
The 144Hz refresh rate is the star here, especially at this price. In our testing, that high refresh rate makes everyday scrolling and window movement feel buttery smooth, and it's a genuine benefit for casual gaming. The 5ms gray-to-gray response time is decent, but don't expect it to compete with dedicated gaming monitors. The IPS panel delivers solid viewing angles and decent color, hitting 99% sRGB, which is fine for most office and web tasks. It's not a creative pro's dream, but for the money, the performance package is balanced.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent ergonomic stand with height, tilt, and swivel adjustments 96th
- High 144Hz refresh rate for smooth motion at a budget price 91th
- Convenient USB-C connectivity for single-cable laptop docking 78th
- Good color coverage (99% sRGB) for an IPS panel in this class 78th
- BenQ's Eye-Care tech is a legit plus for long work sessions
Cons
- 27-inch screen at 1080p can look a bit pixelated if you sit close 30th
- 300 nits brightness is just okay, not great for bright rooms
- Built-in speakers are typically weak (as with most monitors)
- Lacks advanced features like HDR or local dimming
- 5ms response time is good, not great, for competitive esports
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 27" |
| 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 | 300 nits |
| Color Gamut | 99% sRGB |
Connectivity
| USB-C | 1 |
| Speakers | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Tilt | Yes |
| Swivel | Yes |
| Pivot | Yes |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Webcam | No |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Power | 12 |
| Weight | 6.6 kg / 14.5 lbs |
Value & Pricing
At $160, the GW2790TC offers a lot of practical value. You're getting features often reserved for more expensive models: a high refresh rate, a USB-C port, and a fully adjustable stand. It's cheaper than many 27-inch 144Hz monitors from gaming brands, and you're paying a bit less for the BenQ name versus an equivalent Dell or LG. If your budget is tight but you want those quality-of-life features, it's a strong contender.
Price History
vs Competition
This monitor sits in a weird, interesting spot. Compared to a basic office monitor like a Dell SE2722H, the BenQ wins easily with its 144Hz, USB-C, and adjustable stand. Against a pure gaming monitor like an AOC 27G2, you trade some aggressive gamer aesthetics and maybe a slightly faster response time for a more professional look and that handy USB-C port. And if you're looking at 1440p monitors like the Gigabyte M27Q, you'll have to decide if the sharper resolution is worth the $100+ price jump over this BenQ's 1080p screen.
Common Questions
Q: Is the BenQ GW2790TC good for gaming?
Yes, for casual gaming. The 144Hz refresh rate makes games feel smooth, and FreeSync support helps with screen tearing. It's not built for competitive esports, but it's great for most single-player and casual multiplayer titles.
Q: Is 1080p good on a 27-inch monitor?
It depends on your viewing distance. If you sit a normal arm's length away, the pixel density is fine for most tasks. If you sit very close or do detailed photo editing, you might notice the pixels, and a 1440p monitor would be sharper.
Q: Does this monitor have a USB-C port?
Yes, it has one USB-C port. This lets you connect a compatible laptop with a single cable for video, data, and power delivery (though the power delivery wattage isn't specified by BenQ for this model).
Q: How does the BenQ GW2790TC compare to a Dell monitor?
At a similar price, the BenQ often offers a higher refresh rate and an adjustable stand, where Dell's budget models might have a fixed stand and 60Hz. The BenQ is a better value for features, while Dell might have slightly better color calibration out of the box.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this monitor if you're a video editor, graphic designer, or photographer who needs wide color gamuts (like DCI-P3) and high brightness for HDR work. Also, hardcore competitive gamers who need the absolute fastest 1ms response times should look at dedicated gaming monitors. And if you just really hate the idea of 1080p on a 27-inch screen, spend more for a 1440p model.
Verdict
Should you buy the BenQ GW2790TC? If you want a single monitor for a hybrid work-and-play setup and your budget is around $150-$200, yes, absolutely. It's a sensible, feature-packed choice that does a lot of things well enough. But if you're a pixel-peeping creative professional, a competitive esports player, or someone who insists on a super-sharp 4K or 1440p image, you should look elsewhere. For everyone else, it's a really solid daily driver.