The best HDMI 2.1 monitors allow gamers to take full advantage of the PS5, Xbox Series X, and next-generation gaming PCs. These monitors can support up to 4k at 144Hz with 10-bit color through HDMI with no compression.
Unfortunately, the HDMI 2.1 specification is a mess. Some HDMI 2.1 monitors don’t support the full 48Gbps bandwidth, and features like ALLM, VRR, eARC, and the new Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM) coming in the HDMI 2.1a update are mandatory. If you’re looking for a new HDMI 2.1 monitor, this guide will help you pick just the right one for your needs.
Most people looking for an HDMI 2.1 monitor, need it for their PS5 and XBOX, but also want to use it as a PC monitor. For that use case, an HDMI 2.1 switch might be a good investment.
Here are the best HDMI 2.1 monitors you can buy right now.
Table of Contents
- Best HDMI 2.1 Monitors Compared
- 1. LG 27GP950-B UltraGear Gaming Monitor – High Refresh Rate HDMI 2.1 Monitor
- 2. ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A – Best All-Around HDMI 2.1 Monitor
- 3. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor – Ultrawide Monitor with HDMI 2.1
- 4. GIGABYTE M32U – Best Value
- 5. Acer Predator XB283K KV – Most Affordable HDMI 2.1 Monitor
- 6. Eve Spectrum 4K 144Hz – Clean, Minimalist Design
- 7. ASUS ROG STRIX XG43UQ – Large Screen HDMI 2.1 Monitor
- 8. AORUS FV43U – Close Competitor
- Best HDMI 2.1 Monitors – The Only Buying Guide You’ll Ever Need
- Best HDMI 2.1 Monitors – Frequently Asked Questions
Best HDMI 2.1 Monitors Compared
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | LG 27GP950-B UltraGear Gaming Monitor | Size: 27-inch Resolution: 3840x2160 Refresh Rate: 144Hz Panel Type: IPS Aspect Ratio: 16 HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 600 VRR: FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible HDMI 2.1 Ports: 2 HDMI 2.1 Bandwidth: 48Gbps | Buy on Amazon |
 | ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A | Size: 28-inch Resolution: 3840x2160 Refresh Rate: 144Hz Panel Type: IPS Aspect Ratio: 16 HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400, HDR10 VRR: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible HDMI 2.1 Ports: 2 HDMI 2.1 Bandwidth: 48Gbps | Buy on Amazon |
 | Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor | Size: 49-inch Resolution: 5120x1440 Refresh Rate: 240Hz Panel Type: VA Aspect Ratio: 32 HDR: Quantum HDR2000, HDR10+, HDR10 VRR: FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible HDMI 2.1 Ports: 2 HDMI 2.1 Bandwidth: 40Gbps | Buy on Amazon |
 | GIGABYTE M32U | Size: 32-inch Resolution: 3840x2160 Refresh Rate: 144Hz Panel Type: IPS Aspect Ratio: 16 HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400 VRR: FreeSync Premium Pro HDMI 2.1 Ports: 2 HDMI 2.1 Bandwidth: 24Gbps | Buy on Amazon |
 | Acer Predator XB283K KV | Size: 28-inch Resolution: 3840x2160 Refresh Rate: 144Hz Panel Type: IPS Aspect Ratio: 16 HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400 VRR: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible HDMI 2.1 Ports: 2 HDMI 2.1 Bandwidth: | Buy on Amazon |
 | Eve Spectrum | Size: 27-inch Resolution: 3840x2160 Refresh Rate: 144Hz Panel Type: IPS Aspect Ratio: 16 HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 600, HDR10 VRR: FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible HDMI 2.1 Ports: 2 HDMI 2.1 Bandwidth: 48Gbps | Check Price on Eve |
 | ASUS ROG STRIX XG43UQ | Size: 43-inch Resolution: 3840x2160 Refresh Rate: 144Hz Panel Type: VA Aspect Ratio: 16 HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 1000, HDR10 VRR: FreeSync Premium Pro HDMI 2.1 Ports: 2 HDMI 2.1 Bandwidth: 48Gbps | Buy on Amazon |
 | AORUS FV43U | Size: 43-inch Resolution: 3840x2160 Refresh Rate: 144Hz Panel Type: VA Aspect Ratio: 16 HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 1000 VRR: FreeSync Premium Pro HDMI 2.1 Ports: 2 HDMI 2.1 Bandwidth: 24Gbps | Buy on Amazon |
1. LG 27GP950-B UltraGear Gaming Monitor – High Refresh Rate HDMI 2.1 Monitor
The LG 27GP950-B UltraGear Gaming Monitor is the ultimate HDMI 2.1 monitor you can buy, packing in plenty of features for competitive gaming. It goes beyond the 144Hz refresh rate that most 4K HDMI 2.1 monitors are capable of to offer higher refresh rates up to 160Hz, making it an excellent monitor for vibrant racing and shooter titles such as Overwatch and Valorant.
There is a lot to like with the display on the 27GP950-B. The 4K resolution at 27 inches makes it the sharpest HDMI 2.1 monitor available. In addition, the Nano IPS panel, 98% DCI-P3 wide color coverage, and VESA DisplayHDR 600 help deliver vivid scenes and virtual worlds for more gaming immersion. It’s also fully adjustable, so you’ll always find the best position for your display.
The 27GP950-B has two HDMI 2.1 inputs, which unleashes 4K 120Hz gameplay on the PS5 and Xbox Series X. For PC gamers, you can bump the refresh rate up to 160Hz with DisplayPort to enjoy a smooth and detailed gaming experience. Throw in the 1ms response time and support for both NVIDIA and FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, and you get a monitor that can handle anything you throw at it.
Our TakeThe LG 27GP950-B UltraGear Gaming Monitor has everything you could ever want in a premium gaming monitor. It’s the fastest and sharpest HDMI 2.1 monitor you can find with a 4K resolution.
- Full 48Gbps bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports
- 160Hz refresh rate with VRR
- Outstanding response time and input lag
- Incredibly sharp and bright display
- Excellent color accuracy
- RGB lighting and in-game enhancements
- Low contrast ratio, typical of all IPS panels
2. ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A – Best All-Around HDMI 2.1 Monitor
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A is the best HDMI 2.1 monitor for most people, balancing an outstanding performance, features, and price. While it doesn’t have an overclockable refresh rate like the LG 27GP950-B, it supports the full 48Gbps bandwidth of HDMI 2.1, meaning you don’t have to worry about compression. The monitor can produce the best picture quality possible from the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Like most HDMI 2.1 monitors, the TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A supports 4K 120Hz gaming on the latest consoles and up to 144Hz on PCs. It has native support for FreeSync Premium and G-Sync to provide smooth and tear-free gameplay both on PCs and consoles. Motion clarity is at its best with support for Variable Overdrive and ELMB. You’ll experience zero to little ghosting in fast-paced scenes.
Gaming performance aside, the picture quality on this monitor is fantastic. The 4K resolution and wide color gamut deliver sharp images and vibrant colors. You can turn on HDR to add a little bit of depth to your virtual worlds. However, don’t expect the best HDR performance at only 450nits. Overall, the TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A ticks all the boxes for the modern gamer, whether on console or PC.
Our TakeThe ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A is a good HDMI 2.1 monitor with good picture quality, full 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, and a reasonable price tag. It’s the best option for buyers looking for the best deal without comprising features and performance.
- Supports full bandwidth of HDMI 2.1
- FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility
- Good immersive display
- Top-tier gaming features
- Limited HDR capability
3. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor – Ultrawide Monitor with HDMI 2.1
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor is a great option for those looking for an ultrawide gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1. It’s a 49-inch super ultrawide monitor with a one-of-a-kind 1000R curved screen, which delivers the most immersive gaming experience you can find on a monitor.
The Odyssey Neo G9 is an excellent upgrade for PC gamers. It has a 240Hz refresh rate, a true 1ms response time, G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro support, and incredibly low input lag, everything a gamer needs to take on competitive first-person shooters. HDMI 2.1 allows high refresh rate gaming up to 144Hz at its full 5120×1440 resolution, previously possible with DisplayPort only.
Samsung has done 49-inch ultrawide monitors in the past, but this is the first time we see a Mini-LED display. It has the best local dimming you can find on a non-OLED monitor, resulting in deeper blacks and an outstanding HDR experience. It gets very bright when watching HDR content, making everything pop. Overall, the Odyssey Neo G9 provides the best picture quality of any ultrawide monitor and powerful gaming performance to match.
Our TakeSamsung Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor provides a brilliant Mini-LED display and a 240Hz refresh rate to enjoy modern AAA games in all their glory. Its 49-inch ultrawide screen is perfect for both gaming and productivity.
- Stunning Mini-LED display
- Fantastic HDR performance
- 240Hz refresh rate with FreeSync support and G-SYNC compatibility
- Large, immersive screen
- Supports 5120×1440 at 144Hz over HDMI
- Large and heavy. Needs a bigger desk.
4. GIGABYTE M32U – Best Value
The GIGABYTE M32U provides the ideal screen size for enjoying 4K gaming. It’s large enough for an immersive gaming experience and co-op gaming with friends but not too large to have a dampening effect on the visual appearance. The monitor is still plenty sharp and has fantastic picture quality.
The most standing-out feature of the M32U is its price. This monitor costs the same as most 28-inch monitors with HDMI 2.1, despite having a larger 32-inch panel. Considering the outrageously high prices of larger HDMI 2.1 monitors, the M32U delivers the most bang for your bang, making it a good option for value seekers.
However, the HDMI 2.1 ports in this monitor have 24Gbps instead of the full 48Gbps bandwidth supported by the HDMI 2.1 specification. It can still deliver 4K 120Hz gameplay on the latest consoles and graphics cards with compression, but the PS5 will be limited to chroma 4:2:0. This won’t affect the picture quality, but some text may look blurry. Elsewhere, you’re getting all the usuals, including a max 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, and DisplayHDR 400.
Our TakeThe GIGABYTE M32U is an affordable 32-inch gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1. It’s perfect for those looking for a large, feature-rich monitor that does not break the bank.
- Incredible value
- Excellent response times
- The large screen delivers more immersion
- Built-in KVM feature
- Lackluster HDR performance due to low brightness
5. Acer Predator XB283K KV – Most Affordable HDMI 2.1 Monitor
The Acer Predator XB283K KV is the cheapest monitor with HDMI 2.1 you can buy right now. It’s a 28-inch monitor with a 144Hz maximum refresh rate, 1ms response time, and support for FreeSync and G-Sync VRR. Like the GIGABYTE M32U, its HDMI 2.1 ports have limited bandwidth, but it can still push 4K 120Hz gameplay on the latest consoles and up to 144Hz on PCs via Display Stream Compression (DSC).
The Predator XB283K KV comes with the same panel as most HDMI 2.1 monitors. It has a wide color gamut with 90% DCI-P3, DisplayHDR 400 support, and around 400 nits of brightness. The picture quality is excellent, but it falls behind the Odyssey Neo G9 and LG 27GP950-B in terms of HDR. We don’t recommend buying this monitor solely for HDR.
Acer added a USB-C port with 65W laptop charging power to the already impressive port selection. This makes it easy to connect and charge your work laptop to get more done on a large screen. Other ports include a DisplayPort 1.4, a headphone jack, and four USB-A ports. The stand allows height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, wrapping up an impressive and budget-friendly package.
Our TakeThe Acer Predator XB283K KV is a perfect option for those on a budget but still want a nice, fast monitor to pair with the new consoles or PC. It has all the HDMI 2.1 bells and whistles and a USB-C port with display and charging support.
- Budget-friendly price
- Fast 1ms response time and VRR support
- Excellent ergonomics
- USB-C port with Power Delivery and Alt. Mode.
- Decent picture quality
- Underwhelming HDR
6. Eve Spectrum 4K 144Hz – Clean, Minimalist Design
The Eve Spectrum 4K 144Hz sports a clean, understated look that can easily fit in an office. It’s super minimal and good-looking with no logos, RGB lighting, and sharp angles and curves found on most gaming monitors. You can order the Eve Spectrum with or without a stand. The stand is super minimal, feels absolutely solid, and offers a good range of height and tilt adjustment.
There are two HDMI 2.1 inputs on this monitor, along with a DisplayPort 1.4. It supports all the common resolutions and refresh rates on the PS5 and Xbox Series X and can go all the way to 4K at 144Hz for PCs. The panel is FreeSync Premium Pro certified and compatible with NVIDIA G-Sync. Overall, everything you could want in a monitor for next-gen console and PC gaming.
The Eve Spectrum 4K 144Hz gains extra points in the ports department. It has additional two USB-C ports, with one capable of charging flagships laptops like the 14-inch MacBook Pro at full speed while supporting 4K video passthrough. With a wide color gamut, good peak brightness, DisplayHDR600, and excellent out-of-the-box color accuracy, the Eve Spectrum is as good as it gets for next-gen gaming and professional creative workflows.
Our TakeThe Eve Spectrum 4K 144Hz is an outstanding gaming monitor that does not look out of place in an office. It has everything you need to connect the latest consoles for gaming and your MacBook pro for work.
- Premium build quality
- Bright, sharp, and colorful display
- Excellent HDR picture
- Faster response time and fantastic overdrive
- Ports galore, including USB-C port with 100W charging
- Poor HDR and local dimming
7. ASUS ROG STRIX XG43UQ – Large Screen HDMI 2.1 Monitor
The ASUS ROG STRIX XG43UQ is an absolute beast of a monitor, packing top-tier gaming specs on a large, high-resolution panel. Playing games on this monitor feels immersive due to its size. And thanks to its wide viewing angles, you can comfortably play local multiplayer games on the couch with friends, making it a perfect TV replacement.
This monitor comes with premium features such as DisplayHDR 1000 with 1000nits of peak brightness, 90% DCI-P3, and all HDMI 2.1 features such as Auto Low latency Mode and HDMI Forum VRR. The image quality is the best you can get from a monitor of this size, and the HDR experience is simply stunning. This is a monitor we can easily recommend for HDR gaming and multimedia.
ASUS is no stranger when it comes to gaming monitors. The XG43UQ lets you enjoy the PS5 and Xbox Series X to their full capabilities. It supports 4K gaming at up to 144Hz on PC and has excellent motion response, making it ideal for competitive shooters and racing titles. This monitor also comes with ASUS exclusive gaming features such as Shadow Boost, ELMB, and GamePlus to give you a competitive edge over your opponents.
Our TakeThe ASUS ROG STRIX XG43UQ combines a large, high-resolution display with next-gen features to deliver an outstanding balance of immersion and performance. It has excellent HDR quality, and HDMI 2.1 means you can get the best of the latest consoles and GPUs.
- Large and immersive 43-inch screen size
- Excellent HDR
- Solid gaming performance
- FreeSync Premium Pro and 1ms response time
- Edge-lit local dimming
8. AORUS FV43U – Close Competitor
The AORUS FV43U is an excellent alternative to the ASUS ROG STRIX XG43UQ for those looking for a large HDMI 2.1 monitor but don’t have that kind of money to spend. It has the same 43-inch 16:9 screen that looks more like a TV than a computer monitor. The only downside is that it has low HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, but it’s still capable of 4K gaming at 120Hz on the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
The overall gaming performance is excellent both on console and PC. It has a 144Hz max refresh rate, 1ms response time, FreeSync Premium Pro, and G-Sync compatibility. Although the size might favor console gamers, it performs well on PC. Motion response is excellent, and you can unlock handy in-game enhancements such as custom crosshairs, shadow boost, and FPS timer.
The AORUS FV43U combines a wide DCI-P3 color gamut with quantum dot technology and DisplayHDR 1000 to produce rich and accurate colors. It has Picture by Picture support and a built-in KVM switch that lets you display content from two different sources and control them with the same keyboard and mouse. With this, you can connect two PCs to the monitor or connect a PC and a gaming console simultaneously.
Our TakeThe AORUS FV43U is an affordable 43-inch monitor with HDMI 2.1. It has a stunning display, outstanding gaming performance, and additional features to get the most out of the large screen.
- Incredible value
- Excellent gaming features
- Great HDR picture
- Built-in KVM feature
- Surprisingly good audio quality
- HDMI 2.1 ports have 24Gbps bandwidth, which may lead to blurry text on the PS5
- Poor ergonomics
Best HDMI 2.1 Monitors – The Only Buying Guide You’ll Ever Need
Here are the things to consider when buying a monitor with HDMI 2.1.
HDMI 2.1 Bandwidth
HDMI 2.1 has a maximum bandwidth of 48Gbps, a significant increase from the 18Gbps of HDMI 2.0. This allows the latest consoles, PS5 and Xbox Series X, to transmit 4K content at up to 120FPS. The latest GPUs from NVIDIA and AMD can even do 4K at 144FPS with 10-bit color and no chroma subsampling.
However, some monitors don’t support the full 48Gbps bandwidth of HDMI 2.1. For instance, GIGABYTE’s monitors support only 24Gbps, while Samsung tops at 40Gbps. Fortunately, these monitors can still do 4K at 120Hz and 4K at 144Hz using Display Stream Compression, which is fully supported by the latest graphics cards and the Xbox Series X.
But since the PS5 does not support compression (yet), you’ll be limited to chroma 4:2:0 at 4K 120Hz. This does not affect the picture quality, but some text on the menus and games might look blurry. All in all, you can get excellent picture quality and gaming performance with any HDMI 2.1 monitor, but if you want to enjoy all the HDMI 2.1 features, a monitor with 48Gbps is the best choice.
Screen Size
The screen size determines the sharpness of your display. Smaller 27 and 28-inch monitors produce the sharpest and most detailed visuals, while the large 32-inch displays provide a more immersive gaming experience and more screen size for co-op gaming.
You go all out for a 43-inch monitor if you want an even larger display. The large size is perfect for gaming on the couch and multiplayer co-op gaming. You also get plenty of screen size for multitasking and productivity, eliminating the need to have separate monitors for work and gaming.
There is only one option available for those looking to go the ultrawide route. The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is the only ultrawide monitor with HDMI 2.1. It’s perfect for PC gaming, but console gamers need to look elsewhere since both the PS5 and Xbox Series X don’t support ultrawide aspect ratios.
Panel Type
There are two panel types you’ll come across when shopping for a new HDMI 2.1 monitor: IPS and VA. Overall, IPS panels provide the best picture quality and have excellent viewing angles, ideal for co-op gaming. However, IPS have an inherently low contrast ratio, which results in black appearing more like gray when viewing in dark rooms.
VA panels have the best contrast ratio than IPS panels, resulting in much deeper blacks and excellent picture quality in dark rooms. If you want the best HDR experience or a monitor you can use in a dark room, the VA panel is the way to go.
VRR
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) eliminates screen tearing by syncing the monitor’s refresh rate to the framerate of a GPU or console, resulting in a smooth and fluid gameplay. While the high refresh rate of HDMI 2.1 monitors allows for smooth gameplay, adding VRR support makes your gameplay smoother even when the framerates drop below the monitor’s refresh rate.
The HDMI 2.1 Specification added a new VRR format, HDMI Forum VRR, which is available to any HDMI 2.1 source and display. However, like most HDMI 2.1 features, HDMI Forum VRR is optional, meaning manufacturers can choose not to support it. To be safe, make sure your new HDMI 2.1 monitor supports standard VRR technologies, such as AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC.
We recommend a monitor with FreeSync Premium Pro and G-SYNC compatibility for the best gaming performance and visuals, especially for HDR displays. If you’re on a budget, a FreeSync Premium certified monitor can give an excellent gaming performance without breaking the bank.
Best HDMI 2.1 Monitors – Frequently Asked Questions
Are HDMI 2.1 Monitors Worth It?
HDMI 2.1 monitors are worth it for the PS5, Xbox Series X, and latest generation gaming PCs, delivering smooth and responsive gameplay up to 4K at 144Hz (4K at 120Hz for consoles).
Is HDMI 2.1 Needed for PS5?
You don’t need HDMI 2.1 for PS5; however, if you want to play games in 4K at a 120Hz refresh rate, you’ll need a monitor or TV with HDMI 2.1 ports. HDMI 2.0 only supports 4K gaming at 60Hz.
Do You Need HDMI 2.1 for 1080p 120Hz?
Earlier generations of the HDMI specification, HDMI 1.4 and HDMI 2.0, have enough bandwidth to deliver 1080p content at a 120Hz refresh rate, meaning you don’t need HDMI 2.1 for 1080p 120Hz.
Do You Need HDMI 2.1 for 4K?
You don’t need HDMI 2.1 to display a 4K signal since HDMI 2.0 can do 4K at 60Hz. However, HDMI 2.1 is required to transmit 4K at higher framerates like 120FPS and 144FPS.
