Top 4K Gaming Monitors for Superior Graphics

In the realm of PC gaming, 4K resolution represents the future, offering unparalleled clarity and detail. With technologies like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames, you don't need an ultra-powerful PC to enjoy this high resolution. The Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM stands out as my top choice, delivering stunning visuals with vibrant colors and high frame rates, all while maintaining excellent responsiveness. If the price or system requirements seem daunting, fear not—there are numerous other fantastic 4K gaming monitors available to suit 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 I've tested and reviewed more displays with this high resolution, it's clear that more graphics cards can handle it well, making 4K gaming more accessible than ever. These monitors also enhance the gaming experience on PS5. To help you find the perfect fit, we’ve thoroughly tested and researched dozens of options, presenting you with 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 spacesFor those seeking the pinnacle of 4K gaming, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP is an exceptional choice, despite its premium price. Its 32-inch size is ideal for appreciating the full potential of 4K resolution. The WOLED panel, which uses white OLED technology, offers brilliant brightness and rich, factory-calibrated colors, making it perfect for both gaming and creative work. This monitor's energy efficiency and longevity are enhanced by its dedicated white LED.

In my review, I found the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP's versatility to be a standout feature. It supports 4K gaming at up to 240Hz for detailed and smooth gameplay, and also offers a 480Hz mode at 1080p for enhanced clarity and responsiveness. This mode accommodates a broader range of graphics cards, allowing more gamers to benefit from its high refresh rate. Additionally, the Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) feature significantly reduces motion blur, providing a noticeable improvement in visual clarity, even for casual gamers. As a long-time Battlefield player, I can attest to the immediate difference in performance.

The monitor is packed with gaming features that can give you a competitive edge, including the controversial Sniper Mode, which provides a reticle and a zoomed-in window on your screen. Overall, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP is currently the best 4K monitor available.

2. Arzopa M3RC - 32" 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor

Best Budget 4K Gaming Monitor

### Arzopa 32" 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor

2This display is Arzopa's attempt to establish itself in the gaming monitor space and succeeds. It's a fantastic value. 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 high refresh rate monitors were prohibitively expensive. The Arzopa M3RC, priced around $300, marks the arrival of affordable 4K monitors, making this high-quality gaming experience accessible to a wider audience.

Arzopa, known for its quality portable monitors, has successfully applied its philosophy of balancing features with affordability to its entry into the full-size gaming monitor market. The Arzopa M3RC offers a native 4K resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate, delivering crisp and smooth gameplay enhanced by AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. Its color-rich IPS panel provides surprisingly accurate colors out of the box, a rarity in this price range.

While monitors challenging conventional pricing often cut corners, the Arzopa M3RC offers more than expected. It includes a USB Type-C video input and a two-port USB hub, features typically omitted from budget models.

The trade-off for this accessible pricing is the brightness, rated at 350 nits, which is moderate rather than low. More concerning is the potential lack of long-term support from a smaller brand. However, with a 1-year limited warranty and positive feedback from early adopters, it remains a compelling option.

3. 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 stretches the definition of "budget," but it's worth it. It offers superior picture quality and an excellent HDR experience thanks to its high peak brightness and edge-lit local dimming.

The Gigabyte M27U excels in delivering picture quality at this price point. In SDR mode, it reaches around 400 nits, but with HDR enabled, it jumps to nearly 700 nits, resulting in vibrant colors and bright highlights. Local dimming zones enhance contrast beyond what typical IPS panels can achieve.

This monitor is packed with gaming features, including an on-screen reticle and Shadow Boost for enhanced visibility in darker scenes. Gigabyte's OSD Sidekick software makes it easy to adjust these features and picture settings without navigating through menus. The built-in KVM is particularly useful for switching between systems or using it with a console, allowing seamless transitions between my laptop and desktop for work and play.

The trade-off is choosing between local dimming and peak brightness; enabling local dimming reduces full-screen brightness, but it's a fair compromise for a superior gaming experience.

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 everyoneFor those who crave an ultrawide gaming monitor with the highest resolution available, the LG UltraGear GX9 is unmatched. This 45-inch display boasts a deep 800R curvature, exceptional brightness, and dual resolution and refresh rate options, allowing you to customize your gaming experience.

The LG UltraGear GX9's 5120x2160 resolution and 45-inch width immerse you into the game, enhancing the sense of being inside the action. Its native 165Hz refresh rate ensures fluid gameplay, but for competitive esports players, the FHD mode allows a switch to 330Hz for unparalleled responsiveness and motion clarity.

If you've never experienced an OLED gaming monitor, prepare to be impressed. Each pixel's independent control results in infinite contrast, delivering vivid colors and a dynamic range that surpasses other panel types. Enabling HDR enhances this further, benefiting not just gaming but also movies and other content.

However, this monitor requires a powerful GPU to run games at its refresh rate, given its ultrawide 4K resolution. The deep curve may also be a distraction for some outside of gaming. Despite these considerations, the LG UltraGear GX9 is a top choice for those seeking a premium 4K ultrawide monitor with a high refresh rate.

5. 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 gamingCONSExpensiveWhile flat panels are popular, the Alienware AW3225QF is the top choice for gamers who prefer a curved display. Its 32-inch size and 240Hz refresh rate provide an immersive and smooth gaming experience. The quantum dot panel delivers rich and accurate colors, and its gentle curve enhances immersion without distorting text.

With a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.3ms response time, the AW3225QF is ideal for competitive gaming. My tests showed no ghosting, ensuring smooth and tear-free gameplay across a wide range of frame rates.

The monitor's HDR capabilities are particularly noteworthy. While SDR brightness is around 250 nits, HDR highlights can reach 1,000 nits. It also supports Dolby Vision for streaming and eARC for connecting a soundbar, enhancing your overall entertainment experience.

Whether you're a dedicated PC gamer or a console gamer looking to elevate your setup, the Alienware AW3225QF offers a premium curved 4K gaming experience.

What to Look for in a 4K Gaming Monitor

When choosing a 4K gaming monitor, consider the features and image quality you desire within your budget. Over recent years, 4K gaming monitors have become more accessible, with high refresh rates now available at lower price points. You can find options under $400 that offer refresh rates up to 144Hz with support for gaming features like Nvidia G-Sync and HDR. While all decent 4K monitors provide sharp images, spending more can yield better image quality, brightness, and advanced features.

Size: For most users, a 4K monitor smaller than 27 inches may not fully showcase the benefits of the resolution. While smaller sizes offer higher pixel densities, the difference in clarity becomes less noticeable beyond a certain point. The ideal size range for 4K is typically 27 to 32 inches, though larger options up to 48 inches are available for those seeking a "big screen" experience. Keep in mind that larger screens may result in a softer image.

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, increasingly popular, offer infinite contrast and fast response times but carry a risk of burn-in. Mini-LED backlights enhance contrast and brightness but can cause "blooming" around bright objects on dark backgrounds.

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. For esports, 240Hz monitors are preferred, with some options offering even higher rates.

Connectivity and supporting features: If you plan to use the monitor with a console, ensure it supports HDMI 2.1 for full 4K 144Hz resolution. Consider other features like Dolby Vision, Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync, built-in KVMs, USB hubs, and gaming-specific features before making your decision.

4K Gaming Monitor FAQ

Are 4K gaming monitors worth it?

4K gaming monitors offer stunning visuals but aren't suitable for everyone. If your PC has an entry-level graphics card, you might struggle to achieve playable frame rates at 4K. However, if you have a mid-range or high-end GPU from recent generations, upgrading to 4K can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Upscaling technologies like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames have made 4K gaming more accessible, allowing a wider range of hardware to achieve good frame rates.

Is 1440p better than 4K?

1440p can be preferable if you prioritize higher frame rates over visual detail. It's less demanding, allowing for higher settings and frame rates. However, with modern upscaling technologies, many games can run well at 4K even on mid-range systems. Consider your priorities and desired frame rates when choosing between 1440p and 4K.

Do you need an expensive graphics card to run a 4K gaming monitor?

Not necessarily. Thanks to technologies like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames, you can enjoy 4K gaming without a top-tier graphics card. For native 4K at ultra settings, a high-end GPU is still required. However, with upscaling, mid-range GPUs like the AMD Radeon 7700 XT or Nvidia RTX 4070 can deliver excellent visuals and frame rates.