5 Best Gaming Monitors for Xbox Series X (2025): 4K & 1440p Picks
You’ve got the powerhouse console, the Xbox Series X, capable of delivering breathtaking 4K graphics and buttery-smooth 120 frames per second. But are you actually seeing all that power. If you’re still gaming on an old TV or a basic office monitor, you’re leaving a massive amount of performance on the table. Finding one of the best gaming monitors for the Xbox Series X is the single most important upgrade you can make to truly experience next-gen gaming the way it was intended.
It’s time to unlock the full visual potential of your console.
This guide is your ultimate resource for navigating the world of gaming displays for the Xbox Series X. We’re breaking down everything from must-have features like HDMI 2.1 to the heated debate between 4K and 1440p, all to help you find the perfect screen for your budget and playstyle. Get ready to see your favorite games in a whole new light!
What to Know
- HDMI 2.1 is Key: To get the most out of your Xbox Series X, you need a monitor with an HDMI 2.1 port. This is the only way to achieve the holy grail of 4K resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Resolution Isn’t Everything: While 4K offers incredible detail, a 1440p monitor can provide a fantastic, high-frame-rate experience for a lower price, making it a performance sweet spot for many gamers.
- Speed Matters: Look for a refresh rate of at least 120Hz and a response time of 5ms or less. These specs ensure your gameplay is fluid, responsive, and free of distracting motion blur, which is crucial for competitive games.
- Good HDR is a Must: High Dynamic Range (HDR) dramatically improves contrast and color, making games look more vibrant and realistic. However, look for monitors with at least a DisplayHDR 400 certification, as poor HDR can be worse than none at all.
What Makes a Gaming Monitor Perfect for the Xbox Series X?
Choosing one of the top Xbox Series X monitors isn’t just about picking the biggest screen with the highest numbers. The Xbox Series X has specific features designed to create an optimal gaming experience, and your monitor needs to be able to support them. Without the right tech, you’re essentially driving a sports car in a school zone—you have the power, but you can’t use it.
The most critical feature to look for is HDMI 2.1. This latest HDMI standard provides the necessary bandwidth to transmit a 4K signal at 120 frames per second (fps). Older HDMI 2.0 ports are limited to 4K at 60Hz or 1440p at 120Hz. If you want the absolute best visual fidelity and smoothness combined, HDMI 2.1 is non-negotiable.
Beyond that, two other technologies are vital for console gaming: Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). The Xbox Series X supports AMD FreeSync, a popular form of VRR. This technology synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the console’s frame rate in real-time. This eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in a much smoother visual experience, especially when frame rates fluctuate.
ALLM automatically puts your monitor into its fastest, low-lag “game mode” when you fire up your console, ensuring you always have the most responsive experience without fiddling with settings.
Choosing Your Battleground: 4K vs. 1440p Resolution
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the right resolution. The two main contenders for the best monitors for Xbox are 4K (3840×2160) and 1440p (2560×1440), also known as QHD. There’s no single right answer; the best choice depends entirely on your priorities and budget.
4K (UHD): The Visual Showcase
A 4K monitor is the ultimate choice for graphical fidelity. The sheer pixel density creates incredibly sharp, detailed, and immersive worlds. For single-player, story-driven games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the visual difference is stunning. You’ll notice finer textures, clearer distant objects, and an overall crispness that 1440p can’t quite match.
If your goal is to be completely absorbed in a game’s atmosphere and you want the most cinematic experience possible, 4K is the way to go. The downside. 4K monitors, especially those with high refresh rates and HDMI 2.1, are more expensive.
1440p (QHD): The Performance Sweet Spot
On the other hand, 1440p resolution has become the darling of the gaming community for a reason. It offers a significant visual upgrade over 1080p without the demanding hardware requirements (and cost) of 4K. For the Xbox Series X, this means it’s easier for the console to maintain a stable 120 fps in more games at 1440p than at 4K. For competitive players who prioritize frame rate and responsiveness in titles like Call of Duty: Warzone or Halo Infinite, a 1440p 120Hz+ monitor is often the smarter choice.
You get incredibly smooth gameplay and a sharp image, all at a more accessible price point.
Speed is Everything: Refresh Rates and Response Times Explained
When it comes to gaming displays for Xbox Series X, resolution is only half the story. The other half is speed, which is defined by two key specs: refresh rate and response time. These numbers directly impact how smooth and clear your game looks in motion, and they can be the difference between victory and defeat in fast-paced games.
Refresh Rate (Hz)
The refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), tells you how many times per second the monitor can update the image on the screen. A 60Hz monitor updates 60 times per second, while a 120Hz monitor updates 120 times per second. The Xbox Series X can output up to 120 frames per second, so to see that benefit, you need a monitor with at least a 120Hz refresh rate. The difference is night and day.
Gameplay at 120Hz is incredibly fluid, animations are smoother, and your input feels more immediate and connected. While you might see 240Hz monitors on the market for PC gaming, the Xbox Series X is capped at 120Hz, so there’s no need to spend extra for a higher refresh rate for your console.
Response Time (ms)
Response time, measured in milliseconds (ms), is how quickly a pixel can change from one color to another (typically gray-to-gray, or GTG). A slow response time can lead to motion blur or “ghosting,” where you see a faint trail behind moving objects. This can be incredibly distracting and make it difficult to track fast-moving targets. For gaming, you want a response time of 5ms or lower.
The best gaming monitors often boast a 1ms response time, which virtually eliminates motion blur and ensures the image remains sharp and clear, even during the most chaotic action sequences.
Pro Tip: Don’t confuse response time with input lag! Input lag is the delay between you pressing a button and the action appearing on screen. While related, they are different. Most modern gaming monitors have very low input lag, but enabling your monitor’s “Game Mode” is the best way to ensure it’s as low as possible.
The Top 5 Best Gaming Monitors for Xbox Series X in 2025
Alright, let’s get to the main event! We’ve analyzed the specs, scoured reviews, and identified the top monitors that will make your Xbox Series X sing. Here are our picks for every type of gamer.
1. Gigabyte M32U: The Best Overall 4K Monitor
When it comes to the perfect blend of features, performance, and price, the Gigabyte M32U is an absolute champion. This 32-inch 4K monitor has everything you need to take full advantage of the Xbox Series X. It features two HDMI 2.1 ports, meaning you can hit that glorious 4K at 120Hz target with ease. The IPS panel delivers fantastic colors and wide viewing angles, making your games look vibrant and beautiful from any position.
What really sets the M32U apart is its versatility. It includes a built-in KVM switch, which is a huge bonus if you also use a PC or laptop at your desk. With excellent response times and low input lag, it’s a beast for both competitive and cinematic gaming. It’s the complete package and one of the best monitors for Xbox you can buy today.
Pros
- Full HDMI 2.1 support for 4K @ 120Hz
- Beautiful 32-inch IPS display with great color accuracy
- Fast response times for clear motion
Cons
- HDR performance is decent but won’t blow you away
- Local dimming feature is mediocre
2. Samsung Odyssey G7 (G70B): The 1440p Performance King
If you prioritize frame rates over raw pixel count, the Samsung Odyssey G7 is your weapon of choice. This monitor is a favorite among competitive gamers for a reason. While this is the flat IPS version (not to be confused with the older curved VA model), it still packs a punch with a 1440p resolution and a blazing-fast 165Hz refresh rate (which easily handles the Xbox’s 120Hz output).
The G70B model includes HDMI 2.1, so you get all the next-gen features like VRR and 1440p @ 120Hz support. Its response times are among the best in its class, delivering exceptionally clear motion with no ghosting. The result is a hyper-responsive and incredibly smooth gaming experience that can give you a real edge in fast-paced shooters and racing games.
Pros
- Excellent motion handling and fast response time
- Supports 1440p @ 120Hz with VRR
- Bright and colorful IPS panel
Cons
- Some users report issues with quality control
- Lower contrast ratio typical of IPS panels
3. ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q: The Best Budget 4K Option
Want to experience the sharpness of 4K without breaking the bank? The ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q is an incredible value proposition. This 28-inch 4K monitor delivers a stunningly crisp image for a fraction of the price of its high-refresh-rate cousins. The trade-off is that it’s limited to a 60Hz refresh rate via its HDMI 2.0 ports.
While you won’t get 120fps gameplay, 4K at 60fps is still a fantastic and immersive experience, especially for adventure, RPG, and strategy games where reaction time is less critical. The IPS panel provides rich colors, and it even supports FreeSync to prevent screen tearing. If you’re a cinematic gamer on a budget, this is one of the best deals in gaming.
Pros
- Excellent price for a 4K resolution monitor
- Sharp image with great color reproduction
- Solid build quality for its price point
Cons
- Limited to a 60Hz refresh rate
- HDR performance is very basic
4. LG UltraGear 27GR95QE-B: The Ultimate OLED Experience
If money is no object and you demand the absolute best picture quality, look no further than an OLED monitor. The LG UltraGear 27GR95QE-B is a game-changer. Unlike traditional LCD monitors, OLED panels have self-lit pixels, which means they can achieve perfect black levels and an infinite contrast ratio. The result is an image with breathtaking depth, vibrancy, and realism.
This 27-inch monitor combines a 1440p resolution with a lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate and near-instantaneous response times. For your Xbox Series X, it will handle 1440p at 120Hz flawlessly. HDR content looks absolutely spectacular on this display, with highlights that pop and shadows that are truly black. It’s a premium experience with a premium price tag, but for visual purists, it’s worth every penny.
Pros
- Stunning picture quality with perfect blacks and infinite contrast
- Near-instantaneous response time for zero motion blur
- Excellent HDR performance
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Risk of permanent burn-in with static images over time
5. The Portable Monitor: Best for Gaming On the Go
What if your gaming setup isn’t confined to a desk? For gamers who travel, live in a dorm, or simply want a flexible secondary screen, The Portable Monitor is a fantastic and often overlooked solution. These lightweight, slim displays are designed to be taken anywhere, allowing you to set up an Xbox gaming session in minutes, wherever you are.
Most portable monitors connect via USB-C or Mini HDMI, making them perfectly compatible with the Xbox Series X (with the right adapter). While they typically come in 1080p or 1440p resolutions and are often capped at 60Hz, they provide a sharp, low-latency experience that is miles better than not being able to play at all. It’s the perfect companion for keeping up with your games while on vacation or for setting up a quick multiplayer match at a friend’s house.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight and easy to transport
- Simple plug-and-play setup
- A great solution for small spaces or travel
Cons
- Typically limited to 60Hz refresh rates
- Smaller screen size and lower brightness than desktop monitors
If you need a flexible gaming solution, check out The Portable Monitor on Amazon to see how it can fit into your lifestyle.
Budget vs. Premium: Is a High-End Monitor Worth It?
The price of gaming monitors can range from a couple of hundred dollars to well over a thousand. This huge gap often leaves gamers wondering: is a premium monitor really worth the extra cash? The answer is a definite maybe—it all comes down to what features you value most.
A budget monitor (typically under $300) will get the job done. You can easily find a 1080p or even a 1440p screen that supports a 120Hz refresh rate. However, manufacturers have to cut corners to hit that price point. You’ll likely get a panel with less accurate colors, lower peak brightness, and non-existent HDR performance.
The build quality might feel cheaper, and you’ll miss out on quality-of-life features like adjustable stands or USB hubs.
Step up to a premium monitor ($700+), and the differences become immediately apparent. You’re paying for superior panel technology like OLED or high-end IPS with Quantum Dot films, which deliver vastly better colors and contrast. HDR performance is a key differentiator; a premium monitor with a DisplayHDR 600 or 1000 certification will provide a true, impactful HDR experience. You also get better build quality, full ergonomic adjustments, more connectivity options, and a product that is generally more polished and reliable.
For gamers who spend hours in front of their screen and want the most immersive and visually stunning experience, the investment in a premium monitor is often well worth it.
Seeing is Believing: The Importance of HDR for Xbox Gaming
High Dynamic Range, or HDR, is one of the most significant advancements in display technology in years, and it’s a feature the Xbox Series X fully supports. In simple terms, HDR allows a monitor to display a much wider range of brightness and color than a standard display (SDR). This creates a more realistic and impactful image.
Think about a scene in a game where you’re looking out of a dark cave into a bright, sunlit landscape. On an SDR display, the bright areas might look washed out, or the dark areas might be crushed into a murky black with no detail. With good HDR, you can see all the intricate rock details inside the cave while the sunlit area outside remains bright and vibrant without losing detail. It makes bright explosions feel more intense and dark, spooky corridors feel more ominous.
The Xbox Series X supports the HDR10 standard. When shopping for a monitor, you’ll see VESA DisplayHDR certifications like DisplayHDR 400, 600, and 1000. These numbers indicate the monitor’s peak brightness in nits. A higher number generally means a better, more impactful HDR experience.
Be wary of monitors that claim HDR support without a certification, as their performance is often disappointing. A DisplayHDR 400 certification is a good entry point, while DisplayHDR 600 or higher is where HDR really starts to shine.
The Best Brands for Xbox Series X Gaming Monitors
Navigating the sea of monitor brands can be confusing, but a few names consistently rise to the top for their quality and innovation in the gaming space. While personal preference plays a role, these brands have a proven track record of producing some of the best gaming displays for Xbox Series X.
- LG: A true industry leader, especially known for its high-performance IPS panels and pioneering OLED display technology. LG’s UltraGear lineup is consistently praised for its fast response times and excellent color accuracy.
- Samsung: A powerhouse in display technology, Samsung is famous for its vibrant QLED panels and its aggressive, immersive curved monitors in the Odyssey line. They often push the boundaries of brightness and contrast.
- Gigabyte / AORUS: Gigabyte has made a huge splash in the monitor market by offering feature-packed displays at highly competitive prices. Their ‘M’ series monitors are known for their practicality and value, while the ‘AORUS’ line is aimed at high-end enthusiasts.
- ASUS: A long-time favorite in the PC gaming community, ASUS offers a massive range of monitors under their TUF (budget-friendly) and ROG (premium) brands. They are known for excellent performance and gamer-centric features.
- Dell / Alienware: Dell’s gaming monitors often provide a great balance of performance and price, while their Alienware brand is synonymous with premium, high-end gaming hardware with a distinct aesthetic and top-tier performance.
Size Matters: Finding the Perfect Monitor Size for Your Setup
Choosing the right monitor size is crucial for an immersive experience. The most popular sizes for desktop gaming are 27 inches and 32 inches, and each has its own advantages.
A 27-inch monitor is often considered the sweet spot for desktop gaming. At this size, a 1440p resolution provides excellent pixel density, resulting in a sharp and detailed image where you don’t need to use scaling. It’s also large enough to be immersive without requiring you to move your head to see the entire screen, which is important for competitive gaming where you need to see the whole HUD at a glance.
A 32-inch monitor offers a more cinematic and immersive experience. The larger screen fills more of your field of view, which is fantastic for single-player adventure and racing games. At this size, a 4K resolution is ideal to maintain a high pixel density and keep the image looking sharp. For some, a 32-inch screen can be too large for competitive play on a desk, but for a more relaxed, lean-back experience, it’s hard to beat.
No matter the size, your comfort is paramount. Long gaming sessions can lead to neck and back strain if your setup isn’t ergonomic. This is where a quality gaming chair becomes essential. A chair with proper lumbar support and adjustability, like those from Secretlab or TechniSport, ensures you can stay comfortable and focused on the game, not on your aching back.
Get Set, Go! How to Set Up Your Monitor for the Best Xbox Experience
So you’ve unboxed your shiny new monitor. Now what? Properly setting it up with your Xbox Series X is crucial to ensure you’re getting all the features you paid for. Here’s a quick guide to get you started.
- Use the Right Cable and Port: First, make sure you’re using the Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable that came with your Xbox Series X. Connect it from the console to an HDMI 2.1 port on your monitor (it will usually be labeled). This is the only way to get 4K at 120Hz.
- Configure Xbox Display Settings: Turn on your Xbox and navigate to Settings > General > TV & display options. Here’s what to check:
- Resolution: Set this to your monitor’s native resolution (e.g., 4K UHD or 1440p).
- Refresh rate: Set this to 120Hz. If the option is grayed out, your monitor may not support it, or you might need to lower the resolution.
- Enable Gaming Features: Go to Settings > General > TV & display options > Video modes. Here you can enable key features:
- Allow auto low-latency mode (ALLM): Check this box.
- Allow variable refresh rate (VRR): Check this box to enable FreeSync and eliminate screen tearing.
- Allow HDR10: If your monitor supports HDR, make sure this is checked.
Finally, consider your audio. While monitor speakers will work in a pinch, they rarely provide an immersive experience. For competitive gaming where hearing footsteps is critical, or for simply getting lost in a game’s soundtrack, a dedicated audio solution is a must. High-quality headphones or in-ear monitors like those from BASN Audio can deliver the detailed, directional sound you need.
What Real Gamers Think: User Reviews and Ratings
Lab tests and specs are great, but sometimes the most valuable insights come from fellow gamers who use these monitors every day. Scouring forums like Reddit provides a wealth of real-world feedback.
In a discussion on the r/XboxSeriesX subreddit, users consistently highlight the importance of HDMI 2.1 for future-proofing their setup. One user commented, “Don’t skimp on HDMI 2.1. Even if not many games use 4K/120 now, more will in the future. It’s the whole point of the console.” This sentiment is echoed across many threads, with gamers emphasizing that buying a monitor is a long-term investment.
Another common theme is the 1440p vs. 4K debate. A gamer in a thread about the Gigabyte M28U noted, “I went with 1440p/120Hz and have no regrets. The smoothness is more noticeable to me than the extra pixels from 4K, especially in shooters.” This reflects a growing consensus that for many, performance and fluidity trump absolute visual fidelity.
These firsthand accounts are invaluable for understanding the practical benefits of different features beyond the marketing hype.
Frequently Asked Questions About Xbox Series X Monitors
What gaming monitor is best for the Xbox Series X?
The best overall gaming monitor for most people is the Gigabyte M32U. It offers a fantastic 32-inch 4K display with full HDMI 2.1 support, allowing it to run games at 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It combines excellent performance, great features, and a competitive price, making it the top choice for unlocking the full potential of the Xbox Series X.
Is it worth getting a 4K monitor for the Xbox Series X?
Yes, it is absolutely worth getting a 4K monitor if you prioritize visual fidelity and immersion. The Xbox Series X is designed for 4K gaming, and on a native 4K display, games look incredibly sharp and detailed. For single-player, story-driven games, the visual upgrade is significant and makes for a more cinematic experience. However, you’ll need to ensure it also has a 120Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 to get the best of both worlds.
Is 4K or 1440p better for gaming?
Neither is definitively “better”; it depends on your priorities. 4K is better for visual quality, offering the sharpest, most detailed image possible. 1440p is often better for performance, as it’s less graphically demanding, allowing the Xbox Series X to more easily maintain a high and stable 120 frames per second. Competitive gamers often prefer 1440p for the smoother gameplay, while cinematic gamers prefer 4K for the stunning visuals.
Should I get a 240Hz monitor for Xbox Series X?
No, there is no need to get a 240Hz monitor specifically for the Xbox Series X. The console’s maximum output is capped at 120Hz (120 frames per second). While a 240Hz monitor will work perfectly fine, you won’t see any benefit from the higher refresh rate beyond 120Hz when playing on your console. It’s better to invest that money in other features like better HDR or a larger screen size.
Do you need a 120Hz monitor for Xbox Series X?
While you don’t strictly need a 120Hz monitor to use the Xbox Series X, it is highly recommended to experience one of its biggest advantages. A 120Hz monitor allows you to play supported games at up to 120 frames per second, which makes gameplay look and feel significantly smoother and more responsive than the old 60fps standard. If you play fast-paced or competitive games, the difference is substantial.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Ultimate Xbox Display
Choosing the right monitor is the final, crucial step in building an incredible next-gen gaming setup. Your Xbox Series X is a beast of a machine, and pairing it with a capable display ensures you’re not just playing games—you’re experiencing them. The leap from 60Hz to 120Hz is transformative, and the vibrant detail of 4K or the fluid performance of 1440p will make your favorite titles feel brand new.
Your decision ultimately comes down to what you value most. Do you crave the sharpest, most cinematic visuals. A 4K monitor like the Gigabyte M32U is your ticket. Do you prioritize silky-smooth frame rates for a competitive edge.
A 1440p performer like the Samsung Odyssey G7 is the way to go. And if your gaming life is on the move, a unique solution like The Portable Monitor ensures you never have to leave your games behind.
Whatever you choose, investing in one of the best monitors for Xbox is an investment in countless hours of immersive fun. Now go get that upgrade and see what you’ve been missing!
