120Hz Gaming Monitors

120Hz Gaming Monitors Buying Guide

A 120Hz gaming monitor doubles the frames a 60Hz screen can show each second, so fast motion in shooters, racing, and sports games looks smoother and keeps closer pace with your mouse or controller. Shop 120Hz gaming monitors from ASUS, Acer, ViewSonic, and GIGABYTE in 24 to 27 inch Full HD and 34 and 49 inch curved ultrawide sizes, or see every gaming monitor. For office and creative use, browse all 120Hz monitors.

120Hz on PS5 and Xbox Series X

Both consoles offer a 120Hz mode for games that support it. On PS5, turn on 120 Hz Output under Settings, Screen and Video, Video Output, then play a game that supports 120Hz. On Xbox Series X or Series S, choose 120Hz under Settings, General, TV and display options. A 1080p 120Hz signal doesn't need HDMI 2.1, but the monitor's HDMI input has to accept 120Hz from the console, and not every monitor that lists 120Hz on HDMI does, so check the maker's console compatibility notes. Some monitors reach 120Hz only over DisplayPort, which consoles don't use. For 4K at 120Hz, both consoles need an HDMI 2.1 display and an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.

120Hz, 144Hz, or 240Hz?

120Hz matches the highest frame rate PS5 and Xbox games run at, so a console setup gets the full benefit. PC players with graphics cards that push past 120 frames per second can use more: 144Hz and 240Hz monitors show those extra frames and still accept 120Hz from a console when their HDMI input supports it. Compare 144Hz gaming monitors and 240Hz gaming monitors.

Choosing a Screen

24 to 27 inch Full HD models are easy for consoles and midrange graphics cards to drive, and they reach 120Hz over HDMI from a PC. Their adaptive sync smooths out a PC's changing frame rate, while PS5 variable refresh rate needs an HDMI 2.1 VRR display, which these HDMI 1.4 models don't have. A few ASUS and ViewSonic models reach 120Hz as an overclock, and the ASUS overclock works only in Game mode.

34 and 49 inch curved ultrawides widen your view for racing and flight games on a PC and reach their top refresh rate over DisplayPort. Browse more ultrawide monitors.

120Hz Gaming Monitor FAQs

Is a 120Hz monitor good for gaming?

Yes. It's a clear step up from 60Hz in fast games and matches the top frame rate of console games with 120Hz modes. PC players chasing higher frame rates in competitive shooters can step up to 144Hz or 240Hz.

Is 120Hz or 144Hz better for gaming?

On a console, both run at 120Hz, since PS5 and Xbox games top out at 120 frames per second, as long as the 144Hz monitor accepts 120Hz over HDMI. On a PC that runs games above 120 frames per second, a 144Hz monitor shows those extra frames.

Is 120Hz or 4K better for gaming?

They improve different things. A higher refresh rate makes motion smoother, while 4K makes the image sharper. To get both from a console, a 4K monitor needs to accept 120Hz over HDMI 2.1. Browse 4K 120Hz monitors.

Can I use a 120Hz monitor with a PS5 or Xbox Series X?

Yes, as long as the monitor's HDMI input accepts 120Hz from the console. Turn on 120Hz in the console's video settings and play a game that supports 120Hz.

Do I need HDMI 2.1 for 120Hz on PS5?

Only for 4K at 120Hz. 1080p at 120Hz works without HDMI 2.1, and 1440p at 120Hz works on monitors that support it, which the PS5's Test 1440p Output tool checks. PS5 variable refresh rate does need an HDMI 2.1 VRR display. Browse HDMI 2.1 monitors.

Does a PS5 work with an ultrawide monitor?

Yes, but not in ultrawide. PS5 and Xbox Series X output a 16:9 picture, which an ultrawide shows with black bars at the sides or stretched to fill, depending on its aspect ratio or display mode setting.