BenQ BenQ EX2710Q 27" 165 Hz FreeSync IPS Gaming Review

The BenQ EX2710Q is a 27-inch 1440p gaming monitor that offers exceptional value at $240. It combines a 165Hz IPS panel with great color accuracy and full ergonomic adjustments, making it a smart choice for gamers who want performance without the premium price tag. While its HDR is limited, it excels in the areas that matter most for fast-paced gaming.

If you're looking for a 27-inch 1440p gaming monitor that won't break the bank, the BenQ EX2710Q is a solid contender. It's a 165Hz IPS panel with AMD FreeSync Premium support, and it's currently sitting at a very tempting $240 price point. That puts it right in the sweet spot for PC gamers who want smooth performance and good color without spending $400 or more.

We're looking at a monitor that scored in the 93rd percentile for performance in our database, which is impressive for this price range. It's got a 1ms MPRT response time, 95% DCI-P3 color coverage, and decent ergonomics with height, tilt, and swivel adjustments. It's clearly built for gaming first, but those color specs mean it can handle some creative work too.

And honestly, at $240, the question isn't whether this is a good monitor—it's whether it's the right 1440p gaming monitor for you. There are a lot of options in this space, from brands like Gigabyte, MSI, and LG. So let's dig into the numbers and see where the EX2710Q shines and where it might fall short.

This thing is fast. The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT response time deliver exactly what you'd expect: smooth, blur-free motion in fast-paced games. In our testing, motion clarity is excellent, and FreeSync Premium support means you won't have to deal with screen tearing if your frame rate dips. It's not the absolute fastest panel out there (some go up to 240Hz), but for most gamers, 165Hz at 1440p is the perfect balance of fluidity and pixel density.

The color performance is where this monitor really punches above its weight class. Scoring in the 95th percentile for color, the IPS panel delivers vibrant, accurate colors right out of the box. The 95% DCI-P3 coverage is great for gaming and decent for content consumption, though professional color-critical work might require more precise calibration. HDR10 support is there, but with 400 nits of brightness, don't expect mind-blowing HDR—it's more of a nice-to-have feature at this price.

At $240, the BenQ EX2710Q represents serious value. You're getting a feature set that often costs $100-$150 more: a 165Hz IPS panel with good color, FreeSync Premium, and a fully adjustable stand. The closest competitors at this price point often sacrifice either the refresh rate, the panel type, or the ergonomics. If your budget is firm around $250 and you want a balanced 1440p gaming experience, this monitor should be at the top of your list.

Let's talk alternatives. The MSI G274QPF-QD is a frequent competitor at a similar price, offering a slightly wider color gamut (Quantum Dot) but sometimes at the expense of availability. The Gigabyte M27Q is another popular choice that often goes on sale around $300; it has a faster 170Hz refresh rate and KVM switch, but its BGR subpixel layout can cause text clarity issues for some. Then there's the LG 27GP850-B, which is often considered a class leader but typically costs $350+. The BenQ holds its own with better out-of-the-box color accuracy than the Gigabyte and a more traditional RGB layout, while undercutting the LG on price. If you prioritize color accuracy and a good stand at a low price, the BenQ wins. If you need every last Hz or specific features like KVM, look at the Gigabyte or MSI.

Skip the BenQ EX2710Q if you're a hardcore HDR enthusiast or a competitive esports player who needs the absolute fastest 240Hz+ panel. Its 400-nit brightness limits the HDR impact, and while 165Hz is great, it's not the maximum available. Also, if you need a monitor for professional, color-critical graphic design or video editing where every color must be perfect, you'd be better served by a dedicated professional monitor like a Dell UltraSharp or a BenQ SW series. For those users, the extra investment in factory calibration and wider gamut coverage is worth it.

So, should you buy the BenQ EX2710Q? If you want a no-fuss, high-performance 1440p gaming monitor for around $240, absolutely. It delivers where it counts: smooth 165Hz gameplay, excellent color for an IPS panel, and proper adjustability. You're not getting cutting-edge HDR or ultra-high refresh rates, but you're also not paying for them.

We'd feel confident recommending this to any PC gamer building a new setup or upgrading from a 1080p 60Hz panel. It's a substantial upgrade that won't demolish your budget. Just know that the HDR is more of a checkbox feature than a transformative experience, and you might want to pair it with external speakers. For the money, though, these are easy compromises to make.