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BenQ unveiled the MOBIUZ EX381U on August 6, 2024 as a large-format 4K gaming monitor for PC and console players. Despite its common “38-inch” description, BenQ’s specifications list a 37.5-inch, 16:9 IPS panel with a 3,840 × 2,160 resolution and a 144Hz maximum refresh rate.
It combines HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, 90W USB-C power delivery, KVM switching and eARC. That makes it more versatile than a basic gaming display, although its IPS panel and 1,000:1 native contrast ratio mean it is not an OLED alternative for black levels or pixel-level HDR.
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BenQ MOBIUZ EX381U specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 37.5 inches |
| Resolution and aspect ratio | 3,840 × 2,160, 16:9 |
| Panel | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz |
| Response time | 1ms GtG, manufacturer-rated |
| Brightness | 350 nits typical; 600 nits HDR peak |
| HDR | HDR10 and VESA DisplayHDR 600 |
| Color coverage | 98% P3 |
| Adaptive sync | AMD FreeSync Premium Pro |
| Pixel density | 116 PPI |
| Contrast | 1,000:1 native |
The full specifications are listed on BenQ’s product specification page.
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The EX381U is a large conventional 16:9 monitor, not an ultrawide. That distinction matters for console users: the screen keeps the aspect ratio used by the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series consoles and most video content, while offering considerably more physical space than a typical 27-inch or 32-inch display.
#1 Best Overall
- Epic 26.5” 4K QD-OLED, 240Hz – Immerse yourself in ultra-sharp 4K visuals with lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth gameplay.
- Next-Level Color & Contrast – 4th Gen QD-OLED delivers jaw-dropping quantum-dot colors and perfect OLED blacks for breathtaking, lifelike visuals.
- True HDR Experience – VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black, 99% DCI-P3, 10-bit color, and Delta E < 2 bring games and movies to life with professional-grade color accuracy.
- BenQ Spectral Color & Pixel Contrast – Studio-grade tuning enhances shadow depth, brightness, and color richness for ultra-immersive gaming scenes.
- Color Shuttle Game Art Database – Over 120 custom color profiles designed to match your favorite game art styles for precise, true-to-intent visuals.
For PC gaming, the headline capability is 4K at up to 144Hz. Reaching that combination depends on the graphics card, game settings, cable and display configuration. The monitor cannot produce 144 frames per second if the source system renders at a lower frame rate.
HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort and USB-C
BenQ lists two HDMI 2.1 inputs, a DisplayPort 1.4 input and USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, data and up to 90W of power delivery. The specification also includes a USB-C upstream connection, three USB-A downstream ports, one USB-C downstream port, a headphone output and an integrated KVM switch.
- HDMI 2.1: useful for modern consoles and other high-bandwidth sources.
- DisplayPort 1.4: the main PC connection; BenQ’s documentation indicates that 4K/144Hz with 10-bit HDR 4:4:4 uses DSC.
- USB-C: can carry video, data and laptop charging through one connection, although actual charging depends on the laptop, cable and power requirements.
- KVM: lets compatible peripherals be shared between connected computers.
- eARC: supports external audio equipment, with BenQ listing support for up to 7.1-channel audio.
These features make the EX381U particularly relevant to users who alternate between a gaming PC, a laptop and a console rather than using the display only as a single-screen gaming monitor.
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The monitor supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and includes BenQ’s Motion Blur Reduction, Color Vibrance, Light Tuner and HDRi modes. BenQ also promotes Brightness Intelligence Plus Gen2, AI Contrast, uniformity technology, color-weakness modes, a factory calibration report and its Color Shuttle and Display Quickit software.
Rank #2
- [180Hz Fast Response and No Tearing] The fast response reduces blurring effects on the screen giving you silky smooth movement for a much more absorbing gameplay experience.
- [World's First Aesthetic Game Color] Gamer-Experienced Color—a revolutionary technology redefining colors beyond traditional boundaries.
- [Plug-and-play across Platforms] Seamless connectivity with DP 1.2, HDMI 2.0, and USB hub to link your battle stations.
- [Supercharge Your Game with Color Shuttle] Various authorized presets for the most games to boost the delicacy of your experience.
- [Built-in Speakers Add More Dimensions to Sound] Two 2.5W built-in speakers deliver studio-quality sound.
Names such as “AI Contrast,” “PixSoul Engine,” “Gamer-Experienced Color” and “HDRi” describe BenQ’s processing and preset features rather than independent image-quality standards. Their effect will vary with the game, scene and user preference. The underlying IPS panel remains the more important factor for viewing angles, contrast and black-level performance.
PC and console compatibility
BenQ lists the following target modes on the EX381U product page:
| Device | Listed capability |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | 4K, 2K or 1080p at 120Hz HDR |
| Xbox Series X | 4K, 2K or 1080p at 120Hz HDR |
| Xbox Series S | 2K or 1080p |
| Nintendo Switch | 1080p at 60Hz SDR |
| Steam Deck | 4K, 2K or 1080p at 120Hz HDR |
| ROG Ally | 4K, 2K or 1080p at 144Hz HDR |
| PC | 4K, 2K or 1080p at 144Hz HDR |
The 144Hz ceiling is mainly a PC feature. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X games generally target 4K at 120Hz, so HDMI 2.1 and the large 16:9 format are more important to console buyers than the extra 24Hz.
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Image-quality caveats
BenQ’s 1ms figure is a listed GtG response-time specification, not a guarantee that every pixel transition measures 1ms in independent testing. Similarly, VESA DisplayHDR 600 confirms a brightness and HDR capability class, but it does not make the monitor equivalent to an OLED or a display with advanced local dimming.
Rank #3
- [220Hz Fast Response and No Tearing] The fast response reduces blurring effects on the screen giving you silky smooth movement for a much more absorbing gameplay experience.
- [World's First Aesthetic Game Color] Gamer-Experienced Color—a revolutionary technology redefining colors beyond traditional boundaries.
- [Plug-and-play across Platforms] Seamless connectivity with DP 1.2, HDMI 2.0, and USB hub to link your battle stations.
- [Supercharge Your Game with Color Shuttle] Various authorized presets for the most games to boost the delicacy of your experience.
- [Built-in Speakers Add More Dimensions to Sound] Two 2.5W built-in speakers deliver studio-quality sound.
The EX381U’s 1,000:1 native contrast ratio is typical of IPS technology. IPS provides broad 178-degree viewing angles and avoids OLED-specific burn-in concerns, but dark scenes will not have the same near-black performance as OLED. Buyers whose priority is cinematic HDR, deep blacks or the fastest pixel response may prefer an OLED or higher-end mini-LED display.
Size, stand and installation
The supplied stand offers 100mm of height adjustment, tilt and 15-degree swivel in the US specification. BenQ’s Japanese listing gives a slightly different maximum tilt figure, so adjustment details should be checked against the regional product page. The display supports a 100 × 100mm VESA mount.
With its stand, the monitor measures approximately 861 × 667 × 306mm and weighs about 11.3kg. Without the stand it weighs approximately 8.8kg. A monitor arm therefore needs to be rated for both the weight and the physical size of a 37.5-inch screen; the VESA pattern alone does not guarantee compatibility. The desk must also provide enough width and depth for a large flat 16:9 panel.
Announcement date, launch and pricing
The original unveiling was reported on August 6, 2024. That is not a new August 2026 announcement. BenQ Japan later announced a November 20, 2024 release. Its announcement used an open-price designation, while Japanese trade coverage reported a direct price of ¥139,500 including tax.
Rank #4
- [AI Detail Enhancement] Offering a vibrant world tailored to preferences, ensuring each game is showcased in an aesthetically pleasing palette.
- [Built-in eARC supporting up to 7.1 channels] Address console sound with our first built-in eARC gaming monitors supporting up to 7.1 channels.
- [Plug-and-play across Platforms with KVM] Seamless connectivity with DP 1.4, HDMI 2.1, and USB-C (65W PD) to link your battle stations.
- [Supercharge Your Game with Color Shuttle] Various authorized presets for the most popular games to boost the delicacy of your experience.
- [Eye-Care Technology and Ergonomics] Eye-Care Technology and Ergonomics make it easy for greater comfort during long gaming sessions.
That Japanese figure is regional and historical, not a current US MSRP. A dependable current US price was not established from BenQ’s official page content, so buyers should check the official regional buying page or an authorized retailer for current price and stock.
Who is the EX381U for?
A strong fit
- PC gamers who want a large 4K screen with a high refresh rate.
- PS5 and Xbox Series X owners targeting 4K/120Hz.
- Users who want HDMI 2.1, eARC, KVM and several USB ports.
- Laptop users who can use USB-C video, data and up to 90W charging.
- Buyers who prefer IPS viewing angles and do not want OLED burn-in concerns.
A weaker fit
- Competitive esports players who prioritize 240Hz-or-faster displays and smaller screen sizes.
- Users seeking OLED-level blacks and pixel-level HDR control.
- People who specifically need an ultrawide aspect ratio.
- PC owners whose hardware cannot sustain high frame rates at 4K.
- Buyers focused mainly on the lowest price per inch.
Bottom line
The BenQ MOBIUZ EX381U is a feature-rich 37.5-inch 4K/144Hz IPS monitor aimed at large-screen PC and console gaming. HDMI 2.1, eARC, USB-C with 90W power delivery and KVM give it genuine workflow advantages, while the 16:9 format keeps it broadly compatible with consoles.
Its main compromises are equally clear: it is not ultrawide, 144Hz is primarily useful on PC, and DisplayHDR 600 on a 1,000:1 IPS panel should not be confused with OLED HDR. Whether it is a good purchase in 2026 depends heavily on regional pricing and whether the buyer values its size and connectivity more than OLED contrast or the higher refresh rates available from smaller 1440p esports monitors.
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