The PS5 and Xbox Series X have both finally released. Whilst last year, HDMI 2.1 was new to the market, this year it’s in most TVs, although the amount of ports still varies greatly from model to model even within same company product ranges. When it comes to monitors it’s been a long, long wait for HDMI 2.1 to hit and they’re finally becoming available.
WHAT IS HDMI 2.1 AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR PS5/XBOX SERIES X
HDMI 2.0 is still what 95% of TVs on the market currently use and is likely what you have on your 4K TV. It’s been all that we’ve needed for quite some time now, but it’s only capable of delivering 4K at 60 FPS.
HDMI 2.1 unlocks the ability to provide an output from your PS5/Xbox Series X/RTX 3080 GPU at 4K/120FPS but that’s not all it does. It also provides Variable Refresh Rate which allows your TV to sync up with your console in real-time in order to prevent screen tearing, meaning that that your TV will match the exact display rate of your console. HDMI 2.1 also allows Auto Low Latency Mode, so that your TV can automatically switch to game mode when detecting a console or graphics card. From an audio point of view, HDMI 2.1 unlocks eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) for higher audio bandwidth for sound bars and other audio devices.
TLDR: Most games obviously won’t surpass that 4K/60FPS threshold, but if you’re buying a new TV in 2021, and you’re not after something super low-budget, it’d be wise to go for one of the below HDMI 2.1 compatible TVS.
THE BEST HDMI 2.1 COMPATIBLE TVS FOR PS5/XBOX SERIES X
TCL C825 4K MINI LED TV
The TCL C825 comes with most of the same features as the X925 but in a 4K Mini LED display. It similarly comes with HDMI 2.1 support enabling VRR at 120Hz, and like the 8K model features Auto Low Latency Mode for lag-free gaming.
TCL X925 8K MINI LED TV
The TCL X925 is a new addition to its 2021 TV range featuring an 8K Mini LED display with HDMI 2.1 support enabling VRR at 120Hz. It’s also priced significantly lower than something like the Samsung QN90A in the same size while still packing serious features.
SONY X90J 4K TV
As with last year, the Sony X90J is probably the best value for money way to get into the HDMI 2.1 game. It has two HDMI 2.1 ports, so as long as you don’t need to connect a PS5, Xbox Series X and an E-Arc soundbar, you’re all good. It is worth mentioning that the VRR update still isn’t out on the TV (it is coming).
LG C1/G1 OLED 4K TV
Just like last year, it is very hard to go past the LG C1 OLED TVs. They provide perfect blacks, have four HDMI 2.1 ports and are pretty much ready to go out of the box. This year there is a brand new remove, a new UI and a new game optimiser overlay which tells you exactly what you need to know.
This year LG has also introduced LG Evo in the G1 model. This has all the same features as the C1, but it’s a slimmer TV and it also has a brighter panel.
SAMSUNG QN90A MINI LED TV
This is Samsung’s top of the range this year and it’s said to be one of the best LED TVs of all time with an insanely bright display and decent blacks due to the MiniLED technology which helps reduce blooming. Like last year’s models there’s still only 1 HDMI 2.1 port.
SAMSUNG QN85A MINI LED TV
The second Mini LED TV in Samsung’s lineup. Expect slightly less brightness but by all reports still a great looking TV and probably the value for money buy. Also has one HDMI 2.1 port.
SAMSUNG Q80A/Q70A LED TVS
Samsung’s Q80A and Q70A QLED TVs are both still going to look great although not as bright as the Mini LED TVs. Both models still have one HDMI 2.1 port so you’re still good to go if you’ve got a next-gen console.
SONY A90J OLED TV
If you’re after an OLED but don’t want an LG, Sony also do an OLED that is by all counts really good. It comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports but like the X90J it also doesn’t have VRR yet.
LG NANO86/NANO81 LED TVS
Similar to the Samsung Q80A and Q70A, these models both have 1 HDMI 2.1 port and will provide a decent entry level picture.
THE BEST HDMI 2.1 GAMING MONITORS FOR PS5/XBOX SERIES X
It feels like it’s been a long wait, but there’s finally some HDMI 2.1 monitors hitting the market with more coming in the near future.
AORUS 28″ HDMI 2.1 GAMING MONITOR
The M2U has two HDMI 2.1 ports and is first KVM-enabled monitor to hit the market, allowing the one keyboard and mouse to be used across multiple devices. 4K, 144Hz IPS panel equipped with HDMI 2.1 too.
AORUS 43″ HDMI 2.1 GAMING MONITOR
AORUS FV43U is 43-inch QD display with UHD resolution and equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports, 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT for the most fluid gaming experience and awesome picture quality. The 10-bit color and super-wide color gamut of 97% DCI-P3/ 150% sRGB offering the outstanding color accuracy and consistency. It’s DisplayHDR1000™ certified to ensure spectacular display quality, ultimate gaming and entertainment experience.
AORUS 32″ HDMI 2.1 GAMING MONITOR
AORUS FI32U has two HDMI 2.1 ports. it’ a 31.5-inch UHD resolution monitor and equipped with the latest HDMI® 2.1, 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms GTG for the most fluid gaming experience and awesome picture quality. The 10-bit color and super-wide color gamut of 95% DCI-P3/ 123% sRGB offering the outstanding color accuracy and consistency. It’s DisplayHDR400™ certified to ensure spectacular display quality, ultimate gaming and entertainment experience.
AORUS 48″ HDMI 2.1 GAMING MONITOR
Rumoured to be the same LG OLED panel in the 48” LG CX. 120Hz OLED display. It has two HDMI 2.1 ports.
ASUS ROX STRIX 43″ XG43UQ HDMI 2.1 GAMING MONITOR
The brand-new ROG Strix XG43UQ has two HDMI 2.1 ports. Its massive 43” screen bridges the gap between more compact gaming monitors and larger TVs, making it the perfect companion for big-screen gaming in any space.
As more HDMI 2.1 monitors release (there’s set to be more later in the year) and other TVs also release such as the Sony A90J OLED and LG’s MiniLED range, we’ll continue to update this article.
GREAT NON HDMI 2.1 MONITOR OPTIONS
- LG Ultragear 27″ 1440P 27GL850-B Monitor – $559
- LG Ultragear 27″ 4K 27GN950-B Monitor – $1,499
- Gigabyte 27″ 1440p G27QC Gaming Monitor – $299
- LG 27″ 4K 27UL850-W Monitor – $599
- ViewSonic 27″ 1440p VX2705 Gaming Monitor – $299