What Is the Best Monitor for the Money and for PS5 in 2026?

In the US in 2026, the best monitor for the money is usually 1440p at 144Hz or higher for a PC and 4K with HDMI 2.1 for a PS5, so pick one, then buy through ShopBack before you pay, where ShopBack Cashback works like a discount, only easier than a promo code. Samsung's own buying advice names 144Hz or higher and 1440p or 4K as the features to look for, and Sony says PS5 Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) works on HDMI 2.1 VRR-compatible TVs and PC monitors. Compare Dell, LG and Samsung on price for the same specs.

ShopBack US is a free app and website that returns part of what you spend at partner stores as cash you can withdraw. You go through ShopBack before you check out, and after the order is confirmed, the cash lands in your account. Join ShopBack US for free, then open the Dell page on ShopBack, the LG page on ShopBack or the Samsung page on ShopBack before you buy.

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What is the best monitor for the money?

For most US buyers, the best monitor for the money is a 1440p screen with a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher. It is sharper than 1080p at common desk sizes and much easier for a mid-range PC to drive than 4K. Samsung's guidance on its US site sets the bar: 144Hz or higher for smooth gaming, a response time of 1ms or lower, and a resolution of 1440p or 4K based on what your system can handle.

How to spend wisely by use:

Main use	What to pay for	What to skip
Office work and browsing	1440p, comfortable size, a height-adjustable stand	Very high refresh rates
PC gaming	1440p at 144Hz or higher, adaptive sync (FreeSync or G-SYNC)	4K unless your graphics card can run it
Photo and video editing	High resolution and good color coverage	Gaming features you will not use
PS5 or other consoles	4K, HDMI 2.1, VRR, 120Hz	1440p-only panels if you want VRR

Samsung on refresh rate: Samsung says some casual games can be enjoyed at 60Hz, but recommends 144Hz or higher for a smoother experience, and calls 144Hz an accepted middle ground over 60Hz. Its Odyssey line goes up to 360Hz with 0.03ms (GtG) response times at the top end, according to Samsung, which is far more than most buyers need.

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What is the best monitor for PS5?

The best monitor for PS5 is a 4K monitor with HDMI 2.1 and VRR support, ideally at 120Hz. Here is what Sony has published about PS5 display output:

• VRR needs HDMI 2.1. Sony says VRR rolled out to PS5 in April 2022 and works on HDMI 2.1 VRR-compatible TVs and PC monitors. It syncs the display's refresh rate to the console's output, which Sony says makes gameplay smoother and reduces input lag in supported games.
• 1440p works, but without VRR. Sony added 1440p HDMI output in a September 2022 update. It needs a TV or PC monitor that supports 1440p at 60Hz, or 1440p at 60Hz and 120Hz. Sony also says VRR on PS5 supports 1080p and 4K output but not 1440p.
• 4K and HDR. Sony's PS5 page highlights 4K graphics and HDR in compatible games.
• PS5 Pro. On Sony's PS5 Pro page, some games render at 1440p and upscale to 4K with PSSR, and one developer notes its high frame rate mode needs 120Hz display support.

So for PS5, pick 4K plus HDMI 2.1 plus 120Hz if your budget allows. A 1440p monitor at 120Hz is a fair budget choice, but you give up VRR on PS5.

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Best monitor for PS5: LG vs Samsung price comparison for 2026

LG and Samsung both make 4K gaming monitors that suit PS5, so the better buy is the one with the right ports at the lower price on the day you buy. Compare like for like:

1. Same size and resolution. A 27-inch 4K monitor and a 32-inch 4K monitor are different products.
2. HDMI 2.1 on the spec sheet. Check the HDMI version on the product page, not just "4K 144Hz", since a monitor can reach 144Hz over DisplayPort only.
3. VRR and 120Hz over HDMI. Look for HDMI 2.1 VRR support in the specs.
4. Price including tax and delivery. Then compare the brand's own store with big retailers.

What each brand offers, at the time of writing:

• LG sells its UltraGear gaming monitors direct at its US store. According to ShopBack's LG page, UltraGear monitors usually carry a 1 to 3 year warranty depending on the model, and LG runs a free MyLG Rewards program.
• Samsung sells its Odyssey gaming monitors, ViewFinity high-resolution monitors and Smart Monitors direct. Samsung says its Odyssey range spans sizes up to 57 inches and resolutions from FHD to Dual UHD, and that its OLED monitors include burn-in coverage in a 3 year warranty.

Best Buy also stocks LG and Samsung gaming monitors, which is useful for seeing them side by side. For the brand stores, open the LG page on ShopBack or the Samsung page on ShopBack before you check out.

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Dell vs LG: best monitor price comparison for 2026

Dell and LG both cover office, creator and gaming monitors, so compare them on the exact specs you need and the total price. According to ShopBack's Dell page, Dell sells UltraSharp monitors alongside its laptops and desktops, and its Alienware brand covers gaming. LG covers gaming with UltraGear and also sells everyday and high-resolution monitors.

Points to compare beyond the price:

• Warranty and panel support. Check the warranty length and what it covers on the product page.
• Member programs. According to ShopBack's Dell page, Dell Rewards is free to join and pays rewards toward future Dell purchases. LG runs MyLG Rewards. Both change their terms, so check the brand site.
• Trade-in. ShopBack's Dell page notes that Dell's trade-in program accepts working monitors, laptops and desktops in exchange for a Dell Promo eGift Card.

Monitors from Dell, LG and Samsung are all on ShopBack US. Other electronics stores on ShopBack US include Best Buy and Newegg.

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Best monitor deals in the US in 2026: how to pay less

The best monitor deals in 2026 come from comparing the same model across stores, timing big sales and going through ShopBack before you check out. Follow the same four steps every time.

1. Step 1: compare prices. Check the brand store and big retailers for the same model number.
2. Step 2: look for a promo code. Check the brand's own offers.
3. Step 3: go through ShopBack. Open the store's page on ShopBack US and activate it before you check out.
4. Step 4: pay with your best rewards card. Use the card that earns the most on electronics.

Going through ShopBack gets you a cash rebate on the same order, at the same store. Your effective price is the order total minus the Cashback, at the rate shown on the store's ShopBack page.

Order on the brand's website. Go through ShopBack, then complete the order on the brand's website.

Sale timing. Big US events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, back-to-school and brand sales usually bring the deepest monitor discounts. Dates change every year, so check before you wait. For consoles and timing, see whether Black Friday is a good time to buy a PS5.

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Card rewards and ShopBack on the same monitor order

You can usually earn your credit card's rewards and ShopBack's cash on the same order, because they come from different places. Your card issuer pays rewards on what it charges you, and ShopBack pays its cash on the order. Some cards code electronics stores differently, so check your card terms.

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Why Cashback works like a discount

Cashback lowers what you actually pay for an order. It comes back as cash, so it works like a discount on the price, not like points or miles. Brand rewards are usually spent at that brand; ShopBack cash can be withdrawn.

Your effective price is what you paid at checkout minus the cash that came back. For more on budgets, see how much to spend on a decent gaming monitor. ShopBack US is free to join.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best monitor for the money?

For most US buyers, the best monitor for the money is a 1440p screen with a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher. Samsung's own buying advice names 144Hz or higher and 1440p or 4K as the features to look for in a gaming monitor. Pay for 4K only if you sit close to a large screen or connect a console.

What is the best monitor for PS5?

The best monitor for PS5 is a 4K monitor with HDMI 2.1 and VRR support. Sony says PS5 VRR works on HDMI 2.1 VRR-compatible TVs and PC monitors, and that VRR supports 1080p and 4K output but not 1440p. A 120Hz panel lets you use 120Hz modes in games that offer them.

Does PS5 support 1440p monitors?

Yes. Sony added 1440p HDMI output in a September 2022 system update. Sony says it needs a TV or PC monitor that supports 1440p at 60Hz, or 1440p at 60Hz and 120Hz. VRR does not work at 1440p on PS5, so a 4K monitor gets more of the console's features.

Do I need HDMI 2.1 for PS5?

You need HDMI 2.1 for PS5 VRR, according to Sony, which says VRR works on HDMI 2.1 VRR-compatible TVs and PC monitors. The PS5 still works with older HDMI displays, but without VRR.

What refresh rate should a monitor have in 2026?

Samsung recommends 144Hz or higher for smooth gaming and says some casual games are fine at 60Hz. For office work 60Hz to 100Hz is plenty. For a console, pick 120Hz, since Sony notes some PS5 game modes need 120Hz display support.

Dell vs LG vs Samsung: which monitor brand is best?

Each leads in different areas. Dell is known for its UltraSharp monitors and its Alienware gaming brand, LG for its UltraGear gaming monitors, and Samsung for its Odyssey gaming line, ViewFinity high-resolution line and Smart Monitors. Compare the same size, resolution and refresh rate on price.

Is an OLED monitor worth it?

OLED is known for deep blacks and fast response, but it costs more and raises burn-in questions. Samsung says its OLED monitors use OLED Safeguard+ and include burn-in coverage in a 3 year warranty. Check the warranty terms of any OLED monitor before you buy.

When is the best time to buy a monitor?

Big US sale events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, back-to-school and brand sales such as Dell's seasonal sales usually bring the deepest monitor discounts. Dates change every year, so check the brand's site before you wait.

Can I use a promo code and ShopBack on the same monitor order?

Any promo codes come from the store or brand itself. No code is needed for Cashback: go through ShopBack before you pay.

Is Cashback the same as rewards points?

No. Cashback lowers what you actually pay for an order. It comes back as cash, so it works like a discount on the price, not like points or miles. ShopBack US is free to join.

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Related reads

Check ShopBack before you check out at: Dell · LG · Samsung

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About this guide

PS5 display facts come from the PlayStation Blog (VRR in April 2022 and 1440p output in September 2022) and Sony's PS5 and PS5 Pro pages. Monitor buying advice, Odyssey specs and OLED warranty terms come from Samsung's US monitor pages. Dell and LG program details come from their pages on ShopBack US. Rates change, so this guide points to the live rate on each store's ShopBack page instead of quoting one.

Disclaimer

The views and recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author. Monitor specs, prices, warranties, and rewards programs vary by model, store and time and are subject to change. Check the product page, the brand's terms and the live rate on each store's ShopBack US page before you buy. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or financial advice.