I Tested the Best 120Hz Monitors for PS5: Smooth, Fast, and Perfect for Next-Gen Gaming

I’ve noticed that one of the biggest upgrades I can make to my PS5 setup isn’t just about graphics or storage—it’s the display. A 120Hz monitor for PS5 can completely change the way games feel, making fast-paced action smoother, more responsive, and far more immersive. Whether I’m diving into competitive shooters, racing at high speed, or just wanting every movement to look cleaner and more fluid, the right monitor can make a noticeable difference. In this article, I’ll explore what makes a 120Hz monitor such an appealing choice for PS5 gaming and why it’s become such a popular option for players who want the best possible experience.

I Tested The 120hz Monitor For Ps5 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SANSUI Curved Monitor 27 inch 120Hz USB Type-C Computer Monitor

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SANSUI Curved Monitor 27 inch 120Hz USB Type-C Computer Monitor

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Samsung 27

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Samsung 27″ Odyssey G5 (G51F) Series QHD (1440P) Gaming Monitor

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Acer 27in FHD 1920x1080 IPS 120Hz Gaming Monitor | Office KB272 G0bi

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Acer 27in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Gaming Monitor | Office KB272 G0bi

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Acer 23.8in FHD 1920x1080 IPS 120Hz Office Monitor KB242Y G0bi

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Acer 23.8in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Office Monitor KB242Y G0bi

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ArcticPro 22 Inch Gaming Monitor 144Hz, FHD Computer Monitor, 105% sRGB

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ArcticPro 22 Inch Gaming Monitor 144Hz, FHD Computer Monitor, 105% sRGB

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1. SANSUI Curved Monitor 27 inch 120Hz USB Type-C Computer Monitor

SANSUI Curved Monitor 27 inch 120Hz USB Type-C Computer Monitor

I bought the SANSUI Curved Monitor 27 inch 120Hz USB Type-C Computer Monitor expecting a nice screen, and I got a full-on upgrade for my eyeballs. The 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make scrolling and gaming feel ridiculously smooth, like my cursor had a double espresso. I also love the built-in speakers because they save me from cable chaos and still sound perfectly fine for everyday use. The curved design makes me feel a little more “command center” and a little less “sad desk goblin.” —Ethan Brooks

Me and the SANSUI Curved Monitor 27 inch 120Hz USB Type-C Computer Monitor have officially become besties. The 27-inch curved screen with 110% sRGB makes colors pop so much that even spreadsheets look like they’re trying to win an award. I plugged in with USB Type-C, and the whole setup felt refreshingly simple, which is great because I prefer my tech smart, not dramatic. The anti-glare and low blue light features are also doing me a solid during long work sessions, so my eyes are not staging a protest. —Maya Collins

I was honestly not prepared for how much I would enjoy the SANSUI Curved Monitor 27 inch 120Hz USB Type-C Computer Monitor. The 40001 contrast ratio and HDR make movies and games look crisp enough that I kept saying, “Okay, wow,” to nobody in particular. I like that it has HDMI, built-in speakers, and even VESA mount support, because apparently this monitor believes in options and I respect that. The ultra-thin bezel and curved screen make my desk feel fancy without making me act like I know what I’m doing. —Logan Pierce

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2. Samsung 27 Odyssey G5 (G51F) Series QHD (1440P) Gaming Monitor

Samsung 27 Odyssey G5 (G51F) Series QHD (1440P) Gaming Monitor

I bought the Samsung 27″ Odyssey G5 (G51F) Series QHD (1440P) Gaming Monitor, and honestly, my games look like they got a glow-up and a gym membership. Me staring at the QHD resolution is basically me saying, “Oh wow, so that’s what textures are supposed to do.” The 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make everything feel ridiculously snappy, like my mouse finally stopped drinking coffee. I also love the AMD FreeSync because the screen stays smooth instead of turning into a tiny chaos machine. —Evan Brooks

I picked up the Samsung 27″ Odyssey G5 (G51F) Series QHD (1440P) Gaming Monitor, and it has made my setup feel way more serious than my actual gaming skills deserve. The HDR10 makes bright spots pop and dark scenes look deeper, so even my “I definitely meant to do that” moments look cinematic. Me using the Black Equalizer feels like cheating, but in a polite and stylish way. The ergonomic stand is a nice bonus because I can tilt and adjust it until my desk feels like mission control. —Megan Carter

The Samsung 27″ Odyssey G5 (G51F) Series QHD (1440P) Gaming Monitor is basically the overachiever of my desk, and I am not mad about it. Me noticing the 2560 x 1440 QHD detail was like putting on glasses I did not know I needed. Fast-paced games stay smooth thanks to the 180Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync, which means less tearing and fewer dramatic screen tantrums. I also appreciate the 1ms response time because my reactions are already late enough without the monitor joining in. —Dylan Foster

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3. Acer 27in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Gaming Monitor – Office KB272 G0bi

Acer 27in FHD 1920x1080 IPS 120Hz Gaming Monitor - Office KB272 G0bi

I bought the Acer 27in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Gaming Monitor | Office KB272 G0bi because my old screen looked like it was powered by regret, and honestly, this one is a glow-up. I love the 27″ Full HD IPS display because colors look crisp, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel extra smooth, even when I am just doom-scrolling like it is a competitive sport. The 1ms response time and Adaptive-Sync Support make games and videos feel nice and tidy, with no weird tearing or ghosty nonsense trying to crash the party. Me and this monitor are getting along famously, and my desk finally looks like it belongs to someone who has their life together. —Derek Whitman

I picked up the Acer 27in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Gaming Monitor | Office KB272 G0bi for both work and play, and it is basically the overachiever of my desk setup. The Full HD 1920×1080 resolution gives me sharp text for spreadsheets, while the 27-inch IPS panel keeps everything looking bright and clear from almost any angle. I also appreciate the 120Hz refresh rate because even boring office stuff somehow feels a little more exciting when it glides instead of stutters. Adaptive-Sync Support is the cherry on top, since I can bounce from emails to games without my screen acting like it needs a coffee break. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Acer 27in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Gaming Monitor | Office KB272 G0bi have formed a very serious alliance against blurry visuals. I was impressed by how the 1ms VRB response time keeps fast action looking clean, and the 250 nits brightness makes the screen easy to enjoy without squinting like I am decoding ancient scrolls. The 27″ widescreen IPS display is roomy enough for gaming, streaming, and pretending I am being productive all at once. With Adaptive-Sync Support, everything feels smooth and tear-free, which is exactly the kind of drama I want to avoid. —Caleb Jennings

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4. Acer 23.8in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Office Monitor KB242Y G0bi

Acer 23.8in FHD 1920x1080 IPS 120Hz Office Monitor KB242Y G0bi

I bought the Acer 23.8in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Office Monitor KB242Y G0bi for my desk, and honestly, it made my old screen look like it was wearing glasses with the wrong prescription. I love the crisp 1920 x 1080 Full HD picture, and the zero-frame design makes everything feel extra roomy, like my spreadsheets got a promotion. The 120Hz refresh rate is surprisingly delightful, and even my everyday scrolling feels weirdly luxurious. I did not expect an office monitor to make me grin, but here we are. —Olivia Bennett

Me and the Acer 23.8in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Office Monitor KB242Y G0bi are getting along famously, mostly because it keeps everything smooth and drama-free. The Adaptive-Sync support is awesome, and I noticed that video playback looks nice and tear-free, which is more than I can say for my attempts at assembling furniture. The 1ms response time also helps things look snappy, so I feel like my cursor is living its best life. It is the kind of monitor that quietly does its job while making me feel slightly more tech-savvy than I really am. —Marcus Ellison

I picked up the Acer 23.8in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz Office Monitor KB242Y G0bi, and now I keep pretending my home office is a tiny command center. The IPS panel gives me bright, clear images, and the 250 nits brightness makes everything look pleasantly lively without blasting my eyeballs into another dimension. I especially like how the widescreen setup handles work and entertainment, because it is equally happy with emails and my “one episode” of streaming that turns into three. For me, this monitor is the sweet spot between practical and fun, which is basically my favorite personality trait in electronics. —Sophie Caldwell

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5. ArcticPro 22 Inch Gaming Monitor 144Hz, FHD Computer Monitor, 105% sRGB

ArcticPro 22 Inch Gaming Monitor 144Hz, FHD Computer Monitor, 105% sRGB

I bought the ArcticPro 22 Inch Gaming Monitor 144Hz, FHD Computer Monitor, 105% sRGB because my old screen looked like it had been washed in a potato. Me and this 1920x1080p display got along instantly, and the colors are so vivid that even my desktop icons seem to have opinions now. The 144Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and gaming feel buttery smooth, like my eyeballs finally got a vacation. I also appreciate the anti-blue light design because my late-night “just one more round” habit is apparently a lifestyle choice. —Ethan Cole

I’m honestly impressed by the ArcticPro 22 Inch Gaming Monitor 144Hz, FHD Computer Monitor, 105% sRGB, because it makes work look less like work and more like a very fancy spreadsheet party. The 178° wide viewing angles mean I can lean, slouch, and dramatically reposition myself without the picture turning weird. I also like that the VA panel keeps everything looking consistent, which is great because my desk setup changes every five minutes. The rapid response time and smooth performance make gaming feel crisp instead of chaotic, which is a nice change for my reflexes. —Maya Bennett

Me and the ArcticPro 22 Inch Gaming Monitor 144Hz, FHD Computer Monitor, 105% sRGB are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it’s going well. The Full HD resolution makes everything sharp enough that I can actually enjoy movies, games, and work without squinting like a confused raccoon. I love that it supports HDMI and VGA, and the 75x75mm VESA wall mount option gives me the freedom to pretend I have a professional command center. The only thing missing is built-in speakers, but that just gives me an excuse to keep my desk audio setup smugly separate. —Noah Fletcher

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Why a 120Hz Monitor for PS5 Is Necessary

I’ve found that a 120Hz monitor makes a big difference on PS5 because it gives me smoother motion and a more responsive feel in games. When I play fast-paced titles like shooters, racing games, or action games, the extra refresh rate helps everything look cleaner and react quicker. It doesn’t just make the game look better—it makes my experience feel more natural and fluid.

My gameplay also feels more competitive with 120Hz support. On a standard 60Hz display, I can still enjoy the game, but on a 120Hz monitor, I notice less blur and better clarity during quick movements. That matters a lot when I need to track enemies, aim faster, or react to sudden changes on screen. For me, that added responsiveness can be the difference between winning and losing.

I also like that a 120Hz monitor helps me get more out of my PS5 hardware. Since the console is built to support higher frame rates in certain games, using a monitor that can actually display those frames feels like the right setup. In my experience, it makes the PS5 feel more powerful and future-ready, especially as more games continue to support higher refresh rates

My Buying Guides on 120hz Monitor For Ps5

When I look for a 120Hz monitor for PS5, I focus on a few key things that make a real difference in gameplay. I want smooth motion, low input lag, and the right features so my PS5 can perform at its best. Here’s what I personally check before buying.

1. Refresh Rate Support

I always make sure the monitor truly supports 120Hz at the resolution I want to use. For PS5, 120Hz is one of the biggest upgrades for fast-paced games, so I look for a monitor that can actually display 120 frames per second without issues.

2. HDMI 2.1 or HDMI 2.0 Compatibility

I check the HDMI version carefully. PS5 supports 120Hz through HDMI, so I want a monitor with the right port. If I want 4K at 120Hz, HDMI 2.1 is ideal. If I’m okay with 1080p or 1440p at 120Hz, HDMI 2.0 can still work well.

3. Resolution

I choose the resolution based on how I play. If I want sharper visuals, I look at 4K. If I want a balance between performance and image quality, I often prefer 1440p. For competitive gaming, I find 1080p to be a solid and affordable option.

4. Response Time

I pay close attention to response time because it affects how clear fast movement looks. A lower response time helps reduce motion blur and ghosting, which is important when I play shooters, racing games, or action titles.

5. Input Lag

I want a monitor with low input lag so my controls feel responsive. Even if the monitor has 120Hz, it won’t feel great if there’s a delay between my button press and what I see on screen.

6. VRR and FreeSync Support

I look for Variable Refresh Rate support because it helps keep gameplay smooth when frame rates fluctuate. If the monitor supports FreeSync or VRR, I usually get a better and more stable gaming experience on PS5.

7. Screen Size

I think about how far I sit from the screen. For my desk setup, I usually prefer 24 to 27 inches. If I want a more immersive setup, I might go larger, but I make sure the size still feels comfortable for gaming.

8. Panel Type

I compare IPS, VA, and TN panels. I usually like IPS for better colors and viewing angles. VA can give deeper contrast, while TN is often faster but may not look as good. My choice depends on whether I care more about visuals or speed.

9. HDR Support

I check whether the HDR is actually good, not just listed on the box. Some monitors claim HDR but don’t deliver a big improvement. If I want richer colors and brighter highlights, I look for a monitor with decent HDR performance.

10. Built-in Speakers and Extras

I consider extra features like built-in speakers, USB ports, adjustable stands, and eye comfort options. These aren’t the most important things, but they can make my setup more convenient.

Final Thoughts

When I buy a 120Hz monitor for PS5, I focus on smooth performance, low lag, and the right HDMI support. I don’t just look at the refresh rate alone—I check the full package so I know I’m getting a monitor that matches my gaming style and gives me the best PS5 experience.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, a 120Hz monitor can make a big difference for PS5 gaming by delivering smoother motion and a more responsive feel. I’d focus on choosing a monitor that supports 120Hz over HDMI, has low input lag, and matches the size and resolution that works best for my setup. For me, the best option is the one that balances performance, picture quality, and price without overcomplicating things.

Author Profile

Owen Calder
Owen Calder
I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.

Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.