Buying guide for Best BenQ monitors
For professionals working-at-home, avid gamers, or just those consumers of content who don’t have the biggest laptop or TV, a quality monitor can offer efficiency and enhanced enjoyment of whatever your activity.
A monitor may improve or extend your screen, bettering your working situation to increase productivity. For gamers, the right monitor is quick and reactive enough so that you don’t miss a beat. What’s more, just like the best Smart TVs, there are monitors available that offer high quality, 4K resolution so you can enjoy all the details and vibrancy of all kinds of content.
Among the industry's leading manufacturers of affordable, quality monitors is BenQ, a Taiawanese consumer electronics brand over 30-years-old. They provide multi-purpose entertainment monitors of various sizes and resolutions as well as those geared for very specific tasks, like graphic design or gaming.
A BenQ monitor may be a useful investment, particularly for those who are working from home regularly, or who have a laptop that is geared for portability instead of size. If you’ve a large Smart TV, a monitor may offer a secondary screen for those who want to enjoy additional content or games. Our guide will detail all the types of monitors BenQ offers, as well as the features you may want to seek out.
Key considerations
Design series
BenQ has several top-of-the-line series for specific uses related to graphics and design.
- DesignVue: These monitors are geared for those invested in art or graphic design. Featuring AQColor technology, these monitors deliver faithful recreation and accurate color representation. They work particularly well in dark rooms, with adjustments for brightness and contrast while also lessening strain on your eyes. Other convenient features include the ability to set up a second monitor with ease, and pre-program frequently used settings. These monitors are offered in 2K or 4K resolution.
- PhotoVue: While these monitors are somewhat similar, they cater more to photographers, with faithful color recreation as well as the ability to work in black and white. They are equipped with HDR to offer bright, authentic colors, as well as the option to display images in two gamut colors. These are also offered in 2K and 4K.
- VideoVue: These high-end monitors are designed for videographers, with faithful colorful recreation, distinct color depth, and a high refresh rate. These are ideal for post-production work and are offered in 2K and 4K resolution.
Entertainment series
BenQ also offers two different types of monitors for film and TV viewing.
- Multimedia: These monitors support quality visuals as well as impressive audio with 2.1 channel speakers. The HDRi feature adjusts the brightness of the monitor based on ambient light, and offers various visual modes depending on the content, whether it’s a film, game, or live sport. These are among the cheaper monitors available, available in HD, 2K, and 4K resolution.
- G/V: These multipurpose monitors put an emphasis on efficiency and functionality. They feature thin bezels and a slim design. They also boast a convenient cord management system and can be mounted easily. These less expensive monitors are offered in HD and 2K resolutions.
Gaming
Gamers need a monitor with a high refresh and strong connection so that you can react quickly to what’s going on in the game, especially for those playing online. Variable refresh rate is incorporated to get rid of any stuttering or pauses and improve response time. BenQ gaming monitors feature vibrant, detailed visuals and quality speakers built-in. These are offered in 2K and 4K resolutions.
Business
BenQ BL series of business monitors are designed to be ergonomic and adaptable to your work life. They can pivot and tilt to accommodate your desk space and ideal work setup, and featuring screen technology designed to relieve eye strain. They are offered in HD.
Size
BenQ monitors range in size, from as small as around 20 inches up to around 34 inches; size is measured diagonally in length. Consider the ways in which you’ll use the monitor and where it will be located. You may want a larger option if you’re working with graphics, while those who browse and use work processing may be fine with a smaller option. If the monitor is being used in conjunction with gaming or entertainment purposes, you may want a larger one to enjoy the content from a distance.
Ports
It’s worth checking what kind of ports are available on the monitor and how they correspond to your needs and devices. Most BenQ monitors feature DisplayPort and HDMI ports, which each offer high-speed connections for both audio and video. DVI are also commonly included, though they provide connection for video, not audio. USB ports may also be available.
If you’re investing in the higher end DesignVue or FotoVue series, be sure to download the subsequent compatible software. They help match colors faithfully and streamline workflow.
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Features
Shading hood
Some BenQ monitors may come with a shading hood, which otherwise would be sold separately. This detachable item can clip around the monitor to help prevent glare and eliminate ambient light hitting the screen. Those involved in graphic design or photography may appreciate this feature so that the image on screen remains as accurate as possible.
Wall mounting
While BenQ monitors include a sturdy stand with purchase, most can be easily mounted, which may save space and offer much needed convenience. While mounts are sold separately, they are relatively easy to set up, and many offer the ability to tilt, pivot, and swivel, so that you can move the monitor as needed around a space.
Eye care
BenQ monitors may support any number of eye care features, including the ability to reduce blue light and eliminate any flickering that would disturb the eye. Some monitors also will automatically adjust brightness to accommodate ambient light.
Did You Know?
They are not the most popular options, but for those who enjoy curved monitors and the immersive, panoramic experience they offer, BenQ has a couple of quality options available, especially for gamers.
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Accessories
HDMI cable: AmazonBasics 4K HDMI Cable
In most cases, the most efficient and effective way to connect your monitor to your device is through an HDMI cable. We like this inexpensive, high-quality option from AmazonBasics.
Wireless keyboard and mouse combo: Logitech Performance WIreless Keyboard and Mouse
For those setting up a monitor as part of a workstation, investing in a wireless keyboard and mouse will improve efficiency. We recommend this quality combo from Logitech, a trusted name in computer accessories.
Price
Inexpensive: You can find a qualityHD BenQ monitor geared towards business or entertainment for under $400.
Mid-range: Most BenQ monitors cost between $400 and $800. These may feature 4K resolution and include some of the specialty series options.
Expensive: The top options of the graphics and design monitors cost over $800. These will be large in size and boast an array of impressive features.
With proper calibration, graphic design-oriented BenQ monitors can allow professionals to ‘soft proof’ their work before printing in order to see a faithful recreation on the screen, saving time, energy, and paper.
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Tips
- Find the right position. Whether you’re mounting your monitor or simply using a stand, it’s important to set it up at the proper height, angle, and distance. This not only enhances the visual experience, it may be more comfortable too for those working.
- Know your content. 4K monitors offer enhanced detail and video quality, but only if you’re supplying it with 4K content. Check your consoles, discs, boxes, and subscriptions for the content’s resolution and find the matching monitor.
- Consider audio. For those streaming content or playing games, you’ll want high quality sound. Some BenQ speakers feature 2.1 channel sound, though those committed to an immersive experience may want additional speakers for a more elaborate setup.
- Opt for a mount. A quality mount offers convenience and versatility that a stationary stand doesn't always allow. A mount can free up desk space, keep the monitor out of the way when not in use, and adapt to different users' needs and setups.
FAQ
Q. How do I clean my BenQ monitor?
A. Monitors will accumulate dust and even fingerprints over time and frequent use, so it's worth regularly cleaning your screen. This is especially important for those who are investing in a high-end monitor where details and faithful representation are imperative.
Avoid using any cleaners or disinfectants on the screen. Rubbing alcohol or bleach can irrevocably destroy the screen, as will basic soap. Soft cloths, like microfiber options, are the best way to remove dust and prints from a screen. In some cases, you can add the tiniest bit of water, but be sure you’re not applying a wet cloth to any screen. Gently wipe the monitor with the cloth to clear it once every couple weeks.
Q. Why should I get a monitor if I’ve a quality laptop screen?
A. Monitors offer convenience and efficiency in most cases. Even the smallest monitor boasts a bigger screen than the largest laptop, and will help with productivity when it comes to work, and enjoyment when it comes to gaming or watching content. Especially for those who travel with a smaller laptop, a monitor offers a stationary screen for when you’re not moving around. What’s more, a monitor may be a handy alternative to a smart TV in some areas of the home, as you can still connect a device to watch movies or TV. For gamers in particular, a monitor with a high refresh rate is essential for a successful campaign.
Q. Do BenQ monitors work for both PCs and Macs?
A. Yes, BenQ monitors are compatible with both PCs and Macs, but it's important to identify how the two products will be connected. DisplayPort and HDMI are common ports for PCs, though Mac users are likely better equipped for a USB 3.0 hookup or the increasingly popular and powerful Thunderbolt connection. Macs users in particular, especially those who dabble in graphic design, should check out BenQ’s Thunderbolt monitors that offer fast transfer speeds and detailed graphics.
