BenQ EW2780U review: A great choice for the price

With the EW2780U, BenQ is asking one simple question: why spend more than £500 on a 4K USB-C monitor? BenQ covers all the most important basics here, choosing a high-quality IPS panel that’s well-tuned to people’s daily needs: in Standard mode, it covers 98.5% of the sRGB gamut with 109% volume, while its average Delta E of 0.29 is exceptional. If you want refresh rates higher than 60Hz or a wider gamut, you’ll need to look elsewhere, but a contrast ratio of 1,085:1 and excellent brightness uniformity mean that it makes an excellent first impression.

It has a trick up its sleeve too, which is in part thanks to a strong peak brightness of 371cd/m2. BenQ takes advantage of this to provide three HDR emulation modes, all selectable via the “HDRi” shortcut button on the bottom bezel, and these add instant punch to videos and games. The effect can’t quite match an HDR400-certified panel, but it isn’t far off.

To access more controls you’ll need to reach behind the back for the mini joystick, or tap one of the two user-programmable buttons that sit just above it. These can then become shortcuts to colour modes, audio profiles and inputs. Tapping the joystick itself brings up the full OSD, which is easy to navigate but peppered with obtuse terms such as AMA (for adjusting response times) and Super Resolution (for upscaling).

MacBook owners should try out the M-book setting: this is meant to more closely match their screens. Just note that the USB-C port’s power output is limited to 60W, with the EW2780U’s claims as a docking station further diminished by a lack of USB-A ports. In fact, there’s a stripped-back feel to the whole monitor, with the stand only offering -5°/+15° tilt by way of adjustment. We were surprised, then, by the quality of the speakers: they’re genuinely good enough to listen to music on.

While it has its limitations, this is a monitor that has some surprising strengths for the price. If your list of tickbox features includes 4K, colour accuracy and watching a little lunchtime TV, it’s a great choice.

BenQ EW2780U specifications