Best console gaming monitor 2023 (PS5, Xbox Series X, PS4, and Xbox Series S)
Reviewing the markets best console gaming monitors for 2022
Console gaming monitors have become increasingly popular over the last 12 months – and here are the best on the market right now.
Updated to include the best gaming monitors for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
- Alienware AW3423DW QD-OLED monitor – Save 6%
- ViewSonic OMNI XG2431 gaming monitor – Save 13%
- AOC C27G2Z gaming monitor – Save 17%
- LG 32UN550-W gaming monitor – Save 26%
- Samsung QN55QN90B –
Was $1669now $1299 - LG C2 OLED TV 42″ –
Was $1396now $1296 - LG UltraGear 32″ 4K 144Hz 32QG950-B –
Was $1,299now $999
Gaming monitors are different from your standard TVs and monitors, optimized specifically for your favorite gaming titles. Alongside high-end specs – which include high refresh rates, low response times, and stunning image quality – console gaming monitors also feature space-saving designs when compared to the best gaming TV. TVs are fine for gaming but a more responsive gaming monitor could be the edge you need.
There is a lot of different options for today’s console gamer and it can quickly become a bit of a headache. In this article, we have compiled a shortlist of the best console gaming monitors that meet certain criteria and address certain needs of any PlayStation (whether that’s PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5) or Xbox gamer (Xbox One or either the Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X).
After a multitude of testing we have concluded that the Acer Nitro XV282K is the best console monitor overall and will make all your games on PlayStation or Xbox shine.
Best console gaming monitor video
Best console gaming monitor: our top picks
Best console gaming monitor : in-depth reviews
Acer Nitro XV282K
Refresh Rate
144hz
Response time
1ms GTG
Screen size
27″
Resolution
3840 x 2160
The Acer Nitro XV282K is a hugely impressive console gaming monitor, with robust support for 4k resolutions, and high framerate gaming. This is a perfect partner for next-generation consoles like the Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5. It’s also a great display for watching films, TV, and other video content.
This 28-inch display doesn’t quite make it a suitable substitute for a TV, however, the 4K screen clarity paired with good performance-tailored specs does make it a superb choice for competitive players and general content consumption.
This monitor is equipped with the following ports:
NOW READ:TODAY’S COIN MASTER FREE SPINS HAVE ARRIVED – FIND OUT WHAT THEY ARE HERE!
- 2 x HDMI 2.1 ports
- 1 DisplayPort 1.4
- USB Hub
- 3.5mm headphone jack audio out
With thin bezels, an attractive design, and support for features like FreeSync Premium, 144hz refresh rate, and rapid 1ms response time, this really is the monitor that can do everything.
This isn’t a cheap monitor by any means, but it will be a great display to partner with a next-generation games console.
See the full Acer Nitro Xv282K review here.
Gigabyte FV43U
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Response time
1ms MPRT
Screen size
43″
Resolution
3840 x 2160
- HDMI 2.1 support
- Next-gen console friendly
- 144Hz refresh rate
- UHD 4K Screen resolution
- 1ms MPRT
- Expensive
The Gigabyte FV43U is a huge 43-inch 4K monitor with a VA panel that supports a high refresh rate and low response time – the perfect combination of specs for any PlayStation 5/ Xbox One Series X gamer.
This monitor is visually stunning and accommodates the full capabilities of the PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, and 4K-capable PCs. 4K resolution is now utilized across all platforms and makes your gaming experience look more beautiful than ever before – at least with the PS4 and Xbox One titles that are actually in 4K.
The screen size of this monitor is perfectly optimized for console gamers, coming in at 43-inches and providing excellent levels of clarity and immersion. Pair this with the 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, and it’s easy to see how this monitor made it in our best-of guide.
At the back of the monitor you’ll see the following:
- 2 x USB 3.0
- USB 3.1 Type-C port
- 2 x HDMI 2.1
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
- 3.5mm headphone jack
Within the monitor’s OSD, users will find a number of picture settings to choose from. In fact, you can choose from different predefined gaming modes to give you the best display output when playing different game genres.
The only real downside to the monitor is the high price tag it comes equipped with. With retail prices hitting over $1000, the FV43U goes into direct competition with the LG OLED48 monitor.
See the complete Gigabyte FV43U review here
Dell U2718Q
Size
27”
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Response Time
5ms
Panel
IPS
Resolution
3840 x 2160
- Almost non-existent bezels
- IPS panel for great colors
- 4K resolution
- Large screen
- Stand has a cable management holder
- A little bit expensive
- 5ms response time
If you find the LG 27UK850-W to be a little too expensive or perhaps you won’t be taking advantage of the AMD FreeSync technology, then this is the third-best investment in our roundup.
Like our top pick, the U2718Q is a 27-inch 4K gaming monitor with an IPS monitor that also supports HDR. 27-inches is considered to be the sweet spot for 4K gaming monitors and makes sitting further away acceptable.
The Dell U2718Q looks simple yet sleek and features thin bezels with an attractive metallic finish. Adding to the clean design, the stand has a cable management holder to run your cables through and keep the general area tidy. The monitor also has plenty of adjustment options, you can adjust the height, tilt, pivot, and swivel; you can even mount it since it’s VESA compatible.
Looking at the In/Out ports on the back,
- 1 x HDMI 2.0 port
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
- 1 x USB 3.0 hub
- 1 x Mini DisplayPort
- 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack
The only downside to this monitor is the average response time of 5ms. It is about as slow as you want a gaming monitor response time to be but when you factor in the IPS panel this issue becomes less of a problem.
While this monitor doesn’t have a joystick navigation button, like our top pick, it does have four tactile buttons located on the underside of the bottom-right bezel allowing for easy navigation.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Response Time
5ms
Size
28″
Maximum Resolution
3840 x 2160
Panel
IPS
- Stunning picture clarity
- Very immersive gaming experience
- Fantastic value for money
- Nice depth in bright areas
- Not true HDR quality
- Inputs are lacking
- Low refresh rate
- Slow response time
If you are more of a competitive gamer and prefer performance and speed over high resolution and colour reproduction, then this is the best console monitor according to our tests.
The ASUS VG289Q, like our top pick, is a 4K resolution gaming monitor. This one from Asus is 1-inch larger at 28-inches and boasts a 5ms response time and an IPS panel. It also utilizes the Asus Eye Care technology to take care of your eyes by eliminating flickering and at the same time, lowers the blue light to reduce eye strain. The beauty of this monitor is it does all of this whilst also coming in at a much lower price.
This has an ergonomically designed 5-way joystick that lets you change its brightness, color, and a few other settings via the on-screen display (OSD). This joystick helps you make fast adjustments unlike less intuitive controls seen on some similar monitors.
The monitor is somewhat lacking in the aesthetic department, you could say it is cheap looking, however, the bezels are relatively thin and if you ignore the stand it doesn’t look all that bad.
The stand is poor and does have some wobble if you move the desk due to the large screen size. The stand only allows for a basic tilt adjustment back and forward; no elevation, rotating, or anything of that sort here. And it lacks VESA support meaning you stuck with the lackluster base.
The In/Out ports aren’t really as extensive as the others on the list,
- 2 x HDMI 2.0
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
- 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack
Whilst this isn’t the most responsive monitor in the world, it certainly offers a good gaming experience for last-gen console gamers that require 4K screen resolution.
Nonetheless, our testers still felt this was one of the best monitors you could use while gaming on an Xbox One X or PS4 Pro.
See our full ASUS VG289Q review here.
ASUS ROG Strix XG438Q 43” Large Gaming Monitor
Size
43″
Refresh Rate
120Hz
Response Time
4ms
Panel Type
VA
Maximum Resolution
3840 x 2160
- High-gaming performance
- Great for PC and console gamers
- Great build quality
- FreeSync 2 support
- On the expensive side
The ASUS ROG Strix XG438Q is an utterly gorgeous large monitor, with robust support for 4k resolutions, and high framerate gaming. This is a perfect partner for next-generation consoles like the Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5. It’s also a great display for watching films, TV, and other video content.
This huge 43-inch display makes it a suitable substitute for a TV, as well as a great quality gaming monitor. It would also pair very nicely with a top end gaming PC, making this an extremely versatile display.
This monitor is equipped with the following ports:
- 3 HDMI 2.0 ports
- 1 DisplayPort 1.4
- 2 USB ports
- 3.5mm headphone jack Input
With thin bezels, an attractive design, and support for features like FreeSync 2, multiple HDR modes, a bundled remote control, this really is the monitor that can do everything.
This isn’t a cheap monitor by any means, but it will be a great display to partner with a next-generation games console.
How We Test & Choose
Whether it’s a best-of guide or a single product review, we ensure every monitor we recommend has been through a strict testing process. That’s right, we don’t just search Amazon for the top sellers, we hand-pick the market’s best monitors and test each one with the same meticulous care and attention as the last. This not only ensures that we can recommend the best products the market has to offer, but it also helps us build reader confidence as well.
As part of the monitor review process, we like to test each for color accuracy, responsiveness, panel uniformity, build quality, and overall gaming performance. We use a number of specifically-designed tools to capture the data for each monitor, ensuring only the highest levels of accuracy are recorded during testing. This process allows us to hand-select the best monitors from both a performance and value standpoint, whilst also enabling us to compare the latest models with last season’s best sellers.
Click here if you want to see our in-depth explanation of how we test each and every monitor.
Console Monitors with HDMI 2.1
As many of you will be aware, the latest consoles from both Sony and Xbox come offering a whole fleet of impressive performance stats, tailored to ensure the best visual experience possible. The latest, and potentially most talked about, specification that has sparked consumers into voice is 4K gaming at 120FPS.
Whilst not many games actually support this feature, it is certainly something console gamers will be able to enjoy in the near future. That said, one of the big questions we get asked around the subject is: are there any monitors with HDMI 2.1?
Right now, there aren’t any HDMI 2.1 monitors available for purchase. I know, annoying. That said, ASUS are the first brand to announce a whole lineup of new HDMI 2.1 monitors that will cater nicely to both PC gamers and console players alike.
Whilst we won’t get a glimpse of those new monitors until the end of Q1 2021, you can rest assured that they will definitely be amongst the best console gaming monitors the market has to offer.
Things to Consider When Buying A Console Gaming Monitor
Like most gaming peripherals or computer parts, buying a console monitor shouldn’t be done haphazardly. There are certain factors that must be taken into consideration when purchasing any monitor, even more so when pairing a display with one of the latest consoles. Doing this not only allows you to make a more informed decision, but it’ll allow you to handpick the one that best suits your specific needs.
For your convenience, we compiled all the specifications and features that you need to check and evaluate before making your final purchasing decision.
Immersive or Competitive?
One of the first things you should consider before purchasing a new console gaming monitor is; immersive or competitive? What I mean by that is, do you prioritize visual immersion or are you more concerned with the panel’s responsiveness? This is an important quality to understand, mainly because it’ll have a large impact on what specifications you actually look for in a monitor.
Below, I’ve listed some of the most important specs to consider whether you’re looking for an immersion or responsive monitor.
Immersive
- 4K screen resolution
- Wide color gamut (100%sRGB+, 85% DCI-P3+, 85% Adobe RGB+)
- 32-inch (or above) screen size
- IPS panel technology (greater color accuracy and wide color gamut)
- Fast response time
- High Dynamic Range
Competitive
- Fast refresh rate
- Fast response time
- Low input lag
- FreeSync VRR support
There are arguments for certain factors to lie within both immersive and competitive. That being said, when stripping it back to the bare essentials, I feel the above list covers everything you should be looking for when tailoring your gaming to either immersive or competitive gameplay.
Resolution
If you’re on one of the older base models of previous generations consoles, resolution matters least when it comes to gaming monitors – with 1080p being the max resolution supported by most games on PS4 or Xbox One. However, if you’re using one of the mid-generation upgrades of those consoles (Xbox One X or PS4 Pro), or next generations consoles (Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5) and want to play 4K games/watch 4K content on them, a 4K panel is definitely the best option.
If you only have a basic PS4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch, though, there’s no point in buying a monitor above 1080p unless you plan on using it for movies and general computer use also.
Check our 1080 vs 4K gaming comparison here.
Do Consoles support ultrawide?
Ultrawide monitors are some of the most immersive on the market, offering a wide field of view that really adds to the visual experience you recieve.
Unfortunately, consoles do not natively support the 21:9 aspect ratio (ultrawide display AR). Resolutions like 2560 x 1080 and 3440 x 1440 that feature on these ultrawide monitors aren’t supported by games, with most opting for the more traditional 16:9 variant. Whether or not this will always be the case is yet to be determined, however, for now, we’ll have to settle for 16:9 displays.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
You may have seen the HDR (High Dynamic Range) setting on your phones but what exactly does it do? It’s easier to understand if we first define Dynamic Range. In simple terms, dynamic range is the measurement of how much the brightest area of an image differs from the darkest area. High dynamic range basically adjusts the image to make it look more true-to-life by improving and adding details to dark areas. Monitors that support HDR show dark colors in a deep and clear manner. This gives competitive gamers an edge since they will be able to see dark areas better.
But keep in mind that the following are the only HDR-capable game consoles:
- Xbox One S
- Xbox One X
- Xbox Series S
- Xbox Series X
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 4 Pro
- PlayStation 5
Panel Type: IPS vs TN
IPS displays offer great color reproduction – far better than your usual HDTV but not quite as refined as the full HDR-10 standard. When it comes to monitors, it’s the best viewing experience you can have, especially when you take the increased viewing angles into consideration. IPS generally sacrifices some response time which may be a problem if you’re a dedicated, competitive-oriented gamer.
TN panels, on the other hand, are cheaper and have faster response times (usually 1ms compared to 5ms for most IPS panels), but are lacking in color reproduction and viewing angles, which might be relevant if you are planning on mounting your monitor or using a floor-based console gaming chair.
You can learn more about the difference between an IPS and TN panel by checking our TN vs IPS vs VA article.
Refresh Rate
Previous generation consoles only ran at a maximum of 60fps. This meant that if you’re gaming on any model of PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, you’ll be playing at a maximum framerate of 60fps – regardless of which display you are playing on. The latest next-generation consoles from Microsoft and Sony (the Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5) support gaming at up to 120fps, depending on the game. If you’re using one of these systems, you are absolutely going to want to choose a monitor that supports this high refresh rate range.
Are console gaming monitors good?
Console monitors offer up excellent performance when compared to generic monitors and TVs. While technology has got better in TVs, they’re still no match for the best console gaming monitors.
Manufacturers will ensure that console gaming monitors provide the best visual experience by adding key specifications to each monitor. These include high refresh rates, low response times, high screen resolutions, and other picture-enhancing features too.
Best console gaming monitor for PlayStation and Xbox FAQs
Is a monitor or TV better for console gaming?
Generally speaking, a gaming monitor will be the better option for console gaming because gaming monitors are specifically designed to cater to all gaming needs. For starters, gaming monitors are usually able to offer a much higher refresh rate as compared to tv monitors, all while delivering a better pixel density.
Plus, thanks to advancements made in panel technology in recent years, gaming monitors are able to offer clear and crisp color reproduction, meaning that you’ll be able to enjoy an immersive gaming experience, as well as clear graphics. This makes gaming monitors especially well-suited to professional gaming, or for gaming enthusiasts who spend a lot of time playing, and want the most immersive experience possible.
In contrast, TVs are made a little differently from gaming monitors, with the biggest difference being their size. Due to TVs commonly having a larger screen than gaming monitors, it means that they tend to focus on the overall viewing experience and color reproduction, as opposed to a high pixel density and refresh rate. In addition to this, TVs are also ideal for gamers that prefer wide angles, as TVs often tend to contain display features that are optimized to achieve this due to the most commonly being used in living rooms. This makes TV’s an ideal choice for those that prefer casual gaming, and do not mind compromising on pixel density and refresh rates.
Is 75hz good for console gaming?
Yes, absolutely. Though a 75Hz may not be as speedy as a 144Hz monitor (which is able to refresh the screen 140 times in a second), a 75Hz monitor will still offer a better gaming experience than standard monitors, which offer an average of 60Hz. A 60Hz refresh rate means that the screen will be refreshed 60 times per second. At this rate, fast-moving visuals will appear to be blurry or could even lag, and may even cause screen tearing. In contrast, a 75Hz monitor falls within the ‘high-refresh category, which means that it will be able to show fast-moving graphics and images more smoothly, all while helping to prevent tearing and lagging.
Can PS5 run 144Hz?
No, the PS5 does not support 144Hz just yet, but it is able to play at around 120fps on a 1080p monitor. At the time of writing, the PS5 is able to run 1080p at 120fps, 4K at 60fps/120fps, as well as 8K at 60fps (though it will struggle to reach anything higher at 8K). Plus, as of right now, there is currently no support for 1440p at all, though future system updates from Sony. Therefore, if you are searching for a monitor or TV for your new PS5, then you’re going to get the best experience from those that have been optimized to run at 1080p resolution.
Can Xbox run 144Hz?
Yes, an Xbox console is able to run 144Hz, although there aren’t a whole lot of benefits to choosing to use a 4k monitor. For starters, as Xbox’s used an HDMI port, it means that it will only ever be able to reach a maximum of 60Hz. An Xbox also averages at around 30 to 60 frames per second, meaning that it won’t be able to go above 100fps. Therefore, this means that if you happen to use a 144Hz monitor, there is a strong chance that the visuals will appear to be blurry and unclear.
Is a curved monitor better for gaming?
Regardless of whether you choose to stick with a standard monitor or try out a curved alternative, both are great choices that are widely used in the gaming community. In a nutshell, a curved monitor is essentially the exact same as a flat-screen monitor, the only difference being that the edges of the screen are slightly bent towards you.
Upon first impressions, a curved monitor can seem novel and even overpriced, however, there are plenty of benefits to choosing to go with a curved monitor over a standard one. For starters, curved monitors are able to create a ‘3D’ experience because the curvatures of the monitor screen are able to create a more realistic and immersive feel. This is because the ‘bending’ effect helps to fill your peripheral vision alongside your main line of vision, which helps to not only enhance the cinematic feel but create a more realistic gaming experience.
In addition to that, curved monitor screens are also a healthier option for your eyes. The reason for this is that curved screens are able to keep everything on a screen positioned equidistant from your eyes at all times. Thanks to that, this means that your eyes will work less while processing and analyzing the gaming graphics on screen, meaning that you’ll be able to play games for longer with a lower chance of developing any eye strain.
Does response time matter for console gaming?
Yes, when it comes to gaming, the response time is very important and greatly impacts the overall performance you can expect to get from your console.
If you want the very best gaming experience, then it’s important that you choose a TV or monitor that will be able to offer you both a high refresh rate and fast response time. In a monitor, the response time is measured in milliseconds and helps to indicate to you how quickly a pixel is able to switch from one shade of gray to another shade of gray, which you may have seen referred to as G+G.
A faster response time is important because it will be able to help reduce any lagging or smearing of graphics, which will help to create clearer overall visuals. In addition to this, a fast response time will also help to contribute to the overall running of the monitor or TV and will help to deliver a more enjoyable and high-quality gaming experience.
Final Word
So, there you have it, our comprehensive rundown of the best console gaming monitors this 2023. We hope this guide has made understanding the tech that goes into console monitors a little easier. This knowledge should enable you to choose a monitor that is actually right for your specific needs. Whether you’re a part-time gamer that just wants a great visual experience or someone more focused on competitive gaming, there is a top display in this list that suits your requirements.
If you have any questions regarding console gaming monitors or any of the monitors in this guide, feel free to drop us a comment in the section below.
WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more