The PlayStation 5 is a performance powerhouse, with a custom SSD, 8-core processor, 16GB DDR6 RAM and 10.3 teraflops of GPU grunt. In addition to delivering rapid loading times and promising great things for the future of gaming, the PS5 can push out high-performance visuals that can reach 120Hz on 1080p and 60Hz on 4K UHD.

More than with any previous generational launch, the PS5 has left PlayStation enthusiasts needing to grapple with increasingly tech-heavy terminology while hunting for the best screen for their new console. Historically the preserve of PC gamers, screen refresh rates, response times and HDMI interfaces are now front and centre of any PS5 owner’s mind. Even a quick glimpse at the best smart TVs lets you know that the features needed to get the most out of a PS5 are almost exclusive to the higher-priced models. Thankfully, gaming monitors exist.

Unlike many TVs, gaming monitors are designed from the ground up for video games. All that they carry is directed at bringing the finest gaming experience possible, free from the trappings of TV OS software, voice assistants, terrestrial decoders, WiFi packs and similar televisual tech. They are all that a gamer needs, and nothing more – everything is working to optimise the gaming experience.

Of course, the best Monitor that Supports PS5 & PS4 both aren’t just great for Sony’s monochromatic monolith. The best PS5 monitors are going to prove versatile for PC gamers, and even those lucky enough to have a desk full of multi-platform glory with the likes of the Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch.

The best monitors for PS5:

• BenQ EL2870U – 4K/60fps on a budget

• ASUS VP28UQG – 4K/60fps with mass-appeal

• Acer Predator XB3 – Glistening 4K at 120fps

• Samsung U32J590 – Big screen 4K on a budget

• Philips 558M1RY – The ultimate PS5 monitor

• ViewSonic VX3276-4K-MHD – Big and beautiful 4K

• MSI Optix G241 – Affordable 144Hz

• AOC Q27G2U – 1440p for a versatility

• ViewSonic VX2718-P-MHD – 120fps on a budget

• AOC Gaming C27G2ZE – 120Hz on a curved panel

• AOC C27G1 – The perfect gaming curve

A quick note: You may have noticed that no 8K UHD monitors are on this list. While there are a few models out there, we don’t think it’s yet worth dropping £4,000 on a 32-inch monitor to play a £450 console. We’re hopeful that we will see more competitive 8K monitors appearing on the marketplace over the next few years.

What we look for in the best PS5 monitors:

Resolution

The PS5 outputs at 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080), 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) and 8K UHD (7680 x 4320). 1080p is the most accessible resolution, though 4K UHD is increasingly popular as the price of the technology falls to a reasonable level. 8K UHD has yet to be widely adopted, but it is a nice touch of future-proofing.

Besides resolution, the quality of the PS5’s output is determined by refresh rate, response time and panel type.

1440p (sometimes called QHD) monitors are very popular with PC gamers as they offer a very sharp mid-point between full-HD and 4K screens, are capable of hitting high refresh rates and are reasonably priced. Unfortunately, the PS5 doesn’t support native 1440p, only 1080p and 4K UHD. The vast majority of 1440p monitors will be read by the PS5 as 1080p and perform as such – don’t worry, we’ve tested it and it still looks marvellous.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate refers to how many times a screen completely reloads the display every second. It’s measured in Hertz (Hz). A 60Hz image will refresh 60 times a second, while a 120Hz screen will refresh 120 times. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the image – low refresh rates can make fast-paced content appear to drag, stutter and jolt.

The significance of a monitor’s refresh rate is demonstratable by the fact that many gamers prefer to game at 1080p/60Hz or 1080p/120Hz, rather than 4K/30Hz.

The refresh rate of the PS5 varies depending on its resolution settings and the specification of the TV or monitor output.

Response Time

Response time measures the speed at which a pixel can change colour. Measured in milliseconds (ms), gaming monitors typically sit under 5ms, with the very best clocking at 1ms. A response time works closely with the refresh rate to ensure that images are free from ghosting and blur. So, the lower the number, the better – especially for fast-paced games.

Panel

Not all LCD panels are created equal. There are three main types of panels used in the manufacture of monitors, each with its costs and benefits.

Twisted nematic (TN) panels are affordable and carry impressive response times and refresh rates. However, they often have limited colour depth and restrictive viewing angles.

In-plane switching (IPS) panels have arresting colour depths and wide viewing angles. This quality of image can sacrifice response time and price. IPS panels are also known to glow.

Vertical alignment (VA) panels have a colour depth and viewing angle sitting between TN and IPS. On affordable options, the response times tend to be less than impressive.

VA panels are commonly found in curved monitors. Curved monitors also introduce a radius code into the mix – such as 1500R or 1800R – this references the depth of the curve. Read more on this at the bottom of the page.