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!
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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
- Corsair XENEON 27QHD240 27-Inch OLED Gaming Monitor – Save $100 now!
- Acer Nitro XFA243Y Sbiipr 23.8” Full HD (1920 x 1080) VA Gaming Monitor – Save 44% NOW!
- Alienware AW3423DW Curved Gaming Monitor – Save 8% NOW!
- Acer Nitro XZ306C Curved Gaming Monitor – Save 37% NOW!
- ViewSonic Omni VX2418C 24 Inch Curved Gaming Monitor – Save 38% NOW!
- SAMSUNG 43-Inch Odyssey Neo G7 – Save $500 NOW!
- LG 49″ UltraGear Curved gaming monitor – Save 35% NOW!
- SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G8 – Save 23% now!
- INNOCN 49″ Curved Monitor Ultrawide Gaming – Save 26% NOW!
- ViewSonic VP3481a Curved Ultrawide – Save 15% now!
Best HDMI 2.1 monitor in 2024: in-depth reviews
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 page. No more time to waste, let’s jump into our first pick and tell you everything worth knowing.
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Screen size: 32″
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 remains one of the best HDMI 2.1 monitors on the market, arriving in 2022 as the first 4K 240Hz monitor. Thanks to this HDMI standard, it can achieve its maximum refresh rate at native resolution via DSC (display stream compression). Better yet, this impressive monitor is finally becoming more affordable.
- 240Hz refresh rate maximizes the potential of HDMI 2.1
- Excellent image and text clarity
- Mini-LED backlighting for high peak brightness
- Color accuracy held back slightly by VA panel
- Curved panel not for everyone
Samsung’s Odyssey Neo G8 gets a spot in our best HDMI 2.1 monitor list for good reason. Not only is it the fastest 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.
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response time: 1ms GTG
- Screen size: 32″
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Panel type: IPS
- Brightness: 350d/m2
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1
- Color Depth: 8 bits
- Viewing angle: 178°/178°
- Color Gamut: 123% sRGB, 90% DCI-P3
- Backlight technology: W-LED
- Panel Coating: Anti-Glare/Matte (3H)
- Curvature: Flat
- VESA: 100 x 100mm
Gigabyte has a history of producing excellent gaming monitors which offer more bang for your buck. Yes, there are some compromises made, but it’s hard to argue with the value for money here. If you simply want a HDMI 2.1 monitor that unlocks the potential for 4K gaming at up to 144Hz, then this is the monitor for you.
- 1ms GTG response time is snappy
- Stunning IPS panel and 4K resolution
- 144Hz refresh rate & FreeSync compatible
- Sleek design which looks the part
- Basic HDR performance
- Average color gamut for an IPS panel
We were lucky enough to get to learn all about this impressive 4K monitor in our GIGABYTE M32U review. 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″ size – which we find is a great screen size for many people, especially if you’ll be running a dual monitor setup or simply want higher PPI (Pixel Per Inch) to aid clarity.
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.
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Response time: 1ms GTG
- Screen size: 27″
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Sony’s very own Inzone M9 pairs well with their PlayStation 5 console, specifically if you’re looking to play in a desktop setup. It unlocks the maximum potential of the console for 4K 120Hz gameplay, but it also works well with your gaming PC. It offers a strong range of specs and even some features specifically catered for the PS5.
- Excellent visual clarity thanks to 4K on a 27″ panel
- Smooth 144Hz refresh rate
- Nvidia G-Sync eliminates screen tearing
- Solid color accuracy and DisplayHDR 600 certification
- You may want a larger 32″ monitor for console gaming
- Lacks 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.
- Refresh Rate: 144hz
- Response time: 1ms GTG
- Screen size: 28″
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Panel type: IPS
- Brightness: 400d/m2
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1
- Color Depth: 8 bits
- Viewing angle: 178°/178°
- Color Gamut: 90% DCI-P3
- Backlight technology: W-LED
- Panel Coating: Anti-Glare/Matte (3H)
- Curvature: Flat
- VESA: 100 x 100mm
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x 3.5mm Audio Out, USB HUB
The Acer Nitro XV282K is a fantastic gaming monitor, another display that unlocks the full potential of HDMI 2.1 (without DSC). While it looks a little more basic, the specs make it a yet another great value option. We’d recommend it for both PCs and consoles such as the Xbox Series X, especially thanks to FreeSync Premium support.
- Excellent 4K visual quality
- Versatile stand makes it great for a dual-monitor setup
- Agile-Slendor IPS panel looks great
- Fast 1ms response time
- Bottom bezel feels flimsy
- Basic HDR 400 certification
If you are looking for an HDMI 2.1 monitor for your Xbox console, then you should check out this Acer model. Back when we did our Acer Nitro XV282K review, we gave it close to top marks. The XV282K sports a 28-inch screen, which is a good size if you want an immersive experience without overwhelming your desk space. 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 or QHD monitor. Further, the monitor also offers a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut, which delivers good color reproduction – not the best, but excellent for the price.
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.
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Response time: 0.03ms GtG
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Screen size: 45″
The Corsair Xeneon Flex is a unique monitor to say the least. Its bendable display makes it stand out against alternatives in the ultrawide gaming monitor space. Additionally, the OLED panel offers fast and responsive visuals, perhaps the very best in this guide. The large 45″ screen offers an immersive experience which can be tweaked on the fly.
- Highly responsive OLED panel
- Accurate color reproduction with deep blacks
- Unique bendable design
- Up to 240Hz refresh rate
- Stylish design looks great in any setup
- Not as bright as traditional LED panels
- Expensive, given the unique selling point
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 ultrawide HDMI 2.1 pick, it could easily be our best overall 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 close to $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.
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Response time: 1ms GTG
- Screen size: 48.8″
- Resolution: 5120 x 1440
- Aspect ratio: 32:9
- Panel type: VA (CSOT)
- Brightness: 2000cd/m2
- Color Depth: 10-bit
- Viewing angle: 178°/178°
- Color Gamut: 125% sRGB / 95% DCI-P3
- Backlight technology: Mini LED (2048 dimming zones)
- Panel Coating: Anti-Glare (Matte)
- Curvature: 1000R
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 1147.6 x 363.5 x 291mm (without stand) 1147.6 x 550 x 416mm (Stand at max height) 1147.6 x 423 x 416mm (Stand at lowest height)
The next step up from a 21:9 ultrawide is a 32:9 ultrawide, and the Neo G9 is one of the best on the market at this aspect ratio. Essentially putting two QHD displays side by side, it gives you a massive amount of screen real estate – if you have the desk space to accommodate. We scored it top marks in our review and it’s a beast for both productivity and gaming.
- High 240Hz refresh rate
- Impressive VESA DisplayHDR 2000 certification
- Wide and immersive 1000R curvature
- Mini-LED backlight technology offers bright visuals & high contrast
- Stand can wobble due to size
- Remains an expensive option
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.
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.
