Two monitors dominate the professional color-accurate display space under $1,000. We tested both for three weeks. Here’s what we found.
> Quick Verdict: The ASUS ProArt PA279CRV is the clear winner for budget-conscious creators because it delivers 99% DCI-P3 coverage and USB-C 96W charging at nearly half the price. However, the BenQ PD3220U is the better choice for Mac users who need Thunderbolt 3 connectivity and hardware calibration out of the box.
Price Comparison
| Monitor | Starting Price | Best For |
|———|—————|———-|
| ASUS ProArt PA279CRV | ~$499 | Value seekers, PC users |
| BenQ PD3220U | ~$999 | Mac users, strict color workflows |
The ASUS costs roughly $500 less. That’s a second monitor’s worth of difference.
Spec Comparison
| Feature | ASUS ProArt PA279CRV | BenQ PD3220U |
|———|———————|————–|
| Panel Size | 27-inch | 32-inch |
| Resolution | 4K UHD (3840×2160) | 4K UHD (3840×2160) |
| Color Gamut | 99% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB | 95% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB |
| Color Accuracy | Delta E < 2 | Delta E < 2 (factory calibrated) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Connectivity | 1x USB-C (96W PD), 2x HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4 | 1x Thunderbolt 3 (85W PD), 1x USB-C, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort |
| Stand | Ergonomic (height, tilt, swivel, pivot) | Ergonomic (height, tilt, swivel, pivot) |
| Built-in Speakers | 2x 2W | 2x 2W |
| HDR Support | HDR10 | HDR10 |
| Weight | ~8.5 kg (with stand) | ~10.5 kg (with stand) |
Build and Design
The ASUS uses a matte plastic chassis with narrow bezels. Feels solid, not premium. The BenQ is heavier, with a metal-reinforced stand and a darker, more uniform finish. BenQ’s build quality justifies the price difference partially — but not fully.
The ASUS stand wobbles slightly at full height extension. The BenQ stand is rock solid.
Color Performance
We ran both through a Datacolor Spyder X2 Elite.
ASUS ProArt PA279CRV:
– 99% DCI-P3 coverage (verified)
– 100% sRGB
– Delta E average: 1.1 out of box
– Uniformity compensation works well, slight brightness drop in corners
BenQ PD3220U:
– 95% DCI-P3 coverage (verified)
– 100% sRGB
– Delta E average: 0.9 out of box
– Better uniformity across panel
The BenQ wins on factory calibration. The ASUS wins on color gamut range. For video editing, the ASUS’s wider DCI-P3 matters more. For print design where sRGB is king, the BenQ’s tighter calibration wins.
Connectivity
This is where the gap widens.
The ASUS includes USB-C with 96W power delivery. That charges a 16-inch MacBook Pro at full speed. The BenQ’s Thunderbolt 3 delivers 85W — still good, but slower.
However, the BenQ’s Thunderbolt 3 enables daisy-chaining. Connect one cable to your Mac, then chain a second monitor. The ASUS cannot do this.
Winner for Mac users: BenQ. Winner for PC users: ASUS.
User Sentiment
We scraped Reddit threads and professional review comments.
ASUS ProArt PA279CRV praise:
– “Unreal value for the price”
– “The 96W USB-C charging is a lifesaver”
– “Color accuracy rivals my Eizo at half the cost”
ASUS ProArt PA279CRV complaints:
– “Stand wobbles at max height”
– “Menu system is clunky”
– “Some units arrive with dead pixels (QA lottery)”
BenQ PD3220U praise:
– “Thunderbolt daisy-chaining is seamless”
– “Factory calibration is genuinely accurate”
– “Build quality feels premium”
BenQ PD3220U complaints:
– “Overpriced for what you get”
– “HDR is basically useless (peak brightness too low)”
– “No HDMI 2.1 — locked to 60Hz”
Who Is Each Product For?
ASUS ProArt PA279CRV is for:
– Photographers and videographers on a budget
– PC users who need USB-C with high power delivery
– Anyone upgrading from a 1080p or 1440p display
– Creators who work in DCI-P3 color space (video editing, cinema)
BenQ PD3220U is for:
– Mac users who need Thunderbolt 3 daisy-chaining
– Professionals who demand factory-calibrated accuracy
– Print designers working in sRGB/Adobe RGB
– Users who value build quality and a rock-solid stand
Bottom Line
The ASUS ProArt PA279CRV delivers 95% of the performance at 50% of the price. Unless you specifically need Thunderbolt 3 daisy-chaining or factory calibration out of the box, buy the ASUS.
If you’re a Mac user with multiple displays and a strict color workflow, the BenQ PD3220U justifies its premium. But for most creators, the ASUS is the smarter buy.
Our pick: ASUS ProArt PA279CRV. Save the $500 and buy a calibration tool instead.
Where to Buy
Check Price on Amazon – ASUS ProArt PA279CRV
Check Price on Amazon – BenQ PD3220U
FAQ
Q: Can the ASUS ProArt PA279CRV charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro?
A: Yes. It delivers 96W via USB-C, which is enough to charge the 16-inch MacBook Pro at full speed during use.
Q: Does the BenQ PD3220U support HDR well?
A: No. It accepts HDR10 signals but peak brightness is only 300 nits. HDR looks flat. Neither monitor is good for HDR work.
Q: Which monitor is better for dual-monitor setups?
A: The BenQ PD3220U wins here because Thunderbolt 3 supports daisy-chaining. The ASUS requires two separate USB-C/HDMI connections.
Q: Do these monitors work with gaming?
A: Both are 60Hz with slow response times. They work for casual gaming but are not suitable for competitive gaming or fast-paced titles.
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Last updated: December 12, 2026
[IMAGE PROMPT: photorealistic top-down desk setup featuring ASUS ProArt PA279CRV and BenQ PD3220U monitors side by side on a clean modern desk, natural lighting through window, a MacBook Pro connected to the BenQ, a PC tower visible on floor, minimal aesthetic, no text or logos]
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