Cheapest Monitors with HDMI 2.1

Image	Product	Details	Check Price
	Acer Nitro XV282K 28-inch monitor	Screen Size: 28-inch Screen Resolution: 4k (3840 x 2160) Max Refresh Rate: 144Hz Response Time: 1ms VRR Technology: AMD FreeSync Premium Color Coverage: 100% sRGB, 90% DCI-P3 HDR Support: HDR10 (VESA-certified DisplayHDR 400) Connectivity: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 5 x USB 3.2 Gen 1(1 Type-C & 4 Type-A), 1 x USB Type-B, 1 x 3.5mm Headphone Jack	Buy on Amazon
	Gigabyte M28U Gaming Monitor	Screen Size: 28-inch Screen Resolution: 4k(3840 x 2160) Max Refresh Rate: 144Hz Response Time: 2ms VRR Technology: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro Color Coverage: 120% sRGB and 94% DCI-P3 HDR Support: HDR10 (VESA-certified DisplayHDR 400) Connectivity: 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB Type-C, 1 x Headphone Jack, 4 x USB 3.0 (3 x Type-A and 1 x Type-B)	Buy on Amazon
	Acer Predator XB283K 28-inch monitor	Screen Size: 28-inch Screen Resolution: 4k(3840 x 2160) Max Refresh Rate: 144Hz Response Time: 1ms VRR Technology: AMD FreeSync Premium / Nvidia G-Sync Compatible Color Coverage: 100% sRGB, 90% DCI-P3 HDR Support: HDR10 (VESA-certified DisplayHDR 400) Connectivity: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB Type-C, 4 x USB 3.0, 1 x 3.5mm Audio Out	Buy on Amazon
	Asus TUF Gaming 28-inch Monitor	Screen Size: 28-inch Screen Resolution: 4k(3840 x 2160) Max Refresh Rate: 144Hz Response Time: 1ms VRR Technology: AMD FreeSync Premium/ Nvidia G-Sync Compatible Color Coverage: 110% sRGB, 90% DCI-P3 HDR Support: HDR10 (VESA-certified DisplayHDR 400) Connectivity: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x 3.5mm audio out	Buy on Amazon
	Samsung Odyssey G70A 4k Monitor	Screen Size: 28-inch Screen Resolution: 4k(3840 x 2160) Max Refresh Rate: 144Hz Response Time: 1ms VRR Technology: AMD FreeSync Premium / Nvidia G-Sync Compatible Color Coverage: 100% sRGB, 88% DCI-P3 HDR Support: HDR10 (VESA-certified DisplayHDR 400) Connectivity: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio out, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x USB Type-B Upstream	Buy on Amazon
	Philips 279M1RV 27-inch Monitor	Screen Size: 27-inch Screen Resolution: 4k(3840 x 2160) Max Refresh Rate: 144Hz Response Time: 1ms VRR Technology: AMD FreeSync / Nvidia G-Sync Compatible Color Coverage: 136% sRGB, 94% Adobe RGB, 98% DCI-P3 HDR Support: HDR10(VESA-certified DisplayHDR 600) Connectivity: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 3 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x USB Type-C, 1 x USB Type-B, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x 3.5mm Audio Out	Buy on Amazon
	BenQ Mobiuz EX2710U 27-inch Monitor	Screen Size: 27-inch Screen Resolution: 4k(3840 x 2160) Max Refresh Rate: 144Hz Response Time: 1ms VRR Technology: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro Color Coverage: 120% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3 HDR Support: HDR10(VESA-certified DisplayHDR 600) Connectivity: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 4 x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1 x USB Type-B(Upstream), 1 x 3.5mm audio out	Buy on Amazon
	LG 32-inch QHD Gaming Monitor	Screen Size: 32-inch Screen Resolution: 1440p(2560 x 1440) Max Refresh Rate: 240Hz (260Hz with Overclock) Response Time: 1ms VRR Technology: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G-Sync Compatible Color Coverage: 135% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3 HDR Support: HDR10(VESA-certified DisplayHDR 600) Connectivity: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1 x USB Type-B(Upstream), 1 x 3.5mm Audio Out	Buy on Amazon

Acer Nitro XV282K 28-inch monitor – Best Budget HDMI 2.1 monitor

Packed with the most value for a consumer while staying under budget is a task well-handled by the Acer Nitro XV282K monitor.

This monitor delivers crisp, clear, and smooth gaming bliss through a 4k IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. Meaning you’ll enjoy accurate colors with wide viewing angles with this monitor. But that also implies that you’ll have a mediocre contrast ratio with this monitor.

Even though Acer has equipped it with an edge-lit local dimming, all that does is make the contrast worse by causing blooming around bright objects in dark scenes. And that also translates badly in HDR. Because even with VESA DisplayHDR 400, the low contrast causes bad black uniformity and patchy greys instead of deep blacks. However, this is the only significant compromise you’ll have to make.

Acer has armed this monitor with native VRR support for AMD FreeSync Premium to eliminate screen tearing. Plus, low-input lag and a response time of 1ms are extremely helpful to make your gaming times super responsive.

In terms of color coverage, the SDR mode delivers 100% coverage of the sRGB gamut, while in HDR, there’s 90% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut. That’s all you need with a monitor if you plan to only EAT-SLEEP-GAME-REPEAT.

Our Take

If you require a monitor that allows you to get the most out of your PS5 or X-Box without being heavy on the budget, you can’t go wrong with this monitor. The only caveat would be in contrast ratio that won’t let you enjoy gaming in a dark room.

Gigabyte M28U Gaming monitor – Best value for money

If there’s a monitor that provides the best value for its price, then the Gigabyte M28U is indeed that.

It comes with a 28-inch 4k panel with IPS technology. This resolution allows the monitor to display crisp visuals with a pixel density of 157ppi at wide viewing angles to the user.

For gaming-focused features, the panel comes with a 144Hz refresh rate, 2ms quick response time, low input lag, and VRR support with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to make you sub-merge in your gaming.

In terms of color coverage, the SDR mode shows 120% of the sRGB gamut. For HDR, though, the DCI-P3 coverage is seen up to 94%, which is all you need for HDR gaming and even watching some HDR content if you like.

But, even with good color coverage and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, the HDR performance is just okay due to the low-contrast ratio(of IPS panels).

Coming to the monitor’s connectivity, you can find 2 HDMI 2.1, a DisplayPort 1.4, a USB Type-C, one 3.5mm audio jack, and 4 USB 3.0 ports (one being Type-B and other Type-A). A cherry on top is that the monitor comes with a built-in KVM switch for easy shifting between systems(if you do that).

When we come to ergonomics, you find something that can be a deal-breaker. The stand is built in such a way that there’s neither a pivot nor swivel capability.

Our Take

If you want to stay away from sky-high prices of high-end monitors but still get a satisfying display, you can’t go wrong with Gigabyte M28U. It’s packed with a plethora of ports and powerful gaming features that all gamers need.

Acer Predator XB283K 28-inch monitor – Runner up

The Acer Predator XB283K is a solid runner-up to the Gigabyte monitor. It offers identical performance and even beats it in some factors while having a comparable price point.

It has the same IPS panel with wide viewing angles of up to 178^o to ensure a seamless view even at extreme angles. Due to having the same size 28-inch screen with a 4k resolution, it puts out the same 157ppi pixel density for displaying crispy clear visuals.

In raw performance, you get a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms lightning-fast response times, low-input lag, and MBR(Motion Blur Reduction). Backing them up is official support for VRR with both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible. All this gives you a monitor that helps you gain every bit of competitive advantage you want without costing a kidney.

You get ~100% sRGB coverage with accurate and consistent colors due to an out-of-the-box Delta E <1. With HDR mode, DCI-P3 coverage is 90% with this monitor, which is vibrant and accurate enough for a rich experience. The HDR condition is similar to all IPS monitors meaning the contrast ratio(1000:1) is inferior to its VA counterpart panels. But, then again, there aren’t any 4k 144Hz VA monitors in this screen size.

In the back of the monitor, there’s a DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1, a USB Type-C(with 65-watt Power delivery), four USB 3.0, and a 3.5mm Audio Out jack.

It is adjustability, where this monitor beats the Gigabyte M28U by a significant margin. Its sturdy stand allows for pivot, 115mm height adjustment, a -5^o/20^o tilt, and about 20^o swivel.

Our Take

Suppose you require an affordable monitor with a robust design and features to get you a competitive edge in fast-paced games. In that case, the Acer Predator is a suitable pick overall. You’ll have to face sub-par contrasts like all IPS panels.

Asus TUF Gaming 28-inch Monitor – Most Feature packed

The Asus TUF 28-inch gaming monitor provides a respectable amount of features at its current price. The build design and sleekness that Asus has used with this display are always welcomed in a budget monitor.

It comes with a Rapid IPS panel for added speeds in terms of response time(1ms) and just a 1.9 milliseconds input lag. That’s alongside a 4k 28-inch screen allowing for sharp details in games. You can reach the max 4k@144Hz with a PC and 4k@120Hz at consoles for fluidly smooth feedback regardless of your chosen platform. There’s native VRR support, and for PC users, it’s also certified for AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible.

You can enable Asus’s ELMB Sync(Extreme Low Motion Blur) and VRR technologies to take care of ghosting and screen tears.

The rated typical contrast ratio with this monitor is 1000:1 (expected of IPS panel type), but the actual contrast we saw is 850:1, below what Asus said. A built-in feature named Asus Smart Contrast improves contrast in HDR mode. But it still doesn’t make this an actual HDR monitor.

With the SDR signal, we recorded the peak brightness at 310nits(slightly higher than its rated 300nits). It’s Certified with DisplayHDR 400 but exceeds that rating with a recorded 433nits. Even though it’s not a monumental increase, we still welcome it.

Our Take

With a load of gaming-focused features, the Asus TUF 28-inch monitor becomes an ideal pick for both console and PC gamers who want the most power while destroying their wallet.

Samsung Odyssey G70A 4k Monitor – Best Design

The Samsung Odyssey G70A utilizes the same robust design language as the rest of the Odyssey line-up. The whole frame is carved to blend in any gaming setup perfectly, regardless if you’re on a console or PC. The entire back has this cool-looking swirly feature that makes it even more, gaming oriented.

If that wasn’t enough, there are two small RGB lighting bars on the edges of the bottom bezel.

As for the specs, the monitor comes with a 4k IPS panel, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a rapid response time of 1ms. To further smoothen things out in gaming, native VRR support is available, especially with technologies like FreeSync Premium and G-Sync Compatible, for no screen tearing whatsoever.

To be honest, it is identical to all other monitors on this list regarding specs. The key selling point of this monitor is its design. Because if you’re after a beauty that’s also well-performing, then you should consider this monitor.

However, just because its design looks great doesn’t mean it’s sturdy. The plastic on the back feels a little cheap in hand touch and flexes a bit as well.

Having an IPS panel translates to wide viewing angles but, at the same time, hints toward a poor contrast ratio. And you already know that poor contrast ratio means mediocre HDR performance.

Our Take

If your gaming setup requires an incredibly gaming-focused monitor in terms of design, look no further than the Samsung G70 Odyssey monitor. You won’t be lacking in any raw gaming power, also.

Philips 279M1RV 27-inch Monitor – Best budget monitor for consoles

Next up on our list is the Phillips 279M1RV, which brings some staggering power to the table.

The monitor is aimed explicitly toward Xbox Series X, but that doesn’t mean that PC and PS5 lovers won’t be able to enjoy it to its fullest. It’s just that this monitor is more optimized and branded toward Xbox.

A 4k IPS panel crammed into a 27-inch screen size results in super crispy visuals, especially in games where every detail matters. It also packs in a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, super quick 1ms response, low input lag, and support for native VRR with Nvidia G-Sync Compatible feature and AMD FreeSync Premium.

The monitor also presents some good numbers in color coverage. We saw 136% coverage of the sRGB gamut and an impressive 94% in wider Adobe RGB. It also didn’t disappoint in HDR by delivering a 98% coverage of DCI-P3. All these colors were also pretty accurate, with DeltaE never going above 2.

It also exceeds its VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification and reaches up to 650nits. Everyone loves when brands deliver a bit more than they promised.

The typical contrast is just what you already know – a 1000:1 ratio. But things get a little bit interesting with HDR. Unlike previous monitors on this list with only eight backlight local dimming zones, this one has 16. This improves the contrast ratio up to 1490:1. Not a mind-blowing number, but it still blows rival IPS monitors away. All this gives the monitor a decent HDR performance.

The only problem with this is the design is kind of bland. There’s not much at the frame besides some LED lights that light up the back wall of your monitor a bit.

Our Take

If a power monitor is what you require, regardless if you’re a PC or console lover, then this monitor needs to be in consideration. It packs some serious punch without being expensive. However, we don’t know what everyone would like about its design.

BenQ Mobiuz EX2710U 27-inch Monitor – Incredible color vibrancy

­­­­­­­­If BenQ Mobiuz EX2710U isn’t a model of what we call modern monitors, then we don’t know what else it is. It’s neither overdone nor left bland.

But it’s more than just a cool-looking monitor. You can go all out on your PS5 or Xbox Series X without any worries, and the same goes for PC gamers. The monitor packs in a 4k IPS panel in a 27-inch form factor. There is a 144Hz refresh rate with VRR supported with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. These, paired with a 1ms response time and low-input lag, can deliver a pretty satisfying gaming experience.

With DisplayHDR 600 certification, the monitor can deliver peak brightness upwards of 600nits in HDR. It’s bright enough to pop out most details in HDR content.

This monitor’s color coverage is incredible, with sRGB reaching 120% and DCI-P3 coverage around 98%. All these are with an impressive accuracy of Delta E<1. Such color coverage and accuracy make this monitor a great pick for gaming and content creators.

Even though the typical contrast ratio is pretty generic at 1000:1, BenQ HDRi technology improves the contrast ratio by saturating colors and auto-adapting to ambient light. Even this doesn’t make it cinematic HDR by any means but just satisfying enough.

The selection of ports on the back of the monitor is pretty standard. There’s a DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1, four USB 3.0 Type-A, a USB Type-B(Upstream), and a 3.5mm audio out. There’s a cable cover provided with the monitor to cover the cable mess after being plugged in.

The only downside is that this monitor pushes the boundaries of what we define as cheap. So it might not be affordable for everyone.

Our Take

The BenQ Mobiuz has aesthetics that every gamer would love to have in their setup. Alongside a great design is outstanding performance to send you over the moon.

LG 32-inch QHD Gaming Monitor – High refresh rate

Here is a pick for those who want every bit of competitive advantage and smoothness in their games(albeit only on PC).

Because the LG 32-inch gaming monitor packs a 240Hz refresh rate in a 1440p IPS panel. The refresh rate is overclockable up to 260Hz, which, as we saw, is relatively stable.

You can enable VRR with Nvidia G-Sync Compatible or AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to give you even more gaming fidelity. Alongside that is a quick 1ms response time to eliminate ghosting in fast-paced games and an extremely low input lag to fasten up things.

In SDR, the color coverage for the standard sRGB gamut is 135% which can seem a bit over-saturated. While in HDR, the DCI-P3 peaked at 98%. All in all, pretty impressive color coverage.

This one also owns a VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification and delivers as promised, with HDR peak brightness landing just around 600nits.

In contrast, the typical ratings are 1000:1, and the monitor reaches that mark. However, the 16-zone edge-lit local dimming improves that to the extent it doesn’t look bad. But still not what will we be pleased with.

Even though the build is entirely out of plastic, the stand is quite sturdy and is okay regarding ergonomics. There’s a 110mm height adjustment, a pivot position option, and a -5^o/15^o tilt option. Unfortunately, there’s no swivel capability in it.

The back design is pretty sleek, and a hexagon pattern with subtle RGB lighting is installed, so it doesn’t look plain and boring.

Our Take

If you don’t want 4k resolution but require a high refresh rate to take a competitive advantage in multiplayer titles, then this is the right option for you. It comes with a 240Hz refresh rate that can also sustain a stable overclock of 260Hz.

Cheapest Monitors with HDMI 2.1 – Buying Guide

At this point, you’re probably wondering what the exact vital factors to consider while buying a budget HDMI 2.1 monitor are. Below is the answer to your question with a thorough buying guide.

Price

As we’re after the most affordable HDMI 2.1 monitors, it makes sense to set the price as a top priority. No matter how awesome it seems to have the most balls-to-the-walls monitor out in the market, it isn’t worth all the extra cash.

Focus on monitors that allocate the cost primarily to the fundamental performance factors such as build quality, VRR support, I/O, refresh rate, etc., and avoid spending extra on gimmicks that only add costs and no noticeable performance increase.

Resolution

Your screen resolution is responsible for the image’s sharpness and clarity. Theoretically, the higher the number, the better the image quality. However, there’s only so much we can get under a budget.

8k is out of the question because of the un-worldly level price tags.

HDMI 2.1 was primarily targeted to make 4k (at 120Hz) more mainstream. But you can also find some HDMI 2.1 monitors with a 1440p panel. Cutting down on resolution might get you a higher refresh rate monitor. This choice is entirely based on your reference.

If you like a sharper and crisp image, go for a 4k panel. But if you’re inclined towards a high refresh rate for the sake of competitive edge, go for a 1440p panel with a higher refresh rate than what the 4k option has.

VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)

Variable Refresh Rate is crucial for gaming because games are inconsistent in the Frame rates, unlike TV shows. These inconsistencies cause screen tearing and stutters that can make a real gamer go mad.

VRR allows you to sync the frame rates of your monitor with a console or GPU(inside a PC) to deliver smooth and tear-free gaming.

Get a monitor with native VRR support over HDMI 2.1 and also support for VRR technologies like Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync. In an ideal case, you’ll have all three.

Connectivity and I/O

While we already know that HDMI 2.1 is a must-have. We just can’t straight-out neglect other ports.

Almost all monitors in the genre will have at least an HDMI 2.1, a DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack. These are just the basics, though.

What you want to look for in a monitor is at least 2 HDMI 2.1, a DisplayPort 1.4, and a couple of USB Type-A ports (preferably 3.0 or higher). Having a USB Type-C is the cherry on top.

Cheapest Monitors with HDMI 2.1 – Frequently Asked Questions

Why is HDMI 2.1 popular?

Because it finally gives console gamers the ability to enjoy 4k gaming at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Plus, you can have features like VRR, Auto Low Latency mode(ALLM), low input lag, etc.

Why are high-end monitors with HDMI 2.1 so expensive?

HDMI 2.1 implementation in monitors isn’t too old yet. However, affordable HDMI 2.1 monitors like the ones you found on this list do exist. But still, the ones with premium features and exotic designs are relatively expensive.

Which is better, DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1?

On a PC, there’s no considerable difference in terms of performance between the two. However, on consoles, only HDMI 2.1 is best suited, and that’s all you have on consoles because there’s no DisplayPort.