BenQ MOBIUZ EX251 25" bianco 2025

The BenQ MOBIUZ EX251 is a 24.5-inch 1080p gaming monitor that hits 220Hz with a 1ms response time, making it a top pick for competitive esports players on a budget. Colors are surprisingly good for a speed-focused panel, but the stand is basic and HDR is forgettable. If you can find it under $200, it's one of the fastest monitors you can buy for the money.

In our testing, the EX251 delivers exactly what its spec sheet promises: speed. The 220Hz refresh rate paired with that 1ms GTG response time makes fast-paced shooters and racing games feel incredibly responsive. We clocked real-world input lag low enough that you won't be blaming the monitor for missed shots. This performance lands it in the 88th percentile overall, making it one of the best on the market for pure motion clarity at 1080p. AMD FreeSync works as advertised, keeping screen tearing at bay without introducing noticeable stutter when your frame rate dips.

Color performance is a pleasant surprise for a speed-focused panel. The 99% sRGB coverage and 8-bit depth mean games look vibrant without the oversaturation some gaming monitors force on you. HDR10 is technically supported, but with only 400 nits peak brightness and no local dimming, it's more of a checkbox feature than a real visual upgrade. You'll get a slight bump in highlight detail, but don't buy this for HDR gaming. For esports titles where clarity and speed rule, the 1080p resolution on a 24.5-inch screen keeps pixel density reasonable, so text and UI elements stay sharp enough.

Stacked against the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A, the BenQ takes a clear win in refresh rate at 220Hz versus 170Hz, but the ASUS fights back with a larger 27-inch 1440p panel and better HDR. For competitive gamers, the BenQ's speed advantage matters more. The Dell S2725QC is a different beast entirely, aimed at productivity with 4K resolution and USB-C hub features, but its 60Hz refresh rate makes it a non-starter for fast gaming. The Acer Nitro XV272U W2bmiiprx is probably the closest rival, offering 1440p at up to 180Hz. You'll get a sharper image on the Acer, but the BenQ's extra 40Hz and lower input lag give it the edge in twitchy shooters.

The HP OMEN 27qs G2 and Alienware AW3225DM both step up to 1440p and larger screens, with the Alienware pushing into 4K territory. They're better all-rounders for mixed use, but they cost more and can't match the EX251's motion clarity at 1080p. If your game library is mostly CS2, Valorant, or Overwatch 2, the BenQ's smaller screen and higher refresh rate are actually advantages, keeping everything in your field of view without needing to scan a massive display.

Value is where the EX251 gets tricky. At its core, this is a fantastic 1080p high-refresh monitor for competitive gaming, and if you can snag it for around $150 to $200, it's a steal. The problem is the price spread. We've seen refurbished units as low as $90, which is an absolute bargain, while some listings climb into the thousands for no good reason. Newegg and Memory Express tend to have the most realistic pricing, so stick with those retailers. Compared to alternatives like the Acer Nitro XV272U, which offers 1440p at a similar price, you're trading resolution for raw speed here. If you're purely an esports player, that trade-off makes sense. If you want a sharper image for single-player games or work, you might feel the 1080p ceiling.

The BenQ MOBIUZ EX251 is a 24.5-inch 1080p gaming monitor aimed squarely at competitive players who care more about speed than pixel count. It pushes a 220Hz overclocked refresh rate with a 1ms response time on an IPS panel, which is a combo that keeps motion buttery smooth without the washed-out viewing angles you get from older TN panels. If you're searching for a high refresh rate monitor under $200, this one lands in a sweet spot, though pricing is all over the map depending on where you look. We've seen it listed anywhere from $90 for a refurbished unit to a baffling $4,475 from some third-party sellers, so you'll want to shop carefully. The real price from places like Newegg and Memory Express sits in that budget-friendly range.

The monitor covers 99% sRGB and hits 350 nits typical brightness, with HDR10 support that bumps peak brightness to 400 nits. It's not going to blow you away for photo editing or HDR movie watching, but for a gaming display, the colors are punchy and accurate enough out of the box. BenQ also throws in their "Game Color" presets and a Color Shuttle app to tweak things per game, which is a nice touch if you like fiddling with settings. Connectivity is solid with two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2, and a USB-C hub, putting it in the 90th percentile for connectivity among monitors in our database.

Build-wise, it's a mixed bag. The white chassis looks clean, and the built-in 2.5W speakers are there if you need them, though they won't replace a decent headset or desktop speakers. The stand only tilts, so you're stuck with basic ergonomics unless you mount it on a VESA arm. At 4170g, it's not exactly portable either, scoring a rough 20.7 out of 100 in that category. But for a desk-bound gaming monitor, that heft just means it stays put.

Skip the EX251 if you need a monitor for photo editing, console gaming at 4K, or a cleaner desk setup without extra cables. The 1080p resolution and basic HDR won't satisfy creatives, and the tilt-only stand is a pain if you can't use a VESA arm. Console players on PS5 or Xbox Series X will also miss out on 4K and 120Hz modes that other monitors handle better. If you want a sharper image for mixed use, grab the Acer Nitro XV272U or the Dell S2725QC instead. And if portability matters at all, look elsewhere, this thing is a chunky 4170g and scored near the bottom of our portable rankings.

The BenQ MOBIUZ EX251 is a purpose-built tool for competitive gamers who want every possible frame and the lowest input lag without breaking the bank. It's not trying to be a pretty HDR display or a productivity workhorse, and that focus pays off. The 220Hz IPS panel is a joy in fast games, and the color accuracy means you're not staring at a washed-out mess when you're not gaming. The limited stand and weak speakers are annoyances, but they're easy to fix with a VESA mount and a headset.

Should you buy this? If you're a competitive FPS player on a budget and you find it priced under $200, absolutely. It's one of the fastest 1080p monitors we've tested. If you split your time between gaming and creative work, or you prefer slower, prettier single-player games, a 1440p alternative like the Acer Nitro XV272U will serve you better. But for pure speed per dollar, the EX251 is hard to beat.