We researched and tested the top contenders from top brands like Acer, Asus, BenQ, Dell, LG, and Samsung. Here are the best 4K monitors you can buy right now. Highly accurate and vibrant color performance backs up the monitor’s sharpness. The S2721QS also delivers above-average contrast for a monitor of this size. It has a high maximum brightness and supports High Dynamic Range (HDR)—high contrast levels between very bright and very dark colors—though its HDR performance isn’t remarkable. HDR differs from 4K, but you might see these features together in monitors. The monitor doesn’t cut corners in build quality, either. It has a sturdy ergonomic stand that’s adjustable for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. It has a simple yet effective design with slim bezels (borders) and a white rear panel with a distinctive textured pattern. The other monitors on this list are great, but most people can stop at the Dell S2721QS. It’s a wonderful choice for most people and won’t clean out your wallet. Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, audio out Asus does give this monitor a few extra tricks. It promises a low response time of one millisecond and supports AMD FreeSync, which reduces stuttering in games. The refresh rate is the usual 60Hz, but most gamers don’t have a PC that can exceed 60 frames per second in modern games at 4K resolution. In other words, the VP28UQG is a good budget gaming monitor. The manufacturer cut corners to achieve the price, however. The monitor’s design isn’t attractive. It also makes do with a simple, inexpensive stand that adjusts only for tilt. However, it uses a VESA mount (the standard mount type), so it accepts third-party stands. Size: 28 inches | Panel Type: TN | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 2x HDMI, DisplayPort The monitor looks finely honed from every angle. You’ll appreciate its detail and realism. It also feels great thanks to a rock-solid stand that provides ergonomic adjustments for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. Its only image quality flaw is a lackluster contrast ratio that can make dark scenes look hazy. The PD3220U also packs in connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C. It supports up to 85 watts of power delivery over the Thunderbolt 3 port, which means you can dock with a laptop using a single cable. Size: 31.5 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 2x HDMI, DisplayPort, 2x ThunderBolt, USB-C, 3x USB-A This monitor has a USB-C port, four USB-A ports, and an HDMI and DisplayPort. The USB-C port can handle DisplayPort and up to 90 watts of power delivery. That means you can dock a USB-C laptop with just one cable. The stand is adjustable for height, tilt, swivel, and can pivot 90 degrees to use the monitor in portrait orientation. It’s also sturdy and keeps this large monitor balanced as you move it. Our reviewer’s only complaints center on the monitor’s more advanced image quality features. The 60Hz refresh rate isn’t great for gaming. And while the U3219Q supports high dynamic range (HDR), it’s certified only for the most basic DisplayHDR 400 standard. This is where the monitor shows its age, as some new competitors have better HDR. Size: 32 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, 4x USB-A It does have limitations. It supports HDR, but the monitor isn’t bright enough to make it pop. The monitor also has a very large stand that makes it hard to position on your desk. It’s not ideal for console gaming because it lacks HDMI 2.1. As a result, it can’t deliver 4K quality when used with the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5. Still, these issues are minor given its image quality, refresh rate, and price. This Acer monitor is a great choice for PC gamers. Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Refresh Rate: 144Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 2x HDMI, 2x DisplayPort, 4x USB-A The result is outrageous. The PG32UQX can deliver a peak HDR brightness of over 1400 nits. That’s higher than most HDR TVs—in some cases much higher, as budget HDR TVs rarely exceed 1000 nits. Bright scenes are so vivid you may instinctively squint or turn away from the screen. This monitor also has spot-on color accuracy, a refresh rate of 144Hz, and supports Nvidia’s G-Sync adaptive sync technology. It doesn’t have HDMI 2.1, but it can handle 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate when connected to an Xbox Series X over HDMI. Sorry, PlayStation fans—you’re out of luck. Size: 32 inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Refresh Rate: 144Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 3x HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, 2x USB Though great for gaming, the ROG Swift XG43UQ is also great for Netflix. It supports HDR and delivers a maximum peak brightness of over 1000 nits, which is incredible for a 43-inch display. It also has a solid contrast ratio and provides a sense of depth and realism comparable to Sony’s 43-inch X85J television. While the XG43UQ’s HDR is solid in bright movies and shows, the display’s simple backlight can cause hazy patches to appear in darker content. It also has a problem with dark objects appearing to “smear” in fast motion, which isn’t always obvious but can reduce clarity in motion. Even so, this monitor easily defeats its competition in image quality and responsiveness and may well be the most attractive 43-inch display you can buy—at least until OLED or Mini LED hits this market. Size: 43 inches | Panel Type: VA | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Refresh Rate: 144Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 4x HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, 2x USB The S3221QS uses a VA panel instead of the IPS panel found on the S2721QS, which improves the contrast ratio and is excellent for movies, TV, and games with many dark scenes. On the downside, the monitor doesn’t get as bright as its 27-inch sibling. It technically supports HDR but is nowhere near bright enough to do it justice. Though large and affordable, the S3221Qs is an attractive monitor with slim bezels and a sleek, modern design. The sturdy standard supports height and tilt adjustments. There’s a good array of connectivity, including two HDMI 2.0 ports and two USB ports. Size: 32 inches | Panel Type: VA | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: 2x HDMI, DisplayPort, 2x USB
Refresh Rate
An enhanced refresh rate above 60Hz is not important for everyday use but often appeals to gamers. Higher refresh rates lead to a more responsive feel and smoother gameplay. Gamers who want the ultimate experience should look for a 144Hz refresh. Just plan to pair it with an expensive video card, at only the best hardware is fast enough to make the most of a 4K/144Hz monitor.
Extra Ports
Although our top pick is affordable, most 4K monitors are expensive. The added price should come with perks like excellent connectivity. Look for a monitor that has three or more video inputs. USB-C is not always available, but it’s an awesome perk that’s useful if you plan to connect a USB-C laptop.
About Our Trusted Experts
Matthew S. Smith is a technology journalist and product reviewer with nearly 15 years of experience. He’s tested over 600 monitors or laptop displays since 2010 and has a record of objective testing results that goes back a decade. Zach Sweat has years of experience in tech. In addition to reviewing monitors for Lifewire, he’s previously been published on IGN and Void Media.
