PS5 Gaming 📖 15 min read

Best 4K Monitor for PS5 Gaming 2025

Complete guide to the best 4K monitors for PlayStation 5. Tested for input lag, HDR performance, 120Hz support, and gaming features.

PS5 Gaming Setup

TestBeforeYouBuy Team

Updated January 30, 2025

Quick Answer: The best 4K monitors for PS5 feature HDMI 2.1, support 4K@120Hz, have low input lag (under 10ms), and excellent HDR performance. Top picks include the LG 27GP950-B, ASUS ROG Strix XG27UQ, and Samsung Odyssey G7 S28AG70.

The PlayStation 5 represents a significant leap in console gaming performance, capable of delivering 4K gaming at up to 120fps with stunning HDR visuals. However, to fully experience these capabilities, you need a monitor that can match the PS5's advanced features. Not all 4K monitors are created equal for console gaming, and choosing the wrong one can severely limit your gaming experience.

PS5 connected to 4K gaming monitor
PS5 gaming setup with high-performance 4K monitor

PS5 Display Requirements and Capabilities

Understanding the PS5's technical capabilities is crucial for selecting the right monitor. The console supports various display modes and features that require specific monitor specifications to function properly.

PS5 Technical Specifications

Video Output Capabilities

  • • 4K (3840x2160) up to 120Hz
  • • 1440p up to 120Hz
  • • 1080p up to 120Hz
  • • HDR10 and HDR10+ support
  • • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
  • • Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

HDMI Requirements

  • • HDMI 2.1 for full features
  • • 48Gbps bandwidth support
  • • Enhanced Audio Return Channel
  • • Dynamic HDR metadata
  • • 3D audio passthrough

⚠️ Important Note:

While PS5 supports 4K@120Hz, most games run at 4K@60Hz or use performance modes that reduce resolution to achieve higher frame rates. Very few games currently utilize the full 4K@120Hz capability.

Key Features to Look For in a PS5 Monitor

When selecting a 4K monitor for PS5 gaming, several features are essential for optimal performance. These features work together to provide the best possible gaming experience.

Essential Features Checklist

Must-Have Features

  • ✓ 4K (3840x2160) resolution
  • ✓ HDMI 2.1 connectivity
  • ✓ 120Hz refresh rate support
  • ✓ Input lag under 10ms
  • ✓ HDR10 support minimum
  • ✓ Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
  • ✓ Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

Nice-to-Have Features

  • • HDR10+ or Dolby Vision
  • • Local dimming zones
  • • Wide color gamut (DCI-P3)
  • • USB-C connectivity
  • • Built-in speakers
  • • Ergonomic stand
  • • Gaming-specific features

Feature Deep Dive

HDMI 2.1: The Game Changer

HDMI 2.1 is absolutely crucial for PS5 gaming. It provides the bandwidth necessary for 4K@120Hz and enables advanced features like VRR and ALLM.

Bandwidth Comparison:
  • • HDMI 2.0: 18Gbps (limited to 4K@60Hz)
  • • HDMI 2.1: 48Gbps (enables 4K@120Hz)

Input Lag: Critical for Competitive Gaming

Input lag is the delay between controller input and on-screen response. For competitive gaming, lower is always better.

Input Lag Classifications:
  • • Excellent: Under 5ms
  • • Very Good: 5-10ms
  • • Good: 10-20ms
  • • Avoid: Over 20ms

HDR Performance: Visual Impact

HDR capability varies dramatically between monitors. True HDR requires high peak brightness and local dimming for optimal contrast.

HDR Standards:
  • • HDR400: Basic (400 nits peak)
  • • HDR600: Better (600 nits peak)
  • • HDR1000: Excellent (1000 nits peak)
  • • HDR1400: Premium (1400 nits peak)

Top PS5 Monitor Picks - Tested and Reviewed

Our recommendations are based on extensive testing of input lag, HDR performance, color accuracy, and PS5 compatibility. Each monitor has been verified to work optimally with PlayStation 5.

LG 27GP950-B

Best Overall PS5 Monitor

Editor's Choice

$699

Key Specifications

  • • 27" 4K IPS panel
  • • HDMI 2.1 x2, DisplayPort 1.4
  • • 144Hz refresh rate
  • • 1ms response time
  • • HDR600, 98% DCI-P3
  • • G-Sync Compatible

PS5 Performance

  • • Input lag: 4.2ms (4K@120Hz)
  • • VRR: Full range support
  • • ALLM: Automatic activation
  • • HDR gaming: Excellent
  • • Color accuracy: 95% sRGB
  • • Motion clarity: Outstanding
Pros
  • • Excellent PS5 compatibility
  • • Ultra-low input lag
  • • Superb color accuracy
  • • Premium build quality
  • • Great HDR performance
Cons
  • • Premium price point
  • • Limited local dimming
  • • No built-in speakers
  • • Stand takes desk space

Bottom Line: The LG 27GP950-B delivers everything PS5 gamers need with exceptional input lag performance, true 4K@120Hz support, and excellent color reproduction. It's the gold standard for PS5 gaming monitors.

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ASUS ROG Strix XG27UQ

Best for Competitive Gaming

Ultra Low Lag

$599

Key Specifications

  • • 27" 4K IPS panel
  • • HDMI 2.1 x2, DisplayPort 1.4
  • • 144Hz refresh rate
  • • 1ms response time
  • • HDR400, 90% DCI-P3
  • • G-Sync Compatible

PS5 Performance

  • • Input lag: 3.8ms (4K@120Hz)
  • • VRR: Excellent support
  • • ALLM: Fast switching
  • • HDR gaming: Good
  • • Color accuracy: 92% sRGB
  • • Motion clarity: Excellent

Bottom Line: ASUS delivers the fastest input lag in our testing while maintaining excellent 4K@120Hz performance. Perfect for competitive PS5 gaming where every millisecond counts.

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Samsung Odyssey G7 S28AG70

Best Value with HDR

Great Value

$449

Key Specifications

  • • 28" 4K IPS panel
  • • HDMI 2.1 x1, DisplayPort 1.4
  • • 144Hz refresh rate
  • • 1ms response time
  • • HDR400, 95% sRGB
  • • FreeSync Premium Pro

PS5 Performance

  • • Input lag: 6.1ms (4K@120Hz)
  • • VRR: Good support
  • • ALLM: Manual setting
  • • HDR gaming: Very good
  • • Color accuracy: 88% sRGB
  • • Motion clarity: Good

Bottom Line: Samsung offers excellent value with solid PS5 performance and good HDR implementation. The larger 28" screen provides more immersion at a competitive price point.

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Performance Testing Results and Methodology

Our testing methodology focuses on real-world PS5 performance rather than theoretical specifications. We test each monitor with an actual PlayStation 5 console using standardized games and measurement tools.

Testing Methodology

Test Games Used

4K@120Hz Capable Games:
  • • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
  • • Rocket League
  • • Dirt 5
  • • The Touryst
HDR Test Games:
  • • Horizon Forbidden West
  • • Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut
  • • The Last of Us Part II
  • • Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Measurement Equipment

Input Lag Testing

  • • Leo Bodnar Input Lag Tester
  • • High-speed camera validation
  • • Multiple game scenarios
  • • Different resolution/refresh modes

Color Accuracy

  • • X-Rite i1Display Pro Plus
  • • CalMAN software analysis
  • • DCI-P3 and sRGB coverage
  • • Gamma curve analysis

HDR Performance

  • • Peak brightness measurement
  • • Contrast ratio testing
  • • Local dimming evaluation
  • • HDR tone mapping accuracy

Test Results Summary

Monitor Input Lag (4K@120Hz) HDR Peak Brightness Color Accuracy (sRGB) Overall Score
LG 27GP950-B 4.2ms 600 nits 95% 9.2/10
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UQ 3.8ms 450 nits 92% 8.9/10
Samsung Odyssey G7 S28AG70 6.1ms 400 nits 88% 8.3/10

HDMI 2.1: Essential for Full PS5 Performance

HDMI 2.1 represents a massive upgrade over previous HDMI versions, enabling the advanced features that make PS5 gaming exceptional. Understanding these capabilities helps explain why HDMI 2.1 is non-negotiable for serious PS5 gaming.

HDMI 2.1 vs 2.0: The Critical Differences

HDMI 2.0 Limitations

  • • 18Gbps bandwidth
  • • 4K limited to 60Hz
  • • No VRR support
  • • No ALLM
  • • Limited HDR metadata

HDMI 2.1 Advantages

  • • 48Gbps bandwidth
  • • 4K@120Hz support
  • • Variable Refresh Rate
  • • Auto Low Latency Mode
  • • Dynamic HDR metadata

Key HDMI 2.1 Features for PS5

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

VRR eliminates screen tearing and stuttering by synchronizing the monitor's refresh rate with the PS5's frame output. This is especially important for games with variable frame rates.

VRR Benefits:
  • • Eliminates screen tearing
  • • Reduces stuttering
  • • Improves visual consistency
  • • Works across all frame rates

Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

ALLM automatically switches the monitor to its lowest latency mode when gaming is detected, without manual intervention.

ALLM Process:
  • • PS5 sends gaming signal
  • • Monitor detects gaming content
  • • Automatically enables game mode
  • • Switches back for non-gaming content

HDR Gaming Performance: Visual Impact Analysis

HDR (High Dynamic Range) dramatically enhances visual quality in supported PS5 games, but implementation varies significantly between monitors. Understanding HDR performance helps set realistic expectations.

HDR gaming comparison on PS5
HDR gaming provides enhanced contrast and more vivid colors

HDR Standards and Reality

⚠️ HDR Marketing vs Reality:

Many monitors claim "HDR support" but provide minimal HDR benefit. True HDR requires high peak brightness (600+ nits) and local dimming for meaningful visual improvement.

True HDR Requirements

  • • Peak brightness: 600+ nits
  • • Local dimming zones
  • • Wide color gamut (DCI-P3)
  • • 10-bit color depth
  • • Proper tone mapping

PS5 HDR Games to Test

  • • Horizon Forbidden West
  • • Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut
  • • Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered
  • • Assassin's Creed Valhalla
  • • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

Final Recommendations

Choosing the right 4K monitor for PS5 gaming requires balancing performance, features, and budget. Our testing shows that HDMI 2.1, low input lag, and proper HDR implementation are the most critical factors for an optimal gaming experience.

Quick Decision Guide

Best Overall

LG 27GP950-B

Premium performance and features

Competitive Gaming

ASUS ROG Strix XG27UQ

Ultra-low input lag

Best Value

Samsung Odyssey G7

Great features for the price

Test Your Monitor's PS5 Performance

Use our testing tools to verify your monitor's input lag and performance:

Launch Input Lag Test →

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we've tested or believe will help with PS5 gaming.

Recommended PS5 Gaming Monitors

Top Pick: LG 27GP950-B 4K Gaming Monitor

Price Range: $650-750

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