As we head into the second half of 2023, the best HDMI 2.1 gaming monitors are becoming a staple for console and PC gamers alike.
Now that these monitors are fully integrated into today’s market, those that are more current and support 4K at 144Hz are a breath of fresh air for gamers – offering excellent gaming performance at 8K at 60FPS or 4K at 120FPS.
If you’re shopping for one of the best HDMI 2.1 monitors of 2023, look no further – we’ve looked at a ton of the latest models and put together this short list of options for you to consider.
Whether you are looking for a large screen to use with a console or you need something smaller that can be used on both PC and console gaming, this guide may have a monitor for you that can meet your specific needs.
We’ll take a close look at most of the HDMI 2.1 monitors on the market today, comparing prices, performance, specs, and overall value for money.
So with a lot to go, let’s get started with the best HDMI 2.1 monitors of 2023.
The Best Pick With A Fast Refresh Rate – Is LG UltraGear 27GP950
The new LG 27GP950 is the successor to the super popular 27GN950. And it brings to the table all the fan-favorite features that its predecessor also had, just with HDMI 2.1 and with a couple of cool extras too.
LG is one of the most renowned brands when it comes to monitoring technology, so it’s no surprise to see one of its latest monitors rank high in our other best-value guides.
The LG 27GP950 is one of the recently launched monitors from the South Korean manufacturer, providing all the high-end specs you’d want for an unbeatable viewing experience.
As far as design is concerned, the 27GP950 does not offer many changes when compared to the GN, for example. With sharp boundaries, a smooth screen, and a subtle character design, this monitor truly offers the best of both globes. Design aside, this monitor proves its real worth in its performance.
The LG offers UHD 4K resolutions, with a 160Hz refresh rate (via Simple OC), GTG response time (with Overdrive), and a VESA DisplayHDR600 certified display – all paired with a new Nano IPS panel display that offers a wide color gamut and a pretty decent level of brightness.
You can enjoy smooth images with adaptive sync support in the form of both FreeSync (Premium) and G-Sync (compatible). These features are also packed into a versatile stand, with RGB lighting and an easy-to-use OSD.
While there’s no official price for this monitor, we expect the price to be around $750 – a respectable value when you consider its specs.
Best HDMI 2.1 Large Screen Monitor – Gigabyte FV43U
The FV43U is a brand-new gaming monitors that has only just become available for sale – offering an excellent balance between immersion and performance. The FV43U is a 43” gaming monitors that is benchmarked against Gigabyte’s line of AORUS monitors – suggesting it offers the best performance and build quality.
With the design. The FV43U looks more like a gaming TV than a monitor – don’t let that fool you though. This is more of a high-end gaming monitors, equipped with a 144Hz refresh rate and fast 1ms MPRT – making almost any gaming scenario look fluid and immersive.
Of course, the FV43U is perfect for next-generation gaming consoles thanks to its HDMI 2.1. However, apart from that, it is also ideal for enjoying any type of content in general.
The VA panel inside this monitor offers a very decent 4000:1 contrast ratio with very bright whites and very pigmented blacks, much more noticeable when used to view HDR content.
The FV43U offers an extremely wide color gamut that covers 99% of the Adobe RGB spectrum. VESA Certified DisplayHDR1000, users can also expect a fantastic HDR experience – ideal for any console or PC gamer using that technology.
Inputs include 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB Type-C, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 (DSC), and 1 x 3.5mm audio out. Unfortunately, the stand doesn’t offer any features – but this is to be expected for a monitor in its category.
Best Samsung 32” HDMI 2.1 Monitor – Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
The new Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 takes second place on our list of the best HDMI 2.1 monitors for good reason. Not only is it the fastest monitor in this guide, but it’s also the first with a 4K display with a 240Hz refresh rate.
Samsung continues to use its classic Odyssey style for the new G8. It has the user-favorite vortex on the rear along with an all-white exterior. A wide V-shaped stand holds the 32” curved 1000R screen firmly.
When it comes to performance, the Samsung Neo G8 truly offers some of the best features you’ll find in this gaming guide.
The 240Hz refresh rate it uses is ideal for 4K screen resolution, giving you fluidity, which is good for competitive and casual gaming. You’ll find a 1ms response time on this monitor, along with a brightness adjustment capped at 1000 nits and mini-LED backlight technology.
That’s right, plus this is the first time Samsung has used mini-LED technology in a monitor – in turn allowing the G8 to achieve DisplayHDR 2000.
That said, any way you look at it, the Samsung G8 is an excellent monitor. Also keep in mind that the G8 costs around $1,000, making it one of the more expensive monitors in this guide.
Alternative Options :
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 S32
If you prefer something cheaper, check out the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 S32, the best gaming monitors for PS5 in the mid-range category, with the main difference being that it has a lower refresh rate of 165Hz compared to the 240Hz of the G8.
Also, since the PS5 can’t take full advantage of the refresh rate on these monitors, it’s not much of a difference, so this monitor still offers an excellent gaming experience.
It has the same HDMI 2.1 bandwidth as the Neo G8 and supports VRR, giving you maximum compatibility with the PS5 for 4K gaming at up to 120 FPS.
The Samsung Odyssey G7 S28AG702NU is an affordable option within the Samsung Odyssey range with a smaller screen (28″, Flat), just like the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 S32BG75 (32″, Curved), both are 4k gaming displays with some differences.
The S32BG75 is better for darker gaming rooms because it has higher contrast and its mini-LED local dimming turns out to offer deeper blacks, while the S28AG70 is better for cooperative gaming because it has wider viewing angles.
Also, the S32BG75 is slightly better for gaming because it has a faster response time, especially at low frames per second.
Best HDMI 2.1 Ultrawide Monitor – Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
Samsung recently made an update to its incredibly popular 49” Gaming Monitors – the Odyssey Neo G9 comes equipped with a Mini-LED backlight, VESA DisplayHDR2000 certified, and all the same high-end gaming features you’d expect from the original.
As far as its specs go, the Odyssey Neo G9 hasn’t changed terribly from the original – it still offers a good mix of specs that provide high levels of immersion and fluid gameplay.
Users can expect a 240Hz refresh rate, a fast 1ms response time, and impressive color accuracy. The VA panel at the heart of this monitor is a new offering from CSOT, obtaining proper viewing tips and a wide color gamut to the table. The Neo G9 covers 125% of the RGB spectrum along with 95% of DCI-P3.
The Neo G9’s designers say the monitor’s 1000R curvature helps reduce eye strain levels by matching the curvature of the eyeball. In addition, the G9 offers excellent image clarity thanks to its 5120×1440 screen resolution (32:9 aspect ratio).
Inputs include 2 x HDMI 2.1 ports, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, and a surfeit of USB Type-A 3.0 harbors. Users will be able to connect directly to the monitor via the 3.5mm audio jack found on the rear.
What turns me off about this monitor is its dismal cost, currently, you can find it on sale for around $2000. This makes the G9 nearly double the cost of the original – leaving many people out of the possibility of even affording this monitor.
Still, with the bonus of having 2048 dimming zones (thanks to its mini-LEDs), it’s no surprise that this monitor comes at such a hefty price tag.
Read This Article: Data Storage And Protection, The First Step In The Strategy Of A Digital Business
Best 32” Monitor with HDMI 2.1 – Gigabyte AORUS FI32U
Last but not least, we have the Gigabyte AORUS FI32U – a 32” gaming monitors that plans to get it right in every possible scenario. Despite its large size, the AORUS FI32U still manages to be an incredibly efficient gaming monitors.
Aesthetically, the AORUS FI32U looks phenomenal. Like other Gigabyte monitors, the FI32U comes equipped with that extremely gamer air that characterizes the AORUS brand and RGB tones.
On the other hand, this monitor performs within the highest standards. At the heart of this monitor is a very efficient IPS SS (super speed, super speed) panel, equipped with a wide color gamut (90% DCI-P3I), 1000:1 contrast ratio, and VESA DisplayHDR400 certification. In addition, it achieves a 144 Hz refresh rate, UHD screen resolution, and a 1 ms (GTG) response time.
Additionally, the FI32U also houses a ton of amazing features, including a side OSD, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with 2.0 speakers, and VRR support for a tear-free experience.
Best TVs With HDMI 2.1 To Use As A Monitor – LG C2 OLED Series
The LG C2 OLED may not be a monitor, but it does offer a superior gaming experience for console gamers – and can be used as a big-screen monitor if necessary.
Unlike any other monitor in this guide, the 48” of this LG offers OLED technology. While this may increase the price of this TV, it’s reasonable for its picture quality, response time, and HDR content.
OLED technology allows the LG to turn off individual pixels, creating perfect blacks and an extremely wide contrast look. This is not only ideal for watching general content (movies or TV series) it also helps to create an enhanced sense of immersion when playing AAA titles.
Speaking of games, this LG offers good gaming performance for console gamers thanks to its HDMI 2.1 support and many other additional features.
The TV offers VRR for both FreeSync and G-Sync systems for a tear-free experience. The near-instantaneous response time can also reduce smearing and ghosting exponentially, delivering more clarity in fast-moving images when paired with a fast 120Hz refresh rate.
Unlike the original C1 TV, the C2 can deliver an Increase in top brightness which should result in better content consumption during the day and better HDR.
The 48” screen size is good for general use and gaming, but not ideal for competitive games like CS: GO or COD. Also, since it has an OLED panel, this TV will always be at risk of permanent image burn-in retention. However, if you’re careful, this shouldn’t be a problem.
You’ll be able to get all of this at a fairly reasonable price – even the most expensive yet. When you compare the pros and cons, it’s easy to see why many console gamers are opting for it over a monitor.
Best ASUS HDMI 2.1 Monitor – ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A
The ASUS TUF VG28UQL1A is a good monitor that, despite its high-end specs, won’t break the bank. The fast IPS panel inside produces great viewing angles, a 1ms GTG response time, and excellent color rendering.
The design of the ASUS TUF range has changed over the years, with the latest iterations sporting a more angular design, with a V-shaped stand that harkens back to the premium ROG SWIFT line.
When it comes to performance, the ASUS TUF VG28UQL1A offers up to 4K UHD on a 28” display that delivers a 144Hz refresh rate and fast 1ms GTG response time.
ASUS implemented its Extreme Motion Blur Synchronization and VRR (for both G-Sync and FreeSync systems) in this monitor, resulting in a smooth visual experience that avoids annoying artifacts like screen tearing and blurring.
Unfortunately, the brightness cap and HDR support are a bit disappointing on this monitor – offering only VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. The brightness cap is capped at 400 nits, which means it’s not the best for watching content in daylight.
Do You Need A 120Hz HDMI 2.1 Monitor For Gaming?
Essentially no, but you do need one if you want 120Hz 4K and also the best performance on your next-gen console.
However, this is not all, you would also need a powerful enough machine, so make sure that you either have a next-generation console or a very powerful gaming PC before you decide if you prefer something portable, you could even go for one of the best gaming laptops
How Much Should You Spend On An HDMI 2.1 Monitor?
There is no other way to look at it – they are expensive, and this is understandable.
You might find these are around $1000 for a 43” HDMI 2.1, and around $800 for smaller sizes.
It’s an investment, but a good one when you consider that they’re practically future-proofed.
If you’re on a budget and interested in a 4K display, it might be worth looking at our list of the best budget 4K monitors.
Should You Get An HDMI 2.1 Monitor Or An HDMI 2.1 TV?
For living room decorations, go for a television, but for computers, you might want to go for a monitor.
Both give you the same 4K power output at 120Hz, but with different screen sizes. TVs may have added conveniences like an OLED panel that offers incredible contrast, for example.
Opting for one of the larger HDMI 2.1 monitors can give you a TV-like experience, and some manufacturers like ASUS and Acer are adding HDMI 2.1 OLED monitors to their arsenal.
When it comes to the price they are almost at the same price level, and you can even find some 120hz gaming TVs that are under $1000.