The Best 4K Gaming Monitors To Buy Now

The rise of powerful graphics cards has fueled a surge in interest for 4K gaming monitors. With 8.3 million pixels (3840 x 2160), these monitors deliver incredibly sharp and realistic visuals for your favorite video games. However, there’s a catch: you’ll need a top-of-the-line graphics card to achieve smooth, playable frame rates at 4K resolution.

Beyond stunning visuals, 4K monitors allow you to enjoy larger screen sizes without sacrificing image quality. The high pixel density lets you go beyond 30 inches without noticing individual pixels, perfect for immersive gaming experiences. Be prepared for a premium price tag, though. 4K monitors are a significant investment.

On top of the monitor itself, you’ll need a powerful graphics card with features like a 120Hz+ refresh rate, low response time, and compatible Adaptive-Sync technology (either G-Sync for Nvidia or FreeSync for AMD, or both). If that interests you, then check out our list of the best 4K gaming monitors to buy now.

4K Gaming Monitor Buying Tips

Let’s slow down a bit. Before we go anymore further, it’s best that you consider the following when you’re looking to buy a 4K gaming monitor:

Graphics Card Power

As stated before, 4K gaming requires a serious graphics card. I’m not talking about the Intel Iris Xe or Intel UHD graphics cards you find in budget or mid-range computers or laptops. I’m talking about top-branded graphic cards from NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon.

If you don’t have a top-of-the-line graphics card like the GeForce RTX 4090 or Radeon RX 7900 XTX, the least you can get is a GeForce RTX 3080 or Radeon RX 6900 XT so that you can play video games at medium or high graphics settings. 

G-Sync or FreeSync

This depends on your graphics card. G-Sync works with NVIDIA cards, while FreeSync works with AMD Radeon cards. Technically, G-Sync can run on FreeSync monitors, but performance might suffer. Honestly, the difference in preventing screen tearing between the two is minimal for most games. 

Response Time

Some jargon to note. The GtG means the ‘Gray-to-Gray’ measurement. When you see a ‘1ms’ on the spec, it means the response time of the monitor for a pixel, as a response to an input signal. The lower the number, the better the response time, the less the moving image creates a “blur” or “trailing” effects on the screen. 

Bonus Tip

4K and HDR are a great combination! Many 4K monitors support HDR for super vibrant colors and brightness. For the smoothest HDR experience with variable refresh rates, look for 4K gaming monitors with G-Sync Ultimate or FreeSync Premium Pro (formerly FreeSync 2 HDR) certifications. To see a clear improvement over a standard monitor, aim for at least 600 nits of brightness. 

Best 4K Gaming Monitors

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s move on forward and see what we have selected as the best 4K gaming monitors to buy.

Acer Nitro XV282K

The Best Budget-Friendly 150Hz 4K Gaming Monitor

Screen Details: 28-inch, IPS, 150Hz |  Response time (GtG): 1ms | Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync

Acer’s Nitro XV282K steps in to fill the gap, offering a compelling package for under US$900. It delivers a gorgeous IPS panel with a sharp 157ppi pixel density and a true 150Hz refresh rate. It goes beyond the basics too, boasting extended color gamut, HDR support, and Adaptive-Sync compatibility. It also supports FreeSync so you can enjoy gameplay with compatible AMD Radeon graphics cards.

While the native color depth is 8-bit, the XV282K uses Frame Rate Conversion (FRC) to process 10-bit signals effectively, and we didn’t see any banding issues in testing. Overall, the Acer Nitro XV282K offers a compelling combination of features and performance at a competitive price, making it a great choice for gamers seeking a sweet spot in the world of 4K gaming at 144Hz.

Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ

Best OLED 4K Gaming Monitor

Screen Details: 42-inch, OLED, 138Hz |  Response time (GtG): 0.1ms | Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible

Asus, a leader in gaming monitors, has released the ROG Swift PG42UQ – a high-end option catering to enthusiasts who prioritize stunning visuals and smooth gameplay. The star of the show is the massive 42-inch OLED panel with 4K resolution (3840 x 2160).

This translates to incredibly sharp visuals and vibrant colors. Gamers will appreciate the blazing-fast 0.1 ms response time and a native 120Hz refresh rate, overclockable to 138Hz for even smoother gameplay. The ROG Swift PG42UQ excels in nearly every aspect.

Out-of-the-box color calibration is superb, video processing is top-notch, input lag is minimal, and the OLED panel delivers unbeatable contrast. Asus doesn’t skimp on the overall package either. The monitor boasts premium construction and comes with a remote for controlling on-screen menus, volume on the built-in speakers, and a full range of ports for connecting your devices, including HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and multiple USB ports.

Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ

A Feature-Packed Budget 4K Gaming Monitor

Screen Details: 32-inch, IPS, 155Hz |  Response time (GtG): 1ms | Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible

The 32-inch 4K gaming monitor market is packed, but the Asus ROG Swift 32 aims to cut through the noise with some unique features. First up, it boasts a 155Hz refresh rate, edging out the typical 144Hz standard for smoother gameplay (though the benefit might be minimal).

But that’s not all. The Swift 32 delivers stunning visuals with rich, vibrant colors on an IPS panel. HDR content shines with excellent contrast thanks to HDR 600 certification. Add in a wide color gamut, a lightning-fast 1ms response time, compatibility with both FreeSync and G-Sync, and top-notch video processing, and you have a recipe for a winning monitor.

This feature-packed Asus monitor performs well across the board and comes in at a very competitive price, making it one of the most great valued 4K gaming monitors.

Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q

Best Cheap 4K Gaming Monitor

Screen Details: 28-inch, IPS, 60Hz | Response time (GtG): 5ms | Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync

The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q is a great option for gamers who want to experience 4K resolution on a budget. It delivers smooth visuals with a competent overdrive function that minimizes motion blur and ghosting. While the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz (with FreeSync support down to 48Hz), it’s enough for a good initial foray into 4K gaming.

The display produces rich and colorful visuals in standard definition (SDR), but HDR content doesn’t show a significant improvement. Overall, the VG289Q is a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers who want to take the plunge into 4K resolution without sacrificing affordability.

Dell G3223Q

Best Overall 4K Gaming Monitor

Screen Details: 32-inch, IPS, 144Hz | Response time (GtG): 1ms | Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible

The Dell G3223Q is a strong contender in the 4K gaming monitor market. It boasts a large 32-inch display, super low input lag, and a great balance between response time and clear motion. As expected for a 4K gaming monitor, it features a 144Hz refresh rate and supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth visuals.

Beyond the essentials, the Dell G3223Q delivers a vibrant picture with excellent color accuracy out of the box, excelling in both DCI-P3 and sRGB color gamuts. HDR content also looks great with DisplayHDR 600 support.

While contrast and color gamut volume might not be the absolute best compared to some competitors, the Dell G3223Q makes up for it with a very attractive price tag. This makes it a fantastic option for budget-minded gamers seeking a high-quality 4K gaming experience.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G8

Best Premium 4K Gaming Monitor

Screen Details: 32-inch VA UHD, 240Hz | Response Time (GtG): 1ms | Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible

Most 4K gaming monitors boast a 144Hz refresh rate, but Samsung’s Odyssey Neo G8 is the exception. It throws down a staggering 240Hz refresh rate, typically seen in high-end 1440p monitors, making it ideal for super-smooth gameplay.

That’s not all Samsung throws into the ring. The Neo G8 boasts a impressive curved 32-inch VA panel for an immersive experience. Mini-LED backlighting with 1,196 dimming zones delivers exceptional contrast and brightness. Right out of the box, the color accuracy is impressive, and both SDR and HDR image quality are top-notch.

There are a couple of minor drawbacks to consider. The color gamut volume falls behind some competitors. Additionally, the high price tag isn’t for the faint of heart. However, compared to other Mini-LED monitors from ViewSonic and Asus, the Neo G8 starts to look like a relative bargain.

Sony Inzone M9

Best 4K Gaming Monitor for Consoles

Screen Details: 27-inch, IPS, 144Hz | Response time (GtG): 1ms | Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible

While many 4K gaming monitors cater solely to PCs, the Sony Inzone M9 adopts a different approach. It’s optimized for both PC and consoles like the PlayStation 5, making it a versatile option for gamers. The Inzone M9 boasts a perfect storm of features: a crisp 27-inch IPS display, a smooth 144Hz refresh rate with support for both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, superb color accuracy, and a FALD backlight for impressive contrast. It even comes with a handy Inzone app for easy configuration.

Sony doesn’t stop there. The design echoes the launch edition PlayStation consoles with a sleek white and black motif. Dual HDMI 2.1 ports ensure compatibility with the latest gaming consoles. And to sweeten the deal, the Inzone M9 offers a built-in KVM switch, allowing you to seamlessly switch between your console and PC.

With excellent performance for both gaming and content creation, thoughtful features, and a competitive price tag, the Sony Inzone M9 is a compelling choice for gamers who want a monitor that seamlessly integrates with their PC and PlayStation 5.

Last Thoughts on 4K Gaming Monitors

The world of 4K gaming monitors offers a dazzling array of options, but navigating the features and price points can feel overwhelming. The key takeaway is to prioritize what matters most to you. Gamers on a budget can rejoice! There are lots of fantastic options like the Acer Nitro that delivers smooth 4K visuals at high refresh rates. 

For those seeking a balance between performance and features, the Asus ROG Swift 32-inch is a feature-packed powerhouse with a 155Hz refresh rate and excellent color accuracy, all for under US$1,000. Console gamers who also plan to use the monitor with a PC should strongly consider the Sony Inzone M9, which boasts excellent compatibility and performance for both platforms.

If you crave the ultimate in picture quality and bigger size, the Asus ROG Swift 42-inch with its massive OLED panel is a dream come true, but be prepared to pay a premium price. No matter your budget or priorities, there’s a perfect 4K gaming monitor waiting for you. Use this guide as a springboard to find one of the best 4K gaming monitors that will elevate your gaming experience to new heights.

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