Sony's PlayStation 5 made history in 2020 when it launched in two different models, a disk-less $400 digital-only model and a more standard $500 SKU that incorporated a disc drive from the get-go. On paper, Sony's current-generation console, leveraging its single HDMI 2.1 port can do up to an 8K resolution. It, however, lacks the immense amounts of GPU processing power to drive such a resolution that most titles aim for but falls short of its more common 4K/UHD/2160P 120Hz target resolution.
Sony uses a method known as checkerboarding to make up the difference in many cases, delivering an upscaled output as a result that tends to max out the resolution at 4K with a performance mode preset in certain titles allowing for a sub-Full HD resolution with a target to push for 60 or 120 FPS. As a result, many gamers aim to get a 4K gaming monitor that can ideally do 120 Hz refresh rates, making it a great future-proof choice for a future, upgraded PS5 console as well as one that can adequately deal with FPS titles (that prioritize a higher refresh rate) and their respective needs.
Not all users want a TV for gaming. This could be due to space limitations, a higher response time that is associated with larger, general-purpose displays, and often the added cost of picking up a premium TV. This means that users often want to get a gaming monitor that does the job with a high 4K resolution sans the unwanted baggage.
The team at The Best War Games understands this and has built a guide that caters to PlayStation 5 users aiming for a display at various price points that can do a 4K resolution and ideally, a 120 Hz refresh rate at the same time below.
The Best 4k Gaming Monitors For The PS5 In 2024
Sony INZONE M9 27” 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor
- Brand
- Sony
- Screen Size
- 27 Inches
- Display Technology
- IPS
- HDR
- Yes HDR10, HLG
- Resolution
- 4K (3840 x 2160)
The Sony INZONE M9 27'' 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor is a capable, well-rounded, but pricey monitor that offers support for Nvidia's G-Sync technology as well as support for PS5-centric Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode to ensure games are played the way they are meant to be with VRR support on PCs and consoles alike.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
- Variable Refresh
- Yes, G-Sync Support
- Response Time
- 1ms GTG
- Ports
- DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2,1 USB-C
- Screen Brightness
- 400 Nits (typical)
- Mounting Options
- VESA standard 100mm x 100mm mount
- Sound
- Built-in plus headphone jack
- Tilt
- 0–20 °
- Maxes out the PlayStation 5's display output, offering 4K 144Hz via HDMI
- Offers PlayStation 5-specific Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Modes
- The unique stand saves desk space while looking arguably much more premium than the competition
- Offers superior HDR performance thanks to its full array local dimming lighting approach
- Has built-in VRR support for the PlayStation 5
- One of the priciest 27' 4K monitors on the market currently
The Sony INZONE M9 27” 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor is Sony's premium take on what a gaming monitor should look like, and it comes with a set of features that is uniquely poised to make all the difference when it comes to gaming with a PlayStation 5. The monitor seamlessly moves to a more responsive state when connected to a PlayStation 5 even as it leverages custom presets present on the PS5's software to pre-select the best HDR settings for the high-end display.
With 2 x 2W speakers on the monitor for those looking for an entry-level audio option in play and VRR support baked into its offering, the M9 can handle the PS5 at its highest 4K 120Hz requirements with ease. It also makes for a great monitor for competitive games thanks to its low input lag and a response time of just 1 ms. With plenty of ports on offer and small bezels in play, the Inzone M9 feels premium and delivers a similar experience for gamers looking for a no-compromises 4K experience from the PS5 in 2024.
It does cost more than its competition, even exceeding the cost of a PlayStation 5 handily in a market that has plenty of competitors entering the foray every month, but is what one would call a safe bet and one that delivers the goods, albeit at a price that not all users would be willing to pay.
HP OMEN 27u 4K Gaming Monitor
- Brand
- HP
- Screen Size
- 27"
- Display Technology
- IPS
- HDR
- Yes, DisplayHDR 400
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160 (4K/UHD)
The HP OMEN 27u 4K Gaming Monitor is an excellent IPS panel that offers an excellent 4K resolution coupled with up to 120Hz on HDMI or 144Hz on DP connections. It allows gamers to experience video games at the maximum fidelity possible.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Refresh Rate
- 144Hz (DP), 120Hz (HDMI)
- Variable Refresh
- Yes, AMD Freesync Premium Pro
- Response Time
- 1ms GTG
- Ports
- 2 x HDMI (1 x 2.1, 1 x 2.0), 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, USB
- Screen Brightness
- 450 nits
- Mounting Options
- 100 mm x 100 mm VESA
- Sound
- Integrated Speakers, Headphone Jack
- Offers considerably better value for money than many of its 27-inch 4K monitor alternatives
- Maxes out the PlayStation 5's display output, offering 4K 120Hz via HDMI
- Offers integrated audio and a 3.5mm port to add dedicated speakers
- Has limited peak brightness on offer which could affect its HDR performance in games
The HP OMEN 27u 4K Gaming Monitor is a viable alternative to most of its higher-end 4K monitor alternatives thanks to it offering a significantly better price tag than the competition, even as it meets the requisite 4K 120Hz requirements of the PS5 console via HDMI. It also offers integrated speakers, a low 1ms GTG response time, and a peak brightness of 450 nits. This doesn't make it the best monitor in terms of display tech or visual quality but one that would easily win in terms of value for money, where it excels with relative ease.
With plenty of ports on offer in addition to AMD's Freesync Premium Pro and VRR support for the PS5 thanks to its HDMI 2.1 port, the Omen 27u delivers an excellent alternative to many of its pricier competitors while providing acceptable image quality. It does tend to slightly underperform when it comes to HDR content given its relatively low peak brightness for an IPS LCD monitor, but does a passable job while enabling gamers focused on a low response time and a high refresh rate to have an option closer to $500 while offering a sharp 4K resolution.
GIGABYTE M32U 32 144Hz 4K FreeSync Gaming Monitor
- Brand
- Gigabyte
- Screen Size
- 31.5''
- Display Technology
- SuperSpeed IPS LCD
- HDR
- Yes, VESA HDR400
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
The GIGABYTE M32U 32'' is a 4K IPS-based gaming monitor that offers a 144Hz refresh rate coupled with support for FreeSync and plenty of connectivity options including a USB-C display out of the box. It comes at a reasonable price and offers excellent PC and console gaming experiences.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
- Variable Refresh
- Yes
- Response Time
- 1ms MPRT
- Ports
- 1x Display Port 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, 3 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB-C (display)
- Surface Technology
- Non-glare surface
- Screen Brightness
- 350 Nits typical
- Weight
- 22.8 lb
- Mounting Options
- 100 x 100 VESA Mount compatible
- Sound
- 3W x 2 Speakers
- Excellent value for money compared to most of its competition
- Has an excellent KVM switch on offer
- Can handle the PS5's maximum of 4K 120Hz with ease via HDMI
- Supports VRR on the PS5 console
- Does have some quirks when it comes to quality control for some users
The GIGABYTE M32U 32 144Hz 4K FreeSync Gaming Monitor is a great alternative to the smaller 27' monitors above while retaining the same native resolution and refresh rate of 4K 120Hz respectively. It offers a dedicated KVM switch as part of its package, making switching between the PS5 and alternative outputs easy for end users. It has decent image quality on offer and it does run at 120Hz with the PS5 without any issues whatsoever.
It does suffer from some QC-related issues such as light bleed as one can expect from a mid-range model but user mileage may vary across the board. It offers middling HDR performance but slightly better audio than some of its alternatives, making for a mixed bag of offerings from Gigabyte but one that offers an excellent price to balance its offering that continues to be one of the cheapest 4K 144Hz monitors out there and one that can handle the PlayStation 5 with ease.
ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ
- Brand
- Asus
- Screen Size
- 38"
- Display Technology
- Fast IPS
- HDR
- DisplayHDR600
- Resolution
- 3840x2160
- Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ makes an excellent option for couch gaming with its big 38" display. The fast IPS display on it provides a quick response time of 1ms which is quicker than standard IPS panels. Moreover, the HDR600 support provides vivid details and brighter visuals. Boasting a 144Hz refresh rate and various sync features, it is an outstanding monitor for more smooth and immersive gaming.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Response Time
- 1ms
- Ports
- 1x DP 1.4,2x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm jack, 4x USB
- Sound
- Dual 5W speakers
- Tilt
- +5/-5 degrees
- Maxes out the PS5's 4K 120Hz requirements via HDMI 2.1
- Excellent build quality versus some of its budget alternatives
- Packs in integrated speakers that are better than most of its competition
- Has a dedicated remote control in the box
- Considerably pricey versus the competition
The ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ offers a high-end 4K display with an anti-glare coating and a flicker-free 144Hz refresh rate for users looking for a more premium option. It offers dual HDMI 2.1 ports under the hood while retaining Displayport and an integrated USB hub for power users who plan to use it for other use cases beyond the PlayStation 5. The hub, however, can still prove to be useful for users needing more USB connections to the PS5 itself.
It comes with a dedicated remote control that allows users to set it up from a distance even as it offers better HDR performance than most of its peers in the same screen size range thanks to it having a fairly bright display on offer. It loses some goodwill because of how high the ask is for the unit compared to many of its peers that are considerably more aggressively priced and while it is a great monitor to choose, it will cost most prospective buyer twice as much as their PlayStation 5 console did, making it a somewhat expensive option to go for.
ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ
- Brand
- Asus
- Screen Size
- 41.5''
- Display Technology
- OLED
- HDR
- Yes, HDR10
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ is an impressive entry to the increasingly competitive OLED monitor market that has had many entrants in CES 2023 in what looks like a market ripe for innovation. Sporting 4K resolution with 0.1ms response times coupled with an excellent 138Hz refresh rate that is backed by a customized heatsink and anti-glare coating, making it one of the best cutting-edge choices for a gaming monitor today.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Refresh Rate
- 138Hz (Overclocked)
- Variable Refresh
- Yes (Adaptive-Sync)
- Response Time
- 0.1ms(GTG)
- Ports
- DisplayPort 1.4 DSC, HDMI 2.1 x 2, HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB
- Screen Brightness
- 450 nits
- Mounting Options
- 300x300mm VESA Mount
- Sound
- Yes, 10W x 2 Speakers, 15W x 1 Woofer
- Tilt
- Yes
- Surface Technology
- Non-Glare Coating
- Weight
- 32.6 lb
- Has excellent HDR performance thanks to its infinite contrast ratio
- Can handle the PS5's 4K 120Hz output with ease
- Has an incredibly low response time (0.1 ms) on offer
- Houses excellent integrated audio under the hood
- Comes with a custom heatsink at the rear to keep temps in check and provide longevity to the OLED panel during prolonged use
- Has a dedicated anti-glare coating on the panel to allow for better image quality
- Very pricey compared to its competition, including other OLED TVs
ASUS's take on what a 4K OLED gaming monitor should be might leave most users divided on pricing but few, if any, critique its actual performance. The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ gaming monitor delivers an extremely low response time, excellent HDR performance, and VRR support from the PS5 from the get-go.
The first 2 are the different benefits of leveraging an OLED display versus most of its LCD-based competition, with ASUS adding a custom heatsink to enable it to run the OLED panel for longer without retaining significant amounts of heat during prolonged operations. At the same time, the PG42UQ packs in better audio than most of its gaming monitor alternatives and throws in an anti-glare coating that makes for better picture quality, especially in very well-lit settings.
All in all, the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ is an excellent choice for gamers if they can afford its high ask. It does deliver a premium solution for gamers looking to get the best out of their PS5 console, albeit at a price tag that might be hard to digest with it running at nearly 3 times the cost of the console itself.
LG C3 Series 42-Inch Class OLED
- Display Technology
- OLED
- Connectivity Technology
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI
- What's Included
- Stand, Remote Control Battery (AA x 2EA), Power Cable, Magic Remote, Quick Start Guide
- Brand
- LG
- Refresh Rate
- 120
The LG C3 Series OLED 4K smart TV has everything a player needs, from crisp imagery with a fast response time of 0.1ms to a 120 Hz refresh rate. Like most LG TVs, this selection has the NVIDIA G-SYNC, VRR, and AMD FreeSync Premium to boost the gameplay. Gamers will also appreciate the LG C3’s accessibility, with four HDMI 2.1 inputs that allow for the plugging of multiple devices.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Resolution
- 4K
- Offers an excellent alternative to most 4K 120Hz or higher gaming monitors
- Has a very low response time versus most gaming monitors
- Comes with a dedicated game mode that recognizes the PS5 from the get-go
- Better value for money than most competing OLED gaming monitors for the PS5
- Offers better audio than most 4K monitors it competes with
- Is limited to a 120Hz refresh rate which could be an issue for users looking to use the display for more than just gaming on the PS5
The 42-inch version of LG's 2023 model OLED TV, the C3 offers many of the advantages that most of its competition does but at a price tag considerably lower than ASUS's competing OLED monitor above, the PG42UQ. It delivers a low response time, quad HDMI 2.1 ports, and better audio quality than most of the monitors it competes with.
The C3 has a 120Hz refresh rate limit that does not affect its performance on a PS5, but could be an issue for gamers looking to use the display for more than just gaming on the PS5. For users who plan to use it primarily or only with the PlayStation 5, it could edge out many of the sub-$1k gaming monitor options as a superior alternative and one that can fit on most desks with relative ease with a 42-inch form factor and a dedicated game mode that kicks in the moment it detects the PlayStation 5 console on its HDMI ports.
FAQ
Q: What is the maximum refresh rate that the PlayStation 5 can do at 4K?
The PlayStation 5 can output a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz on a variety of resolutions including 4K.
Q: Does The PlayStation 5 Work With A Gaming Monitor?
Any HDMI-compatible gaming monitor can work with the PS5 provided it has at least 1 supporting resolution on offer for the PlayStation 5.