PS5 120Hz vs 144Hz (2025) – What’s Better for PlayStation 5 Gaming?

If you’re upgrading your gaming setup for PlayStation 5, one of the biggest questions is:

“Should I get a 120Hz monitor or a 144Hz monitor for PS5?”

Here’s the short answer: The PS5 tops out at 120Hz — BUT a 144Hz monitor can still be the smarter purchase.

This guide breaks down refresh rate, performance, features, compatibility, future-proofing and the best monitors to buy right now.

⭐ Quick Verdict

For PS5 gaming, 120Hz is the official max refresh rate. The console cannot output 144Hz.

However… buying a 144Hz monitor is still smart because:

144Hz monitors are often better quality
They support PC gaming at 144Hz
You get HDMI 2.1 models with VRR and better HDR

Best overall PS5 monitor:
ASUS TUF VG27AQ — 144Hz IPS gaming monitor

Best budget PS5 monitor:
AOC 24G2 — 144Hz esports monitor

120Hz vs 144Hz: Quick Comparison (PS5)

Feature	120Hz Mode (PS5)	144Hz Monitor (with PS5)
Supported by PS5?	Yes — official max	Runs at 120Hz on PS5
Smoothness	Very smooth	Same smoothness on PS5
Best Feature	Guaranteed compatibility	Usually better colors, HDR, VRR
Best Use Case	PS5-only setups	PS5 + PC or future upgrades

Deep Dive: Should PS5 Gamers Choose 120Hz or 144Hz?

1. Does PS5 Support 144Hz?

No — PS5 games cap at 120Hz max.

But good news: A 144Hz monitor automatically runs PS5 content at 120Hz using HDMI 2.0/2.1.

2. Should You Buy a 120Hz Monitor?

Choose a native 120Hz monitor if you want:

Guaranteed full compatibility
The lowest prices
A simple PS5-only setup

Top 120Hz pick:
ASUS TUF VG27AQ

3. Should You Buy a 144Hz Monitor?

144Hz monitors are often:

Higher quality
Better for PC gaming
Better colors
Better HDR performance

Top 144Hz pick:
AOC 24G2

4. Which Is Better for Competitive FPS?

If you play:

Fortnite
Call of Duty
Apex Legends
Overwatch
Rocket League

You want the fastest possible motion clarity. Both 120Hz and 144Hz monitors perform similarly on PS5 (since PS5 outputs 120Hz max).

But the best esports monitors tend to be 144Hz+, making them better long-term buys.

5. Color, HDR & Image Quality Differences

Most 120Hz monitors are older IPS/VA panels with basic HDR.

Most 144Hz monitors (2023-2025) include:

HDR10/HDR600
Better color coverage (sRGB/DCI-P3)
Better brightness

Winner: 144Hz monitors

Final Verdict: 120Hz vs 144Hz for PS5

🎮 Best Choice for Most PS5 Gamers → Buy a 144Hz Monitor

You get better image quality, better future-proofing, and perfect PS5 compatibility (120Hz). It’s the best blend of performance + value.

→ Recommended 144Hz Monitor (AOC 24G2)

💰 Best Budget Option → 120Hz Monitor

Perfect if you’re only using PS5 and want to keep the cost low.

Ready to upgrade your PS5 setup?
→ Shop PS5 Gaming Monitors on Amazon

PS5: 120Hz vs 144Hz — What’s the Best Refresh Rate for PlayStation 5 in 2025?