PS5 Monitor Requirements & Specs Guide 2025
Everything you need to know about PS5 display requirements. Check if your monitor is compatible and learn what specs matter most for PlayStation 5 gaming.
TestBeforeYouBuy Team
Updated December 13, 2025
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: For full PS5 features, you need: HDMI 2.1, 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10 support, and VRR compatibility. Minimum requirement is any HDMI monitor for basic 1080p gaming.
The PlayStation 5 is a powerful console capable of stunning 4K graphics at up to 120fps. But to actually see these capabilities, your monitor needs to meet certain specifications. This guide breaks down exactly what your monitor needs to get the most out of your PS5.
Minimum PS5 Monitor Requirements
The PS5 will work with almost any monitor that has an HDMI input. However, minimum specs will significantly limit your gaming experience.
Absolute Minimum Specs
Basic (Limited Experience)
- HDMI 1.4 or higher
- 1080p resolution
- 60Hz refresh rate
- No HDR required
Missing: 4K, 120Hz, HDR, VRR
Full Features
- HDMI 2.1
- 4K (3840x2160) resolution
- 120Hz refresh rate
- HDR10 support
- VRR/ALLM support
Full PS5 experience unlocked
Recommended Specs for Best PS5 Experience
| Specification | Minimum | Recommended | Ideal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p | 4K (2160p) | 4K (2160p) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz+ |
| HDMI Version | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 |
| HDR | None | HDR10 | HDR10/Dolby Vision |
| Input Lag | 30ms | 10ms | <5ms |
| VRR Support | No | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Size | 24" | 27" | 27-32" |
HDMI 2.1 vs 2.0: What You Actually Need
HDMI version is the most important specification for PS5 compatibility. Here's exactly what each version enables:
HDMI 2.0 (18 Gbps)
Limited but functional
- 4K @ 60Hz
- 1080p @ 120Hz
- HDR10 support
- No 4K @ 120Hz
- No VRR
- No ALLM
HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps)
Full PS5 experience
- 4K @ 120Hz
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
- Enhanced HDR
- eARC audio
- Future-proof
Important Note:
Make sure your HDMI cable also supports HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps). The cable included with PS5 is HDMI 2.1 certified. Using an older cable will limit your connection to HDMI 2.0 speeds.
Resolution: 4K vs 1440p vs 1080p for PS5
4K (3840 x 2160) - Recommended
Native PS5 resolution. Best image quality, sharp details, and supports all PS5 features.
Best for: Image quality prioritized, single-player games, HDR content
1440p (2560 x 1440) - Good Alternative
PS5 now supports 1440p output. Good balance of quality and performance, often with higher frame rates.
Best for: Competitive gaming, monitors without 4K support
1080p (1920 x 1080) - Basic
Supported but doesn't utilize PS5's capabilities. Can achieve 120fps in supported games.
Best for: Budget setups, older monitors, prioritizing frame rate over quality
Refresh Rate Requirements
PS5 supports up to 120Hz output, but game support varies. Here's what you can expect:
PS5 Refresh Rate Capabilities
- 60Hz: Default for most games. Works with any monitor.
- 120Hz: Supported by select games (COD, Fortnite, Rocket League). Requires HDMI 2.1 for 4K or HDMI 2.0 for 1080p.
Games supporting 120Hz: Call of Duty series, Fortnite, Rocket League, Devil May Cry 5, Rainbow Six Siege, Dirt 5, and more being added regularly.
HDR Requirements for PS5
PS5 supports HDR10 for enhanced colors and contrast. For meaningful HDR performance, your monitor needs:
Basic HDR
400 nits brightness
Minimal improvement
Good HDR
600 nits brightness
Noticeable improvement
Excellent HDR
1000+ nits brightness
True HDR experience
Is Your Monitor PS5 Compatible?
Quick Compatibility Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
What monitor specs does PS5 require?
PS5 requires: HDMI 2.1 for full features, 4K resolution (3840x2160), 120Hz refresh rate support, HDR10 compatibility, and VRR support for the best gaming experience. Minimum is HDMI 2.0 with 4K@60Hz.
Do I need HDMI 2.1 for PS5?
HDMI 2.1 is required for 4K@120Hz gaming, VRR, and ALLM features. Without HDMI 2.1, you're limited to 4K@60Hz or 1080p@120Hz. For casual gaming, HDMI 2.0 works fine at 4K@60Hz.
Can PS5 work with any monitor?
PS5 works with any monitor that has an HDMI input. However, to use all PS5 features like 4K@120Hz, HDR, and VRR, your monitor needs HDMI 2.1 support. Basic monitors will work at reduced settings.
What resolution is best for PS5?
4K (3840x2160) is the native resolution for PS5 and provides the best image quality. 1440p is also supported and offers a good balance. 1080p works but doesn't utilize the PS5's full capabilities.