Your screen matters as much as your console. The Xbox Series X and PS5 can output 4K at up to 120Hz with HDR and variable refresh rate (VRR), but only if your TV or monitor supports those features. This guide explains what to look for and recommends the best monitor and TV for Xbox Series X and PS5, plus what a “PlayStation monitor” is.
What your console can output
| Console | Max resolution | Max refresh | VRR | HDR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X | 4K (8K-ready) | 120Hz | Yes (HDMI 2.1 VRR, FreeSync) | HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Xbox Series S | 1440p (4K upscaled) | 120Hz | Yes | HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| PS5 and PS5 Pro | 4K (8K on Pro in some games) | 120Hz | Yes (HDMI 2.1 VRR) | HDR10 |
What to look for in a gaming TV
- HDMI 2.1 ports for 4K at 120Hz. Check how many ports support it; some TVs have only one or two.
- VRR and ALLM: VRR smooths frame rate drops, and ALLM switches the TV to Game Mode automatically.
- Low input lag: under 15 ms in Game Mode at 60Hz is excellent.
- Good HDR: OLED and mini-LED TVs give the best contrast. Xbox also supports Dolby Vision for gaming.
Best TVs for Xbox Series X and PS5
| TV type | Examples | Why |
|---|---|---|
| OLED | LG C-series and G-series, Samsung S90 series, Sony Bravia 8 | Perfect blacks, instant response, 4 HDMI 2.1 ports on LG models |
| Mini-LED | TCL QM-series, Hisense U8-series, Samsung QN90-series | Very bright HDR, great for bright rooms, better value |
| Budget 4K 120Hz | TCL and Hisense mid-range models | Affordable way to get 120Hz and VRR |
LG’s C-series OLEDs have been the most recommended TVs for Xbox Series X and PS5 for several years because all four HDMI ports support 4K 120Hz and VRR, and they support Dolby Vision gaming on Xbox. If your room is very bright, a mini-LED TV will look better than OLED.
Best monitor for Xbox Series X
A monitor makes sense if you play at a desk or want very low input lag for shooters. For the best gaming monitor for Xbox Series X, look for an HDMI 2.1 port, because many “144Hz” monitors only reach 120Hz at 1440p or 4K over HDMI 2.1, and older HDMI 2.0 ports limit you to 4K 60Hz or 1440p 120Hz.
- 27-inch 1440p, 144Hz or higher with HDMI 2.1: the sweet spot for Series S and Series X players at a desk.
- 27-32 inch 4K 144Hz with HDMI 2.1: for Series X and PS5 Pro owners who want maximum sharpness.
- OLED gaming monitors: the best picture and response, at a premium price.
Note that the PS5 only added 1440p output in 2022, and it does not support 1440p at 120Hz on every monitor; Xbox has broader monitor support, including 1440p 120Hz.
What is a PlayStation monitor?
Sony sells its own INZONE gaming monitors, designed with PS5 features such as Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, which is what people mean by a “PlayStation monitor”. Sony also sold a small 24-inch PlayStation 3D Display during the PS3 era. Any HDMI monitor works with a PS5; INZONE models simply set themselves up automatically.
Best settings for your console on a new TV
Xbox Series X|S
- Plug the console into an HDMI 2.1 port, usually labeled 4K 120Hz or HDMI 2.1 on the TV.
- Turn on the TV’s enhanced HDMI or Input Signal Plus setting for that port; otherwise the TV may limit the signal to 4K 60Hz.
- On the Xbox, go to Settings > General > TV & display options. Set Resolution to 4K UHD and Refresh rate to 120Hz.
- Under Video modes, tick Allow variable refresh rate, Allow auto-low latency mode, Allow 4K and Allow HDR10. Tick Dolby Vision for gaming if your TV supports it.
- Run the HDR game calibration app once so games do not look washed out.
PS5 and PS5 Pro
- Use an HDMI 2.1 port and the HDMI cable that came with the console.
- Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. Set Resolution to Automatic, 4K Video Transfer Rate to Automatic and turn on VRR and 120 Hz Output.
- Run Adjust HDR in the same menu.
- Turn on Performance Mode or Resolution Mode in Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets, depending on whether you prefer frame rate or sharpness.
OLED burn-in: should you worry?
Modern OLED TVs have pixel shifting, logo dimming and automatic panel refresh, so burn-in is rare with normal use. Risk rises if you play the same game with a bright static HUD for many hours every day. Vary what you watch and play, leave the TV’s protection features on, and let it run its refresh cycle in standby. If you play one game for hours daily, a mini-LED TV avoids the concern entirely.
TV vs monitor: which is better for console gaming?
A TV is better for couch play, HDR and big-screen immersion, and for sharing with the family. A monitor is better for desk setups, lower input lag in competitive games and smaller rooms. Many Series S owners prefer a 1440p monitor because the console targets 1440p in many games. Series X and PS5 Pro owners get the most from a 4K 120Hz TV.
HDMI cables and other gotchas
- Use the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that came with your console; old cables can cause flickering at 4K 120Hz.
- Soundbars and AV receivers can block 120Hz if they are in the middle of the chain; connect the console to the TV and send audio through eARC instead.
- Some TVs only support VRR in a specific picture mode; switch to Game Mode.
Monitor and TV FAQ
Do I need a 4K TV for Xbox Series S?
No. The Series S targets 1080p and 1440p, so a good 1440p monitor or 1080p TV works well. A 4K TV still shows an upscaled image.
Is 120Hz worth it?
Yes for shooters and racing games that offer 120fps modes, such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, Halo Infinite and Forza. For slower games, 60Hz is fine.
Does the PS5 support Dolby Vision?
Only for streaming apps. Dolby Vision gaming is currently an Xbox feature.
Budget picks: getting the most for less
You do not need a flagship TV to enjoy an Xbox Series X or PS5. A mid-range 4K TV with a native 120Hz panel and at least one HDMI 2.1 port gives you 4K, HDR and 120fps in supported games. If your budget is tight, prioritize in this order: low input lag in game mode, a 120Hz panel, VRR support, and only then HDR brightness. For a monitor, a 27-inch 1440p 144Hz panel is the best value for Xbox Series X and Series S, both of which support 1440p output. The PS5 now supports 1440p as well, but check that the monitor accepts a 1440p 120Hz signal over HDMI.
Setting up two consoles on one screen
Many players own both an Xbox and a PS5. Use the TV’s HDMI 2.1 ports for both consoles if it has two; if it has only one, give it to the console you use for 120fps games and connect the other to a standard port. An HDMI 2.1 switch can also work, but cheap switches often break VRR or HDR. Label the cables, and set each console to the same game mode picture preset on the TV so you do not have to adjust settings every time you switch.
When to upgrade your screen
Upgrade if your current TV is limited to 60Hz, lacks HDMI 2.1, or has noticeable input lag in game mode. Those three gaps hold back an Xbox Series X or PS5 the most. If your TV already has 4K, HDR and 120Hz, spend the money on games, storage or a better headset instead. Big sales such as Black Friday and the spring TV launch season are the best times to buy, as last year’s models drop sharply in price.