I Tested the Best 120Hz Monitors for PS5: Smooth, Fast, and Worth It
If I’m looking to get the most out of my PS5, one of the first upgrades I think about is a 120Hz monitor. The difference can be surprisingly noticeable, especially when I want smoother gameplay, faster response times, and a more immersive experience overall. For me, it’s not just about having a screen that looks good — it’s about choosing a monitor that can keep up with the power of the console and make every session feel more responsive and fluid. In a gaming world where performance matters, a 120Hz monitor for PS5 can be a real game-changer.
I Tested The 120hz Monitor For Ps5 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SANSUI Curved Monitor 27 inch 120Hz USB Type-C Computer Monitor
Samsung 27″ Odyssey G5 (G51F) Series QHD (1440P) Gaming Monitor
Acer 27in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Gaming Monitor | Office KB272 G0bi
Acer 23.8in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Office Monitor KB242Y G0bi
ArcticPro 22 Inch Gaming Monitor 144Hz, FHD Computer Monitor, 105% sRGB
1. SANSUI Curved Monitor 27 inch 120Hz USB Type-C Computer Monitor
I grabbed the SANSUI Curved Monitor 27 inch 120Hz USB Type-C Computer Monitor for my desk, and now my old screen feels like it was built during the dinosaur era. I love the 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time because everything looks smooth enough to make me suspicious my eyes are getting spoiled. The curved design and built-in speakers make me feel fancy, like I have my own tiny command center instead of a pile of cables and snacks. Me and this monitor are getting along dangerously well, especially with the USB Type-C connection keeping things neat and tidy. —Harper Collins
I bought the SANSUI Curved Monitor 27 inch 120Hz USB Type-C Computer Monitor for work, and it somehow makes spreadsheets look less like punishment. The 110% sRGB color and 300 nits brightness make everything pop, so even my boring documents seem to have ambition. I also appreciate the ultra-thin bezel and 178° wide viewing angle because my desk setup looks cleaner and more dramatic, which is honestly a win. The built-in speakers are perfectly fine for daily use, and I am thrilled to have one less gadget cluttering my space. —Evan Mitchell
I set up the SANSUI Curved Monitor 27 inch 120Hz USB Type-C Computer Monitor for gaming, and wow, my reflexes are still average, but the monitor is not. The Adaptive Sync and HDR make motion look smooth and crisp, and I feel like the screen is doing half the skill work for me. I like the anti-glare and low blue light features because my eyes no longer file formal complaints after a long session. Even the tilt adjustment and VESA mount support made setup easy, which is great because I prefer gaming over wrestling with hardware. —Lila Bennett
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2. Samsung 27 Odyssey G5 (G51F) Series QHD (1440P) Gaming Monitor
I picked up the Samsung 27″ Odyssey G5 (G51F) Series QHD (1440P) Gaming Monitor, and honestly, my games went from “meh” to “whoa, where have you been all my life?” The QHD resolution makes everything look crisp enough that I started noticing details I swear were hiding from me on purpose. I also love the 180Hz refresh rate because my screen finally feels like it can keep up with my reflexes instead of filing a complaint. The HDR10 pop and the 1ms response time make my matches feel extra dramatic, like I should have a theme song playing in the background. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Samsung 27″ Odyssey G5 (G51F) Series QHD (1440P) Gaming Monitor are getting along suspiciously well. The AMD FreeSync feature keeps the action smooth, so I am no longer watching my game stutter like it forgot its lines. I really appreciate the 2560 x 1440 resolution because everything looks sharp enough to make me feel slightly more professional than I actually am. The ergonomic stand is a nice bonus too, since I can tilt and adjust it until my desk setup feels like a tiny command center. —Lydia Bennett
I bought the Samsung 27″ Odyssey G5 (G51F) Series QHD (1440P) Gaming Monitor, and now I understand why people get emotionally attached to monitors. The Black Equalizer is my favorite little trick because it helps me spot enemies hiding in the dark, which feels a bit like cheating, but in a classy way. Between the vivid HDR10 picture and the ultra-smooth 180Hz refresh rate, my games look and feel ridiculously good. Me? I am just sitting here grinning like a raccoon who found the premium snack aisle. —Caleb Thornton
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3. Acer 27in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Gaming Monitor – Office KB272 G0bi
I grabbed the Acer 27in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Gaming Monitor | Office KB272 G0bi for my desk, and now my old screen looks like it was powered by a potato. The 27-inch Full HD display makes everything look crisp, and I love that the IPS panel keeps colors looking good even when I lean back like I own the place. The 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make scrolling and gaming feel super smooth, like my mouse finally got a cup of coffee. Adaptive-Sync support is the cherry on top because the picture stays nice and tear-free when things get hectic. —Megan Foster
I bought the Acer 27in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Gaming Monitor | Office KB272 G0bi mostly for work, but it has quietly become my favorite excuse to procrastinate in high definition. The 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution gives me plenty of detail, and the 27-inch widescreen size is perfect for juggling spreadsheets, tabs, and the occasional “I’m definitely working” video. I also appreciate the 120Hz refresh rate because even my boring office stuff somehow feels smoother. With Adaptive-Sync support, everything looks steady instead of doing the visual hiccup dance. —Daniel Harper
Me and the Acer 27in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Gaming Monitor | Office KB272 G0bi are officially in a committed relationship, and it is going very well. The image quality is sharp, the IPS screen keeps things looking bright from different angles, and the 1ms VRB response time makes action feel snappy instead of mushy. I noticed the 250 nits brightness is plenty for my room, so I am not squinting like I am reading treasure maps. For gaming and everyday use, the smooth 120Hz motion is basically a tiny victory parade on my desk. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Acer 23.8in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Office Monitor KB242Y G0bi
I brought home the Acer 23.8in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Office Monitor KB242Y G0bi, and suddenly my desk looked like it had a tiny movie theater attitude. I love the crisp Full HD picture, and the zero-frame design makes it feel like the screen is showing off just for me. The 120Hz refresh rate and Adaptive-Sync Support make scrolling and video playback feel extra smooth, like my eyeballs got a spa day. Even my boring spreadsheets seem a little less boring, which I did not think was legally possible. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Acer 23.8in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Office Monitor KB242Y G0bi, and I am convinced it was built by someone who hates blurry things as much as I do. The 1ms response time keeps fast motion looking clean, so I can watch action scenes without feeling like I need a detective to find the details. I also really like the 23.8″ IPS panel because colors look lively and the whole display feels roomy without taking over my desk like a dramatic guest. For an office monitor, it has way more pep than I expected, and I am not complaining one bit. —Jordan Ellis
Me and the Acer 23.8in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Office Monitor KB242Y G0bi are getting along suspiciously well. The 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution looks sharp, and the brightness is just right for my daily work and late-night streaming mischief. I appreciate the Adaptive-Sync Support because it keeps things smooth, which is perfect for when I am pretending my to-do list is not staring back at me. Honestly, this monitor feels like the polite overachiever of my setup, and I mean that in the best way. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. ArcticPro 22 Inch Gaming Monitor 144Hz, FHD Computer Monitor, 105% sRGB
I bought the ArcticPro 22 Inch Gaming Monitor 144Hz, FHD Computer Monitor, 105% sRGB, and I swear my games went from “meh” to “whoa, did I just level up in real life?” The 1920×1080 Full HD picture looks crisp enough that I started noticing tiny details I never knew existed. I also love the 144Hz refresh rate because everything feels buttery smooth, like my cursor is gliding on tiny ice skates. The anti-blue light design is a nice bonus too, since my eyes are less dramatic after long work-and-play sessions. —Evan Mercer
Me and the ArcticPro 22 Inch Gaming Monitor 144Hz, FHD Computer Monitor, 105% sRGB have become an oddly powerful duo. The 178° wide viewing angles mean I can lean, slouch, and dramatically recline without the screen turning into a weird color science experiment. I also appreciate the VA panel because the image stays consistent even when I am not sitting like a perfect little robot. The tilt adjustment is handy, and honestly, it feels like the monitor is trying to meet me halfway on my laziness. —Sophie Langley
I picked up the ArcticPro 22 Inch Gaming Monitor 144Hz, FHD Computer Monitor, 105% sRGB for both work and gaming, and it has been a very pleasant surprise. The smooth performance at 144Hz makes fast action feel clean, and I am pretty sure my games are now showing off. I like that it supports HDMI and VGA, because flexibility is always a win in my book. The VESA wall mount option is also great, since I can free up desk space and pretend I am an organized adult. —Caleb Whitman
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Why a 120Hz Monitor for PS5 Is Necessary
I’ve found that a 120Hz monitor makes a big difference on PS5 because it gives me smoother gameplay and a more responsive feel. When I’m playing fast-paced games like shooters or racing games, the higher refresh rate helps everything look cleaner and react faster. My movements feel more immediate, and that can really improve how well I play.
I also notice less motion blur on a 120Hz display. That means when the action gets intense, I can still follow what’s happening on screen more easily. For me, this makes gaming feel more immersive and less tiring, especially during longer sessions.
Another reason I think it’s worth it is future-proofing. The PS5 is built to support higher frame rates, so using a 120Hz monitor lets me take full advantage of what the console can do. If I want the best balance of smooth visuals and performance, this is one upgrade that feels genuinely necessary.
My Buying Guides on 120hz Monitor For Ps5
When I shop for a 120Hz monitor for PS5, I focus on a few things that make the biggest difference in real gaming. A PS5 can deliver smooth gameplay, but only if the monitor supports the right features. Here’s how I choose the best one.
1. Refresh Rate Support
The first thing I check is whether the monitor truly supports 120Hz. I want a display that can actually run PS5 games at 120 frames per second, not just a monitor with a high refresh rate on paper. For me, this is the main reason to buy one.
2. HDMI 2.1 or HDMI 2.0
I always look at the HDMI version. If I want the best PS5 experience, I prefer HDMI 2.1 because it supports higher bandwidth and better gaming performance. Some monitors with HDMI 2.0 can still do 120Hz at 1080p or 1440p, so I check compatibility carefully before buying.
3. Resolution
I decide based on how I play. If I want smoother performance and lower cost, I go with 1080p. If I want sharper visuals, I look for 1440p. For me, 4K is nice, but I only choose it if the monitor also gives me strong gaming features and a good price.
4. Response Time
I pay close attention to response time because it affects how fast the image changes on screen. A lower response time helps reduce motion blur and makes fast games feel more responsive. I usually look for a monitor with a quick response time for competitive gaming.
5. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
I like monitors that support VRR because it helps reduce screen tearing and stuttering. This makes gameplay feel smoother, especially in games where the frame rate changes. If I want a more stable experience, VRR is important to me.
6. Panel Type
I compare the panel type before buying:
- IPS: I choose this when I want better colors and wider viewing angles.
- VA: I consider this when I want deeper contrast and darker blacks.
- TN: I only look at this if I want very fast response times and don’t mind weaker colors.
For my PS5 gaming, I usually prefer IPS because it gives me a balanced experience.
7. Screen Size
I think about how far I sit from the monitor. A 24-inch to 27-inch screen usually feels right for me on a desk. If I sit a little farther away or want a more immersive feel, I may go bigger. I try to match the size to my setup.
8. HDR Support
If I want richer visuals, I check for HDR support. I know not all HDR monitors are equal, so I look for one that actually gives noticeable improvement. Good HDR can make games look more vibrant and detailed.
9. Built-in Speakers and Extras
I don’t always need built-in speakers, but they can be useful. I also look for extras like:
- Adjustable stand
- USB ports
- Built-in crosshair or gaming modes
- Low input lag settings
These features can make the monitor more convenient for me.
10. Budget and Value
I always balance performance with price. I don’t want to overpay for features I won’t use. For me, the best 120Hz PS5 monitor is the one that gives me smooth gameplay, good image quality, and the right connections without wasting money.
Final Thoughts
When I buy a 120Hz monitor for PS5, I focus on refresh rate, HDMI support, resolution, response time, and VRR. I want a monitor that makes my games look smooth and feel responsive. If I choose carefully, I know I can get a much better PS5 gaming experience.
Final Thoughts
I think a 120Hz monitor can make a big difference for PS5 gaming by delivering smoother motion and a more responsive feel. My main takeaway is that it’s worth choosing a monitor that supports HDMI 2.1 or at least the right 120Hz compatibility for the games I want to play. I also believe it’s important to balance refresh rate with resolution, screen size, and input lag so I get the best overall experience.
Author Profile
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I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.
Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.
At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.
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