As PC gaming continues to advance, there is an increasing demand for 4K resolution monitors among mainstream graphics card users. With 8.3 million pixels (3840 x 2160), a 4K panel delivers sharp and lifelike visuals, enhancing the gaming experience. Moreover, it proves advantageous for streamers who can utilize the high resolution to display the best quality from webcams.
Apart from being the highest resolution available in quality gaming monitors today, opting for 4K also allows for the option to scale up to larger displays while maintaining a crisp and sharp image. With a dense pixel arrangement, screen sizes exceeding 30 inches can be achieved without compromising on pixel visibility. This allure is amplified by the latest powerful graphics cards like Nvidia’s RTX 40-series or AMD’s Radeon RX 7000-series, making the transition to 4K even more enticing.
However, the exceptional image quality comes at a considerable cost. 4K monitors are not budget-friendly, and potential buyers should be aware of this fact. While 4K offers high-resolution gaming and media experiences, it requires certain essential gaming specifications such as a refresh rate of 60Hz or higher, low response time, and compatibility with Adaptive-Sync (Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync) depending on the graphics card used.
Furthermore, gamers must be prepared for the investment in a powerful graphics card to effectively handle gaming at 4K resolution. For those who are not ready for 4K gaming yet, there are other lower-resolution gaming monitor options available.
For those who are ready to embrace high-resolution gaming, we present the best 4K gaming monitors of 2023 based on our comprehensive research.
Top 4K Gaming Monitors
1. Dell G3223Q: Top Pick for 4K Gaming Monitor
The Dell G3223Q is an outstanding addition to the 4K gaming monitor market, featuring a 32-inch screen size, impressively low total input lag of only 30ms, and a remarkable blend of response and motion resolution. Additionally, it features Adaptive-Sync technology, supporting both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync for enhanced performance.
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 32 inches / 16:9
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible
- Response Time (GTG): 1ms
- Panel Type: IPS
One of the key highlights of the Dell G3223Q is its professional-level color accuracy right out of the box, delivering a vivid and bright image. The monitor showcases exceptional color accuracy in both DCI-P3 and sRGB color gamuts, providing users with a visually appealing experience. Moreover, it comes with DisplayHDR 600 support, ensuring precise color reproduction and accuracy even in HDR mode.
While the Dell G3223Q excels in various aspects, it does fall slightly short in contrast and color gamut volume compared to some of its close competitors. Nevertheless, considering its competitive price point of under $800, the Dell G3223Q is undoubtedly an excellent choice for gamers seeking a 4K gaming monitor.
Pros:
- Pro-level color accuracy out of the box, ensuring vibrant and true-to-life colors for an enhanced gaming experience.
- Colorful and bright image, providing visually stunning visuals during gameplay.
- Low input lag, resulting in responsive and smooth gaming performance with minimal delay.
- Solid build quality, offering a durable and reliable gaming monitor.
Cons:
- Average contrast and color gamut volume, which may not fully satisfy users seeking the highest levels of color depth and richness in their gaming visuals.
2. Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ: Best OLED 4K Gaming Monitor
Asus is a prominent player in the gaming monitor market, offering options for both mainstream and enthusiast gamers. Their latest 4K gaming monitor, the ROG Swift PG42UQ, is a high-end offering designed for gaming enthusiasts seeking exceptional picture quality and smooth motion resolution.
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 42 inches / 16:9
- Panel Type: OLED
- Refresh Rate: 138 Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 0.1ms
- Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible
What sets the ROG Swift PG42UQ apart is its vibrant 42-inch OLED panel with 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), a swift 0.1 ms response time, and a native refresh rate of 120Hz (overclockable to 138Hz). The monitor impresses in nearly every aspect, boasting accurate color calibration out-of-the-box, top-notch video processing, minimal input lag, and outstanding contrast due to its OLED technology.
As expected from Asus, the ROG Swift PG42UQ is well-built and comes with premium construction. Asus even includes a remote control for easy OSD navigation and volume control for the built-in speakers. Additionally, the monitor offers a full range of ports, including two HDMI 2.0, one DisplayPort 1.4, and multiple USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports for peripheral connections.
Pros:
- Sharp, bright picture with deep contrast
- Accurate color out-of-the-box
- Low input lag
- Near-perfect video processing
- Excellent audio from internal speakers
- Premium build quality
Cons:
- HDR red is slightly less saturated than the competition
3. Samsung Odyssey Neo G8: Best Premium 4K Gaming Monitor
When it comes to the extensive range of 4K gaming monitors, a common expectation is a 144Hz refresh rate or slightly higher with overclocking. However, Samsung defies this trend with the Odyssey Neo G8, offering an impressive maximum refresh rate more akin to lower resolution 1440p monitors: 240Hz.
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 32 inches / 16:9
- Panel Type: VA
- Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 1ms
- Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Certified
The Odyssey Neo G8 goes beyond its counterparts by featuring a 32-inch 1000R VA panel and Mini-LED lighting with 1,196 dimming zones, resulting in a measured contrast of 25,000:1, significantly surpassing the typical 3,000:1 of VA panels. Beyond that, the monitor’s factory-fresh accuracy and image quality in both SDR and HDR modes are superb.
While the Odyssey Neo G8 earns high praise, there are a few considerations. Its color gamut volume ranks mid-pack compared to competing monitors. Additionally, the monitor’s price is relatively high, with an MSRP of $1,400. Nevertheless, it remains a favorable choice compared to Mini LED competitors from ViewSonic and Asus, which are priced over $2,000 at the moment.
Pros:
- Stunning SDR and HDR images
- Color accurate out of the box
- Next-level gaming performance
- Smooth motion processing and low input lag
- Excellent value
Cons:
- Color gamut volume is just average
4. ViewSonic Elite XG320U: Best 150Hz 4K Gaming Monitor
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 32 inches / 16:9
- Panel Type: IPS
- Refresh Rate: 150 Hz with overclock
- Response Time (GTG): 1ms
- Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible
The ViewSonic Elite XG320U stands out in the 32-inch class with its 4K IPS panel that can be overclocked to a maximum of 150Hz. Priced just under $1,000, this monitor offers a vast color gamut, excellent HDR, impressive gaming performance, and a sharp image. Its sturdy build quality aligns with the high standard of previous top-tier ViewSonic monitors we’ve evaluated.
The Elite XG320U supports HDMI 2.1 and features a rapid 1ms response time, along with FreeSync and G-Sync support. During testing, the peak HDR brightness reached 543 nits, slightly below the specified 600 nits. The panel’s contrast ratio is listed at 1,000:1.
While the monitor impressed us in various aspects, it did receive some criticism for lacking controls over color gamut size, and the slight overclock to 150Hz leads to the loss of Adaptive-Sync support for gamers.
Pros:
- Extremely large color gamut
- Accurate without calibration
- Sharp image
- Solid gaming performance
Cons:
- No control of color gamut size
- Overclock cancels out Adaptive-Sync
5. Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ: Best 155Hz 4K Gaming Monitor
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 32 inches / 16:9
- Panel Type: IPS
- Refresh Rate: 155 Hz with overclock
- Response Time (GTG): 1ms
- Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible
The Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ enters the competitive 32-inch 4K gaming monitor segment with some innovative features. Standing out from the crowd, the PG32UQ offers a maximum refresh rate of 155 Hz, slightly exceeding the standard 144 Hz found in most monitors.
While the 155 Hz rate did not present a significant advantage in our testing, we cannot overlook the display’s rich and vibrant colors, courtesy of its IPS panel, and the exceptional HDR contrast delivered by its HDR 600 rating. Combining these features with a wide color gamut, quick 1ms response time, FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility, and top-notch video processing, the PG32UQ proves to be a true winner.
Performing well across our test suite, this monitor comes at an attractive price, just below $1,000.
Pros:
- Rich and vibrant color
- Excellent HDR contrast
- Smooth video processing
- Accurate image
- Solid build quality
Cons:
- No advantage from 155 Hz
- ELMB Sync reduces light output
6. Cooler Master Tempest GP27U 160 Hz Mini LED: Best Mini LED 4K Gaming Monitor
Cooler Master’s latest addition to its gaming monitor lineup is the impressive Tempest GP27U. Although it features a 27-inch screen, which is relatively smaller for a 4K gaming monitor, it offers a host of features and delivers excellent performance.
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches / 16:9
- Resolution: 4K
- Panel Type: IPS / Mini LED
- Refresh Rate: 160 Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 1ms
- Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible
The standout feature of the Tempest GP27U is its Mini LED panel with a Quantum Dot film and 576 dimming zones. This combination results in a wide color gamut and exceptional image quality across various applications. While calibrating the monitor is necessary to achieve optimal performance, once fine-tuned, it stands out with deep blacks and overall color accuracy, surpassing many of its competitors. Moreover, the monitor supports refresh rates of up to 160 Hz, although Adaptive-Sync is not available above 144 Hz.
The Cooler Master Tempest GP27U has received numerous accolades and has very few significant downsides. With an attractive price tag of $849, it offers a winning combination for gamers.
Pros:
- Razor-sharp image with high contrast and vivid color
- Huge color gamut
- Accurate with calibration
- Excellent video processing with user-variable overdrive
- 160 Hz capability
Cons:
- No Adaptive-Sync at 160 Hz
- Slightly light gamma
7. Philips Momentum 279M1RV: Best 144Hz 4K Gaming Monitor
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches / 16:9
- Panel Type: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 1ms
- Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible
The Philips Momentum 279M1RV is a gaming monitor that leaves a lasting impression. Combining 4K resolution with a 27-inch IPS panel, this monitor delivers an impressive performance in every aspect. With the expected 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and Adaptive-Sync support, Philips takes it a step further by paying attention to the finest details.
What sets the 279M1RV apart is its outstanding picture quality. The display is not only bright, reaching 458 nits in testing, but it also performs well in contrast, boasting a ratio of 1,018:1 for an IPS monitor. The color accuracy, HDR brightness, and contrast are at the top of the class, requiring no calibration out of the box.
The monitor’s gaming performance is outstanding, benefiting from the support of both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync technologies. Furthermore, gamers who enjoy RGB lighting will be pleased to find that Philips has incorporated its remarkable Ambiglow system, which introduces bias lighting to elevate contrast, color saturation, and overall gaming immersion.
Pros:
- Bright sharp picture
- Excellent HDR contrast
- Visually perfect out-of-box color
- Top-shelf video processing
- Monolithic build quality
Cons:
- No flaws of consequence
8. Acer Predator XB273K: Best 144Hz 4K Gaming Monitor Value
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9
- Panel Type: IPS
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 4ms
- Adaptive-Sync: G-Sync
The Acer Predator XB273K stands as the best value option for those seeking a 4K gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate. During fast-paced games with high settings, no blurring was observed, and G-Sync effectively combated screen tearing when used with an Nvidia graphics card, both in standard and HDR content. The monitor exhibited impressive input lag performance, outperforming even higher-priced monitors like the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ and Acer Predator X27.
In terms of image quality, the Predator XB273K boasts professional-level color accuracy and contrast, surpassing 4,000:1 in our testing and exceeding 2,000:1 after calibration. Though HDR performance may not match monitors with FALD backlights, the Predator XB273K offers an excellent HDR experience, making it a compelling choice.
Pros:
- Superb gaming performance
- Out-of-box color accuracy
- HDR support
- DCI-P3 color
Cons:
- Expensive
9. Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q: Best Budget 4K Gaming Monitor
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 28 inches, 16:9
- Panel Type: IPS
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 5ms
- Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync
The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q stands out as a budget-friendly 4K monitor that doesn’t compromise on performance. Priced at $349 at the time of writing, it delivers impressive gaming capabilities, making it an excellent value for gamers seeking an affordable 4K option. Despite its low cost, it outperforms some $400 4K monitors in gaming performance.
The VG289Q provides a ghosting-free gaming experience, and the overdrive feature effectively eliminates motion blur. While SDR titles showcase vibrant colors, the transition to HDR games yields only marginal enhancements.
Considering its affordable price, the VG289Q offers a refresh rate limited to 60 Hz (with FreeSync functioning down to 48 Hz). While hardcore gamers may desire higher refresh rates, casual players will find the display’s fast-paced scenes to be sufficiently detailed with excellent pixel density.
Pros:
- Good value
- Accurate color representation
- Good build quality
Cons:
- Average contrast
- HDR shows slight improvement over SDR
10. Acer ConceptD CP7271K: Best 4K Gaming Monitor for Professionals
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9
- Panel Type: IPS
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz with overclock
- Response Time (GTG): 4ms
- Adaptive-Sync: G-Sync Ultimate
The Acer ConceptD CP7271K bridges the gap between the needs of gamers and professionals, offering remarkable gaming specifications combined with accurate color space coverage. Ideal for creative professionals, the monitor provides 110% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, which may be slightly vibrant for meticulous users. However, color reduction can be achieved using a software look-up table. Additionally, it boasts excellent HDR performance with its FALD backlight reaching 1,000 nits brightness.
While catering to professionals, the ConceptD CP7271K offers gamers precise sRGB coverage (96.3%) and powerful performance, keeping up with 144Hz gaming monitors in our response time and input lag benchmarks. A versatile choice for those seeking both gaming and professional capabilities.
Pros:
- Reference-level color accuracy
- Wide color gamut
- Impressive contrast
- HDR with FALD backlight at 1,000 nits brightness and G-Sync Ultimate
Cons:
- No portrait mode
- No selectable color gamuts
11. Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX: Best 4K Gaming Monitor for HDR
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 32 inches / 16:9
- Panel Type: IPS
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 4ms
- Adaptive-Sync: G-Sync Ultimate
For those seeking the ultimate 4K gaming monitor for HDR games, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX offers an impressive but pricey choice. This gaming-focused monitor features Mini LED technology, providing a fantastic HDR contrast ratio of 180,820.8:1. While it may not deliver OLED’s deepest blacks, the PG32UQX achieves higher brightness, reaching 1,627 nits during HDR testing.
The monitor excels in HDR film viewing, although it lacks Dolby Vision support, which may impact some 4K Blu-ray discs and Netflix content. Nevertheless, it offers support for 24p film cadences.
As a gaming monitor, the PG32UQX delivers commendable performance, with impressive response times and input lag, surpassing some competing 144Hz screens, including the HP Omen. The OLED info screen at the bottom provides valuable information, such as refresh rate, CPU, and GPU temperatures, enhancing the overall experience.
Pros:
- Incredible contrast
- OLED info screen
Cons:
- No Dolby Vision support
- No motion blur reduction
12. Gigabyte Aorus FV43U: Best Big-Screen 4K Gaming Monitor
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 43 inches, 16:9
- Panel Type: VA
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 1ms
- Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync
For a grand 4K experience, the Aorus FV43U offers exceptional image quality and gaming performance at a more budget-friendly price compared to monitors with slightly inferior image quality. Priced as low as $1,000, it competes head-to-head with the $1,500 Asus ROG PG43UQ on this page. The Aorus outperformed the Asus in contrast (both SDR and HDR), max brightness, and color coverage. However, the Asus held a slight advantage in our response time test by 1ms and input lag by 7ms. Nevertheless, unless you’re an extremely competitive gamer, the price savings and minor image quality improvements of the Aorus are likely worth considering.
The Aorus FV43U also boasts USB-C connectivity, enabling 144Hz performance, along with two 12W speakers that surpass most in sound quality. Additionally, it includes a remote for convenient control. HDR performance shines with our benchmarks recording a contrast ratio of 38,888.4:1, and HDR games showcase impressive depth and vibrant textures. The only drawbacks are the lack of 24p and Dolby Vision support, which limits the FV43U’s potential as a full TV replacement. Nonetheless, it offers an exceptional package as a premium gaming monitor.
Pros:
- Huge color gamut
- Accurate out of the box
Cons:
- No 24p support
- No Dolby Vision
13. Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ: Best Big-Screen 4K Gaming Monitor Splurge
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 43 inches, 16:9
- Panel Type: VA
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 1ms
- Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible
The Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ left a lasting impression since its introduction in June, but its limited availability online has been a challenge. Originally priced at $1,500, it has been sold for higher prices. Nonetheless, if you manage to find this massive screen at the right price, it’s sure to be a satisfying investment.
With a 43-inch display, the ROG Swift PG43UQ delivers a captivating experience that rivals a curved ultra-wide, making it an excellent TV replacement with the added convenience of a remote. DisplayHDR 1000 certification ensures powerful HDR performance in movies. Games come to life with incredibly realistic and warm visuals in HDR and retain their natural vibrancy in SDR.
Beyond its immersive capabilities, the PG43UQ is built for high-performance gaming. Competitive response time and low input lag outperform many other 144Hz screens in our testing. While stock may be limited, the Acer Predator CG437K offers a viable alternative with slightly reduced performance at around $1,455.
Pros:
- 99% DCI-P3 color coverage
- Impressive HDR
- Convenient remote
Cons:
- Hard to find
- Too bright for dimly lit rooms
- No 24p film mode for Blu-ray movies
14. Sony Inzone M9: Best 4K Gaming Monitor for Consoles
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches / 16:9
- Panel Type: IPS
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 1ms
- Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible
Unlike many 4K gaming monitors geared towards PCs, the Sony Inzone M9 is specially designed for both gaming PCs and PlayStation 5 consoles. It impresses with a 27-inch IPS panel, 144Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync support (both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync), a Full-Array Local Dimming (FALD) backlight with 96 dimming zones, and outstanding color accuracy straight out of the box. The Inzone M9 comes equipped with dual HDMI 2.1 ports and a feature-rich Inzone app that allows easy configuration of settings. Adding to its appeal, the monitor’s design mirrors that of the launch edition PlayStation consoles, featuring a sleek white and black motif.
The Sony Inzone M9 offers great value for its price, delivering exceptional gaming and color performance along with thoughtful features like an integrated KVM switch for seamless switching between console and PC use. With a price tag of $899, it presents an attractive and well-rounded package for gamers and console enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Bright, sharp, and contrasty image
- Full-array local-dimming backlight
- Excellent out-of-box color accuracy
- Premium quality video processing
- Unique styling that complements the PS5
Cons:
- No sRGB mode
15. Aorus FO48U: Best 120Hz 4K Gaming Monitor
Product Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 47.5 inches / 16:9
- Panel Type: OLED
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 1ms
- Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync Premium
Finding an OLED-based gaming monitor is a rarity, but the Aorus FO48U breaks that mold by bringing the rich contrast and expansive color gamut that OLED technology allows. It even outshines the Alienware AW5520QF 55-Inch OLED, the only other gaming OLED monitor currently available, with its increased brightness. Furthermore, the FO48U boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 connectivity, making it compatible with the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, allowing you to experience their full potential.
With its 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms GTG response time, the FO48U competes favorably with 120Hz and 144Hz rivals during our response time test, albeit trailing the Alienware OLED by 4ms in total input lag. Despite this minor drawback, the FO48U’s brighter screen (though not quite matching the max nits of a premium LCD) and larger color gamut (107.7% DCI-P3) make it an excellent choice for gamers.
Although the FO48U lacks Dolby Vision support and does not cover the 50p and 24p TV formats, it remains a compelling option. It features a pair of 15W speakers and an additional 20W speaker for audio enthusiasts.
Pros:
- HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC
- Stunning image with deep contrast and saturated color
Cons:
- Not as bright as a premium LCD
- No Dolby Vision
What to Consider in a 4K Gaming Monitor?
4K gaming monitors push the boundaries of typical gaming PCs, and as a result, they may not support all the features found at lower resolutions. For instance, you won’t find 360Hz or 240Hz gaming monitors at Quad HD resolution. Additionally, most 4K monitors struggle with HDR.
All 4K monitors deliver a sharp image, allowing you the freedom to choose a screen size according to your budget and preferences. Due to the high pixel density, it’s recommended to opt for a display size of at least 27 to 32 inches. If you want a more significant display, a 65-inch screen is typically needed to avoid visible individual pixels.
Conversely, the sharpness generally improves as the display size decreases since the same number of pixels is packed into a smaller space. Therefore, a 27-inch or 28-inch 4K monitor will appear sharper than a 32-inch monitor, and the latter will be sharper than a 43-inch or 48-inch alternative. While the difference is minor, it’s worth considering if image clarity is your priority.
Most 4K monitors utilize an IPS display panel, which offers decent color accuracy and high brightness but lacks in contrast ratio. Some alternatives, though rare, use a VA panel, which boosts contrast ratio but may sacrifice motion clarity in dark scenes.
For gamers, new models with a Mini-LED backlight are worth considering. These monitors combine an IPS panel with an array of LED dimming zones to improve contrast and deliver impressive HDR performance. While there are currently only a few Mini-LED options on the market, they are expected to become more prevalent in the future.
OLED and QLED technologies are mainly reserved for the television market, with a limited number of 4K OLED monitors available, such as the LG 32EP950-B. These monitors are costly and primarily targeted at professional media production rather than gaming.
Most 4K gaming monitors offer a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz, and some may slightly exceed this with an overclocking mode. Although this might seem disappointing at first glance, 4K gaming places a heavy load on gaming PCs, making it challenging to achieve consistently high frame rates like 240 FPS or more.
All monitors on this list support either AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync, and some may even support both. It’s essential to note that monitors not officially labeled as G-Sync compatible may still work with Nvidia video cards.
Should You Buy for a Gaming TV Instead?
While gaming monitors are the better choice for game performance, TVs generally offer superior image quality. Moreover, gaming TVs often provide larger screens at a more affordable price compared to gaming monitors.
