For most Xbox Series S owners, a 1440p monitor running at 120Hz over HDMI is the best balance of sharpness, speed and price. Choose a 24-inch 1080p display if you mainly play competitive games or want to spend as little as possible. Choose 4K for media, mixed use or a future Xbox Series X—not because the Series S routinely renders games at native 4K.
The Series S is designed around 1440p output, can upscale to 4K, and supports up to 120fps when the game and display support that mode. A monitor’s advertised 165Hz, 240Hz or 360Hz figure is therefore less important than what it accepts through HDMI at 1080p or 1440p.
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Quick picks
| Monitor | Best for | Resolution | Panel | Xbox mode to look for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AOC Q27G4X | Best overall value | 1440p | IPS | 1440p at 120Hz |
| AOC Q24G4RE | Best small 1440p monitor | 1440p | Fast IPS | 1440p at 120Hz |
| 24-inch 1080p 120Hz monitor | Best budget choice | 1080p | IPS or VA | 1080p at 120Hz |
| AOC Q27G3XMN | Best HDR-focused value | 1440p | VA | Verify model-specific Xbox mode |
| Dell S2725QS | Best 4K mixed-use option | 4K | IPS | 4K at up to 120Hz; verify console settings |
Model revisions, regional suffixes, stock and prices can change. Confirm the exact U.S. model’s HDMI specifications before buying, particularly when a product’s headline refresh rate is higher than 120Hz.
The 15 best monitor choices for Xbox Series S
1. AOC Q27G4X — best overall for most Series S owners
The Q27G4X is the clearest all-round fit for the console: a 27-inch 1440p display with HDMI 2.0, Adaptive Sync and an official specification listing Xbox Series S compatibility at 2560×1440 and 120Hz.
#1 Best Overall
- ⛑【Totally Integrated with Xbox Series S】：The portable monitor is specially designed for Xbox Series S, it’s totally integrated with Xbox Series S, which makes the monitor super portable and you can carry it everywhere together with your Xbox Series S. (Note: The Xbox Series S is not included.)
- ⚔【1080P Portable Monitor】：G-STORY portable monitor has FHD1080P (1920*1080) native resolution. It can provide you with amazing clarity and fine image details. It’s a perfect portable monitor for Xbox Series S.
- 🌵【Equipped with Two HDMI】：The portable gaming monitor is equipped with two HDMI ports, it’s not only just for Xbox Series S, but also works for your Laptop, iPad, Nintendo Switch and so on.
- 🍄【FreeSync & HDR Technology】：The portable gaming monitor is equipped with FreeSync technology and HDR function, which helps eliminate image tearing and stuttering, and deliver better pictures to provide you an excellent gaming experience.
- 🏹【Cable-free attachment solution】With a USB to DC IN cable,without external power, you can use the monitor in the following situations: >1. Turn down the brightness of the monitor to below 30% and the speaker volume to below 50%; >2. If you keep turning down the speaker volume, then you can turn up the monitor brightness appropriately. (The exact adjustment range depends on the game you play)
That combination gives Series S owners the resolution target the console was designed around without paying for HDMI 2.1 solely to play at 1440p/120Hz. Its 27-inch size is also a better match for QHD than 32 inches at the same resolution.
Buy it if: you want one sensible monitor for Xbox gaming and possible PC use.
Skip it if: you need 4K/120Hz, premium HDR or a large-screen setup.
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2. AOC Q24G4RE — best small 1440p monitor
This 23.8-inch Fast IPS model is unusual in being a compact QHD option. AOC lists HDMI 2.0 operation up to 144Hz and Xbox Series S compatibility at 2560×1440/120Hz.
It is a strong choice for a shallow desk, close seating position or anyone who wants sharper text and game detail than 1080p without moving to a 27-inch screen. The trade-off is limited size and no reason to expect premium HDR or substantial built-in audio.
Buy it if: desk space is limited but you still want 1440p.
Skip it if: you sit far away or want a more immersive display.
3. Dell SE2426HGS — best inexpensive 1080p candidate
The SE2426HGS is a budget-oriented 24-inch choice for buyers who value cost and high-refresh console play over resolution. RTINGS includes it among lower-cost 120Hz-oriented monitors.
At 24 inches, 1080p remains a reasonable pixel density for a desk. It is also an easier signal for the console and monitor to negotiate than more demanding 1440p or 4K modes. The limitation is straightforward: it is a 1080p display and does not provide HDMI 2.1 bandwidth.
Buy it if: you want an affordable 120Hz-class monitor for competitive games.
Skip it if: you want a sharper 27-inch picture or a long-term 1440p PC display.
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4. AOC 24G4-series — best compact 1080p gaming family
The 24G4 family is a practical place to look for a 24-inch 1080p IPS monitor with a refresh rate above the Series S’s 120Hz ceiling. The extra PC refresh headroom is not useful to the Xbox itself, but it can make the monitor more flexible for a computer.
Do not treat every 24G4 suffix as identical. AOC uses regional and model-specific variants, so confirm the U.S. model’s HDMI refresh-rate table and VRR support rather than relying on the family name.
Buy it if: you want a compact, inexpensive IPS display.
Rank #2
- 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the midst of an intense gaming session, our built-in speakers provide rich and seamless audio, all while keeping your desk clutter-free.
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
Skip it if: you specifically want verified 1440p/120Hz.
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An LG UltraGear 24-inch model can be a good 1080p desk monitor, particularly for buyers who also use a PC. Its PC refresh-rate headline should not decide the purchase, however: the exact model number must be checked for 1080p/120Hz through HDMI.
These displays make sense when you want a familiar gaming-oriented design and compact IPS-style setup, but the product family contains multiple regional configurations. Treat Xbox HDMI compatibility as a model-specific question.
Buy it if: you find a clearly specified U.S. model at a good price.
Skip it if: the listing gives only DisplayPort refresh-rate information.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute6. ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3A — best budget ASUS option
The VG249Q3A or a current equivalent is a sensible 24-inch 1080p candidate for inexpensive console gaming. ASUS TUF models often target high-refresh play, but the Series S can use only up to 120Hz.
Before buying, verify that 120Hz is available on HDMI at the selected resolution and that Adaptive Sync or VRR works through HDMI rather than only DisplayPort. The exact regional SKU matters.
Buy it if: you want a compact budget display and can confirm its HDMI table.
Skip it if: you want a documented 1440p/120Hz mode without checking further.
7. AOC Q27G42XE — best low-cost 27-inch QHD alternative
AOC lists this 27-inch QHD candidate as compatible with Xbox Series S at 2560×1440/120Hz. That makes it relevant for buyers who want the preferred 27-inch/1440p pairing without moving to a premium monitor.
Its value depends on the current U.S. price and the exact feature set of the listing you receive. Check HDR capability, stand adjustment, audio output and HDMI VRR separately; resolution and refresh rate do not guarantee those features.
Buy it if: you want a straightforward 27-inch QHD console monitor.
Skip it if: you need HDMI 2.1 or high-end HDR.
8. AOC CQ27G4X — best curved 1440p VA alternative
The CQ27G4X combines a 27-inch 1440p Fast VA panel with a curved design, HDMI 2.0 and an AOC-listed Xbox Series S mode of 2560×1440/120Hz.
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VA’s higher native contrast can make dark-room games look more convincing than they do on many IPS monitors. The compromise is the possibility of dark-level smearing on some VA panels. Curvature is an immersion preference, not an Xbox compatibility feature.
Rank #3
- 1800R curve monitor the curved display delivers a revolutionary visual experience with a leading 1800R screen curvature as the images appear to wrap around you for an in depth, immersive experience
- Hdmi, VGA & PC audio in ports
- High refresh rate 75Hz.Brightness (cd/m²):250 cd/m2
- Vesa wall mount ready; Lamp Life: 30,000+ Hours
- Windows 10 Sceptre Monitors are fully compatible with Windows 10, the most recent operating System available on PCs.Brightness: 220 cd/M2
Buy it if: you want deeper contrast and a curved screen.
Skip it if: motion smearing bothers you or you prefer a flat display.
9. AOC CQ32G4VE — best large 1440p option
This 32-inch curved 1440p display is aimed at players who sit farther from the screen and want more physical size. AOC lists Xbox Series S support at 2560×1440/120Hz.
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Buy it if: you have a deep desk and prefer a large curved picture.
Skip it if: you sit close or prioritize maximum text sharpness.
10. ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS — best premium-value 1440p candidate
RTINGS identifies the XG27ACS as an entry-level 1440p gaming monitor. It is a plausible step up from basic budget displays for buyers who also want a capable PC monitor.
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The important Series S question is not its maximum PC refresh rate but its exact HDMI support at 1440p/120Hz, plus whether VRR is recognized by Xbox. Confirm those details on the current regional listing before purchase.
Buy it if: you want a more feature-rich QHD display for Xbox and PC.
Skip it if: it costs substantially more than a verified 120Hz AOC alternative.
RTINGS 1440p monitor recommendations
11. Dell Alienware AW2725DM — best quality-focused 1440p candidate
RTINGS lists the AW2725DM as an entry-level 1440p monitor with console VRR support and broad console compatibility. It is aimed at buyers who want a quality 27-inch QHD display rather than HDMI 2.1 for its own sake.
It does not support 4K/120Hz, which is irrelevant to the normal Series S recommendation but important if you may later use a Series X or a 4K gaming PC.
Buy it if: image quality and console VRR matter more than 4K future-proofing.
Skip it if: you need a 4K/120Hz upgrade path.
RTINGS console monitor recommendations
12. LG 27GR83Q-B — best high-refresh QHD monitor for Xbox plus PC
The 27GR83Q-B is a 1440p monitor with a 240Hz maximum refresh rate. For Xbox Series S, that number should be treated as PC headroom: the console’s practical ceiling remains 120Hz/120fps.
Rank #4
- 100% sRGB Color Gamut: With 100% sRGB, our display reveals an astonishing brightness and variance in red, green, and blue color across a wide gamut, providing a more defined and naturalistic display of color in every image.
- DP & HDMI Ports: Two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort port provide up to 100Hz refresh rate, refining picture clarity in all action-packed gaming sequences and graphic design projects. Audio In and a Headphone Jack provide diverse audio options.
- Blue Light Shift: Blue Light Shift reduces blue light, allowing you to comfortably work, watch, or play applications without straining your eyes.
- Built-in Speakers: Perfectly suited to work & gaming settings, built-in speakers deliver robust & smooth audio while saving space on your desk.
- FPS-RTS Game Modes: FPS and RTS are Sceptre's custom set display settings built for an enhanced gaming experience. FPS (First Person Shooter), RTS (Real-Time Strategy).
Its appeal is strongest for a household sharing one display between Xbox and a high-refresh PC. Verify the exact HDMI console timing and VRR behavior before paying a premium for capabilities the console cannot use.
Buy it if: a gaming PC will use the monitor as well.
Skip it if: the Series S is the only source and a cheaper 120Hz display meets your needs.
RTINGS 1440p monitor recommendations
13. LG 27GX700A-B — best premium 1440p technology candidate
RTINGS identifies the 27GX700A-B as a 1440p alternative to a more expensive ASUS OLED monitor. It is therefore a candidate for buyers interested in newer panel technology without moving to 4K.
A premium panel can improve contrast and response characteristics, but it does not increase the Series S frame-rate ceiling. Check HDMI Xbox behavior, HDR/VRR combinations, price and OLED care requirements on the current U.S. product page.
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Skip it if: value is your main priority.
14. AOC Q27G3XMN — best HDR/value candidate
RTINGS highlights the Q27G3XMN as a strong value option for Xbox Series S buyers. Its reason to exist in this list is contrast and HDR value, not a higher refresh-rate ceiling.
HDR labels alone do not establish HDR quality. Look for evidence of useful brightness, contrast and local dimming, and confirm whether HDR works at the desired 120Hz and VRR settings. Model-specific Xbox resolution support should also be checked.
Buy it if: cinematic contrast and HDR matter more than a basic IPS design.
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Skip it if: you mainly play competitive games and want the simplest motion-focused choice.
RTINGS Xbox Series S recommendations
15. Dell S2725QS — best 4K mixed-use and future-proof choice
The S2725QS is a 27-inch 4K monitor aimed at buyers who want more than a Series S gaming screen. Dell lists up to 120Hz, two HDMI inputs supporting UHD 120Hz with HDR and VRR, speakers, and height, swivel and pivot adjustment.
For a Series S, its value comes from 4K media, work, sharper text and possible future use with a Series X or another 4K source. It is not the most economical way to get 1440p/120Hz gaming today. Dell pricing is volatile; the supplied listings showed different prices, so check the current U.S. page rather than relying on an old deal.
Buy it if: you need a flexible 4K work-and-entertainment monitor with speakers.
Skip it if: your only goal is affordable Series S gaming.
Best Value
- 【TRUE TO LIFE COLORS】Experience vibrant and true-to-life colors with 94% sRGB color gamut performance, ensuring accurate and stunning visuals for all your creative and multimedia tasks.
- 【SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY & PERFORMANCE】 Seamlessly link your devices to our two HDMI ports and two DisplayPort providing up to 165Hz refresh rate, ensuring not only versatile connectivity but also a buttery-smooth visual experience for both work and play. Built-in Speakers and Audio Out Jack also provides diverse audio options.
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
- 【ENHANCED GAMING EXPERIENCE】 Elevate your gaming prowess with a lightning-fast 1ms BR (Blur Reduction) and an ultra-smooth 180Hz refresh rate. Enjoy unparalleled responsiveness and seamless visuals reinventing what you perceive as a great gaming experience.
How to choose the right resolution
1080p: the budget and competitive choice
1080p is most convincing at 24 inches. It costs less, is broadly compatible over HDMI and is easier for games to drive at high frame rates. Choose it when price, compactness and 120fps performance matter more than image detail.
Its disadvantages become clearer at 27 inches: the picture is softer and the monitor is less attractive for PC productivity. Cheap 1080p displays also commonly have weak HDR and limited stands.
1440p: the best default
1440p is the sweet spot for most Series S owners. It matches the console’s advertised design target, looks sharper than 1080p at 27 inches and offers a useful upgrade path for a gaming PC.
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It does not mean every game renders internally at native 1440p. Game resolution, performance modes and dynamic scaling vary. Also verify that the specific monitor exposes 1440p/120Hz through HDMI; the PC specification alone is not enough.
4K: buy for mixed use or the future
The Series S can upscale to 4K, but that is not equivalent to native-4K rendering in every game. A 4K monitor makes sense for 4K video, work, a larger screen or a future Series X. For a Series S-only buyer seeking value, 1440p is usually the better allocation of money.
120Hz, HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1
Yes, Series S supports up to 120Hz, but only supported games can deliver up to 120fps, and the display must accept the signal. A 144Hz monitor can work well, but its 144Hz claim may apply only through DisplayPort. The Xbox will not use 144Hz, 165Hz or 240Hz as a higher console frame-rate mode.
HDMI 2.1 is mainly important for 4K at 120Hz. HDMI 2.0 is commonly sufficient for 1440p/120Hz, provided the particular monitor supports that timing. RTINGS also notes that HDMI 2.1 bandwidth is not automatically required for every console VRR implementation.
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Should you prioritize VRR?
VRR synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the console’s frame rate, reducing tearing and helping uneven frame rates look smoother. It is useful when supported, but it comes after verifying resolution and 120Hz.
- Confirm VRR works through HDMI, not only DisplayPort.
- Check the supported VRR range.
- See whether enabling HDR changes VRR or refresh-rate availability.
- Confirm that Xbox reports the monitor as VRR-capable.
- Enable Adaptive Sync in the monitor’s on-screen display when required.
Dell’s Xbox monitor guide explains VRR as synchronizing refresh rate with frame rate to reduce tearing and stuttering.
IPS, VA or OLED?
- IPS: the safest general choice for viewing angles, consistent color and gaming plus work. Contrast is usually weaker than VA or OLED.
- VA: better native contrast and deeper-looking blacks, especially in a dark room, but some models show dark smearing.
- OLED: excellent blacks and extremely fast pixel response, but higher cost and a need to manage burn-in risk. A 240Hz OLED’s extra capability is unused by the Series S.
Do not automatically rank OLED above every LCD. A reasonably priced IPS monitor may be the better purchase for a Series S owner who values 1440p/120Hz and low cost.
Size, shape and audio
- 24 inches: best paired with 1080p and suitable for close seating.
- 27 inches: the best all-round match for 1440p.
- 32 inches: more immersive, but 1440p is less sharp than 27-inch QHD.
- Ultrawide: generally a poor default because Xbox output is designed around 16:9; expect black bars or stretching.
Monitor speakers are often weak or absent. If you are moving from a TV, check for speakers, a 3.5mm headphone output and HDMI audio pass-through. A headset may be the better solution for serious gaming.
Xbox Series S monitor setup
- Connect the console directly to the monitor with the supplied or a suitable high-speed HDMI cable.
- Select the HDMI input used by the Xbox.
- Open the Xbox display settings and choose the monitor’s intended resolution, normally 1080p or 1440p.
- Set the refresh rate to 120Hz when that option is available.
- Enable VRR if Xbox reports it as supported.
- Use the display-information screen to identify unsupported 4K, HDR or VRR combinations.
When the Xbox only shows 60Hz
- The monitor’s advertised refresh rate may apply only over DisplayPort.
- The selected resolution may not support 120Hz through HDMI.
- The wrong HDMI input may be in use.
- A monitor compatibility setting may be limiting the input.
- An adapter, switch, receiver or capture card may be restricting the signal.
If 1440p/120Hz is missing, check the exact model’s HDMI timing table, try the other HDMI input, review the monitor’s console or compatibility settings, and temporarily test without HDR or intermediary equipment. Do not assume a new cable fixes a monitor whose HDMI input is limited to 60Hz.
If VRR is missing, check HDMI-specific support, enable Adaptive Sync in the monitor menu, and test whether HDR or a picture mode disables it. If HDR looks worse than SDR, that can be a limitation of inexpensive HDR hardware with low brightness or weak local dimming; an HDR badge is not a guarantee of a worthwhile HDR image.
Bottom line
Buy a verified 1440p/120Hz HDMI monitor—ideally 27 inches—for the best balance of Series S sharpness, speed and future PC usefulness. Choose 24-inch 1080p when budget and competitive play come first. Choose 4K only when you also value 4K media, work, a larger screen or future-proofing. HDMI 2.1 is not a prerequisite for the normal 1440p/120Hz Series S setup.
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Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
