The Xbox Series X represents a huge leap in performance and visuals for console gaming. To take full advantage of the powerhouse hardware inside this next-gen machine, you need an equally capable gaming monitor. But with so many options out there, picking the right monitor for your Xbox can be confusing.
In this comprehensive guide, I analyze the top monitor models to reveal the 6 very best displays for Xbox Series X gaming available today. For each monitor, I examine resolution, refresh rates, response times, adaptive sync performance, HDR quality, viewing angles, and more. I break down the pros and cons of popular gaming monitor technologies to clearly explain why certain features are crucial for Xbox gaming. I also provide specific monitor recommendations and setup tips tailored to different gamer profiles and budgets.
By the end of this guide, you‘ll know exactly which monitor delivers the ideal combination of features, performance, and prices to unlock the full potential of your Xbox Series X console. So whether you‘re a hardcore competitive gamer or more of a casual player just looking for some big-screen fun, read on to discover the best Xbox monitors for your needs and budget!
Quick Look: Top 6 Monitors for Xbox Series X in 2023
| Monitor | Screen Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Strix XG27UQR | 27" | 4K | 144Hz | $$$ |
| Acer Nitro XV272U KVbmiiprzx | 27" | 1440p | 270Hz | $$ |
| BenQ EX2780Q | 27" | 1440p | 144Hz | $ |
| MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD | 27” | 1440p | 165Hz | $$ |
| ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q | 28” | 4K | 60Hz | $ |
| LG UltraGear 24GN600-B | 24” | 1080p | 144Hz | $ |
Below you‘ll find in-depth reviews of each monitor along with clear explanations of key specifications and features that make them best suited for Xbox Series X gaming. Let‘s dive in!
1. ASUS ROG Strix XG27UQR – Best Overall Xbox Monitor
ASUS ROG Strix 27” 4K Gaming Monitor
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When it comes to the best all-round monitor for Xbox Series X gaming, the ASUS ROG Strix XG27UQR ticks all the right boxes. This 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) monitor delivers stunningly crisp, clear visuals that take full advantage of the Xbox‘s powerful graphics capabilities.
The rapid 144Hz refresh rate ensures flawlessly smooth gameplay free of artifacts or screen tearing. Thanks to AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support, the monitor synchronizes perfectly with the Xbox‘s variable frame rates for a seamless, lag-free experience. The 1ms response time greatly minimizes input lag and motion blur for incredible responsiveness.
HDR content looks fantastic on this monitor‘s DisplayHDR 600 compliant panel which produces deep blacks, vivid colors, and ample peak brightness. The 178° wide viewing angles give you and any spectators an excellent view of the action from any seating position. The subtle glow of the monitor‘s signature ROG aesthetic is a nice bonus touch for gaming setups.
With its fantastic 4K visuals, speedy refresh rates, and buttery-smooth variable refresh rate performance, the ASUS ROG Strix XG27UQR is undoubtedly the best overall monitor for Xbox Series X gaming available today.
Key Specs:
- Screen Size: 27"
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160p)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
- Panel Type: IPS
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Brightness: 450 cd/m2
- Viewing Angle: 178° (H) / 178° (V)
- Speakers: No
What We Love
- Gorgeous 4K visuals
- Rapid 144Hz refresh rate
- FreeSync Premium Pro for flawless VRR
- Great HDR color and contrast
- Minimal input lag
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Black uniformity could be better
What to Look for in an Xbox Gaming Monitor
Now that you know the top monitors specifically recommended for Xbox Series X gaming, let’s examine a few key specifications and features you should evaluate when shopping for your new display.
Screen Size
Bigger screen sizes measuring between 24 to 32 inches diagonally tend to provide the most immersive experience for console gaming. Curved screens can also enhance immersion on larger monitors by surrounding your field of view. Just ensure you have enough desk space for the monitor size you choose.
Resolution
The Xbox Series X supports gaming at up to 4K resolution. So ideally you want a 4K gaming monitor with a 3840 x 2160 resolution to match the console’s native output. This will deliver super sharp visuals that show off the Xbox’s processing power.
That said, 1440p or QHD monitors measuring 2560 x 1440 can still look fantastic while being more affordable. While not true 4K, at screen sizes under 32 inch the difference between 1440p and 4K is less noticeable so a 1440p display can be great bang for buck.
Refresh Rate
The Xbox Series X renders games at up to 120 frames per second (fps) so a monitor with a 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate is recommended. This spec determines how many times per second a monitor updates its image and therefore matches the Xbox‘s high native fps capabilities. Higher refresh rates translate to smoother, more fluid in-game motion.
Response Time
You want your monitor to have a low response time – preferably 1ms but no higher than 4ms. Response time indicates how quickly a monitor reacts to changing frame inputs. Lower response times reduce perceived input lag and cut down on motion blurring for sharper visuals during fast movement.
Aspect Ratio
Nearly all console game titles are designed for widescreen displays with 16:9 aspect ratio. So gaming monitors also stick to this standard widescreen ratio. Ultra-wide monitors can provide a more immersive field of view but may introduce letterboxing or image distortions with some games.
Adaptive Sync
The Xbox Series X supports AMD‘s variable refresh rate (VRR) technology called FreeSync Premium. This syncs the monitor‘s refresh rate with the game‘s framerate to combat stutters and screen tearing. Enabling FreeSync (or compatible Nvidia GSync) is vital for smooth Xbox Series X gameplay so monitor support is key.
Input Lag
Input lag measures the delay between performing a command on your Xbox controller and seeing the reaction on screen. Excess lag severely impacts responsiveness critical to gaming. Some monitors add more processing that increases lag. So check reviews to ensure your monitor choice provides responsive, lag-free performance for Xbox gaming.
HDR
The Xbox Series X takes advantage of High Dynamic Range for expanded contrast and a wider range of vivid colors. So an HDR-compatible monitor can dramatically boost picture quality and immersion when playing HDR-enabled games. Look for a monitor that supports HDR10 over cheaper HDR formats.
Viewing Angles
While you’ll primarily be viewing your monitor head-on, consider wider 178° viewing angles if you frequently have spectators. This ensures all viewers experience consistent image quality without shifts in colors or contrast when viewing the screen off-center.
Setting Up Your Xbox Series X Gaming Monitor
Once you unpack your shiny new gaming monitor and connect it to your Xbox console, follow these steps to complete initial setup and configuration:
- Securely mount – Mount the monitor stand or wall mount securely following all manufacturer instructions.
- Connect power and inputs – Plug in and turn on the monitor. Connect an HDMI 2.1 cable between the Xbox and monitor.
- Adjust height and angles – Set monitor height, tilt, swivel to your ideal ergonomic position.
- Tweak display settings – Enable maximum refresh rate, turn on FreeSync or GSync, switch on HDR if supported.
- Calibrate image – Use monitor OSD menu to tune settings like brightness, contrast etc. for best picture quality.
- Set resolution – On your Xbox, set display resolution matching monitor native res (1080p, 1440p or 4K).
- Configure color – Run monitor color calibration for precise hues or select presets for gaming, movie viewing etc.
- Reduce input lag – Disable any video processing features on monitor that aren‘t required.
With initial setup complete, fire up your favorite Xbox Series X games and revel in the smooth visual splendor of your awesome new gaming monitor!
Frequently Asked Questions
What refresh rate do I need for Xbox Series X?
A monitor with at least a 120Hz refresh rate is recommended to take full advantage of the Xbox Series X‘s up to 120fps game rendering capabilities. Fast response times below 5ms are also advised.
Is a 4K monitor necessary for Xbox Series X?
The Xbox Series X is designed to output games at up to 4K resolution. So ideally a 4K monitor is required to fully match the console‘s ultra HD capabilities. That said, high quality 1440p monitors can still provide stunning visuals and performance.
What size monitor is best for Xbox gaming?
Monitor sizes between 24 to 32 inches measured diagonally tend to provide the most engaging experience for console gaming. Consider the size of your setup area but bigger screens generally equate to more immersion.
Do I need an expensive gaming monitor for Xbox?
There are quality monitors available across a range of prices to suit different budgets. While premium gaming monitors yield better performance and extra features, even cheaper models can deliver great Xbox gaming visuals.
I hope this detailed monitor buying guide gives you all the information you need to find your perfect gaming display for the Xbox Series X console! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.
