BenQ VZ2470H 24-inch AMVA Monitor Review

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Conclusion

The monitor is a user's primary interface with their computer and therefore its look and feel should be a priority when considering any systems purchase. Our coverage is usually oriented towards technology that improves image quality but sometimes design and value take center-stage.

There's no question that look and feel are BenQ's primary design goals with the VZ2470H. Its all-white chassis stands out in a sea of black and gray displays and the integrated stand along with an edge-to-edge zero-bezel panel means that any desktop using one will be a better place to get work done. Luckily though, there is desirable technology here too. AMVA is a panel type we're impressed with not only for its excellent contrast but its color accuracy as well.

It's unfortunate that of the seventy or so monitors we've reviewed here since 2013 that only seven of them use AMVA panels. Users clearly prefer IPS over TN and there is no doubt that LCD panels as a category are deficient in contrast. Since many users (us included) believe that contrast is the most important facet of image fidelity, monitors like this and the others highlighted here today should be at the top of our wish lists.

BenQ has certainly embraced the tech as the VZ2470H is now the third such product to grace its lineup. We were impressed with BenQ's XR3501 curved screen and the jumbo 32-inch BL3200PT we looked at in 2014. Obviously other manufacturers like HP and Philips have caught on too. While things like resolution and speed are certainly important, contrast and image depth truly should carry equal weight.

The VZ represents an exceptional value as well. It may lack the QHD or UHD resolution of the latest premium displays but at 24-inches, FHD works just fine. In every other respect it sacrifices nothing to more expensive screens. It has more than sufficient color accuracy to work well in any application. It may not readily appeal to gamers without a high-speed or adaptive refresh rate but it is more responsive than most 60Hz screens we've tested. Add to that a zero-flicker backlight and you have a monitor that's just enjoyable to use.

If you're looking for a high-performance gaming display for under $200 that ship hasn't docked just yet. But for those willing to work and play at 60Hz and FHD, the BenQ VZ2470H is a great choice. For that reason we're giving it the Tom's Editor Recommended Award.

MORE: Best Computer Monitors

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Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware, covering Monitors.

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Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

  • perishedinflames
    What's the difference between this and GW2470H? Is it just the design or is it more than that?
    Reply
  • none12345
    Only 60hz, no dvi?, no displayport? Wouldnt even consider it.

    Not to mention the ugly white, or the off center stand, that will make it more wobbly. And no vesa mount if you want to use your own stand.

    Just EWW all around. And its not even budget at 209, way to high for 60hz.
    Reply
  • Nintendork
    It's a real shame that manufacturers forgot about 120-200Hz on 1080p 21-25° panels. Gaming monitores doesn't need to be 27" 1440p to actually get those benefits.
    Reply
  • Nintendork
    For now im getting a 21° Dell Trinitron CRT.

    1600x1200 85Hz master race with 0ms response times. 0ms input lag :)
    Reply
  • Max_x2
    What's the difference between this and GW2470H? Is it just the design or is it more than that?

    My bet is that the only difference is the design. If you're in the market for a great, cheap all-around monitor, I'd say buy the GW2470H. Had my GW2450 for about 3 years, and I'm still in love with it. The color accuracy is unmatched except maybe for monitors worth 4-5 times the price, and I also enjoy it for some casual gaming (racing simulators mostly in my case).

    Here's a review of mine: http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/content/benq_gw2450hm.htm . Anyway, what I can tell you is that this was my 1st BenQ monitor, but sure won't be the last. The quality is amazing.
    Reply
  • basroil
    Looks like another ( Mod edit: Keep it clean....)benq monitor that looks fine on paper but will be troubled with quickly degrading screens and wonky controls that were outdated a decade ago

    *edit* anort3, I used no words that would not be acceptable in a PG rating. It was certainly far cleaner than some comments by others including mods!
    Reply
  • Max_x2
    You do know that they own auoptronic, which supplies panels for a lot of displays, right? Also, their parts are in a lot of other companies monitors, beside the actual panel.
    Reply
  • ozicom
    I've been trying to upgrade my display to 4K and i'm sure most people will try to do this while 4K is not a dream anymore. Apple and Dell and i think some other manufacturers start to produce 5K and more and now we're looking at a FHD monitor. I know mainstream means low price but buying a FHD monitor with no added options looks dummy. So let's try to push brands and manufacturers to make better for less.
    Reply
  • darcotech
    It would be nice if you note that this is sponsored article.
    Reply
  • atwspoon
    It would be nice if you note that this is sponsored article.
    How does one note that fact?
    Reply