Choosing a monitor for PS5 and Xbox Series X in 2025 is simpler when you focus on the features consoles actually use: HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), low input lag, and solid HDR. PS5 supports 4K/120, VRR, and 1440p output (Sony) and Xbox Series X supports 4K/120, VRR/ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming on compatible displays (Xbox). See official details from Sony (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5-120hz/ and https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5-variable-refresh-rate/) and Microsoft (https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/display-sound/4k-tv-details and https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/display-sound/dolby-vision-hdr-xbox). HDMI 2.1 standard features like VRR were defined to reduce tearing and stutter (HDMI Forum VRR: https://www.hdmi.org/spec21sub/variable_refresh_rate).
Below are the best console-ready monitors you can buy this year.
- ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM — Best overall 4K for PS5 & Series X
- Why it’s great: A 32-inch 4K 240Hz QD‑OLED panel with near-instant response delivers superb HDR contrast, motion clarity, and true next-gen headroom. Two HDMI 2.1 ports make swapping consoles easy.
- Console highlights:
- 4K 120Hz via HDMI 2.1, VRR support, and low input lag
- OLED-level blacks with up to 1000-nit HDR peaks (scene dependent)
- Excellent for both cinematic HDR titles and competitive shooters
- Good to know: OLED care features help mitigate image retention.
- Source: ASUS product page (https://rog.asus.com/monitors/above-30-inches/rog-swift-oled-pg32ucdm-model/)
- Sony Inzone M9 (SDM‑U27M90) — Best PS5 integration
- Why it’s great: 27-inch 4K 144Hz with full-array local dimming for better HDR than typical edge‑lit IPS, plus Sony’s PS5 features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode.
- Console highlights:
- 2x HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz and VRR
- PS5-friendly automatic picture adjustments
- Clean design and solid cable management for living rooms or desks
- Sources: Sony product page (https://electronics.sony.com/gaming/inzone/monitors/p/sdm-u27m90) and PS5 VRR support (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5-variable-refresh-rate/)
- LG UltraGear 27GP95R‑B — Best 27-inch 4K HDMI 2.1
- Why it’s great: A proven 27-inch 4K 144Hz Nano IPS with two HDMI 2.1 ports, wide color, and fast response—ideal if you prefer a compact 4K setup at 120Hz.
- Console highlights:
- 4K 120Hz over HDMI 2.1, VRR compatible
- Excellent color accuracy for single-player HDR titles
- Useful for desks where 32-inch is too large
- Source: LG product page (https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27gp95r-b)
- Gigabyte M28U — Best value 4K 120Hz
- Why it’s great: 28-inch 4K 144Hz with two HDMI 2.1 ports and a built‑in KVM switch so you can share peripherals between console and PC. Great value without sacrificing core console features.
- Console highlights:
- 4K 120Hz, VRR support, low input lag
- KVM and USB hub for simple desk setups
- Good text clarity for mixed work/play
- Sources: Gigabyte product page (https://www.gigabyte.com/Monitor/M28U) and HDMI 2.1 overview (https://www.hdmi.org/spec/hdmi2_1)
- Acer Nitro XV282K KV — Best calibrated value alternative
- Why it’s great: Similar to the M28U in size/feature set with strong factory calibration, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and reliable ergonomics.
- Console highlights:
- 4K 120Hz on PS5/Series X, VRR compatibility
- Low input lag with strong SDR/HDR color performance for the price
- Source: Acer product page (https://www.acer.com/monitors/gaming/nitro-xv2/pdp/UM.PX2AA.K01)
- Samsung Odyssey G70A (28‑inch) — Best Samsung ecosystem pick
- Why it’s great: 28-inch 4K 144Hz, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and Samsung’s gaming‑focused OSD features. A sharp, console‑ready option with VRR and ALLM support.
- Console highlights:
- 4K 120Hz via HDMI 2.1, VRR/ALLM for smoother play
- Strong motion handling for shooters and racing games
- Source: Samsung Odyssey G70A page (https://www.samsung.com/us/computing/monitors/gaming/28-odyssey-g70a-4k-uhd-144hz-1ms-freesync-premium-pro-gaming-monitor-ls28ag700nnxza/)
- BenQ Mobiuz EX3210U — Best 32-inch 4K with great speakers
- Why it’s great: 32-inch 4K 144Hz with two HDMI 2.1 ports and some of the best built‑in monitor speakers, plus a remote and HDRi presets for easy living‑room use.
- Console highlights:
- Console‑friendly 4K 120Hz, VRR support
- TreVolo speakers and included remote are rare perks
- Source: BenQ product page (https://www.benq.com/en-us/monitor/gaming/ex3210u.html)
- LG UltraGear 27GR95QE‑B (OLED) — Best 1440p speed and HDR
- Why it’s great: 27-inch 1440p 240Hz OLED with two HDMI 2.1 ports—perfect if you prefer ultra‑low latency and OLED HDR over 4K resolution. PS5 and Series X both support 1440p 120Hz.
- Console highlights:
- 1440p 120Hz with VRR, superb contrast and response time
- Excellent for competitive play and dark HDR games
- Sources: LG product page (https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27gr95qe-b) and PS5 1440p output support (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5-4k-resolution/)
- Alienware AW3225QF — Best 32-inch curved QD‑OLED alternative
- Why it’s great: A 32-inch 4K 240Hz curved QD‑OLED that pairs deep blacks with high brightness highlights and two HDMI 2.1 ports. A cinematic curved option for single‑player epics.
- Console highlights:
- 4K 120Hz with VRR over HDMI 2.1
- Curved immersion and OLED contrast for story‑driven titles
- Source: Dell product page (https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/alienware-32-4k-qd-oled-gaming-monitor-aw3225qf/apd/210-bmsy/monitors-monitor-accessories)
- LG OLED42C4 (TV-as-monitor) — Best big-screen desk setup
- Why it’s great: If you want a larger screen instead of a traditional monitor, the 42-inch LG C4 OLED offers four HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K 120Hz, VRR/ALLM, and excellent gaming features in a size that can still fit many desks.
- Console highlights:
- 4K 120Hz, VRR/ALLM, and Game Optimizer modes
- Supports Dolby Vision—nice for Xbox Series X titles that offer it on compatible displays
- Sources: LG C4 product page (https://www.lg.com/us/tvs/lg-oled42c4ua) and Xbox Dolby Vision gaming (https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/display-sound/dolby-vision-hdr-xbox)
How to choose a console gaming monitor in 2025
- HDMI 2.1 matters: To get 4K at 120Hz and VRR on PS5/Series X, look for HDMI 2.1 ports that explicitly list 4K/120 and VRR support (HDMI VRR explainer: https://www.hdmi.org/spec21sub/variable_refresh_rate).
- VRR and ALLM: VRR smooths frame pacing; ALLM auto‑enables low‑latency mode on supported displays. Both are supported by Xbox Series X and VRR is supported by PS5 (Sony: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5-variable-refresh-rate/; Xbox: https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/display-sound/4k-tv-details).
- HDR quality: OLED and QD‑OLED deliver the best contrast. Mini‑LED/FALD LCDs can still offer impactful HDR with higher brightness.
- Resolution vs speed: 4K looks stunning for single‑player. If you prefer competitive responsiveness, 1440p OLED at 120Hz can feel better than 4K on fast titles, and both PS5 and Series X support 1440p (Sony: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5-4k-resolution/).
- Size and ergonomics: 27–32 inches is the sweet spot for desks. Consider stand adjustability and VESA mounts.
Setup tips for PS5 and Xbox Series X
- Use certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables for 4K/120 and VRR stability (HDMI: https://www.hdmi.org/resource/cables).
- Enable 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM in console settings; also check the monitor’s gaming mode.
- Calibrate HDR using each console’s built‑in HDR calibration tool for best results.
FAQs
- Do I need HDMI 2.1 for 120Hz? For 4K at 120Hz on consoles, yes—HDMI 2.1 is the straightforward path (https://www.hdmi.org/spec/hdmi2_1). Consoles can also do 120Hz at lower resolutions on HDMI 2.0 in some cases, but you’ll give up 4K.
- Can PS5 use 1440p monitors? Yes, PS5 supports 1440p output, including 120Hz on compatible displays (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5-4k-resolution/).
- Does Xbox support Dolby Vision gaming? Yes, Xbox Series X|S supports Dolby Vision gaming on compatible displays; many PC monitors don’t support DV, but several TVs (like LG OLED C‑series) do (https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/display-sound/dolby-vision-hdr-xbox).
Bottom line
- If you want the best image and motion, ASUS PG32UCDM and Alienware AW3225QF lead with 4K 240Hz OLED. For most shoppers, Sony Inzone M9 or LG 27GP95R‑B hit the sweet spot. Value hunters should start with Gigabyte M28U or Acer XV282K KV. If you can fit a 42-inch screen, the LG C4 remains a fantastic console display.