BenQ vs LG OLED: Which 240Hz Gaming Monitor Should You Buy?

If you've been shopping for a high-end gaming monitor lately, you've probably noticed two compelling options that keep popping up: the BenQ MOBIUZ EX270QM and the LG UltraGear 27" OLED. Both promise buttery-smooth 240Hz gaming at 1440p resolution, but they take completely different approaches to get there. After spending time with both technologies, I can tell you the choice between them comes down to more than just specs on paper.

Understanding Modern Gaming Monitors

Gaming monitors have evolved dramatically over the past few years. We've moved beyond the basic question of "60Hz or 144Hz?" to a world where 240Hz is becoming the new standard for competitive gaming, and display technologies like OLED are finally making their way from TVs into desktop monitors.

When shopping for a premium gaming monitor today, you're looking at several key factors. Refresh rate (how many times per second the screen updates) directly impacts how smooth motion appears. Response time (how quickly pixels can change color) affects motion blur and ghosting. Display technology determines contrast, color accuracy, and overall image quality. And increasingly important is HDR support (High Dynamic Range), which expands the range of colors and brightness levels for more realistic visuals.

Both the BenQ MOBIUZ EX270QM and LG UltraGear OLED hit the sweet spot of 27-inch screens with 2560x1440 resolution—what we call QHD. This gives you 109 pixels per inch, which is sharp enough for detailed gaming without requiring the GPU horsepower that 4K demands.

The Tale of Two Technologies

Here's where things get interesting. The BenQ MOBIUZ EX270QM, released in early 2023, represents the pinnacle of IPS LCD technology. IPS stands for In-Plane Switching, a panel type that's been refined over decades to offer excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles. BenQ has enhanced this with local dimming zones and their proprietary HDRi technology.

The LG UltraGear OLED, which hit the market in early 2024, brings OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology to gaming monitors. Unlike LCD panels that require a backlight, each pixel in an OLED display produces its own light. This fundamental difference creates some dramatic performance advantages—and a few trade-offs.

Having used both technologies extensively, I can tell you that the difference is immediately apparent when you first power them on. The OLED's perfect blacks make everything else look gray by comparison, while the BenQ's brightness makes colors pop even in well-lit rooms.

Gaming Performance: Where It Really Matters

Response Time and Motion Clarity

This is where the LG OLED absolutely shines. With a 0.03ms response time, it's practically instantaneous. To put that in perspective, that's 30 times faster than the BenQ's 1ms response time. When you're tracking enemies in fast-paced shooters or following a ball in Rocket League, that difference translates to noticeably cleaner motion.

I've tested both monitors with UFO Test (a popular motion clarity benchmark), and the OLED shows virtually zero ghosting or trailing artifacts. The BenQ performs excellently for an IPS panel, but you can spot slight motion blur in extreme scenarios—though honestly, most gamers won't notice this unless they're specifically looking for it.

The practical impact? If you're playing competitive games like Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, or Apex Legends at a high level, the OLED's response time advantage could genuinely help your performance. For casual gaming or single-player adventures, both monitors deliver smooth, enjoyable experiences.

Input Lag: The Invisible Factor

Input lag—the delay between when you press a button and when the action appears on screen—is crucial for responsive gaming. The BenQ clocks in at an impressively low 0.7ms, while the LG OLED typically measures even lower. Both are in the "imperceptible" category, meaning you won't feel any delay during gameplay.

For context, anything under 20ms is considered good for gaming, and anything under 5ms is excellent. Both these monitors are in the "elite" tier where input lag simply isn't a concern.

Adaptive Sync: Smooth Gaming Across GPUs

Both monitors support adaptive sync technologies, which synchronize the monitor's refresh rate with your graphics card's output to eliminate screen tearing (when parts of different frames are displayed simultaneously, creating a visible "tear" across the image).

The BenQ supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, which works great with AMD graphics cards and offers low-latency HDR gaming. The LG OLED is more versatile here, supporting both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible modes. This broader compatibility means you won't need to worry about your GPU brand when choosing the LG.

Visual Quality: The Heart of the Experience

Contrast and Black Levels

This is where OLED technology shows its most dramatic advantage. The LG OLED can turn individual pixels completely off, achieving perfect black levels and an infinite contrast ratio. When you're playing games with dark scenes—think horror games, space simulators, or nighttime sequences—the difference is striking.

The BenQ's IPS panel offers a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, which is typical for LCD technology. While BenQ has enhanced this with local dimming (where sections of the backlight can dim independently), it can't match OLED's per-pixel control. In practical terms, dark scenes on the BenQ appear more like dark gray than true black.

I've spent countless hours playing atmospheric games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 on both monitors. The OLED's deep blacks create an almost three-dimensional depth that makes you feel more immersed in the game world. However, the BenQ's brighter overall image can make details in dark scenes more visible, which some gamers actually prefer for competitive advantage.

Brightness and HDR Performance

Here's where the BenQ fights back. With 600 nits peak brightness compared to the OLED's roughly 400 nits, the BenQ performs better in bright rooms and delivers more impactful HDR highlights. The BenQ is certified for DisplayHDR 600, while the LG earns DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification.

The difference in HDR approach is fascinating. The BenQ creates HDR impact through brighter highlights—imagine the sun gleaming off a car hood or the flash of an explosion. The OLED achieves HDR drama through deeper shadows and more nuanced dark detail. Both approaches work, but they create different viewing experiences.

BenQ's proprietary HDRi technology adds another layer of sophistication. Using a built-in light sensor, it automatically adjusts the HDR processing based on your room's ambient lighting. This means the monitor optimizes itself throughout the day as lighting conditions change—a feature I've found genuinely useful during long gaming sessions.

Color Accuracy and Gamut

Both monitors excel in color reproduction, covering over 98% of the DCI-P3 color space (the standard used for digital cinema). The BenQ achieves 98% DCI-P3, while the LG OLED covers 98.5%. In real-world usage, both deliver vibrant, accurate colors that make games look as developers intended.

The OLED has a slight edge in color uniformity—colors look identical across the entire screen. LCD panels sometimes show slight variations in color temperature from center to edges, though the BenQ's implementation is quite good. For color-critical work like photo editing or graphic design, the OLED's consistency gives it an advantage.

Versatility: Beyond Gaming

Productivity and Mixed Use

This is where the BenQ MOBIUZ EX270QM pulls ahead for many users. Its higher brightness makes it excellent for office work, web browsing, and any scenario with significant ambient light. The IPS panel's anti-glare coating and stable image quality work well for extended productivity sessions.

The LG OLED, while stunning for media consumption, has some limitations for mixed use. OLED panels are susceptible to burn-in—permanent image retention that can occur when static elements (like taskbars, logos, or UI elements) remain on screen for extended periods. While LG includes OLED Care features to mitigate this risk, it's still a consideration for users who plan to use the monitor for work or productivity tasks with static interfaces.

I've used both monitors for writing, coding, and general computer use. The BenQ's crisp text rendering and bright, clear image make it more suitable for all-day productivity work. The OLED excels for entertainment and gaming but requires more careful usage patterns.

Home Theater Applications

For those considering these monitors in a home theater setup, both offer compelling but different advantages. The LG OLED provides the classic "theater experience" with its perfect blacks and excellent dark room performance. Movies and TV shows look incredible, with the kind of contrast that makes you notice details you've never seen before.

The BenQ brings built-in audio to the table—a 2.1 channel system with two 2W speakers and a 5W subwoofer, tuned by BenQ's treVolo audio division. While not replacement-level for a dedicated sound system, it's surprisingly good for built-in monitor speakers and eliminates the need for external audio in smaller setups.

For a dedicated dark home theater room, the OLED wins hands down. For a multi-purpose media room that gets used during the day, the BenQ's brightness and built-in audio make it more practical.

Features That Make a Difference

Audio Solutions

The BenQ's integrated 2.1 audio system deserves special mention. Most gaming monitors either skip speakers entirely or include tiny, tinny afterthoughts. BenQ's treVolo-tuned system actually produces respectable sound with some bass presence. It includes a remote control for easy volume adjustment and includes multiple audio modes optimized for games, movies, and music.

The LG OLED includes no built-in speakers, requiring external audio solutions. While this isn't necessarily negative (many enthusiasts prefer dedicated speakers or headphones), it does add to the total system cost and complexity.

Gaming-Specific Features

Both monitors include gaming-focused features, but with different approaches. The BenQ offers Light Tuner (20 different color settings for various game genres), Black eQualizer (brightens dark areas without overexposing bright ones), and Scenario Mapping (automatically applies settings when switching inputs). These features feel designed by people who actually game.

The LG OLED includes standard gaming features like crosshair overlays, FPS counters, and Dynamic Action Sync, but focuses more on the fundamental display technology doing the heavy lifting. Sometimes the best feature is simply not getting in the way of great hardware.

The Price Reality Check

Here's where practical considerations enter the picture. The BenQ MOBIUZ EX270QM typically retails around $399-499, while the LG UltraGear OLED commands $699-799. That's a $200-400 premium for OLED technology.

From a performance-per-dollar perspective, the BenQ offers exceptional value. You get 90% of the OLED's gaming performance, better versatility, built-in audio, and higher brightness for significantly less money. The LG commands its premium through cutting-edge display technology that delivers genuinely superior contrast and response times.

Making Your Decision

Choose the BenQ MOBIUZ EX270QM if you:

• Want excellent gaming performance without the premium price
• Use your monitor in a bright room or near windows
• Need a versatile display for both gaming and productivity
• Appreciate built-in audio and don't want external speakers
• Prefer the peace of mind that comes with proven LCD reliability

Choose the LG UltraGear OLED if you:

• Want the absolute best gaming performance available
• Game primarily in darker environments where contrast shines
• Can justify the price premium for cutting-edge technology
• Use the monitor primarily for gaming rather than productivity
• Want the most immersive visual experience possible

The Bottom Line

Both monitors represent excellent choices in the high-refresh gaming market, but they serve different priorities. The BenQ offers outstanding value and versatility—it's the monitor I'd recommend to most gamers looking to upgrade from older displays. The LG OLED provides the ultimate gaming experience for enthusiasts willing to pay for the best technology available.

Having lived with both technologies, I lean toward the OLED for pure gaming enjoyment, but I appreciate the BenQ's practicality for everyday use. Your choice should depend on your specific use case, budget, and how much you value that perfect black level and lightning-fast response time.

The gaming monitor market continues evolving rapidly, with OLED technology becoming more accessible and LCD technology pushing brightness and response time improvements. Whichever you choose, both represent significant upgrades over older displays and will serve you well for years of gaming ahead.

BenQ MOBIUZ EX270QM 27" QHD 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor Deals and Prices

LG UltraGear 27" OLED QHD 240Hz Gaming Monitor Deals and Prices