What are the features that make for the best console gaming monitors? First and foremost, you’ll want to search for an option that gives you strong visuals for a more immersive experience in your favorite games. Consider the best monitors with a 4K screen resolution and good color accuracy to get a good visual experience.
Next, you’ll want to find a monitor that supports fast performance so you can play all of your competitive and fast-paced games easily like the top-rated gaming monitors for PS4. Monitors that support a faster response time and high refresh rates minimize motion blur and screen tearing. And to enhance your monitor’s functionality, consider getting the best computer monitor accessories on the market today.
You may also want to consider a curved display for your console gaming setup. Curved monitors are becoming more popular with console gamers due to their sleek aesthetic and greater level of immersion. While curved monitors aren’t necessary for a good console gaming experience, they can help elevate your entire setup.
Finally, you’ll also want your console gaming monitor to support a few different connectivity options. On the off chance that you’ve got a current-gen console, your monitor should propose at least one HDMI 2.1 port. Last-gen consoles support HDMI 2.0. You should also consider a monitor with additional ports so you can connect peripherals, external speakers, and different devices. Keep in mind your budget as well, though we’ve got you covered with a guide to finding yourself a good cheap gaming monitor.
Keep reading to learn more about the best console monitors and the way you can find the best options for your casual or competitive gaming habits. We reviewed 10 of the best console gaming monitors money can buy in 2023.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Console Gaming Monitors 2023 Reviews For The USA
1. Best Console Gaming Monitor Overall – ViewSonic ELITE XG320U
Gamers with big pockets will be hard-pressed to find a best console gaming monitor than ViewSonic’s Elite XG320U – it checks out all the boxes as it comes with a 1000:1 contrast ratio and 600 nits of peak brightness.
The basic specs include a 4K, 144 Hz IPS display, and 31.9″ screen size with a pixel density of 137 PPI. The HDR600 support in addition to the previously mentioned 600 nits peak brightness and 178-degree viewing angles are just a part of the amazing features this monitor has.
The ViewSonic Elite XG320U has a color depth of 10 bits and fast connectivity thanks to three display inputs at the back: an HDMI 2.0 with an HDMI 2.1 and a DisplayPort 1.2. In addition, a FreeSync Premium Pro feature ensures a super-fast response time of 1 ms.
The monitor has an extensive color gamut. The colors were spot on, with no oversaturation during the testing phase. There were no complaints with the HDR performance, which had significant black levels, white luminescence, and sequential contrast.
The gaming performance was also flawless; low input latency, great viewing angles, and no screen tearing or frame juddering.
Unfortunately, the XG320U’s contrast ratio is slightly above average. Although not a deal-breaker, given the price tag, expecting a better dynamic range is reasonable. Overall, the ViewSonic ELITE XG320U is a great monitor, with the only downsides being the contrast ratio and price tag.
2. Best Gaming Monitor for PS5 – Gigabyte M32U
Gigabyte M32U is a 31.5 inch 4K, 144Hz IPS monitor that supports FreeSync Premium Pro, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, 140 PPI, and a 1ms response time. The monitor also supports 10-bit colors with a peak brightness of 350 nits and HDR400.
A solo DisplayPort 1.4 allows for 4K at 144 Hz for connectivity. The other two ports are HDMI 2.1, which only supports 4K at 120 Hz. The monitor also has 3 x USB 3.0 ports.
Regarding image quality, the Gigabyte M32U is one of the most outstanding gaming monitors currently available, with significant color accuracy and factory calibration. Additionally, the color gamut is excellent, both in standard and high dynamic ranges. Lastly, the monitor handled the gradients brilliantly with no banding whatsoever.
The gaming performance is nothing to scoff at either; FreeSync worked as intended, and there was no flickering, juddering, or screen tearing. Also, image ghosting and input lag at 120 Hz were minimal, thanks to a 1ms response time.
Sadly, the 1000:1 contrast ratio — while decent enough on paper — was underwhelming. The darks had a slightly grayish hue, and the IPS panel struggled with saturated colors. Nevertheless, you can’t go wrong with the M32U, especially in the event that you plan to game on the PlayStation 5.
3. Best Gaming Monitor for Xbox Series X – BenQ MOBIUZ EX3210U
Got an Xbox Series X? Then consider using the BenQ Mobius EX3210U, a 4K IPS gaming monitor that supports a 144 Hz refresh rate with a 138 PPI, a 1000:1 contrast ratio with 10-bit colors, HDR10 support, and a peak brightness of 600 nits under HDR.
In the gaming department, the monitor has a fast 2ms response time and supports variable refresh rates with FreeSync Premium Pro and VRR over HDMI. Unfortunately, there’s no native G-Sync support. Notwithstanding, it’s G-Sync ‘compatible’.
A single DisplayPort 1.4 at the back lets users play their favorite Xbox titles at 144 Hz peak refresh rates. For those without a DisplayPort, dual HDMI 2.1 ports support up to 120 Hz at 4K.
As for the image quality, the BenQ Mobiuz has a vast color gamut with accurate saturation. It ranks as one of the most amazing monitors regarding color accuracy. With no ghosting, flickering, or screen tearing issues, it’s easy to see the reason why the EX3210U ranks as a must-have gaming console monitor.
But for what reason do we recommend it specifically for the Xbox Series X? Because of FreeSync Premium Pro and LFC (Low Framerate Compensation). PS5’s VRR range is natively capped at 48 Hz, apart from the games with Sony’s proper VRR integration with LFC.
Since Microsoft consoles support proper FreeSync Premium, that’s a non-issue. With BenQ Mobiuz EX3210U, you’ll have a tear-free experience, regardless of what game you play or how low the frame rate drops.
4. Best Gaming Monitor for Xbox Series S – LG UltraGear 32GN650-B
With the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5-specific, monitors out of the way, now is the ideal time to talk about the Xbox Series S. After careful consideration, we’ve chosen the LG UltraGear 32GN650-B as the best monitor for this gaming console.
It’s a sleek 31.5″ 1440p VA LCD monitor with a fast 165 Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium support. The display boasts a response rate of 5ms and an above-average contrast ratio of 3000:1. There’s also support for HDR10 with a peak brightness of 350 nits.
The colors have an 8-bit depth with a 95% SRGB gamut, which is low but typical for a budget monitor. There are three input ports at the back, including a single DisplayPort 1.2 and dual HDMI 2.0. Although an HDMI 2.1 port is absent, the HDMI 2.0 has enough bandwidth to handle 1440p at 144 Hz.
Speaking of which, on the off chance that you’re wondering why we picked a 1440p native resolution monitor, no games run at full 4K, 120FPS on the Series S.
A good example would be Fortnite. As per Epic Games, Fortnite runs at either 1200p at 60 Hz refresh rate or 1080p at 120 Hz on Series S. So, in the event that you own an Xbox Series S, there’s not a great explanation to purchase a 4K monitor.
The LG UltraGear 32GN650-B offers a decent contrast ratio with deep blacks and grays. The monitor also gets very bright — even in SDR — while HDR bumps the brightness to 600 nits.
Unfortunately, the LG UltraGear has a low 93 PPI pixel density due to its 1440p resolution. The viewing angles are also restricted, and the color gamut is muted due to an 8-bit color depth. Despite its drawbacks, this LG’s offering remains a solid choice for Xbox Series S owners.
5. Best 4K Monitor for Console Gaming – Acer Predator XB283K
The Acer Predator XB283K is another great monitor for console gaming. A 28″ display, 4K IPS monitor with a refresh rate of 144 Hz and a pixel density of 157 PPI.
The monitor features 10-bit colors and HDR400 with a peak contrast ratio of 4000:1 in high dynamic range mode. In contrast, the standard dynamic range is restricted to just 1000:1. Serious gamers/streamers can benefit from a 1ms response time and FreeSync Premium with a VRR range of 48 to 144 Hz, along with LFC.
At the back is a single DisplayPort 1.4 that fully supports 4K at 144 Hz, comes with dual HDMI 2.1 ports, and can go up to 120 Hz. There are also four full-sized USB 3.0 ports and a USB Type-C.
The monitor also has integrated dual stereo speakers, which you can connect to your console via the 3.5mm audio jack. You can also crank up the volume at the cost of poor highs. Low power consumption (at just 65W) means you can power it via the USB-C port.
The Acer Predator XB283K manages to hang with the best owing to its image and performance capabilities. There’s a wide viewing angle, the color gamut is decent, the contrast ratio is nice and crisp with deep, inky blacks, and the HDR experience is great, thanks to the 4000:1 contrast ratio.
The gaming performance was above average; we encountered no screen tearing or image flickering. The overall performance is smooth, and the variable refresh rate is as advertised. Set forth plainly, the Acer Predator XB283K is a great all-rounder.
6. Best Next Gen. Console Gaming Monitor – Scepter Ultra-Wide C355W
Curved ultra-wide monitors are all the rage, and judging by the trends, 21:9 ultra-wide monitors may dominate the space soon. After all, we created some distance from short 5:4, 4:3, and even semi-wide 16:10 aspect ratios to the wide 16:9 displays of today.
Some rumors suggest that newer consoles may add support for 21:9 aspect ratios. In view of that, investing in an ultra-wide monitor today might be a good idea.
The Scepter C355W is a 35″ 1440p 21:9 is one such display with a native resolution of 3440 x 1440. The refresh rate peaks at 100 Hz with a screen response time of 4ms. And there’s FreeSync as well as Nvidia G-Sync support.
Presently, how about we discuss image quality? The monitor only supports 8-bit color depth, as do most mid-range monitors. Be that as it may, the contrast ratio is above average at 3000:1, owing to a W-Drove backlight.
Because ultra-wide monitors are relatively new, there are some obvious drawbacks. For example, the peak brightness on this product peaks at a low 320 nits, and the pixel density is only 106 PPI. Also, there’s no HDR support.
The monitor has a 1800R curvature (overly aggressive, as we would see it). Nonetheless, viewing angles are excellent — especially for a VA panel — at 178 degrees. At the back is a single HDMI 1.4 port with dual HDMI 2.0 ports and a DisplayPort 1.2.
Image quality is not this monitor’s strong suit either. The color gamut is muted because of the 8-bit depth, and the monitor felt slightly under-saturated with restricted color accuracy. But we tracked down the contrast ratio good with deep blacks and a wide dynamic range.
Lastly, Scepter C355W performed well in our tests. The input latency was relatively low, thanks to VA’s fast pixel response time. VRR also worked as intended with no tearing, juddering, or flickering whatsoever.
7. Best Low Input Lag Console Gaming – LG 27GN950-B UltraGear
Gamers looking for a performance-centric monitor with low input latency will find LG’s UltraGear 27GN950 monitor worth the price tag.
The UltraGear is a 27″ 4K, 144 Hz monitor with a 1ms response time, 400 nits brightness, support for FreeSync Premium Pro, and a Nano IPS display panel. For those unaware, the Nano IPS is the development of IPS technology that aims to improve response time and input latency and offers a superior P3 color gamut.
Different features include a contrast ratio of 1000:1 with a high pixel density of 163 PPI and 10-bit depth with 30-bit colors. The monitor is also HDR capable of supporting HDR10 and Vesa’s DisplayHDR 600 standards.
At the back is a single DisplayPort 1.4, accompanied by two HDMI 2.0 ports and three USB 3.0 ports for USB hub functionality. Regarding power consumption, the monitor has a peak wattage of 30.4 watts.
The UltraGear is average with regard to image quality – the contrast ratio is on the lower side, with blacks having a slightly gray hue. Nonetheless, the peak brightness is high due to Nano IPS technology, which balances things out.
The color accuracy is above average; we found the SDR color gamut and HDR excellent.
The gaming session was enjoyable owing to a smooth variable refresh rate and a lack of screen tearing or flickering issues. Last but not least, LG UltraGear’s input latency is the lowest in class at just around 5ms at 120 Hz.
8. Best Portable Console Gaming Monitor – ASUS ROG Strix XG17
Asus ROG Strix XG17 is a compact, portable workhorse despite its size suggesting otherwise. At the front is a 17.3″ 1080p IPS display with a high 240 Hz refresh rate. The 1080p resolution may seem low, but the pixel density is high (127 PPI) due to the small screen size.
The monitor is FreeSync capable and has a response time of 3ms. The contrast ratio is 1000:1 with 300 nits brightness. On the other side, the screen only has 8-bit colors with no HDR support.
For connectivity, the monitor has a single Micro HDMI 2.0. Although the HDMI 2.0 can crank things up to 240 Hz at 1080p, you’d only be able to play at 120 Hz because both the PS5 and XSX peak at 120 Hz.
At the monitor’s side are dual USB-C ports, which you can use to charge the integrated 7,800 mAh battery. During the testing stage, the battery lasted for around 4 hours while running heavy games on the Xbox Series X at 120 Hz.
This little monitor performed admirably in our gaming test as well. We encountered no flickering, tearing, or motion judder. In any case, some testers saw minor ghosting effects.
The monitor’s image quality isn’t stellar; the greens look washed out, while reds appear oversaturated. It’s a minor issue; you can always calibrate the monitor, but most individuals would rather not deal with the hassle.
In a nutshell, the Asus ROG Strix XG17 is a fantastic portable gaming monitor. In any case, it isn’t cheap, and considering the price tag, the image quality leaves much to be desired.
9. Best Curved Monitor for Console – Samsung Odyssey Neo G7
Samsung’s Odyssey Neo G7 is our top pick for curved gaming monitors. It has a 31.5″ screen with a VA panel, a 4K 165 Hz refresh rate, a 3300:1 contrast ratio, and a 2.2ms response time with a pixel density of 140 DPI.
The Neo G7 is both FreeSync — as well as G—Sync—compatible. Speaking of image quality, the monitor supports 10-bit colors with HDR 10 and a peak brightness of 350 nits. In addition, a DisplayPort 1.4 with dual HDMI 2.1 ports and two USB 3.0 ports ensure high-quality gameplay.
The contrast ratio of the monitor is superb; the blacks were intense, and the overall dynamic range was great under both SDR and HDR. Speaking of HDR, the monitor manages a peak of 1000 nits brightness in that mode. Also, the color gamut is above average in standard and high dynamic ranges, and the color gradients possess noticeable banding. All, on the whole, the display is pleasing to the eye.
As for the gaming performance, the Neo G7 doesn’t disappoint. Popular titles like Call of Obligation run smoothly without juddering, tearing, or frame pacing issues.
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 is a great curved monitor, albeit expensive. It’s a delight to play games on, is excellent for watching HDR content, and the 1000R curve is perfect.
10. Best Budget Console Gaming Monitor Under $300 – AOC CQ27G2
AOC CQ27G2 is a 27″ 1440p, 144 Hz refresh rate, budget-accommodating monitor that also features a pixel density of 108 PPI and FreeSync Premium support. The monitor has a VA LCD panel with a W-Drove backlight that offers an SDR contrast ratio of 3000:1.
The peak brightness is a low 250 nits, meaning you’ll want to avoid using this monitor in a bright climate — the color depth is equally unimpressive at 8 bits, which is not surprising given the price tag.
Regarding connectivity, dual HDMI 2.0 ports are at the back, accompanied by a solo DisplayPort 1.2. While lacking the latest HDMI 2.1 support, the HDMI 2.0 has enough bandwidth for 1440p at 144 Hz, making it a non-issue.
While analyzing the color accuracy, we noticed that the RGB gamut struggled with under-saturated greens whereas the reds were oversaturated. All in all, the monitor requires proper calibration.
The AOC CQ27G2 somewhat redeems itself during gaming sessions; the FreeSync worked adequately, and there was no screen tearing, judder, or excessive motion blur.
Despite all the drawbacks, for a $300 priced product, the CQ27G2 still punches well above its weight.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Monitor for Console Gaming
There are several factors to consider before choosing a gaming monitor:
Display Panel Technology
Four types of monitors are available on the market: TN, IPS, VA, and OLED.
- TN monitors are preferable for gaming, as they offer the highest response time and refresh rates, albeit at the cost of poor viewing angles and color accuracy.
- IPS panels offer good color reproduction and viewing angles but have slower response times.
- VA panels are the center ground between TN and IPS, as their response time and contrast ratio falls between them.
- OLED monitors offer excellent color reproduction with a near-boundless contrast ratio (typically 100000:1) but may suffer from screen flickering (PWM) and burn-ins.
Refresh Rates
Another critical factor to consider is the screen refresh rate. Refresh rate refers to the number of images or ‘frames’ a screen can display each second.
Budget monitors will generally have refresh rates of 60 or 75 Hz. Meanwhile, gaming monitors feature refresh rates of 120 Hz or above.
Response Time
Response time refers to the time a display takes to switch starting with one color and then onto the next. For gaming, the ideal response time is 5ms or less (lower is better).
Screen Resolution
Screen resolution refers to the number of pixels on display. Higher resolutions offer a more detailed image, better clarity, and sharpness. In gaming, higher resolutions reduce graphics aliasing and display smoother textures.
Popular screen resolutions are 1080p (FHD), 1440p (QHD), and 2160p (UHD or 4K), with an aspect ratio of 16:9. 1080p has the lowest pixel count at 2.0 Megapixels, followed by 1440p at 3.7 Megapixels and 2160p at 8.3 Megapixels.
FAQs About The Best Console Gaming Monitors For The USA
Can You Plug a Console Directly into a Gaming Monitor?
Yes, you can. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X both support HDMI 2.1. You can connect any HDMI-compatible monitor — and Televisions — to your console.
Why Are Gaming Monitors More Expensive Than Televisions?
The answer is performance. Televisions are traditionally restricted to either 50Hz (PAL) or 60Hz (NTSC) refresh rates, depending on the region. Then again, gaming monitors generally have a refresh rate of 120 or 144Hz with superior response times.
What Hz Monitor is Good for Console Gaming?
Any 120Hz display. All three current gen. Consoles (PS5, Xbox Series S/X) support 4K 120Hz output, thanks to HDMI 2.1.
Unsurprisingly, there are a ton of popular games that run at 120FPS on these consoles. Titles like Apex Legends, Fortnite, Call of Obligation: Warzone, and Destruction: Eternal — to name a few — have 120FPS modes.
Is 60 Hz Vs. 120 Hz Noticeable?
Absolutely! At 60Hz, each frame is displayed for 16.67ms. 120Hz cuts the latency time in half to 8.33ms.
120Hz refresh rate not only offers a dramatic improvement in visual ease — as compared to 60Hz — but also significantly cuts down the input latency.
Can PS4 or PS5 Run 144Hz?
Unfortunately, no. PlayStation 4 Pro only supports up to 4K 60Hz displays because of HDMI 2.0. Meanwhile, PlayStation 5 comes with HDMI 2.1, which supports up to 4K at 120Hz.
While you can connect a 144Hz display with the PlayStation 5, the screen refresh rate will cap at 120Hz.
Is 1440p better than 4k for the PS5?
No, Sony has recently added support for 1440p monitors, but that doesn’t make them better than 4K displays – a lot of games run at native 4K on the PlayStation 5.
While you can run 4K PS5 games on a 1440p monitor, the internal render resolution would remain at 4K. So, you will not get any higher frame rates with a 1440p monitor, just a lower resolution.
What is the Best Size Monitor for Gaming?
It depends on your viewing distance. At a viewing distance of 3 feet or more, a display with around 100 PPI (Pixels Per Inch) is ideal. That means 28″ for 1440p and 38″ for 4K.
But for an optimal visual experience, aim for 125 DPI or more. That means 24″ for 1440p and 32″ for 4K. Is a 32-Inch Monitor Too Big for Gaming?
No. There is a reason monitors are available in different sizes, each with its uses. For example, a 32-inch monitor is ideal when seen at a distance of 4 feet (or more) from the monitor.
Is a Curved Monitor Better for Gaming?
Yes. Curved monitors offer a more immersive gaming experience than traditional flat-screen monitors. Also, curved screens enhance your peripheral vision, giving you a competitive edge in gaming.
As a side benefit, curved displays also help reduce eye, not set in stone by a study conducted by Schepens Eye Research Institute at the Harvard Medical School.
Does a Curved Monitor Affect Your Aiming While Playing FPS Games?
Not at all! the opposite is valid. Curved monitors offer a superior FOV (Field of View) than flat screen monitors. That means your eyes see additional screen real estate from any particular angle.
In short, curved monitors should — and will — improve your aiming while playing FPS computer games. You’ll find it easier to arrange your shots while playing on a curved monitor.
What Gaming Monitor Does Nickmercs Use?
Twitch streamer Nickmercs uses a Dell Alienware AW2521H. It’s a 24.5″ 1080p monitor with a 360 Hz refresh rate, G-Sync compatibility, and a 1 ms response time.
What is the best screen size for console gaming?
In general, we recommend purchasing a gaming monitor in the 24-inch to the 27-inch size range. However, many competitive gamers on consoles prefer the 32-inch size for gaming. Any of these screen sizes will provide you with an impressive gaming experience.
Conclusion – Best Console Gaming Monitors In 2023
This concludes our audit of the top console gaming monitors available in the market. As you’ve just read, each monitor has its strengths and weaknesses and caters to a different set of needs and requirements. Presently, it’s up to you to figure out which suits you best!
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