BenQ's 144Hz, 1440p Monitor With HDRi and Soundbar is $399

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By Michelle Ehrhardt
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BenQ EX2780Q
(Image credit: Amazon)

Just because a monitor doesn't hit 4K or use OLED doesn't mean it can't be one of the best gaming monitors. Take the BenQ EX2780Q, which doubles as one of the best gaming monitor deals right now thanks to an Amazon sale that drops its price to $399. This is an IPS display with a 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, but it also sets itself apart with a high quality built-in soundbar and "HDRi," which senses the light levels in your room to adjust the monitor's picture.

BenQ EX2780Q: was $499, now $399 at Amazon

BenQ EX2780Q: was $499, now $399 at Amazon
This 1440p, 27-inch BenQ monitor has a 144Hz refresh rate and an IPS screen, but that's far from all it offers. Its built-in soundbar has strong bass thanks to a 5W subwoofer, and its HDR sensor uses your room's light levels to adjust the screen's picture. This monitor even has a remote with a holder in the base.

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We got some hands-on time with this monitor at a show floor about a year ago, where we were impressed by the HDRi's ability to keep bright scenes from getting washed out, which is a common problem with regular HDR. The effect wasn't as beneficial for us in dark scenes, although we also praised the monitor's 2.1 channel speaker and 5W subwoofer for maintaining max volume without distortion.

The included remote was a nice touch, we thought, since it made fine-tuning all these extra features way easier.

Michelle Ehrhardt
Michelle Ehrhardt

Michelle Ehrhardt is an editor at Tom's Hardware. She's been following tech since her family got a Gateway running Windows 95, and is now on her third custom-built system. Her work has been published in publications like Paste, The Atlantic, and Kill Screen, just to name a few. She also holds a master's degree in game design from NYU.

4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • peterf28
    IPS is not for me, very poor contrast.
    Reply
  • Loadedaxe
    peterf28 said:
    IPS is not for me, very poor contrast.

    :tearsofjoy:
    Reply
  • gg83
    I absolutely love my ips. It's the FI27Q by Aorus
    Reply
  • helper800
    I have an IPS viewsonic 1440p monitor next to a samsung MVA 4k monitor which is next to a LG CX OLED TV. I can say that the contrast of the viewsonic next to the samsung is only a bit noticeable is most situations, but the LG OLED blows both of them out of the water with its infinite contrast 100% of the time. If you are going to go for contrast you mind as well get an OLED.
    Reply