Best Monitors for Xbox Series X, Series S 2021 ~ System Admin Stuff

While gaming consoles traditionally pair with a TV, opting for a monitor has unique benefits. They make great desktop solutions, often delivering high-quality visuals in smaller screen sizes, sliding beside any PC in the home office. And with the rise of 4K HDR content steadily extending to PC monitors, they are viable across all price points.

The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S each stow new graphical advancements, with the former consistently targeting up to 4K resolution, with bleeding-edge visuals. The two consoles also boast new display features like 120 frames-per-second (FPS) outputs, alongside variable refresh rate (VRR), aiming to tackle screen tearing for smoother gameplay. These features all require a compatible display, and the one you choose has a significant influence on the value attained from either console.

While the best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S often dominate the conversation, there are reasons to choose a monitor — and it's not all about screen size. PC gaming monitors highly value high refresh rates and low input lag, crucial to responsive experiences in competitive titles like shooters. And while some TV-specific features haven't made it to monitors, you can often get an excellent image for less. We've rounded up the best monitors for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S and what to expect from each.

Best Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Monitors 2021

LG 27GN950-B — Best 4K: LG supplies a 27-inch 4K Nano IPS display fine-tuned for gaming, with a high refresh rate and robust HDR support. Ideal for Xbox Series X.
Dell S2721QS — Best Budget 4K: UHD doesn't need to be prohibitively expensive, and the S2721QS looks great while doing it, too.
LG CX OLED — Best 4K HDR: In a league of its own, there's currently no monitor futureproofed with 4K HDR visuals at 120Hz like the LG CX 4K OLED TV.
Samsung Odyssey G7 — Best 1440p: Samsung's latest and greatest 1440p display throws a curve into the mix, accompanied by a strong portfolio of Xbox-ready gaming features.
ASUS VG27AQ — Best Budget 1440p: The VG27AQ is a reliable mid-range 1440p monitor that doesn't slack in visuals or performance. Ideal for Xbox Series S.
AOC C24G1 — Best Budget 1080p: This sub-$200 1080p 144Hz monitor is an affordable Xbox Series S companion, and it doesn't look half bad either.

Best 4K Monitor for Xbox Series X: LG 27GN950-B

4K gaming remains tied up with the leading hardware, and you'll need an equally high-end monitor to push the most from Xbox Series X. The 27-inch LG UltraGear delivers the best, with superb picture quality and a rich feature set worthy of pairing with the latest generation gaming consoles. Performant and responsive, it's versatile across high frame rate competitive gaming to delivering the best from cinematic blockbusters.

This 4K Nano IPS display boasts a spec sheet tailored to gaming, capping out at 144 Hz refresh rates, with a speedy 1ms response time and low input lag. It also dons FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility for stellar variable refresh rate (VRR) implementation, compliant with Xbox Series X, which smoothens gameplay by eliminating screen tearing. It's especially suited to hot-swapping your PC with an accompanying Xbox Series X, given its DisplayPort and HDMI inputs on the rear.

LG opted for an IPS panel here, proving a visual treat with clarity and accurate colors in its class. High dynamic range (HDR) support also stars a wide color gamut, high contrast, and brighter highlights. It's one of the better HDR monitors with DisplayHDR 600 certification, although that's compared to a market where HDR monitors are notoriously… lame. You'll find better HDR elsewhere with 4K TVs, but it's among the best in desktop offerings.

But it's crucial to stress this is an HDMI 2.0 monitor, which means Xbox Series X can only output 4K resolution up to 60Hz, or up to 1440p at 120Hz. With HDMI 2.1 still in its infancy, the new connector is yet to make its way to monitors, bringing expanded bandwidth to support 4K up to 120Hz simultaneously. While many of the best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S already have HDMI 2.1, you'll need to wait until monitors catch up.

But the 27GN950-B still packs the fundamental features for a great x experience, with its stunning panel suited to all types of gaming. It will also serve content creators and office workers who spend time gaming on the side as a centerpiece for any home setup. While opting for a monitor for Xbox Series X has limitations, this won't disappoint.

Pros:

4K, up to 144Hz
Excellent image
Wide viewing angles
Good HDR
Low response time, input lag

Cons:

Expensive
No 4K, 120Hz over HDMI
Better HDR elsewhere

Best Overall

LG 27GN950-B

The best 4K monitor money can buy.

The best 4K monitor for Xbox Series X in every way, but it proves hard to find in early 2021.

Best Budget 4K Monitor for Xbox Series X: Dell S2721QS

With 4K adoption steadily rising, we have new affordable options on the market, including the S2721QS as our best budget pick for Xbox Series X. This monitor comes below $400, with its 4K IPS panel delivering sharpness and performance without hurting the wallet. It still has all the fundamentals of a great 4K monitor, scaling back on surplus features to achieve an entry-level price. That makes this our best budget option, delivering Xbox Series X or your Excel spreadsheets' full clarity.

This 27-inch panel exceeds expectations at this price, with consistently strong presentation across all types of content. It has a clear image with vivid colors, framed with thin borders that look striking at this price. The panel also means wide viewing angles, with an anti-reflective coating, making this incredibly adaptable to your desk setup.

It isn't formally a gaming monitor with a refresh rate at 60Hz, but it still delivers a smooth experience if you're not demanding enthusiast-tier performance. The lack of high framerate gaming likely won't be a dealbreaker on Xbox Series X either. The older HDMI 2.0 ports used across most monitors are incapable of supporting higher refresh rates at 4K resolution. That won't compromise responsiveness, though, with a low response time and input lag. You also have VRR, both FreeSync and G-Sync compatible, equipped for Xbox consoles and PC.

Like most HDR-enabled monitors, its implementation is fair but falls short compared to the TV market. It brings added punch to imagery with a wide color gamut, but contrast falls short. That's to be expected at this price, although in-line with common pitfalls with HDR monitors.

The S2721QS delivers first-class visuals for this bracket, with clear visuals and rich colors for gaming and everyday use. It's an ideal 4K option for Xbox Series X, although missing some luxuries like high frame rate gaming and a true HDR offering. It's about the fundamentals of a great gaming display, all at a reasonable price.

Pros:

4K support
Good image
Affordable
Wide viewing angles
Low response time, input lag

Cons:

Only 60Hz refresh rate
Mediocre HDR

Best Value

Dell S2721QS

Stunning 4K clarity without a high price.

Dell delivers a handy 4K monitor that nails the fundamentals at a much lower price.

Best 4K HDR for Xbox Series X: LG CX

While it's not technically a monitor, you can't talk about next-generation gaming without the LG CX. The latest and leading 4K OLED TV continues to dominate the conversation in consoles, boasting stunning image quality, with support for all the defining Xbox Series X features. It all comes down to the HDMI 2.1 standard, the backbone for all these new gaming features not possible with any gaming monitor in early 2021.

If demanding the best from Xbox Series X but without patience for the first HDMI 2.1 monitors arriving later this year, shift your attention to the best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X. The LG CX leads the lineup with standout gaming features like 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rates, VRR, and ALLM — coupled with PC-specific features like NVIDIA G-Sync if used with multiple devices. These high-end OLEDs start at 48-inches, which while larger than your average monitor, still accommodate a personal gaming experience on console and PC.

What differentiates the LG CX from monitors is its OLED technology, with increased precision over how images are displayed on-screen, delivering the best in picture quality. OLED is yet to be adopted by monitors (albeit teased at CES 2021) with per-pixel control over images, even allowing the TV to switch off specific pixels on the screen. That results in ultra-deep blacks, stunning contrast, and resulting punchy visuals. It also has standout HDR, a common pitfall for monitors, supporting many of the top HDR standards.

But HDMI 2.1 makes this a must-buy for Xbox Series X (and PS5), which provides a foundation for the features that draw full value from your purchase. That includes support for 4K resolution up to 120Hz refresh rates simultaneously, with titles like Call of Duty and Halo already topping out at 120 FPS. It also includes VRR support, eliminating screen tearing for smoother gameplay, with low input lag and response times enabled by OLED.

This is a 4K TV that rivals the best gaming monitors, with superb picture quality and full support for the best Xbox Series X features. While those also using this as a PC monitor should be wary of OLED burn-in, a pitfall of the technology where persistent images like the taskbar and menus, it's not a massive deal for Xbox gaming and movie watching. But what you're getting is the best 4K TV of 2020, ready for the future with rich support for the next-generation fundamentals.

Pros:

4K, 120Hz support
Excellent image
OLED produces perfect blacks
Best HDR
All the next-gen features you need

Cons:

Expensive
No sub-48-inch models

Best Value

LG CX

The 4K OLED that's one step ahead.

This stunning OLED TV changed the game, with a surplus of next-gen features, including 4K at 120Hz via HDMI 2.1.

Best 1440p Monitor for Xbox Series X|S: Samsung Odyssey G7 (32-inch)

Samsung leads 1440p with the Odyssey G7, feature-rich and equipped to handle all types of gaming and productivity. It packs a striking image with the best gaming features, as reflected in the price. It also throws a curve into the mix, with a 27-inch entry model or 32-inch for additional screen real estate. It's among Samsung's best, with compelling offerings for PC enthusiasts and Xbox Series X owners.

While 1440p displays don't offer the same clarity as 4K, it's still a sharp image that provides your middle ground with 1080p. It's a resolution natively supported by Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S or lightening the load when playing PC games. You have a 240Hz refresh rate, ideal for PC, although somewhat overkill given the 120Hz cap with Xbox consoles. Responsive gaming is also guaranteed, with AMD FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible for VRR, plus low input lag and response times.

The G7 wraps this up in a smart design, including a curved VA panel. It's an acquired taste for some, with 1000R curvature (in short, extremely curvy), which allows you to take more in while gaming. That display technology does mean strong contrast and colors, although viewing angles leave room for improvement if a crucial factor. You also have DisplayHDR 600 certification, which delivers one of the better HDR implementations, with a wide color gamut and fair brightness.

HDMI 2.1 connectivity doesn't feature, although it's not essential without 4K. Its 1440p resolution allows you to push up to 120Hz over HDMI, supported on the new Xbox consoles. It's best with Xbox Series X, where supersampling scales down 4K for sharp visuals. But it'll also showcase the best of Xbox Series S, even if 1440p games on the system are currently scarce.

It's overall a robust monitor that balances image quality and performance without the added 4K tax. The entire G7 Odyssey family is still costly, best for those considering a monitor for both PC and console gaming. But it's well-suited for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, boasting all you should want from a gaming monitor.

Pros:

1440p, up to 240Hz
Excellent image
Low response time, input lag
Good HDR
Curved display

Cons:

Expensive
Poor viewing angles

Best Value

Samsung Odyssey G7 32

The gaming monitor that has it all.

Reliable and packed with advanced features, the curvy 32-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 is a complete gaming experience.

Best Budget 1440p for Xbox Series X|S: ASUS VG27AQ

The VG27AQ proves an excellent multi-purpose monitor with a gaming edge, packing all the best gaming features at an affordable asking price. It falls into the middle ground under the ASUS TUF family, with a clear and smooth 27-inch IPS panel, delivering a standout image. It's hugely capable with all the latest gaming technologies, and although with some compromises, you're looking at the best 1440p monitor we'd recommend to the average buyer.

This display showcases the defining Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S features, with a maximum 1440p resolution. It spotlights the Xbox Series X's graphical prowess, but with a panel that isn't wasted with its smaller sibling. It also caps out a maximum 165Hz refresh rate, covering the best frame rates from either console. And like any great gaming monitor, it excels with low input lag and response times and VRR, both via FreeSync 2 and G-Sync Compatible.

You receive overall vivid images at this price, with colors and generally good contrast. HDR support is bundled, albeit what you'd expect from this bracket, with no wide color gamut and average brightness. Wide viewing angles again return, with acceptable front-facing speakers ideal for general home entertainment.

ASUS did a lot right with the VG27AQ, supplying a standout gaming experience at a relatively low asking price. The visuals are sharp and smooth with that 1440p, 165Hz synergy, coupled with other features that aim to enhance gaming use. Whereas higher-end options like the Odyssey G7 are pretty costly, ASUS has a great alternative, often around the $400 ballpark.

Pros:

1440p, up to 165Hz
Good image
Affordable
Low response time, input lag

Cons:

Mediocre HDR

Best Value

ASUS VG27AQ

Function meets affordability.

The VG27AQ is a robust 1440p monitor with smooth, high framerate visuals, all for a reasonable price.

Best Budget 1080p Monitor for Xbox Series S: AOC C24G1

The AOC C24G1 provides stellar entry-level value, delivering high frame rate HD gaming, especially suited to the capabilities of Xbox Series S. This 24-inch curved display has all you need to get started with next-generation gaming on a budget, supporting up to 1080p resolution with a maximum 144Hz refresh rate. Picture quality isn't flawless, but you can't hold it against the sub-$200 price.

There's little to fault with the on-paper value of the C24G1. It delivers all the staples of a great monitor for gaming. While it has its shortcomings, namely mediocre uniformity and viewing angles, the savings make these only minor complaints. Framed with slim bezels and 1500R curvature; it's an attractive window into your work and gaming.

This monitor nails the necessities, with its 1080p 144Hz output delivering the best of Xbox Series S while also affordable for Xbox Series X. It has FreeSync support that works with compatible AMD cards and Xbox consoles, quick response times, and low input lag, making your games consistently snappy. You will lose out on HDR with this monitor, although support in this price bracket rarely impresses.

The C24G1 doesn't have many defining traits, but that's exactly what you're looking for at this price. It's an excellent baseline for a great gaming experience, with a picture that's clear, smooth, and low latency. It lacks the visual flair of higher-cost options, but the savings you'll make here are considerable if you need a trusty monitor that focused on what's best.

Pros:

1080p, up to 144Hz
Good image
Affordable
Low response time, input lag

Cons:

No HDR
Poor viewing angles

Best Value

AOC C24G1

$196 from Amazon

Don't overpay on a great gaming experience.

The C24G1 proves you don't need to spend big on a gaming monitor uniquely suited to the Xbox Series S's potential.

Bottom line

Half the value from Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S comes from your chosen display, with the latest generation devices leveraging new image technologies that spotlight their gaming capabilities. These monitors are among the best for Xbox, each with various features that keep your games sharp, smooth, and responsive.

Opting for a monitor means smaller screen sizes than TVs, often falling in the 24-inch to 32-inch range, and better equipped for a desk. They also generally favor higher refresh rates, alongside technologies fine-tuning them for low-latency gameplay through low response times and input. It's these factors that make monitors extremely well-suited to fast-paced multiplayer games like competitive shooters. That makes the LG 27GN950-B the best Xbox Series X monitor, delivering it all up to 4K resolution.

But Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S were designed with TVs in mind, which leaves many flagship monitors at a disadvantage compared to 4K TVs. That's mostly due to HDMI 2.1 latecomers, whereas displays like the LG CX OLED leverage new hardware to simultaneously support 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rates. Otherwise, hardware limitations leave your Xbox outputting 1440p at up to 120Hz, or 4K at up to 60Hz, especially impactful to Xbox Series X.

It's a choice of personal preference, but if you're using an Xbox alongside your PC or using a smaller space like a desk, you can't go wrong with a great monitor. Otherwise, consider whether you're looking for the best features, currently reserved for a handful of 4K TVs.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Matt Brown is a staff writer at Future for Windows Central. Following years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he's focused on the world of Xbox and Windows PCs. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.

System Admin Stuff

Tuesday 26 January 2021