Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This review is based on BenQ’s published specifications and third-party reviews. We have not tested this monitor ourselves.
Review
Yes, for PC players who want built-in speakers and a USB hub. The BenQ MOBIUZ EX251 is a 24.5-inch, 1080p IPS monitor with a 220Hz refresh rate for about $105. Skip it if you play only on console, need height adjustment, or want top speed per dollar: Dell’s 240Hz SE2426HG was listed for less.
- BenQ’s US spec sheet lists a 24.5-inch, 1080p IPS panel rated for 220Hz over both HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2, with a 1ms gray-to-gray response time.
- Adorama listed the EX251 at $104.99 and B&H at $109.99 on October 5, 2026. Dell’s 240Hz SE2426HG was reported at $99.99 on Amazon on September 27, 2026.
- Two limits come straight from BenQ’s spec sheet: the USB-C port is data only, with no video or laptop charging, and the stand tilts from -5° to 20° with no height adjustment.
- PS5 and Xbox Series X and S top out at 1080p and 120Hz on this monitor, per BenQ’s compatibility list, so consoles never use the full 220Hz.
- The one detailed hands-on review we found, from 91mobiles, rates it 8.5 out of 10. We found no independent lab measurements, so this review gives no numeric score.
Under $150, most gaming monitor listings lead with a big refresh rate number and bury the details that affect daily use in a spec table.
The BenQ MOBIUZ EX251 is a good example. It was listed at $109.99 at B&H when we checked on October 5, 2026, and its 220Hz IPS screen looks like a bargain. But BenQ’s own spec sheet shows a USB-C port that can’t send video or charge a laptop, and a stand with no height adjustment.
Research-based verdict, no score: If you game on a PC, want built-in speakers, and can live with the stand or add a monitor arm, the EX251 is a good buy at about $105. We have not tested this monitor, and we found no published lab measurements for it, so we give no score.
BenQ MOBIUZ EX251 Pros and Cons
The short version, with prices and rivals factored in:
Pros
- 220Hz IPS screen for about $105 at current store prices
- 99% sRGB color, which the 91mobiles hands-on review singled out as the highlight
- Two HDMI ports plus DisplayPort, all rated for 220Hz
- Built-in speakers, a USB hub, and an easy-to-reach headphone jack
- Sturdy stand with room for a keyboard, plus a VESA mount and a 3-year warranty
Cons
- The stand only tilts, with no height adjustment
- The USB-C port is data only: no video and no laptop charging
- HDR is entry-level, with no local dimming
- BenQ makes no G-Sync claim, and no independent lab has confirmed its numbers
- Dell’s 240Hz SE2426HG was listed for $5 less, and EX251 stock looks limited
BenQ MOBIUZ EX251 at a Glance: Specs and Price
Every number in this table comes from BenQ’s US spec sheet, so treat each one as the maker’s claim and not a lab result. The smaller line under each spec explains what it means for you.
| Screen | 24.5-inch IPS, 1920 x 1080 (Full HD), matte A common desk size; the matte finish cuts glare |
|---|---|
| Refresh rate | 220Hz over HDMI and DisplayPort The screen redraws up to 220 times a second |
| Response time | 1ms (gray to gray) How fast a pixel changes shade, per BenQ |
| Brightness | 350 nits typical, 400 nits HDR peak 400 nits is the entry level for HDR |
| Contrast | 1000:1 native Typical for an IPS panel |
| HDR | HDR10, VESA DisplayHDR 400 Basic HDR support |
| Color | 99% sRGB Covers nearly all of the standard color range used by games and the web |
| Anti-tearing | AMD FreeSync Matches the screen to your graphics card to stop torn frames |
| Motion Blur Reduction | Yes A setting meant to cut motion blur in games; BenQ gives no figures for it |
| Video inputs | 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 Room for a PC and two consoles |
| USB | 1 x USB-C (data only), 2 x USB-A (4.5W) A hub for a keyboard and mouse, not a laptop dock |
| Audio | 2 x 2.5W speakers, headphone jack Sound without extra speakers |
| Stand | Tilt -5° to 20°, no height adjustment, VESA 100 x 100mm You can angle it but not raise it; a monitor arm will fit |
| Weight | 9.19 lb with stand Light enough for most monitor arms |
Source tier: Manufacturer Spec (BenQ US spec sheet).
On price, B&H listed the EX251 at $109.99 on October 5, 2026, down from a $139.99 list price. It was marked as a special order with a 2 to 4 week wait, so check stock before you plan around it.
Who Is the BenQ MOBIUZ EX251 For?
Good Fit
220Hz and IPS color for about $105. FreeSync suits an AMD graphics card best.
Good Fit
Two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort keep all three plugged in at once.
Good Fit
Speakers and a USB hub are built in, so you can skip buying both.
Not Ideal
PS5 and Xbox stop at 120Hz here, so a cheaper 144Hz monitor can do the same job.
Not Ideal
The USB-C port carries no video and can’t charge a laptop.
Not Ideal
The stand only tilts. The Dell SE2426HGS adds height adjustment for about $15 more.
See Current Price at Adorama → Check Price at B&H →
We did not have the EX251 in hand. Here is where each kind of information in this review comes from:
- Specs (Manufacturer Spec): BenQ’s US spec sheet and product page.
- Hands-on impressions (Third-Party Published): the 91mobiles review by Sameer Mitha, published in September 2025 and updated in February 2026. It was written for the Indian market and rates the monitor 8.5 out of 10.
- Rival monitors (Manufacturer Spec and Third-Party Published): Dell’s and AOC’s own spec pages, plus the Digital Citizen and DisplayNinja articles named in the comparison section.
- Prices and stock: US store listings checked on October 5, 2026.
What’s missing: we found no independent lab measurements of this monitor’s brightness, color accuracy, or response time. Those figures are BenQ’s own, and we give no numeric score for that reason.
Design and Stand: Sturdy, but Tilt Only
With the numbers covered, the next question is how the EX251 looks and sits on a desk. Since we haven’t handled it, the build notes here come from the 91mobiles hands-on review.
Build and Looks
The EX251 comes in a white-and-black finish. 91mobiles reviewer Sameer Mitha found the stand sturdy, with feet spread wide enough to slide a full-size keyboard between them.
He also described the screen as a little thicker than he’d like, and the bottom bezel as clearly thicker than the other three. (Source tier: Third-Party Published.)
With the stand attached, the monitor measures 16.9 x 22 x 8.3 inches, according to BenQ’s spec sheet. Measure that 8.3-inch depth against your desk if it’s a shallow one.
The Stand’s Limit, and the Fix
The stand tilts from -5° to 20° and that’s all it does. BenQ’s spec sheet shows no height adjustment, and it doesn’t list swivel or rotation either.
If the screen sits too low for you, use the 100 x 100mm VESA mount on the back with a monitor arm. Mitha notes that you remove a back plate to reach it.
The screen weighs 7.98 lb without its stand, per BenQ, so pick an arm rated for at least 8 lb. A riser or a stack of books under the stand is the free option.
Picture Quality: Color and HDR
Next comes the panel itself. The figures below are BenQ’s, plus one reviewer’s impressions, with no lab measurements behind them.
Color: 99% sRGB on an IPS Panel
BenQ lists 99% sRGB coverage and 178° viewing angles. sRGB is the standard color range most games and websites are made in, so near-full coverage means colors should look the way their creators intended.
Mitha called color the highlight of this monitor in his review. He found it accurate in games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, though less vivid than a pricier QD-OLED screen. (Source tier: Third-Party Published.)
HDR: Keep Expectations Low
The EX251 carries VESA’s DisplayHDR 400 badge. That is the entry-level tier, and it doesn’t require local dimming, the feature that lets parts of the screen go dark while other parts stay bright.
Mitha confirms the EX251 has no dimming zones and says he’d stick with standard (SDR) mode for most content, though he still calls its HDR “quite decent” for the price.
Buy this monitor for its color and extras, not for HDR.
Text Sharpness for Work and School
BenQ lists the screen at 90 pixels per inch. For comparison, a 27-inch 1440p monitor works out to about 109. Mitha noticed some roughness in text at this resolution, but found it fine for writing and browsing.
If you’ll spend more hours in documents than in games, a 1440p screen is a better use of your money.
Gaming Performance: How Fast Is 220Hz?
HDR is this monitor’s weak spot, and refresh rate is its headline feature. This section puts 220Hz in plain numbers and covers what your PC needs to reach it.
220Hz vs. 144Hz vs. 240Hz
How long each frame stays on screen, calculated as 1,000 divided by the refresh rate. The EX251’s 220Hz sits just behind 240Hz.
per frame at 220Hz, compared with 6.9 ms at 144Hz and 4.2 ms at 240Hz
At 220Hz, each frame lasts about 4.5 milliseconds. That is 2.4ms shorter than on a 144Hz screen, and only about 0.4ms longer than on a 240Hz one. On refresh rate alone, a 240Hz rival is a very small step up.
In the 91mobiles review, Mitha played Valorant on the EX251 and found the 220Hz motion smooth. He added that the 1ms response isn’t the fastest available, though he doubted most players would notice. (Source tier: Third-Party Published.)
What Your PC Needs
You only see 220Hz if your PC produces close to 220 frames per second. Mitha used a laptop with an RTX 5070 Ti graphics chip and still needed DLSS upscaling to get near that in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077.
That makes the EX251 a better match for fast competitive shooters than for big story games on a budget graphics card.
One note on the 220Hz figure. B&H’s listing calls it an “overclocked” refresh rate, and the title of the Amazon US listing reads “180Hz 220Hz.” BenQ’s spec sheet lists 220Hz on both HDMI and DisplayPort with no such note, and the BenQ user manual doesn’t mention overclocking.
After you connect the monitor, open your Windows display settings and confirm the refresh rate is set to 220Hz. If 220Hz isn’t offered, contact the store before your return window closes.
FreeSync, and a Note for Nvidia Owners
BenQ lists AMD FreeSync, which matches the screen’s refresh to your graphics card so frames don’t tear. A Memory Express listing gives the working range as 48 to 220Hz.
BenQ makes no G-Sync claim for this model. GeForce cards from the GTX 10 series onward can turn on variable refresh manually for FreeSync monitors over DisplayPort, but Nvidia has said results vary on monitors it hasn’t validated.
If you own an Nvidia card, buy from a store with easy returns, or see the G-Sync notes in the comparison below.
Console Gaming: PS5, Xbox, and Switch
Consoles can’t drive this screen at its full 220Hz. BenQ’s compatibility list shows the top mode for each device.
| Device | Top mode on the EX251 | HDR |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming PC | 1080p at 220Hz | Yes |
| ROG Ally | 1080p at 144Hz | Yes |
| PlayStation 5 | 1080p at 120Hz | Yes |
| Xbox Series X and S | 1080p at 120Hz or 60Hz | Yes |
| Steam Deck | 1080p at 120Hz | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch | 1080p at 60Hz | No |
Source tier: Manufacturer Spec (BenQ US product page).
The two HDMI ports do let you keep two consoles plugged in, with a PC on DisplayPort. In his review, Mitha ran both a PS5 and an Xbox Series X on the EX251 and reported good results at 120Hz in supported games.
Mitha’s tip for Xbox owners: turn on the monitor’s 4K Compatible option. The BenQ user manual describes it as the setting that lets the monitor show HDR content from an Xbox. The console can then send a 4K picture, which the monitor shrinks to fit its 1080p panel.
There is a trade-off. HDMI 2.0 carries a 4K signal at up to 60Hz, so plan on 60Hz when the Xbox outputs 4K. Mitha’s own example, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, ran at 60 frames per second.
Ports and the USB-C Catch
Consoles and PCs plug in differently, so it helps to know exactly what each port on the EX251 does. One of them is easy to misread.
Port functions follow BenQ’s spec sheet; port locations follow the 91mobiles hands-on review.
The USB-C Port Is Data Only
BenQ’s spec sheet describes the USB-C port as an upstream, data-only connection. It links the monitor’s two USB-A ports to your PC so a keyboard and mouse can plug into the screen.
Which Cable Gets You 220Hz?
BenQ lists 220Hz over both HDMI and DisplayPort, so the HDMI cable in the box should be enough for a PC. B&H’s list of included items shows that HDMI cable and a power cable, with no DisplayPort or USB-C cable.
Nvidia owners should budget for a DisplayPort cable, because GeForce cards need DisplayPort to use variable refresh on a FreeSync monitor.
One more correction: the 91mobiles review lists DisplayPort 1.4, but BenQ’s US spec sheet says 1.2.
Speakers, Software, and Eye Care
Past the ports, the EX251 adds three extras: built-in speakers, a companion app, and eye-care settings. The speakers and the USB hub are also what separate it from its closest rivals.
Speakers: A Backup, Not a Replacement
The EX251 has two 2.5W speakers and a headphone jack, per BenQ’s spec sheet. Mitha found them tinny: fine for a YouTube video, not good enough for games.
He did like where the headphone jack sits. It’s on the bottom edge, so a headset cable doesn’t have to reach around the back. (Source tier: Third-Party Published.)
Color Shuttle Software
Color Shuttle is BenQ’s free PC app. It loads color profiles tuned for specific games, and Mitha notes it works without creating an account. For games without a profile, you pick a general preset such as Realistic, Fantasy, or Sci-Fi.
There is a limit. BenQ warns that its automatic Smart Game Art feature may be blocked by some games’ anti-cheat systems. In those games, you apply the profile by hand from the Color Shuttle website.
Eye-Care Settings
BenQ says TÜV Rheinland has certified the EX251 as flicker-free and low blue light. The spec sheet describes the low blue light feature as a software solution, meaning it’s a picture setting you switch on.
The monitor also has a light sensor that adjusts brightness to match your room, a feature BenQ calls Brightness Intelligence Plus.
Price, Availability, and Alternatives
The EX251 sells below its list price at both US stores we checked. Stock is a different story.
Current US Prices
On October 5, 2026, Adorama listed the EX251 at $104.99, marked “Limited Quantity Available.” B&H had it at $109.99 as a special order with a 2 to 4 week wait. Adorama lists a 3-year limited warranty.
See Current Price at Adorama →
Is the EX251 Being Discontinued?
We found no announcement from BenQ, and BenQ’s US site still lists it for sale. But business reseller SHI files it under end-of-life products with low stock.
Add the limited-quantity and special-order labels above, and it looks like supply is thinning. If you want this model, don’t count on it being around for a holiday sale.
How It Compares at the Same Price
Three rivals sit within about $15 of the EX251. Prices change weekly, so treat these as a snapshot.
| Monitor | Price reported | Screen | Refresh rate | Stand | Speakers | USB hub |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ MOBIUZ EX251 | $104.99 at Adorama (October 5, 2026) | 24.5-inch IPS, 1080p | 220Hz | Tilt only | Yes, 2 x 2.5W | Yes, 2 x USB-A |
| Dell SE2426HG | $99.99 at Amazon (September 27, 2026) | 23.8-inch IPS, 1080p | 240Hz | Tilt only | No | No |
| Dell SE2426HGS | $119.99 at Dell (October 5, 2026) | 23.8-inch IPS, 1080p | 240Hz | Height adjustable (up to 4.33 in.), swivel | No | No |
| AOC 24G42HE | From $99.99 at AOC (October 5, 2026) | 23.8-inch IPS, 1080p | 200Hz | Tilt only | Not listed by AOC | None listed |
Sources: EX251 price from Adorama, Dell SE2426HGS price from Dell, and AOC price from AOC’s US site, all checked October 5, 2026. Dell SE2426HG price as reported by Digital Citizen. Rival specs from Dell’s SE2426HG datasheet, Dell’s SE2426HGS product page, and AOC’s 24G42HE product page. Source tier: Manufacturer Spec and Third-Party Published.
On speed per dollar, the EX251 doesn’t win. The Dell SE2426HG was listed for $5 less with a 240Hz screen and a newer DisplayPort 1.4 input. If the tilt-only stand is your main worry, the Dell SE2426HGS adds height adjustment for about $15 more.
The EX251’s case rests on its extras. Neither Dell has built-in speakers or USB ports, according to Dell’s own spec pages, and AOC’s page lists neither for the 24G42HE. The EX251 also carries the DisplayHDR 400 badge, BenQ’s game color profiles, and a 3-year warranty. Dell’s datasheet shows a one-year US warranty for the SE2426HG.
One caution on the AOC: DisplayNinja’s under-$150 guide lists built-in speakers among its strengths, which AOC’s page doesn’t confirm. Check the store listing if speakers matter to you.
Nvidia owners have another reason to look at the rivals. AOC markets the 24G42HE as G-Sync Compatible, and DisplayNinja rates G-Sync as stable on both the AOC and the Dell SE2426HG. BenQ makes no such claim for the EX251.
DisplayNinja names the AOC 24G42HE its best all-around 1080p pick under $150. The same guide lists faster panels, including the 260Hz AOC 25G51Z at about $120, so the EX251 is not the speed leader at this budget.
Dell SE2426HG
A 23.8-inch, 1080p IPS monitor at 240Hz with a DisplayPort 1.4 input and a tilt-only stand. Reported at $99.99 on Amazon on September 27, 2026. No speakers or USB ports, and a one-year US warranty, per Dell’s datasheet. Research-Based Pick
Dell SE2426HGS
A 23.8-inch, 1080p IPS monitor at 240Hz with a stand that adjusts for height (up to 4.33 in.) and swivels. Listed at $119.99 at Dell on October 5, 2026. No speakers or USB ports, per Dell’s product page. Research-Based Pick
AOC 24G42HE
A 23.8-inch, 1080p IPS monitor at 200Hz with a tilt-only stand, from $99.99 at AOC on October 5, 2026. AOC markets it as G-Sync Compatible, and DisplayNinja names it its best all-around 1080p pick under $150. AOC’s page lists no speakers or USB hub. Research-Based Pick
Who Should Buy the BenQ MOBIUZ EX251, and Who Should Skip It
Who Should Buy the BenQ MOBIUZ EX251
- Budget PC players who love fast shooters. You get 220Hz and IPS color for about $105, and FreeSync suits an AMD graphics card best.
- People with a PC and two consoles. Two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort keep all three plugged in at once.
- First-setup buyers. Speakers and a USB hub are built in, so you can skip buying both if you’re building your first PC.
Who Should Skip It
- Console-only players. PS5 and Xbox stop at 120Hz here, so a cheaper 144Hz monitor can do the same job. One example is Dell’s SE2426H, which Digital Citizen reported at $89.99 on Amazon on September 27, 2026. It has two HDMI 1.4 ports, no speakers, and no HDR claim, so confirm 120Hz support for your console before you buy.
- Laptop owners who want one USB-C cable for video and charging. This port does neither.
- Anyone who needs height adjustment and won’t buy a monitor arm. The Dell SE2426HGS has it for about $15 more.
- People who mostly work in documents. A 1440p screen shows sharper text.
Bottom Line: Our Verdict on the BenQ MOBIUZ EX251
Our verdict rests on BenQ’s specs, one hands-on review, and prices checked on October 5, 2026.
The BenQ MOBIUZ EX251 is a sensible budget monitor with one clear strength and a few plain limits. For about $105, you get a 24.5-inch IPS screen at 220Hz, color that impressed the one reviewer who tested it, built-in speakers, and a USB hub.
The limits are easy to list. The stand only tilts. The USB-C port carries data and nothing else. HDR is the entry-level kind. Consoles stop at 120Hz.
Should You Buy the BenQ MOBIUZ EX251?
If you game on a PC, want built-in speakers, and can live with the stand or add a monitor arm, the EX251 is a good buy at this price. If speed per dollar matters most, Dell’s 240Hz SE2426HG was listed for $5 less. If you need height adjustment, look at the Dell SE2426HGS.
Two cautions before you order. We have not tested this monitor, and we found no published lab measurements for it, so we give no score. Stock also looks limited, so check availability and the return policy first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BenQ MOBIUZ EX251 good for gaming?
Can the BenQ EX251’s USB-C port carry video or charge a laptop?
Does the BenQ EX251 run at 120Hz on PS5 and Xbox Series X?
Is the BenQ EX251 height adjustable, and can it be wall mounted?
Does the BenQ EX251 support G-Sync?
Is 220Hz noticeably better than 144Hz?
Is the HDR on the BenQ EX251 any good?
Does the BenQ EX251 have built-in speakers?
What cables come in the box with the BenQ EX251?
Is the BenQ EX251 being discontinued?
References
BenQ Mobiuz EX251 Review: Big Wins, Minor Misses
By Sameer Mitha · Published September 16, 2025; updated February 4, 2026
Shamim Sarker is the Founder and Lead Tech Reviewer at ShamimTechReview.com. With over 8 years of hands-on experience in consumer electronics, he specializes in unbiased reviews of smartphones, laptops, cameras, AI tools, and smart gadgets.
Shamim personally tests every product through rigorous real-world usage and data-driven benchmarks, maintaining complete transparency with no paid promotions. His mission is to help readers cut through marketing hype and make confident, informed buying decisions.
