As a solo founder running UserJot, I spend 10+ hours a day at my desk switching between code, design, docs, and marketing. After trying everything from a 27-inch Dell (terrible text on macOS) to a 34-inch ultrawide to the Apple Studio Display (great text, but the glossy screen causes eye strain), I kept hitting issues.
A few weeks ago, BenQ reached out about reviewing their RD280UA programming monitor. I was skeptical but curious, since it claimed to solve exactly my issues. I told them I'd give honest feedback.
After four weeks of daily use, I'm keeping it. The BenQ RD280UA is now my primary coding monitor.
My Current Setup
Here's what I'm working with: BenQ RD280UA on the left (portrait mode) and Apple Studio Display on the right. My MacBook Pro sits under the desk, connected to the BenQ with a single USB-C cable that handles everything: power, display, and all my peripherals.
No more dongles everywhere.
My workflow is simple: I keep Cursor (my IDE) and terminal permanently on the vertical BenQ for deep-focus coding. The Studio Display holds Figma, browser tabs, and Slack, all the things I need to reference and communicate with. This separation helps me stay in flow when coding while keeping distractions visible but separate. The dedicated coding screen means fewer context switches throughout the day.
The 3:2 Aspect Ratio
I'd never used a 3:2 monitor before, but it turns out it's perfect for coding. In landscape, you get more vertical space. In portrait mode (which is how I use it), it's still wide enough to be practical, unlike a rotated 16:9 monitor that becomes uselessly narrow.
You don't realize how much scrolling you do until you don't have to anymore.
Oh, and the portrait orientation is great for... other things too.
Quick Comparison: BenQ RD280UA vs Apple Studio Display
| Feature | BenQ RD280UA | Apple Studio Display |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$700 | $1,599 |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2560 (3:2) | 5120 x 2880 (16:9) |
| Finish | Nano matte | Glossy (or nano-texture +$300) |
| USB-C Power | 90W | 96W |
| Built-in Hub | Yes (Both USB-A and USB-C) | 3x USB-C only |
| Focused on Coding | Yes | No |
| Speakers | Poor | Excellent |
Matte vs Glossy
If you're coding for long hours, matte is easier on the eyes. For color-sensitive design work, glossy still wins on vibrancy, but at the cost of potential eye strain.
The RD280UA has a "nano matte" finish that prioritizes readability over color vibrancy. While colors aren't as vibrant as my Studio Display, the trade-off is worth it for coding and text work. After a full day of coding, my eyes aren't tired. No more 3 PM eye drops.
It's like reading a paperback versus a glossy magazine. Which one can you read for hours?
The Coding Features
The RD280UA has coding-specific display modes that actually improve text contrast and clarity. They work well with both dark and light themes. I run light mode most of the time, and the matte finish reduces brightness strain without dimming the screen.
Their settings adjust contrast separately for each theme. Whether you're team dark mode or light mode, the text looks optimized. It just works.
Why MacBook Users Should Pay Attention
This monitor is basically a USB-C dock with a screen attached. One cable from your MacBook gives you:
- 90W charging
- Display signal
- Multiple USB ports for peripherals
A decent USB-C dock costs $150-200. The BenQ RD280UA includes all that functionality. Since Apple removed most ports from MacBooks, having a monitor that acts as a hub is huge.
Minor Downsides (But Nothing Major)
The speakers are terrible. But the only monitor I've seen with decent speakers is the Apple Studio Display at twice the price.
The included ergonomic arm is well built but didn't work with my dual-monitor setup. I bought this VESA mount from Amazon for $60 instead. But I probably would have done this anyway since I'm particular about my desk setup.
60Hz refresh rate, but that's never bothered me. My Studio Display is also 60Hz. For coding, it doesn't matter.
Small Features That Actually Help
BenQ included some thoughtful features that make long coding sessions more comfortable.
The MoonHalo backlight creates a subtle glow behind the monitor. Sounds gimmicky, but it actually helps reduce eye strain during late-night coding sessions by providing ambient light that reduces the contrast between your bright screen and dark room. I like this over the light bars that sit on top of monitors and light up the desk. The backlight is more subtle and less distracting.
"Night Hours Protection" automatically adjusts for low-light work. These small features add up when you're coding late.
Who Should Get This?
If you're coding 8+ hours a day like me, the BenQ RD280UA is worth considering. Especially if you:
- Use a MacBook and want to eliminate dongles
- Experience eye strain from glossy monitors
- Want more vertical space for code
At around $700, it's less than half the price of the Apple Studio Display while delivering features specifically for developers. You could literally buy two RD280UAs for less than one Studio Display. For someone who does both design and code like me, having both monitors is ideal. But if I could only have one and mostly coded? The RD280UA makes more sense.
Where to Get It
You can find the BenQ RD280UA on:
If you need a different mount like I did, I recommend the $60 VESA mount I use. Works perfectly for dual-monitor setups.
(These are not affiliate links)
Final Thoughts
After a month of use, I can't imagine going back to my old setup. The combination of the 3:2 aspect ratio, nano matte panel, and coding features really improves daily work.
For those of us building software all day, having a monitor designed specifically for that purpose makes a real difference. The BenQ RD280UA isn't cheap, but it's a tool that actually makes work more comfortable.
The right tools actually make a lot of difference, and you usually don't know it until you give them a try. With this setup, it genuinely reduces my eye strain after being at the desk for many hours a day.
Note: BenQ sent me this monitor for review, but these are my honest thoughts after a month of daily use.
Top comments (1)
clean setup!