The BenQ GW2786TC offers a compelling blend of features and affordability, making it a strong contender for those seeking a reliable USB-C monitor for under $200. This review delves into its design, connectivity, features, and image quality to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your home office setup.
A Budget-Friendly Option Packed with Features
Finding the perfect budget monitor can be challenging. The market is flooded with options, making it difficult to discern true value. The BenQ GW2786TC simplifies this process by offering a compelling combination of useful features and decent image quality at a competitive price.
Specifications and Feature Highlights
The BenQ GW2786TC boasts a 27-inch IPS panel with a standard 1920×1080 resolution. While these specifications are common in this price range, the monitor distinguishes itself with several key features:
- Display Size: 27-inch 16:9 widescreen
- Resolution: 1920×1080
- Panel Type: IPS
- Refresh Rate: 100Hz
- Adaptive Sync: No
- HDR: No
- Ports: HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, DisplayPort-out (MST), USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 65W Power Delivery, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstream
- VESA Mount: 100x100mm
- Audio: 2x 2W speakers, noise-canceling microphone
- Extra Features: Ambient light sensor
- Price: $199.99
The inclusion of USB-C with 65W Power Delivery, DisplayPort-out for daisy-chaining, a 100Hz refresh rate, and an ambient light sensor elevates the GW2786TC above many competitors in its price bracket. For those seeking a higher resolution, the BenQ GW2790T offers 2560×1440 at a slightly higher price point.
Design and Ergonomics
The GW2786TC boasts a clean, modern aesthetic with a predominantly white finish. While primarily plastic, the construction feels sturdy and looks attractive on a desk. The ergonomic stand offers a wide range of adjustments, including tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment, surpassing the typical offerings in this price segment. VESA mounting is also supported for those preferring alternative setups.
Connectivity Options
The monitor provides versatile connectivity with HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode. The inclusion of a DisplayPort output for daisy-chaining a second monitor is a welcome addition, reducing cable clutter. The USB-C port with 65W Power Delivery can charge most laptops, a particularly useful feature for MacBook Air users and those with compatible Windows, ChromeOS, and Linux laptops.
Features and On-Screen Controls
The on-screen display is controlled via physical buttons, which can feel a bit cumbersome compared to joystick controls found on other monitors. The menu offers standard image adjustments, including preset modes, color temperature, and gamma. The integrated ambient light sensor, activated through Brightness Intelligence, automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient lighting conditions, a valuable feature for home offices with fluctuating light levels. While the built-in speakers and noise-canceling microphone are functional, they are not exceptional and might be best supplemented with dedicated peripherals.
Image Quality Analysis
While image quality isn’t the primary focus of this budget-oriented monitor, the GW2786TC delivers a satisfactory viewing experience. With a maximum SDR brightness of 260 nits, it performs adequately in typical home office settings, though it may appear dim in brightly lit environments. The contrast ratio of 1500:1 is surprisingly good for an IPS panel in this price range, providing decent black levels and shadow detail, though some IPS glow is still present.
Color performance is respectable, covering 100% of sRGB and offering decent color accuracy. The monitor’s gamma and color temperature are well-calibrated out of the box, resulting in a natural-looking image. Sharpness is a slight weakness due to the 1080p resolution on a 27-inch screen, but this is understandable given the price point.
HDR and Motion Performance
The GW2786TC does not support HDR, which is not unexpected in this price range. The 100Hz refresh rate provides smoother motion clarity compared to standard 60Hz monitors, but the lack of Adaptive Sync limits its appeal for serious gamers.
Final Verdict
The BenQ GW2786TC is a solid choice for budget-conscious users seeking a versatile USB-C monitor for home office use. Its comprehensive feature set, including USB-C Power Delivery, DisplayPort-out, and an ambient light sensor, combined with acceptable image quality, makes it a compelling value proposition for under $200. While its image quality and gaming performance are not top-tier, they are perfectly adequate for everyday productivity tasks and casual media consumption.
