What Size Monitor is Best for PS4? A Comprehensive Guide
Choosing the right monitor size for your PlayStation 4 (PS4) can significantly impact your gaming experience. The ideal size isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer; it depends on factors like your viewing distance, the games you play, and your personal preferences. However, for most PS4 gamers, a monitor between 24 and 27 inches offers the best balance of clarity, immersion, and affordability. While the PS4, specifically, doesn’t benefit from higher refresh rates past 60hz, you should be aware of monitor specs when purchasing.
A 24-inch monitor is a strong contender for gamers who prefer a more compact setup or play at closer distances, typically within 3 feet. It provides a sharp picture at 1080p resolution, which is the maximum resolution supported by the original PS4. A 27-inch monitor gives you more screen real estate for a more immersive experience without sacrificing pixel density, making it suitable for gaming from 3 to 4 feet away. If you have a PS4 Pro, and want to experience 4K gaming, then a monitor of 32 inches or more is recommended.
Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of choosing the right monitor size for your PS4, and explore common questions that can guide your decision.
Understanding the Impact of Monitor Size
Resolution and Pixel Density
The size of your monitor directly relates to its pixel density, which refers to how many pixels are packed into a certain area. A larger screen with the same resolution as a smaller screen will have a lower pixel density, potentially leading to a less sharp image. This is crucial for gaming, where clarity is key to spotting details and reacting quickly.
For a standard PS4, 1080p resolution is the sweet spot. A 24-inch monitor with 1080p will offer a crisp, sharp image. A 27-inch monitor with 1080p can still look good, especially if you’re sitting a bit further back. However, if you have a PS4 Pro and intend to play in 4K, a 27-inch monitor may start to feel a little cramped. In this case, a 32-inch or larger 4K monitor is a more suitable option.
Viewing Distance and Immersion
Viewing distance is a key factor to consider. If you sit very close to your screen, a larger monitor can be overwhelming, causing eye strain and forcing you to move your head to see the entire screen. For example, a 24-inch monitor is excellent for closer viewing distances, while a 27-inch monitor is best when you’re a bit farther back.
A larger screen can certainly boost immersion, drawing you deeper into the game world. However, finding the right balance between immersion and viewing comfort is essential. A 32-inch monitor or larger may give you great immersion, but you have to make sure that you are sitting far enough away that your eyes can take in the whole screen at once.
Gaming Type Considerations
The type of games you play can also influence your monitor size choice. For competitive online shooters or first person shooter games (FPS), a smaller monitor, like a 24 or 25 inch, is sometimes preferred. This allows you to quickly scan the screen and react to what’s happening in the game. However, if you mostly play single-player story games or games that emphasize atmosphere, you might enjoy the more immersive experience of a 27 or 32-inch screen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional insights into choosing the best monitor size for your PS4:
1. Is a 24-inch monitor good for PS4 gaming?
Yes, a 24-inch monitor is a great choice for PS4 gaming, especially if you’re playing at closer distances. It offers a sharp picture with 1080p resolution, which is well-suited for the standard PS4 and competitive gaming.
2. Is a 27-inch monitor too big for PS4 gaming?
A 27-inch monitor isn’t too big for gaming, and many players find it to be the perfect size. It provides more screen real estate than a 24-inch display for added immersion while maintaining good pixel density, especially with a 1440p resolution, though the original PS4 does not support that resolution.
3. Can I play my PS4 on a monitor?
Absolutely! As long as your monitor has an HDMI input, you can easily connect your PS4. However, note that most computer monitors do not have speakers, so you might need external speakers or headphones.
4. What resolution should I look for in a monitor for my PS4?
For the original PS4, 1080p (1920×1080) is the ideal resolution. If you have a PS4 Pro, you can consider a 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution monitor, to really take advantage of the PS4 Pro’s increased graphic output.
5. Is a 144Hz monitor worth it for PS4?
The PS4 is locked to 60Hz, so the console itself will not benefit from a 144Hz refresh rate monitor. However, a 144Hz monitor can still be a good investment, especially if you plan to use the same monitor for PC gaming, as well.
6. What is the best refresh rate for a PS4 monitor?
The maximum refresh rate supported by the PS4 is 60Hz. Therefore, a monitor with a 60Hz refresh rate is perfectly adequate for PS4 gaming.
7. Does monitor size affect gaming performance on PS4?
No, the monitor size does not directly impact the performance of your PS4. However, a larger screen at the same resolution as a smaller screen may appear less sharp due to lower pixel density.
8. What size monitor is best for 4K gaming on PS4 Pro?
For 4K gaming on a PS4 Pro, a 32-inch monitor or larger is recommended. This size provides ample screen real estate to appreciate the details and clarity of 4K resolution.
9. Is a 32-inch monitor too big for PS4 gaming?
A 32-inch monitor can be excellent for PS4 gaming, especially if you have a PS4 Pro and want to game in 4K. However, ensure your viewing distance is at least 5 feet to avoid overwhelming your field of view.
10. Is a smaller or larger monitor better for competitive gaming?
For competitive gaming, many players prefer smaller monitors, such as 24-inch, because of the faster response times and better overall pixel density. The smaller field of view can also help you focus better on your games.
11. Can I use an ultrawide monitor with my PS4?
Yes, you can use an ultrawide monitor, but you may experience black bars on the sides because PS4 games are not optimized for ultrawide aspect ratios. The image may also be stretched or distorted in some cases.
12. What’s the ideal viewing distance for different monitor sizes?
- 24-inch: 3 feet or less
- 27-inch: 3 to 4 feet
- 32-inch: Around 5 feet
13. Should I prioritize response time over size for gaming?
While size is important for immersion, response time is crucial for responsive gaming. If you primarily play competitive games, prioritize a monitor with a low response time, typically 1 to 5 milliseconds.
14. Why do some pro gamers use smaller monitors?
Pro gamers often use smaller monitors due to their lower input lag and faster response times, which can provide a competitive edge. The smaller screen also lets them focus better, and prevents them from having to make broad sweeps of their head to take in the entire screen.
15. Does a monitor’s refresh rate make a difference with PS4 games?
The PS4 has a 60Hz refresh rate cap. A monitor with a higher refresh rate won’t allow the PS4 to generate more than 60 frames per second. Therefore, while it may make a difference in PC gaming, it does not impact the maximum frame rate for PS4 gaming.
Conclusion
Choosing the right monitor size for your PS4 is about striking a balance between personal preferences, viewing distance, and the type of games you enjoy. For most players, a 24-inch or 27-inch monitor with 1080p resolution will provide a fantastic gaming experience. If you own a PS4 Pro and want to play in 4K, a larger 32-inch or bigger monitor will let you fully appreciate the enhanced graphics. Always consider your viewing distance, and remember that there are trade-offs to consider when it comes to monitor size.