BenQ GW2790C 27" Black
A 27-inch 1080p IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync delivers smooth, tear-free motion for mixed-use scenarios. The USB-C connectivity simplifies cable management, while TUV-certified Eye Comfort 3.0 technology reduces strain during long work sessions. This monitor is best for office workers and students who need a flicker-free, eye-safe display for all-day productivity and casual entertainment.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The BenQ GW2790C is a 27-inch 1080p office monitor that stands out with a super-smooth 144Hz refresh rate and excellent eye-care features. The 1080p resolution is its biggest weakness, making text look a bit soft, but the USB-C connection and low price make it a solid buy for a dedicated home office setup. Just make sure you don't overpay, as sharper 1440p alternatives aren't much more.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 144Hz refresh rate makes everything feel incredibly smooth for an office monitor. 79th
- USB-C connectivity with power delivery simplifies a modern desk setup. 77th
- Eye-care features are genuinely effective for all-day comfort. 74th
- Slim bezel design looks clean and modern in any workspace.
Cons
- 1080p resolution on a 27" screen leads to noticeably soft text.
- Built-in speakers are weak and lack any real bass or volume.
- 300 nits of brightness is just adequate and struggles in bright rooms.
- Very limited ergonomic adjustments with only a tilt stand.
What owners think
The Word on the Street
The proof
Performance
The 144Hz refresh rate is the star of the show here, making everything from scrolling through spreadsheets to a quick gaming session feel buttery smooth. It's a genuine step up from a standard 60Hz office panel. The 5ms response time keeps motion blur in check, and FreeSync support is a nice bonus if you pair it with a compatible GPU. Color coverage hits 99% sRGB, which is solid for an office monitor and puts it in the middle of the pack for color performance. The 300-nit brightness is fine for indoor use, but don't expect it to fight off harsh sunlight. The 1080p resolution on a 27-inch screen is the obvious trade-off here. Text isn't as razor-sharp as it would be on a 1440p display, and you'll notice some softness if you sit close.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 1920x1080 (Full HD) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Curved | No |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync |
Color & HDR
| Brightness | 300 nits |
| Color Gamut | 99% sRGB |
| Color Depth | 8-bit |
| HDR | Yes |
Connectivity
| HDMI Ports | 1 |
| DisplayPort | 1 |
| USB-C | 1 |
| Speakers | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | No |
| Tilt | Yes |
| Swivel | No |
| Pivot | No |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Webcam | No |
| Touchscreen | No |
| PIP/PBP | No |
| Power | 22 |
| Weight | 6.1 kg / 13.5 lbs |
vs Competition
Stacked against the competition, the GW2790C carves out a specific niche. A gaming-focused monitor like the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL5A will blow it away with higher resolution and faster response times, but it lacks the dedicated eye-care focus. The Dell S2725QC offers a much sharper 4K panel for creative work, but you'll pay more and lose the high refresh rate. The LG UltraGear 27G810A-B is a more direct competitor with similar specs, but BenQ's eye-care software and USB-C hub give it a slight edge for pure productivity. If you're a gamer first, look at the Acer Nitro XV272U. If you need pixel-perfect clarity for design work, this isn't your monitor.
| Spec | BenQ GW2790C 27" | ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCDMG | MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 | LG UltraGear 27GX790A-B | Samsung Odyssey G60SD | Gigabyte M Series OLED MO27U2 SA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 | 2560 x 1440 | 2560 x 1440 | 2560 x 1440 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | IPS | OLED | QD-OLED | OLED | QD-OLED | OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 144 | 240 | 240 | 480 | 360 | 240 |
| Response Time Ms | 5 | 0.029999999329447746 | 0.029999999329447746 | 0.029999999329447746 | 0.029999999329447746 | 0.029999999329447746 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync | FreeSync Premium Pro | FreeSync Premium Pro | FreeSync Premium Pro | FreeSync Premium Pro | FreeSync Premium Pro |
| Hdr | Yes | DisplayHDR True Black 400 | DisplayHDR True Black 400 | DisplayHDR True Black 400 | HDR10+ | DisplayHDR 400 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Color | Portability | Display | Feature | Ergonomic | Performance | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ GW2790C 27" | 61.6 | 79.3 | 55.6 | 73.8 | 55 | 61.9 | 77.3 | 22.1 |
| ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCDMG Compare | 96.6 | 63.3 | 97.9 | 87.2 | 91.9 | 98.4 | 84.9 | 99.4 |
| MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 Compare | 99.2 | 63.3 | 79.4 | 87.2 | 91.9 | 98.4 | 84.9 | 99.4 |
| LG UltraGear 27GX790A-B Compare | 83 | 63.3 | 79.4 | 73.8 | 91.9 | 99.8 | 98.4 | 99.4 |
| Samsung Odyssey G60SD Compare | 92.3 | 46.5 | 79.4 | 73.8 | 91.9 | 99.7 | 89.9 | 95.4 |
| Gigabyte M Series OLED MO27U2 SA Compare | 87.1 | 63.3 | 97.9 | 87.2 | 91.9 | 98.4 | 84.9 | 70.7 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Pricing on this monitor is all over the map, with a wild spread from $120 to over $5000 across different vendors. That top-end price is clearly a marketplace error, so ignore it. The real value sits at the lower end of that range. If you can snag this for around $150 or less, it's a compelling buy for a 144Hz USB-C monitor with solid eye-care features. At its more common retail price closer to $200, you start bumping into sharper 1440p options that offer a better visual experience for the same money. Shop around and don't overpay.
Amazon.co.uk 1 offer From £361
Price History
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Overview
The BenQ GW2790C is a monitor that knows exactly what it wants to be: a comfortable daily driver for your home office. It's not chasing 4K dreams or HDR glory. Instead, it packs a 27-inch 1080p IPS panel with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate and a USB-C connection, all wrapped in a slim bezel design. The real pitch here is eye comfort, with BenQ's triple eye-care tech built in to keep you going through long workdays without your eyes feeling like sandpaper.
Common Questions
Q: Is the 1080p resolution sharp enough for a 27-inch screen?
It's usable, but text won't look as crisp as it does on a 1440p or 4K monitor of the same size. If you work with small fonts or detailed spreadsheets all day, you'll notice the lower pixel density.
Q: Can I connect my laptop with just one cable?
Yes, the USB-C port supports video, data, and 65W power delivery, so a single cable can connect your laptop, charge it, and give you access to the monitor's built-in USB hub.
Q: Does the eye-care mode make the screen look weird or yellow?
The Low Blue Light mode does shift the color temperature warmer, which can look a bit yellow at first. You can adjust the level or turn it off, but most people adapt quickly and appreciate the reduced eye strain.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you're a creative professional who needs accurate, high-resolution detail for photo or video editing. The 1080p resolution on a 27-inch canvas just doesn't provide the pixel density needed for that kind of work, and you'd be better served by a 4K panel like the Dell S2725QC.
Verdict
The BenQ GW2790C is a purpose-built tool for the work-from-home crowd who stare at screens for eight-plus hours and want a smoother experience than a basic 60Hz panel. It's not a great choice for graphic designers who need high pixel density, or for competitive gamers who need the fastest response times. But if your day is emails, documents, and the occasional YouTube break, and your eyes are tired of being tired, this monitor makes a lot of sense.