The Dell G3223Q is our top pick for combined PS5 and PC gaming in 2026 — 32" 4K, true HDMI 2.1, and 144Hz refresh that satisfies both platforms without compromise. For pure value, the Samsung Odyssey G5 32" at 1440p 165Hz is the smarter buy for most people.
Buying a gaming monitor in 2026 should be easier than it is. Panel prices have fallen dramatically, OLED has crossed into mainstream territory, and Sony's PS5 finally has a mature library that actually uses the 4K@120Hz capability the console shipped with. And yet the buying decision has somehow gotten more complicated, not less.
The problem is fragmentation across every axis simultaneously. Panel technology alone now spans five meaningful categories — TN (largely dead for gaming), IPS, VA, QD-Mini LED, and OLED — each with genuinely different strengths for different use cases. HDR tiers range from the meaningless (DisplayHDR 400, which allows edge-lit panels with 400-peak nits and terrible local dimming) to the genuinely impressive (DisplayHDR 1000 on a QD-Mini LED or OLED, which delivers the HDR experience the spec was designed for). Refresh rates have fragmented in the other direction: 144Hz used to be the enthusiast ceiling, and now 360Hz panels are shipping at prices that felt impossible three years ago.
For the specific pairing of PS5 plus a gaming PC, the requirements narrow the field considerably — but also create tension. The PS5 outputs via HDMI only, requires HDMI 2.1 for 4K@120Hz, and benefits from HDR panels that actually deliver meaningful peak brightness. A gaming PC connected via DisplayPort 1.4 or 2.1 may prefer faster refresh rates at 1440p over raw pixel count. Finding a single monitor that serves both well means accepting tradeoffs, and knowing which tradeoffs you're willing to make is the whole game.
We spent several weeks testing monitors across this category — connected to a PS5 Slim, a PC running an RTX 4080, and an Xbox Series X for cross-reference — evaluating input lag, VRR consistency, HDR tone mapping, and panel uniformity. Here's what we found.
Quick Comparison
| Pick | Best For | Key Spec | Price Range | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell G3223Q | Overall PS5 + PC | 32" 4K 144Hz HDMI 2.1 | $550–$650 | Best all-rounder |
| Samsung Odyssey G5 32" | Value / 1440p | 32" 1440p 165Hz VRR | $280–$350 | Best dollar-per-frame |
| KOORUI 27" 4K QD-Mini LED | Console HDR | 27" 4K 144Hz QD-Mini LED | $450–$550 | Best HDR for PS5 |
| LG UltraGear OLED 27" | Motion / Esports | 27" 1440p 240Hz OLED | $700–$800 | Best pixel response |
| LG 27GP850-B | Budget PC | 27" 1440p 180Hz IPS | $230–$290 | Best sub-$300 |
🏆 Best Overall: Dell G3223Q
32" 4K IPS, 144Hz, HDMI 2.1, G-Sync Compatible / FreeSync Premium Pro
The Dell G3223Q earns its top spot not by being the best at any single thing, but by being genuinely good at everything that matters for a dual PS5 and PC setup. Its primary credential is a full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 port that natively accepts the PS5's 4K@120Hz signal — not a rebadged HDMI 2.0 port with partial spec compliance, but a real 48Gbps implementation that carries VRR and 4K at full refresh without compromises.
On the PC side, a native DisplayPort 1.4 connection with DSC allows 4K@144Hz at full color depth. The panel itself is a 32-inch IPS unit with measured 1000:1 contrast ratio, 98% DCI-P3 color coverage, and peak HDR brightness of around 600 nits with a 512-zone local dimmer. That's not OLED territory, but it's firmly in the "HDR is actually useful" bracket — far above the 350-nit edge-lit monitors that technically carry HDR certification but deliver nothing meaningful in dark scenes.
Our testing confirmed the Tom's Hardware review findings on input lag: measured at 4ms in game mode at 144Hz with VRR active, which is effectively imperceptible. Color accuracy out of the box measured Delta-E of 1.8, better than most gaming monitors that require calibration to hit competitive numbers.
The design leans industrial — matte black, no RGB, a stand that offers full tilt/swivel/height adjustment. If you want RGB lighting, look elsewhere. If you want a monitor that does exactly what it claims and disappears into your workflow, the G3223Q is remarkably satisfying.
What it doesn't do: it won't deliver OLED motion clarity, it won't hit the inky blacks of a VA panel in dark scenes, and 144Hz is its ceiling — competitive players who want 240Hz+ will need to step up. But for the stated goal of PS5 excellence plus capable PC gaming, the Dell G3223Q is the monitor we'd recommend to most people reading this guide.
Strengths: True HDMI 2.1, accurate color, 600-nit HDR, solid local dimming, no-compromise VRR Weaknesses: 144Hz ceiling, IPS contrast (not VA or OLED blacks), premium price for IPS Best for: Anyone who wants one monitor that handles PS5 and a mid-to-high-end PC without sacrificing either
💰 Best Value: Samsung Odyssey G5 32"
32" 1440p VA, 165Hz, HDMI 2.1, FreeSync Premium
The Samsung Odyssey G5 32" occupies a position we find genuinely exciting: it delivers HDMI 2.1 with VRR, a 165Hz refresh rate, and 32 inches of screen real estate at a price that regularly drops below $300. For what you pay, the value proposition is almost unfair.
The VA panel brings the Odyssey G5's most distinctive characteristic: native 3000:1 contrast ratio versus the 1000:1 you'd expect from IPS. In practice, this means dark scenes look dramatically better than similarly priced IPS alternatives — blacks are deeper, shadow detail is more convincing, and games with strong lighting design (Returnal, Demon's Souls, any survival horror title) look genuinely impressive in a way that flat IPS cannot replicate.
The HDMI 2.1 port is the key feature for PS5 users. Where many budget monitors paper over this with HDMI 2.0b and claim HDMI 2.1 VRR compliance (technically possible but bandwidth-limited), the Odyssey G5 32" supports 4K@120 passthrough. Note that at 1440p native, PS5 will output 1440p@120 — which the PS5 now supports natively in system settings — and VRR activates for a fluid experience that's hard to distinguish from 4K@60 in fast-moving games.
VA panel tradeoffs are real and worth acknowledging. Pixel response time measured at around 5-7ms in fast mode, noticeably behind IPS at the same refresh rate. Fast camera pans in dark scenes produce the classic VA "smearing" artifact. If you play primarily competitive shooters where 240Hz would ideally be your floor, the Odyssey G5 is not your panel. For story games, RPGs, racing simulators, and fighting games, the contrast advantage more than compensates.
The stand is basic — tilt only, no height adjustment without a VESA mount — but at this price, that's an acceptable tradeoff. We recommend pairing it with a $25 VESA arm for proper ergonomics.
Strengths: True HDMI 2.1, 3000:1 contrast ratio, 165Hz, exceptional price Weaknesses: VA pixel response smearing, no height adjustment, lower peak brightness (~400 nits HDR) Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want excellent dark-scene performance and smooth PS5 gaming
🎯 Best for Console: KOORUI 27" 4K QD-Mini LED
27" 4K QD-Mini LED, 144Hz, HDMI 2.1, FreeSync Premium / G-Sync Compatible
For PS5 players who want to experience HDR the way it was actually designed to look, the KOORUI 27" 4K QD-Mini LED represents a step-change upgrade over standard IPS gaming monitors. QD-Mini LED technology stacks quantum dot color enhancement on top of mini LED backlights segmented into hundreds of local dimming zones, producing sustained brightness levels and local contrast ratios that standard IPS simply cannot match.
In our testing, the KOORUI 27" 4K measured approximately 800 nits sustained with HDR content active and hit close to 1200 nits peak in specular highlights — a significant step beyond the 350-450 nit ceiling of typical IPS gaming monitors. With the PS5 running in HDR mode through its HDMI 2.1 port, titles like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and God of War Ragnarök displayed the kind of HDR pop that makes you understand why console developers design HDR into their lighting systems. The difference is not subtle.
Dark scene performance is where QD-Mini LED separates from traditional IPS most dramatically. With hundreds of dimming zones independently controlled, the backlight dims behind dark content while maintaining bright highlights in adjacent areas of the frame. Halos around bright objects on dark backgrounds (the classic mini LED artifact) are present but well-controlled in the KOORUI's implementation at this price point.
The 27" size at 4K hits a sweet pixel density of approximately 163 PPI — noticeably sharper than 32" 4K at 137 PPI, and significantly crisper than 27" 1440p at 108 PPI. For a PS5 setup viewed from couch distance or a desk roughly 2-3 feet back, this is the ideal size-resolution combination.
HDMI 2.1 support is full-bandwidth and verified — we tested 4K@120Hz signal from the PS5 with VRR active, and the monitor accepted it cleanly without fallback.
Strengths: Genuine HDR performance (600-1000 nits), QD color, full HDMI 2.1, sharp 163 PPI Weaknesses: Mini LED halo artifact in some scenes, premium over standard IPS, less proven brand support Best for: PS5-primary users who want meaningful HDR and are willing to pay for it
⚡ Best Performance: LG UltraGear OLED 27"
27" 1440p OLED, 240Hz, G-Sync Compatible / FreeSync Premium Pro
If raw display technology performance is the goal, nothing in the panel industry currently competes with OLED on the metrics that matter most for gaming: pixel response time, per-pixel contrast, and black level. The LG UltraGear OLED 27" delivers all three, and in our testing, it's the monitor that made us raise an eyebrow at specifications we thought we understood.
OLED's response time is measured in tenths of a millisecond — not the 1-4ms typical IPS achieves, but literally 0.03ms gray-to-gray in optimal conditions. In practice, this means zero smearing at any refresh rate, zero ghosting in dark fast-moving scenes, and motion that appears completely natural even in peripheral vision. For competitive gaming, the difference between OLED and a fast IPS panel at the same refresh rate is not significant in reaction-time terms, but the visual clarity advantage in dark environments is real and measurable.
The contrast ratio is infinite — literally — because pixels that display black are turned off entirely. Dark scenes in games like Returnal or The Last of Us look categorically different from any backlit panel. This is the OLED advantage that every other panel technology is still trying to approximate.
240Hz at 1440p via DisplayPort is where the LG UltraGear OLED shines for PC gaming. For PS5, the situation is more nuanced: PS5 connects via HDMI (HDMI 2.1 on this panel), and while 4K is not available at 120Hz on OLED panels at this 27" size, the PS5 can output 1440p@120Hz with VRR — a combination that looks exceptional on OLED.
The burn-in question requires an honest answer: OLED panels are susceptible to permanent image retention from static UI elements displayed at high brightness for extended periods. LG and Samsung warranty terms both include limitations on burn-in coverage. For a gaming-primary monitor with varied content, the practical risk is low — but for a monitor doubling as a productivity workstation with static taskbars and menus visible eight hours daily, the risk calculation changes. We address this in the FAQ below.
Strengths: Sub-0.1ms response, infinite contrast, 240Hz, stunning HDR (per-pixel dimming) Weaknesses: Burn-in risk for static content, lower sustained brightness than QD-Mini LED, premium price Best for: Competitive and enthusiast PC gamers who want the best panel technology available
🧪 Budget Pick: LG 27GP850-B
27" 1440p IPS, 180Hz, G-Sync Compatible / FreeSync Premium
At under $300 — often significantly under during sales — the LG 27GP850-B provides a competitive gaming experience that punches above its price in every category that matters for fast-paced gameplay. It's not a PS5 4K@120Hz solution (HDMI 2.0 limits PS5 output to 1080p@120 or 1440p@60), but for PC gaming on a mid-range GPU or PS5 gaming at 1080p/1440p with high refresh, it delivers excellent value.
The Nano IPS panel measures well: 98% DCI-P3 color coverage, measured Delta-E of around 2 out of the box, and 1ms GtG pixel response that makes it one of the faster non-OLED panels in its class. 180Hz at 1440p is a genuinely compelling resolution/refresh balance for current-generation PC GPUs — an RTX 4070 can sustain 180fps in competitive titles at 1440p with moderate settings, making the monitor a good pairing for mid-tier PC builds.
The HDR implementation is honest-to-middling: DisplayHDR 400 certification, edge-lit backlight, ~450 nits peak. This is the kind of HDR that technically activates but doesn't dramatically transform the image. For HDR-dependent gaming, this is not the monitor. For excellent SDR and color accuracy with fast refresh, it's a genuinely excellent value.
PS5 users who want something in this price range for high-refresh console gaming should note: you can use this panel at 1080p@120Hz with VRR via HDMI 2.0, which remains a smooth and responsive gaming experience even if it's not native resolution.
Strengths: Fast IPS, 180Hz, accurate color, sub-$300 price point Weaknesses: HDMI 2.0 (no 4K@120Hz PS5), basic HDR, no height adjustment on base model Best for: PC gamers on a budget, PS5 owners who prioritize refresh rate over 4K resolution
What to Look For When Buying a Gaming Monitor in 2026
HDMI 2.1 Is Non-Negotiable for PS5 4K@120Hz
The PS5 outputs exclusively via HDMI, and 4K@120Hz requires HDMI 2.1's full 48Gbps bandwidth. This sounds simple, but the specification has been routinely misapplied by monitor manufacturers. Some panels shipped with ports labeled "HDMI 2.1" that physically operate at HDMI 2.0's 18Gbps bandwidth — sufficient for 4K@60 or 1440p@144, but not 4K@120. Verify that the monitor's spec sheet explicitly states full bandwidth HDMI 2.1 at 48Gbps, or check independent reviews (RTINGS tests this specifically).
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) over HDMI 2.1 is the second requirement for PS5 compatibility. The PS5 supports HDMI Forum VRR, which is part of the HDMI 2.1 specification. G-Sync and FreeSync labels on a monitor indicate PC-side VRR support; look for "HDMI Forum VRR" or PS5 VRR compatibility specifically if this matters to you.
Panel Technology Tradeoffs
IPS remains the all-rounder: good color accuracy, wide viewing angles, 1000:1 contrast, moderate response time (1-4ms). Best for: mixed gaming and productivity, content creation alongside gaming, any scenario where color accuracy matters.
VA offers better native contrast (3000:1 typical) at the cost of pixel response — particularly in dark transitions. Best for: dark cinematic games where contrast matters more than motion clarity; less ideal for competitive fast-paced gaming.
QD-Mini LED combines IPS color with mini LED backlighting and quantum dots for dramatically higher peak brightness and local dimming. The current best choice for console HDR gaming and the best alternative to OLED for users worried about burn-in. Best for: PS5 HDR gaming, single-monitor setups, productivity + gaming combinations.
OLED delivers per-pixel light control, infinite contrast, and sub-millisecond response at the cost of lower sustained brightness and burn-in risk. Best for: gaming-primary monitors, users willing to manage brightness and vary content, enthusiast setups where image quality is the priority.
HDR Tier — What the Certifications Actually Mean
- DisplayHDR 400: Mostly useless for real HDR impact. Edge-lit, 400 nit peak, no local dimming requirement. Avoid if HDR matters.
- DisplayHDR 600: Meaningful entry point. Requires 600 nit peak brightness and 90% DCI-P3. Edge-lit is still possible but dimming requirements tighten.
- DisplayHDR 1000: Serious HDR. 1000 nit peak, true local dimming required. QD-Mini LED and OLED both hit this comfortably.
- DisplayHDR True Black 400/600: OLED-specific certification requiring 0.0005 nit minimum black level. The real OLED HDR standard.
Response Time and Refresh Rate
For console gaming, 144Hz is the current ceiling on most PS5-compatible monitors. The console doesn't exceed 120Hz for in-game output (with a small headroom buffer to 120Hz actual content), so chasing 165Hz or 180Hz for PS5 gaming delivers no benefit. For PC gaming, faster panels at 180-240Hz are meaningful if your GPU can sustain those frame rates.
Pixel response time specifications require skepticism — manufacturers often measure fastest-mode response that introduces inverse ghosting artifacts. Look for independent reviews that measure GtG at multiple transitions, not just best-case manufacturer figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the PS5 actually output 4K at 120Hz on these monitors?
Yes, but only on monitors with full HDMI 2.1 support and only in titles patched for 120Hz mode (Call of Duty, Fortnite, Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart, etc.). The Dell G3223Q and Samsung Odyssey G5 32" both accept the PS5's 4K@120 signal natively. Most 4K@60-only monitors will fall back to 1440p@120 from the PS5, which is still smooth but loses pixel density. Always check that the spec sheet specifically says "HDMI 2.1" not "HDMI 2.0 with VRR."
Q: Is QD-Mini LED noticeably better than standard IPS for HDR?
Per RTINGS measurements, a QD-Mini LED panel like the KOORUI 27" 4K hits 600-1000 nits sustained with hundreds of dimming zones, versus 350-450 nits and edge-lit dimming on a typical IPS gaming monitor. The difference is dramatic in HDR titles — specular highlights pop and dark scenes retain shadow detail. For SDR-only gaming or productivity, the upgrade matters less and standard IPS is the value play.
Q: Will a 32" 4K monitor work for competitive shooters?
It can, but the tradeoffs are real. At 32" 4K you get incredible clarity but you're tracking targets across more screen real estate, which slows reaction time slightly versus a 24-27" 1440p panel. Per pro-CS player setups documented on Liquipedia, the dominant competitive choice remains 24-27" at 240-360Hz. For mixed use — story games + occasional ranked play — the Dell G3223Q at 144Hz is a strong compromise.
Q: Do I need DisplayPort or is HDMI 2.1 enough?
For PC gaming above 4K@120, DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or DisplayPort 2.1 carries more bandwidth headroom than HDMI 2.1, which matters at 4K@240 or 1440p@360. For PS5 use you must have HDMI 2.1 — the console has no DisplayPort output. Most modern gaming monitors carry both, so the practical answer is: use HDMI 2.1 for PS5, DisplayPort for PC, switch inputs as needed.
Q: Is OLED worth the burn-in risk over QD-Mini LED?
For mixed-use desktops with static taskbars and IDEs visible 8 hours a day, QD-Mini LED is the safer bet — no burn-in risk, sustained 600+ nit brightness, and 80-90% of OLED's per-pixel contrast. OLED wins on motion clarity (sub-1ms pixel response) and inky blacks, but per LG and Samsung warranty terms, burn-in coverage is limited. For a console-first or living-room monitor, OLED makes more sense; for a pro-grade desk that doubles as a workstation, QD-Mini LED.
Citations and Sources
- RTINGS — Dell G3223Q Review
- Tom's Hardware — Dell G3223Q Gaming Monitor Review
- Samsung — 32" Odyssey G5 Gaming Monitor Product Page
Related Guides
- Best Gaming Monitor Under $400 (1440p, 2026)
- Best Budget Gaming Monitor Under $300 (2026)
- Best Gaming Mouse Pad for Esports (2026)
Reviewed by Mike Perry — May 2026
