BenQ XL2430T 24-Inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor Review

BenQ sent over a 144Hz-capable 24-inch screen priced attractively. As a gamer, it'd be hard to ignore this model, which doesn't offer G-Sync support, but does deliver a great picture and excellent maximum refresh rate for less than $400.

Early Verdict

The XL2430T is a premium gaming monitor at a not-quite-premium price. Though it costs a little more than most 24-inch screens, it delivers a lot more in terms of features and performance. With the best blur reduction we’ve seen to date, its only competition for now is likely to be BenQ’s XL2420G G-Sync-capable model.

Pros

  • +

    Out-of-box and calibrated accuracy

  • +

    light output

  • +

    blur reduction without major brightness loss

  • +

    trouble-free 144Hz refresh rate

  • +

    top-notch build quality

Cons

  • -

    None

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BenQ XL2430T 144Hz Gaming Monitor Review

To G-Sync or not to G-Sync? That is the question gamers are asking when they shop for a proper addition to their high-performance computer system. Now that Asus, AOC, BenQ and others are offering G-Sync support either with or in addition to fast-refresh models, it comes down to whether you want to spend an extra $150 to $200 or not.

The premium-priced ROG Swift notwithstanding, 24-inch G-Sync-capable monitors are selling for $550 and up. If you just want 144Hz and perhaps adjustable motion-blur reduction, you can buy in for around $400 or less.

BenQ is no stranger to speedy gaming displays, having introduced us to the excellent XL2720Z (BenQ XL2720Z Monitor Review: A 27-Inch, 144 Hz Gaming Display) a few months back. Today we’re checking out its 24-inch brother, the XL2430T.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Brand & ModelBenQ XL2430T
Street Price$398
Panel Type & BacklightTN / W-LED, edge array
Screen Size & Aspect Ratio24in / 16:9
Max Resolution & Refresh1920x1080 @ 144Hz
Native Color Depth & Gamut8-bit (6-bit w/FRC) / sRGB
Response Time (GTG)1ms
Brightness350cd/m2
Speakers-
Video Inputs1 x DisplayPort, 1 x DVI,2 x HDMI, 1 x VGA
Audio1 x 3.5mm input, 1 x mic input,1 x headphone output
USBv3.0 - 1 x up, 2 x down
Panel DimensionsWxHxD w/base22.5 x 20.6 x 7.9in568 x 520 x 199mm
Panel Thickness2.5in / 63mm
Bezel Width.7in / 17mm
Weight15lbs / 6.8kg
WarrantyThree years

Let’s look at what giving up three inches of diagonal screen size means if you opt for a smaller display. The first thing to remember is that neither monitor supports G-Sync technology, so if you’re an Nvidia user looking for an end to screen tearing, check out BenQ’s brand-new XL2420G instead. It literally just arrived in our labs, so you’ll be seeing the full review very soon.

Both screens enable 144Hz refresh rates with nary a hiccup, though. This is a boon in just about any fast-paced game, since the display can keep up with your speedy graphics subsystem. We know how frustrating it is to spend four figures on the best in 3D processing only to have a 60Hz panel holding you back from your full fragging potential. We also love how Windows just glides smoothly along when you move the mouse cursor or shift applications around. It’s almost intoxicating for a display professional like myself.

The second item on the checklist is motion blur reduction. It’s a feature we first saw implemented through software on Asus' VG248QE. The XL2720Z has it built-in, though you can’t adjust the pulse width without a special utility from BlurBusters. As we’ve found in testing, simply turning on a backlight strobe with a short pulse results in an extremely dim picture bordering on unusable. Newer screens sometimes include that adjustment in a fine 100-step resolution. Then you can create a better balance between blur reduction and light output.

We found the XL2720Z a bit lacking in light output to the point that even a little blur reduction darkened the image too much. The XL2430T we’re looking at today corrects that flaw with a healthy maximum output of over 360cd/m2. BenQ also adds a pulse-width adjustment with 25-step resolution. In our brightness tests, we found a setting that provides an acceptable level of blur reduction at a light output cost of 51 percent.

BenQ’s motto is “gaming is in the details.” To that end, it includes a tremendous number of extra features and options specifically designed to enhance gameplay. Over the next two pages, you’ll see what that means on both the outside and the inside of the XL2430T. Let’s take a look.

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.

  • spp85
    Me IPS all the way. One you switch to an IPS display you are done with a TN panel
    Reply
  • test090927
    Don't be interrupted by want type of panel it is.
    TN and IPS both have there own advantage. TN for low response time and relatively high refresh rate, whereas IPS has better color reproduction and viewing angle. However, IPS panel generally has long response time, which might cause ghosting when gaming.

    For XL2430T TN panel which might seem bad color reproduction, the color is actually fine and it can be adjusted by "Color Vibrance" mode. It's a great choice for you.
    Reply
  • Grognak
    Nearly $400 for a 24in 1080p monitor, that's quite expensive.
    Reply
  • wtfxxxgp
    Wow. Some people don't bother to read the article. The reviewer clearly states that the ONLY difference between this TN panel and an IPS panel is viewing angle. How is this a problem unless you're using more than 1 monitor? How many people sit and game when they don't have their monitor right in front of them? EVERYTHING ELSE about this monitor as far as performance is concerned completely out-classes IPS panels. Stop complaining, read the full article and unless you have anything constructive to say, rather don't say anything at all. Commenting that you're waiting for an IPS panel or wouldn't ever go back to a TN panel is rather useless. As for me, I think the price is very reasonable for this monitor, given its excellent review on everything that matters to a gamer.
    Reply
  • lostgamer_03
    I stopped reading after "TN panel". Not even worth my time.
    Reply
  • wishmaster12
    all your paying is for 24 more hz, I bought a 24in 120hz for 250$
    Reply
  • chenw
    I stopped reading at 'IPS', not even worth my time.

    Seriously, after comparing the VX2770 and swift (which is a classic IPS to TN), I wasn't even sure what IPS was all about, the IPS had much worse BLB and didn't look that much greater (granted, it was probably a bad IPS panel).
    Reply
  • chenw
    Just to clear up, I know the monitor in review is a TN panel
    Reply
  • knightmike
    FreeSync
    Reply
  • AndrewJacksonZA
    Is it known if this monitor is FreeSync-compatible, or can be upgraded to be FreeSync-compatible?

    Thank you
    Reply