Buying Guide
The Best 4K Monitors for Xbox Series X
Four monitors compared, from the CRUA 32 4K to the MPG 321URXW, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
A 4K panel quadruples the pixels of 1080p, so plan for upscaling in demanding games. Every monitor here is 4K and can run 4K at 120Hz from a console, ordered by refresh rate.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; where a maker leaves out panel, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 4 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
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved
The largest screen size here (32 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved (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 CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 4
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
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
USB-C input rounds out the ports. On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 272URX and the MPG 321URXW at 240Hz. It matches the MPG 321URXW on screen size (31.5 inches).
It also offers 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. When we checked, only the CRUA 32 4K cost less, and the MPG 272URX cost more.
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 CRUA 32 4K at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 4
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. On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 321URX and the MPG 321URXW at 240Hz. Its 26.5 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the CRUA 32 4K leads at 32 inches.
It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the MPG 321URXW; the CRUA 32 4K goes with a 120% sRGB color gamut. 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. It was priced above the MPG 321URX and below the 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 CRUA 32 4K (32 inches)
- Costs more than the CRUA 32 4K at the time of writing
Worth a Look3 of 4
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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It is the 32-inch step up from the 272URX. It matches the MPG 321URX and the MPG 272URX on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 321URX at 31.5 inches.
Like the MPG 272URX, it has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the CRUA 32 4K uses a 120% sRGB color gamut. It also comes with 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 CRUA 32 4K at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size4 of 4
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
CRUA's 32-inch 4K screen curves at 1500R and runs at 160Hz with built-in speakers.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MPG 321URX offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
The maker specifies an HDMI 2.1 input. Its 160Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the MPG 321URX leads at 240Hz. On screen size it leads this guide at 32 inches, ahead of the MPG 321URX (31.5 inches).
It is the only pick here with a 120% sRGB color gamut; the MPG 272URX has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut instead. 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 was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the MPG 321URX was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Color gamut: 120% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- 120% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 321URX (240Hz)
How We Chose These 4K Monitors for Xbox Series X
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up four monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the MPG 321URX to the CRUA 32 4K, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The CRUA 32 4K gives no panel; the CRUA 32 4K gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CRUA 32 4K ($250 to $500) to the MPG 321URXW ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 4K Monitor for Xbox Series X
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 160Hz on the CRUA 32 4K to 240Hz on the MPG 321URX. The MPG 321URX is the pick for refresh rate.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 26.5 inches on the MPG 272URX to 32 inches on the CRUA 32 4K. Start with the CRUA 32 4K if screen size decides it.
Features beyond the spec table
The MPG 272URX: OLED Care 2.0 in MSI software. The MPG 321URXW: a white finish. The CRUA 32 4K: built-in speakers.
Budget
$250 to $500 buys the CRUA 32 4K; $500 to $1000 buys the MPG 321URX, the MPG 272URX and the MPG 321URXW at our last check.
Size for your desk distance
24 to 25 inches suits 1080p and competitive play at a typical desk. 27 inches pairs well with 1440p and 4K; 32 inches suits 4K at a deeper desk.
How to Choose a 4K Monitor for Xbox Series X
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 | CRUA 32 4K | The largest screen size here (32 inches) |
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Key specs side by side
The MPG 321URX leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the MPG 272URX at 240Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| 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 |
| CRUA 32 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The CRUA 32 4K was the lowest-priced pick and the MPG 321URXW the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | CRUA 32 4K |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 321URX, MPG 272URX, MPG 321URXW |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest screen size: the CRUA 32 4K or the MPG 321URX?
The CRUA 32 4K 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.
Is the MPG 321URXW worth paying more than the CRUA 32 4K?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 160Hz). It does not win everywhere: the CRUA 32 4K still leads on screen size (32 inches). The CRUA 32 4K was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the CRUA 32 4K the Largest Screen Size?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (32 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the MPG 272URX and the CRUA 32 4K differ on color gamut?
The MPG 272URX and the MPG 321URXW use 99% DCI-P3; the CRUA 32 4K uses 120% sRGB. The maker of the MPG 321URX doesn't say.
Beyond the specs, what sets the MPG 321URX and the MPG 272URX apart?
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 CRUA 32 4K for the largest screen size here (32 inches) if those matter more to you.
Measure desk depth before buying a larger screen.