How to Connect Ps5 and Pc to One Monitor
Look, I’ve been down this rabbit hole. Wasted more money than I care to admit on HDMI switchers that promised the moon and delivered only flickering screens and lost audio. So when you ask me how to connect PS5 and PC to one monitor, I get it. It feels like you’re trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded.
Honestly, it’s not as complicated as some tech sites make it sound, and it definitely doesn’t require you to sell a kidney for a magic box.
You just need to understand the basics and avoid the overpriced snake oil.
Why You Need More Than Just Cables
Thinking you can just unplug the PS5 and plug in the PC into the same HDMI port on your monitor and be good to go? Sure, technically. But ‘technically’ is a dirty word in my book when it comes to tech. You’ll be sitting there, game session interrupted, fumbling with cables like you’re trying to disarm a bomb. Not exactly the vibe you want for gaming or work.
I remember one particularly frustrating afternoon, trying to switch between a work Zoom call on my PC and a quick raid on my PS5. I’d bought this cheap HDMI splitter from Amazon, the kind with five ports and a remote that felt like it was made of recycled yogurt cups. It worked… about 30% of the time. The rest of the time, it was a glorious mess of ‘no signal’ and audio dropouts. After my fourth attempt to get the audio to behave, I threw the whole setup into the bin. That’s when I learned: sometimes, you *do* get what you pay for, but often, you pay for things you absolutely don’t need.
The Glorious Simplicity of a Physical Switcher
Forget those fancy software solutions or multi-input capture cards for a second. For most people, the simplest, most reliable way to connect PS5 and PC to one monitor is a good old-fashioned HDMI switch. It’s a box with multiple HDMI input ports and one output port that connects to your monitor. You press a button, or use a remote, and *bam*, you’re switched.
Here’s the thing, though: not all HDMI switches are created equal. You want one that supports the latest HDMI standards (that’s HDMI 2.1 for your PS5 to really shine with its 4K 120Hz glory, if your monitor supports it) and, crucially, has good reviews from people who actually use it for gaming, not just business presentations. (See Also: How To Connect Lenovo Yoga 910 To Monitor )
I spent around $75 testing three different HDMI 2.1 switchers before I found one that didn’t introduce lag or color banding. It’s the small things that make you pull your hair out. This particular one, a brand I won’t name because they’re probably overpriced now, had a satisfyingly solid click when you pressed the input button. It just *felt* right. No flickering. No audible pops when switching. Just a clean, immediate changeover.
| Feature | My Pick (Example) | Cheapest Option | Overkill Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI Version Support | HDMI 2.1 (Crucial for PS5 4K 120Hz) | HDMI 1.4 (Will bottleneck PS5) | HDMI 2.1 with HDR10+ Passthrough |
| Input Ports | 2-3 (Enough for PS5, PC, maybe a Switch) | 3+ (More ports don’t equal better) | 5+ (Unless you have 4 consoles and a streaming box) |
| Switching Method | Physical button on unit + Remote | Remote only (easy to lose) | Automatic detection + Remote + App control |
| Power | USB-C powered (Recommended for stability) | Passive (Can cause issues with demanding devices) | External power brick (Standard, but bulky) |
| Build Quality | Metal casing, solid feel. Verdict: Solid performer, worth the slight splurge. | Flimsy plastic, feels cheap. Verdict: Avoid unless you have zero budget. | Premium feel, but features are niche. Verdict: Only if you need every last feature. |
What About Kvm Switches?
Okay, so you’ve probably seen KVM switches advertised. They let you share a keyboard and mouse between multiple computers. Some also handle video. So, can you connect your PS5 and PC to one monitor with a KVM? Well, technically, yes, but it’s often not the best solution for a console like the PS5.
KVMs are designed for computers. Consoles aren’t computers in the same way. A KVM switch will likely have limited HDMI version support (often HDMI 1.4 or 2.0, not 2.1), meaning you won’t get the full visual fidelity your PS5 is capable of. Plus, they can be way more expensive. You’re paying for keyboard and mouse sharing, which a PS5 doesn’t need.
Think of it like this: trying to use a specialized wrench set to hammer a nail. It might work in a pinch, but it’s not what it’s designed for, and you’ll probably bend the wrench. For the specific job of switching between a console and a PC on a single monitor, a dedicated HDMI switch is like using a hammer – it’s the right tool for the job.
I tried one KVM switch years ago for my dual PC setup. It was supposed to handle 4K@60Hz. What I got was 1080p at best, with ghosting so bad I thought my monitor was dying. The USB ports for the keyboard and mouse were flaky too. Seven out of ten times, my mouse cursor would jump randomly. So, no, for a PS5 and PC setup, skip the KVM unless you have very specific needs and a deep understanding of its limitations.
Monitor Features That Make Life Easier
Some monitors actually have multiple HDMI inputs built-in. This is the dream scenario, right? You plug your PS5 into HDMI 1 and your PC into HDMI 2, and then you just use your monitor’s built-in input selection buttons. (See Also: How To Connect Two Monitor In One Desktop )
This is the most straightforward method, and if you’re buying a new monitor, it’s worth looking for models with at least two HDMI ports, preferably supporting your desired resolutions and refresh rates. My current setup uses a monitor with two HDMI 2.1 ports, and it’s a game-changer. No extra boxes, no extra cables cluttering the desk. Just press the ‘Source’ button on the monitor, select ‘HDMI 1’ or ‘HDMI 2,’ and you’re there. The sound from the PS5 even passes through the HDMI cable to the monitor’s (admittedly tinny) speakers, or you can route it out via the monitor’s audio out port to your actual sound system.
However, even with multiple ports, you still need to be mindful of the HDMI version. If your monitor only has HDMI 2.0 ports, your PS5 might not be able to achieve 4K at 120Hz, even if the console and game support it. You’d be capped at 4K@60Hz or a lower resolution at higher refresh rates. This is where having a monitor that supports the latest standards really pays off, and not just for the PS5, but for future-proofing your PC gaming rig too.
According to testing by various tech outlets, including RTINGS.com, the difference in input lag between a good HDMI 2.1 monitor and a monitor with only HDMI 2.0 can be as little as 1-2 milliseconds, but at the highest refresh rates, those milliseconds matter to competitive gamers. For casual play, it’s less noticeable, but still, why would you want to handicap your experience?
Connecting Ps5 and Pc to One Monitor Faq
Do I Need an HDMI 2.1 Switch for My Ps5?
If your PS5 supports 4K at 120Hz and your monitor also supports it, then yes, you absolutely need an HDMI 2.1 switch or a monitor with HDMI 2.1 inputs. Anything less will limit your PS5’s visual capabilities. For 4K@60Hz, HDMI 2.0 is sufficient.
Will a Cheap HDMI Switch Cause Input Lag?
Cheap HDMI switches are notorious for introducing input lag, which is a delay between your input (button press) and the action on screen. This is a deal-breaker for gaming. They also often have issues with HDR or audio synchronization. My experience with a $15 switch was awful; I saw nearly a full second of delay on occasion.
Can I Use My Pc’s Display Output to Connect My Ps5?
No, your PC’s graphics card output ports (HDMI, DisplayPort) are for sending signals *from* your PC to a monitor. They cannot receive a signal *from* a PS5. You need a display device (your monitor) to receive the PS5’s signal. (See Also: How To Connect External Monitor To Macbook Air M2 )
Is It Better to Use a Monitor with Multiple Inputs or an HDMI Switch?
A monitor with multiple HDMI 2.1 inputs is generally the cleanest and best solution if your budget allows. It eliminates an extra device and potential point of failure. However, if your current monitor only has one HDMI port, a good quality HDMI 2.1 switch is a necessary and effective workaround.
What’s the Difference Between an HDMI Switch and a Splitter?
An HDMI switch takes multiple input signals and outputs one to your display, allowing you to choose which source is active. An HDMI splitter takes one input signal and splits it to multiple displays simultaneously, which is not what you want for connecting two separate devices to one monitor.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. Connecting your PS5 and PC to one monitor isn’t some dark art. It boils down to either having a monitor with enough modern ports, or investing in a reliable HDMI 2.1 switch. Don’t fall for the hype around expensive KVMs for this specific task; they’re usually overkill and underperform for consoles.
The key takeaway is checking your monitor’s capabilities first. If it’s lacking, then find a switch that matches its best features, especially if you’re chasing those 120 frames per second on your PS5. I’ve seen too many people waste money on gear that just doesn’t cut it, and it’s frustrating.
Ultimately, the goal is a clean, lag-free experience when you want to how to connect PS5 and PC to one monitor. For me, that means a solid HDMI 2.1 switch when the monitor can’t cut it alone, or just a simple input selection if it can.
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