4K Gaming Monitors are all the rage lately with modern gaming consoles such as the Xbox Series X and Playstation 5 pushing up to 120Hz on 4K resolution in certain titles while offering a quality mode or a high FPS mode option on most titles. Modern PC gamers, equipped with the new RTX 4000 series GPUs such as the RTX 4080 and 4090 as well as AMD's RTX 7900XT and RTX 7900XTX are able to push for high refresh rate 4K gaming with ease.
The team at Game ZXC has compiled a list of some of the best 4K gaming monitors which sees LCD/LED, OLED, and MiniLED face off at different price points to enable gamers to grab the highest-end 4K display of their choice. Focus has been particularly attributed to high refresh rate displays, which are appreciated by gamers looking for a high-end gaming experience enabled by newer hardware.
Things To Consider When Buying a 4K Gaming Monitor
Display Panel: Display panels are available in different types. While the VA panel is affordable and provides a faster response time, it is inferior to the IPS or OLED panels, which offer better color accuracy and vivid detail. Users who have a good budget should opt for IPS or Fast IPS panels if possible.
Screen Size: For a 4K monitor, Game ZXC recommends a 32" screen size. It's the perfect size for having a great PPI and more immersion. However, some users also go for the 27" size as the details are sharper, and it's ideal for setups where users sit close to the monitor.
Refresh Rate: In 2024, high refresh rate displays are pretty common even in higher resolution monitors. It's best to opt for a 144Hz refresh rate monitor for more fluidity in gaming. 4K high-end monitors may boast even higher refresh rates, but they are generally more expensive.
Sync Tech: Without sync technology, there will be frequent screen tears in gameplay as the monitor fails to catch up to the framerates generated by the gaming build. Any type of sync feature like Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync must be available to eliminate any screen tearing.
Game ZXC's Picks for the Best 4K Gaming Monitors for 2024
Samsung 32" Odyssey Neo G8 Gaming Monitor
The Samsung 32" Odyssey Neo G8 features Quantum Matrix Technology and UHD resolution. These technologies work together to deliver a crystal-clear picture with high-quality colors. The monitor also has a 240 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time. These specs contribute to smoother and more responsive gameplay.
The display of the Odyssey Neo G8 is matte which reduces glare. The monitor's 1000R curvature is designed to mirror the human eye for the optimal viewing angle.
- Screen Size
- 32'
- Resolution
- 4k (3840x2160)
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 240 Hz
- Brand
- Samsung
- Response Time
- 1 ms
- Offers one of the highest refresh rates at 4K at 240Hz
- Supports VRR using FreeSync Premium Pro
- Offers very high 2000 Nits peak brightness, allowing for good HDR content quality
- Does suffer from slightly suboptimal viewing angles
- Is pricey for a 4K gaming monitor
The Samsung 32" Odyssey Neo G8 Gaming Monitor offers an excellent 4K gaming monitor experience that caters in particular to PC gamers where it can push as much as 240Hz at a 4K resolution. This makes it the ideal gaming monitor for esports players looking for sharp image quality, in addition to a high refresh rate for their competitive gaming. At the same time, it also appeals to enthusiast gamers who are looking to push their next-generation gaming PCs to the maximum possible.
A target resolution of 4K with a 240Hz refresh rate is essentially one that can bring down the beefiest GPUs on the market with ease, making it a lofty goal for more AAA titles currently. The G8 does, however, have other tricks up its sleeve. It offers Samsung's Quantum HDR 2000 rating which can theoretically push as much as 2000 nits of brightness (the real number is significantly lower but still much brighter than most of its competition). The monitor is also G-Sync compatible for those looking for it as well as offering support for AMD's FreeSync Premium Pro tech under the hood.
MSI MAG274UPF
MSI MAG274UPF provides a high PPI through the 4K resolution on a 27" screen size. With the IPS panel, it provides excellent viewing angles and covers a wide color gamut for great color accuracy and consistency. The fast refresh rate of 144Hz makes it ready for fast-paced gaming and with 1ms of response time, it is capable of quickly displaying the next frame any visible delay.
- Brand
- MSI
- Screen Size
- 27"
- Display Technology
- IPS
- HDR
- HDR400
- Resolution
- 3840x2160
- Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
- Response Time
- 1ms (GtG)
- Screen Brightness
- 400 Nits
- Adjustment
- Tilt, Swivel, Pivot, Height
- 144Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay
- Rapid IPS display with 1ms response time
- Displays a wide range of colors
- Not the best HDR
- Doesn't feature any built-in speakers
One of the most affordable yet competitive gaming monitors with 4K resolution is the MAG274UPF, which boasts a high refresh rate of 144Hz. Unlike standard IPS monitors, it comes with a Rapid IPS panel that provides a response time of 1ms GtG for quickly transitioning to the next frame. This provides users with a competitive advantage with great fluidity. Moreover, the G-Sync and FreeSync Premium compatibility allows the monitor to remove any screen tearing by syncing the fps to the refresh rate.
The display size is 27", which is perfect for sharper visuals, and the HDR400 support further enhances the detail quality. Except for the absence of built-in speakers, it hardly has any major cons that would eliminate it from the top 4K gaming monitors. It's ideal for those who like to sit close to the monitor and can be adjusted in various positions through the versatile stand.
Gigabyte M27U Gaming Monitor
The Gigabyte M27U features a 27-inch screen. It has an SS IPS display panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution. The refresh rate for this monitor is 160Hz and the response time is 1 ms. These features make this Gigabyte monitor a great companion for fast-paced gaming like first-person shooters. The monitor is also compatible with VESA wall or monitor arm mounting.
- Screen Size
- 27"
- Resolution
- 3840x2160
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 160Hz
- Brand
- Gigabyte
- Response Time
- 1ms (MPRT)
- High refresh rate of 160Hz for great fluidity
- SS IPS panel with a fast response time of 1ms and good color distribution
- KVM for controlling multiple devices
- Supports only FreeSync Premium Pro but no G-Sync
For users who want the best for every dollar spent, Gigabyte M27U is the answer to every need. A high refresh rate of 160Hz at 4K resolution makes it stand out in the sub $500 category without compromising on other features. The monitor features a standard 27" screen size with an SS IPS display that is pretty fast in response. It also has impressive color reproduction, covering a wide color gamut for vibrant and consistent colors across the screen.
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One of its notable features is the presence of the KVM feature, which is rare to find, but once users get used to it, they can't go back. it allows users to switch between different machines or peripherals from the monitor itself. This increases productivity and saves a lot of time. Moreover, the OSD Sidekick further enhances the ease of use by letting users control the monitor's functions using a keyboard or a mouse. It's definitely a full package for less than $500 which distinguishes it from other 4K monitors for its price.
ViewSonic ELITE XG321UG 32 Inch 4K IPS MiniLED Gaming Monitor
The ViewSonic Elite XG321UG is an expensive, albeit compelling 4K gaming monitor, leveraging its 4K resolution MiniLED that can do up to 144Hz while being Nvidia G-SYNC Ultimate compatible with a peak brightness of 1400 Nits. It also has Nvidia Reflex built-in as well as flicker-free display and a blue light filter.
- Brand
- ViewSonic
- Resolution
- 4K (3840x2160)
- Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
- Screen Size
- 32 Inch
- Ports
- HDMI, Displayport, USB
- Display Technology
- MiniLED
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Screen Brightness
- 400 Nits (Typical) 1400 Nits (Peak
- Sound
- 5W (x2)
- HDR
- DisplayHDR 1400
- Response Time
- 3.6ms
- Leverages its miniLED display for excellent HDR performance and high peak brightness
- Has built-in speakers as an alternative for console gamers
- Supports GSync Ultimate with Reflex low latency built in
- Extremely pricey for what it offers
- Does somewhat get beaten in image quality by significantly cheaper OLED options
The ViewSonic ELITE XG321UG 32 Inch 4K IPS MiniLED Gaming Monitor is a pricey, but excellent alternative to most 4K gaming monitors. It offers a 144Hz refresh rate and supports GSync Ultimate as well as reflex low latency as part of its offerings. This allows it to considerably lower latency, allowing for a smoother, tear-free, and responsive feel for PC gamers.
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It does, however, have some quirks with the $2500 price tag being the biggest of them. As OLED monitors continue to gain ground in the mainstream, the price tag looks increasingly unfair compared to competing gaming OLED monitors that tend to beat the XG321UG in terms of raw image quality while costing a fraction of the high-end gaming monitor. The 3ms GTG response is also something that sticks out in a market where 1ms is more or less the norm for most gaming displays.
LG 27GN950-B UltraGear Gaming Monitor
The LG 27GN950-B UltraGear is a 27-inch gaming monitor that features a UHD Nano IPS display. The screen resolution is 3840 x 2160 and the aspect ratio is standard 16:9. The monitor also offers a viewing angle of 178 degrees from all directions. It comes with a virtually borderless design on all four sides, which makes it excellent for multi-display setups.
The monitor comes with an IPS panel that supports response times of 1 ms and has a maximum refresh rate of 144 Hz. This ensures smooth and tear-free graphics even in fast-paced games.
- Screen Size
- 27"
- Resolution
- 3840x2160
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
- Brand
- LG
- Response Time
- 1ms
- Nano IPS display with a quick response time of 1ms
- 144Hz refresh rate for high fluidity
- Wide color gamut of 98% DCI-P3
- Refresh rate could have been higher for its price
LG needs no introduction when it comes to high-end displays. While the Alienware monitors are top-of-the-line displays, the Ultragear series isn't that far behind. Moreover, they are cheaper than the former. The LG 27GN950-B is one of the highlest rated 4K gaming monitors that offers plenty of functionality for enthusiast gamers. With a Nano IPS display, it is superfast in response and delivers an excellent color space of 98% DCI-P3. Viewing angles are also great and the various adjustments through its flexible stand allows users to position the monitor according to their comfort.
The monitor boasts a 144Hz refresh rate for fluid gaming and G-Sync, and FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility for tear-free gameplay. At this point, it's essential to have both the sync technologies, especially when users are investing more than $500 on the monitor alone. The LG 27GN950-B has it all and on top of that, features a big RGB ring at the back for a slick look.
ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ
ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ makes an excellent option for couch gaming with its big 38" display. The fast IPS display on it provides a quick response time of 1ms which is quicker than standard IPS panels. Moreover, the HDR600 support provides vivid details and brighter visuals. Boasting a 144Hz refresh rate and various sync features, it is an outstanding monitor for more smooth and immersive gaming.
- Brand
- Asus
- Screen Size
- 38"
- Display Technology
- Fast IPS
- HDR
- DisplayHDR600
- Resolution
- 3840x2160
- Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
- Response Time
- 1ms
- Ports
- 1x DP 1.4,2x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm jack, 4x USB
- Sound
- Dual 5W speakers
- Tilt
- +5/-5 degrees
- Fast IPS panel and 1ms GtG response time
- Big 38" screen size for more immersion
- Decent 5W dual speakers
- Not ideal for playing from a close distance
- Costs over a thousand dollars
Gaming from the couch is one way of relaxing, and it can't be immersive on a small screen. While 27 and 32-inch gaming monitors are still somewhat fine to play from some distance, sitting 10 feet away won't be a pleasurable experience. Meet the Asus ROG Swift PG38UQ, which is pretty huge to play games sitting far away. Its 38" Fast IPS display ensures vivid details and a fast response time of 1ms. Plus, a refresh rate of 144Hz makes everything buttery smooth.
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Another aspect that Game ZXC liked the most is its speakers. Most gaming monitors come with entry-level 2 or 3W speakers, but this one comes with dual 5W speakers that are powerful enough to replace dedicated speakers unless users like to blast their ears. Apart from that, it also comes with plenty of connectivity ports, including several USB ports for connecting peripherals. All of that at just a power consumption of only 50W, which is almost half the power consumption of most large gaming monitors.
Corsair XENEON 32UHD144-A
Corsair XENEON 32UHD144-A is a Quantum-dot-based monitor, boasting an excellent IPS panel for great viewing angles and color accuracy. With HDR support, the display can hit up to 600 nits of brightness to provide vivid details on its 32-inch panel, which already has a UHD resolution to make picture quality more pleasurable.
- Brand
- Corsair
- Screen Size
- 32-inch
- Display Technology
- QD-IPS
- HDR
- Yes
- Resolution
- 3840x2160p
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
- Variable Refresh
- Yes, FreeSync Premium
- Response Time
- 1ms MPRT, 12ms GtG
- Screen Brightness
- Up to 600 Nits
- Quantum Dot technology for better color accuracy
- 144Hz refresh rate with FreeSync Premium to provide a pleasant experience
- Controllable via iCUE software
- OLED panels are quite close to its price tag
- No built-in speakers
- Very slow GtG response time
The price gap between a standard IPS panel and an OLED panel is quite huge, making it pretty difficult to achieve great picture quality on a budget. Using Quantum Dot technology, this issue is resolved on Corsair's Xeneon 32UHD panel, which brings QD filters with an IPS panel to make sure the monitor displays vibrant colors and excellent picture quality. By passing the LED backlight through millions of quantum dot crystals, the color accuracy is increased and the final result is a wide color gamut, with 98% DCI-P3, 100% AdobeRGB, and 100% sRGB color spaces.
This also helps enhance the overall brightness and HDR quality as the QD technology prevents any light loss. The Xeneon monitor, therefore, can reach 400 Nits of brightness in the SDR mode and up to 600 Nits in the HDR mode without having to deal with the image burns, which most OLED panels suffer from. Its 32-inch panel is going to be adequate for an immersive experience and has a 144Hz refresh rate to make movements super-fluid. The only concern here is that it has about 12ms of GtG response time, which is why the GR team doesn't recommend it for competitive gaming.
FAQ
Q: What is the maximum refresh rate supported by modern gaming consoles?
Both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 support up to 120Hz refresh rates at a 4K resolution.
Q: Why are 4K Gaming Monitors so expensive?
4K Gaming Monitors are generally the highest-end gaming monitors currently available. They have to process a significant amount of data and have a native resolution that has over 8 million pixels, making it a costly endeavor to process and display versus more traditional mid-range gaming monitors.