How to Choose a Good Console Gaming Monitor (2023 Update)

Looking to pair your PS5, Xbox Series X or Series S, or even Switch with the ideal console gaming monitor? We have you covered in this handy guide.

If you have or are planning to buy a new Xbox Series X or Series S console or a PS5, you may also be considering hooking them up to a monitor. After all, most of us have a PC of some sort, laptop or desktop, and those naturally work great with monitors. Why not make the most of a purchase and have multiple devices hooked up to one display? That’s good logic. We’re here to help, and the bottom line is that gaming monitors nominally designed for PC have a lot to offer console gamers. And that applies to PS5, Xbox, and Switch. But each console has slightly different monitors we’d recommend, and much of the decision depends on the kinds of games you play. Let’s begin.

In strict technical terms, yes. Monitors almost always have lower input lag, higher refresh rates ,and faster response times than TVs, which make them a better choice for console and PC gaming. This is from a performance specification point of view. If your priorities are larger and brighter displays, then TVs have an advantage.

First off, it needs to be said that monitors have distinct advantages over TVs. Since you sit close to them, you get more “bang for pixel” so to speak. Even an 8K TV looks like regular HD from common living room viewing distances, but a PC gaming monitor? By and large everyone sits just a few feet away from those, meaning every pixel counts – and is accounted for.

Further, monitors come in much more affordable prices. If you don’t need a massive screen, then monitors simply deliver better value for money. By the same token, monitors don’t take up a lot of space, so depending on your circumstances, that could be a major consideration.

Finally, gaming monitors often pioneer new technology later picked up by televisions. For a fraction of the cost of a good 4K TV, you get a monitor with a higher refresh rate, FreeSync, HDR, and powerful audio. Monitors also don’t have all the complicated electronics and post-processing of TVs, meaning very low latency. Your typical gaming monitor has a 1ms response (grey to grey and/or moving picture response time, GtG or MPRT), while very few TVs come even close to that. Most TVs are happy to deliver 8ms with game mode engaged. 

Related article: Monitor vs. TV for Gaming: Which One Is the Best?

No matter what monitor you go with, make sure official HDR support and performance are included. Since all consoles except the good old Nintendo Switch now have games running with HDR, you need it to enjoy them fully.

Good audio is up next, and all BenQ gaming monitors offer superb sound. Many models feature 2.1channel audio, meaning two speakers and a subwoofer for deep and resonant sound. 

And that brings us to connectivity. Ideal monitors for console have at least one HDMI 2.1 port, while other connections such as DisplayPort or USB-C for charging personal devices can be a plus. The more the merrier, but with that layout you can have two consoles and two PCs (desktop and laptop, for example) all connected to the same monitor.

Here we have a more interesting situation. Three times more powerful than the Series S, the Series X generally aims for 60Hz in native 4K. But it’s definitely capable of 120Hz in lower resolutions, such as 1080p. It also supports 1440p and FreeSync, so you have a lot of options with this one. Again, if you prefer a console gaming monitor with native 4K and are fine with 60Hz.

Most titles are roughly 4K 60Hz, with some offering a lower resolution 120Hz mode. So, you can choose high refresh console gaming monitors like the MOBIUZ EX2510S/EX2710S and have fun with high frame rate titles, or go with the EX3210U for the full 4K 144Hz experience. Once more, that depends on your preferred playstyle and genre.

Both 1440p and variable refresh rate took a while to arrive on PS5. They’ve been available on Xbox since the late 2010s, but on PS5 first appeared in late 2022. In any case, PS5 now supports 1440p natively, and has variable refresh rate or VRR as well across all resolutions. Note you need to use an HDMI 2.1-capable monitor and cable (like the cable that came in the PS5 box) for VRR on PS5, as HDMI 2.0 monitors and cables won’t offer consistent support and most likely the VRR option won’t appear in settings.

Since the PS5 also supports up to 120Hz refresh rate, all of these factors mean that 1440p/QHD/2K gaming monitors are a good match for Sony’s console, especially if they’re fully HDMI 2.1 compliant. If you have such a monitor with FreeSync or G-Sync for your PC, you can easily connect a PS5 to it via HDMI 2.1 and make use of all of these game-enhancing features. Since FreeSync and G-Sync share the core VESA and HDMI VRR technology (Adaptive Sync), PS5 works with both of them just fine to maintain stable frame rates and smooth gameplay. In short, 1440p is most certainly an option for PS5, and you no longer need to choose between 1080p and 4K, there’s a middle ground.

Somewhat of an outlier here but worth a mention, especially as a second console to accompany an Xbox or PlayStation. Switch is all about 720p and 1080p in docked mode to the monitor via HDMI, so you don’t need a mighty monitor. However, a good 10-bit panel is a must because Nintendo games do colour so well and deserve good presentation. Technically, HDR can work on Switch, but since its launch in 2017 not a single title nor the operating system have featured high dynamic range. Still, since good monitors now all have HDR anyway, this isn’t an issue. The MOBIUZ EX2510S and EX2710S will do great for the Switch.

Based on our own experience so far with the current generation of consoles, some of the biggest games work best in lower resolution/high refresh. Therefore, going with a 1080p or 1440p console gaming monitor may not be as outdated as you may initially think in the supposed age of 4K. Having said that, the higher resolution has indisputable advantages with regards to detail and image quality.

And whatever you do, try to stick with 16:9 monitors for the most accurate image reproduction.

Ultrawide is tempting and does work, but we again remind you that this is not the native format for any existing game console. You can always find us on social media so please feel free to get in touch, and happy gaming!