Best Budget Monitor for PS5 and Xbox Series S: 2025 Top Picks

So, you finally got your hands on a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S. Lekker! But are you still plugging it into that old TV in the lounge? You're missing out on the speed and smoothness your new console was built for. A dedicated gaming monitor is the single biggest upgrade you can make, and it doesn't have to break the bank. Let's find you the best budget monitor for your PS5 or Xbox Series S in South Africa.

Why Your TV is Bottlenecking Your Console

Your powerful new console can push out up to 120 frames per second (FPS). Most standard TVs, however, are stuck at 60Hz. This means your screen can only refresh 60 times per second, effectively throwing away half the frames your console is producing. The result? You lose that buttery-smooth motion and gain input lag... not ideal for landing headshots in Warzone or nailing a perfect corner in Forza.

A proper gaming monitor syncs up with your console's output, giving you a massive competitive advantage and a far more immersive experience. It's time to see what you've been missing.

Key Specs for the Best Budget Console Monitor

Navigating monitor specs can feel like a mission, but for a PS5 or Xbox Series S, you only need to focus on a few key things to find a brilliant, affordable display.

Resolution: 1080p is the Sweet Spot

While 4K is amazing, achieving it at high frame rates requires some serious cash. For budget-conscious gamers, a Full HD (1920x1080) monitor is perfect. It allows your console to easily hit that 120 FPS target, prioritising smoothness over raw pixel count. This is especially true for the Xbox Series S, which targets 1080p/1440p for most games.

Refresh Rate: 120Hz or More is Non-Negotiable

This is the big one. A 120Hz (or higher) refresh rate is the minimum you should look for. This ensures you can take full advantage of your console's "Performance Mode" in games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Apex Legends. The difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is something you have to see to believe. It's a true night-and-day improvement. 🚀

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): The Secret to Smoothness

Ever notice your screen stuttering or tearing when the action gets intense? That's because your console's frame rate is fluctuating while your monitor's refresh rate is fixed. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) solves this by allowing the monitor to adjust its refresh rate in real-time to match the console's output.

Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S support VRR, which makes gameplay incredibly smooth. Look for monitors with AMD FreeSync, as this is the most common standard that works flawlessly with consoles. Many displays simply list this as Adaptive Sync, which does the same job. While G-Sync is an NVIDIA technology, many "G-Sync Compatible" monitors also support VRR on consoles.

Our Top Budget-Friendly Brand Picks for 2025

Finding the perfect affordable monitor for your Xbox Series S or PS5 means looking at brands that deliver performance without the premium price tag. Here in South Africa, a few stand out for consistently offering great value.

• AOC: Often leading the charge in the value-for-money category, AOC monitors frequently offer high refresh rates and fast response times at prices that are hard to beat. They are a go-to choice for gamers on a tight budget.
• Dahua: While known for security tech, Dahua's gaming monitors have become a fantastic budget option, packing essential gaming features into a very affordable package. ✨
• HP: Don't sleep on HP's gaming lineup. Their displays often provide excellent colour accuracy and build quality, making them a reliable and solid choice. An HP gaming monitor can be a great all-rounder for both gaming and daily use.

Ultimately, the best budget monitor for your PS5 or Xbox Series S is one that hits that 120Hz sweet spot with VRR support, transforming your gaming sessions from choppy to incredibly fluid.