Buying Guide
The Best 4K Monitors for Xbox Series S
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the MAG 321UP has the largest screen size, and the CUNPU 4K costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
4K needs a strong GPU for games, but it gives the sharpest desktop at this size. Every monitor here is 4K and can run 4K at 120Hz from a console, ordered by refresh rate.
The order reflects refresh rate, resolution and size from maker specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and a missing HDR is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
A built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED
A 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches.
Best for: Buyers who want 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED
Up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
Best for: Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED
The largest screen size here (32 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz
A lower price than the MAG 321UP and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. | Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. | Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches. | Buyers who want 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches. | Check price for MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| Up to 1000 nits peak brightness. | Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness. | Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (32 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the MAG 321UP and the rest when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG 321URX is a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with a built-in KVM, so one keyboard and mouse can switch between a desktop and a laptop.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
USB-C input rounds out the ports. It matches the MPG 272URX and the MPG 321URXW on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 321URXW at 31.5 inches.
Like the MPG 272URX and MPG 321URXW, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the CUNPU 4K uses an HDR400. It also comes with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. Reaching 240Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. Its price falls between the MAG 321UP and the MPG 272URX, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG 272URX is a 26.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It packs 4K into a desk-friendly size. It matches the MPG 321URX and the MPG 321URXW on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 26.5 inches, while the MAG 321UP comes in at 32 inches.
Like the MPG 321URX and MPG 321URXW, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the CUNPU 4K uses an HDR400. It also offers a 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches, OLED Care 2.0 in MSI software and an HDMI 2.1 input. Reaching 240Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper MPG 321URX and the pricier MPG 321URXW, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Screen size trails the MAG 321UP (32 inches)
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Worth a Look3 of 5
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG 321URXW is a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the 32-inch step up from the 272URX. On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 321URX and the MPG 272URX at 240Hz. It matches the MPG 321URX on screen size (31.5 inches).
It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the MPG 321URX and MPG 272URX; the CUNPU 4K goes with an HDR400. It also offers up to 1000 nits peak brightness, a white finish and an HDMI 2.1 input. Reaching 240Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size4 of 5
MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MSI MAG 321UP is a 32-inch QD-OLED that stops at 165Hz, which keeps its price below the 240Hz models.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its HDMI 2.1 port carries full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz from a console or PC. Its 165Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the MPG 321URX (240Hz) and ahead of the CUNPU 4K (160Hz). Nothing else here matches its 32 inches screen size; the MPG 321URX comes closest at 31.5 inches.
It also offers an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. Reaching 165Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. Its price falls between the CUNPU 4K and the MPG 321URX, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
CUNPU's 27-inch 4K screen runs at 160Hz with an HDMI 2.1 input and 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MPG 321URX offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 4K high-refresh monitors here. Its 160Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the MPG 321URX leads at 240Hz. On screen size it sits mid-pack at 27 inches: the MAG 321UP comes in at 32 inches, and the MPG 272URX comes in at 26.5 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a fast IPS panel; compare the MPG 321URXW, which has a QD-OLED panel. No other pick in this guide offers an HDR400; compare the MPG 321URX, which has a DisplayHDR True Black 400. It also offers 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles, a factory calibration of Delta E under 2 and 4K at a budget price tier.
Reaching 160Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. It undercut the MAG 321UP and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 321URX (240Hz)
How We Chose These 4K Monitors for Xbox Series S
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the MPG 321URX to the CUNPU 4K, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MAG 321UP gives no HDR; the MPG 321URX and the MAG 321UP give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CUNPU 4K ($150 to $250) to the MPG 321URXW ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 4K Monitor for Xbox Series S
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 160Hz on the CUNPU 4K to 240Hz on the MPG 321URX. Start with the MPG 321URX if refresh rate decides it.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 26.5 inches on the MPG 272URX to 32 inches on the MAG 321UP. The MAG 321UP is the pick for screen size.
Response
The MPG 321URX, the MPG 272URX, the MPG 321URXW and the MAG 321UP list 0.03ms; the CUNPU 4K lists 1ms. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Extras that separate them
The MPG 321URXW: a white finish. The MAG 321UP: a console mode. The CUNPU 4K: a factory calibration of Delta E under 2.
Budget
$150 to $250 buys the CUNPU 4K; $500 to $1000 buys the MAG 321UP, the MPG 321URX, the MPG 272URX and the MPG 321URXW at our last check.
How to Choose a 4K Monitor for Xbox Series S
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture | MPG 321URX | A built-in KVM with picture-in-picture |
| Buyers who want 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches | MPG 272URX | A 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches |
| Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness | MPG 321URXW | Up to 1000 nits peak brightness |
| Buyers who put screen size first | MAG 321UP | The largest screen size here (32 inches) |
| Spending as little as possible | CUNPU 4K | A lower price than the MAG 321UP and the rest when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MPG 321URX leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the MPG 272URX at 240Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG 321URX | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 272URX | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 321URXW | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| MAG 321UP | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| CUNPU 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The CUNPU 4K was the lowest-priced pick and the MPG 321URXW the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | CUNPU 4K |
| About $500 to $1000 | MAG 321UP, MPG 321URX, MPG 272URX, MPG 321URXW |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the MPG 321URX compare with the MAG 321UP on screen size?
The MAG 321UP leads at 32 inches, with the MPG 321URX at 31.5 inches. The MPG 272URX is at the other end of this group with 26.5 inches.
What does the MPG 321URXW add over the CUNPU 4K?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 160Hz) and screen size (31.5 inches against 27 inches). The CUNPU 4K was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the MAG 321UP our Largest Screen Size pick?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (32 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the MPG 321URX and the CUNPU 4K differ on panel?
The MPG 321URX, the MPG 272URX, the MPG 321URXW and the MAG 321UP use QD-OLED; the CUNPU 4K uses Fast IPS.
What extras do the MPG 321URX and the MPG 272URX include?
The MPG 321URX: a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. The MPG 272URX: a 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches. The MPG 321URXW: up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MPG 321URX, chosen for a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. Look at the MPG 272URX for a 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches, the MPG 321URXW for up to 1000 nits peak brightness and the MAG 321UP for the largest screen size here (32 inches) if those matter more to you.
Use the cable in the box; older cables can cap the refresh rate.