Top 4K Gaming Monitors for Ultimate Graphics

When it comes to PC gaming, 4K resolution represents the pinnacle of visual fidelity, and thanks to advancements like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames, you no longer need an ultra-powerful PC to enjoy it. The Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM, my top recommendation, showcases stunningly detailed images, vibrant colors, and high frame rates, all while maintaining excellent responsiveness. Even if the price or system requirements seem daunting, there are numerous fantastic 4K gaming monitors available at various price points.

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, delivering exceptional sharpness with four times the resolution of a 1080p gaming monitor. With more graphics cards capable of running 4K resolutions smoothly, this high-resolution experience is more accessible than ever. These monitors also serve as excellent options for PS5 gaming. After testing and researching dozens of models, we've compiled a list of 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 spacesIf you're seeking the pinnacle of 4K gaming and are willing to invest, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP is your go-to monitor. Its 32-inch screen is ideal for appreciating the detailed 4K resolution. The WOLED panel, featuring white OLED technology, offers exceptional brightness and vivid, factory-calibrated colors, making it perfect not only for gaming but also for creative work. Its energy efficiency and longevity surpass those of competing QD-OLED monitors.

In my review, the standout feature of this Asus ROG Swift monitor is its versatility. You can game in 4K at up to 240Hz for detailed gameplay, or switch to a 480Hz mode at 1080p for unparalleled responsiveness. This mode accommodates a broader range of graphics cards, enabling them to reach these high frame rates. The inclusion of Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) further enhances motion clarity, making a noticeable difference even for casual gamers. As a long-time Battlefield player, I found the improvement in clarity and motion to be immediately evident.

The monitor also boasts an extensive array of gaming features, some of which toe the line of competitive ethics, such as the Sniper Mode with its integrated reticle and zoom window. Whether you choose to use these features is up to you, but the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP stands unrivaled as the best 4K monitor currently 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 entry into the gaming monitor market and it delivers exceptional 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 high-refresh-rate 4K monitors were priced exorbitantly. The Arzopa M3RC, available for around $300, brings this premium gaming experience to the masses. Arzopa, known for its quality portable monitors, applies its expertise in balancing features and affordability to this full-size gaming monitor.

This monitor offers native 4K resolution at a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring crisp visuals and smooth gameplay, further enhanced by AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. The color-rich IPS panel provides surprisingly accurate colors out of the box, a rarity among budget monitors.

While monitors at this price point often compromise, the Arzopa M3RC includes a USB Type-C video input and a two-port USB hub, features usually omitted to cut costs. The trade-off is in brightness, rated at 350 nits, which is moderate rather than low. However, the long-term support from Arzopa, a newer player in the market, remains a concern despite a 1-year limited warranty. Given its price and positive early adopter feedback, it's definitely worth considering.

3. Gigabyte M27U

Best 4K Gaming Monitor Under $500

### GigabyteM27U

0Fast, bright, and affordable, this monitor sets the standard in its 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 may push the boundaries of what's considered "budget," but it justifies its price with superior picture quality and an impressive HDR experience, thanks to its high peak brightness and edge-lit local dimming.

For a 4K gaming monitor, picture quality is paramount, and the Gigabyte M27U excels in this category. In SDR mode, it reaches around 400 nits, but in HDR mode, it peaks at nearly 700 nits, resulting in brighter highlights and more vibrant colors. The monitor's local dimming zones enhance contrast beyond typical IPS panels.

It also offers a range of gaming features, such as an on-screen reticle and Shadow Boost, all easily accessible via Gigabyte's OSD Sidekick software. Its built-in KVM feature allows seamless switching between systems, making it ideal for multitasking between work and play.

The only caveat is the choice between local dimming and peak brightness. With local dimming enabled, full-screen brightness is reduced, while disabling it unlocks higher brightness across the entire screen. Either way, you're assured a top-notch gaming experience.

4. LG UltraGear GX9 (45GX950A-B)

Best Ultrawide 4K Gaming Monitor

### LG Ultragear GX9

1Large and immersive, this true 4K ultrawide monitor comes packed with features. 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 experience with the highest resolution, the LG UltraGear GX9 is the perfect choice. This 45-inch display with an 800R curvature offers exceptional brightness and dual resolution/refresh rate modes, allowing you to customize your gaming experience.

The monitor's 5120x2160 resolution and 45-inch width create an immersive experience, drawing you into the action with its 165Hz native refresh rate. Competitive gamers can switch to an FHD mode for a 330Hz refresh rate, ensuring top-tier responsiveness and motion clarity.

OLED technology allows for per-pixel brightness control, delivering infinite contrast and vibrant colors, even without HDR. When HDR is enabled, the picture quality is further enhanced, benefiting not only gaming but also movies and other content.

However, using this monitor requires a powerful GPU, as ultrawide 4K resolution demands significant processing power. The deep curve may also not suit everyone, potentially causing distractions outside of gaming. Despite these considerations, the LG UltraGear GX9 is an exceptional choice for those seeking a premium ultrawide 4K experience.

5. Dell Alienware AW3225QF

Best Curved 4K Monitor

### Alienware AW3225QF

3A large 32” curved display that matches its size with impressive specs. 4K UHD, a super-fast 0.3ms response time, and 240Hz refresh rate define what a premium gaming monitor should be. 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 have been popular, the Alienware AW3225QF is the top choice for gamers who prefer a curved display. Its 32-inch size and 240Hz refresh rate deliver a smooth and immersive gameplay experience. The quantum dot panel ensures rich and accurate colors, while the gentle curve enhances immersion without distorting text.

With a 0.3ms response time, this monitor is ideal for competitive gaming, showing no ghosting in both synthetic tests and real-world scenarios. Its wide VRR support ensures a smooth, tear-free experience across various games.

The AW3225QF's HDR capabilities are particularly noteworthy. While SDR brightness typically reaches 250 nits, HDR highlights can peak at 1,000 nits. It also supports Dolby Vision for streaming and eARC for soundbar connectivity.

Whether you're a dedicated PC gamer or a console enthusiast, the Alienware AW3225QF offers a premium curved 4K experience.

What to Look for in a 4K Gaming Monitor

When shopping for a 4K gaming monitor, consider the features and image quality you desire, and align them with your budget. Over the past few years, 4K gaming monitors have become more accessible, with options under $400 offering high refresh rates and features like Nvidia G-Sync and HDR support. While all decent 4K monitors deliver sharp images, investing more can yield better image quality, brightness, and additional features.

Size: For most users, a screen size below 27 inches may not fully leverage 4K resolution. While smaller screens have higher pixel densities, the benefits of 4K become less noticeable beyond a certain size. The sweet spot for Ultra HD is typically between 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 used in the monitor is crucial. IPS panels are known for their accurate colors and wide viewing angles but have lower contrast. VA panels offer better contrast but may show ghosting. OLED panels, increasingly popular, provide infinite contrast and fast response times (as low as 0.03ms), though they carry a risk of burn-in. Mini-LED backlights, often referred to as "Mini-LED monitors," enhance contrast and brightness but can exhibit blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds.

Refresh rate: For gaming, a minimum refresh rate of 120Hz is recommended, with 144Hz or higher being preferable. Higher refresh rates reduce input latency and motion blur, which is crucial for competitive gaming. For fast-paced shooters, 240Hz monitors are ideal.

Connectivity and supporting features: Console gamers should ensure the monitor supports HDMI 2.1 for full 4K 144Hz resolution. Additional features like Dolby Vision, Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync, built-in KVMs, USB hubs, speakers, and gaming-specific options can enhance your experience.

4K Gaming Monitor FAQ

Are 4K gaming monitors worth it?

4K gaming monitors offer stunning visuals and can be a great choice for many gamers, but they're not universally ideal. If your PC has an older or entry-level graphics card, running games at 4K may result in unplayable frame rates due to the high resolution demands. However, if you have a mid-range GPU from the current generation or a high-end GPU from the previous generation, upgrading to 4K can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Upscaling technologies like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames have made it easier to achieve high frame rates at 4K without needing the most powerful hardware.

Is 1440p better than 4K?

1440p can be preferable if you prioritize higher frame rates over visual detail. It's less demanding, allowing for smoother gameplay at higher settings. However, with the advent of upscaling technologies, many games can be played at 4K with reasonable hardware. These technologies can also boost 1440p frame rates even higher, so consider your priorities and desired frame rates when choosing between the two resolutions.

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

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