The 7 Best Gaming Monitors for PS5 (2025): Your Guide to 4K & 120Hz Gaming
So, you've got the PlayStation 5, a powerhouse of a console capable of delivering breathtaking visuals and buttery-smooth frame rates. But are you actually seeing what it's capable of. If you're still hooked up to an old TV, you're leaving a massive amount of performance on the table. Finding the best gaming monitors for a PS5 is the single most impactful upgrade you can make to your setup, transforming your experience from just "playing a game" to being fully immersed in another world.
It's time to see games like Spider-Man 2 and God of War Ragnarök the way their creators intended.
This guide is your ultimate resource for navigating the world of PS5 displays. We're breaking down everything from the jaw-dropping clarity of 4K resolution to the fluid motion of 120Hz refresh rates. We'll cover the top-tier models that will make your friends jealous, fantastic budget-friendly options that don't skimp on performance, and all the technical specs you need to understand to make the perfect choice for your gaming style and budget. Get ready to unlock the true power of your console!
What You'll Learn
- Top 4K Picks: Discover our top-rated 4K monitors that deliver incredible detail and color, perfect for story-driven single-player games.
- HDMI 2.1 is Key: Understand why an HDMI 2.1 port is non-negotiable for unlocking the PS5's full potential, including 4K at 120 frames per second.
- Refresh Rate Matters: Learn the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz and why a higher refresh rate provides a massive competitive advantage in fast-paced games.
- Budget-Friendly Options: You don't need to break the bank. We'll show you some of the best monitors for PlayStation 5 that offer amazing value.
- Essential Features Explained: We'll demystify terms like HDR, VRR, and input lag so you can shop like a pro and choose the features that matter most to you.
Top 5 4K Gaming Monitors for Your PS5
When you want the absolute best visual fidelity, nothing beats a 4K monitor. The PlayStation 5 was built to push pixels, and these displays have the resolution and features to make every game look like a masterpiece. Here are our top picks for the best 4K gaming monitors compatible with PS5.
1. Sony INZONE M9
It's no surprise that Sony's own monitor is a fantastic match for the PS5. The INZONE M9 was designed from the ground up with the console in mind, featuring a striking aesthetic that perfectly complements the PS5's design. But it's not just about looks; this monitor is packed with performance.
It boasts a stunning 4K IPS panel with Full Array Local Dimming (FALD), which delivers incredible contrast with deep blacks and bright highlights. It also has exclusive PS5 features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, which automatically optimize settings for the best possible picture. With two HDMI 2.1 ports, you're fully equipped for 4K 120Hz gaming.
Pros
- Perfect PS5 Integration: Auto-optimization features create a seamless experience.
- Excellent HDR Performance: Full Array Local Dimming makes HDR content pop.
- Stunning Visuals: The 4K IPS panel offers sharp details and vibrant colors.
Cons
- Premium Price: It's one of the more expensive options on the market.
- Local Dimming Can Have Blooming: Some users notice a slight halo effect around bright objects on dark backgrounds.
2. Gigabyte M32U
If you're looking for a larger screen that packs a ton of features without an astronomical price tag, the Gigabyte M32U is a phenomenal choice. This 32-inch 4K monitor delivers an immersive experience that's hard to beat. Its SuperSpeed IPS panel provides a crisp 144Hz refresh rate (perfectly compatible with the PS5's 120Hz mode) and a fast 1ms response time.
One of its standout features is the built-in KVM switch. This allows you to control multiple devices (like your PS5 and a work laptop) with a single keyboard and mouse, making it one of the best monitors for dual use. It has two HDMI 2.1 ports, ensuring you get the full 4K 120Hz experience.
Pros
- Great Value: Offers premium features at a very competitive price point.
- Built-in KVM Switch: Excellent for users who switch between their console and a PC.
- Large, Immersive Screen: The 32-inch size is fantastic for cinematic gaming.
Cons
- Mediocre HDR: Its HDR performance is decent but won't blow you away like more expensive models.
- Stand is Bulky: The stand has a large footprint, so make sure you have enough desk space.
3. LG UltraGear 27GR93U-B
LG's UltraGear lineup is legendary in the gaming community, and the 27GR93U-B continues that legacy. This 27-inch 4K monitor is a fantastic all-rounder that excels in almost every area. It features a vibrant IPS panel with excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making games look absolutely stunning.
With a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, it's incredibly responsive for competitive gaming. It fully supports the PS5's 4K 120Hz output via its HDMI 2.1 ports and is VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified, providing a noticeable boost to contrast and color in supported games. It's a reliable workhorse that delivers a premium experience.
Pros
- Excellent Response Time: Motion is incredibly clear with minimal blur.
- Vibrant Colors: The panel is known for its fantastic color reproduction.
- Solid All-Around Performer: A great choice for any type of game you throw at it.
Cons
- Lower Contrast Ratio: Like many IPS panels, blacks can look slightly gray in a dark room.
- Edge-lit Dimming: The HDR effect is good but not as impactful as monitors with FALD.
4. ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM
For gamers who demand the absolute pinnacle of image quality, OLED is the answer. The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM is a top-tier monitor that offers a visual experience that other technologies simply can't match. Because each pixel is its own light source, you get perfect, inky blacks and an infinite contrast ratio. This makes games look unbelievably lifelike and immersive.
This 32-inch 4K monitor boasts a blazing-fast 240Hz refresh rate and a near-instantaneous 0.03ms response time, eliminating ghosting entirely. It fully supports 4K 120Hz on the PS5 through HDMI 2.1 and delivers some of the best HDR performance you will ever see. It's an investment, but for visual purists, it's the ultimate PS5 display.
Pros
- Perfect Black Levels: Infinite contrast ratio delivers unparalleled image depth.
- Instantaneous Response Time: The clearest motion of any display technology.
- Incredible HDR: Games with HDR look absolutely breathtaking.
Cons
- Very Expensive: This is a high-end monitor with a price to match.
- Risk of Burn-in: OLED panels carry a small risk of permanent image retention over time, though modern models have many preventative features.
5. Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED (AW2725DF)
Alienware combines the best of two worlds with its QD-OLED technology. The AW2725DF uses a Quantum Dot layer on top of an OLED panel to produce even more vibrant and accurate colors than traditional OLEDs, all while retaining those perfect black levels. The result is a 27-inch 4K monitor with some of the most stunning visuals available today.
This monitor is a speed demon, with a 360Hz refresh rate and near-instant response time. While the PS5 can't use the full 360Hz, it means the panel is exceptionally fast and handles the 120Hz mode with ease. It supports FreeSync Premium Pro, which works with the PS5's VRR feature for tear-free gaming. It's another premium option for those who want the best of the best.
Pros
- Exceptional Color Vibrancy: QD-OLED technology produces a wider color gamut.
- Flawless Motion Clarity: Perfect for fast-paced competitive games.
- Stunning Contrast and HDR: A truly cinematic gaming experience.
Cons
- No HDMI 2.1 Ports: It uses DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0. You'll need an adapter for full 4K 120Hz support on PS5, or you can run at 1440p 120Hz.
- Glossy Screen: The screen finish can be reflective in brightly lit rooms.
The Core Specs: Refresh Rate & Response Time Explained
When you start looking at top PS5 gaming monitors, two terms you'll see everywhere are "refresh rate" and "response time." These specs are the key to unlocking the smooth, responsive gameplay the PS5 is known for. Let's break down what they mean and why they are so important.
Refresh Rate (measured in Hertz, or Hz) refers to how many times per second the monitor can update the image on the screen. A standard monitor or TV is 60Hz, meaning it refreshes the picture 60 times per second. The PS5, however, can output games at up to 120 frames per second (fps). To see those extra frames, you need a monitor with at least a 120Hz refresh rate.
The difference is night and day. A 120Hz display makes motion look incredibly fluid and smooth, which not only looks amazing but also gives you a competitive advantage by allowing you to react faster in games like Call of Duty or Fortnite.
So, is 144Hz better than 120Hz for PS5. While a 144Hz monitor is technically faster, the PS5's maximum output is capped at 120Hz. A 144Hz monitor will work perfectly and simply run at 120Hz when connected to the console. You won't see any extra benefit over a native 120Hz display, but it gives you extra headroom if you also plan to use it with a PC.
As for 240Hz, that is definitely overkill for a PS5. The console cannot output that many frames, so you'd be paying for performance you can't use.
Response Time (measured in milliseconds, or ms) is how quickly a pixel on the screen can change from one color to another (typically gray-to-gray, or GtG). A slow response time can lead to "ghosting" or motion blur, where you see a faint trail behind moving objects. For gaming, you want a response time of 5ms or less, with 1ms being the gold standard. This ensures that the action on screen is crisp and clear, no matter how fast things are moving.
Why HDMI 2.1 is a Must-Have for Your PS5 Monitor
If you want to get the absolute most out of your PlayStation 5, there is one feature that is non-negotiable on your monitor: an HDMI 2.1 port. This isn't just a minor upgrade; it's the key that unlocks the console's most impressive next-gen capabilities.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the cable standard used to transmit video and audio from your console to your display. Different versions of HDMI have different amounts of bandwidth, which determines how much data they can carry at once. The previous standard, HDMI 2.0, had enough bandwidth to handle 4K resolution at 60Hz, which was great for the PS4 Pro. However, the PS5 is capable of so much more.
The magic of HDMI 2.1 is its massive increase in bandwidth—from 18 Gbps on HDMI 2.0 to 48 Gbps. This extra data-carrying capacity is what allows for the holy grail of console gaming: 4K resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate. Without HDMI 2.1, you have to choose. You can have 4K at 60Hz, or you can drop the resolution to 1080p to get 120Hz.
With HDMI 2.1, you get both at the same time: razor-sharp visuals and ultra-smooth motion.
Furthermore, HDMI 2.1 is also required for another key PS5 feature: Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). VRR allows the monitor to sync its refresh rate in real-time with the frame rate being output by the PS5. This eliminates screen tearing (a distracting visual artifact where the image appears to split) and reduces stutter, leading to a smoother overall experience. While some monitors can support VRR over HDMI 2.0, full support is guaranteed with HDMI 2.1.
Choosing a monitor without it means you're leaving the PS5's best features locked away.
Best Budget Gaming Monitors for PS5: Affordable Options
Getting a fantastic gaming experience on your PS5 doesn't have to cost a fortune. While 4K monitors are incredible, you can get a super-responsive, high-refresh-rate experience for a fraction of the price by opting for a 1440p or 1080p display. Here are some of the best affordable monitors for PlayStation 5 that deliver amazing performance for the price.
1. Gigabyte G27Q
The Gigabyte G27Q is often hailed as one of the best value gaming monitors on the market, and for good reason. It's a 27-inch monitor with a 1440p (QHD) resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. While the PS5 didn't initially support 1440p, a system update added full support, making monitors like this an ideal middle ground. You get a sharper image than 1080p and can still enjoy the fluid 120Hz performance mode in supported games.
Its IPS panel provides great colors and viewing angles, and it has a low input lag for responsive gameplay. It may not have the bells and whistles of premium models, but for core gaming performance, it's an absolute champion. It's a perfect example of getting the features that matter most without overspending.
Pros
- Incredible Value: 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate at a budget price.
- Great Color Accuracy: The IPS panel looks fantastic for gaming and media.
- Low Input Lag: Feels snappy and responsive in competitive titles.
Cons
- No HDMI 2.1: You won't get 4K 120Hz, but it handles 1440p 120Hz perfectly.
- Basic Stand: The stand offers limited adjustability.
2. The Portable Monitor
Looking for an ultra-affordable or on-the-go solution? A portable monitor is a unique and incredibly versatile option. The Portable Monitor offers a slim, lightweight 1080p screen that you can easily pack in a bag and take with you. It's perfect for gamers who travel, live in a dorm room, or simply don't have space for a large, dedicated setup.
You can power it directly from the PS5's USB port, making setup a breeze. While it won't compete with a high-end 4K display on pure specs, it provides a sharp, low-latency 1080p picture that is a huge step up from playing on a small laptop screen or an old TV. It's an amazing secondary display or a primary monitor for those who prioritize portability and value.
Pros
- Extremely Portable: Thin and light design is perfect for gaming anywhere.
- Simple Setup: Often powered by a single USB-C cable.
- Very Affordable: A great low-cost way to get a dedicated gaming screen.
Cons
- Limited to 1080p/60Hz: You won't get high refresh rates or resolutions.
- Smaller Screen Size: Typically around 15.6 inches, which may be too small for some.
If you need a screen that can move with you, The Portable Monitor is a fantastic and budget-friendly choice. Check the current price on Amazon to see just how accessible it is.
The Competitive Edge: Why Low Input Lag is Crucial
For anyone who plays competitive, fast-paced games on their PS5, there's a specification that's even more important than resolution or color: input lag. This is the slight delay between when you press a button on your controller and when you see the corresponding action happen on screen. While it's measured in tiny milliseconds, even a small amount of input lag can be the difference between winning and losing a crucial gunfight.
Imagine you're playing a first-person shooter. You see an opponent pop out from behind a corner. Your brain sends the signal to your thumb to aim and fire. That signal travels through your controller to the PS5, which processes the action and sends the image to your monitor.
The monitor then has to process that signal before displaying the pixels. The total time for this entire chain of events is the input lag.
Many standard televisions have high input lag because they do a lot of image processing to make movies look better. This processing adds a significant delay, sometimes over 50ms. In a game where reaction times are measured in fractions of a second, a 50ms delay is a massive disadvantage. Gaming monitors, on the other hand, are built for speed.
They minimize image processing to get the signal on the screen as fast as possible. The best gaming monitors for PlayStation 5 have input lag figures well under 10ms, with many achieving 4ms or less. This near-instantaneous response makes the game feel incredibly connected and snappy, giving you the edge you need to compete at your best.
Curved vs. Flat Monitors: The Great Debate for PS5 Gamers
One of the biggest choices you'll face when shopping for a monitor is whether to go with a traditional flat screen or an immersive curved one. Both have their passionate fans, and the best choice for you really comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use your monitor.
Curved monitors are designed to increase immersion by wrapping the image around your field of view. The idea is that by curving the edges of the screen toward you, the display can fill more of your peripheral vision, making you feel more like you're in the game world. This effect is most pronounced on larger, ultrawide monitors, which the PS5 does not fully support (it will display with black bars on the sides).
On standard 16:9 widescreen monitors, the curve is more subtle but can still help reduce eye strain by keeping the entire screen at a more consistent distance from your eyes.
Flat monitors, on the other hand, are the industry standard. They offer a distortion-free image, which is crucial for any kind of creative work like photo or video editing. For gaming, they provide a classic, straightforward presentation of the action. Some competitive gamers prefer flat screens because there's no potential for even the slightest geometric distortion that a curve can introduce.
They are also generally less expensive than their curved counterparts.
So, which is best for PS5 gaming? If your primary goal is maximum immersion in single-player, cinematic games, a subtle curve on a 27-inch or 32-inch monitor can be a fantastic experience. However, if you're a highly competitive player or if you plan to use the monitor for work and gaming, a high-quality flat monitor is often the safer, more versatile choice.
Pro Tip: A great monitor is just one part of the perfect setup. Don't forget ergonomics! A quality gaming chair from brands like Secretlab or TechniSport can make those long sessions in front of your new PS5 monitor much more comfortable.
Essential Features: HDR, FreeSync, and More
Beyond the core specs, modern gaming monitors come with a host of other features designed to enhance your visual experience. Understanding what they do will help you pick a monitor that truly shines with the PS5.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is all about making the image more lifelike by expanding the range of color and contrast. A monitor with good HDR can display brighter whites, deeper blacks, and a wider array of colors in between. This makes details pop in both the brightest and darkest parts of an image. You'll see different HDR certifications, like VESA DisplayHDR 400, 600, or 1000.
The number indicates the peak brightness in nits. Generally, HDR 600 and above provide a truly impactful HDR experience, while HDR 400 offers a noticeable but more subtle improvement over standard displays.
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) is a feature the PS5 fully supports, and it's a huge deal for smooth gameplay. As mentioned earlier, it syncs the monitor's refresh rate to the console's frame rate. Many monitors use AMD's FreeSync technology to achieve this. While the PS5 doesn't officially support FreeSync by name, its VRR implementation works perfectly with most FreeSync-compatible monitors, especially those with "FreeSync Premium" or "Premium Pro" certification.
This feature is a must-have for eliminating screen tearing and stutter.
G-Sync is NVIDIA's version of VRR. While some "G-Sync Compatible" monitors (which are essentially high-quality FreeSync displays) work with the PS5's VRR, a monitor with a dedicated G-Sync hardware module will not provide any VRR benefit for the console. For PS5 users, focusing on a good FreeSync Premium monitor is the way to go.
The Dual-Purpose Display: Best Monitors for PS5 Gaming and Work
For many of us, our gaming station also doubles as our home office. If you need a monitor that can seamlessly switch from dominating in Helldivers 2 to crushing a spreadsheet, there are specific features you should look for. The goal is to find a display that offers top-tier gaming performance without compromising on productivity.
First, consider connectivity. A monitor with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery is incredibly convenient. It allows you to connect a compatible laptop with a single cable that handles video, data, and charging, drastically reducing cable clutter. Another killer feature for a dual-purpose setup is a KVM switch.
This allows you to plug your keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals directly into the monitor and switch control between your PS5 and your PC/laptop at the press of a button. It's a massive quality-of-life improvement.
For work, color accuracy is key. Look for monitors that advertise a high coverage of the sRGB or DCI-P3 color spaces (95% or more is excellent). An IPS panel is generally preferred for this use case due to its superior color reproduction and wide viewing angles. A high resolution like 4K is also fantastic for productivity, giving you a huge amount of screen real estate for multitasking.
A monitor that combines these features with gaming essentials like a 120Hz+ refresh rate and low input lag is the perfect centerpiece for a setup that can handle both work and play. This is especially true if your setup includes a powerful gaming PC, like one from ORIGIN PC, making a versatile, high-performance monitor an even more critical investment.
What Real Gamers Are Saying: PS5 Monitor Reviews & Opinions
Lab tests and spec sheets are great, but sometimes the most valuable insights come from the people who use these monitors every day. Scouring forums like Reddit gives a clear picture of what the community values in the top PS5 gaming monitors.
A common sentiment on platforms like r/PS5 is the dramatic difference a 120Hz monitor makes. One user commented, "I went from a 4K 60Hz TV to a 1440p 144Hz monitor and I'm never going back. The smoothness in games like Call of Duty is unbelievable. It feels like a completely different game." This highlights that for many, refresh rate is more impactful than raw resolution.
Discussions on r/Monitors often dive deeper into the technicals. There's a lot of debate around OLED vs. IPS panels. An OLED owner might say, "The perfect blacks on my LG C2 completely changed how I experience single-player games.
The atmosphere in Alan Wake 2 is just on another level." In contrast, an IPS user might counter, "I prefer the peace of mind of my IPS monitor. I don't have to worry about burn-in and the colors are still amazing for a fraction of the price." These PS5 monitor reviews show there's no single "best" option, but rather a best option for a specific user's priorities and budget.
Setup Guide: How to Optimize Your Monitor for the PS5
Unboxing your new monitor is exciting, but to truly get the best performance, you need to dive into the PS5's settings. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to ensure you're getting the most out of your display.
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Use the Right Cable: First things first, make sure you are using an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. The one that came with your PS5 is perfect. This is required for HDMI 2.1 features.
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Check Your Video Output Information: Navigate to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Video Output Information. This screen will tell you exactly what signals your monitor is capable of receiving. It's a great way to confirm if 120Hz, HDR, and VRR are being detected correctly.
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Enable 120Hz Output: Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets. Here, you can set "Performance Mode or Resolution Mode" to Performance Mode. This tells games that support it to prioritize frame rate, enabling the 120Hz option.
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Turn on VRR: In the Screen and Video > Video Output menu, you'll find the VRR option. Set it to Automatic. You can also choose to apply it to unsupported games, which can sometimes help with performance but may cause visual issues in rare cases.
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Calibrate HDR: Still in the Video Output menu, select Adjust HDR. The PS5 will walk you through a simple calibration process where you adjust the brightness until symbols are barely visible. This ensures you're getting the intended dynamic range for your specific display.
Pro Tip: Don't neglect your audio! A great display deserves great sound. For an immersive experience that won't disturb others, consider a high-quality set of in-ear monitors (IEMs). They provide excellent sound isolation and detail. Brands like BASN Audio offer fantastic options that can plug directly into your DualSense controller.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which monitor is best for PS5 gaming?
The "best" monitor depends on your budget and priorities. For the ultimate visual experience with 4K resolution and 120Hz, the Sony INZONE M9 or an OLED monitor like the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM are top choices. For a great balance of performance and price, a 1440p 144Hz monitor like the Gigabyte G27Q is a fantastic option that fully utilizes the PS5's 120Hz capabilities.
Is 144Hz better than 120Hz for PS5?
Not really. The PS5's maximum output is 120Hz, so while a 144Hz monitor will work perfectly, it won't provide any additional smoothness over a 120Hz monitor when connected to the console. The main benefit of a 144Hz monitor is that it provides extra headroom if you also plan to use it for PC gaming, where higher frame rates are achievable.
Is 4K or 1440p better for gaming?
This is a classic trade-off. 4K offers superior image sharpness and detail, which is amazing for cinematic, story-driven games. 1440p is still very sharp but is less demanding, making it easier to find affordable monitors that also have high refresh rates. Many gamers feel that the smoothness of 120Hz at 1440p is a better overall experience than 60Hz at 4K, especially for fast-paced games.
Does the PS5 support gaming monitors?
Absolutely! The PS5 works fantastically with gaming monitors. In fact, to access key features like 120Hz refresh rates and VRR, a gaming monitor is often a better choice than a television, especially in the budget and mid-range price brackets. The console now supports 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolutions, making it compatible with a wide range of monitors.
Is 240Hz overkill for PS5?
Yes, 240Hz is overkill for a PS5. The console's hardware is capped at outputting 120 frames per second (120Hz). A 240Hz monitor will simply run at 120Hz when connected to the PS5, so you'd be paying for performance that the console cannot use. These monitors are designed for high-end competitive PC gaming.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right monitor is the key to unlocking the true next-gen experience your PlayStation 5 was built to deliver. Whether you crave the breathtaking detail of a 4K OLED display, the lightning-fast response of a 120Hz competitive screen, or the versatility of a budget-friendly powerhouse, there has never been a better time to upgrade your setup.
Remember to prioritize the features that matter most to your gaming style. For competitive players, a high refresh rate and low input lag are paramount. For those who love immersive single-player adventures, the incredible contrast and color of a great HDR or OLED panel will transform your experience. By understanding the core technologies like HDMI 2.1 and VRR, you can make an informed decision that you'll be happy with for years to come.
If you're looking for a unique, affordable, and highly flexible option, don't forget to consider a portable solution. A product like The Portable Monitor offers an incredible value proposition for gaming on the go or in tight spaces. Now go get that new screen and see what your PS5 can really do!
