For gamers, movie enthusiasts, and content creators, a monitor equipped with HDMI 2.1 offers an ultra-smooth, high-resolution experience essential for a flawless visual journey. These monitors deliver faster refresh rates, support for 4K or even 8K resolutions, and superb color quality, taking performance to a higher level. However, choosing the rightgaming monitorcan be challenging due to the wide array of available options. This guide will help you find thebest monitors for workwith HDMI 2.1, making sure there’s a perfect match for everyone.
Once you’ve selected the perfect HDMI 2.1 monitor for superb visuals, consider enhancing your entire gaming setup. A high-quality monitor pairs well with thebest gaming consoles, allowing you to fully enjoy high resolutions and fast refresh rates. By improving your visuals and updating your equipment, you can transform your setup into the ultimate gaming destination.
Game Rant’s Best HDMI 2.1 Monitors
GIGABYTE M32U 32 144Hz 4K FreeSync Gaming Monitor
The GIGABYTE M32U 32'' is a 4K IPS-based gaming monitor that offers a 144Hz refresh rate coupled with support for FreeSync and plenty of connectivity options including a USB-C display out of the box. It comes at a reasonable price and offers excellent PC and console gaming experiences.
The GIGABYTE M32U stands out as the best overall HDMI 2.1 monitor. It features a 31.5-inch SuperSpeed IPS LCD panel with impressive 4K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms MPRT response time, making it an ideal choice for both dedicated gamers and professional creatives. The addition of FreeSync technology enhances gaming experiences by eliminating screen tearing.
Although the GIGABYTE M32U has certain limitations, such as supporting VESA HDR400, which is not the highest HDR standard, it still offers commendable color accuracy. Nonetheless, the monitor’s combination of versatility, performance, and overall value makes it a top choice for those seeking the best overall HDMI 2.1 monitor.
HP OMEN 27u 4K Gaming Monitor
The HP OMEN 27u 4K Gaming Monitor is an excellent IPS panel that offers an excellent 4K resolution coupled with up to 120Hz on HDMI or 144Hz on DP connections. It allows gamers to experience video games at the maximum fidelity possible.
The HP OMEN 27u 4K Gaming Monitor delivers top-tier visuals without a hefty price tag, making it the best entry-level HDMI 2.1 monitor. It features a 27-inch IPS panel that provides 4K resolutions and fast response times, tailored for gamers seeking high performance on a budget. Additionally, its 144Hz refresh rate through DisplayPort makes it ideal for intense gaming sessions.
This monitor excels with its crisp and detailed visuals. However, it should be noted that its HDR capabilities are modest compared to more premium models. While it has some limitations, the HP OMEN 27u remains a standout in its price category, offering the essential features for immersive gaming and professional use. Its outstanding price-to-performance ratio secures its position as the best entry-level HDMI 2.1 monitor for those seeking high-spec options.
Sony INZONE M9 27” 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor
The Sony INZONE M9 27'' 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor is a capable, well-rounded, but pricey monitor that offers support for Nvidia’s G-Sync technology as well as support for PS5-centric Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode to ensure games are played the way they are meant to be with VRR support on PCs and consoles alike.
The Sony INZONE M9 is regarded as the best gaming HDMI 2.1 monitor. Its 4K resolution paired with a fast 144Hz refresh rate makes it an ideal choice for gamers seeking high performance and detailed visuals. Additionally, its Nvidia G-Sync support ensures smooth gameplay without screen tearing, securing its position as a top performer in its class.
While the Sony monitor excels in many respects, some concerns have been raised about its value given its price point. Nevertheless, the INZONE M9 continues to impress with its compact design and powerful performance features. It’s an ideal choice for those who value a superior gaming experience, solidifying its status as the best gaming HDMI 2.1 monitor.
Gigabyte AORUS FO48U 48" 4K OLED Gaming Monitor
The Gigabyte AORUS FO48U 48" 4K Gaming Monitor is an excellent OLED monitor that is closest to LG’s C1 48' OLED TV, but it also brings its own distinct advantages into play. With both VRR and ALLM support in addition to an excellent OSD with comprehensive gaming-centric options, the FO48U is a solid gaming monitor that delivers without costing the proverbial pound of flesh
The Gigabyte AORUS FO48U, acclaimed as the best 4K HDMI 2.1 monitor, delivers a visually stunning gaming and cinematic experience. Its expansive 48-inch OLED display brings games and movies to life with vivid colors and deep blacks that only OLED technology can provide. Additionally, the high refresh rate and quick response time verify that every movement is rendered with crisp clarity.
Although this monitor boasts many excellent features, some have encountered difficulties with brightness settings and stability during intense gaming sessions. Nonetheless, its powerful speakers and solid build quality make the Gigabyte AORUS a top choice for gamers seeking the best 4K HDMI 2.1 monitor.
Alienware AW2524H Gaming Monitor
The 24-inch Alienware AW2524H comes with a suite of excellent features for under $1000. Buyers get a mind-blowing 480Hz refresh rate which, along with an NVIDIA G-SYNC certification, translates into tear-free gameplay and lucid visuals. The monitor also prioritizes eye care as the ComfortView Plus Low Blue Light Feature helps prevent fatigue after long periods of gaming.
The Alienware AW2524H Gaming Monitor is celebrated as the best mid-range HDMI 2.1 monitor. It stands out with a groundbreaking 480Hz refresh rate and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility, delivering smooth and tear-free visuals, ideal for gamers who prioritize fluid gameplay. Additionally, its key feature, a 0.5ms response time, captures every action in real-time without any lag, making it perfect for competitive gaming.
The Alienware AW2524H excels in performance, but some gamers might find the 1920x1080 resolution somewhat limiting, especially those accustomed to higher resolutions. Even with these minor drawbacks, it remains a top choice in the mid-range category by offering unparalleled speed and smoothness. This combination of features secures its position as the best mid-range HDMI 2.1 monitor.
ViewSonic OMNI XG2431
Despite being ideal for gamers with a tight budget, the ViewSonic XG2431 boasts some decent offerings. It features a 240Hz refresh rate, AMD’s FreeSync Premium, a response time of 0.5ms, a blue light filter, and more. The 0.5ms response time ensures gamers enjoy smooth visuals without experiencing motion blur and ghosting.
The best budget HDMI 2.1 monitor on our list is the ViewSonic OMNI XG2431, offering top-tier features at an affordable price. Its 240Hz refresh rate and ultra-fast 0.5ms response time make it a prime choice for competitive gamers who demand precision and smoothness in fast-paced games. This monitor also supports AMD’s FreeSync Premium, which eliminates tearing and stuttering for a smooth, immersive gaming experience.
While some concerns have been noted about brightness and color consistency, these issues are minor compared to the monitor’s overall value and performance. The XG2431 continues to impress with its multiple connectivity options, including two HDMI 2.1 ports, perfect for high-resolution gaming. Its top-tier features establish the ViewSonic OMNI XG2431 as the best budget HDMI 2.1 monitor for gamers seeking quality and affordability.
FAQ
Q: What makes HDMI 2.1 different from HDMI 2.0?
HDMI 2.1 supports higher bandwidth, allowing for 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz, along with features like Dynamic HDR and enhanced audio return channel (eARC).
Q: Are HDMI 2.1 monitors worth it for gaming?
Absolutely, HDMI 2.1 monitors are ideal for gaming, offering faster refresh rates and better resolution, which are crucial for a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
Q: Can HDMI 2.1 handle 8K video output?
Yes, HDMI 2.1 can support up to 10K resolution at specific frame rates, making it future-proof for emerging high-resolution displays.
