Key takeaways
- GPU outputs. RTX 50-series and Radeon RX 9000 cards include HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort outputs, so PC users can use either. Read your card’s specification for versions.
- Cables. Use a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Older cables can cause blank screens or fall back to lower modes.
- Dual use. If you share one monitor between PC and console, set the PC on DisplayPort and the console on HDMI 2.1.
- Windows settings. Enable the refresh rate and HDR in display settings after connecting.
- Console settings. Enable 120 Hz output and VRR in the console’s video menu.
If you want 4K at 120 Hz from a PS5 or Xbox Series X as well as a PC, pick a 4K monitor with a true HDMI 2.1 port: the MSI MAG274UPF E2, Acer Nitro XV275K and Dell G3223Q suit value-minded buyers, the Gigabyte M32UC suits those who want a larger screen, and the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM or Alienware AW3225QF suit buyers who want OLED. Roundups agree on one point: HDMI 2.0 monitors cap a PS5 at 4K 60 Hz, so the port version matters more than the refresh rate printed on the box. This guide explains what to check and which models come up most often.
HDMI 2.1 Monitors at a Glance
| Monitor | Reported specs | Best for | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM | 27-inch 4K QD-OLED, 240 Hz, HDMI 2.1 | Top picture quality for PC and console | Premium tier; OLED care considerations |
| Alienware AW3225QF | Curved 4K OLED, two HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K 120 Hz with VRR on PS5 | Immersive curved OLED | Large footprint; premium tier |
| Gigabyte M32UC | 32-inch 4K 144 Hz curved, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, USB-C | Large curved screen for PS5 and PC | Curved panels are not for everyone |
| Dell G3223Q | 32-inch 4K 144 Hz, HDMI 2.1 | All-round PC and PS5 use | Mid-range tier |
| Acer Nitro XV275K | 4K, 160 Hz, full PS5 compatibility per one roundup | Value 4K high refresh | Check HDMI details in the maker’s specification |
| MSI MAG274UPF E2 | 27-inch 4K 144 Hz, HDMI 2.1 | DisplayNinja’s budget choice | Basic stand |
| BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX | Mini LED, two HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 2.1, USB-C with power delivery, eARC | Bright HDR with plenty of ports | Mid to upper tier |
Specifications vary between regional versions. Read the maker’s current page for exact port versions and bandwidth before you buy.
Why the HDMI Version Matters
HDMI 2.1 raises bandwidth enough to carry 4K at 120 Hz with variable refresh rate. Consoles cap out at 4K 120 Hz, so a panel with 144 Hz or more works but the console will not use the extra refresh. A monitor with only HDMI 2.0 limits consoles to 4K 60 Hz. For PC use you can bypass this by using DisplayPort, which is why some monitors have HDMI 2.1 on only one or two ports.
Some monitors advertise HDMI 2.1 but implement it with reduced bandwidth, so they may not support 4K 120 Hz with full color. Independent reviews, such as those from RTINGS or TechRadar, usually test this. Look for confirmation of 4K 120 Hz with VRR and HDR together.
Features to Prioritize
Resolution and size
A 27-inch 4K display has high pixel density, while 32-inch models suit couch-distance and deskside play. Your graphics card also matters: native 4K gaming on a PC needs a strong GPU, and upscalers such as DLSS and FSR help mid-range cards.
Panel type
Fast IPS panels are affordable and bright. Mini LED improves contrast with local dimming, as on the BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX. OLED, as in the ASUS and Alienware models, gives the best contrast and motion but costs more and has burn-in considerations; read the maker’s warranty terms.
VRR
Look for FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible and HDMI VRR. VRR over HDMI is what lets consoles avoid tearing.
Ports
If you plan to connect a PC and two consoles, check how many ports are true HDMI 2.1. The Alienware and BenQ models list two. Also check for DisplayPort and USB-C with power delivery for laptops.
Audio
eARC, listed on the BenQ, matters if you route audio to a soundbar. Otherwise a headphone jack is enough.
PC Builder Notes
- GPU outputs. RTX 50-series and Radeon RX 9000 cards include HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort outputs, so PC users can use either. Read your card’s specification for versions.
- Cables. Use a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Older cables can cause blank screens or fall back to lower modes.
- Dual use. If you share one monitor between PC and console, set the PC on DisplayPort and the console on HDMI 2.1.
- Windows settings. Enable the refresh rate and HDR in display settings after connecting.
- Console settings. Enable 120 Hz output and VRR in the console’s video menu.
Budget Tiers
Budget
The MSI MAG274UPF E2, and per roundups the KTC H27P22S, Dell S3225QS and ASUS TUF VG27UQ1A, are listed as budget HDMI 2.1 monitors for 4K 120 Hz. Expect basic stands and plainer features.
Mid-range
The Dell G3223Q, Acer Nitro XV275K and Gigabyte M32UC add higher refresh, larger sizes and more ports.
Premium
OLED and Mini LED models such as the ASUS PG27UCDM, Alienware AW3225QF and BenQ EX321UX bring the best contrast and HDR at the highest cost.
Pick X If…
| Pick this | If you… |
|---|---|
| MSI MAG274UPF E2 | want the lowest cost 4K 144 Hz with HDMI 2.1 |
| Acer Nitro XV275K | want a value 4K panel with high refresh and console support |
| Dell G3223Q | want a 32-inch all-rounder for PC and PS5 |
| Gigabyte M32UC | prefer a larger curved screen with USB-C |
| BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX | want HDR brightness and multiple HDMI 2.1 inputs |
| ASUS PG27UCDM or Alienware AW3225QF | want OLED contrast and can afford the premium |
Alternatives
- A 4K TV with HDMI 2.1. A TV in the 42 to 48-inch range supports 4K 120 Hz and VRR, though it is large for a desk.
- A 1440p monitor with HDMI 2.1. Easier on the GPU and useful at 120 Hz on consoles. Check which resolution the console outputs.
- A DisplayPort-only monitor. If you only game on a PC, you do not need HDMI 2.1 at all.
Console and PC Setup Walkthrough
PlayStation 5
Connect with the supplied or a certified Ultra High Speed cable to an HDMI 2.1 port on the monitor. In the console’s video output settings, enable 120 Hz output and VRR. Roundups note that PS5 VRR support depends on the monitor implementing HDMI VRR, not only FreeSync.
Xbox Series X
Open the video modes menu and allow 4K, 120 Hz and variable refresh rate. The console reports what the display supports, which helps confirm the monitor’s HDMI 2.1 port is working.
Gaming PC
Use DisplayPort for the primary connection unless you specifically need HDMI. If you connect via HDMI 2.1, set the refresh rate in Windows display settings and confirm the color format and bit depth, since high refresh at 4K may reduce color depth on some monitors.
HDR on These Monitors
HDR claims vary widely. OLED and Mini LED monitors deliver the strongest HDR in reviews, thanks to deep blacks or local dimming. Standard IPS panels with an HDR400 label usually add little. If you care about HDR on consoles, look for reviews that measure peak brightness and dimming zones, and set HDR calibration in the console menu.
Common Pitfalls
- Assuming every HDMI port on the monitor is 2.1. Some models have one 2.1 and one older port.
- Using the long, old HDMI cable that came with a previous display.
- Expecting a 240 Hz refresh rate from a console, which tops out at 120 Hz.
- Ignoring input lag in the monitor’s menu. A game mode setting can reduce processing delay.
Size and Viewing Distance
For a desk about an arm’s length from your eyes, 27 inches at 4K gives very sharp text and detail, while 32 inches suits people who sit a bit farther back or want a more cinematic feel. Curved panels, such as the Gigabyte M32UC and the Alienware AW3225QF, wrap the picture around your field of view, which many players like in single-player games but some find distracting for desktop work. If the monitor will sit in a living room for console play, a larger screen or a TV with HDMI 2.1 may suit the viewing distance better than a desk monitor.
Also think about stand adjustments. A monitor that raises, tilts and swivels is more comfortable over long sessions, and a VESA mount lets you move it to an arm if the stand falls short.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need HDMI 2.1 for a PC monitor?
Not if you use DisplayPort. HDMI 2.1 matters mainly for consoles and for PC cards where you want to use HDMI at 4K 120 Hz or more.
Can a PS5 use 144 Hz?
No. Consoles cap at 4K 120 Hz, so a 144 Hz panel works but runs at 120 Hz for console input.
What cable do I need?
Use a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Older cables may limit refresh rate or resolution.
Is an OLED worth it?
Reviewers praise contrast and motion. It costs more, and you should read the maker’s warranty terms and care guidance about static images.
Why does my monitor not show 120 Hz?
The port may be HDMI 2.0, the cable may be too old, or the setting may be off in the console or Windows. Confirm the monitor’s HDMI port version.
Are low-cost brands reliable?
Many budget HDMI 2.1 monitors perform well, but quality varies. Read independent reviews that measure the actual bandwidth and response time.
