The best HDMI 2.1 monitor in 2026 depends on what you are connecting to it. For value-focused 4K PC and console gaming, the Gigabyte G27U is the easy starting point. Sony’s INZONE M9 II is the stronger console/HDR choice, while MSI’s MPG 321URX QD-OLED is the premium pick for 4K 240Hz gaming.
| Monitor | Best for | Key specs |
|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte G27U | Best value | 27in IPS, 4K 160Hz / FHD 320Hz, 2× HDMI 2.1 |
| Sony INZONE M9 II | Best for PS5 and HDR | 27in 4K IPS, full-array local dimming, up to 160Hz DP / 144Hz HDMI |
| MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED | Best premium OLED | 31.5in 4K QD-OLED, 240Hz, 2× full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 |
1. Gigabyte G27U: best value HDMI 2.1 monitor
The G27U is the sensible place to start if you want a modern 4K gaming monitor without paying OLED money. Gigabyte specifies a 27-inch 3840×2160 IPS panel that can run up to 160Hz at 4K or 320Hz at 1080p.
It has two HDMI 2.1 inputs, DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, VRR support and a fully adjustable stand. Gigabyte explicitly lists support for PS5 and Xbox Series X at 4K 120Hz over HDMI, which is the important console requirement.
The compromise is HDR. DisplayHDR 400 certification and a conventional edge-lit IPS panel cannot produce OLED-like blacks or the punch of a good local-dimming display. Buy it for sharp 4K gaming, high refresh rates and value, not for cinematic HDR.
See Gigabyte’s full specifications.
2. Sony INZONE M9 II: best HDMI 2.1 monitor for PS5 and HDR
Sony’s INZONE M9 II is aimed squarely at people who want one monitor for a gaming PC and PlayStation 5. It uses a 27-inch 4K IPS panel with full-array local dimming, DisplayHDR 600 certification and peak brightness rated at 750 nits.
Sony lists refresh rates up to 160Hz over DisplayPort and 144Hz over HDMI. For PS5, 4K 120Hz is therefore comfortably within the monitor’s HDMI capabilities, while the local-dimming backlight gives HDR games a much stronger presentation than basic edge-lit IPS monitors.
The downside is price. The M9 II sits well above value-focused IPS models, so it makes the most sense when HDR, full-array local dimming and PlayStation-friendly features matter more to you than raw value. Check current sale pricing before buying.
See Sony’s current M9 II page.
3. MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED: best premium HDMI 2.1 monitor
If you want the full high-end experience, the MPG 321URX combines a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED panel, 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms GtG response time. MSI gives it two HDMI 2.1 ports rated for 4K 240Hz and explicitly states full 48Gbps HDMI bandwidth.
That makes it equally comfortable with a high-end PC and modern consoles. OLED’s per-pixel lighting also delivers dramatically better black levels and HDR contrast than ordinary IPS panels.
MSI includes a three-year warranty that covers OLED burn-in, plus USB-C with 90W power delivery and a KVM switch. It is expensive, but there is very little missing from the feature list.
What does HDMI 2.1 actually give you?
For gaming monitors, HDMI 2.1 matters mainly because it can carry 4K at high refresh rates and supports features such as Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode when the monitor and source implement them.
Do not judge a monitor from the words “HDMI 2.1” alone. Manufacturers can implement different link speeds and feature sets. Check the monitor’s actual supported resolution/refresh combinations — especially if you want 4K 120Hz on a console or 4K 200Hz+ on a PC.
PS5 and Xbox Series X: what should you look for?
Both current consoles top out at 4K 120Hz output for supported games, so you do not need a 240Hz monitor just for console use. A good 4K 120Hz-capable HDMI input, VRR support and solid HDR performance matter more.
The Sony M9 II is the most console-focused choice here. The Gigabyte G27U is the better value if HDR is less important. The MSI only makes financial sense if a fast gaming PC will also use its 240Hz capability.
Is OLED worth paying extra for?
OLED offers exceptional contrast, near-instant pixel response and excellent motion clarity, but it costs more and still carries some risk of image retention from long-term static desktop use. Modern OLED-care features and burn-in warranties reduce the worry, but they do not make the technology identical to LCD.
If you mostly work with static windows all day and game at night, a good IPS monitor can still be the lower-stress choice.
Do you need 240Hz at 4K?
Only if your PC can actually produce very high frame rates in the games you play. Our 75Hz vs 144Hz vs 240Hz guide explains how frame time shrinks as refresh rate rises and where diminishing returns begin.
If you are unsure whether 27 or 32 inches suits 4K better, use our monitor size and resolution calculator. And if you are mounting a large display, our monitor-arm guide explains why weight and screen depth matter.
Bottom line
Buy the Gigabyte G27U for value, the Sony INZONE M9 II for a PS5-focused HDR setup, or the MSI MPG 321URX if you want premium 4K 240Hz OLED.
The important part is not simply buying something labelled HDMI 2.1. Match the monitor’s real HDMI resolution and refresh-rate support to your console or GPU.
