Best 4K 120hz Monitor for Xbox Series X

Microsoft’s current flagship gaming console, the Xbox Series X, has greater features and power than the Xbox Series S. It has all the features you would anticipate from a modern gaming console, including support for 4k gaming at 120Hz, HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, and variable refresh rate (VRR). To get the most out of the console, you should purchase a 4K monitor with HDMI 2.1 bandwidth.

You can’t go wrong by purchasing a less expensive monitor with a lower resolution because it also supports 1440p and 1080p games up to 120Hz. However, you won’t be taking full advantage of the console’s capabilities either. The majority of monitors, regardless of type, are compatible with the Xbox and rarely cause problems.

When in search of an ideal monitor, it’s essential to factor in the input lag for a responsive gaming experience. Although most monitors offer low input lag suitable for various gaming genres, some may exhibit increased input lag at 60 Hz, which might not be optimal for reaction-based console games. Additionally, examining a monitor’s response time is crucial to minimizing motion blur during gameplay.

In this article, you will find a list of the best 4K 120Hz monitors for the Xbox Series X.

Best 4k 120hz Monitor for Xbox Series X

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 S32BG85 stands as the best monitor for the Xbox Series X. It is a remarkable gaming monitor characterized by an exceptionally rapid response time covering its entire range of refresh rates, ensuring a seamless and highly responsive gaming encounter. While the Xbox Series X may not fully exploit the monitor’s impressive 240Hz refresh rate, it still delivers an exceptional gaming experience with fluid motion handling, even at 120Hz, and offers full compatibility with all Xbox features.

If you prefer a more budget-friendly option with a slightly lower 165Hz refresh rate, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 S32BG75 is a compelling alternative that is often available at a lower price.

The Neo G8 distinguishes itself with its picture quality, primarily due to its remarkable Mini LED backlighting technology, which enables precise control of local dimming zones. This feature contributes to an exceptional HDR (High Dynamic Range) experience, featuring vivid highlights that stand out alongside deep blacks and minimal blooming in darker scenes. The monitor boasts an extensive color gamut coupled with its high peak brightness, resulting in vibrant colors that enhance the overall HDR gaming experience.

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If you’re in the market for a high-end monitor but don’t require all the advanced features found in the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 S32BG85, the LG 32GQ950-B is a compelling alternative to consider. This 32-inch 4k monitor, similar to the Samsung, offers excellent gaming performance, although it lacks Mini LED backlighting, resulting in a slight difference in picture quality. However, if your primary focus is on gaming performance rather than picture quality, the LG 32GQ950-B is an outstanding choice.

For those who prioritize picture quality, the INNOCN 27M2V is worth considering, as it offers higher brightness and superior local dimming compared to the LG, albeit with slightly increased input lag at 60 Hz and occasional availability challenges.

While the LG features a slightly lower 160Hz refresh rate compared to the Samsung, it doesn’t affect performance, as the Xbox Series X maxes out at 120Hz. Additionally, the LG boasts impressive motion handling, even when dealing with 120Hz and 60Hz signals. It’s well-suited for the Xbox Series X, thanks to its HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, which enables you to fully leverage the console’s capabilities. The monitor also offers VRR support, reducing screen tearing across most signals from the console.

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If you’re in the market for an affordable and straightforward monitor to pair with your Xbox Series X, the Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx is a viable choice. This monitor features a smaller 24-inch screen with a 1080p resolution, which results in slightly less detailed images compared to larger, higher-resolution displays like the Gigabyte M27Q. It may not be the top pick for cooperative gaming, but it does offer wide viewing angles and exceptional ergonomics, making it suitable for sharing the screen with a friend seated beside you.

In terms of gaming performance, the Acer Nitro XF243Y is quite impressive. While its overall motion handling isn’t as outstanding as the Gigabyte monitor, it still boasts a commendable response time at 120 Hz. However, it exhibits less favorable performance at 60 Hz with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) enabled, as it experiences overshoot, resulting in inverse ghosting. Nonetheless, it does support VRR, which effectively reduces screen tearing when used with the Xbox.

If you prefer better motion handling at 60 Hz, you have the option to disable VRR, although this might lead to screen tearing in games that lack fixed frame rates. In terms of compatibility, it works best with 1080p signals at 60Hz and 120Hz from the Xbox, but it will downscale 4K and 1440p images to a 60Hz refresh rate.

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If you’re seeking a top-tier Xbox Series X monitor on a budget, the Gigabyte M27Q is an excellent choice. As you explore budget-friendly monitors, you’ll come across displays with lower resolutions and lacking HDMI 2.1 bandwidth. While this means that budget monitors may not fully leverage the capabilities of the Xbox, like the Gigabyte M27U, most of them still provide a satisfactory console gaming experience. The M27Q fits this category well, as it is compatible with any signal from the console, except for 4K at 120 Hz. It even downscales 4K signals, resulting in slightly more detailed images than 1440p signals.

While the M27Q has a slower response time compared to the M27U, its motion handling remains quite good, minimizing noticeable blur during gaming. It also offers a backlight strobing feature to reduce screen tearing. However, this feature doesn’t function with 60 Hz signals and may cause image duplication.

If this is bothersome to you, it’s advisable to refrain from using it. There are other budget-friendly monitors available, such as the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B, which offer better motion handling but may come at a slightly higher cost. This alternative is worth considering if motion handling is a significant priority for you.

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For those seeking a more budget-friendly option in the mid-range price segment, the Gigabyte M27U is worth considering. It shares similarities with the LG 32GQ950-B, offering a 4K resolution but on a slightly smaller screen.

The primary distinction lies in its motion handling at 120 Hz, which, while not as impressive as the LG, still delivers smooth and responsive motion due to its quick response time. It supports HDMI 2.1 bandwidth but operates at a limited 24 Gbps HDMI bandwidth, which is half of what LG provides.

As a result, the Xbox may need to use compression for demanding signals, potentially affecting picture quality. However, 4K @ 120 Hz signals function without any issues.

Fortunately, the Gigabyte M27U offers a few additional features not found on the LG. It includes a backlight strobing feature that can be utilized even at 60 Hz, effectively reducing persistence blur. However, it may exhibit some flickering issues on occasion.

If you feel that the 27-inch screen size is too small and prefer a larger display, you can explore the Gigabyte M32U, a similar monitor with a larger screen. Keep in mind that it comes at a slightly higher cost for a modest difference in performance, making it a viable option only if you prioritize a larger screen size.