BenQ PhotoVue SW242Q 24" 2K Review

The BenQ SW242Q is a color accuracy champion built for photographers, with top-tier ergonomics and useful pro ports. Its 60Hz refresh rate is a major downside for anything but static work. Worth it at ~$550 for a pro, an easy skip for everyone else.

The BenQ SW242Q is a monitor that knows exactly who it's for. It's a 24-inch, 2560x1600 IPS panel built for color-critical work, with a 16:10 aspect ratio that gives you a bit more vertical space for timelines or toolbars. It's not trying to be a gaming screen or a media powerhouse, it's a tool for photographers and designers who need accuracy above all else.

With 100% sRGB, 98% P3, and 99% Adobe RGB coverage, this thing is calibrated for professional use right out of the box. It also packs a 90W USB-C port for single-cable laptop docking, an SD card reader, and a full suite of ergonomic adjustments. It's a focused, no-nonsense display for a specific job.

The color performance is the star here, landing in the top 5% of monitors we've tested. The 400-nit brightness and wide gamut coverage make it a standout for photo editing. However, the 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time put its raw 'performance' score in the bottom quarter. That's fine for creative work, but it feels sluggish if you're used to a high-refresh panel. The display quality is solidly above average, but it's the color accuracy that truly impresses.

This is where things get weird. Our database shows prices ranging from a reasonable $550 to an absolutely bonkers $187,424. At the lower end of that spectrum, it's a specialized but fair investment for a pro who needs its specific color tools. At any price near the high end, it's a complete joke. For most people, the value hinges entirely on finding it from a reputable seller at that ~$550 mark. For that price, you're paying for the factory calibration and professional features, not raw specs.

Compared to the Apple Studio Display, the BenQ offers better ergonomics and more pro-focused ports (like the SD reader) for potentially less money, but you lose the pristine 5K resolution and seamless Mac integration. Against gaming-focused monitors like the ASUS ROG Swift or MSI MAG series, the BenQ gets crushed in refresh rate and response time but wins hands-down on color accuracy and uniformity for editing. The LG UltraGear's dual-mode feature offers more versatility for mixed use. The BenQ is a specialist; the others are generalists or specialists in a different field.

Gamers and anyone who values smooth motion should look elsewhere because the 60Hz refresh rate will feel like a slideshow. If you're just browsing the web or doing office work, this monitor is massive overkill—you can get a great 1440p screen for half the price. Also, avoid any listing priced in the tens of thousands of dollars; that's not real.

Buy this monitor if you are a photographer, graphic designer, or video editor who needs a trusted, color-accurate second screen for proofing and editing. The out-of-the-box calibration and 16:10 aspect ratio are genuine productivity boosters for that workflow. It's a tool, not an entertainment center.