What Gaming Monitor Should I Get for PS5? Buying Guide

The PS5 is capable of more than most monitors can actually display, which makes picking the right screen more important than it might seem. Getting a monitor for PS5 wrong usually means missing out on features the console already supports, like 120Hz gameplay or proper HDR, simply because the display can’t keep up.

Look for a monitor with HDMI 2.1 to unlock 4K at 120Hz on PS5.
VRR support helps reduce screen tearing in fast-paced games.
Genuine HDR with strong contrast matters more than marketing HDR labels.
A 27 to 32-inch 4K panel is the sweet spot size for most PS5 setups.

The Non-Negotiable Spec: HDMI 2.1

This is the single most important thing to check. The PS5 can output 4K resolution at up to 120Hz in supported games, but that requires a true HDMI 2.1 port on the monitor, not just an HDMI 2.1 label with older bandwidth underneath.

Without HDMI 2.1, PS5 output gets capped at either 4K 60Hz or 1080p 120Hz, not both together.
Some budget monitors advertise “HDMI 2.1 features” while only supporting VRR or ALLM without full 4K 120Hz bandwidth, so check the actual port specification, not just the feature list.
DisplayPort doesn’t help here since PS5 only outputs video over HDMI.

What Else to Look For

Beyond HDMI 2.1, a few other specs make a real difference in how good PS5 games actually look and feel.

VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): Smooths out frame rate fluctuations and reduces screen tearing, especially valuable in demanding open-world titles.
Real HDR performance: Look for genuine local dimming or OLED contrast rather than just an HDR400 sticker, which often doesn’t represent meaningful HDR improvement.
Resolution: 4K is the sweet spot for PS5 since many first-party titles target 4K output, though 1440p monitors with HDMI 2.1 also work well as a budget-conscious alternative.
Screen size: 27 to 32 inches tends to be the most comfortable range for typical desk or living room setups with a PS5.

Tip: If budget is tight, prioritize HDMI 2.1 and VRR over chasing 4K resolution. A 1440p monitor with proper HDMI 2.1 support will feel smoother in fast games than a 4K monitor limited to 60Hz.

Do You Need 4K, or Is 1440p Enough?

PS5 games generally run in one of a few modes: a resolution-focused mode targeting native 4K at 30 to 60fps, or a performance mode targeting 120fps at a lower or dynamic resolution. A 4K 120Hz-capable monitor covers both scenarios well, letting the console decide the tradeoff per game.

4K monitors show off resolution-mode games at their sharpest.
Performance mode games often render below native 4K anyway, so a 1440p monitor with HDMI 2.1 isn’t a huge downgrade for those titles.
Either way, VRR and HDMI 2.1 matter more than resolution alone for a smooth experience.

Sony’s own support documentation on PS5 video output settings is worth checking to confirm exactly which resolution and refresh rate combinations a given game supports.

FAQ

1. Does PS5 support 4K 120Hz on any monitor?

Only on monitors with true HDMI 2.1 ports that support the required bandwidth. Older HDMI 2.0 monitors can’t handle 4K at 120Hz simultaneously.

2. Is VRR necessary for PS5 gaming?

It’s not strictly required, but it noticeably reduces screen tearing and stutter in fast-paced games, making it a worthwhile feature to prioritize.

3. Can I use a TV instead of a monitor for PS5?

Yes, many people do, and newer TVs with HDMI 2.1 offer similar benefits. Monitors tend to offer lower input lag and are better suited for desk setups.