4K gaming monitors are revolutionizing the PC gaming experience, bringing unparalleled detail and clarity to your favorite games. With the advent of technologies like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames, you don't need a top-tier PC to enjoy 4K gaming anymore. These advancements make 4K gaming more accessible, allowing even mid-range systems to deliver smooth gameplay. Monitors like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM are at the forefront, offering stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and high refresh rates while maintaining excellent responsiveness. If the cost or system requirements seem daunting, there are plenty of other fantastic 4K gaming monitors available that cater to various budgets and needs.
TL;DR – These Are the Best 4K Gaming Monitors:
Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP
4See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### Arzopa 32" 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor
2See it at Amazon
### GigabyteM27U
0See it at Amazon
### LG Ultragear GX9
1See it at Amazon
### Alienware AW3225QF
3See it at DellA 4K gaming monitor is the ultimate way to experience your favorite PC games, providing incredible sharpness with four times the resolution of a 1080p gaming monitor. As more graphics cards become capable of running 4K resolutions smoothly, this high-resolution gaming is becoming increasingly accessible. These monitors also enhance the gaming experience on consoles like the PS5. We've tested and researched dozens of options to bring you our top five 4K gaming monitors.
Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham and Matthew S. Smith.
1. Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP
Best 4K Gaming Monitor
Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP
4WOLED gaming monitor with 480Hz refresh rate and 4K@240HzSee it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsScreen Size32"Aspect ratio16:9Resolution3840x2160 / 1920x1080Panel typeOLED HDR compatibilityDisplayHDR 400 True Black Brightness1,300 cd/m2Refresh rate240Hz / 480HzResponse time0.03ms Inputs2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB-C (DisplayPort mode), 3 x USB-A, 1 x USB-BPROSBeautiful OLED displayFast refresh rate with great motion clarityUp to 480Hz refresh ratePlentiful gaming featuresCONSMay be too large for some gaming spacesIf you're seeking the pinnacle of gaming monitors and are willing to invest in quality, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP is an exceptional choice. With its 32-inch display, you can fully appreciate the stunning detail of its 4K resolution. Its WOLED panel, which stands for white OLED, delivers exceptional brightness and color accuracy that's factory-calibrated, making it ideal not only for gaming but also for creative work. The inclusion of a dedicated white LED enhances power efficiency and longevity compared to competing QD-OLED monitors.
This monitor's versatility is truly impressive. You can game at 4K with incredible detail up to 240Hz, or switch to a special 480Hz mode that drops the resolution to 1080p for unparalleled clarity and responsiveness. This mode accommodates more graphics cards, enabling them to achieve higher frame rates. Additionally, the Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) feature significantly reduces motion blur, noticeable even to casual gamers. As a longtime Battlefield player, I found the difference to be immediately apparent, enhancing my gaming experience without needing to scrutinize every pixel.
The Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP also comes packed with a suite of gaming features, some of which, like the Sniper Mode with its reticle and zoomed window, might push ethical boundaries. Nonetheless, this monitor stands out as the best 4K monitor available today.
2. Arzopa M3RC - 32" 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor
Best Budget 4K Gaming Monitor
### Arzopa 32" 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor
2This display from Arzopa marks its entry into the gaming monitor market, and it does so with a compelling value proposition. Priced around $300, it brings high-quality 4K gaming within reach for many more gamers. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size32” Aspect ratio16:9Resolution3840x2160Panel typeAMD FreeSync, G-Sync compatible Brightness350 cd/m2Refresh rate144HzResponse time1ms Inputs2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB Type-C, 2x USB 2.0, 1x audio outPROS144Hz refresh rateIPS panel with good color calibrationBuilt in USB hubGreat valueCONSLow peak brightnessProduct support is questionableGone are the days when 4K monitors with high refresh rates were prohibitively expensive. The Arzopa M3RC breaks the mold by offering a native 4K resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate at an affordable price, making it a game-changer for budget-conscious gamers. Arzopa, known for its quality portable monitors, extends its reputation for balancing features and affordability into the full-size gaming monitor arena.
The monitor's IPS panel delivers vibrant, accurate colors straight out of the box, which is a rare treat at this price point. It supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, ensuring smooth gameplay. Additionally, it includes a USB Type-C video input and a two-port USB hub, features often omitted in budget models.
While the trade-offs include lower peak brightness at 350 nits and some concerns about long-term product support from a smaller brand, the Arzopa M3RC is a solid choice for those looking to step into 4K gaming without breaking the bank.
Gigabyte M27U
Best 4K Gaming Monitor Under $500
### GigabyteM27U
0Fast, bright, and affordable, this is the 4K gaming monitor to beat in this price range. With a peak brightness of around 700 nits, it offers one of the best HDR gaming experiences you can find under $500. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27"Aspect ratio16:9Resolution3840x2160 Panel typeSuperSpeed IPSHDR compatibilityDisplayHDR 400 True Black Brightness400 cd/m2 (~700 cd/m2 peak)Refresh rate160HzResponse time1msInputs2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Downstream ports, 1x USB 3.2 Upstream port, 1x Earphone JackPROSHigh peak brightnessPlentiful connectivity optionsReliably smooth, reliably great looking gaming experienceCONSNo local dimmingThe Gigabyte M27U pushes the boundaries of what's considered "budget" but offers exceptional value. It stands out with its high peak brightness and excellent HDR performance, thanks to its edge-lit local dimming.
When it comes to 4K gaming monitors, picture quality is paramount, and the Gigabyte M27U excels in this category. It reaches up to 400 nits in SDR mode and jumps to nearly 700 nits in HDR, delivering vivid colors and bright highlights that enhance the gaming experience. The monitor's local dimming zones further boost contrast, making it a standout choice.
The Gigabyte M27U is also packed with gaming features like on-screen reticles and Shadow Boost, easily accessible through Gigabyte's OSD Sidekick software. It's also versatile for multi-system use, with a built-in KVM feature that allows seamless switching between devices. However, you'll need to choose between local dimming and full-screen brightness, but either way, the gaming experience remains top-notch.
4. LG UltraGear GX9 (45GX950A-B)
Best Ultrawide 4K Gaming Monitor
### LG Ultragear GX9
1Large and in-charge, this is a true 4K ultrawide with features to spare. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size44.5"Resolution5120x2160Panel typeOLED, G-Sync Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium ProBrightness1,300 cd/m2 Refresh rate165Hz/330HzResponse time0.03msInputs2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 2.1, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB Type-CPROSDual resolution and refresh rate optionsHigh peak brightness with per-pixel local dimming (OLED)DisplayPort 2.1 supportCONSRequires a powerful GPUDeep curvature isn't for everyoneIf you crave an ultrawide gaming monitor with the highest resolution possible, the LG UltraGear GX9 is unmatched. Its expansive 45-inch display boasts a deep 800R curvature, providing an immersive gaming experience. The monitor supports dual resolutions and refresh rates, allowing you to customize your gaming setup.
With a stunning 5120x2160 resolution and a high native refresh rate of 165Hz, this monitor draws you into the game. For competitive esports players needing higher refresh rates, the FHD mode offers a 330Hz refresh rate, paired with the OLED panel's low latency for superior responsiveness and clarity.
OLED technology offers infinite contrast by controlling each pixel's brightness individually, resulting in vivid colors and a wide dynamic range. This makes it ideal not just for gaming, but also for movies and other content. However, you'll need a powerful GPU to fully leverage its capabilities, and the deep curve may not suit everyone's taste.
Dell Alienware AW3225QF
Best Curved 4K Monitor
### Alienware AW3225QF
3A large 32” curved display with looks and specs to match its size. 4k UHD, super-powered 0.3ms response times, and 240hz; this is what a premium gaming monitor looks like. See it at DellProduct SpecificationsScreen size32"Aspect ratio16:9Resolution3840x2160Panel typeQD-OLED, Adaptive-Sync, G-Sync CompatibleHDR compatibilityDisplayHDR 400, HDR10, Dolby VisionBrightness250 cd/m2 (1,000 cd/m2 peak)Refresh rate240Hz Response time0.3msInputs2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 PROSReliably excellent gaming experienceFantastic HDR240Hz refresh rate for competitive gamingCONSExpensiveFlat panels may have been the trend, but the Alienware AW3225QF is the go-to for gamers who prefer a curved display. With its 32-inch size and 240Hz refresh rate, it offers an immersive and smooth gaming experience. The quantum dot panel delivers rich, accurate colors, and its gentle curve enhances immersion without distorting text.
The monitor's 0.3ms response time ensures no ghosting, making it ideal for competitive gaming. Its wide VRR support and frame rate range guarantee a smooth, tear-free experience. The AW3225QF's HDR capabilities are particularly noteworthy, with SDR brightness at 250 nits and HDR highlights reaching 1,000 nits. It also supports Dolby Vision for streaming and eARC for audio connectivity.
Whether you're a dedicated PC gamer or a console enthusiast looking to enhance your setup, the Alienware AW3225QF is an outstanding choice.
What to Look for in a 4K Gaming Monitor
When shopping for a 4K gaming monitor, consider the features and image quality you desire alongside your budget. Over the past few years, 4K gaming monitors have evolved significantly, with high refresh rates becoming more common and affordable. You can now find options under $400 that offer up to 144Hz refresh rates, support for Nvidia G-Sync, and HDR. While all decent 4K monitors provide crisp images, investing more can yield better image quality, brightness, and additional features.
Size: For most users, a monitor size of 27 to 32 inches is ideal for 4K gaming. Smaller sizes may not fully benefit from the resolution, while larger screens can soften the image. If you prefer a "big screen" experience, options up to 48 inches are available.
Panel: The type of panel is crucial. IPS panels are known for accurate colors and wide viewing angles but have lower contrast. VA panels offer better contrast but may show ghosting. OLED panels provide infinite contrast and fast response times but carry a risk of burn-in. Mini-LED backlights enhance contrast and brightness, though they may exhibit blooming.
Refresh rate: A minimum of 120Hz is recommended for gaming, with 144Hz or higher being ideal. Higher refresh rates reduce input latency and motion blur, crucial for competitive gaming.
Connectivity and supporting features: Ensure the monitor supports HDMI 2.1 for console gaming at 4K 144Hz. Consider additional features like Dolby Vision, Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync, built-in KVMs, USB hubs, and gaming-specific features.
4K Gaming Monitor FAQ
Are 4K gaming monitors worth it?
4K gaming monitors offer stunning visuals and are a great choice for many gamers, but they're not ideal for everyone. If your PC has an entry-level graphics card, you might struggle with low frame rates at 4K. However, with a mid-range GPU from the current generation or a high-end GPU from the last generation, you can enjoy a significant improvement in gaming quality. Technologies like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames make 4K gaming more accessible, allowing even mid-range systems to achieve smooth gameplay.
Is 1440p better than 4K?
1440p can be preferable if you prioritize higher frame rates over visual sharpness. It's less demanding, allowing for higher frame rates on better settings than 4K. However, with upscaling technologies like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames, you can enjoy 4K gaming without a powerhouse PC. These technologies can also boost 1440p frame rates, so consider what you value most in your gaming experience.
Do you need an expensive graphics card to run a 4K gaming monitor?
Not necessarily. Thanks to advanced upscaling features like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames, you can play games at 4K without a top-of-the-line graphics card. For native 4K gaming on ultra settings, a high-end GPU is still necessary. However, with these technologies, mid-range GPUs like the AMD Radeon 7700 XT or Nvidia RTX 4070 can deliver excellent visuals and frame rates.
