The PS5 Pro has officially landed, and while it might be a slightly hot take, I’d rather plug it into a gaming monitor than most TVs. That’s largely because, for the most part, living room displays won’t let the souped-up console stretch its AI-enhanced, 4K 60Hz legs, and that’s the last thing you want when spending $700 for a detail bump. I’ve reviewed plenty of panels that can help Sony‘s new system reach its true potential, and there are plenty of ways to grab some of them for less right now.
Picking up one of the best monitors for PS5 over a basic screen might not feel like a priority, but our PS5 Pro review proves it’s essential. If you really want to spot the fidelity difference between the OG console and the newcomer, you need to use a screen that can better highlight detail and sits closer to your face, and traditional LEDs aren’t exactly up to the task. You’re all set if you can afford a monstrous gaming TV like the LG OLED G4, but for most players I’d recommend sitting a bit closer to a UHD desktop display with punchy panel specs.
To help make the tradition of traditional TV to a swanky desktop screen easier, I’ve picked out some excellent displays that’ll pair nicely with the PS5 Pro. With Black Friday monitor deals on the horizon, it’s important to make sure you’re picking up displays at their lowest-ever price, but my picks also focus on highlighting the enhanced ray tracing and resolution abilities of the new console using mini LED, OLED, and IPS tech.
Do you need a monitor for PS5 Pro?
If you’re the type of person who would splash out $700 for a PS5 Pro over the OG system in the first place, I’d say using a high-spec gaming monitor is mandatory. The only real exception to this is those of you who have invested in a massive premium TV, and even then, the panel specs I’d pair with the console will cost you a small fortune.
The main reason I’d go for a monitor over a TV for PS5 Pro in most scenarios relates to embracing detail. When sitting at a distance, playing PlayStation games like Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart on a lower-end LED display, you probably won’t notice the intricate extra particle effects, improved sharpness, and extra ray tracing provided by the Pro. Whereas if you’re sitting at desk-depth away from a high-spec 32-inch monitor, you’ll be able to spy plenty of extra enhancements.
Proximity plays a huge role when it comes to enjoying PS5 Pro detail, and it’s far easier to bring a monitor closer to you than it is to add a larger screen to your living space. Even then, striking the right balance relevant to your setup is crucial, as it’s easy to go for too big or too small. I don’t want to sound like a ’90s mother, but sitting too close to the screen will only make things look worse since you’re more likely to see pixels even at 4K, and sitting too far away is more likely to obscure intricate details.
My general rule is that if you’re planning to perch next to a shallow desk that’s around under 26 inches, you’ll want to go with a 27-inch 4K monitor. Those of you who like to kick back a few feet will benefit from aiming for at least a 32-inch screen, while larger 42-inch panels can be treated like small TVs.
That same advice does extend to traditional televisions too, but unless you’re able to snag a really good Black Friday 75-inch TV deal, you’ll want to look into monitors to gain a panel that pairs nicer with PS5 Pro. You don’t have to go all out with the most expensive OLED model, even if the tech will better serve ray tracing and enhanced lighting, as even cheaper mini LED and IPS displays can add extra depth to 4K visuals that’ll leave you happy with your $700 purchase.
Looking for more screen savings? Swing by Black Friday curved monitor deals and Black Friday 4K monitor deals for high-spec panels. Alternatively, take a peek at Black Friday TV deals for living room displays.