4k monitors have grown in popularity in recent years as more models are available and easier to find than in the past. They deliver more details than lower-resolution displays, and most have a high enough pixel density for sharp text, making them ideal for work-related purposes. Besides that, they're versatile for different uses because some also include gaming features like HDMI 2.1 bandwidth that lets you take full advantage of current-gen gaming consoles and modern graphics cards.
Having a high resolution doesn't guarantee good performance, so when looking for a 4k display, it's also important to consider whether the monitor's performance matches what you need it for. We complete nearly 400 tests on each monitor to help you through this process. For example, it's important to have high brightness if you want to use it in a bright workspace, or a fast response time is beneficial for gaming. Also, think about your budget, as 4k monitors are available at a variety of price points, with the higher-end models having more features.
We've bought and tested more than 340 monitors, and below are our recommendations for the best monitors with a 4k resolution available. Check out our picks for the best 4k gaming monitors, the best multimedia monitors, and the best 4k 144Hz monitors. If you want a higher resolution, then check out the best 5k monitors.
The best 4k monitor we've tested is the Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx. It's versatile for a number of uses, including work and gaming. With a 27-inch screen, it has high pixel density, and text looks very sharp. Plus, its wide viewing angles ensure the screen looks consistent no matter where you view it from, and you can easily adjust it thanks to the outstanding ergonomics. It also has some useful productivity features, like a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and 90W of power delivery, allowing you to quickly connect a laptop and charge it at the same time.
Even if you want to use it for content creation, it performs well as it has a very accurate sRGB mode. It also has a decent local dimming feature thanks to its Mini LED backlighting, meaning it displays deep blacks next to bright highlights, which is great for using it in dark rooms. It even displays vibrant colors in both SDR and HDR, gets extremely bright in HDR so highlights truly pop, and fights glare well. Lastly, it's great for gaming because it has a fast response time, HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, and a 160Hz refresh rate.
If you're not doing lots of work on your monitor and are looking for the very best performance, check out the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED. It's a premium 32-inch, 4k QD-OLED monitor with much better picture quality than the Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx. It displays more vivid colors and perfect blacks and has no blooming around bright objects, though large highlights don't pop as much. Additionally, it has fantastic motion handling with a 240Hz refresh rate, and unlike the Acer, there's virtually no blur in fast-moving scenes. It's even great for console gaming, as it has HDMI 2.1 bandwidth and supports all console features.
That said, the main difference between the Acer and an OLED like the MSI is that OLEDs risk burn-in with constant exposure to the same static elements over time. This can be problematic if you're constantly, and only, using the monitor for work. That said, if you're changing things up, including gaming, then you might benefit from an OLED. It even has some productivity features, like a USB-C port and KVM switch, making it easy to change sources, like if you have a work laptop and gaming PC connected to the monitor.
If you don't need the high-end performance and gaming features of the Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx or the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED, you can save a bit of money by getting the cheaper ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV. It's different from the Acer and the MSI because it doesn't have the same deep blacks and bright highlights, so it doesn't look as good in HDR, but that's the trade-off for getting something cheaper. Instead, it's focused on productivity, as it has a big USB hub with three USB-A ports and two USB-C ports.
One of the USB-C inputs supports DisplayPort Alt Mode with 90W of power delivery, so you can easily connect a laptop to display an image from it and charge it using a single cable. It even has different picture modes for various color spaces that you may work with, from sRGB to Rec. 2020, and it's very accurate in the sRGB mode. That said, if you don't need all these different modes, and you prefer a monitor with other features, like a KVM switch, then check out the Dell U2723QE. It's similar to the ASUS in terms of price and performance, but it also has much worse reflection handling.
If you're looking for something that costs less and doesn't need the productivity features of the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV, consider the LG 27GR93U-B. The main difference with the ASUS is that it has a smaller USB hub and no USB-C ports, which means it's worse for productivity and multitasking. That said, it has a few advantages in other ways, as it has more gaming features with a higher refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 bandwidth to take full advantage of gaming consoles and modern graphics cards.
Motion looks sharper on the LG, and it's a good choice for playing action games with a lot of fast-moving objects. It's also accurate before calibration and displays a wide range of colors in SDR, but it has limited picture quality in HDR, which is what you have to expect for a lower-cost 4k display. On the plus side, it's a good choice to use in a well-lit room as it gets bright enough to fight glare and has great reflection handling. You can also check out the 32-inch LG 32GR93U-B if you want something bigger, but it costs more for similar performance.
If you're looking for the best budget 4k monitor, there are some good options you can choose from, like the Dell S2721QS. Similar to the LG 27GR93U-B, it has sharp text and is bright enough to overcome glare. The most significant difference between the two is the Dell's gaming performance. It has far worse motion handling, so fast-moving objects don't look crisp. While it's okay if you play slow-paced games, it's not well suited to playing fast-paced ones, and it has a low refresh rate, as it's not designed for gaming in the first place. That said, it's designed with productivity in mind with an extremely ergonomic stand.
Another difference is that its connectivity is a step down from the LG, as it lacks a USB hub, so you can't connect any peripherals directly to the monitor. Still, if your laptop or desktop computer has enough USB ports to connect all your devices, you can save money by getting this monitor instead. You can also check out the similar Dell S2722QC if you want a monitor with a USB hub, but it tends to cost more than the S2721QS.
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80 is a 4k, 240Hz QD-OLED that competes with the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED. It's a bit different as it has matte screen coating that's better at reducing glare, so it's something to consider if you prefer a matte coating. That said, it tends to cost more than the MSI.
See our reviewThe ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM is a premium QD-OLED that has a few more features than the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED, like Dolby Vision. It's a good alternative if you want to those extra perks, but it costs more than the MSI.
See our reviewThe Gigabyte M27U is a lower mid-range 4k monitor that competes with the LG 27GR93U-B. The Gigabyte performs similarly and has a few extra features, like a USB-C port and KVM switch. That said, the Gigabyte can be harder to find at times.
See our reviewFeb 19, 2025: We replaced the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80 and the Dell U2723QE with the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED and the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV, respectively, for consistency with other articles, as the new monitors provide better value. We added the Samsung, ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM, and the Gigabyte M27U to the Notable Mentions. We introduced a new format to the article and updated the text to reflect these changes.
Dec 04, 2024: Added the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80 as the 'Best 4k OLED Monitor.' Replaced the Gigabyte M27U with the LG 27GR93U-B as the Gigabyte is harder to find. Removed the MSI MAG 274UPF as a Notable Mention as it's hard to find.
Sep 11, 2024: Replaced the Dell S2722QC with the Gigabyte M27U as the 'Best Lower Mid-Range' pick, as it has more vivid colors and much better motion handling. In the Notable Mentions, we added the MSI MAG 274UPF and replaced the Dell Alienware AW3225QF with the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80.
Jun 20, 2024: Moved the Gigabyte M27U to the Notable Mentions to reflect current monitor market. Removed the Sony INZONE M9 and the LG 27GR93U-B from the Notable Mentions for consistency with other recommendations.
Apr 23, 2024: Confirmed that our selections are consistent and up to date. Added the Dell Alienware AW3225QF as a Notable Mention.
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best 4k displays that are currently available. They're adapted to be valid for most people in each price range. The rating is based on our review, factoring in price and feedback from our visitors.
If you would prefer to make your own decision, here is the list of all of our 4k monitor reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most monitors are good enough to please most people, and the things we fault monitors on are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.
What do you think of our picks? Let us know below.
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