If you've got a PS5 or Xbox Series X, you'll want a gaming monitor to get the best out of your new gaming console.

Unfortunately, you will quickly notice that most of the HDMI 2.1 monitors on the market are ridiculously expensive.

However, there is still a small selection of affordable monitors with HDMI 2.1, and while some will raise a few eyebrows, they still fit right within the budget category as long as HDMI 2.1 monitors are concerned.

Here are the cheapest HDMI 2.1 monitors you can buy today.

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A is certainly not cheap, but it's one of the most affordable HDMI 2.1 monitors you can buy. It supports the full 48Gbps bandwidth of HDMI 2.1, meaning it can reach 4K 120Hz on consoles and 4K 144Hz on PCs without compression. Most other budget-friendly monitors have limited HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, which leads to some blurry text since they require a form of compression to reach high refresh rates.

The TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A produces more accurate colors and crisper text, making it perfect for those looking for an HDMI 2.1 monitor for gaming and work. The 4K resolution at 28 inches makes it one of the sharpest gaming monitors available. It supports DisplayHDR 400 for enhanced immersion when gaming and watching movies, but don't expect the best HDR experience because it doesn't get bright enough to make all the highlights pop.

Gaming on this monitor is buttery smooth and responsive. The high refresh rate with FreeSync and G-Sync VRR support delivers fast and tear-free gameplay, allowing you to react quickly to in-game action. You also get a useful backlight strobing feature and faster response times that eliminate motion blur in fast-moving objects, so you can enjoy first-person shooters and other fast-paced games in all their glory.

Key Features
  • Full 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 bandwidth
  • AMD FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility
  • DisplayHDR 400 support with DCI-P3 90% color
  • Fully adjustable stand
Specifications
  • Brand: ASUS
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Screen Size: 28-inch
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x 3.5mm Jack
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Pros
  • Supports native 4K 120Hz and 4K 144Hz gaming without compression
  • Sharp and vibrant image
  • Powerful gaming features
  • Excellent text clarity
Cons
  • Not bright enough for HDR
Buy This Product
ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A

The GIGABYTE M32U Gaming Monitor is the most affordable 32-inch 4K monitor with HDMI 2.1. It's priced similarly to most 28-inch HDMI 2.1 monitors, despite having a bigger 32-inch screen. It also offers a useful set of features not available in other monitors, such as USB-C connectivity and a built-in KVM switch, making it the ultimate budget HDMI 2.1 monitor.

The large, high-resolution screen delivers a more immersive gaming experience and plenty of screen real estate for multitasking. There is a built-in KVM switch that lets you connect your gaming PC or console and your work laptop at the same time, and easily control both using the same keyboard and mouse. Picture quality is excellent, and it supports HDR for improved dynamic range and immersion.

Unlike the ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A, this monitor's HDMI 2.1 inputs are limited to 24Gbps instead of 48Gbps, meaning you'll need compression to achieve higher refresh rates. This isn't a deal-breaker as it fully supports 4K gaming at up to a 120Hz refresh rate on the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Also, the compression doesn't affect the overall picture quality, but the text may appear blurry on the PS5.

The M32U has all the features we love in a high-end gaming monitor, including powerful VRR, outstanding motion handling, a higher refresh rate, and multiple in-game enhancements. It comes in black to fit in most gaming setups and has an adjustable stand for improved ergonomics.

Key Features
  • Built-in KVM feature
  • VESA Display HDR400 certified
  • Supports FreeSync Premium Pro
Specifications
  • Brand: GIGABYTE
  • Screen Size: 32-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C, 3x USB-A 3.0, 1x 3.5mm Jack
Pros
  • Incredible value
  • Excellent picture quality
  • Large display with multitasking tools
  • Solid collection of gaming features
Cons
  • Sub-par built-in speakers
Buy This Product
GIGABYTE M32U Gaming Monitor

The Acer Predator XB283K KVbmiipruzx is the cheapest HDMI 2.1 monitor you can buy right now. Acer released two series of HDMI 2.1 monitors, with the Predator models appealing more to gamers on a budget because they offer almost the same gaming performance and features for a lot less money. You can choose between a 32-inch model or this cheaper 28-inch model, depending on your budget.

This model offers two HDMI 2.1 ports, which unlock 4K gaming at a 120Hz refresh rate on the latest gaming consoles. You also get a DisplayPort for PC gaming and a USB-C port that supports external displays and laptop charging up to 65W, allowing you to connect a laptop and charge it at the same time using the same cable.

Like most affordable HDMI 2.1 monitors, the Predator XB283K KVbmiipruzx does not support the full bandwidth of HDMI 2.1, but it still supports all the common resolutions and refresh rates up to 4K at 144Hz using compression.

The 28-inch 4K display is razor-sharp and color-accurate, covering 90 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It's a panel you can safely use for photo and video editing. When it comes to gaming, the screen delivers smooth and responsive gameplay with excellent clarity. Motion handling is excellent, and it supports FreeSync Premium for tear-free gaming. Overall, the Predator XB283K KVbmiipruzx is an excellent HDMI 2.1 monitor with a price tag to match.

Key Features
  • USB-C port with 65W power delivery
  • AMD FreeSync Premium VRR
  • Built-in USB hub
Specifications
  • Brand: Acer
  • Screen Size: 28-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C, 4x USB-A 3.0, 1x 3.5mm Jack
Pros
  • Powerful next-gen gaming performance on a budget
  • Sharp image with vibrant colors
  • Can charge your laptop
Cons
  • Not a true HDR panel
Buy This Product
Acer Predator XB283K KVbmiipruzx

If you want to add RGB lighting to your setup, the best budget HDMI 2.1 monitor is the Samsung Odyssey G70A. This monitor follows the rest of the Odyssey lineup with the trademark Infinity Core lighting and front light panels that add style and personality to your gaming setup. For added immersion, you can customize the RGB lighting to sync with what is displayed on the screen.

Gaming performance is similar to other monitors with HDMI 2.1. It fully supports 4K at 120Hz gaming on the PS5 and Xbox Series X, and PC gamers can enjoy an even smoother and more responsive gaming experience at 144Hz. The panel supports both G-Sync and FreeSync and has a quick 1 ms response time, so your gameplay is going to be buttery-smooth and clear.

The screen is incredibly sharp, with a 4K resolution at 28 inches. It has good out-of-the-box color accuracy, a wide color gamut, and wide viewing angles, which results in outstanding image quality at every angle. Whether looking for a monitor for work, editing, or gaming, the Odyssey G70A ticks all the boxes. The HDMI 2.1 support is the cherry on top for gamers.

Key Features
  • G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro support
  • RGB lighting
  • HDR 400
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Screen Size: 28-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x USB 3.0, 3.5mm jack
Pros
  • Sharp and vibrant 4K 144Hz panel
  • Great Color Performance
  • Powerful gaming features
  • Attractive design
Cons
  • Cheap plastic build
Buy This Product
Samsung Odyssey G70A

The GIGABYTE M28U Gaming Monitor is a smaller version of the GIGABYTE M32U, offering the same feature set and performance at an even cheaper price. It comes in a smaller 28-inch panel, perfect for small desks and rooms. The small size also means the pixel density is higher, leading to even sharper images and better text clarity.

The HDMI 2.1 ports on this monitor support 24Gbps bandwidth instead of the full 48Gbps, but they can still reach 4K at 120Hz on the PS5 and Xbox Series X without any issues. In addition, the panel supports the highest tier of FreeSync VRR technology, delivering smooth and powerful gameplay with HDR. The only downside compared to other 28-inch HDMI 2.1 monitors is that you can't swivel or rotate this monitor.

While primarily designed for gaming, the M28U is excellent for work and productivity. It has USB-C connectivity to connect to your work laptop and a built-in KVM switch to easily switch between work and gaming. The colors are rich and accurate, and it gets bright enough to deal with glare in bright rooms. Besides the poor ergonomics, the GIGABYTE M28U is one of the most affordable HDMI 2.1 monitors you can buy.

Key Features
  • AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support
  • Integrated KVM switch
  • USB-C connectivity
Specifications
  • Brand: GIGABYTE
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Screen Size: 28-inch
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C, 3x USB-A 3.0, 1x 3.5mm Jack
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Pros
  • Excellent price and connectivity
  • Next-gen gaming features
  • High color accuracy
  • Great tools for productivity
Cons
  • No pivot and swivel adjustment
Buy This Product
GIGABYTE M28U Gaming Monitor

FAQ

Q: Why Are HDMI 2.1 Monitors So Expensive?

HDMI 2.1 monitors are so expensive because HDMI 2.1 is a relatively new technology in the market and it's reserved for high-end gaming displays. Like with 4K monitors, the prices will soon go down as the technology becomes mainstream and more manufacturers make HDMI 2.1 monitors.

Q: Is an HDMI 2.1 Monitor Worth It?

An HDMI 2.1 monitor is worth it if you want to get the best out of the latest generation of gaming consoles and PCs. The PS5 and Xbox Series X can now support 4K gaming at up to a 120Hz refresh rate via HDMI 2.1, a significant upgrade in gaming performance from 4K at 60Hz via HDMI 2.0.

Q: Do HDMI 2.1 Monitors Exist?

Monitors with HDMI 2.1 are now available, and while the majority of them are expensive, there are some that are reasonably priced.