BenQ MOBIUZ EX271Q 27" White

The BenQ MOBIUZ EX271Q is a 27-inch 1440p IPS gaming monitor with a 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and 95% P3 color coverage. It stands out for its USB-C connectivity with 65W power delivery and KVM switch, which are rare at this price. Shop around though, prices swing from $180 to $491 depending on the vendor.

The EX271Q runs at 2560 x 1440 at 180Hz through DisplayPort 1.4. Over HDMI 2.0, you're capped at 144Hz, which is worth knowing if you plan to hook up a console or an older laptop. The 1ms GtG response time is standard for a fast IPS panel these days, and in practice it keeps ghosting to a minimum in fast-paced games.

Color performance is a standout here. The 95% P3 coverage and 10-bit color depth put this monitor well above average for its class, and the 350 nits of brightness (400 nits peak with HDR) is fine for most rooms. HDR10 support is there, but don't expect miracles from an edge-lit IPS panel. It's more of a checkbox than a transformative experience. In our database, the connectivity and ergonomics are where this thing really shines, both ranking near the top of the charts.

Stacked against the MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 or the LG UltraGear 27GX790A-B, the EX271Q loses on pure picture quality. Those OLED panels have perfect blacks and faster response times, but they also cost significantly more. The BenQ's IPS panel means no burn-in risk and better text clarity for productivity work, which matters if this monitor pulls double duty.

The ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG and Samsung Odyssey G7 G75F are closer competitors in the 1440p high-refresh space. The Samsung's VA panel gives it better contrast, but the BenQ's IPS panel wins on viewing angles and color accuracy. The Alienware AW2725D is another strong option, but again, you're paying more for the Alienware name and a slightly different feature set. The EX271Q's real advantage is the USB-C with 65W power delivery and KVM switch, which none of these competitors match at this price point.

Pricing on the EX271Q is all over the place right now. In the US, we're seeing listings from $180 to $491 across six vendors, which is a massive spread. If you can snag one near the low end, it's a steal. At the high end, you're dangerously close to OLED territory and should probably look elsewhere. In Canada, prices range from CAD 230 to CAD 331 across three listings. The refurbished units at Best Buy and Newegg tend to be the cheapest way in, and honestly, a refurb with a warranty is a smart play here. Just don't pay full retail when the discounts are this deep.

The BenQ MOBIUZ EX271Q sits in that sweet spot for 27-inch 1440p gaming monitors. It's a 180Hz IPS panel with a 1ms response time, 95% P3 color coverage, and a USB-C port that pushes 65W of power. If you're hunting for a monitor that handles both gaming and creative work without costing OLED money, this one's worth a look.

A lot of people searching for this monitor want to know if it's good for gaming. Short answer: yes. The 180Hz refresh rate over DisplayPort keeps things smooth in fast shooters and racing games, and FreeSync Premium handles variable refresh rate duties for AMD cards. The 1ms GtG response time means motion blur stays low, though it's an IPS panel so you won't get the near-instant pixel response of an OLED.

Is the BenQ EX271Q good for work? It's solid there too. The 95% P3 color gamut and 10-bit color depth make it a reasonable budget option for photo editing or design work. The KVM switch and USB-C connectivity are genuinely useful if you're juggling a work laptop and a gaming PC on the same desk.

Skip the EX271Q if you're a competitive esports player who wants the absolute fastest response times. OLED panels like the MSI MAG 271QPX or LG UltraGear 27GX790A-B will serve you better, though they cost more. Console gamers should also think twice, since the HDMI 2.0 port caps at 144Hz and there's no HDMI 2.1 support for 4K 120Hz signals. If you need deep blacks for movie watching in a dark room, the Samsung Odyssey G7's VA panel or any OLED will beat this IPS panel's contrast ratio. And if you're on a tight budget, there are cheaper 1440p 144Hz monitors that get you 90% of the gaming experience for less money.

Should you buy the BenQ MOBIUZ EX271Q? If you can find it under $300 USD or around CAD 280, absolutely. It's a fast, color-accurate 1440p monitor with genuinely useful connectivity features that most competitors skip. The USB-C port alone makes it a great pick for anyone running a laptop and desktop on the same desk.

But if you're paying close to $400 or more, hold off. At that price, you're within striking distance of OLED panels that deliver a noticeably better gaming experience. The EX271Q is a great monitor at the right price, not a great monitor at any price.