The best 4K monitor can completely transform your viewing and gaming experience if you’re upgrading your display. The difference isn’t just in the number of pixels but also in image quality, color accuracy, level of detail, brightness, and contrast.
That said, there are hundreds of different 4K monitor models, so it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Some models are better suited for gaming on PC or console, while others are best used as mounted screens for your home theater. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve reviewed the best 4K monitors on the market. We’ll help you narrow down your options and ensure you get a new 4K monitor that suits your needs.
The Top 4K Monitors Ranked for 2024
Here’s a quick rundown of the best 4K monitors for this year so you can see what each of our shortlisted models excel in:
- Samsung UR59 — The best 4K computer monitor overall, with content upscaling and a dedicated Game Mode, capable of displaying over 1 billion color hues.
- Philips Brilliance 279P1 — Excellent work monitor with USB-C docking, so you can charge your laptop, notebook, or peripherals while using it.
- Dell S2721QS — An elegant and versatile monitor, great for multitasking, thanks to its dual HDMI support and Picture-by-Picture capability.
- ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q — Mid-range gaming monitor with a wide variety of gaming settings and HDR 10 support for enhanced brightness and better contrast.
- LG 32UQ750 — High-end multipurpose monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 and USB-C support, and a variety of gaming features.
- ViewSonic ELITE XG320U — Premium gaming monitor with an extremely large color gamut, superb High Dynamic Range, and a refresh rate of up to 150Hz.
- INNOCN 27G1V — A solid option for gamers, with a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium support.
- AOC U27G3X — The best 4K gaming monitor for gaming on PC and console, with a super-fast response time, great color accuracy, and dual HDMI connectivity.
- ViewSonic VP2756-4K — Competitively priced, with superb color accuracy and 100% sRGB color coverage – ideal for photo editing, videography, and graphic design.
- Acer EI322QK Abmiiiphx — Superb entry-level curved 4K monitor for less than $300, with four HDMI ports for easy switching between different devices.
- Z-Edge U28I4K — Super affordable multipurpose monitor with VESA mount support – perfect if you’re looking for a 4K UHD display for your home theater.
- Dell SE3223Q — An ideal choice for your home office, with excellent sRGB color coverage, dual HDMI connectivity, and Picture-by-Picture for effortless multitasking.
What’s the Best Size for a 4K Monitor?
There are a range of options for the size of 4K monitors, but the general consensus is that you should opt for at least 27″ in order to make the most of the monitors’ capabilities. On the top end of the scale, 32″ should generally be the maximum if you’re planning on sitting at a computer desk. Anything above that is likely too wide, so you won’t be able to fully take in all the details on the screen.
That said, there are two exceptions to this general rule of thumb. If you plan on using the monitor primarily to watch TV shows and movies or play on a console, you can go for as much as 43″ since you’ll be sitting further away from the screen.
How Do the Best 4K Gaming Monitors Compare to 4K TVs?
Although both 4K gaming monitors and 4K TVs support the same screen resolution, there’s a reason why you wouldn’t use a TV as your gaming monitor. While the picture quality and the color gamut of 4K TVs are excellent, they usually have a slightly lower refresh rate than gaming monitors since you don’t really need a 165Hz refresh rate to watch a movie or TV show.
On the other hand, response time is crucial for gaming monitors since you want your character to immediately execute an action the instant you press a key on your keyboard or click your mouse. That’s why the best gaming monitors need to have low input lag, high refresh rates, and response times under 1 ms.
So, if you’re a gamer, there’s really no downside to buying a dedicated gaming monitor, as even the best budget 4K gaming monitor will outperform a 4K TV. You can also always use it to stream your favorite movies and TV shows as well since it has the same capabilities as a 4K TV. Plus, with most providers offering online TV streaming, you’ll have access to the same TV channels on your PC as well.
The Best Computer Monitors Reviewed
Here are our in-depth reviews of the best computer monitors for 2024, so you can see what different models offer for the price and make an informed decision.
1. Samsung UR59 — The Best 4K Computer Monitor Overall
The Samsung UR59 is a breathtaking, feature-rich 32″ curved computer monitor with 4K Ultra HD resolution, versatile connectivity options, and next-gen eye care, making it a perfect option for work, gaming, and entertainment.
In addition to a high level of detail and excellent color accuracy when viewing HDR content, the Samsung UR59 is also capable of upscaling SD, HD, and Full HD content to Ultra High Definition resolution, so you can enjoy near-4K Ultra HD image quality, whether you’re watching your favorite TV show or gaming.
Price | Screen Size | Aspect Ratio | Panel Type | Response Time | Refresh Rate | G-Sync or FreeSync |
From $385 | 32″ | 16:9 | LCD | 4ms | 60Hz | N/A |
Thanks to the monitor’s 1500R curvature, it provides excellent viewing angles, so you’ll enjoy a more realistic, true-to-life viewing experience without missing even the smallest of details.
The monitor supports over a billion color hues and a 2,500:1 contrast ratio, so you’ll be able to enjoy bright, vivid, true-to-life colors. This makes the Samsung UR59 the best 32-inch 4K monitor on our list.
The Samsung UR59 also offers a dedicated Game Mode, which automatically optimizes contrast based on what’s happening in-game, giving you a competitive edge by revealing details in darker areas of the screen, so you can spot enemies hiding in wait.
Another key advantage of the UR59 over regular monitors is the ability to connect it to two devices simultaneously and utilize its Picture-by-Picture capabilities to view input from both of them simultaneously. You can connect it to your PC, TV, laptop, or console, using both HDMI and DisplayPort, and effortlessly multitask or switch between different devices.
Additionally, the monitor features an EyeSaver mode and comes with Flicker-Free technology, allowing you to work, watch your favorite content, or game for extended periods of time with significantly reduced strain on your eyes. All of this makes it the best 4K curved gaming monitor on our list.
Pros
- Curved 32″ display with superb viewing angles
- Over 1 billion color hues and true-to-life colors
- Excellent connectivity options and Picture-by-Picture support
- Dedicated Game Mode with automatic contrast optimization
- Reduced eye fatigue and blue light emission
Cons
- No G-Sync or FreeSync
- No USB ports
2. Philips Brilliance 279P1 — Excellent Work Monitor With USB-C Docking
The Philips Brilliance 279P1 is a 4K Ultra HD monitor with an IPS panel with a smart ergonomic base, letting you adjust the monitor for absolute comfort and protecting your eyesight with TUV Rheinland eye comfort technology.
The monitor has a wide color gamut and excellent viewing angles, so it’s a great option for professionals who need extremely detailed images and videos, such as people working with AutoCAD, 3D modeling software, and photo and video editing programs.
Price | Screen Size | Aspect Ratio | Panel Type | Response Time | Refresh Rate | G-Sync or FreeSync |
From $405 | 27″ | 16:9 | IPS | 4ms | 60Hz | N/A |
The monitor supports USB-C docking, reducing cable clutter and allowing you to charge your laptop, notebook, or wireless keyboard and mouse while using the monitor. Other neat features are the LightSensor which automatically adjusts the brightness based on the level of atmospheric light, and the Hideaway PowerSensor, which can help cut energy costs by a whopping 80%.
The monitor has a decent response time at 4ms, but its refresh rate is capped at 60Hz, and it doesn’t offer AdaptiveSync, so while it’s a great choice for work and content streaming – and the size makes it perhaps the best 4K portable monitor on our list – we wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for gamers.
Pros
- Best 27-inch 4K monitor
- Excellent viewing angles and accurate color gamut
- USB-C docking
- Smart sensors that adjust brightness and save energy
- A 4-year warranty
Cons
- 60Hz refresh rate and no AdaptiveSync
3. Dell S2721QS — An Elegant and Versatile Monitor, Great for Multitasking
The Dell S2721QS is a gorgeous, stylish computer monitor with ultra-thin bezels, offering a fully immersive viewing and gaming experience. This model supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, so you can expect rich, true-to-life colors, great contrast, and brighter highlights.
This elegant monitor fits into virtually any desktop PC setup, so it can be used as both a work monitor for photo and video editing, as well as a gaming monitor. It also features an adjustable stand with tilt, swivel, and pivot features, so you can easily configure it for maximum comfort.
Price | Screen Size | Aspect Ratio | Panel Type | Response Time | Refresh Rate | G-Sync or FreeSync |
From $249.99 | 27″ | 16:9 | IPS | 4ms | 60Hz | AMD FreeSync |
The Dell S2721QS is a great console and TV monitor due to its dual-HDMI compatibility. You can have two devices plugged in simultaneously and seamlessly switch between them at the push of a button. While the 27″ screen size might not be ideal for a dedicated console monitor, it’s still an excellent choice if you’ll be playing PS4, PS5, or Xbox games in your gaming chair at your desk.
Another reason to opt for the Dell S2721QS is its multitasking support. The monitor comes with a built-in Picture-by-Picture (PBP) capability, allowing you to display various types of content or access multiple applications from two different PC sources. This is invaluable if you’re working with multiple resource-intensive applications at once and need to rely on two machines to get work done faster.
When it comes to response times for this monitor, there are three different modes to choose from. The response time in the default “Fast Mode” is 4ms, so we’d only recommend this for content streaming. The other two modes – SuperFast (3ms) and Extreme (1ms) – are better suited for work and gaming.
That said, with a 60Hz refresh rate and some artifacts present in the Extreme mode, the Dell S2721QS isn’t an ideal choice for fast-paced shooter and battle royale games, as you’ll likely notice some blur behind fast-moving objects.
Pros
- Dual HDMI that lets you connect the monitor to two devices
- Picture-by-Picture and Picture-in-Picture capabilities
- Adjustable stand with tilt, swivel, and pivot options
- HDR content support
Cons
- Low refresh rate, not ideal for gaming
4. ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q — Mid-Range Gaming Monitor With a Wide Variety of Gaming Settings
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q is a 28″ gaming monitor with stunning, crisp visuals in 4K Ultra HD resolution and incredible color accuracy for a fully immersive gaming experience. It’s compatible with the HDR10 video standard, ensuring higher brightness levels and better color accuracy than ordinary monitors.
A feature of this monitor gamers will love is the Shadow Boost technology, which sheds light on the darkest places on the map without overexposing bright areas, so you can see even the smallest details and spot enemies hiding in the shadows.
Price | Screen Size | Aspect Ratio | Panel Type | Response Time | Refresh Rate | G-Sync or FreeSync |
From $284.99 | 28″ | 16:9 | IPS-Type LCD | 5ms | 60Hz | AMD FreeSync |
Another unique aspect of the ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q is the GamePlus hotkeys feature, which offers a wide variety of in-game enhancements, such as crosshair type and size, timers, and FPS counters, to help you take your game to the next level.
This monitor uses Flicker-Free and Ultra-Low Blue Light technologies, minimizing the strain on your eyes and drastically reducing the amount of harmful blue light emitted by the display, protecting your eyesight and ensuring you don’t experience eye fatigue even after several hours of playing.
What’s also great about this monitor is that it offers multiple HDR modes and seven preset display modes, so you can easily adjust the monitor’s performance according to the different types of games or the content you’re viewing.
While primarily a gaming monitor, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q is also an excellent choice for streaming HDR video content. You can also use it for graphic design, 3D modeling, image and video editing, and other professions that require a monitor with superb color accuracy.
Pros
- Stunning level of detail and incredible color accuracy
- Best 4K HDR monitor with HDR10 support for higher brightness and better contrast
- Wide variety of gaming modes and settings
- Minimizes eye fatigue and blue light emission
Cons
- Not ideal for first-person shooters
5. LG 32UQ750 — High-End Multipurpose Monitor With a 144Hz Refresh Rate
The LG 32UQ750 is a 31.5″ Ultra High Definition monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, which makes it an excellent option for action-packed PC and console games, color-accurate photo and video editing, and streaming online content.
The monitor supports a wide color spectrum, with a DCI-P3 95% color gamut, so you can expect vibrant, super-accurate, true-to-life colors and great contrast, especially when watching HDR content.
Price | Screen Size | Aspect Ratio | Panel Type | Response Time | Refresh Rate | G-Sync or FreeSync |
From $522 | 31.5″ | 16:9 | VA LCD | 4ms | 144Hz | AMD FreeSync Premium |
The LG 32UQ750 supports both HDMI 2.1 and USB-C, so you can use it for gaming on your PC and console, charge your laptop, and quickly transfer between your laptop, notebook, or phone to your PC.
The monitor comes with OnScreen Control software support, which you can download from the official LG website. The software lets you utilize over a dozen different split-screen options for multitasking, create different presets for various types of content and games, and easily adjust all the monitor settings with a few clicks.
The LG 32UQ750 is a great choice for gamers, given that it supports AMD FreeSync Premium, which syncs your monitor with your GPU and ensures a tear-free experience. It also features Dynamic Action Sync that automatically adjusts to the action on the screen to reduce input lag and give you an edge in fast-paced games.
There’s also the Black Stabilizer technology, which automatically brightens dark areas on the screen, so there’s virtually no chance enemies will sneak up on you by hiding in low-lit areas.
This makes the LG 32UQ750 the best 4K gaming monitor for PS5 and Xbox, provided you’re not sitting too far away from the screen.
Pros
- Best 4K 144Hz monitor
- Wide color gamut for bright, true-to-life colors
- Supports both HDMI 2.1 and USB-C connectivity
- Compatible with LG OnScreen Control
- Offers a variety of gaming features for an enhanced experience
Cons
- Expensive
- VA LCD panel, so viewing angles aren’t perfect
6. ViewSonic ELITE XG320U — Premium Gaming Monitor With an Extremely Large Color Gamut
The ViewSonic ELITE XG320U is a premium 32″ gaming monitor with a 150Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and PureXP Motion Blur reduction for ultra-smooth gameplay.
The monitor features an HDR600 display, meaning it supports High Dynamic Range and peaks at 600 nits of brightness, resulting in brighter highlights and true-to-life images when watching HDR content or playing your favorite games.
Price | Screen Size | Aspect Ratio | Panel Type | Response Time | Refresh Rate | G-Sync or FreeSync |
From $899 | 32″ | 16:9 | IPS | 1ms | 150Hz (overclocked from 144Hz) | AMD FreeSync Premium |
As expected from a premium monitor, the ViewSonic ELITE XG320U offers a wide variety of ergonomic options, so you can easily adjust the high, tilt, and swivel of the monitor or pivot it to use as a second monitor for watching content, interacting with chat while streaming, or reviewing large spreadsheets when working.
It’s compatible with AMD FreeSync Premium as well, so it’s an excellent option for gamers with AMD Radeon graphics cards since it perfectly syncs your monitor and GPU to ensure a smooth, tear-free gaming experience.
In addition to gaming, the ViewSonic ELITE XG320U is a super-solid option for image and video editing as well, given its IPS panel, extremely large color gamut (100% sRGB, 99% Adobe, and 98% DCI-P3 coverage), accurate colors, and great viewing angles.
Pros
- Native 144Hz refresh rate
- Excellent color gamut
- IPS HDR600 display
- Superb gaming performance
- Advanced ergonomic options
Cons
- Expensive
- Overclocked refresh rate cancels out FreeSync
7. INNOCN 27G1V — Solid Option for Gamers, With a 144Hz Refresh Rate and 1ms Response Time
The INNOCN 27G1V is a more affordable gaming option than the ViewSonic model on our list, offering the same 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.
The display on this monitor is an IPS panel with HDR400 support, which is an entry point HDR. While it is a huge improvement over SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) in terms of image sharpness, contrast, and brightness, the hues and nuances are not as pronounced as with HDR600.
Price | Screen Size | Aspect Ratio | Panel Type | Response Time | Refresh Rate | G-Sync or FreeSync |
From $549.99 | 27″ | 16:9 | IPS | 1ms | 144Hz | Both |
Another thing to keep in mind is that this is a 27″ monitor, which is still quite decent for PC gaming but might not be the best option if you’re playing on a console and sitting further back from the screen.
The INNOCN 27G1V also supports both G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium, so it pairs perfectly with virtually any graphics card to eliminate screen tearing, lag, and choppy gameplay and ensure a smooth, stutter-free experience in fast-paced games.
Additionally, this model offers both HDMI 2.0 and USB-C connectivity, so you can connect it to everything from your PC and console to your laptop, tablet, and even Switch.
The INNOCN 27G1V also features built-in dual stereo speakers, so it’s a solid option if you don’t want to invest in standalone PC speakers or are saving up for the best gaming headset.
Pros
- 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time
- Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium support
- Excellent connectivity
- Easily adjustable stand and VESA mount support
- Built-in stereo speakers
Cons
- Blooming visible when viewed from the side
8. AOC U27G3X — The Best 4K Monitor for Gaming on PC and Console
The AOC U27G3X is a superb monitor under $500, especially if you’re looking for a model you can play both PC and console games on. It features a 27″ IPS panel with narrow bezels, has a lightning-fast 160Hz refresh rate (up to 120Hz on consoles), and is capable of displaying up to 1.07 billion colors in stunning Ultra High Definition resolution.
The Agon by AOC series of monitors is specifically designed to help you maximize the visual performance of console games, so it’s a perfect option if you’re a fan of fast-paced shooters or action RPGs on the PS5 or Xbox.
Price | Screen Size | Aspect Ratio | Panel Type | Response Time | Refresh Rate | G-Sync or FreeSync |
From $499.99 | 27″ | 16:9 | IPS | 1ms | 160Hz | Adaptive Sync |
The monitor has a dedicated Low Input Lag mode, ensuring a response time under 1 ms and minimizing the latency of the display, giving you that edge you need over your opponents. It also comes with Adaptive Sync technology, which enables the display to change its frame rate based on your GPUs performance to reduce screen tearing and ensure smooth gameplay.
When it comes to connectivity, the AOC U27G3X comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort, and audio output, so you can easily connect it to any device. Dual HDMIs also allow you to simultaneously connect the monitor to your PC and console, so you can switch between the two with a single push of a button.
Pros
- Over 1.07 billion colors
- Well-optimized for both PC and console gaming
- Adaptive Sync technology
- Dual HDMI connectivity
- Best 4K 120hz monitor for consoles
Cons
- Not the best brightness
- Image quality deteriorates when viewed from an angle
9. ViewSonic VP2756 27″ — Competitively Priced, With Superb Color Accuracy and 100% sRBG Color Coverage
The ViewSonic VP2756 is an all-around decent monitor, perfect for work, entertainment, and gaming. This 27″ 4K UHD monitor offers excellent color accuracy, flexible connectivity options, and wide viewing angles.
The ViewSonic VP2756 truly shines when it comes to color accuracy. Its IPS display is Pantone Validated, meaning it passed rigorous testing and calibration standards and offers integrated color correction to provide the most vibrant, true-to-life colors possible.
Price | Screen Size | Aspect Ratio | Panel Type | Response Time | Refresh Rate | G-Sync or FreeSync |
From $399.99 | 27″ | 16:9 | IPS | 5ms | 60Hz | N/A |
It also has 100% sRGB color space coverage, which makes it a great choice for photo editing, videography, graphic design, 3D modeling, and streaming online content. You could also use the ViewSonic VP2756 for gaming, but its refresh rate is capped at 60Hz, plus it has a response time of 5ms, so it’s not ideal for fast-paced, competitive gameplay.
What’s great about the ViewSonic VP2756 is that it offers USB-C, in addition to HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity options, so you can easily connect all USB-C compatible devices to it.
At $399.99, the ViewSonic VP2756 is a super-solid option, especially if you’re upgrading from a 2K monitor to 4K.
Pros
- Spot-on color accuracy and 100% sRGB color space coverage
- Excellent viewing angles with no blooming
- Great connectivity options
- Sleek, modern design with narrow bezels
Cons
- Sub-par on-screen and button menu
- No HDR support
10. Acer EI322QK Abmiiiphx — Superb Entry-Level Curved 4K Monitor for Less than $300
The Acer EI322QK Abmiiiphx is the best cheap 4K monitor with a curved UHD display, providing a truly immersive experience thanks to super-wide viewing angles, excellent color saturation, and great contrast and brightness.
Given that the Acer EI322QK features a VA panel, you can expect excellent picture quality for the price, with a high level of detail when it comes to blacks and shadows.
Price | Screen Size | Aspect Ratio | Panel Type | Response Time | Refresh Rate | G-Sync or FreeSync |
From $299.99 | 31.5″ | 16:9 | VA | 4ms | 60Hz | Adaptive Sync |
To further improve the image/video quality and sharpness, the Acer EI322QK Abmiiiphx relies on the Adaptive Sync technology, which is slightly offset by the fact that the display’s refresh rate is capped at 60Hz, so you won’t be watching videos or gaming at more than 60 frames per second.
While not an ideal option for hardcore gamers, this curved monitor is still a premium choice and is great for creative work and entertainment. It offers four HDMI ports (2x HDMI 2.0 and 2x HDMI 1.4), so you can easily connect it to multiple devices and switch between them in seconds.
Another thing worth noting regarding this monitor is the flexible ErgoStand that lets you configure the height, tilt, and swivel for maximum comfort.
Pros
- Best budget 4K monitor
- 1500R curvature and excellent viewing angles
- Excellent color saturation
- High level of detail in shadows and dark areas
- Four HDMI ports
Cons
- Refresh rate capped at 60Hz
11. Z-Edge U28I4K — Super Affordable Multipurpose Monitor With VESA Mount Support
The Z-Edge U28I4K is a solid option if you’re looking for an affordable 4K monitor for work and casual gaming. It features a 27″ IPS display and comes with HDR10 support, so you can expect clear, vivid images, bright colors, good contrast, and excellent brightness.
At just $200, you get 4K UHD resolution, albeit at a 60Hz refresh rate and with a 4ms response time. This makes the U28I4K a great choice for photo and video editing and watching online content, but it falls a bit short when it comes to fast-paced games.
Price | Screen Size | Aspect Ratio | Panel Type | Response Time | Refresh Rate | G-Sync or FreeSync |
From $199.99 | 27″ | 16:9 | IPS | 4ms | 60Hz | Adaptive Sync |
What’s worth noting regarding this monitor is that it provides 178° panoramic viewing angles, so the image doesn’t deteriorate when looking at the screen from the side. Another reason to opt for this model is its flexible connectivity. With two HDMI ports and two DisplayPorts, you can easily connect multiple devices to the monitor and switch between the inputs as you see fit.
The Z-Edge U28I4K lacks ergonomic options, so you won’t be able to adjust the height, tilt, and swivel, which is a big drawback. It can, however, be mounted on the wall using the standard VESA mount (100x100mm), so it’s better suited as a multipurpose monitor in your living room rather than a dedicated monitor for your desktop PC setup.
Pros
- Excellent image quality, with bright and vivid colors
- Superb viewing angles, so it’s a great option for a home theater
- Dual HDMI ports and two DisplayPorts
- One of the most affordable 4K monitors on our list
Cons
- Can’t adjust the height, tilt, and swivel
- 60Hz refresh rate
12. Dell SE3223Q — Perfect Choice for Your Home Office
The Dell SE3223Q – a 32-inch 4K monitor – is a slick and stylish choice, ideal for your home office. This 32″ monitor can display over 1.07 billion colors, with a 99% sRGB coverage, so it’s ideal for any creative industry where attention to detail, nuances, and color hues is paramount.
Thanks to dual HDMI 2.0 ports and a DisplayPort, you can simultaneously connect this monitor to your laptop and desktop PC. You’ll be able to switch between them instantly or work on both devices at the same time by leveraging the monitor’s Picture-by-Picture (PBP) and Picture-in-Picture (PIP) capabilities. This greatly facilitates multitasking and helps you stay productive.
Price | Screen Size | Aspect Ratio | Panel Type | Response Time | Refresh Rate | G-Sync or FreeSync |
From $329.99 | 32″ | 16:9 | LED-backlit LCD | 4ms | 60Hz | AMD FreeSync |
This model also comes with AMD FreeSync support, so you can use it for casual gaming in 4K resolution at up to 60 fps.
One important aspect is that this model features an LCD panel. As a result, the image quality is excellent, but only when viewed from the front, as these panels typically don’t have good viewing angles.
Pros
- Stylish, professional-looking design
- Excellent sRBG color coverage
- PBP and PIP capabilities
- Great for multitasking
- AMD FreeSync support
Cons
- LCD panel with poor viewing angles
- Fixed stand with no adjustment options
The Top 4K PC Monitors Compared
Here’s a quick reference table so you can easily compare the specifications of different models and get a better feel for what level of performance different monitors offer for the money. Whether you’re looking for the best 4K monitor for Macbook Pro or the best 4K monitor for Xbox Series X, we’ve got something for you.
Monitor | Price | Screen Size | Aspect Ratio | Panel Type | Response Time | Refresh Rate | G-Sync or FreeSync |
Samsung UR59 | From $385 | 32″ | 16:9 | LCD | 4ms | 60Hz | N/A |
Philips Brilliance 279P1 | From $405 | 27″ | 16:9 | IPS | 4ms | 60Hz | N/A |
Dell S2721QS | From $249.99 | 27″ | 16:9 | IPS | 4ms | 60Hz | AMD FreeSync |
ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q | From $284.99 | 28″ | 16:9 | IPS-Type LCD | 5ms | 60Hz | AMD FreeSync |
LG 32UQ750 | From $522 | 31.5″ | 16:9 | VA LCD | 4ms | 144Hz | AMD FreeSync Premium |
ViewSonic ELITE XG320U | From $899 | 32″ | 16:9 | IPS | 1ms | 150Hz (Overclocked from 144Hz) | AMD FreeSync Premium |
INNOCN 27G1V | From $549.99 | 27″ | 16:9 | IPS | 1ms | 144Hz | Both |
AOC U27G3X | From $499.99 | 27″ | 16:9 | IPS | 1ms | 160Hz | Adaptive Sync |
ViewSonic VP2756 27″ | From $399.99 | 27″ | 16:9 | IPS | 5ms | 60Hz | N/A |
Acer EI322QK Abmiiiphx | From $299.99 | 31.5″ | 16:9 | VA | 4ms | 60Hz | Adaptive Sync |
Z-Edge U28I4K | From $199.99 | 27″ | 16:9 | IPS | 4ms | 60Hz | Adaptive Sync |
Dell SE3223Q | From $329.99 | 32″ | 16:9 | LED-backlit LCD | 4ms | 60Hz | AMD FreeSync |
Key Factors to Consider When Shopping for a 4K UHD Monitor
When it comes to computer monitors, there are so many different factors and elements that you should take into consideration before hitting that “Buy Now” button, and there’s only so much on the best 4K monitors Reddit can tell you.
Every model is different in terms of color accuracy, brightness, contrast, refresh rate, and viewing angles so you need to know exactly what you’re looking for if you want the best performance and image/video quality. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most important factors that will help you make the right decision:
Panel Type
Arguably the most important aspect of a computer monitor is its display panel. The three prevalent panel types today are VA (Vertical Alignment), LCD (Liquid-Crystal Display), and IPS (In-Plane Switching). You might also run into a monitor with a TN (Twisted Nematic) panel, but these are generally considered outdated.
There are many differences between these panel types in terms of brightness, pixel density, color saturation, and viewing angles, but we won’t overwhelm you with technical details here. Instead, here’s a quick breakdown of what these panel types excel at, so you can determine which one best suits your needs:
- VA Panels — Great contrast and brightness, but poor viewing angles. Can be good for photo and video editing, but generally isn’t recommended for gaming.
- LCD Panels — Typically lower cost than IPS alternatives, with lower power consumption, while still offering great brightness and contrast. Perfect for a home theater.
- IPS Panels — Wide color gamut, excellent viewing angles, and typically the fastest response time. By far the most common type nowadays and a no-brainer for gamers.
Refresh Rate
Frame rate is also crucial for video editing projects. It doesn’t matter if you shoot a video at 120 fps with a professional camera if you’re going to try and edit it on a 60Hz monitor that can only display 60 frames per second.
So, while a 60Hz monitor can be a decent choice for work and entertainment if you’re an avid gamer or need the best 4K monitor for video editing, models with 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rates are a much better option.
Size
What’s the best monitor size for 4K? We’ve talked about the ideal size for a computer monitor already, but just to reiterate, you want to aim for between 27″ and 32″. The exception to this rule of thumb are curved monitors, which can be slightly larger.
Due to the curvature, they offer much better viewing angles and provide a fully immersive experience, so they’re well worth it, provided you have enough room on your gaming desk. In fact, the best 4K curved monitors are some of the best 4K ultrawide monitors overall.
Color Gamut
Color gamut refers to the range of colors a monitor is capable of producing. It’s typically depicted as a triangular area of primary colors on a chromatic diagram. The standard color gamut — sRGB — shows a monitor’s area of coverage on the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) spectrum, so if you want the most nuances and hues, you should opt for a monitor with a 99% or 100% sRGB color coverage.
Apart from sRGB, other standards include Adobe and DCI-P3, which have their own RGB color coordinates on the diagram and varying brightness specifications. Adobe is primarily used in graphic design, specifically in printed materials, while DCI-P3 is most widely associated with digital cinema. In any case, the closer the number is to 100%, the wider the spectrum of colors a particular monitor can display.
Peak Brightness
Peak brightness refers to the monitor’s maximum brightness and is another vital factor that impacts your viewing comfort. Whether you’re working, watching your favorite TV shows, or gaming, high brightness will make fine details and highlights stand out, ensuring high color accuracy and vivid colors.
The brightness of monitors is measured in nits, with 350 nits being considered high peak brightness. However, if you want to watch HDR content or play HDR games, you should opt for a 600+ nits monitor with DisplayHDR600 support.
Response Time
That’s why you should ideally go for a monitor with a response time of 4 milliseconds or lower to avoid any motion blur. For fast-paced games, we recommend a 1ms response time monitor, such as the AOC U27G3X.
FreeSync/G-Sync Compatibility and Adaptive Sync
Another crucial aspect for gamers and people working with GPU-intensive programs (videographers and 3D designers) is AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync support. These adaptive synchronization technologies help sync up your graphics card with your monitor, thus reducing screen tearing, stuttering, flickering, and other latency issues when displaying the content.
Price
Finally, there’s the matter of the price of different models. Naturally, people will look for a monitor within their price range, but you should keep in mind that more expensive monitors aren’t always better. The key is finding a model that offers the best value for money in terms of image quality and color accuracy – and getting the best 4K 240Hz gaming monitor is likely to be a case of diminishing returns.
That’s why we recommend determining your budget and then comparing several models within that price range to see which one is the best option. If you’re buying for a console, you might also consider the best gaming TVs.
Conclusion – What’s the Best Computer Monitor for 2024?
There’s no shortage of great 4K monitors on the market, and now that you know what to look for and which factors to consider, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one that’s perfect for you. Just keep in mind that some models are better suited as desktop PC monitors, while others can be mounted on the wall and used as screens for your home theater.
Based on our research, we recommend the Samsung UR59 as the best 4K PC monitor overall in 2024. It’s affordable and provides exceptional color accuracy, great image quality, excellent viewing angles due to its 1500R curvature, and Picture-by-Picture capability that’s great for multitasking.
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Aleksandar Stevanovic
Software Reviews ExpertAleksandar Stevanovic spent 10 years honing his craft as a freelance content writer. He has a degree in Economics, and extensive experience in software, crypto, and cybersecurity industries. He covers a multitude of topics, writing factual and informative articles, helping individuals better understand the intricacies of the online world. Over the last two years, his research focus shifted more towards tech and software content, as evidenced by his publications on CEX.IO, Business2Community, and Techopedia. He believes in simplifying complex topics and bringing them closer to like-minded individuals. His work is as detail-oriented as it is creative, and is designed to…