Competitive gaming is no longer just about skill; it’s about having the right tools to give you the edge. Gamers demand lightning-fast responsiveness, crystal-clear visuals, and intuitive designs to stay ahead in tournaments or online ranked matches. The ZOWIE XL2566X+ enters this space as a specialist, built not to dazzle with flashy designs but to deliver unparalleled gaming performance where it matters mostโspeed, precision, and clarity.
Esports players know the slightest advantage can be between clutching a win or losing it all. That’s where the ZOWIE XL2566X+ shines. With a 400Hz refresh rate, motion blur-reducing DyAc 2 technology, and a design optimised for focus, this monitor doesn’t try to do it allโit excels at what competitive gamers need most.
Ergonomic stand for ultimate comfort and precision
The ZOWIE XL2566X+ is designed to cater to competitive gamers. Its 24.5-inch screen is housed in a sturdy, no-frills chassis that prioritises functionality over flashy aesthetics. The matte black finish, thick bezels, and clean lines exude professionalism, with every design choice serving a practical purpose. Though chunkier than modern frameless designs, the bezels help reduce distractions during gameplay, keeping your focus on the action. At the rear, ZOWIEโs red logo provides a subtle touch of branding that remains sleek and understated, and is centrally located (the review unit has a sticker logo on the right side, not available for sale).
The stand is a highlight of the XL2566X+, offering exceptional versatility and ergonomic comfort. Gamers can adjust the monitor’s height by up to 155mm, tilt it between -5ยฐ and 35ยฐ, or swivel it 45ยฐ to either side. These adjustments ensure you’ll find the perfect viewing position, regardless of your seating posture or desk setup. The smooth height adjustment mechanism, powered by industrial-grade roller bearings, allows precise positioning without wobble, even during intense matches. The compact base of the stand also maximises desk space, leaving room for your keyboard and mouseโan essential feature for players who prioritise movement precision.
For gamers who prefer custom setups, the monitor supports 100x100mm VESA mounting, offering the flexibility to attach it to a wall or third-party arm. The detachable shielding hoods are another thoughtful addition, blocking ambient light and reducing external distractionsโa practical feature for esports events or shared gaming spaces. Connectivity options include three HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, covering all the essentials for a multi-device setup.
Thereโs a pop-out headphone hook at the back of the monitor, offering a convenient spot to hang your headphones when not in use. Additionally, a simple cable management clip is integrated into the back of the stand, helping keep your setup neat and organised.
Optimised for gameplay, not visuals
While the ZOWIE XL2566X+ focuses heavily on performance, it delivers commendable picture quality for a TN panel. The vibrant colours and visuals are sharp enough to distinguish fine details in fast-paced games. At a native Full HD resolution (1920ร1080), the monitor ensures explicit, crisp imagery, making it easier to spot opponents or read game environments. For example, in Valorant, the details of character models and map textures remain well-defined even during chaotic team fights, allowing you to keep track of every critical moment.
The Black eQualizer and Colour Vibrance features further elevate the visual experience. Black eQualizer enhances visibility in dark areas, helping you spot enemies lurking in shadows without overexposing brighter elements of the screen. In Overwatch 2, this feature proved invaluable for tracking flanking Tracers or Sombraโs stealth plays in dimly lit maps. Colour Vibrance, meanwhile, allows you to adjust saturation levels, ensuring that key visualsโsuch as enemy outlines or ability effectsโstand out against the background.
While the TN panel cannot rival the viewing angles or colour depth of IPS or OLED displays, its strengths lie in uniformity and responsiveness. The panel delivers consistent brightness and contrast, with minimal backlight bleeding and no noticeable visual artefacts. This makes it ideal for competitive gamers prioritising clarity and speed over cinematic visuals.
400Hz refresh rate: A game-changer in fluidity
The ZOWIE XL2566X+ is all about performance and excels in every aspect that matters to gamers. The headline feature is its 400Hz refresh rate, a groundbreaking addition that delivers unmatched fluidity and responsiveness. Paired with a capable gaming rig, this monitor makes fast-paced games like Valorant and Overwatch 2 feel smoother and more immersive. Flick shots with Widowmaker in Overwatch 2 felt precise, with no input lag or motion blur, while team fights in Valorant were easier to navigate thanks to the monitorโs lightning-fast response time.
The DyAc 2 technology takes performance even further by reducing motion blur during rapid transitions. This feature is especially noticeable in games where split-second decisions are critical. For instance, in Valorant, using abilities like Sovaโs Recon Bolt, which reveals enemies, or navigating the fast movements after Jettโs Updraft can be visually demanding. With DyAc 2 enabled, every movement and effect remains sharp, ensuring you stay in control even during the most intense moments.
Another standout feature is Auto Game Mode, which automatically adjusts the monitor’s colour and brightness settings based on the game being played. Whether switching from the vibrant, fast-paced gameplay of Overwatch 2 to the tactical and precise demands of Valorant, the XL2566X+ ensures optimal visuals without requiring manual adjustments. The S-Switch adds further convenience by allowing players to save and toggle between custom profiles, making it easy to switch gears during a multi-game session.
Though Adaptive Sync is absent, the monitor compensates with its raw performance capabilities. Its 1ms response time, coupled with its fast TN panel, ensures minimal ghosting and maximum clarity. However, gamers with mid-range PCs may need help to fully utilise the 400Hz refresh rate, making the XL2566X+ best suited for those with high-end systems.
Fine-tuning your setup for maximum performance
Setting up the ZOWIE XL2566X+ is straightforward, with the stand and base snapping together securely without needing tools. The ergonomic design makes adjusting the monitor to your preferred height, angle, and distance easy, ensuring comfort during long gaming sessions. The compact stand, combined with the shielding hoods, creates a functional, distraction-free setupโperfect for competitive gaming.
Navigating the on-screen settings is intuitive, thanks to the S-Switch. This puck-shaped controller offers quick access to key features like Black eQualizer, Colour Vibrance, and DyAc 2. Adjusting these settings for Overwatch 2 was seamless, allowing for enhanced visibility in darker maps and more vivid colours during fast-paced action. For Valorant, the S-Switch made it simple to optimise the brightness and contrast, enhancing the visibility of agents and tactical details, crucial for fast decision-making in FPS games.
The XL Setting to Share feature adds another convenience layer, letting players save and transfer their custom profiles to other ZOWIE monitors. This is particularly useful for esports players who travel for tournaments, ensuring consistent performance across different setups. With Auto Game Mode handling profile adjustments for specific titles, the XL2566X+ minimises setup time and maximises gaming performance.
The verdict: ZOWIE XL2566X+
The ZOWIE XL2566X+ is a standout monitor designed for gamers who take their craft seriously. Its 400Hz refresh rate, DyAc 2 motion clarity, and intuitive features like the S-Switch and Auto Game Mode make it a top choice for competitive players. Whether tracking fast-moving enemies in Overwatch 2 or executing precise strategies in Valorant, this monitor ensures you stay ahead of the competition with unmatched speed and responsiveness.
While its TN panel has limited viewing angles and colour depth, these are minor trade-offs for a finely tuned monitor for esports. The absence of extras like USB ports or HDR support might deter casual users, but for gamers focused on performance, the XL2566X+ delivers where it counts.
