Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Monitors with HDMI 2.1
Five monitors compared, from the CRUA 32 4K to the MAG 321UP, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
HDMI 2.1 lets consoles run 4K at 120Hz over one cable. Every monitor here has HDMI 2.1 and refreshes at 120Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; a missing panel is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED
A built-in KVM switch.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in KVM switch.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD)
HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Best for: Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD) (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
LG UltraGear 27G810A-B
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G810A-B (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved
The cheapest way into this group, below the MPG 271QRX.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
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 switch. | Buyers who want built-in KVM switch. | Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| HDMI 2.1 inputs. | Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 inputs. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD) (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G810A-B (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the MPG 271QRX. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MPG 271QRX adds a KVM switch to a 360Hz QD-OLED panel with True Black 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in KVM switch.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
Its built-in KVM switches a keyboard and mouse between two computers, and the stand adjusts for ergonomics. Its QD-OLED panel refreshes at 360Hz with a 0.03ms GtG response time. MSI rates its colour at Delta E 2 or below.
On refresh rate it ties with the Odyssey OLED G6 at 360Hz. It matches the Odyssey OLED G6 and the 27G810A on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the Odyssey OLED G6; the 27G810A goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
It also comes with HDMI 2.1 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. It was priced above the CRUA 32 4K and below the 27G810A at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 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 5
Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Odyssey OLED G6 is Samsung's 360Hz QD-OLED with HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Best for
- Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 271QRX at 360Hz. It matches the MPG 271QRX and the 27G810A on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the MPG 271QRX; the MAG 321UP goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 271QRX and MAG 321UP; the 27G810A goes with an IPS panel. Like the MAG 321UP, it has a FreeSync Premium Pro, while the CRUA 32 4K uses a FreeSync. It also comes with an anti-glare finish and a built-in cooling system and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles.
To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. When we checked, only the 27G810A and cheaper picks cost less, and the MAG 321UP cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 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 CRUA 32 4K at the time of writing
IPS Panel3 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G810A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 27G810A runs 4K at 180Hz and switches to 1080p at 360Hz for shooters, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayHDR 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the MAG 321UP offers 32 inches.
Why we like it
It covers both uses on one screen. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 180Hz: the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz, and the CRUA 32 4K comes in at 160Hz. It matches the MPG 271QRX and the Odyssey OLED G6 on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the MAG 321UP and CRUA 32 4K; the Odyssey OLED G6 goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. You get an IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the Odyssey OLED G6 and its a QD-OLED panel. It also offers an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles.
Reaching 180Hz 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 priced above the MPG 271QRX and below the Odyssey OLED G6 at the time of writing. It gives ground on screen size, where the MAG 321UP comes in at 32 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
- Stand: swivel and pivot
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Screen size trails the MAG 321UP (32 inches)
- Costs more than the CRUA 32 4K at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 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 want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its HDMI 2.1 port carries full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz from a console or PC. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 165Hz: the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz, and the CRUA 32 4K comes in at 160Hz. It matches the CRUA 32 4K on screen size (32 inches).
It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the 27G810A and CRUA 32 4K; the Odyssey OLED G6 goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 271QRX and Odyssey OLED G6; the 27G810A goes with an IPS panel. Like the Odyssey OLED G6, it has a FreeSync Premium Pro, while the CRUA 32 4K uses a FreeSync.
It also offers an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. Only the Odyssey OLED G6 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
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 CRUA 32 4K at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
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 would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
Why we like it
The maker specifies an HDMI 2.1 input. Its 160Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the MPG 271QRX leads at 360Hz. On screen size it ties with the MAG 321UP at 32 inches.
Like the 27G810A and MAG 321UP, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the MPG 271QRX uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. You get a FreeSync here, which sets it apart from the MAG 321UP and its a FreeSync Premium Pro. 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 MPG 271QRX and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
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 271QRX (360Hz)
How We Chose These Gaming Monitors with HDMI 2.1
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.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the MPG 271QRX to the CRUA 32 4K, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- 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 MAG 321UP ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Gaming Monitor with HDMI 2.1
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 160Hz on the CRUA 32 4K to 360Hz on the MPG 271QRX. The MPG 271QRX is the pick for refresh rate.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 27 inches on the 27G810A to 32 inches on the MAG 321UP. The CRUA 32 4K comes second for less money.
Panel
The MPG 271QRX, the Odyssey OLED G6 and the MAG 321UP list QD-OLED; the 27G810A lists IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Response
The MPG 271QRX, the Odyssey OLED G6 and the MAG 321UP list 0.03ms; the 27G810A lists 1ms.
Features beyond the spec table
The Odyssey OLED G6: an anti-glare finish and a built-in cooling system. The MAG 321UP: a console mode. The CRUA 32 4K: built-in speakers.
How to Choose a Gaming Monitor with HDMI 2.1
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want built-in KVM switch | MPG 271QRX | A built-in KVM switch |
| Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 inputs | Odyssey OLED G6 | HDMI 2.1 inputs |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | 27G810A | An IPS panel |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | MAG 321UP | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | CRUA 32 4K | The cheapest way into this group, below the MPG 271QRX |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MPG 271QRX leads on refresh rate at 360Hz, ahead of the Odyssey OLED G6 at 360Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| Odyssey OLED G6 | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| 27G810A | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| MAG 321UP | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 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 MAG 321UP 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 271QRX, 27G810A, Odyssey OLED G6, MAG 321UP |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MAG 321UP worth paying more than the CRUA 32 4K?
On paper it adds refresh rate (165Hz against 160Hz). 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 27G810A the IPS Panel?
It earns the label for an IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants an IPS panel.
Do the MPG 271QRX and the 27G810A differ on resolution?
The MPG 271QRX and the Odyssey OLED G6 use 2560x1440 (1440p); the 27G810A, the MAG 321UP and the CRUA 32 4K use 3840x2160 (4K).
Beyond the specs, what sets the MPG 271QRX and the Odyssey OLED G6 apart?
The MPG 271QRX: a built-in KVM switch. The Odyssey OLED G6: HDMI 2.1 inputs. The 27G810A: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz.
Who should choose the CRUA 32 4K?
The CRUA 32 4K carries our Lowest Price Here label for the cheapest way into this group, below the MPG 271QRX. It ranks fifth of 5 here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MPG 271QRX, chosen for a built-in KVM switch. Look at the Odyssey OLED G6 for HDMI 2.1 inputs, the 27G810A for an IPS panel and the MAG 321UP for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz if those matter more to you.
Measure desk depth before buying a larger screen.