The best HDMI 2.1 monitor is something any gamer really dreams of thanks to what it can bring to the action on screen.
With higher refresh rates, better resolutions, and better connections overall, HDMI 2.1 monitors can really bring out the best of your PS5, Xbox Series X, or one of the best gaming PCs. This upgraded connection helps make things like 120Hz visuals in 4K achievable, thus making them the ideal pick for gaming.
To start your search in this field, we've rounded up what we think are some of the best gaming monitors available right now with HDMI 2.1 ports, based on the specs, reviews, and features they offer. From OLED options, like the ASUS ROG PG42UQ, to budget-friendly alternatives, our list has all bases covered.
So stick around if your setup could do with an HDMI 2.1 upgrade...
Best HDMI 2.1 monitors
- Gigabyte M32UC - a well-rounded choice for most people
- ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A - top picks for gaming
- ASUS ROG Swift PG42UQ - standout OLED option
- Philips Momentum 27M1F5800 - best for work and gaming setups
- ASUS ROG Strix XG43UQ - an excellent extra-large option
- AOC Agon AG324UX - best 144Hz display
- LG UltraGear 27GP950 - great option from LG
- MSI Optix MAG281URF - top pick from MSI
- Gigabyte M28U- top budget pick
- Acer Nitro XV282K - excellent Acer option
1. Gigabyte M32UC
Best HDMI 2.1 monitor overall
The Gigabyte M32UC packs a huge number of features into a fairly reasonably priced package, which is always a good thing.
Alongside having two HDMI 2.1 ports, it also has 4K visuals for some really pretty images, a low 1ms response time, and a decent 144Hz refresh rate that you can overclock to 160Hz if you feel like you need another 16 FPS.
It's also curved, which is always our preference because it makes it that little bit easier to take everything in, which can be the difference between victory and defeat when you're playing games online.
It also has things like Gigabyte Tactical features, Low Blue Light functionality, and it's flicker-free. It's an excellent monitor in just about every way, as a result, making it a well-rounded choice for most people.
Reasons to buy:
- You get two HDMI 2.1 ports at a reasonable price.
- Curved, so all the action stays in view.
Read More: Best 360hz gaming monitors
2. ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A
Best HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A certainly packs a punch and is a great option for most gaming enthusiasts. The TUF line is designed with performance and affordability in mind...
We believe this model possesses a great all-rounder 4K panel. It features and supports both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD Freesync Premium, giving it wide accessibility, depending on which graphics provider you prefer.
The 28-inch screen size is arguably one of the best screen sizes for gaming since it will make 4K images look super crisp and allows for some competitive edge when playing FPS or any other reflex-based games.
The monitor has an all-black outer shell, giving it a minimalistic look - this makes it suitable for most setups, as it blends in without drawing much attention.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A can be an amazing monitor for most people and a great monitor for competitive gaming, sports games, as well as everyday use in our opinion.
Reasons to buy:
- Produces lovely 4K pictures.
- NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD Freesync help keep gameplay smooth.
Read More: Best OLED gaming monitors
3. ASUS ROG Swift PG42UQ
Best HDMI 2.1 OLED monitor
This is an excellent 42-inch OLED gaming monitor that features a panel based on LG's OLED Evo series and has a smooth 120Hz (138hz over-clocked) refresh rate to boot.
Alongside the usual 1ms response time and NVIDIA G-Sync, this monitor packs a punch in the colour and brightness department. Thanks to its OLED screen, you're getting serious contrast, making your games look more realistic than ever.
This is a great monitor if you're a fan of truly immersive, cinematic gaming experiences, but due to its sheer size, it may not be best to double up as a work display.
It's well worth considering in our opinion, particularly if you're after something for FPS and battle royale titles like Fortnite.
Reasons to buy:
- An impressive refresh rate on a beautiful OLED panel.
- It's closer to a TV in size but quicker than most performance-wise.
Read More: Best display port cables
4. Philips Momentum 27M1F5800
Best HDMI 2.1 monitor for work and gaming
As far as gaming monitors go, Philips is slowly but surely starting to step into the spotlight. While their Evnia Series is all about gamers, we think this Philips Momentum display ticks off more than a few boxes for gamers and workers alike.
First off, you're getting 175hz, 4K, 1ms response time, plus AMD FreeSync. But it's the DisplayHDR 600 rating that takes the cake in the visuals department. Higher HDR ratings mean a few things - higher peak brightness, a wider colour gamut, and more contrast.
Typically, with more mid-range HDMI 2.1 monitors you'll get HDR 400, so this is a welcome surprise and one that we thought made games look absolutely stunning (especially Gotham Knights).
What makes it good for work too? Well, it comes down to a couple of things - design and eye-care modes. Visually, this isn't coated in RGB and doesn't have the cyberpunk-like aesthetic which would tie in well with some of the more gamer-orientated gaming peripherals and PC cases. In fact, what it looks like is an everyday monitor - and that makes it brilliant for home offices or some of the more minimally designed interiors.
Add that to low blue light modes, tilt, rotation, and height adjustment, and you've got a monitor that seemingly does it all...apart from cost that is.
Read our full review of the Philips Momentum 27M1F5800 here.
Reasons to buy:
- Tried and tested, boasting high peak brightness and lovely colours.
- Low blue light mode helps protect your eyes.
Read more: Best gaming monitors under 300
5. ASUS ROG Strix XG43UQ
Best large screen HDMI 2.1 monitor
This ASUS ROG Strix monitor is a beast on paper and was one of the first HDMI 2.1 monitors on the scene.
It packs 144hz, 4K with a 1ms response time for fast and high-resolution gameplay. It has 2x HDMI 2.1 ports as well, so you can use it with one of the best gaming PCs or a console if you wish.
HDR with a DisplayHDR 1000 certification, combined with a professional-grade 90% DCI-P3 gamut makes for a potent combination when it comes to colour and contrast.
This ASUS monitor even has an anti-glare panel, helping to reduce annoying reflections! That means there's no need to purchase any of the best anti-glare screen protectors either.
However, if you are looking for an ever-increasingly prominent glossy monitor, then you can check out our best glossy gaming monitor list right here.
Reasons to buy:
- A massive screen for work, gaming, and daily tasks.
- Its anti-glare panel stops reflections from ruining your time using it.
Read More: Best monitors for League of Legends
6. AOC AGON AG324UX
Best 144hz HDMI 2.1 monitor
The AOC AGPM AG324UX monitor looks as brilliant as expected when it was first announced.
You're getting 144hz, 4K, and 1ms response time here, which is now the gold standard when it comes to HDMI 2.1 monitors.
On top of that, there are a few nice-to-have features like HDR400, a USB-C port that boasts 90W output, FreeSync Premium, and of course, RGB lighting.
Looks, power, and a 'one size fits all' solution to your next-gen needs. It looks like AOC has done it again.
Reasons to buy:
- Some impressive specs, with a 144Hz refresh rate keeping things smooth.
- Has a USB-C port for charging.
Read More: Best monitors for Apex Legends
7. LG UltraGear 27GP950
Best HDMI 2.1 monitor from LG
This HDMI 2.1 monitor boasts some impressive specs under the hood, making it a showstopper for fast-paced gaming, but at high resolution.
It's 4K, 160Hz with a staggeringly low 1ms response time. It also features DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1, and two USB 3.0 ports for versatility whether you're playing on Xbox Series X, PS5, or PC.
For PS5 and Xbox, you'll be capped at 120fps at 4K, however, if your PC is up to the task, you can aim for a higher frame rate.
If you're playing first-person shooters, racing games, or want something that will deliver a fantastic polished quality to your gaming experience, the LG UltraGear 27GP950 could be one to certainly consider.
Reasons to buy:
- Can hit 160Hz if you want it to.
- Comes with two USB 3.0 ports for your peripherals.
Read More: Best HDMI 2.1 cables
8. MSI Optix MAG281URF
Best HDMI 2.1 monitor from MSI
MSI is going to be getting in on the HDMI 2.1 action with their MSI Optix MAG281URF.
The spec sheet for this new candidate looks to be pretty stacked with a 144Hz refresh rate, 4K panel, support for HDR400, and 1ms response time meaning it'll be rather powerful indeed.
There's also VRR support with NVIDIA G-Sync which will eliminate any form of screen tearing. For FPS games, this MSI Optix MAG281URF also has an intriguing feature called Optix Scope, which allows for multi-stage zooming thanks to shortcut keys you can map.
If you're a fan of RGB lighting, you'll be pleased to know this MSI monitor does have some, and it can also be synced with any other MSI peripherals you may own, which is a bonus as they also make some of the best gaming keyboards out there, too.
Reasons to buy:
- VRR support alongside NVIDIA G-Sync to reduce screen tearing.
- Optix Scope setting makes it ideal for FPS games.
Read More: Best 240hz monitors
9. Gigabyte M28U
Best budget HDMI 2.1 monitor
Gigabyte makes the list again, but this time for their small, but incredibly mighty M28U.
As far as the term 'budget' goes, we're speaking relatively here, and in this case, this is certainly the most 'budget' HDMI 2.1 monitor we've come across. But don't expect it to not deliver - this powerhouse packs 144hz, 4K, VRR, and a whopping 0.5ms response time.
When it comes to the monitor's size, it's also only 28 inches, which makes 4K look unbelievably crisp (in our humble opinion) and doesn't require a ton of space with your setup.
This is another impressive Gigabyte monitor and one we'd say could be well worth checking out in your search for the best HDMI 2.1 option.
Reasons to buy:
- Can respond to your inputs in as low as 0.5ms.
- Its 28-inch screen makes the 4K picture look ultra crisp and detailed.
Read More: Best gaming monitors under 500
10. Acer Nitro XV282K
Best HDMI 2.1 monitor from Acer
The Acer Nitro XV282K is another seriously powerful 4K monitor with a familiarly impressive spec sheet and we think is one of the best PS5 monitors.
The 144Hz monitor comes with FreeSync Premium to deliver tear-free gameplay, and of course, its response time is staggeringly low coming in at just 1ms.
Other features include HDR for immersive visuals, USB-C ports so you can pair this monitor with your laptop or Mac easily, advanced ergonomics, plus VESA compatibility in case you want to attach it to your own monitor arm.
Reasons to buy:
- Its USB-C ports mean you can pair it with a Mac if needed.
- VESA compatibility allows you to mount it with ease.
Read More: Best monitor arms
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As with most tech, there are always questions that pop up time and time again, and we're here to answer the most common queries so you can make the best decision possible with your next upgrade.
Are HDMI 2.1 monitors worth it?
The short answer is yes, they are. But only if you want to get the most out of next-gen gaming consoles or your powerful PC setup.
The big pull of HDMI 2.1 monitors is their ability to handle 4K at 120 FPS, often using an HDMI connection. This means that you can use them for both next-gen consoles or PCs, however, most PC users may opt for a DisplayPort 1.4 connection instead.
Console gamers especially will benefit from these monitors, as they will be able to experience some of the power of next-gen consoles without having to shell out for one of the best TVs for PS5 or one of the best TVs for Xbox Series X.
Many of our top monitor picks for PS5 and Xbox Series X are HDMI 2.1, but many alternatives will still give you a brilliant gaming experience too.
If you're on the fence about getting an HDMI 2.1 monitor, we'd recommend grabbing a 4K, 60hz display to test the waters.
In a more general sense, in the battle between regular and gaming monitors, we'd say gaming monitors are better and these HDMI 2.1 offerings are definitely worth it.
While some of the best monitors for home working, for instance, focus colour accuracy, brightness, and the ability to multitask, gaming monitors, such as these HDMI 2.1 offerings, are designed to give you a competitive edge against your opposition.
That, if you're looking for something more affordable, you can always check out the top gaming monitors for under 200.
Do you need an HDMI 2.1 monitor for 120hz gaming?
Essentially no, but you do need one if you want to get 120Hz at 4K and therefore the best performance on your next-gen console.
That's not all though, you'll also need a machine powerful enough, so make sure you've either got a next-gen console or a very powerful gaming PC before committing, or if you'd prefer something portable, you could even opt for some of the best gaming laptops.
When will more HDMI 2.1 monitors come out?
Even though HDMI 2.1 monitors made their first appearance back in late 2020, they can still be relatively hard to find in stock.
There are plenty of new monitors coming our way, as you can see in our Upcoming section, but as and when we hear about any more, we'll definitely be updating this list.
How much should you spend on an HDMI 2.1 monitor?
There are no two ways about it - they're expensive, and understandably so.
You're looking at around $1000 plus for an HDMI 2.1 display that's considered one of the best 43" monitors on the market, and around the $800 mark for small ones. It's an investment, but it's a good one considering they're practically future-proof
If you're working with a budget and interested in a 4K display, it may be worth checking out the best budget 4K monitor list from our friends at Stealth Optional. For 1080p though, the best budget 1080p monitors have you covered.
Should you get an HDMI 2.1 monitor or an HDMI 2.1 TV?
For living room setups, go for a TV but for a desktop, you'll want to go with a monitor.
Both will offer you the same power of 4K output at 120Hz, but just at different screen sizes. TVs can also have additional creature comforts like an OLED panel to offer incredible contrast, for instance.
Opting for some of the bigger HDMI 2.1 monitors will give you that TV-like experience, and even then some manufacturers are also adding OLED HDMI 2.1 monitors to their arsenals, such as ASUS and Acer.
There's always the option of going with a top ultrawide monitor as well if you're after a monitor specifically, but that's sized more like a TV than a regular PC display.
In terms of price, they're sort of on even levels, and there are even some cracking 120hz gaming TVs coming in at under $1000.
Much like with the world of monitors, there are also more HDMI 2.1-capable TVs being released with the Sony A75K looking to be the latest one to be announced, alongside LG's C2 and G2 TVs.
Do you need an HDMI 2.1 cable for your HDMI 2.1 monitor?
In short, yes. Having one of the best HDMI 2.1 cables is going to be key in making sure the output from your console/PC to your monitor is as good as it can be.
This is because the newer cables that support the HDMI 2.1 standard with their higher refresh rates and are, therefore, different from the older HDMI 2.0 options, most of which were practically identical.
Can HDMI 2.1 do 144Hz?
In short, yes. It looks like HDMI 2.1 can output at 144Hz and 4K, hence why a lot of the monitors above support the refresh rate.
It is also worth noting that you can get 144Hz on HDMI 2.0 monitors, as long as they support the refresh rates. You can even get 240Hz on an HDMI signal, as long as you're willing to sacrifice some visual fidelity with 1080p or 1440p.
This is only true for PC gaming, of course, as next-gen consoles are of course working with 4K at 120Hz.
What Is 'Fake HDMI 2.1'?
Whilst we do have a separate guide on what fake HDMI 2.1 is, let's break things down a little.
Fake HDMI 2.1 in essence refers to a monitor that states it is HDMI 2.1 but doesn't feature what are understood to traditionally be HDMI 2.1 features.
Monitors may label themselves as being HDMI 2.1 but may not have features such as VRR or ALLM, which are traditionally associated with HDMI 2.1 monitors. VRR stands for Variable Refresh Rate whilst ALLM refers to Auto-Low-Latency Mode.
Such features are optional when it comes to labeling a display as HDMI 2.1, which appears to be a consequence of HDMI 2.0 no longer 'existing' as a standard, so, therefore, all new monitors can be labeled as HDMI 2.1 without having the classic set of features.
Always make sure to do your digging before committing to a monitor, to avoid disappointment.
Is DisplayPort faster than HDMI?
Truth be told, there isn't necessarily a concrete measure to find out whether DisplayPort is quicker than HDMI 2.1.
When looking at bandwidth, it's worth noting that HDMI 2.1 can carry more data than DP 1.4, but less than the emerging DP 2.0.
The actual response time and refresh rate of the output are arguably determined more by the monitor than the cable it's utilising, and in addition, the platform you're using will determine which port you'll be using.
Whilst DP can carry more bandwidth, it doesn't mean it's a faster connection than HDMI.
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