Best 4K gaming monitor for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X?

Question

Hey everyone! I finally managed to get my hands on both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, but I feel like I'm doing them a disservice by playing on my old 1080p office monitor. I really want to jump into the world of 4K gaming to see what these consoles can actually do, but honestly, the sheer amount of options is starting to get a bit overwhelming.

I'm specifically looking for something that supports HDMI 2.1 so I can take full advantage of 120Hz at 4K. I’ve heard a lot about Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and how important it is for smoothing out performance, especially on the Series X. I'm torn between going for a crisp 27-inch IPS panel or maybe sizing up to a 32-inch if it fits the budget. Also, how much does HDR quality really matter for console gaming? I've seen some monitors that claim HDR support, but users say it looks washed out in practice.

I’ve looked at a few models from LG and Gigabyte, but I’m worried about ghosting or input lag issues. Does anyone have a "tried and true" recommendation that works seamlessly with both consoles? I'd love to stay under the $800 mark if possible. What are you guys using, and is there a specific model that really stands out for price-to-performance right now?

Jamesgax · Accepted Answer

For your situation, I would suggest looking at it this way—congrats on getting both consoles btw! honestly i feel u on the choice paralysis... it's literally a minefield trying to find a good screen that doesn't break the bank. i was basically in the same spot a few months ago and i learned the hard way that "HDR" on most mid-range monitors is kinda a gimmick. if it doesn't have local dimming, it's just gonna look washed out like you mentioned. if youre worried about the budget, i really think the 27-inch size is the sweet spot for 4K cuz everything looks so much sharper. i ended up grabbing the LG 27GR93U-B 27-inch UltraGear UHD 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor and it’s been solid. it has the full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth so 4K/120Hz works perfectly on both my PS5 and Series X. the input lag is super low too, which is huge for shooters... wait no, actually i should mention that if you play a lot of cinematic games, the 32-inch might be better for immersion. if u really want that bigger screen, u might want to consider the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G70B LS32BG702ENXGO 4K UHD 144Hz Gaming Monitor. it's usually on sale for well under your $800 limit. it handles VRR perfectly, so those frame drops on the xbox dont look nearly as choppy. just be careful with the settings—hdr is still hit or miss, so i usually just leave it off unless the game is specifically built for it. basically, just make sure u dont overspend on features u dont need. stick to an IPS panel for better colors and you'll be set. oh, and dont forget a decent cable! i use the Stouchi HDMI 2.1 Cable 6.6ft 48Gbps 8K 60Hz 4K 120Hz and havent had any signal drops. gl with the setup!

yqssrmxiwn · Answer

+1 to what was said earlier. The M32U is seriously good value. Saw this earlier and wanted to chime in because I've spent way too much money testing displays over the last decade lol. One thing I've learned the hard way: don't trust the "HDR400" label. It's basically a marketing gimmick that makes everything look washed out because there aren't enough dimming zones to actually create contrast. If you're leaning towards a 27-inch screen to save some desk space, I highkey recommend looking at the Sony INZONE M9 27 inch 4K HDR 144Hz Gaming Monitor. Since you have both consoles, this one is pretty unique for a few reasons: * Full Array Local Dimming: This actually makes HDR look decent compared to most IPS panels in this price range.
* Console Features: It has "Auto HDR Tone Mapping" specifically for the PS5, which saves a lot of calibration headache.
* HDMI 2.1: Obviously handles the 4K/120Hz dream flawlessly. But yeah, just be careful with the stand design; it's kinda polarizing. Technical-wise though, it's a beast. gl!

Springggg3 · Answer

In my experience, you’re definately doing those consoles a disservice on a 1080p screen! Ngl, jumping to 4K is literally a game changer for the Series X especially. Here is what I suggest:
* Gigabyte M32U 31.5" 144Hz 4K UHD Gaming Monitor - This is my top pick for a "budget" 4K beast. It hits that sub-$800 sweet spot and the HDMI 2.1 works flawlessly with VRR on my Series X.
* LG 27GP950-B 27” Ultragear 4K UHD Nano IPS Gaming Monitor - If you prefer the 27-inch size, this panel is super fast and the colors are realy great, though it can get a bit pricy.
* Sony INZONE M9 27 inch 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor - Actually a decent option too since it has "Auto HDR Tone Mapping" specifically for the PS5, which helps with those washed out colors ur worried about. So basically, if you want the best bang for your buck, the Gigabyte is the way to go. I’ve been using it for a couple years and havent noticed any ghosting or lag issues at all. Just keep in mind that HDR on most of these IPS monitors is kinda washed out because they lack enough dimming zones... i think you need OLED for the real deal, but that's a whole different price bracket lol. Anyway, the M32U is super solid for the price. Quick tip: Don't get baited by HDR400 marketing; it usually looks worse than SDR. If you want that 120Hz working, make sure you use a certified Zeskit Maya 8K 48Gbps Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable or the ones that came in the console boxes!