Display
38-inch, IPS, 3840 x 2160
38
Refresh Rate
48 Hz - 144 Hz
48 Hz
Brightness
350 cd/m² (peak 600 cd/m²)
350 cd
Contrast Ratio
1000 : 1
1000
Overview
At 38 inches, the 38" BenQ EX381U is a large 4K IPS gaming monitor with 144 Hz refresh and DisplayHDR 600. It suits players and creators who want a television-like screen size without leaving the desktop monitor format. It combines 3840 x 2160 resolution, 98% DCI-P3, 600 cd/m² peak brightness, HDMI 2.1 and 90W USB-C. The 1 ms MPRT result depends on strobing, while the ordinary GtG figure is 5 ms. IPS contrast is only 1000:1, the stand does not pivot and the large panel demands substantial desk depth and GPU power. Buy it if you want a large 4K 144 Hz screen with USB-C and credible mid-tier HDR; skip it if you need compact dimensions, deep native blacks or portrait rotation.
BrandBenQPanel TypeIPS (Innolux)Resolution3840 x 2160Refresh Rate48 Hz - 144 Hz
Key Highlights
- 3840 x 2160 on a 38-inch IPS (Innolux) panel defines the monitor's core image format.
- 48 Hz - 144 Hz refresh and 5 ms GtG / 1 ms MPRT response figures set its motion priorities.
- 350 cd/m² typical brightness with 1000 : 1 contrast gives the realistic SDR baseline.
- 2 x HDMI 2.1; 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 cover the main video inputs.
- USB-C is listed as 1 x USB (Type-C; Gen 1; upstream; data only) / 1 x USB 3.2 (Type-C; Gen 1; upstream; 90W; DP Alt Mode) / 1 x USB 3.2 (Type-C; Gen 1; downstream; 7.5W); DP Alt Mode and wattage determine laptop usefulness.
Who Should Buy the Benq EX381U
+ Best For
Players and creators who want a television-like screen size without leaving the desktop monitor format
the published panel and port mix directly supports this use.
Buyers prioritising 48 Hz
144 Hz motion - the refresh ceiling is a central reason to choose it.
Users comfortable with 3840 x 2160
the resolution matches the intended screen size and workload.
× Not Ideal For
HDR-focused buyers
HDR10 / DisplayHDR 600 is listed, but 350 cd/m² brightness and 1000 : 1 contrast set the real ceiling.
Laptop users needing more than the listed USB-C setup
1 x USB (Type-C; Gen 1; upstream; data only) / 1 x USB 3.2 (Type-C; Gen 1; upstream; 90W; DP Alt Mode) / 1 x USB 3.2 (Type-C; Gen 1; downstream; 7.5W)
Users who cannot accept the supplied stand
height adjustment is 100 mm.
Display Performance
Refresh Rate
48 Hz - 144 Hz
Higher figures help motion only when the source supplies enough frames.
Response Time
5 ms GtG / 1 ms MPRT
MPRT modes use strobing and are not directly equivalent to GtG.
Brightness
350 cd/m²
This is the normal published output for desktop use.
Contrast
1000 : 1
Native contrast controls dark-scene depth before processing.
Colour Gamut
98%
Coverage describes range, not guaranteed factory accuracy.
HDR
HDR10 / DisplayHDR 600
Brightness, contrast and panel type decide whether the badge has real impact.
Gaming Performance
Refresh Rate48 Hz - 144 HzSets the maximum visible motion update rate.
Response Time5 ms GtG / 1 ms MPRTUse the GtG figure for normal operation and treat MPRT as a strobed mode.
VRR / Adaptive SyncAMD FreeSync Premium Pro / VESA AdaptiveSyncHelps reduce tearing when supported by the GPU and connection.
GPU RequirementA high-end GPU is needed to approach native 4K at the top refresh rate.Native resolution and refresh determine the workload.
HDR & Brightness Reality
38" BenQ EX381U carries DisplayHDR 600, with 600 cd/m² peak brightness and 350 cd/m² typical output. That gives highlights more room than a basic 400-nit badge, while 98% DCI-P3 coverage supports wider HDR colour. The limit is the 1000 : 1 IPS contrast ratio, so dark-room blacks will not match OLED or a strong local-dimming display. HDR should look meaningfully brighter, but not deliver deep cinematic contrast.
Connectivity & Ports
HDMI2 x HDMI 2.1Check version and input count against consoles or secondary computers.
DisplayPort1 x DisplayPort 1.4Usually the preferred PC connection when available.
USB-C1 x USB (Type-C; Gen 1; upstream; data only) / 1 x USB 3.2 (Type-C; Gen 1; upstream; 90W; DP Alt Mode) / 1 x USB 3.2 (Type-C; Gen 1; downstream; 7.5W)Charging wattage and DP Alt Mode decide laptop usefulness.
USB Hub3 x USB 3.2 (Type-A; Gen 1; downstream)Downstream ports reduce the need for a separate desk hub.
Audio Out3.5 mm Audio OutUseful for headphones or speakers when the source sends audio over video.
Desk Fit & Ergonomics
Size / Footprint38-inch; 861 mm wideCheck desk width and viewing distance before purchase.
StandFully adjustableThe published movement range determines whether a riser is needed.
VESA Mount100 x 100 mmMatch this pattern when choosing an arm or wall bracket.
Tilt-5° to +20°Provides basic vertical angle correction.
Height Adjust100 mmFixed-height models may need a riser or arm.
Swivel / Pivot±15° / NoThese movements matter for shared desks and portrait work.
Real-World Use Cases
Players and creators who want a television-like screen size without leaving the desktop monitor format.
3840 x 2160 and the listed stand determine how comfortable documents and multitasking feel.
48 Hz - 144 Hz, 5 ms GtG / 1 ms MPRT and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro / VESA AdaptiveSync define the useful gaming ceiling.
HDR10 / DisplayHDR 600 with no built-in speakers sets expectations for films and streaming.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 3840 x 2160 resolution on the 38-inch panel matches the monitor's stated role.
- 48 Hz 144 Hz refresh and 5 ms GtG / 1 ms MPRT response figures support the published motion use.
- 350 cd/m² typical brightness provides the stated full-screen baseline.
- 98% published colour coverage supports the intended office, gaming or media role.
- 100 mm height adjustment improves desk ergonomics.
Cons
- The 1 ms MPRT result depends on strobing, while the ordinary GtG figure is 5 ms
- IPS contrast is only 1000:1, the stand does not pivot and the large panel demands substantial desk depth and GPU power
- USB-C capability is limited to the published specification: 1 x USB (Type-C; Gen 1; upstream; data only) / 1 x USB 3.2 (Type-C; Gen 1; upstream; 90W; DP Alt Mode) / 1 x USB 3.2 (Type-C; Gen 1; downstream; 7.5W).
- HDR capability remains bounded by 350 cd/m² typical brightness and 1000 : 1 contrast.
Score & Ratings
8.4/10
Great
Model Information
7
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | BenQ |
| Series | MOBIUZ |
| Model | EX381U |
| Model Alias | MOBIUZ EX381U |
| Full Product Name | BenQ EX381U |
| Model Year | 2024 |
| Available Colors | Black |
Display & Panel
5
| Specification | Value | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 38-inch | |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | |
| Display Area | 91.04 % (percent) | |
| Panel Type | IPS (Innolux) | IPS (Innolux) favours stable viewing angles and colour consistency, while native black depth depends on the listed contrast. |
| Backlight Type | W-LED |
Resolution & Pixel Details
3
| Specification | Value | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Native Resolution | 3840 × 2160 | |
| Pixel Density | 116 PPI | 116 PPI is the practical sharpness result of this size and resolution; lower figures reveal pixel structure sooner at close range. |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.219 mm (millimeters) |
Picture Quality & Color
2
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Panel Bit Depth | 8 bits |
| Display Colors | 16777216 colors |
Refresh Rate, Response & Gaming
1
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Refresh Rate Range | 48 Hz - 144 Hz |
Ports & Connectivity
7
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| HDMI Ports | 2× HDMI 2.1 |
| HDMI Version | HDMI 2.1 |
| DisplayPort Input | 1× DisplayPort 1.4 |
| DisplayPort Version | DisplayPort 1.4 |
| USB-C Video Input | 1× USB-C |
| DisplayPort Alt Mode | Yes |
| HDCP Support | Yes |
Audio, Camera, Network & Smart Features
1
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Built-In Camera | No |
Ergonomics & Stand
5
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| VESA Mount | 100 × 100 mm |
| VESA Size | 100 × 100 mm |
| Removable Stand | Yes |
| Height Adjustment | 100 mm |
| Height Range | 100 mm |
Dimensions, Weight & Design
2
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight With Stand | 11.3 kg |
| Weight Without Stand | 8.8 kg |
Power & Operating Conditions
5
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Input | 100–240V |
| AC Frequency | 50/60Hz |
| Typical Power Consumption | 50W |
| Average Power Consumption | 50W |
| Sleep Consumption | 0.3W |
Certifications, Standards & Licenses
3
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPEAT | EPEAT |
| TÜV Flicker-Free | TÜV Rheinland Flicker-free Certified |
| TÜV Low Blue Light | TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certified (Software Solution) |
Frequently Asked Questions
01 Who benefits most from the 38" BenQ EX381U's 48 Hz - 144 Hz panel? +
It best suits players and creators who want a television-like screen size without leaving the desktop monitor format. The 3840 x 2160 resolution and IPS (Innolux) panel explain where its performance is concentrated.
02 What should buyers expect from HDR on the 38" BenQ EX381U? +
The monitor lists HDR10 / DisplayHDR 600, with 350 cd/m² typical brightness and 600 cd/m² peak brightness. The 1000 : 1 contrast figure and absence or presence of local dimming decide how convincing dark scenes look.
03 How does the 38" BenQ EX381U's connection set shape a desk setup? +
HDMI is listed as 2 x HDMI 2.1, while DisplayPort is 1 x DisplayPort 1.4. USB-C is 1 x USB (Type-C; Gen 1; upstream; data only) / 1 x USB 3.2 (Type-C; Gen 1; upstream; 90W; DP Alt Mode) / 1 x USB 3.2 (Type-C; Gen 1; downstream; 7.5W), so buyers can see whether one-cable laptop use is realistic.
04 What ergonomic compromise comes with the 38" BenQ EX381U? +
Height adjustment is 100 mm, swivel is ±15° and pivot is No. A 100 x 100 mm VESA mount provides an alternative when the supplied stand is restrictive.
05 Which published specification needs the most caution on the 38" BenQ EX381U? +
The 5 ms GtG / 1 ms MPRT response line needs context because MPRT uses backlight strobing. Normal pixel behaviour is better judged from any separate GtG figure.
Reviews
DISPLAYINPUT · INDEPENDENT · SPEC-BASED · NO SPONSORED PLACEMENT
SHEET № EX381U