Thanks to the performance of the best graphics cards, it’s easier than ever to get into 4K gaming. The latest video game consoles are also capable of pumping out ultra-high-definition content and all you need is the best 4K gaming monitor to enjoy the best experience. But there are countless monitors out there, which can make it difficult to pick the right one with all the specification jargon. We’ve rounded up the very best 4K monitors right here for you to pick through, explaining precisely what you should look for to keep it simple.
The very best 4K gaming monitors for gaming
LG UltraGear 27GN950-B 4K monitor
Hello, immersive 4K gaming.
Looking for the best 4K monitor for gaming? You've just found it with the impressive LG UltraGear 27GN950-B. It's very capable and bright and will make all your favorite PC games look stunning.
- Screen Size
- 27-inch
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 144 Hz
- Brand
- LG
- Response Time
- 1 ms
- Great gaming performance
- 144 Hz refresh rate
- G-Sync and FreeSync support
- Weak HDR
The LG UltraGear 27GN950-B is one of the greatest screens for enjoying 4K games. It’s a 27-inch 4K display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and a 16:9 aspect ratio. Supporting a refresh rate of 144Hz, which essentially means it can load a frame up to 144 times every second, this monitor is extremely fast. So too is the response time of just 1ms. It’s important to consider the GPU you’re using as some monitors may support only one of two available synchronization technology. Thankfully, the UltraGear 27GN950-B from LG supports both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync.
The inclusion of HDR isn’t particularly exciting on many of the more affordable displays as they simply cannot get bright enough for it to truly make much of a difference, but this display is capable of hitting a maximum brightness of 600 nits. As well as HDR support, we’ve got a DCI-P3 score of 95% for color gamut. This means whatever you’ll see on the panel will look perfect. In terms of design, the UltraGear 27GN950-B is a stunner. The bezels are thin and there isn’t much in the form of aggressive gamer design elements that some monitors can have a little too much of.
The LG UltraGear 27GN950-B has plenty of ports to work with, including two HDMI 2.0 ports, a single DisplayPort 1.4 port, three USB-A 3.0 ports (one upstream and two downstream), and a 3.5mm audio jack. There aren’t any speakers included with the display, which is great as this forces you to use the best gaming headset for an equally great audio experience. For the price, LG has a winner here, and we have no problem recommending the LG UltraGear 27GN950-B if you’re shopping around for a 27-inch 4K gaming monitor.
Samsung Odyssey G7
Samsung swooping in with a solid runner-up 4K screen.
If you value resolution over the absolute highest frame rates, the Samsung Odyssey G7 is one of the best gaming monitors you can get right now. It still goes up to 240Hz, but it's got a Quad HD panel that's slightly curved. Plus, it's a beautiful QLED display with HDR600 support.
- Screen Size
- 28-inch
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 144 Hz
- Brand
- Samsung
- Response Time
- 1 ms
- Great gaming performance
- 144 Hz refresh rate
- G-Sync and FreeSync support
- Weak HDR
Samsung's Odyssey lineup has a lot of excellent monitors. We think it's a well-rounded monitor that brings a good set of features to the table. For this particular list, however, we're adding the Odyssey G7 28-inch 4K monitor as our pick for the second-best 4k gaming monitor you can on the market right now. The Samsung Odyssey G7 S28AG70 uses an IPS panel, which is more common in the high-end 4K gaming monitor space than the VA and QLED variants. We're looking at a 28-inch 4K UHD 16:9 aspect ratio panel with a resolution of 3840 x 2160.
The Odyssey G7 S28AG70 comes with support for up to 144Hz refresh rate and a super-fast response rate of 1ms. The monitor is rated to have a peak brightness of 400 nits and a contrast ratio of 1000:1. Just like the LG UltraGear monitor mentioned above, this one also lacks a speaker. This means you'll have to rely on external speakers or headsets for your audio. This monitor includes DisplayPort 1.4 DSC for 4K 144Hz with PCs and two HDMI 2.1 slots for 4K 120Hz with the new consoles on the market including the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Additionally, you also get three USB 3.0 ports and a 3.5mm jack. There is no USB Type-C port though, so keep that in mind.
Overall, we think the Samsung Odyssey G7 is a fantastic choice when it comes to high-end 4K gaming monitors. It caters to both PC and console gamers, be sure to check it out if you're shopping for a premium 4K display for console gaming. The Odyssey G7 costs just as much as the LG UltraGear that we mentioned above. Both are equally good monitors, so it mostly comes down to the overall aesthetic of the monitor itself.
Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX
If money is of no concern, you can't go wrong here.
The ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX is a mini-LED gaming monitor that offers impressive image quality with high-refresh support and super-fast response time.
- Screen Size
- 32-inch
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 144 Hz
- Brand
- Asus
- Response Time
- 1 ms
- Incredible gaming experience
- Stunning visuals
- G-Sync and FreeSync support
- Expensive
- No speakers
On paper, the ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX has almost everything you need. Let’s start with the panel itself, which is a full-array local dimming (FALD) Mini OLED display and has a quantum dot film. All that jargon essentially means this is a range-topping panel with all the tech for one of the best UHD gaming experiences. It has 1,500 dimming zones, a resolution of 3840 x 2160, and a 16:9 aspect ratio.
As with other monitors in our collection, there’s a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and full support for AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync technologies. Add 100% of the DCI-P3 color space to the mix, which is brilliant for accurate color reproduction. Displays have trouble getting seriously bright unless you’re spending more on a better panel and the ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX is a good example of this. Certified for DisplayHDR 1400 and HDR10, this thing is capable of hitting a maximum brightness of around 1,400 nits. Compare that to the 400-600 nits we’re used to seeing with other 4K monitors on this page, and it’s clear to see just how much of a difference is present.
For ports, ASUS went all out with two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, three USB-A 3.0 ports (one upstream and two downstream), and a 3.5mm audio jack. The design is also worth commenting on as it’s one of the more “gamer” looking screens in our collection. There’s even a small light on the bottom of the stand that illuminates the ROG logo on your desk. And, of course, there are RGB LEDs on the rear of the panel itself. If you want the very best of 4K gaming, look no further than the ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX. It’ll cost more than a full PC build, but if your budget is able to stretch, it’ll completely change the way you plan video games.
Gigabyte M28U 4K
For those who value ... value above all else.
Gigabyte's M28U may not be the most affordable 4K monitor you will come across, but we feel it strikes the perfect balance between price and features. Even if you don't play games, this is still a worthy contender for your desk.
- Screen Size
- 28-inch
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 144 Hz
- Brand
- Gigabyte
- Response Time
- 1 ms
- Good gaming experience
- 144 Hz refresh rate
- G-Sync and FreeSync support
- Weak HDR
Even though 4K monitors have come a long way in quality, the price of these screens has also dropped considerably over recent years. You can buy one for less than $700 without sacrificing too hard on image quality and gaming performance. The mighty Gigabyte M28U is a perfect example and it’s our best budget 4K monitor pick. The 28-inch IPS panel is wrapped by minimal bezels on all sides, with only a minor chin at the bottom. Being an IPS screen, you can expect good image quality, but lighter blacks compared to VA monitors.
The Gigabyte M28U is rated for a 1000:1 contrast ratio. It's also rated to DisplayHDR 400, although the brightness tops out at a little less impressive 300 nits. This means that it's not going to be great for HDR content, but like other screens in this collection, that's not a deal-breaker. The display is extremely quick with a 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate. The resolution comes in at the expected 3840 x 2160 with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Gigabyte actually wins when it comes to ports with the inclusion of USB-C. There are two USB-A 3.0 ports, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and a single DisplayPort 1.4 port for connecting just about anything.
You will notice a slight dip in build quality when compared to a more expensive 4K screen from Samsung or LG. Interestingly, Gigabyte opted to include other specs like HDMI 2.1 and USB-C that some gamers may find particularly useful.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q 4K Gaming monitor
Just because you're on a tight budget, doesn't mean you can't play at 4K.
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q is a budget 4K Gaming monitor that costs a lot less than the top picks in this collection.
- Screen Size
- 28-inch
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Brand
- Asus
- Response Time
- 5 ms
- Affordable
- Good gaming experience
- FreeSync support
- Limited to 60 Hz refresh rate
- Weak HDR
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q is one of the most affordable 4K gaming monitors on the market right now. Despite its affordable price tag, we think the TUF Gaming VG289Q has a lot of things going for it, making it a solid addition to this list. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q sports a 28-inch IPS/W-LED panel. It's a 16:9 display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160. One thing to note about this particular gaming monitor is that it only supports up to a 60Hz refresh rate. That's not necessarily a bad thing considering its affordable price tag. The TUF Gaming VG289Q's panel also has a 5ms response time, which isn't among the quickest in this collection.
In terms of the overall image quality, however, there isn't a lot to complain about. It outputs 350 nits brightness and has a 1000:1 contrast ratio. The 60Hz refresh rate only looks weak on paper and it won't limit the gaming experience whatsoever. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q also has a fairly simple design. You won't find any RGB accents on this monitor unlike a lot of other premium and more expensive offerings, but that's not necessarily a bad thing either. If anything, it looks more premium than a lot of other expensive monitors on this list, so that's great.
Asus ProArt PA32UC-K
Play all your favorite games on the same display used for work.
The Asus ProArt PA32UC-K packs a punch for working creators who also enjoy playing a PC game or few. This 4K monitor has countless USB ports and other vital connectivity, a bright and vibrant display, and accurate color reproduction for intense gaming and production workloads.
- Brand
- Asus
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160
- Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Screen Size
- 27-inch
- Ports
- 1x USB-C (DP Alt Mode), 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 2.0, 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
- Display Technology
- IPS
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Screen Brightness
- ~1,000 cd/㎡
- Response Time
- 4 ms
- Good gaming experience
- Stunning picture quality
- Full Adobe RGB coverage
- Expensive
There's certainly no shortage of 4K monitors these days, but only a few of them can be considered a good choice for gaming and creative use, which is where our recommendation for the Asus ProArt PA32UC-K really shines. The Asus ProArt PA32UC-K is perfect for creative professionals who are into content creation and also like to play video games. Rocking a 27-inch IPS panel, this is a gorgeous, bright, and vibrant screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 3840 x 2160.
It may only have a refresh rate that goes up to 60Hz, but there is Adaptive Sync support available and it also has a 4ms response time. This particular monitor also shines when it comes to picture quality. It sports a peak SDR brightness of up to 600 nits and a peak HDR brightness of up to 1,000 nits. We're looking at a contrast ratio of 1000:1. For inputs, you get two HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and a few USB ports. There's also a 3.5mm headphone jack, but it's also fitted with built-in speakers.
Gigabyte Aorus FV43U
For those who have their gaming PC in the living room.
Gigabyte's Aorus FV43U is a TV-sized monitor made for gaming, sporting a VA panel, 4K resolution, and 144Hz refresh rate.
- Screen Size
- 43-inch
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 144 Hz
- Brand
- Samsung
- Response Time
- 1 ms
- Immersive gaming experience
- 144 Hz refresh rate
- Excellent HDR
- Huge
- No Dolby Vision
The Gigabyte Aorus FV43U sports a massive 43-inch panel for an immersive gaming experience. If you're looking for a jumbo-sized gaming monitor, then this is one of the best options out there right now. While 43 inches may sound like a lot for a gaming setup, we think it's perfectly usable. Anything bigger than 43 inches and you enter the "TV" space. So this marks the sweet spot when it comes to the big-sized gaming monitor. It's large enough to be able to sit close to it and enjoy a good gaming session. With a 16:9 aspect ratio, it also has a good amount of height.
The Gigabyte Aorus FV43U, in case you're wondering, sports a VA panel with edge array lighting. The 43-inch 16:9 aspect ratio panel has a resolution of 3840 x 2160. It also has support for up to 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. Additionally, the Gigabyte Aorus FV43U also supports Freesync, so it's safe to say that it's a fantastic gaming panel. When it comes to image quality, the monitor offers 1,000 nits of brightness and a 4000:1 contrast ratio. It also comes with DisplayHDR 1000 and HDR10 certification. This particular monitor can also be used with next-gen gaming consoles as it sports HDMI 2.1 ports with support for up to 120Hz with the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X.
One of the best things about using a big-sized monitor like this is that it can be used as a TV too. Thanks to its impressive image quality, we think it's an excellent option for content consumption too. Be it for watching videos on YouTube or TV shows and movies on Netflix, this is a solid option. The monitor offers gamma presets and color gamut options. It also covers 100% of the DCI-P3 coverage while the sRGB space is also accurate. For HDR content, the monitor offers four additional picture modes: HDR1000, HLG, Game, and Movie. HDR1000 is the most accurate option with other modes offering varying brightness and contrast adjustments.
Samsung UR59C 4K Gaming Monitor
Curved displays can help elevate your gaming experience.
The Samsung UR59 is the only curved monitor in this collection and is probably one of the more decent curved 4K monitors you'll find in this price range too.
- Screen Size
- 32-inch
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2160
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Brand
- Samsung
- Response Time
- 4 ms
- Gorgeous picture quality
- Decent gaming experience
- Curved VA display
- No G-Sync or FreeSync
The Samsung UR59C isn't exactly a gaming monitor that's kitted to go against the other monitors mentioned in this collection. However, we think it offers a good set of features including premium image quality and a budget price. It also sports a curved panel, making it the only monitor in this collection to have a curved display. When it comes to specifications, the Samsung UR59C features a 32-inch VA panel with edge array lighting. It's a 16:9 aspect ratio panel with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and support for up to 60Hz. With support for a maximum of 60Hz refresh rate, the Samsung UR59C isn't the fastest display on the market.
In fact, it has a 4ms response time which means it isn't among the fastest displays either. That being said we think it's still good enough for casual gamers. This is also one of the few curved panels out there right now, so that's worth considering too. The monitor features a 1500mm curve but the 16:9 aspect ratio means it's not an ultra-wide panel. The natural curve won't take too much time to get used to if you're coming from a regular flat monitor. The picture quality is also crystal clear, thanks to a combination of image processing and an anti-glare layer on top. You get a single DisplayPort 1.4 port and an HDMI 2.0 port along with a headphone jack.
Choosing the best 4K gaming monitor
That brings us to the end of our collection of the best monitors on the market right now for gaming at 4K. The LG UltraGear 27GN950-B and the Samsung Odyssey G7 28" are our top picks right now. We think they both offer a good set of features along with reliable performance for a decent price. Those looking for budget options should consider checking out the ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q while creative professionals looking to buy a gaming monitor should check out the Acer ConceptD CP7271K.
LG UltraGear 27GN950-B 4K monitor
This is THE 4K gaming monitor to get.
Looking for the best 4K monitor for gaming? You've just found it with the impressive LG UltraGear 27GN950-B. It's very capable and bright and will make all your favorite PC games look stunning.