The 10 Best Monitors for PS4 in 2023: Ultimate Buying Guide
Hey there, fellow gamers! Are you looking to take your PS4 setup to the next level? One of the best ways to do that is by upgrading your monitor. While the PS4 can work with just about any screen, having a high-quality gaming monitor can make a huge difference in your overall experience.
But with so many different monitors on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. Don‘t worry though – I‘m here to break down everything you need to know! In this ultimate buying guide, I‘ll go over the key specs and features to look for, give my recommendations for the best PS4 monitors at every price point, and share some tips for getting your display settings just right.
Understanding Key Monitor Specs & Features
Before we dive into the top picks, let‘s talk about the main specs and features you should consider when monitor shopping for your PS4:
Resolution: This refers to the number of pixels that make up the display. The PS4 supports a max resolution of 1080p (1920 x 1080), while the PS4 Pro can output at 4K (3840 × 2160). Higher resolutions provide sharper, more detailed images but require more graphical power. For most PS4 gamers, a 1080p or 1440p (2560 x 1440) monitor offers the best mix of visual quality and performance.
Refresh Rate: Measured in Hertz (Hz), this is the number of times per second the display refreshes the image. Higher refresh rates result in smoother motion with less blur or stutter. The PS4 maxes out at 60Hz, but some monitors offer faster 120Hz or 144Hz+ refresh rates which can still provide a slight boost in overall fluidity.
Response Time: This measures how quickly the pixels can change color, typically listed in milliseconds (ms). Lower response times mean less ghosting or motion blur in fast-paced games. For gaming, you ideally want a monitor with 5ms or less response time.
Input Lag: Also measured in milliseconds, input lag refers to the delay between performing an input on your controller and seeing the action on-screen. Too much input lag is highly detrimental for gaming, so focus on models with low input lag ratings below 15ms. Look for "gaming" branded monitors that prioritize minimal input lag.
Screen Size: PS4 monitors typically range from 24" to 32" screen sizes. The right size depends on your personal preference, viewing distance, and budget. 24-27" monitors often provide the best overall value while still being large enough for immersive gaming. 32" displays offer even more screen real estate but cost more.
Panel Type: There are three main types of display panels with different strengths and weaknesses:
-
TN (Twisted Nematic) panels have the fastest response times and refresh rates but narrower viewing angles and weaker color accuracy. However, they tend to be the most affordable.
-
IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels offer the best color accuracy, image consistency, and wide viewing angles. However, they are usually pricier with slightly slower response times than TN. Many gamers feel IPS provides the best overall visual experience.
-
VA (Vertical Alignment) panels provide the best contrast ratio and image depth but have slower response times than TN or IPS. Colors tend to look richer and blacks deeper on VA monitors.
Minimum & Recommended Monitor Specs for PS4
To summarize, here are my minimum and recommended specs to look for in a PS4 monitor:
Minimum:
- 1080p resolution
- 60Hz refresh rate
- <5ms response time
- <15ms input lag
- 24" screen size
Recommended:
- 1440p resolution (or 4K for PS4 Pro)
- 120Hz+ refresh rate
- <3ms response time
- <10ms input lag
- 27"+ screen size
- IPS panel type
Our 10 Best PS4 Monitor Picks for 2023
Now that you know what to look for, here are my top PS4 monitor picks for 2023 categorized by price range:
Top Budget Monitors Under $200:
-
BenQ GL2480 24 Inch 1080p Gaming Monitor – This affordable 1080p monitor offers a fast 1ms response time, low input lag, and 75Hz refresh rate. Best bang for your buck.
-
Asus VP249QGR 24" Gaming Monitor – Another great 1080p budget option with IPS panel for better colors and viewing angles. Also has 1ms response time and 75Hz refresh rate.
-
Acer SB220Q bi 21.5 Inches Full HD IPS Monitor – While a bit smaller at 21", this monitor delivers remarkable value for 1080p gaming while still providing an IPS panel, 75Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time.
Best Mid-Range Options ($200-500):
-
ViewSonic XG2402 24 Inch 1080p 1ms 144Hz Gaming Monitor – A very popular 144Hz 1080p TN monitor with 1ms response time and FreeSync built for fast-paced gaming.
-
MSI Optix G273QF 27" 1440p IPS Gaming Monitor – This 1440p Rapid IPS panel offers a 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, HDR, and G-Sync compatibility.
-
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27" Monitor – A well-rounded 1440p IPS monitor with 165Hz refresh rate, G-Sync, and ELMB sync for excellent motion blur reduction.
-
Dell S2721DGF 27 Inch 1440p 165Hz Curved Gaming Monitor – This curved 1440p VA panel provides immersive gaming with 165Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, FreeSync and G-Sync.
High-End Picks ($500+):
-
Gigabyte M32U 32" 144Hz 4K FreeSync Gaming Monitor – A premium 4K SS IPS monitor for the PS4 Pro that also has HDMI 2.1 for 120Hz at 4K support. Excellent HDR, 1ms response time and FreeSync/G-Sync compatible.
-
LG 27GP950-B 27 Inch 4K 144Hz G-SYNC Gaming Monitor – Another high-end 4K Nano IPS display for PS4 Pro and next-gen gaming. 1ms response time, 160Hz refresh rate, G-Sync, FreeSync, HDMI 2.1 and HDR 600.
-
Samsung Odyssey G7 27" 1440p 240Hz Curved Gaming Monitor – The G7 offers an extremely fast 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time with a curved VA panel. Supports G-Sync, FreeSync and HDR 600. A top choice for competitive gamers.
Additional Features to Consider
Beyond the core specs, here are a few other features worth thinking about:
Curved vs Flat: Curved monitors are designed to provide a more immersive viewing experience by mimicking your natural field of vision. The effect is most noticeable on larger ultrawide displays. However, some people find curved screens to be disorienting. This ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Adjustability & Ergonomics: Look for monitors with good ergonomic design, including the ability to adjust height, tilt, swivel, and pivot the screen. This allows you to maintain proper posture and viewing angles for extended gaming sessions. Some models also offer blue light filtering and flicker-free tech to reduce eye strain.
Extra Gaming Features: Many gaming monitors come with additional quality of life features like AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync for variable refresh rates, RPG lighting effects, gaming UI overlays, picture presets for different game genres, etc. Decide which extras matter most to you.
Optimizing Your PS4 Display Settings
Finally, be sure to properly calibrate your monitor and PS4 display settings for the best results. Go into your PS4‘s Video Output Settings and set the appropriate resolution and RGB Range output. Many monitors have different presets and custom color/picture settings – experiment to find what looks best to your eyes.
Remember, no monitor is objectively "perfect" and the right choice depends on your specific needs, preferences and budget. Read reviews, compare specs, and don‘t be afraid to invest in a quality display – it can really take your PS4 gaming to a whole new level!
I hope this guide was helpful for finding the best PS4 monitor for you. Let me know which one you decide to go with and happy gaming!
