Top 4K Gaming Monitors for Ultimate Graphics

4K gaming monitors have revolutionized the PC gaming experience, bringing stunning detail and vibrant colors to your favorite games. Thanks to technologies like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames, you don't need a top-tier PC to enjoy 4K gaming anymore. The Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM stands out as my top choice, offering exceptional image quality, vivid colors, and high frame rates, all while maintaining excellent responsiveness. If the cost or PC requirements seem daunting, don't worry—there are plenty of other fantastic 4K gaming monitors available that cater to 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. I've been reviewing more and more displays featuring this high resolution, and more graphics cards are able to run it well, making it more accessible than ever. They also make for some of the best monitors for PS5. To help narrow your search, we’ve tested and researched dozens of options, bringing you 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 spacesThe Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP is the pinnacle of 4K gaming monitors for those willing to invest in the best. Its 32-inch WOLED panel, which uses white OLED technology, delivers exceptional brightness and color accuracy, perfect for both gaming and creative work. The monitor's versatility is unmatched, offering 4K gaming at up to 240Hz and a special 480Hz mode at 1080p for unparalleled responsiveness. Features like Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) further enhance motion clarity, making it a standout choice even for casual gamers. With a suite of gaming features, including the controversial Sniper Mode, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP is the top 4K gaming monitor on the market.

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 questionableThe Arzopa M3RC is a game-changer, bringing affordable 4K gaming to the masses at around $300. Known for its portable monitors, Arzopa applies its expertise in balancing features with affordability to this full-size gaming monitor. With a native 4K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, it supports AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth gameplay. The IPS panel offers surprisingly accurate colors out of the box, and the inclusion of a USB Type-C port and a two-port USB hub adds value. While it sacrifices some brightness and has potential concerns about long-term support, the Arzopa M3RC is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.

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 offers a compelling package for those on a budget of around $500. It delivers superior picture quality with a peak brightness of nearly 700 nits in HDR mode, enhancing your gaming experience with vibrant colors and high contrast. The monitor's gaming features, including an on-screen reticle and Shadow Boost, are easily accessible via Gigabyte's OSD Sidekick software. Its built-in KVM functionality is perfect for switching between multiple systems. While you must choose between local dimming and peak brightness, the Gigabyte M27U still provides an outstanding gaming experience at this price point.

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, 1 x 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 everyoneThe LG UltraGear GX9 is the ultimate choice for gamers seeking a 4K ultrawide experience. With a massive 45-inch display and a deep 800R curvature, it immerses you in games like never before. The OLED panel offers stunning 5120x2160 resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, with an option to switch to 330Hz at FHD for competitive gaming. The per-pixel local dimming provides infinite contrast and vivid colors, enhancing both gaming and entertainment. While it requires a powerful GPU and its deep curve may not suit everyone, the LG UltraGear GX9 is a premium choice for ultrawide 4K gaming.

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 gamingCONSExpensiveThe Alienware AW3225QF is the perfect curved 4K monitor for gamers who crave immersion without sacrificing performance. Its 32-inch QD-OLED panel delivers rich, accurate colors and a 240Hz refresh rate with a lightning-fast 0.3ms response time, ideal for competitive gaming. The monitor's gentle curve enhances the gaming experience without distorting text, and its HDR capabilities, with peaks up to 1,000 nits, offer a stunning visual experience. Support for Dolby Vision and eARC makes it versatile for both gaming and entertainment, though its premium price is a consideration.

What to Look for in a 4K Gaming Monitor

When shopping for a 4K gaming monitor, consider the features that align with your gaming preferences and budget. Over recent years, 4K monitors have become more accessible, with options under $400 offering high refresh rates and gaming features like Nvidia G-Sync and HDR. Higher-end models provide superior image quality, brightness, and advanced panel technologies. Here's what to focus on:

Size: For 4K, a screen size between 27 and 32 inches is ideal to fully appreciate the resolution's benefits. Larger screens can offer a "big screen" experience but may result in a softer image.

Panel: Different panel types offer unique advantages. IPS panels provide accurate colors and wide viewing angles but lower contrast. VA panels offer better contrast but may show ghosting. OLED panels provide infinite contrast and fast response times but carry a risk of burn-in. Mini-LED backlights enhance contrast and brightness but may cause blooming.

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.

Connectivity and supporting features: Ensure the monitor supports HDMI 2.1 for console gaming at 4K 144Hz. Additional features like Dolby Vision, G-Sync or FreeSync, built-in KVMs, USB hubs, and gaming-specific options can enhance your setup.

4K Gaming Monitor FAQ

Are 4K gaming monitors worth it?

4K gaming monitors offer breathtaking visuals, but they're not suitable for everyone. If your PC has an older or entry-level graphics card, you may struggle with low frame rates at 4K. However, with modern upscaling technologies like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames, mid-range or last-gen high-end GPUs can handle 4K gaming effectively, making it a worthwhile upgrade for many.

Is 1440p better than 4K?

1440p might be preferable if you prioritize higher frame rates over visual sharpness. It's less demanding on your system, allowing for smoother gameplay on higher settings. However, with upscaling technologies, you can achieve high frame rates at 4K, so consider what you value most in your gaming experience.

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

Not necessarily. Thanks to advanced upscaling features, mid-range GPUs like the AMD Radeon 7700 XT or Nvidia RTX 4070 can handle 4K gaming well. For native 4K at ultra settings, you'll still need a top-tier GPU, but upscaling technologies make 4K gaming more accessible than ever.