Although 4k TVs have been around for a while, 4k monitors have only recently gained popularity. 4k monitors can enhance productivity and gaming experiences, and their prices have dropped as they’ve become more common and technology has advanced. Choosing a monitor depends on budget and intended use. We have recommendations for the best 4k gaming, HDR, and 144Hz monitors.
- Samsung LS32BG852NNXGO
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 S32BG85 is the top-rated 4k monitor we have tested. Its 32-inch display size and versatile features make it an excellent choice for various uses such as gaming, watching movies, and web browsing. The Mini LED backlight technology provides exceptional picture quality, and the full-array local dimming feature ensures deep blacks and bright highlights with minimal blooming, making it ideal for dark room viewing. Additionally, the monitor is bright enough to combat glare in well-lit rooms.
While the viewing angles are narrow and not suitable for screen sharing, the curved screen design helps to reduce washout at the edges and immerse you in the viewing experience. The monitor’s ergonomics are also impressive, making it easy to adjust to your ideal viewing position.
LG turned its 48-inch OLED TV into a huge 4K gaming monitor
For gaming, the monitor boasts a rapid 240Hz refresh rate, making it future-proof. However, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 S32BG75 is an excellent alternative that costs less and has a lower refresh rate of 165Hz, making it a more affordable option for those who do not require a high refresh rate.
- Gigabyte M32U
If the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 S32BG85 is out of your budget but you still want a versatile 4k monitor for different purposes, the Gigabyte M32U is a good alternative. Though it lacks Mini LED backlighting and has lower contrast, it offers similar gaming features, such as HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, enabling you to take full advantage of gaming consoles like PS5 or Xbox Series X. Moreover, it provides an impressive range of extra features, making it an excellent option for work use, especially for productivity and multitasking.
One of the M32U’s standout features is a built-in KVM switch that enables you to control two devices with a single keyboard and mouse, which is highly beneficial if you use a laptop and desktop simultaneously. Additionally, it features a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode support that lets you display an image from a compatible laptop while simultaneously charging it, albeit with a limited power delivery of 15W. If you find the 32-inch display too large, there’s a smaller version, the Gigabyte M28U, with slightly inferior ergonomics and a dimmer screen, making the M32U the better overall choice.
- Dell U2723QE
If your priority is productivity and you don’t need high-end gaming features, the Dell U2723QE is a great option for a 4k monitor. While it lacks features like a high refresh rate or HDMI 2.1 bandwidth that are important for gaming, it’s packed with features that are useful for productivity, such as Picture-by-Picture and Picture-and-Picture modes, and multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, including one that can act as a KVM switch.
The Dell U2723QE has excellent ergonomics, allowing you to adjust it to the perfect viewing position and easily share your screen with others. It’s also an ideal choice for content creators due to its exceptional SDR color gamut and accuracy, even before calibration. Despite its smaller 27-inch screen compared to the Gigabyte M32U, it’s still large enough to comfortably display two windows side-by-side. While the larger 32-inch Dell U3223QE is available, it doesn’t offer significant performance improvements over the U2723QE and comes at a higher price point.
- Dell S2722QC
If you’re looking for a budget 4k monitor and don’t need the extra features and USB hub of the Dell U2723QE, the Dell S2722QC is a good option. Although it has fewer USB ports and lacks a KVM switch, it supports DisplayPort Alt Mode on its only USB-C input, which can provide up to 65W power delivery. The S2722QC has good reflection handling and peak brightness, making it a better choice for well-lit rooms than the U2723QE. While it doesn’t have a dedicated sRGB mode like the U2723QE, the color accuracy is decent for everyday use. If the S2722QC is not on sale, the Dell S2721QS is another low-cost option that delivers the same picture quality and performance but doesn’t have any USB-C ports.
