The Best 4K Gaming Monitors

Computer monitor technology has boomed in recent years, with the release of new innovations almost every day. Now, gamers can enjoy 4K resolution without compromising on refresh rate, response time, or color depth. But there's a lot to consider when it comes to 4K gaming monitors, so we decided to review the options and whittle them down to the very best.

What to Look For

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to monitors, so we narrowed down the options using four guiding questions: Does it have a high refresh rate for competitive gaming? Does it have a quick response time to reduce latency? Does it have a vibrant screen with rich colors and adjustable brightness? Finally, is it worth the price? Our favorite came from Samsung since their 32-inch screen offers a 4K resolution at a mind-bogglingly low price. But if you’re after something with faster specs, you’ll have to pay a bit more for a 144Hz monitor like Gigabyte’s M32UC, which boasts a 1ms response time. Keep reading to find the right 4K monitor for you and your budget.

SAMSUNG 32″ UJ59 4K Monitor

The gold standard

Combining affordability, big screen size, and amazing color richness, this monitor proves that 4K gaming doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Best Overall

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Samsung is a titan in the world of monitors and display technology, which is why we weren’t surprised to find the best 4K monitor on the market with their name. This monitor is truly a top choice for one main reason: the cutting-edge price point. Indeed, it seems like only yesterday when 4K monitors came at an absurdly high price, but this one is something of a pioneer. Of course, at this price range, it doesn’t have the specs to support professional competitive gaming. Still, it’s a great choice if you’re interested in seeing your games in high resolution and brilliant color contrast.

Pros:

  • At 32 inches in size, the screen has plenty of space to display multiple windows at once without having to alternate between tabs. This makes it a versatile choice for both gaming and work since it can replace a dual-monitor setup.
  • The colors, brightness, and contrast are immediately impressive, giving games new dimensions of visual appeal.

Cons:

  • The refresh rate is only 60Hz, so competitive gamers may desire something faster.

GIGABYTE M32UC 32″ 144Hz 4K UHD Curved Gaming Monitor

Get your head in the game

Not only is this one of the best displays on the market, but it also sports a gently-curved screen for even greater immersion.
Best Curved Screen

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Some games basically demand complete immersion, which is where this curved monitor from Gigabyte excels. The gentle curve helps your eyes move around the screen without any delays in focusing. That, plus the 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, makes the M32UC an appropriate option for competitive gaming. Bright, beautiful, and wicked-fast, this curved monitor is easily worth its mid-level price tag.

Pros:

  • The hardware is impressive, as the sturdy stand can be adjusted to meet your eye level, making the most out of the curved screen. It can even be wall-mounted.
  • This is an IPS display, so it delivers beautiful colors and contrast, especially compared to LED displays.

Cons:

  • If you want to use the screen from a distance, the curvature can cause a narrowing effect on the image.

LG 27GN950-B UltraGear UHD 27″ Gaming Monitor

The rapid reactions

If your graphics card can produce high frame rates, we recommend getting this monitor to make the most out of your hardware.
Best 144Hz Refresh Rate

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If your graphics card is capable of producing high frames per second, you should probably get a monitor to match it. After all, there’s no point in generating a high FPS if most of the frames don’t even get displayed. Here, we present our top recommendation for those who prioritize the refresh rate. In fact, all the specs make this pick another suitable option for hardcore gamers, including a 1ms response time and compatibility with G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync. If your game of choice necessitates quick reaction times, this is the monitor for you.

Pros:

  • Although the 27-inch screen is pretty large, the entire monitor is sleek and slim. Even the stand, though sturdy, has a relatively small footprint.
  • The image quality is sublime, with rich colors and a high pixel density.

Cons:

  • The fan can become audible if it builds up dust, so you may have to clean it down the line.

Gigabyte 43″ AORUS FV43U 144Hz Gaming Monitor

Ready for the big leagues

This jumbo screen is a premium piece of technology with impressive specs and a price to match.
Best Large Screen

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It can be hard to imagine just how big a 43-inch screen is without seeing it in person. Trust us: it’s massive. The AORUS FV43U is primed for gaming of all types and distances, so you can sit up close for your competitive PC shooters and recline with a controller for your console journeys. And don’t worry, all that screen still refreshes at 144Hz and responds in around 1ms. For those with a bit extra spending power, this jumbo monitor is ready to replace your television and dual monitors.

Pros:

  • The stand has four points of contact, so this extra-large model has extra support to prevent tipping over.
  • It has two built-in 12W speakers, which are shockingly high-quality and loud. Most built-in speakers are pretty crummy, so this was a pleasant surprise.

Cons:

  • Due to the two leg stands and jumbo size, you’ll need a wide desk to support it. We recommend considering investing in an adjustable wall mount to save desk space.

ASUS ROG Strix 27” 4K HDR 144Hz DSC Gaming Monitor

Visuals that pop

This high-end option sports an IPS screen and HDR technology to help bring vibrancy and dynamics to your games.
Best Colors

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Premium visuals come at a premium price, and this option from ASUS delivers the goods. With an IPS screen for insane color depth, HDR technology to bring even greater contrast to your games, and a 144Hz refresh rate, this monitor is a thing of beauty. Plus, the 27-inch size is the perfect middle ground for both PC and console gaming.

Pros:

  • The stand and hardware are durable, so the outer case can handle light bumps and movement.
  • The maximum brightness is stunningly high, and you can adjust it within the settings.

Cons:

  • If you want to take advantage of the HDR, you’ll likely need to fiddle with the settings to achieve the best look.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is refresh rate?

The refresh rate of a monitor is the speed at which it “refreshes” the image within a second. In other words, a 60Hz monitor will flash 60 images in a second. If you want to view higher frame rates, you will need a monitor with a high enough refresh rate to display them all.

What is response time?

The response time of a monitor is the speed at which the monitor can convert the incoming image signal into an image. It can also be thought of as the latency of the display.

About the Author

If you're a console gamer, Dani won't hold that against you. Although he plays on the PC, he grew up with an Xbox controller in his hand. He's also a filmmaker and musician, so he's figured out the importance of quality gear. He hopes to use his expertise to help people make informed decisions in their search for tech that works.

Why Trust Us

With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.