This is a long article so you might want to use this quick navigation bar to easily search through the article:
Best Buy 4K Monitor
Best 4K Gaming Monitor
Best 4K 144hz Monitor
Best Cheap 4K Monitor
Best 27 Inch 4K Monitor
Best 4K IPS Monitor
Best 4K G Sync Monitor
Despite the fact that a few years back 4K was considered the pinnacle of computing, nowadays this Ultra-HD resolution standard is found everywhere. As more and more content becomes suitable for 4K screens, it’s no wonder to see a great expansion of the 4K monitor market. There are lots of excellent 4K monitors available nowadays and this is a good thing because manufacturers compete to deliver a better and more affordable product. Whether for gaming or to increase your productivity at work, getting a 4K monitor has become a serious purchase to consider for many. You might also be interested in our articles about the best ultra wide monitors and the best portable monitors.
We’ll present in this article the best 4K monitors, but before that, it’s essential to get a good idea regarding certain characteristics of these products. What makes a 4K monitor worth the money? The answer to that question depends on many important factors such as:
1. Image quality
Not all 4K monitors manage to offer the same image quality. While the resolution helps a lot with the clarity, there are other details to consider, for example, the way a 4K monitor handles color schemes. Gamers will definitely need to look into the color calibration process for their new monitor.
2. Screen size
There are multiple choices for monitors on the market and 4K models are no different. The most common sizes are 24, 27, and 28 inches. While in this case bigger usually means better, keep in mind that your budget will also take a hit the higher you go in terms of screen size. Hardcore gamers should save some more money for 27- and 28-inch models as these provide a very balanced ratio between immersion and cost.
3. Panel type
Those who value image sharpness and vivid colors will probably prefer IPS panels on their monitors. They can truly deliver when it comes to different viewing angles too. The only downside of IPS panels is that they’re not as responsive compared to TN panels. Those who are willing to compromise on color accuracy and want something more affordable should look for TN panels. These are particularly recommended for FPS gamers thanks to their blazing fast response time. IPS panels are better overall than models relying on TN panels, but they can be more costly.
All in all, these three characteristics are the most relevant for the large majority of users. There are other little details that can count, especially for gamers, such as refresh rate and the FreeSync/G-Sync feature. Let’s take a look now at individual reviews for the best 4K monitors for the money.
Best Buy 4K Monitor
1. ASUS Designo MX27UC with Adaptive Sync
One of the most impressive choices for a 4K monitor is the Asus Designo MX27UC. This AH-IPS monitor comes with a wide viewing angle, large 27-inch screen size, and powerful SonicMaster sound. It can easily attract some attention with its elegant frameless design and the metallic finish.
Like any other 4K screen, this monitor captures all the stunning details in your visual content thanks to its grand 3840 x 2160 resolution. The wide 178-degree viewing angle helps a lot with the overall enjoyment and if you add the 100,000,000:1 contrast ratio, the result is an outstanding IPS panel.
Colors are faithfully reproduced on this LED display as the whole sRGB color space is covered. Whether it’s gaming or professional-grade editing, this monitor seems to be a fitting option. Some great features to protect your eyes are the Eye Care technology which filters blue light levels and the Flicker-free ability for making the entire experience more comfortable to your eyes.
One aspect where this monitor stands out over other models is when it comes to the construction quality. Asus made efforts to provide an exquisite premium feeling to this model. The superb metal craftsmanship makes this monitor blend nicely in any modern environment. Some of the best elements of the design are the solid base stand resembling a sundial and the incredibly thin 0.1cm bezel.
When it comes to connectivity, this monitor seems to be well suited for anyone who needs to maintain productive workflow standards. It’s compatible with many devices thanks to ports such as HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort. Fast data transfer speeds can be achieved nicely using the USB Type-C port. The last feature worth mentioning is the addition of immersive audio speakers co-developed with Bang & Olufsen.
Overall, the ASUS Designo MX27UC deserves a top spot on this list of the best 4K monitors considering its beautiful design, superb performance, and versatile connectivity options. If it fits your budget, this monitor represents a very high-quality investment for multiple entertainment purposes.
Key Features:
- 27” 4K UHD AH-IPS screen
- ASUS Eye Care technology
- Stylish frameless design
- SonicMaster sound
- 178° viewing angle
Best 4K Gaming Monitor
2. BenQ EL2870U 28 Inch Gaming Monitor
Gamers looking for a balanced mix of features per cost shouldn’t miss the BenQ EL2870U. This 28-inch 4K monitor has many promising abilities if you play fast-paced games and wish to immerse yourself completely. Some of the highlights include the 1ms response time, FreeSync, and HDR10.
The difference in quality between Full HD and 4K is obvious when you take a look at this monitor’s vibrant and realistic images. The details seem to pop out and this level of clarity is sure to be very appreciated in video games. To increase the black and white range as much as possible, this model relies on HDR for exceptional contrast.
When you’re playing FPS games or if you deal with many intense action scenes on your screen, it’s essential to have a quick response time. The TN panel on this model is capable of rendering all the fast-moving action without ghosting or lag due to the 1ms GTG response.
Another aspect that can count for gamers is the addition of AMD FreeSync, a technology that makes choppy gameplay a thing of the past. Games will look smoother and movement should feel very fluid. Productive workers can also benefit from some features of this monitor.
Thanks to Brightness Intelligence Plus, your screen settings are automatically adjusted according to the lighting in your environment. This helps to minimize the impact of the monitor on your eyes offering soothing warm white for a more relaxing feeling and a cooler white temperature which gets you in the mood for productive work.
All in all, it seems that BenQ did a solid job with the EL2870U. If you’re looking for a large 4K monitor that’s ideal for gaming, this 28-inch model should fit the bill. It packs all the required features for a superb viewing experience and a flawless cinematic feeling during your gaming sessions. Great value for a 4K monitor.
Key Features:
- 28 inch TN panel
- HDR10 Gaming Monitor
- Ultra-fast Response Time
- Brightness Intelligence Plus
- FreeSync
- Ultra Slim Design
Best 4K 144hz Monitor
3. Acer Predator XB281HK NVIDIA G-SYNC Monitor
If a high refresh rate matters to you, the Acer Predator XB281HK could be the kind of 4K monitor you’re looking for. This 28-inch unit comes with a black and red intense design that would be an excellent match for any gamer’s desk. It also packs a punch in terms of performance considering the 144hz refresh rate and Nvidia G-Sync technology.
Immersion is the most important thing for a hardcore gamer. This monitor comes with a very large and bright 28-inch display which allows you to be mesmerized by an extreme level of detail in any scene. For ensuring the best viewing angle, Acer implemented a capable construction feature called ErgoStand.
You can have your monitor move, tilt, pivot in multiple directions to make sure that you’ll never miss any part of the action on the screen. If you prefer having it mounted on the wall, the monitor is VESA compatible. Besides the usual HDMI and DisplayPort ports, this monitor comes with a total of 4 USB 3.0 ports for fast connectivity.
Performance-wise, this model delivers pretty much what you’d expect from Acer’s Predator series of gaming monitors. It’s equipped with G-Sync for getting rid of any screen tearing and scenes move fluidly on your screen without any input lag. The 1ms response time is ideal for fast-paced gaming and works well for video playback too.
Other interesting features are the built-in 2W speakers – which offer a decent audio experience, and the EyeProtect Flicker-less technology. That, combined with the ergonomic stand, allows you to remain in your game for longer without experiencing eye straining or discomforts to your neck and back.
Considering its abilities for the cost, the Acer Predator XB281HK is hands-down one of the best options for a 4K monitor. It’s definitely geared towards gamers as it provides a fast refresh rate and response time. That doesn’t mean that it can’t be versatile enough to increase your productivity with its large and crisp-looking 28-inch display.
Key Features:
- 28″ UHD screen
- 144 Hz refresh rate
- 1ms Response Time
- Flicker-less technology
- Nvidia G-Sync
- Acer ErgoStand
Best Cheap 4K Monitor
4. LG 24UD58-B 24-Inch with FreeSync
If you’re on a budget but still wish to benefit from the superb image quality of a 4K monitor, there are some great options out there. One example with great potential is the LG 24UD58-B. Its screen measures 24 inches and provides a decent set of abilities for the money.
The panel used in this model is an IPS one which means that you can take advantage from better viewing angles. One interesting advantage of a smaller screen like this one, compared to a 27- or a 28-inch unit, is that it offers an increased pixel density. This translates to better clarity allowing you to distinguish many finer details.
Although this model is inexpensive, LG didn’t compromise on the quality of its design elements. It relies on the ArcLine stand which has been engineered for superior stability on any surface. The smooth curve adds a touch of refinement to go with the dependable performance of the display.
Gamers haven’t been forgotten considering the multiple advanced gaming features of this monitor. Activate Black Stabilizer for extra details during darker scenes. Another handy optimization is the Dynamic Action Sync technology which improves the fluidity of the action on the screen. FreeSync is also included to combat screen tearing.
Those who like multitasking will be pleased by the Screen Split 2.0 feature. With the help of this ability, you can customize the layout of the screen to suit your needs. There’s a total of 14 options available, including a picture-in-picture feature. Multiple windows can be shown at the same time and resized however you like.
Another thing worth mentioning is that it comes equipped with two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort connection. All in all, the LG 24UD58-B is worth a shot considering the solid value it brings to the table. It’s a very balanced 4K monitor features-wise considering the gaming abilities and the IPS performance.
Key Features:
- 24-inch 4K IPS monitor
- Game mode
- Black stabilizer
- Two HDMI 2.0 ports
- FreeSync
- Screen Split 2.0
- Arcline Design
5. ASUS MG28UQ 28-Inch 4K Monitor
Anyone who enjoys video games needs a powerful 4K monitor to cover more demanding requirements. There’s no point in building a high-end gaming rig if you can’t fully take advantage of all that graphical processing power. One excellent way to immerse in your favorite games is by getting a monitor like the Asus MG28UQ.
This one’s a 28-inch 4K monitor geared towards gamers with more limited budgets. It’s packed with plenty of satisfying features even if it lacks a really premium design. The monitor is designed for those who value a maximum performance per cost ratio.
As proof of that, this unit is equipped with 1ms Response Time and FreeSync. No more choppiness and screen tearing thanks to this level of performance. The FreeSync, in particular, is great for dealing with those intense action scenes allowing for your GPU to step in and work together with the monitor.
With the contribution of the exclusive GamePlus technology, this model offers some special features for taking better command of your games. There are multiple crosshair overlays available and other little handy utilities such as an FPS counter and a customizable timer.
A solid array of connectivity options is essential for a reliable 4K monitor. This model gives you just that considering the HMDI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 support. Two USB 3.0 ports are also included in case you need a free slot to charge your mobile devices. In terms of comfort, this monitor has some decent options in store. There’s a Flicker-Free technology that prevents eyestrain, and an Ultra-Low Blue Light ability which alleviates fatigue.
An excellent 4K monitor overall, the Asus MG28UQ unleashes a very competitive set of features for the cost. It’s a pleasure to use whether for gaming or to increase your productivity when working. Many customizable features and an amazing image quality create a very favorable impression for this monitor. Strongly recommended for gamers who want to make a smart investment.
Key Features:
- 28-Inch UHD TN panel
- ASUS Eye Care
- Adaptive-Sync technology
- 1ms Response Time
- Ergonomic design
Best 27 Inch 4K Monitor
6. Dell U Series U2718Q 27-Inch Screen
Dell is one of the most popular manufacturers of monitors and their U Series has many capable 4K models to consider. A more recent option that seems to encapsulate the best available technologies is the U2718Q, a 27-inch unit with thin bezels and powerful HDR.
This is a monitor created for efficiency at work allowing you to grasp even the smallest details in every scene. The fact that its bezels are very thin makes this a very suitable option if you plan on going with a multi-monitor setup. In terms of construction the quality is definitely as expected from Dell, but what about visual performance?
The main highlight when it comes to picture quality is the Dell HDR feature which ensures the ultimate realism of your images. There are no compromises on the clarity and contrast – considering its vast range. Another great ability of HDR is the way it impacts the color depth making every scene feel richer and more vibrant.
Many people need a very consistent monitor when it comes to color because of the nature of their work. Video or photo editors will appreciate the 99.9% sRGB coverage of the screen. A precise level of calibration is done right from the factory so you can benefit from extreme color accuracy quickly without the need to go through extra setups.
A wider range of connectivity options can have lots of benefits for those who intend to connect the monitor to all kinds of devices. Dell equipped this unit with a solid variety of ports and slots. The DisplayPort and HDMI ports are fairly standard, but this model also boasts two USB 3.0 slots and an Audio-Line out.
If you’re settled at 27 inches for your next monitor, this 4K model from Dell represents an outstanding choice in all regards. The U Series U2718Q offers many advanced features and a captivating HDR visual feast for your eyes. The cost is higher than other models, but it’s entirely justified when you consider the superior quality standards.
Key Features:
- 27” 4K screen
- Dell HDR
- Easy Arrange feature
- Thin Bezels
- Precisely calibrated out of the box
Best 4K IPS Monitor
7. LG 27UD68-P 27-Inch with FreeSync
Another impressive LG model is the 27UD68-P model, a 4K 27-inch monitor which comes color calibrated with excellent precision. Those who want to make the switch to an IPS screen could be very interested in a model like this one. It seems to manage a very good value per cost ratio.
Gaps in color space will be issues of the past with such a high-end monitor which promises an over 99% sRGB. This monitor allows you to fully express your creativity when going through various photo and video editing tasks. When you need a break, it can also enhance your gaming experience.
Some reliable gaming technologies are provided for this monitor. The Black Stabilizer is used for taking darker areas and making them brighter to enhance your gameplay. When you activate Dynamic Action Sync, you can benefit from better action fluidity as lag will be totally eliminated.
Gamers can be very particular about their settings so this is why LG included a Game Mode feature. This enables complete customization of the settings of your games to optimize the monitor according to the type of game your playing. The 5ms Response Time is decent considering that IPS panels are a bit slower than TN units.
Another great productivity feature that deserves a mention is the structural design of the monitor. It’s not only refined from an aesthetic point of view but thanks to the pivot function of its ArcLine stand, you can also work more efficiently. Turn the monitor in a vertical position to increase the viewing comfort in certain situations.
It’s rare to find a 4K monitor that blends gaming functions with productivity abilities so well. The LG 27UD68-P represents a great investment considering the flawless IPS panel with precise sRGB, as well as the functional design. An ideal companion to a high-end computer.
Key Features:
- 27-Inch UHD screen
- sRGB over 99%
- IPS display
- FreeSync
- Game Mode
- Arcline Design
8. Acer Gaming Monitor KG281K 28-inch
One inexpensive 4K monitor to take into account is the Acer KG281K. Don’t be fooled by its low cost as this unit packs a lot of punch outshining even more expensive models of the competition with its image performance and gaming abilities. Time to have a more in-depth look at it.
It depends on the way you use a monitor, but chances are that if you’re getting a 4K model you plan on using it quite heavily. It doesn’t matter if you’re a programmer, graphic designer, or a student who needs an affordable gaming monitor, this unit seems like it would suit you comfortably.
The Flicker-less and VisionCare technologies are available in this monitor for dealing with problems of users who stare at the monitor for too long. The neck will also suffer in the long run so that’s why the tilting range of this model is quite flexible to optimize your viewing comfort. Connectivity-wise, this monitor comes with one DisplayPort and two HDMI ports, as well as all the necessary cables.
A great gaming feature of this monitor is the AMD FreeSync support which overrides the fixed refresh rate allowing for the graphics card to control the frame rate of your games. Your enjoyment will be greatly enhanced considering that your gaming sessions will take advantage of this superior level of smoothness.
The 28-inch 4K screen is simply stunning when it comes to visual details and colorful picture quality. It supports up to 10 bits compared to other models on 8 bits. That translates to more realistic images and because response time matters in fast-paced games, this model promises a blazing-fast 1ms to handle any quick transitions without ghosting.
At this cost, you’ll be surprised to find a more performant option for a 4K monitor. Acer targets a more budget-conscious market and it seems they did a solid job with their KG281K gaming monitor. This is a somewhat underrated 4K monitor which definitely deserves some more attention taking into account the overall features and picture quality.
Key Features:
- 28-inch TN panel
- FreeSync
- 1ms Response Time
- Included HDMI and DisplayPort cables
- Flicker-less monitor
Best 4K G Sync Monitor
9. AOC AGON AG271UG Gaming Monitor
For anyone searching for a solid 4K G Sync monitor, one option that comes to mind is the AOC AGON AG271UG. This is a 27-inch gaming monitor which boasts a bright IPS panel with an impressive Dynamic Contrast Ratio. It’s packed with some decent gaming features for the cost.
When it comes to connectivity options, this unit features both HDMI and DisplayPort connections as well as a generous amount of fast USB 3.0 ports. It’s equipped with 2-watt speakers which won’t blow anyone away with their sound quality, but they can be useful if your audio requirements are low.
Images are rendered pretty fast on this monitor. Gamers won’t need to worry about ghosting and in darker areas, they can find their way around much easier thanks to Shadow Control. This technology allows you to manipulate the shadow levels on the monitor’s menu which has the effect of increasing contrast only in particular areas.
The G-Sync technology has been integrated into this monitor for taking control of any screen tearing issues. Input lag or stutters should also be eliminated to ensure the best gaming experience. The gameplay will be more responsive and you can immerse yourself in the games without any annoying distractions.
The IPS panel of this model has a large viewing angle of 178-degree which means it’s much more flexible compared to a TN panel. Look at it from different positions and enjoy the same consistent level of image quality. A matte anti-glare coating has been applied to the screen for preventing fingerprints from depositing.
With all of these great features, the AOC AGON AG271UG represents a good solution for demanding gamers. AOC is not such a well-known brand but it makes some reliable products for reasonable prices. The only drawback of this model is that it lacks a faster HDMI connection as it only comes with HDMI 1.4. Other than that, this is a nice investment for a 4K monitor.
Key Features:
- 27″ IPS Panel
- 4ms Response Time
- G-Sync compatible
- AOC Shadow Control
- VESA Wall Mount Compliant
10. LG 27UK650-W 27″ with HDR10
The last LG model that gets reviewed on this list is the 27UK650-W. This is a 27-inch IPS 4K monitor that’s fairly recent considering it made its appearance in 2018. It’s equipped with many cutting-edge features for gamers and video professionals. As with all newer models, the monitor is more expensive than older versions.
There are lots of capable abilities that make this one a great monitor. Perhaps the most impressive one could be the amazing color reproduction. The sRGB spectrum is covered with more than 99% which is great news for any professional graphic designer or photographer. Playing games on this monitor will also feel incredibly realistic.
A solid contribution to the image quality is made by the latest HDR10 standard which provides support for superior brightness levels and much more vibrant colors. To get the most benefit from this display, you can adjust it however you like it thanks to the tilt and pivot features of the ArcLine stand. As with all IPS screens, it allows for excellent viewing angles which makes it more versatile when you’re setting it up on your desk.
One thing that’s been included in this monitor that older models lacked is the compatibility with HDCP 2.2 copy protection. With the help of this feature, this unit can stream 4K videos and work with UHD Blu-ray discs. Another great bonus is the way it plays very well with a gaming console such as Xbox One.
When it comes to gaming, the monitor includes the usual features from LG such as Black Stabilizer and Dynamic Action Sync. To make the movement more seamless, the screen offers support for AMD FreeSync.
A great monitor for a wide range of multimedia purposes which can also please professionals who need excellent color accuracy, the LG 27UK650-W easily gets a spot on this list. It’s one of the best 4K monitors money can buy, but it’s definitely not for everyone’s budget. Recommended for those who want to take advantage of the latest 4K technologies.
Key Features:
- 27″ IPS screen
- HDR10 compatible
- HDCP 2.2 compatible
- FreeSync
- sRGB 99%
- Ideal for gaming