Best Gaming Monitors for PS5 and Xbox
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A good monitor is a great way to play PS5 or Xbox at a desk, in a dorm or in a bedroom, where a big TV won't fit. But console gaming needs different things than PC gaming, and that confuses a lot of buyers. This guide explains what matters and points you to well-known models. Specs vary by model year and size, so always check the exact listing.
Quick picks
Gigabyte 27" 4K gaming monitor (HDMI 2.1)
Our top pick for pS5 Pro and Series X at 4K 120Hz.
Check price on Amazon →Budget 24" 1080p 144Hz monitor
Our top pick for series S, tight budgets, small desks.
Check price on Amazon →What matters for consoles
Resolution: 1080p, 1440p or 4K
- 1080p is cheap and fine at 24 inches. It's a good match for an Xbox Series S.
- 1440p is the sweet spot on a 27-inch monitor. The Xbox Series X|S supports 1440p output natively. PS5 support for 1440p was added in a system update. [VERIFY]
- 4K gets the most out of a PS5 Pro or Series X, but it costs more.
Refresh rate and HDMI 2.1
Consoles top out at 120Hz. A 240Hz monitor won't give a PS5 or Xbox anything extra. To get 4K at 120Hz on a console, the monitor needs an HDMI 2.1 port. Many "144Hz" monitors only reach 144Hz over DisplayPort, which consoles don't use. Check the listing for HDMI 2.1, or for "120Hz over HDMI".
Panel type
- IPS: good colors and viewing angles. The most common choice.
- VA: better contrast, which is nice in dark rooms. Often curved.
- OLED: amazing contrast and response, but expensive, with some burn-in risk if you leave static images on screen.
Speakers
Most gaming monitors have weak speakers or none at all. Plan on a headset (see our headsets guide) or plug headphones into the controller.
The picks
LG UltraGear 27" 1440p
LG's UltraGear line is a popular choice for a reason: good motion clarity, solid colors and lots of sizes. The 27-inch 1440p models are a great all-rounder for console and PC. Check the exact model number for HDMI 2.1 if you want 120Hz on a console.
ASUS TUF Gaming 27" 1440p
ASUS's TUF models are a frequent value pick for 1440p high-refresh gaming. They're a good choice if your budget is tight but you want a step up from 1080p.
Gigabyte 27" 4K with HDMI 2.1
For a PS5 Pro or Series X, a 4K monitor with HDMI 2.1 gets you 4K at 120Hz in supported games. Gigabyte sells several 4K gaming models aimed at consoles. Make sure the one you pick lists HDMI 2.1.
Samsung Odyssey G5 (curved)
The Odyssey line offers curved VA panels with strong contrast. They're a good budget option if you like a curved screen for immersion.
Budget 24" 1080p
For an Xbox Series S, a small desk or a kid's room, a 24-inch 1080p monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate does the job for not much money.
Extras
- HDMI 2.1 cable: use the cable that came with your console, or buy a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Check price on Amazon
- Monitor arm: frees up desk space for a card-sorting area. Check price on Amazon
What to skip
- Paying for 240Hz+ just for console play. Consoles can't use it.
- "HDR" labels on cheap monitors. Entry-level HDR often looks worse than leaving it off.
- 4K without HDMI 2.1 if you want 120Hz on a console.
Bottom line
For most console players at a desk, a 27-inch 1440p monitor with HDMI 2.1 is the sweet spot. Go 4K with HDMI 2.1 if you own a PS5 Pro or Series X and have the budget. Go 1080p for a Series S or a tight budget.