Best Monitor For Xbox Series X And Series S – 5 Models And Buying Guide

The Xbox Series X and Series S are the latest gaming consoles from Microsoft, offering advanced performance and stunning graphics. To fully experience the capabilities of these consoles, it’s important to pair them with a high-quality gaming monitor that can deliver smooth and immersive gameplay.

However, with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to find the best monitor for your Xbox Series X or Series S. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top monitors that are optimized for these consoles, taking into account factors like resolution, refresh rate, and response time to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you’re a casual gamer or a serious esports competitor, there’s a monitor out there that will take your Xbox gaming experience to the next level.

Is It Better To Play Xbox On A Monitor Or TV?

It’s better to play Xbox on a monitor than on TV for the following reasons. 

• Monitors are smaller and more comfortable to use on a desk than TVs 
• A monitor for Xbox Series X and S has a faster response time (1ms) than a TV (5ms or higher)
• Regarding the input lag while gaming, you’ll experience it much less on a monitor than on a TV 

Related: Best 120HZ TV for Gaming – 5 Models From Budget to Premium

What Factors To Consider When Buying A Gaming Monitor For Xbox Series X And S?

The following are some excellent buying tips to bring home the best Xbox Series X and S monitor. 

• Screen Size 

When buying a gaming monitor, a bigger size isn’t always better. The monitor should be at least 20 inches from you for the best gaming experience. 24 to 30 inches is the most suitable monitor size for this distance. 

Anything more will either increase your distance from the monitor or compel you to tilt your head to see the entire screen, jeopardizing your comfort. 

• Resolution 

For the resolution, note that Xbox Series X is designed for seamless gaming at all common monitor screen resolutions, namely 1080p, 1440p/2K, 4K, and even higher. 

On the other hand, it’s just 1440p for the Xbox Series S. 

Depending on which gaming console you own, choose accordingly. If you’re looking for a standard monitor for both consoles, 1440p is what you should get. 

• Panel Type 

Gaming monitors generally have 3 panel type: IPS, VA, and TN. 

Due to their disability to handle multiple viewing angles, high contrast, and color accuracy, TN panels are a straight no. However, they cost much less and support a high refresh rate with very low input lag. 

Out of the remaining two, most gamers usually vote for IPS panels due to better handling of high color accuracy and viewing angles, among others. 

Note: If brightness and contrast are your prime requirements, VA panels won’t disappoint. 

• Refresh Rate 

Higher the refresh rate, the better your gameplay. While many gaming monitors for Xbox Series X and S are rated at 240Hz, these consoles can’t take full advantage of such a super fast 240Hz refresh rate. 

Instead, any refresh rate between 60Hz to 144Hz is the sweet spot. 

• Connectivity 

Talking specifically about Xbox Series X and S, you need an HDMI 2.1 connectivity port to enjoy the highest image quality at equivalent refresh rates. 

Besides, the other ports that are good to have include DisplayPort, USB A+C, etc. This will ensure sufficient ways to connect other peripherals, like a PC. 

• Aspect Ratio 

Which aspect ratio between 16:9 and 21:9 is best depends on whether you want an ultrawide screen for gaming. If yes, choose 21:9. Otherwise, 16:9 is best if you also plan to utilize the monitor for non-gaming purposes. 

5 Best Monitors For Xbox Series X And Series S Summary

1. Best Overall: GIGABYTE M28U 28″ 144Hz
2. Best Budget (under $300): ViewSonic OMNI XG2431 24 Inch 1080p 0.5ms 240Hz
3. Best Premium: SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G8 4K UHD 240Hz 1ms G
4. Best Curved Display: GIGABYTE M32UC 32″ 144Hz (160Hz OC) 4K UHD
5. Best For Flight Simulator: Sceptre Curved 30″ 21:9 Gaming LED Monitor

Is There A Difference Between Xbox Series X And Series S When It Comes To Choosing A Monitor? 

No, there’s no difference between Xbox Series X and Series S when choosing a monitor. These next-gen gaming consoles work smoothly on any gaming monitor with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 1080p, 1440p/2K, or 4K resolution. 

As long as the above conditions are fulfilled, you need not fret about which monitor to choose for each console. 

5 Best Monitors For Xbox Series X & S – Detailed Review 

From 23 inches to 32 inches, from 1080p to 4K, and from flat to curved, I’ve tried and reviewed the top five gaming monitors for Xbox Series X and S here.

Best Overall Monitor For Xbox Series X & S

GIGABYTE M28U 28″ 144Hz Gaming Monitor 

Specifications 

• Screen Size: 28 inches
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Panel type: IPS
• Refresh rate: 144 Hz
• Response Time: 1ms GTG/2ms MPRT 
• Ports: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Adaptive-Sync: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro

An ideal pick for gamers with an Xbox Series X console, this GIGABYTE M28U 28″ gaming monitor is a true beast in all aspects: 1440p -144hz. 

It contains an IPS panel display with 4K resolution that delivers exceptional color depth and clarity at different viewing angles while gaming. That, too, is without an impressive contrast ratio at just 1000:1. 

The monitor is rated to DisplayHDR 400, with the standard brightness at 300 cd/m2. Though not very commendable, still an ideal deal along with the other features that GIGABYTE M28U brings to your table. 

Regarding the response time, it’s 1ms GTG, which makes the monitor suitable for competitive gaming by preventing image ghosting. But keep the “Speed Overdrive” setting OFF to achieve it. 

The refresh rate you get is 144 Hz, which is quite responsive for this 4K resolution gaming monitor. So, full marks to the high-performance GPU of M28U for driving such high frame rates, thus delivering a more enjoyable and responsive gaming experience. 

Note: For gaming consoles, the refresh rate is 120 Hz with the built-in HDMI 2.1 port. 

Regarding the monitor setup, you get a regular monitor stand with slight height and tilt adjustments.  

The connectivity ports include DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, USB-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Hence, you can connect other peripherals to amplify your gaming experience. 

Pros 

• Perfect monitor for fluid gameplay 
• Good light reflection abilities 
• Ultra-durable motherboard 
• Lightweight and portable design

Cons 

• Average black color uniformity 
• Not much HDR brightness

Check the GIGABYTE M28U 28″ gaming monitor’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Budget (Under $300) Monitor For Xbox Series X & Series S

ViewSonic OMNI XG2431 24 Inch 1080p 0.5ms 240Hz

Specifications 

• Screen Size: 24 inches
• Resolution: ‎1920 x 1080
• Panel type: IPS
• Refresh rate: 240 Hz
• Response Time: 0.5ms MPRT 
• Ports: DisplayPort, USB, HDMI
• Adaptive-Sync: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro

Priced at under $300, this ViewSonic OMNI 24″ gaming monitor has to be the most well-balanced model on this list. And here’s why.

Designed for seamless gameplay, this hyper-responsive monitor has a refresh rate of 240 Hz, ensuring no missed frames and a second of the action. XG2431 promises attractive color combinations, striking contrast, and enhanced viewing angles thanks to its IPS technology.

If I talk about the response time, it’s pretty quick at 0.5ms MPRT to minimize image ghosting and blurriness in fast-paced games, such as Call Of Duty, Fortnite, Bayonetta 2, or Killing Floor 2. 

Acting as the icing on the cake is the AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, which brings minimal latency and breathtaking pixel quality. 

This 1080p resolution gaming monitor is further fortified with anti-glare technology for gamers who indulge in long gaming sessions. Say “no” to eye strain. 

Do you often play on a multi-monitor setup? If so, this monitor’s 3-sided borderless design and built-in DisplayPort would suit you for a seamless gaming experience in such setups. 

Other ports include HDMI and USB for other peripherals, including your Xbox Series X and Series S. 

Pros 

• Backlight strobing feature to adjust the phase and pulse width 
• Good peak brightness 
• Anti-glare screen with a broad field view 
• Adjustable screen

Cons 

• Low native contrast 
• No local dimming feature

Check the ViewSonic OMNI 24″ gaming monitor’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Premium Monitor For Xbox Series X & Series S

 SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G8 4K UHD 240Hz 1ms G-Sync 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor 

Specifications 

• Screen Size: 32 inches
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Panel type: VA
• Refresh rate: 240 Hz
• Response Time: 1ms GTG 
• Ports: USB, DisplayPort, HDMI
• Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync Premium Pro

While the above two gaming monitors feature a flat-screen, here’s a curved display with a 1000R curvature. 

This ultrawide 32″ curved gaming monitor boasts a resolution of 4K coupled with Quantum mini-LEDs and HDR2000 for spellbinding visual quality and clarity while gaming. 

With the screen curvature of 1000R (the arc of a human eye), you’re relieved from running your eyes across the monitor screen to capture every detail. Plus, this curvature lends a deeper immersion and more satisfying gameplay. 

If you play fast-paced games, you’d want not to miss even the most minute detail or a second of the action. The 240 Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time of Neo G8 take care of this. 

Another key highlight of this particular model is its distraction-free matte screen. It absorbs artificial and natural light, keeping you laser-focused throughout gaming. So, victory is yours, be it the most brutal battles of challenging levels. 

Not to forget the Auto Source Switch+ feature of this Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 that automatically senses the connected devices and instantly switches to another input source. Thus, you can begin your action faster and smoother. 

Overall, this Odyssey Neo G8 from Samsung is a fantastic addition to your gaming setup that you won’t regret buying. 

Pros

• Automatically detects and switches among available input sources.
• Distraction-free matte screen keeps you focused throughout gaming.
• Amazing visual quality.
• No image ghosting and blurred images.

Cons 

• The stand doesn’t allow for angle or height adjustment.
• Average HDR implementation

Check the SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Curved Monitor For Xbox Series X & Series S

 GIGABYTE M32UC 32″ 144Hz (160Hz OC) 4K UHD Curved Gaming Monitor 

Specifications 

• Screen Size and Aspect Ratio: 32 inches
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Panel type: VA
• Refresh rate: 144Hz (160Hz OC)
• Response Time: 1ms MPRT/2ms GTG 
• Ports: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, USB-C, USB 3.2 Type-A, USB 3.2
• Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync Premium Pro

Although not as curved as other truly curved gaming monitors, M32UC’s gentle curve appears sufficient to give you a considerable field of view without having to roll your eyes across the screen. 

Plus, the 32″ inch screen is flicker-free and anti-glare. So, no more eye strain due to long gaming sessions. 

To cater to the requirements of fast-paced games, the monitor has a fantastic refresh rate of 144Hz (160Hz overclocked) and 1ms MPRT response time. These specs work together to deliver best-in-class clear motion with little or no blur behind fast-moving objects. 

However, you’d need a powerful graphics card to make the most out of the 144Hz refresh rate. If you want some examples, Nvidia RTX 3090, RTX 3080 Ti, and RTX 3090 are my recommendations. 

To set up your monitor, you can either keep it on the V-shaped stand (recommended) or mount it over the wall. In both cases, you can easily tilt (-5°~+20°) or adjust the height according to your interests. 

With built-in HDMI 2.1, the monitor supports all your next-gen consoles like Xbox Series X and Series S, giving you a competitive advantage on a wide range of games, from adventure to shooting. 

Pros 

• The best option for multi-monitor setups 
• Delivers a fluid gaming experience without input lags 
• The high contrast ratio for dark game settings 
• Multiple viewing angle settings

Cons 

• Not compatible with G-Sync 
• Lacking HDR capability

Check the GIGABYTE M32UC 32″ 144Hz’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Monitor For Xbox Series X & Series S For Flight Simulator

Sceptre Curved 30″ 21:9 Gaming LED Monitor 

Specifications 

• Screen Size and Aspect Ratio: 30 inches
• Resolution: 2560 x 1080 pixels
• Panel type: IPS
• Refresh rate: 85 Hz (maximum 100 Hz)
• Response Time: 1ms MPRT 
• Ports: DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync Premium Pro

While the gaming monitors for Xbox Series X and Series S discussed so far have an aspect ratio of 16:9, this Sceptre edge-less gaming LED monitor offers an ultrawide 21:9. 

Thus, approximately 30% more field view is at your disposal with the 2560 x 1080 pixel resolution. And this makes it a terrific pick for Flight Simulator. 

From the color clarity point of view, the monitor effortlessly leapfrogs its competitors with the 90% sRGB color gamut. As a result, you experience sharper contrasts of light and dark. 

Though the refresh rate isn’t much at just 85Hz, it works well enough to avoid image tearing during fast-paced gaming. Not a bad deal under $250, isn’t it? On the other hand, response time is quite competitive at 1ms MPRT (5ms GTG), thus minimizing image ghosting and blurring. 

Note: Besides gaming, this monitor is also an excellent investment for late-night binging, office applications, etc. 

Thanks to the “Blue Light Shift” feature, the screen reduces blue light and avoids eye-straining. Hence, long gaming sessions won’t torture your eyes. 

Unlike most gaming monitors, this Sceptre LED monitor has dual gaming-ready display presets – FPS (First Person Shooter) and RTS (Real-Time Strategy). You can switch between these from the system settings accordingly. 

Regarding connectivity with external devices, you get the DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1 (for gaming consoles), and a 3.5mm headphone jack. 

Pros 

• A suitable blend of color and contrast for dim or dark room settings 
• Easy to swivel or tilt for multiple viewing angles 
• Ultrawide display for multiplayer games 
• Flicker-free and anti-glare screen

Cons 

• The refresh rate isn’t as high as you would expect 
• No USB A or C ports to connect other peripherals

Check the Sceptre Curved 30″ 21:9 Gaming LED Monitor’s latest prices on Amazon

Best Monitor For Xbox Series X And Series S FAQs

• What Type Of Monitor Do You Need For Xbox Series X And Series S?

Ans: I recommend a 2K or 1440p resolution monitor for your Xbox Series X and Series S to make the best use of the capabilities of each. 

• Do You Need A 4K Monitor For Xbox Series X Or Series S? 

Ans: Not really, unless you have the cash to burn. Xbox Series X and Series S are compatible with all typical screen resolutions, for example, 1080p, 1440p, 4K, etc. 

For the best gaming experience without lags, image ghosting, and other benefits, go with 1440p – the sweet spot. For those with a lower spending limit, even 1080p can suffice; however, at lower image quality. 

• Is 144 Hz Monitor Good For Xbox Series X And S?

Ans: Yes, a 144 Hz monitor is good for Xbox Series X and S. 

• Does Xbox Series X And Series S Need A HDMI 2.1 Monitor?

Ans: Yes, you need an HDMI 2.1 monitor for Xbox Series X and Series S to achieve 120 FPS. The cable should also be an HDMI 2.1 cable.

• Do You Need A 120 Hz Monitor For A 120 FPS Xbox?

Ans: Yes, you need a 120 Hz monitor for a 120 FPS Xbox.  

• Why Won’t My Xbox Do 120 Hz?

Ans: There are two main reasons why your Xbox won’t do 120 Hz. First, the game isn’t set to “Performance Mode.” Second, the game itself cannot achieve 120 FPS (which not all games can achieve).

Conclusion 

Here you go, gamers. That’s everything to know about the best Xbox Series X and S monitor. 

Although gaming consoles can also be connected to TVs – a good choice for gamers who prefer large displays, a monitor leapfrogs the former if we talk about refresh rate, response time, and input lag, among others.  Thus, invest in a monitor for Xbox Series X and S. And above are the five models to look at. 

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