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Best HDMI 2.1 monitor – our top picks for gaming

Console gamers rejoice, the latest HDMI 2.1 monitors have finally arrived and they do not disappoint!

Updated: Feb 23, 2024 6:25 am
Best HDMI 2.1 monitor – our top picks for gaming

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If you are looking for the best HDMI 2.1 monitor for gaming, then we have you covered right here.

Now fully established in today’s market, the latest high-performance gaming monitors are a breath of fresh air for gamers – delivering excellent performance in 8K @ 60FPS or 4K @ 120FPS, or up to 240Hz at 4K using display stream compression. So, If you’re in the market for one of the best HDMI 2.1 monitors in 2024, look no further – we’ve reviewed a ton of the latest panels and have compiled this short list of options for your consideration.

Whether you’re looking for a large-screen panel for console use or need something smaller that can be used for both PC gaming and console gaming, this guide will have a HDMI 2.1 monitor that suits your exact needs.

With that being said, our team has researched and listed some of the best HDMI 2.1 monitors for gaming right here. Plus, we are always looking to add new products to our guide, so check back here for more updates. 

Today’s best monitor deals


Best HDMI 2.1 monitor

Now it’s time to get down to the details when figuring out the best HDMI 2.1 monitor. If you’re playing on a console, you may even want to opt for our best HDMI 2.1 TV guide, too – so we’ll be leaving those choices out of this guide. No more time to waste, let’s jump into our first pick and tell you everything worth knowing.

Best HDMI 2.1 monitor: Samsung Odyssey Neo G8

01

Samsung Odyssey Neo G8

Samsung Odyssey Neo G8

Refresh Rate

240Hz

Response time

1ms

Screen size

32″

Resolution

3840 x 2160

Pros
  • 240Hz refresh rate
  • UHD image clarity
  • Mini LED technology
Cons
  • VA panel limitations

Samsung’s Odyssey Neo G8 gets a spot in our best HDMI 2.1 monitor list for good reason. Not only is it the fasted monitor in this guide, but it’s also the first 4K display with a 240Hz refresh rate. Samsung has continued to use its tried and tested Odyssey styling for the G8. It features the fan-favorite vortex on the rear alongside a fully white exterior. A wide, black V-shape stand holds the 32-inch 1000R curved display in place firmly. The same G9 cable management system has also been utilized here.

As for performance, the Samsung Neo G8 really does offer some of the best gaming in this guide. The 240Hz refresh rate it uses is a world-first for the 4K screen resolution, providing liquidy smooth gaming, which is great for both competitive and casual gaming. A 1ms response time can be expected from this monitor, alongside a 1000 nit peak brightness and mini-LED backlight technology.

That’s right; this will also be the first time Samsung has utilized mini-LED technology in a monitor, allowing the G8 to hit DisplayHDR 2000, respectively. All being said, the Samsung Neo G8 is a superb all-round panel. Keep in mind, however, that the G8 does retail for well over $1,000, making it one of the most expensive panels in this guide.

Best budget HDMI 2.1 monitor: GIGABYTE M32U

Recommended
02

Gigabyte M32U

Gigabyte M28U

Refresh Rate

144Hz

Response time

1ms GTG

Screen size

32″

Resolution

3840 x 2160

Pros
  • 1ms GTG response time is snappy
  • Stunning IPS panel and 4K resolution
  • 144Hz refresh rate & FreeSync compatible
  • Sleek design which looks the part
Cons
  • Basic HDR performance

We were lucky enough to get to learn all about this impressive 4K monitor in our GIGABYTE M32U review. The Acer Nitro XV282K used to be one of our top picks here, but now that is much harder to find these days, we’re instead recommending the M32U. If you do find that 32″ displays are a little big for your liking, then Gigabyte’s M28U offers much of the same with a reduced 28″ screen size – which we find is a great screen size for many people, especially if you’ll be running a dual monitor setup.

Let’s talk more about specs. The M32U offers a full 4K screen resolution, so it’s fantastic for productivity and gaming alike. Gamers can look forward to an immersive experience thanks to the large screen size and excellent pixel density of this kind of screen. It’s also part of the 4K 144Hz club, which makes for high-end visuals if you have a powerful gaming PC to back it up. No need to worry too much if your PC can’t handle a smooth 144+ FPS at 4K, though, as this monitor is FreeSync compatible to help combat screen tearing. Not to mention the 1ms response time for minimal ghosting or motion blur.

Recommending this monitor is a no-brainer when taking into account the price, too. All the great specs are one thing, but Gigabyte really gives you great value for money here – it’s competitively priced for people looking to pick up an HDMI 2.1 monitor. Not to mention, it even has a USB 3.0 hub and USB-C connectivity.

Best HDMI 2.1 monitor for PS5: Sony INZONE M9

03

Sony 27” INZONE M9

Pros
  • 27-in 4K display
  • 144Hz refresh rate
  • VRR support
Cons
  • No built-in speakers

If you are searching for an HDMI 2.1 monitor for PS5, then we think that the Sony Inzone M9 is one of the best choices.

To start with, this monitor sports a 27-inch screen, which is an average size for gaming-oriented monitors – especially if you play competitive games or action-packed titles. Further, this monitor has Full Array Local Dimming backlighting technology, which promises to deliver a richer contrast. 

Much like some of the best PS5 monitors, this Sony monitor also offers 4K resolution, which should deliver good picture quality. In addition to this, you also get HDR support and a peak brightness of 600 nits, so you can expect realistic visuals with high contrast. 

As far as the gaming specs are concerned, the monitor offers a 144Hz refresh rate, which is enough to run most games, including AAA ones, without a hitch. Plus, you get VRR support with NVIDIA G-Sync, so you can expect a smoother gaming experience. 

If you use this monitor with PS5, then you can also make use of the Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, which are features exclusively available for the console. 

Best HDMI 2.1 monitor for Xbox Series X: Acer Predator XB283K KVbmiipruzx

04

Acer Predator XB283K KVbmiipruzx

Pros
  • 28-inch 4K display
  • 144Hz refresh rate
  • 1ms response time
Cons
  • No built-in speakers

If you are looking for an HDMI 2.1 monitor for your Xbox console, then you should check out this Acer Predator model. 

The Acer monitor sports a 28-inch screen, which is a good size if you want an immersive experience without overwhelming the desk. Plus, this size should be suitable for all kinds of games – action-packed FPS, casual puzzles, and more. 

As you can guess, this is a 4K gaming monitor (3840 x 2160), so you can expect a better picture quality than a full HD monitor. Further, the monitor also offers a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut, which should deliver good color reproduction. 

Coming to performance, the monitor has a 144Hz refresh rate, which should be sufficient for most games, including the graphics-heavy AAA titles. Plus, you also get a 1ms GtG response time, so you can expect faster pixel transitions and overall smoother gameplay. 

As far as connectivity is concerned, along with the HDMI 2.1 port, the monitor also offers DisplayPort 1.4 and USB ports, which should make peripheral connections easier.

Best 4K HDMI 2.1 monitor: LG UltraGear 27GP950-B

05

LG UltraGear 27GP950-B

LG Ultragear 27GP950

Refresh Rate

144Hz

Response time

1ms GTG

Screen size

27″

Resolution

3840 x 2160

Pros
  • Excellent Color Accuracy
  • Good Peak Brightness
  • Wide Color Gamut
  • 160Hz Refresh Rate
  • 1ms Response Time
Cons
  • HDR is a little lacking

The LG 27GP950 is the successor to the hugely popular 27GN950. It comes to the table boasting all the fan-favorite traits that the predecessor did, only with HDMI 2.1 and a few other cool additions, too.

LG is one of the biggest names in the game when it comes to monitoring tech, so it’s no surprise to see one of their latest panels score highly in another best-of-guide. The LG 27GP950 is one of the latest monitors to be released by the South Korean manufacturer, providing all the top-line specs you could want for a stunning visual experience.

As far as design goes, the 27GP950 doesn’t offer that many changes when compared to the GN addition. With sharp edges, a sleek screen, and subtle design traits, this monitor really does offer the best of both worlds. It still has height adjustment, too, which is great for those not looking to invest in a monitor arm. Design aside, however, performance is where this monitor really comes into its own.

The LG offers up a UHD 4K resolution, 160Hz refresh rate (via simple OC), 1ms response time GTG (with OverDrive), and VESA DisplayHDR600 certification – all wrapped up in a new Nano IPS panel that offers a wide color gamut and a decent peak brightness. That makes it a great monitor for higher refresh rate gaming. You’ll be able to relish smooth, screen-tearing-free visuals with adaptive sync support in the shape of both FreeSync (Premium) and G-Sync (compatible). Features also include a versatile stand, RGB lighting, and a user-friendly OSD, too.

Best large screen HDMI 2.1 monitor: Corsair Xeneon Flex

06

Corsair Xeneon Flex

Corsair xeneon flex

Refresh rate

240Hz

Response time

0.03ms GtG

Resolution

3440 x 1440

Screen size

45″

Pros
  • OLED panel
  • Bendable design
  • Rapid 240hz refresh rate
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Very pricy

We had the pleasure of quickly reviewing the Corsair Xeneon Flex a while ago, and it’s safe to say that it has left a lasting impression. Despite the Flex being our best 240Hz HDMI 2.1 pick, it could easily be our best HDMI 2.1 choice as well – if it wasn’t for the price tag. Price aside, the Xeneon Flex is easily one of the best-looking monitors on the market, characterized by a sleek design that really does scream premium.

Corsair has cleverly redesigned inputs for this monitor as well, with the base of the stand (and the rear) housing its various video input ports. Not only is this a 240Hz HDMI 2.1 monitor, it’s also an OLED monitor, too – making it the first OLED 240Hz panel that can be actively bent to your desired viewing angle.

It features a comprehensive internal dashboard for altering the viewing experience of the panel, alongside VRR technology for a tear-free viewing experience. Ultimately, however, the Xeneon Flex is still over $2,000 – making it one of the most expensive panels in this guide. If you can afford that, though, you’ll be getting a truly exceptional gaming monitor.

Best curved HDMI 2.1 monitor: Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

Editor’s Choice
07

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 (S49AG95NC)

Samsung odyssey g9 neo Black friday deal

Refresh Rate

240Hz

Response time

1ms GTG

Screen size

48.8″

Resolution

5120 x 1440

Panel Type

VA (CSOT)

Pros
  • High 240Hz refresh rate
  • Impressive VESA DisplayHDR200 certification
  • Wide 1000R Curvature
  • Mini-LED Backlight Technology
Cons
  • Stand can wobble due to size

Samsung has recently updated its hugely popular 49-inch gaming monitor – coined the Odyssey Neo G9, it comes equipped with a mini-LED backlight, VESA DisplayHDR2000 certification, and all the same high-end gaming features you could expect from the original.

As far as specifications go, the Odyssey Neo G9 hasn’t changed a great deal since the original – still offering a good mix of specs that provide high levels of immersion and fluid gameplay. Users can expect a 240Hz refresh rate, low 1ms response time, and impressive color accuracy. The VA (CSOT) panel is at the heart of this monitor, bringing decent viewing angles and a wide color gamut to the table. The Neo G9 covers 125% of the sRGB spectrum, alongside 95% of DCI-P3.

Designers of the Neo G9 say that the 1000R curvature of the panel helps to reduce the levels of strain on the eye, matching the curvature of the eyeball. Furthermore, the G9 also offers excellent picture clarity thanks to its 5120 x 1440 screen resolution (32:9 aspect ratio). Inputs include 2 x HDMI 2.1 ports, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, and a plethora of USB 3.0 Type-A ports. Users will be able to connect directly to the monitor via the 3.5mm audio jack found at the rear.

The only real downside to this panel is the eye-watering price tag it comes equipped with – currently retailing for north of $2,000. That makes the G9 almost double the cost of the original – leaving many unable to even afford the panel. However, with the additional 2048 local dimming zones (thanks to mini-LED), it’s no surprise that the monitor comes at such a high price point. See the full Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 review here.


How we choose and test HDMI 2.1 monitors

Physically testing the products we recommend here at WePC is one of the fundamental factors that has helped us secure your trust in recent years. For the best HDMI 2.1 monitors post, we haven’t quite managed to test all the monitors we’ve recommended – my bad. That being said, the ones we haven’t tested have been selected from previous experience, specifications, and the overall reputation of the brand.

Like all our best-of guides, whether it be the best gaming monitor for Xbox Series X or best HDR monitor, we will be performing thorough tests on the monitors we recommend – as and when we can, as we unfortunately don’t have every monitor on the market stocked up.

Best HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor video

We’ve compiled all the best HDMI 2.1 monitors into one video below:

How to pick the best HDMI 2.1 monitor

Like any new hardware technology, choosing the best HDMI 2.1 monitor right now can be incredibly difficult – especially if you aren’t bang up to date with the latest technology. For HDMI 2.1 monitors, there are a ton of prior considerations to think about to ensure the monitor you choose is right for your specific needs.

For that reason, we have listed the most important factors and some expectations that come with an HDMI 2.1 monitor:

Hardware requirements

As most HDMI 2.1 monitors come with high resolutions, PC gamers will have to factor in the strength of their PC components. As we say on our 4K gaming monitor page, moving from a 1080 or 1440p panel up to a UHD 4K one comes with huge knock-on effects to your gaming experience. This is particularly important for individuals that want to hook their monitor up to a PC and a next-gen console.

4K Gaming Monitor

Screen Size

There’s a variety of screen sizes available out there, so you’re very likely to find a suitable monitor size. The “right” size for you will depend on various factors like how close you sit to your monitor, primary use case, preferences, budget, and more. But to give you an idea, if you have a small setup and you sit close to your screen, then monitors between 24 and 28 inches will be suitable. However, if you multitask and have a lot of desk space to spare, then you should go for 32 to 49 inches.

Gaming features

If you are planning to play games, then you should look for HDMI 2.1 monitors that are designed for gamers. Usually, gaming monitors come with a high refresh rate, support for adaptive sync, multiple ports, and several features that make your gaming experience smoother.

Budget

Like many new technologies, HDMI 2.1 monitors are coming with fairly hefty price tags – as you’d imagine. Thanks to the specifications these monitors come equipped with (4K @ 144Hz in most cases), they aren’t exactly the cheapest options around there. That’s the point, though, as a gamer – especially a console gamer – the point of HDMI 2.1 is high resolutions at over 60FPS (in this case, 120hz).

So, if you are in the market for a new HDMI 2.1 monitor, remember, you’re likely going to have to spend a good amount of cash to reap the rewards.


FAQs

What is HDMI 2.1?

Maybe a silly question, but for some individuals – especially the ones new to PC/console gaming – the features and benefits of the video/audio transfer standard are a little foreign. HDMI 2.1 is the latest standard of HDMI specification – the world’s most popular video/audio interface. The latest standard of HDMI offers a whole host of exciting features and benefits that will improve gaming, exponentially.

The latest HDMI specifications support a range of higher video resolution and refresh rates, including; 8K@60 and 4K@120 – not to mention 10K resolution too. Furthermore, dynamic HDR formats are also supported alongside bandwidth capabilities that reach 48Gbps. Whilst most of the HDMI 2.1 excitement surrounds higher resolution support, that isn’t the only benefit. Gamers will also be able to enjoy eARC simplified connectivity – providing greater ease of use and supporting the most advanced audio formats (higher quality audio experience).

Gamers can also look forward to enhanced gaming features too, including a more efficient VRR experience, Auto Low Latency Mode, and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) too – for reduced latency.

HDMI 2.1 vs DisplayPort 1.4 – what’s the difference?

There aren’t really that many huge differences between HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 – once you forget about the actual connector shape. That said, there are some subtle differences to be found when taking a closer look at the technical specifications of both. For all intents and purposes, HDMI 2.1 is the better of the two. It has a higher ‘Max Transmission Rate’ and ‘Max Data Rate’.

The biggest difference of all, however, is the convenience of HDMI. It is used in almost every consumer essential, outweighing the DisplayPort by some distance. Furthermore, next-gen consoles do not offer a DisplayPort connection – meaning if you want to relish 4K @ 120Hz, you will need to use an HDMI 2.1 monitor or TV. Check out our full guide on HDMI vs DisplayPort while you’re here.

Do you need HDMI 2.1 for 4K?

Whilst you do get a better gaming experience for HDMI 2.1, it isn’t essential for 4K resolutions. Both HDMI 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 have the capacity to run 4K resolutions – both at 60Hz as well. HDMI 2.1 however offers up to 120Hz at 4K.

Are HDMI 2.1 monitors worth it?

HDMI 2.1 monitors are 100% worth it if you’re playing on next-gen consoles, have a PC that can handle 4K at 120fps, or you want to buy something with future proofing in mind.

For those who are playing on PS4, Xbox One, or who have a PC which can’t run games in 4K at 60fps and above, we’d say you would be better off with a less expensive display – which could include the best 1080p monitors to the best 1440p monitors. All that being said, when it comes down to getting enough ‘bang for your buck’ we’d say HDMI 2.1 monitors are certainly worth it, with prices ranging between around $700 – $1500 on average.

Final word

If you want an HDMI 2.1 monitor for your gaming rig, then we’d recommend getting the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 monitor. This 32-inch curved monitor comes with a 4K resolution, so you can expect crisp picture quality. Plus, for gaming, the monitor offers a 240Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and VRR support, which should give you a good gaming experience. Overall, this is a good monitor for gaming – whether it is for PC or your console.


For as long as he can remember, Charlie has always been interested in computers and gaming. It all started with the Sega Mega Drive and then evolved into PC gaming in his early teens.

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