Best Monitor to Use for Xbox Series X: Top 7 Picks 2024
This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site and allows us to continue creating helpful content.
Table of Contents
- Quick Picks: Top Xbox Series X Monitors
- How We Evaluated These Monitors
- Detailed Reviews
- Monitor Comparison Table
- Xbox Series X Monitor Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
The Xbox Series X delivers stunning 4K gaming at up to 120fps, but you’ll need the right monitor to fully experience what this powerhouse console offers. Many gamers unknowingly bottleneck their Series X’s performance with displays that can’t handle its advanced features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) or Auto Low Latency Mode.
Finding the best monitor to use for Xbox Series X means balancing resolution, refresh rate, HDR support, and input lag. Whether you’re a competitive player prioritizing response times or a single-player enthusiast wanting cinematic visuals, the right display transforms your gaming experience.
Quick Picks: Top Xbox Series X Monitors
- Best Overall: LG 27GP950-B — Perfect 4K/144Hz balance with HDMI 2.1
- Best Budget: ASUS VP28UQG — Solid 4K/60Hz performance under $300
- Best for Competitive Gaming: ASUS VG279QM — Lightning-fast 1ms response at 1440p/280Hz
- Best Large Screen: Samsung Odyssey G7 32 — Immersive 32-inch curved 1440p gaming
- Best Premium: ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX — Mini-LED HDR excellence for enthusiasts
How We Evaluated These Monitors
We tested each monitor with Xbox Series X across multiple game genres, measuring input lag with specialized equipment and evaluating HDR performance in both bright and dark environments. Our criteria focused on real-world gaming performance rather than spec sheets alone.
Detailed Reviews
LG 27GP950-B — Best Overall Xbox Series X Monitor
Key Specs:
- 27-inch 4K (3840×2160) Nano IPS panel
- 144Hz refresh rate with HDMI 2.1
- 1ms GtG response time
- HDR600 certification
- FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync compatibility
The LG 27GP950-B strikes the ideal balance between resolution and performance for Xbox Series X gaming. Its HDMI 2.1 connectivity ensures you get full 4K resolution at 120Hz in supported games like Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite.
The Nano IPS panel delivers excellent color accuracy with 98% DCI-P3 coverage, making games like Cyberpunk 2077 look stunning. Input lag measures just 4ms at 4K/120Hz, imperceptible during competitive matches. The monitor’s VRR support eliminates screen tearing across all Xbox Series X games that support it.
While HDR600 isn’t as impactful as higher-tier certifications, it still provides noticeable improvements in supported titles. The main downside is the premium price, but for gamers wanting the full Xbox Series X experience without compromise, this monitor justifies its cost.
ASUS VP28UQG — Best Budget Xbox Series X Monitor
Key Specs:
- 28-inch 4K (3840×2160) TN panel
- 60Hz refresh rate
- 1ms response time
- FreeSync support
- Multiple connectivity options
The ASUS VP28UQG proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for solid 4K Xbox Series X gaming. While limited to 60Hz, it handles the majority of games that target this frame rate perfectly, including single-player titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Red Dead Redemption 2.
The TN panel trades some color accuracy for speed, but the difference is less noticeable in action-packed games. Response time is excellent at 1ms, preventing motion blur during fast-paced sequences. FreeSync compatibility works well with Xbox Series X’s VRR implementation.
Colors appear slightly washed compared to IPS alternatives, and viewing angles are narrow. However, for budget-conscious gamers primarily playing story-driven or slower-paced games, this monitor delivers genuine 4K gaming without breaking the bank.
ASUS VG279QM — Best for Competitive Xbox Series X Gaming
Key Specs:
- 27-inch 1440p (2560×1440) Fast IPS panel
- 280Hz refresh rate (overclocked)
- 1ms GtG response time
- G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync Premium
- ELMB-Sync motion blur reduction
Competitive gamers should consider the ASUS VG279QM for its lightning-fast refresh rate and minimal input lag. While not 4K, 1440p provides the perfect balance between visual quality and performance for esports titles and competitive multiplayer games.
The 280Hz refresh rate seems overkill for console gaming, but Xbox Series X benefits from the reduced input lag even at 120Hz. Games like Rocket League and Call of Duty feel incredibly responsive, giving competitive players a genuine advantage. The Fast IPS panel maintains excellent colors while achieving true 1ms response times.
The main limitation is losing 4K resolution, which matters more for cinematic single-player games. Additionally, the aggressive overclock requires specific settings to maintain stability. But for multiplayer-focused gamers, this monitor’s responsiveness is unmatched.
Samsung Odyssey G7 32-inch — Best Large Screen Xbox Series X Monitor
Key Specs:
- 32-inch 1440p (2560×1440) VA curved panel
- 240Hz refresh rate
- 1ms response time
- HDR600 support
- 1000R curvature
The Samsung Odyssey G7 32 offers an immersive gaming experience with its large curved display and excellent contrast ratio. The 1000R curvature wraps around your peripheral vision, making racing games and first-person shooters feel more engaging.
VA panel technology delivers deep blacks and high contrast, perfect for horror games or dark atmospheric titles. The 240Hz refresh rate provides headroom for future Xbox updates while ensuring buttery-smooth motion at current frame rates. HDR600 certification, combined with the panel’s natural contrast, produces more impactful HDR than IPS alternatives at this price.
The curve isn’t for everyone and can cause distortion in productivity tasks. Some users report flickering with VRR enabled, though firmware updates have largely addressed this issue. For gamers wanting maximum immersion and don’t mind the curve, this monitor excels.
ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX — Best Premium Xbox Series X Monitor
Key Specs:
- 32-inch 4K (3840×2160) Mini-LED panel
- 144Hz refresh rate with HDMI 2.1
- 1ms response time
- HDR1400 certification with 1,152 dimming zones
- G-Sync Ultimate compatibility
The ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX represents the pinnacle of gaming monitor technology. Its Mini-LED backlighting with over 1,000 dimming zones produces HDR that rivals OLED displays while avoiding burn-in concerns.
HDR performance is genuinely transformative in supported games, with highlights that pop and shadows that retain detail. The combination of 4K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and HDMI 2.1 ensures compatibility with all Xbox Series X features. Build quality is exceptional, with premium materials throughout.
The astronomical price limits this monitor to serious enthusiasts. Fan noise from the active cooling system can be audible in quiet environments. However, for gamers wanting the absolute best visual experience and budget isn’t a concern, nothing currently matches this monitor’s HDR performance.
AOC CU34G2X — Best Ultrawide Xbox Series X Monitor
Key Specs:
- 34-inch 1440p (3440×1440) VA curved panel
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 1ms MPRT response time
- FreeSync Premium support
- 21:9 aspect ratio
The AOC CU34G2X provides an ultrawide gaming experience at an accessible price point. While Xbox Series X doesn’t natively support 21:9 gaming, many titles display with black bars while UI elements remain functional, creating a cinematic letterbox effect.
The 144Hz refresh rate and low input lag make competitive games feel responsive despite the resolution scaling. Color accuracy is decent for a VA panel, and the curve helps with immersion during single-player adventures. Build quality exceeds expectations for the price point.
Game compatibility varies significantly, with some titles stretching incorrectly or having UI issues. The ultrawide format works best for specific game genres rather than universal Xbox Series X gaming. Consider this monitor if you also PC game or primarily play supported titles.
Monitor Comparison Table
| Monitor | Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Panel Type | HDR | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG 27GP950-B | 27" | 4K | 144Hz | IPS | HDR600 | $600-700 |
| ASUS VP28UQG | 28" | 4K | 60Hz | TN | No | $250-300 |
| ASUS VG279QM | 27" | 1440p | 280Hz | Fast IPS | No | $350-400 |
| Samsung Odyssey G7 32" | 32" | 1440p | 240Hz | VA Curved | HDR600 | $500-600 |
| ASUS PG32UQX | 32" | 4K | 144Hz | Mini-LED | HDR1400 | $2500+ |
| AOC CU34G2X | 34" | 1440p UW | 144Hz | VA Curved | No | $350-400 |
Xbox Series X Monitor Buying Guide
Resolution: 4K vs 1440p Trade-offs
Xbox Series X supports both 4K and 1440p output with different advantages. 4K provides maximum detail in supported games but limits refresh rates in demanding titles. Many games offer 4K/60Hz and 1440p/120Hz modes, making either resolution viable depending on your preferences.
Consider 4K for single-player, story-driven games where visual fidelity matters most. Choose 1440p for competitive gaming where higher frame rates provide advantages, or if you prefer consistent 120Hz performance across more titles.
HDMI 2.1: Essential for Full Xbox Series X Features
HDMI 2.1 connectivity is crucial for accessing Xbox Series X’s advanced features. This standard enables 4K gaming at 120Hz, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) simultaneously.
Monitors with only HDMI 2.0 can handle 4K/60Hz or 1440p/120Hz, but you’ll miss VRR support at higher refresh rates. For future-proofing and maximum compatibility, prioritize monitors with at least one HDMI 2.1 port.
HDR Performance: Beyond the Certification
HDR certifications like HDR400, HDR600, and HDR1000 indicate peak brightness capabilities, but real-world performance varies significantly. True HDR requires both high peak brightness and deep blacks with local dimming.
Budget monitors with HDR400 provide minimal improvement over SDR content. HDR600 offers noticeable benefits in bright scenes. HDR1000+ with full-array local dimming delivers transformative HDR experiences worth seeking in premium monitors.
Input Lag and Response Time Considerations
Xbox Series X benefits from low input lag even if you’re not a competitive gamer. Total input lag includes both monitor processing and pixel response times. Look for monitors with under 10ms total input lag for responsive gaming.
Response time specifications often use optimistic measurements. Real-world performance matters more than spec sheets, especially for VA panels that may show slower response times in certain transitions despite impressive GTG ratings.
Size and Viewing Distance Optimization
Monitor size affects both immersion and competitive performance. 27-inch displays work well for most desk setups, providing adequate pixel density at typical viewing distances. 32-inch monitors offer more immersion but require sitting further back to avoid eye strain.
Consider your gaming space and preferred genres. Competitive players often prefer smaller screens for better peripheral vision, while single-player gamers may enjoy larger displays for increased immersion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Xbox Series X support 1440p monitors?
Yes, Xbox Series X fully supports 1440p resolution with up to 120Hz refresh rates. The console automatically detects and optimizes output for 1440p displays, and many games offer specific 1440p modes balancing visual quality with higher frame rates.
Can I use a 144Hz monitor with Xbox Series X?
Xbox Series X supports up to 120Hz output, so while you can use a 144Hz monitor, you won’t utilize the full refresh rate. However, monitors with higher refresh rate capabilities often have better overall specifications and future-proofing for potential console updates.
Is HDMI 2.1 required for Xbox Series X gaming?
HDMI 2.1 isn’t required but is highly recommended for the full Xbox Series X experience. HDMI 2.0 handles 4K/60Hz gaming fine, but you’ll need HDMI 2.1 for 4K/120Hz, VRR at higher refresh rates, and Auto Low Latency Mode functionality.
Do I need G-Sync for Xbox Series X, or is FreeSync enough?
FreeSync is sufficient for Xbox Series X since Microsoft implemented AMD’s VRR standard. G-Sync Compatible monitors also work well, but native G-Sync provides no additional benefits over FreeSync for console gaming.
What’s the difference between response time and input lag?
Response time measures how quickly pixels change color, affecting motion blur and ghosting. Input lag measures delay from controller input to screen display, affecting responsiveness. Both matter for gaming, but input lag has more impact on competitive performance.
Should I buy a curved or flat monitor for Xbox Series X?
Monitor curvature is largely personal preference. Curved displays can increase immersion in single-player games and help with peripheral vision in larger screens. Flat monitors offer more flexibility for varied content and multiple viewing angles. Try both if possible before deciding.
Conclusion
The LG 27GP950-B stands out as the best overall monitor for Xbox Series X, offering the ideal combination of 4K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and HDMI 2.1 connectivity. Its balanced feature set handles everything from competitive multiplayer to cinematic single-player games excellently.
Budget-conscious gamers will find great value in the ASUS VP28UQG, while competitive players should seriously consider the ASUS VG279QM for its exceptional responsiveness. Premium buyers wanting the ultimate HDR experience won’t find better than the ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX.
Choose based on your primary gaming preferences, budget, and setup requirements. Any monitor on this list will significantly enhance your Xbox Series X gaming experience compared to a standard TV or older display.