What is the Best Monitor for PS5 at 165Hz?
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If you’re a PlayStation 5 owner looking to elevate your gaming experience with a high refresh rate monitor, you’ve likely encountered the 165Hz option. The question isn’t just about whether a 165Hz monitor works with the PS5 (it does!), but which monitor provides the best balance of performance, features, and value. Let’s cut to the chase: there isn’t a single “best” monitor for everyone, as individual needs and budgets vary. However, based on the landscape of available monitors and considering what the PS5 can deliver, a strong recommendation is a monitor that balances a 1440p resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, low response time (1ms MPRT or similar), and HDMI 2.1 connectivity.
Why this combination? The PS5, while capable of 4K at 120Hz, often achieves higher frame rates at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. A 165Hz monitor can display all 120Hz content without issue and offers headroom for potential future updates or for connecting other devices. Additionally, a 1440p resolution offers a good balance between visual clarity and performance compared to 1080p, and the difference between 120Hz and 165Hz can be noticeable in fast-paced competitive games, though less so in single-player titles. While you can go with a 4K/165Hz monitor, these often come at a premium and the PS5’s compatibility with 4k 120hz is limited.
Key Considerations for Choosing a 165Hz Monitor for PS5
Before diving into specific models, consider these crucial factors:
- Resolution: 1440p (2560×1440) provides a sharp, clear image and better performance for PS5 than 4K in many situations.
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz is a great sweet spot, being able to display the PS5’s maximum 120fps output, and allows for possible higher refresh rates if used with a PC.
- Response Time: Look for a monitor with a 1ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) or similar rating to minimize motion blur.
- Panel Type: IPS panels offer excellent color accuracy and viewing angles, which is essential for vibrant and immersive games.
- HDMI 2.1: This is ideal for fully utilizing the PS5’s capabilities, enabling 4K/120Hz when possible and supporting features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) to reduce screen tearing. Although you may not be running 4k/120Hz on your 1440p monitor, the HDMI 2.1 connection allows for higher bandwidth overall.
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): A must for smooth, tear-free gaming. AMD FreeSync Premium or NVIDIA G-Sync Compatibility are the two common standards that can provide a tear-free experience (if the monitor supports it).
Recommended Monitors
While not exhaustive, here are some monitor recommendations based on different priorities and budgets:
- Best All-Around: A monitor that combines these features well is the Gigabyte M27Q-X. It has a 1440p resolution, a 165hz refresh rate that can overclock to 170hz, and a 1ms response time. It’s an IPS panel that has great color accuracy, and a great build quality.
- Best Value: The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ offers excellent features at a reasonable price, usually coming in cheaper than some of the other monitors on the list. This monitor has a 1440p resolution, 165hz refresh rate, and is a high-quality IPS panel with excellent color reproduction.
- Best Premium: If budget isn’t a constraint, a 4K 165Hz monitor like the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 provides incredible detail. Although not as well utilized by the PS5, this monitor has the potential to be a great all-around monitor for all your devices. This is a 4k panel with a high refresh rate, low latency and comes with HDR.
- Best Budget 1440p Option: Pixio PXC277 Advanced offers great features for a budget price. Although less premium, this monitor has a 1440p resolution, a 165hz refresh rate and a quick response time. If you’re looking to save money on your monitor, this is a great option.
Important Note: Always check the specifications of any monitor you are considering for compatibility with the PS5, and confirm it is rated for HDMI 2.1, especially if you are going for a 4k option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a 165Hz monitor overkill for the PS5?
No, a 165Hz monitor isn’t overkill. While the PS5 can output up to 120fps, a 165Hz monitor provides a small amount of headroom. It will show 120fps gameplay perfectly without issue and can be used for other devices that may support higher framerates, such as PCs. 165Hz is effectively the new 144Hz, becoming an industry standard, and has a high chance to be the new ‘standard’ for high refresh gaming.
2. Can a 165Hz monitor display 120fps on PS5?
Yes, absolutely. Monitors can run at any framerate below their maximum refresh rate. Therefore, a 165Hz monitor will perfectly display games running at 120fps.
3. Is 144Hz or 165Hz better for PS5?
Both are excellent choices, but 165Hz has some advantages. They both allow you to display games at the PS5’s 120fps max, but 165Hz will have a better chance of having better features such as HDR, color accuracy, or response time. As previously mentioned, 165hz is also slowly replacing the 144hz standard, so newer monitors will likely have a 165hz refresh rate.
4. What resolution should I use with a 165Hz monitor for PS5?
1440p is the sweet spot. It provides a sharper image than 1080p and is less demanding than 4K, allowing for higher frame rates on the PS5. It’s an excellent balance between visual fidelity and performance.
5. Do I need HDMI 2.1 for a 165Hz monitor with PS5?
HDMI 2.1 is highly recommended, especially if you want to maximize potential future use of the monitor with other devices. For 1440p monitors, it’s less critical, but for future proofing and ensuring access to VRR, HDMI 2.1 is the best option.
6. What does Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) do?
VRR synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the game’s frame rate, which minimizes screen tearing and stuttering. It’s essential for a smooth gaming experience.
7. What’s the difference between 1ms MPRT and 1ms GtG?
MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) measures how long a pixel is visible, while GtG (Gray-to-Gray) measures how quickly a pixel changes color. MPRT is generally a better indicator of motion blur, so aim for monitors with a 1ms MPRT rating or similar if possible.
8. Is an IPS panel necessary for a PS5 monitor?
Not strictly necessary, but IPS panels offer superior color accuracy and wider viewing angles, which are highly beneficial for an engaging gaming experience.
9. Can I use a 240Hz monitor with a PS5?
Yes, you can, and it will work well with the 60Hz and 120Hz output of the PS5. While you can’t use the full 240Hz refresh rate on the PS5, you can still take advantage of its features like VRR, low input lag, and great colors.
10. Will I see a noticeable difference between 120Hz and 165Hz on PS5?
The difference may be subtle for many gamers, especially in single player games, but it can be noticeable for those playing fast-paced competitive games. The main advantage isn’t just the refresh rate itself, but the improved panel technologies often found on 165Hz monitors.
11. Does a higher refresh rate monitor consume more power?
Generally yes, but not by a huge margin. A 165Hz monitor will consume slightly more power than a 120Hz model, though the increase is typically minimal.
12. Can I run a 240fps game on a 165Hz monitor?
Yes, but the monitor will only display 165 frames per second. While your graphics card can output 240fps, your 165Hz monitor can only show 165 of those frames, therefore, you’ll only see the smoothness of 165fps.
13. Is a 165Hz monitor better than a 144Hz monitor?
In most cases, yes. As 165Hz becomes the new standard, monitors often have better panels, color accuracy, and other improvements over older 144Hz models.
14. Is a 165hz monitor good for my eyes?
A higher refresh rate like 165hz does tend to be easier on the eyes as the motion on the screen appears smoother. Although many may not notice a huge difference between 120hz and 165hz, there are potential benefits.
15. How do I set my monitor to 165Hz?
On PC, go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and choose the advertised refresh rate from the dropdown menu. On PS5, the console should automatically output at the highest supported refresh rate of the monitor, but ensure you have the correct cable plugged in to get the full refresh rate.
By understanding these factors and considering your own needs, you can select the perfect 165Hz monitor to take your PS5 gaming to the next level.