Choose by Xbox 4K120, Laptop USB-C, and Audio Needs
For an Xbox-plus-laptop desk, Dell is the straightforward pick when Xbox 4K120 and built-in sound matter: use HDMI 1 for Xbox and HDMI 2 or DisplayPort for the laptop, then select the source in the OSD. ASUS suits a buyer who accepts QHD120 on Xbox and wants USB-C DisplayPort video from a compatible laptop: connect Xbox to HDMI and laptop to USB-C or DisplayPort. Keep a separate laptop charger with ASUS, and plan external audio because it has no built-in speakers. These are documented feature-fit recommendations, not hands-on switching tests.
Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-09-28 · Updated 2026-09-28
Source checked 2026-09-27 23:44 UTC
Products compared
Product A · ASIN B0F1GF1KFC
Dell S2725QS 27-inch 4K Monitor (Ash White)
Last observed offer
$279.99 List Price: $299.99
Per listed package.
Offer eligibility must be confirmed on Amazon.
Checked 2026-10-19 07:21 UTC. Price and availability may change.
Product B · ASIN B0CV24GQ9W
ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS 27-inch QHD Monitor (Black)
Last observed offer
$229.00
Per listed package.
Offer eligibility must be confirmed on Amazon.
Checked 2026-10-19 07:05 UTC. Price and availability may change.
Pickoryx may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through the paid Amazon links on this page, at no added cost to you.
The buying question
Which monitor can keep both devices connected, what input should each use, and what power or audio equipment will the laptop setup still need?
Dell provides 4K120 HDMI inputs and built-in speakers; ASUS provides USB-C laptop video and a documented QHD120 timing but gives up Xbox 4K120, laptop-level USB-C charging, and built-in speakers.
Quick verdict
Choose Dell S2725QS 27-inch 4K Monitor (Ash White) if
- You want Xbox Series X at 4K up to 120 Hz over HDMI and can connect the laptop separately by HDMI or DisplayPort.
- You want the display's built-in 2 x 5 W speakers for basic sound from the desk setup.
- You want two HDMI inputs available so the Xbox and laptop can remain connected without swapping a cable.
Choose ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS 27-inch QHD Monitor (Black) if
- QHD at 120 Hz is acceptable for Xbox; ASUS's official timing table lists 2560 x 1440 at 120 Hz on HDMI, while RTINGS reports most Xbox signals supported except 4K/120.
- Your laptop supports DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C and you want that video connection while keeping Xbox on HDMI.
- You are comfortable selecting inputs in the OSD and supplying separate laptop power and audio equipment as needed.
When the recommendation changes
- If Xbox 4K120 is a must, prefer Dell because ASUS XG27ACS does not accept 4K120 from Xbox.
- If the laptop must receive charging from the display, do not treat either as a charging dock; ASUS specifies only 7.5 W USB-C power delivery, and Dell has no USB-C video/power input.
- If built-in sound is required, Dell has 2 x 5 W speakers while ASUS lists no speakers; ASUS does include an earphone jack.
The differences that matter
Xbox Resolution And Refresh Input
Dell S2725QS 27-inch 4K Monitor (Ash White)
S2725QS supports UHD 3840 x 2160 at 120 Hz on either HDMI input.[1]
What this changes: Dell fits Xbox 4K/120; ASUS fits a QHD/120 signal when 4K/120 is not required. The 180 Hz DP/USB-C PC ceiling is not an Xbox mode promise.[1, 3, 4, 5]
Ports And Osd Input Selection
Dell S2725QS 27-inch 4K Monitor (Ash White)
Two HDMI inputs and one DP input; OSD offers HDMI 1, HDMI 2 and DP selection plus configurable Auto Select behavior.[1]
What this changes: Both provide a separate video input for the laptop while Xbox remains attached, with menu-based source selection.[1, 3]
Laptop Video Power And Audio
What this changes: ASUS can take laptop video over USB-C but is not documented as a laptop-charging dock; Dell provides built-in basic audio but uses HDMI/DP for laptop video.[1, 2, 3, 4]
Best for your routine
Xbox Series X at 4K/120 with the laptop connected as a second source
Best fit: Dell S2725QS 27-inch 4K Monitor (Ash White)
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
Dell's two HDMI inputs support 4K/120; reserve one for Xbox and use the other HDMI or DisplayPort for a laptop, then choose the active input in the OSD.
Xbox QHD/120 plus USB-C laptop video on one monitor
Best fit: ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS 27-inch QHD Monitor (Black)
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
ASUS's timing table includes QHD/120 on HDMI and its USB-C input accepts DP Alt Mode; use HDMI for Xbox and USB-C for a compatible laptop. Keep the laptop's own charger because display USB-C power is 7.5 W.
Laptop must charge from the display and the display must supply built-in sound
The better fit depends on your priorities
Neither monitor fully meets this all-in-one requirement: ASUS specifies 7.5 W USB-C power and no built-in speakers; Dell has speakers but no USB-C video/power port. Choose Dell only if a separate laptop charger and HDMI/DisplayPort connection are acceptable, or ASUS if separate laptop power and external audio are acceptable. Otherwise, choose a display or dock that meets the required charging and audio needs.
Value and trade-offs
One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.
Reassess the live offer only against the features this desk needs: Dell's 4K120 HDMI and speakers versus ASUS's USB-C video and QHD gaming setup. No price observation or premium claim is included here.
No price history was assessed for this research result; there is not enough evidence for a purchase-timing recommendation.
Limitations
- No hands-on setup or input-switching test was performed; port assignment and menu selection are based on exact-model manufacturer manuals.
- ASUS's manual confirms 2560 x 1440 at 120 Hz input timing, and RTINGS reports Xbox compatibility/VRR separately; the combined Xbox HDR, VRR and 120 Hz mode was not established as a single tested mode here.
- A laptop's USB-C port must support DisplayPort Alt Mode to send video to ASUS over USB-C. ASUS specifies only 7.5 W Power Delivery; confirm the laptop's requirements and keep its regular power adapter.
- ASUS lists no built-in speakers but does list an earphone jack. No specific Xbox audio pass-through or KVM/peripheral switching behavior is claimed.
- The RTINGS Xbox guide supplies editorial compatibility context, not a same-condition Dell-versus-ASUS performance test. No universal winner is claimed.
- Current prices, sellers and included cables can change; check the exact listing and the connections your laptop needs before buying.
Questions shoppers ask
Which one should I choose for Xbox Series X at 4K/120?
Dell S2725QS. Dell specifies 4K/120 support on both HDMI inputs. RTINGS says Xbox 4K/120 requires HDMI 2.1 bandwidth; its XG27ACS guide section excludes that signal and names Dell as a higher-cost 4K alternative.
Can I keep both an Xbox and laptop connected?
Yes. On Dell, connect Xbox to HDMI 1 and laptop to HDMI 2 or DisplayPort. On ASUS, connect Xbox to HDMI and a DP Alt Mode laptop to USB-C, or use DisplayPort for a laptop. Use the monitor's Input Select menu; the manuals also describe auto-select/detection.
Does ASUS XG27ACS USB-C charge a laptop or provide speaker sound?
The manual specifies DP Alt Mode and 7.5 W power delivery, so keep the laptop's usual charger unless its power needs are separately confirmed. ASUS lists no built-in speakers, though it does list an earphone jack. Dell has built-in 2 x 5 W speakers.
Methodology and sources
Compared exact-model published input timings, physical video inputs, OSD source selection, USB-C power, and audio output. The verdict is conditional feature fit; no simultaneous mode or performance comparison was tested.
AI-assisted research and drafting based on manufacturer manuals, specifications and an independent Xbox compatibility guide. Pickoryx did not test these monitors.
View 5 sources
- 1.Dell S 27 4K Monitor S2725QS User's GuideDell · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-09-27 23:44 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Cover/model p.1; product features p.7; connectivity p.12; HDMI timing p.14; Input Source and Auto Select pp.38-39: Exact S2725QS guide documents HDMI/DisplayPort inputs, 4K120 HDMI timing, integrated 2 x 5 W speakers, and OSD input selection and auto-select behavior.
- 2.Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor - S2725QSDell USA · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-09-27 23:44 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Tech Specs: video, audio and interface/port details: Exact US S2725QS page confirms 4K120 resolution, 2 HDMI 2.1 inputs, one DisplayPort, and integrated 2 x 5 W speakers.
- 3.ASUS LCD Monitor XG Series User Guide (XG27ACS)ASUS · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-09-27 23:44 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Ports p.13; Input Select p.24; specifications p.27; supported timing list pp.30-31: Exact model manual documents HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C DP Alt Mode with 7.5 W PD, earphone output, input selection/auto detection, input frequency limits, and QHD120 timing on all three signal inputs.
- 4.ROG Strix XG27ACS Tech SpecsASUS ROG USA · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-09-27 23:44 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Display, I/O Ports, Signal Frequency, Audio: Exact US XG27ACS page confirms 2560 x 1440, HDMI 2.0, USB-C DP Alt Mode at 7.5 W, HDMI 144 Hz / DP and USB-C 180 Hz input frequency, earphone jack, and no speakers.
- 5.The 6 Best Monitors For Xbox Series X of 2026RTINGS.com · Independent testing · Source checked 2026-09-27 23:44 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- Intro lines 31-33; ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS Xbox section lines 366-425: The guide says Xbox can use HDMI 2.1 for 4K up to 120 Hz and identifies 120 Hz as the console maximum. It describes XG27ACS as a 1440p Xbox-compatible monitor with VRR and most console signals except 4K/120, and names Dell S2725QS as a more expensive 4K alternative. This is not a same-condition bilateral performance test.