TechRadar Verdict
The BenQ EX2710Q gaming monitor offers a beautiful picture with a speedy refresh rate, integrated speakers, and even some options that are sure to please creatives. But if you just want a 165Hz QHD gaming monitor, there are cheaper alternatives available, and the lack of USB-C support will be a deal-breaker for many.
Built-in speakers
95% P3 color gamut
Supports 2K gaming for consoles
Expensive
No USB-C
Okay HDR performance
Why you can trust TechRadarWe spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best.Find out more about how we test.
BenQ EX2710Q two-minute review
Here are the specs for theBenQ EX2710Qsent to TechRadar for review:Screen Size:27 inchesResolution:2560 x 1440pAspect Ratio:16:9Panel:IPSRefresh Rate:165Hz (144Hz supported)Response Time:1ms MPRTContrast Ratio:1000:1 (Static)Brightness:250 nits | 400 nits max (HDR on)Speakers:2 x 2W | 1 x 5W WooferPorts:2 x HDMI 2.0| 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 | 1 x USB 3.0 | 1 x 3.5mm jackConsole Support:PS5, Xbox Series X|SDimensions (WxHxD):24.21 x 20.7 x 9.9 inches | 614.93 x 525.78 x 251.46mmWeight:16.3 pounds | 7.39kg
The BenQ EX2710Q is a gaming monitor that honors the healthy overlap of needs between gamers and creative professionals, and not just in terms of hardware. Both creatives and gamers will appreciate what the monitor has to offer when they work or play.
The EX2710Q has a 2560 x 1440p IPS display running up to 165Hz, so it’s definitely a crisp, speedy-looking monitor (especially at 27 inches, which is really a sweet spot at this resolution). The 1ms response rate is a must-have for competitive gaming, and this monitor even supports 2K gaming on thePS5andXbox Series X|S.
Those specs are pretty standard for QHD gaming monitors these days, but the EX2710Q throws in some perks that help it stand apart from the crowd.
Extras include built-in, dual 2W speakers with a 5W woofer, which is a huge plus for those of us who haven’t bought computer speakers in years but want to game with something other than a headset.
This monitor also features 95% coverage of the P3 color gamut, so creative pros can trust the color fidelity of the display while they work - at least more so than your typical gaming monitor.
EX2710Q also comes loaded with a bunch of gaming-oriented color presets. You can access these presets quickly through a pretty straightforward menu, which you control with a stick-switch by the power button.
The footprint of the monitor isn’t tiny by any means, but the twin legs (with eye-catching accent coloring) leave room in the middle for a smartphone or USB docking hub, which is the kind of thing that you don’t notice until you get to enjoy that extra space.
While the EX2710Q is definitely one of thebest gaming monitorswe’ve gotten our hands on recently, there are some considerable shortfalls that keep it from taking the gaming crown.
One particular flaw is quite big, considering that this “gaming” monitor should be an attractive display for creatives on a budget.
The EX2710Q doesn’t come with USB Type-C input, which rules it out as an external display for MacBook Pro users who might be looking for a display with better color fidelity.
That fidelity we spoke of earlier also only goes so far. While the monitor hasHDRsupport, it’s only HDR10 and VESA DisplayHDR 400, so while it’s there, it’s just not the best around. It’s also a bit on the dim side, with a typical brightness of 250 nits, maxing out at 400 with HDR enabled. Again, not the worst, but not the best either.
The last thing to consider is the price. The BenQ EX2710Q sells for $499 / £349 / AU$629, so it’s not exactly cheap. If you’re just looking for a gaming monitor and don’t care much about P3 color gamut coverage or integrated speakers, you can save yourself a good bit of money and still get a sharp 165Hz QHD 27-inch display.
We think that given the mix of features, the price is appropriate, but you really have to be a gamer who also usesAdobePhotoshopand Illustrator on the side for semi-professional work - like, say, a tech journalist at TechRadar dot com.
We think the BenQ EX2710Q is an outstanding gaming monitor all-around and well worth the price – just understand what you are investing in.
Buy it if…
You want a sharp, speedy QHD displayWith a 1440p resolution, 165Hz refresh and 1ms response rates, and HDR support, this is a gorgeous monitor to look at.
You often move between gaming and creative workWith P3 95% coverage and HDR support, this monitor will give you much better color fidelity than most gaming monitors out there.
You want quality integrated speakersMonitors with integrated speakers aren’t rare, but they aren’t common either, and the EX2710Q’s speakers sound great to boot.
Don’t buy if…
You’re on a budgetThis isn’t the cheapest gaming monitor out there, so if you’re looking for something cheap, this ain’t it.
You need a professional display for creative workWith 95% P3 gamut coverage, you might think that this is a cheap alternative to a truly professional display for creative work, but you might find it’s still not enough for your needs.
You need USB Type-C inputThe EX2710Q has HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, but USB Type-C is nowhere to be found. Sorry, MacBook users.
John (He/Him) is the Components Editor here at TechRadar and he is also a programmer, gamer, activist, and Brooklyn College alum currently living in Brooklyn, NY.
Named by the CTA as a CES 2020 Media Trailblazer for his science and technology reporting, John specializes in all areas of computer science, including industry news, hardware reviews, PC gaming, as well as general science writing and the social impact of the tech industry.
You can find him online on Threads @johnloeffler.
Currently playing: Baldur’s Gate 3 (just like everyone else).
NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Sunday, November 10 (game #252)
NYT Connections today — hints and answers for Sunday, November 10 (game #518)
Quordle today – hints and answers for Sunday, November 10 (game #1021)
