Best Monitor for Xbox Series X 2021 (120Hz, Curved, Budget)
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By
Jacob Woodward
- Last Updated Sep 14, 2020
- 6 Min Read
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Buying a new monitor always evokes joy, laying your eyes on a crispy, clear picture without any of the dust and scratches that your previous one inevitably picked up. Nowadays, monitors are crisper than ever boasting incredible 4k resolutions, allowing you to see every little detail.
You’re going to need one of those 4k monitors for the Xbox Series X and its increased graphical output therefore, we’re going to go through the best of the best when it comes to monitors for the Xbox Series X so you can feel the power of the next-generation console.
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Why buy a new monitor for Xbox Series X?
So, why would you need to buy a new monitor for the Xbox Series X? Well, you might still be rocking a full HD 1080p variant which very well could be in top condition but with the Xbox Series X comes the improved 4k gaming as standard. This means your eyeballs won’t be seeing the full next generation experience if your monitor maxes out at a 1080p resolution. Moreover, the Xbox Series X boasts up to 120 FPS gaming and if you translate this to monitor talk, you’re going to need a monitor with a refresh rate that’s at least 120Hz for you to experience the silky smooth frame rates. Likely, you’ve probably only got a 60Hz or 75Hz monitor at best so securing one that has the capability of 120Hz+ will certainly give you the absolute best Xbox Series X experience.
Best Monitors for Xbox Series X
Best Xbox Series X Monitor
Acer Predator XB273K
If you want the absolute top end monitor for your Xbox Series X, look no further than the 27-inch Acer Predator XB273K. It has all the specs required to cope with the next generation of console gaming now, and into the future.
Initially looking at the resolution, it’s obviously full 4k ready, giving you extreme clarity in all the virtual worlds game devs take so long to fine-tune. It also has Nvidia G-Sync technology bundled in meaning that no matter how fast ships and bullets are whipping past you, your game is looking silky smooth. Alongside the smoothness and 4k image is incredible brightness and contrast which can be tailored to your needs coupled with VESA-Certified DisplayHDR 400, enhancing your gaming visuals to the max.
Now, to that all-important refresh rate. You’ll be happy to know that the Acer Predator XB273K supports 120Hz right out the box and up to 144Hz through overclocking, making light work of the 120FPS max refresh rates of the Xbox Series X. This is the key difference between a 4k panel like this and one that sports a 60Hz max. Yes, you’ll be paying a little bit of a premium but you’re getting the absolute best picture and smoothness with its 120Hz support but also future proofing if somehow the Xbox Series X will be capable of 144FPS later down the line.
All in all, the Acer Predator XB273K really is the best monitor for the Xbox Series X. It has the best panel on the market and because it possesses those stellar refresh rates and 4k HDR capabilities, you’re getting the most vibrant yet smooth gaming experience possible.
Best Curved Xbox Series X Monitor
Samsung 32-Inch UR590C
Curved monitors certainly provide a sense of immersion while gaming, couple that with a 4k resolution and you’ll almost be able to touch what you’re experiencing on-screen. If you’re looking to pick up a curved monitor for the Xbox Series X, you have to opt for the Samsung 32-Inch UR590C.
It’s a little bigger than most monitors out there coming in at 32 inches but that only builds on the already immersive curved nature and dials it up, allowing you to almost have a cinema-like experience. You’ll also receive incredibly vibrant and darker blacks thanks to the inclusion of one billion colors and a 2500:1 contrast ratio, giving the already impressive visuals and extra pop and furthering the realism.
The only real downside is the frame rate as it maxes out at 60Hz, short of the 120Hz max that you’re looking at with the Xbox Series X. However, when looking at the cost and what you get in terms of the panel itself, it’s certainly a worthy compromise and something you might not even miss.
Best Budget Xbox Series X Monitor
BenQ EL2870U
If your budget is a little tight but you still want a 4k monitor for your Xbox Series X console, the BenQ EL2870U is the way to go. It has brilliant clarity thanks to the 4k resolution coupled with the TN panel and varying degrees of brightness/contrast. Moreover, in terms of input lag, it’s pretty much non-existent coming in at 1ms making it perfect for gaming and more importantly, for competitive multiplayer.
Your eyes will be thanking you if you do choose to pick up this budget 4k monitor for the Xbox Series X due to the low Blue light and zero flicker technology which aims to prevent headaches and eye strain, perfect for those longer gaming sessions.
As this is a budget monitor, you will be making compromises and this time it’s in terms of refresh rates. As previously mentioned, the Xbox Series X can reach up to 120FPS therefore needing at least a 120Hz refresh rate to keep up with that. Unfortunately, this monitor maxes out at 60Hz but that’s still respectable and you’ll still get smooth motion, especially compared to the previous generation’s 30FPS limit that most games were capable of.
Things To Consider
Refresh Rates
As stated in the introduction, as well as talking about them in the products we’ve chosen, refresh rates are incredibly important for buying the best monitor for Xbox Series X. This is due to the capabilities reaching up to 120FPS therefore you’re going to want a monitor that has the specs to showcase that.
However, while the Xbox Series X has the ability to reach those lofty FPS heights, a lot of games will be hovering at the 60FPS mark, especially in 4k so basically, if you want the best of the best, go for those high end monitors but if you’ll be happy with 60FPS now, and into the future, maybe that’ll be the best avenue to go down and save a few dollars in the process.
HDMI 2.1
Unfortunately there are little to no monitor options out there that are HDMI 2.1 supported, which is a shame but these will come in time. The reason why HDMI 2.1 is so important is that it allows for 120 FPS while in 4k resolution. HDMI 2.0 does offer 120 FPS support but it is limited to 1080p so many people are either using that for now and sacrificing the 4k resolution or dealing with the fact that 60 FPS will be the limit for 4k for the time being. If you didn’t want to sacrifice the 120 FPS, you could opt for a HDMI 2.1 TV instead which would allow for that. The drawback of a TV however is input lag so keep that in mind.
Conclusion
Acer Predator XB273K
If you want the absolute best monitor for the Xbox Series X, it has to be the Acer Predator XB273K you’re getting a crystal clear image alongside that 120FPS support thanks to the 120Hz out of the box refresh rate. The build quality is fantastic too with a robust stand if you opt to not mount it. However, if you’re not too bothered about frame rates, maybe our BenQ EL2870U budget pick is the way to go for you as you’ll be receiving that incredible 4k image but at a lot less cost.
