Best 4K Gaming Monitors for PC 2024: 144Hz, Curved and More

Best 4K Gaming Monitors 2024

As mainstream graphics cards become even more powerful, it's not surprising that PC gamers are taking more of an interest in monitors with a 4K resolution. A panel packing 8.3 million pixels (3840 x 2160) makes your favorite games look sharp and realistic. However, that 4K resolution requires a graphics cards that it is capable of delivering high enough frame rates to make games playable.

In addition to being one of the most popular resolutions available in a good gaming monitor today, going 4K also offers the ability to expand to larger displays while retaining a sharp image. With a packed pixel army, you can stretch your screen size well past 30 inches without having pixels so large that you can see them.  

But that image quality can often come at a steep price. Anyone looking for a 4K monitor knows they're not cheap. Yes, 4K is about high-res gaming (and other media), but you'll still need solid gaming specs, like a 120 Hz-plus refresh rate, low response time, and your choice of Adaptive-Sync (Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync, depending on your system's graphics card). And you can't forget the cost of the powerful graphics card you'll need to game properly in 4K. See our Best Gaming Monitors page for lower-resolution recommendations if you're not ready to fully embrace 4K.

The Quick List

Best 4K Gaming Monitors You Can Buy Today

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Best 4K Gaming Monitor

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Best 4K Gaming Monitor

Specifications

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 32 inches / 16:9
Resolution: 4K
Panel Type: OLED
Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
Response Time (GTG): 0.03ms
Adaptive-Sync : FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible

Reasons to buy

+
Stunning image with high contrast and saturated color
+
Accurate without calibration
+
Adjustable HDR image
+
Top-shelf video processing with blur-free motion over 200fps
+
Premium build quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Light gamma in SDR mode

The Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2P is one of those rare monitors that does just about everything right with minimal downsides. Sure, it’s hard to find a “bad” monitor these days, but the FO32U2P does so much right that it stands head and shoulders above similar 4K monitors available on the market.

Part of what makes the FO32U2P so stellar is its use of a high-quality OLED panel, which is becoming standard issue in high-end gaming monitors. The panel refreshes at 240 Hz and supports AMD FreeSync and Nvidia FreeSync technologies. It also supports a healthy number of ports, including two HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 2.1, Mini DisplayPort 2.1 (which you don't often see), and DisplayPort 1.4. Although the monitor needs calibration out of the box, once your settings are dialed in, you'll be blown away by the excellent overall image quality and increased contrast. Throw in class-leading video processing and configurable HDR settings, and you have a real winner on your hands (which, taken together, is why we gave it our Editor's Choice award).

If we must ding the FO32U2P for anything, we could quibble that gamma is a tad light in SDR mode. In addition, the $1,299 price isn’t for the faint of heart.

Read: Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2P Review 

Best Mini LED 4K Gaming Monitor

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Best Mini LED 4K Gaming Monitor

Specifications

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches / 16:9
Resolution: 4K
Panel Type: IPS / Mini LED
Refresh Rate: 160 Hz
Response Time (GTG): 1ms
Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible

Reasons to buy

+
Razor-sharp image with high contrast and vivid color
+
Huge color gamut
+
Accurate with calibration
+
Excellent video processing with user-variable overdrive
+
160 Hz capability

Reasons to avoid

-
No Adaptive-Sync at 160 Hz
-
Slightly light gamma

Cooler Master is ramping up its gaming monitor portfolio, and the latest from the company is the impressive Tempest GP27U. The is on the smaller side for a 4K gaming monitor at 27 inches, but it brings a lot of features to the table along with excellent performance.

The headlining feature of the monitor is its Mini LED panel with a Quantum Dot film and 576 dimming zones. The result is an expansive color gamut and excellent image quality across the board. Of course, you’ll need to calibrate the Tempest GP27U to get the best performance, but once everything is dialed in, it impresses with deep blacks and overall color performance compared to its peers. On top of that, Cooler Master has thrown in support for up to 160 Hz refresh rates, although you can’t use Adaptive-Sync above 144 Hz.

The Cooler Master Tempest GP27U has loads of accolades on its plate and very few demerits of consequence. Throw in a relatively affordable price of $849, and you have a winning combination for gamers.

Read: Cooler Master Tempest GP27U 160 Hz Mini LED Review 

Best OLED 4K Gaming Monitor

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Best OLED 4K Gaming Monitor

Specifications

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 42 inches / 16:9
Panel Type: OLED
Refresh Rate: 138 Hz
Response Time (GTG): 0.1ms
Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible

Reasons to buy

+
Sharp, bright picture with deep contrast
+
Accurate color out-of-the-box
+
Low input lag
+
Near-perfect video processing
+
Excellent audio from internal speakers
+
Premium build quality

Reasons to avoid

-
HDR red is slightly less saturated than the competition

Asus is a formidable name in the gaming monitor space, offering entries for both mainstream and enthusiast customers. The company’s latest 4K gaming monitor, the ROG Swift PG42UQ, is a premium offering aimed at gaming enthusiasts that want excellent pictured quality backed by good motion resolution.

What makes the ROG Swift PG42UQ special is that it offers a vibrant OLED panel measuring 42 inches in size. You get 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), a 0.1 ms response time, and a native refresh rate of 120Hz (which jumps to 138Hz with overclocking). The ROG Swift PG42UQ excels in nearly every category, offering excellent color calibration out-of-the-box, top-notch video processing, low input lag, and hard-to-beat contrast (as afforded by its OLED panel).

As you would expect from Asus, the ROG Swift PG42UQ comes well-packaged and has premium construction throughout. Asus even includes a remote control for accessing the OSD and controlling the volume on the built-in speakers. In addition, a full allotment of ports is on deck, including two HDMI 2.0, one DisplayPort 1.4, and multiple USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports for connecting peripherals.

Read: Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ 4K OLED Gaming Monitor 

Best Premium 4K Gaming Monitor

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Best Premium 4K Gaming Monitor

Specifications

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 32 inches / 16:9
Panel Type: VA
Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
Response Time (GTG): 1ms
Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Certified

Reasons to buy

+
Stunning SDR and HDR images
+
Color accurate out of the box
+
Next-level gaming performance
+
Smooth motion processing and low input lag
+
Excellent value

Reasons to avoid

-
Color gamut volume is just average

One thing you can expect regarding the vast category of 4K gaming monitors is that they all feature a 144Hz refresh rate (or slightly higher with overclocking). Well, Samsung bucks that trend with the Odyssey Neo G8, which offers a maximum refresh rate that is more fitting of a lower resolution 1440p monitor: 240Hz.

Not only does the 240Hz refresh rate put the Odyssey Neo G8 on a higher plane than its counterparts, but Samsung has infused the monitor with a 32-inch 1000R VA panel and Mini-LED lighting with 1,196 dimming zones. The superlatives didn’t end there; we were floored by the accuracy of the monitor fresh from the factory and image quality in both SDR and HDR modes were superb.

We only had a few reservations about the Odyssey Neo G8, namely its color gamut volume, which was mid-pack compared to its competitors. There’s also the issue of price. The Odyssey Neo G8 isn’t cheap, with an MSRP of $1,400. However, that price is a relative bargain compared to its Mini LED competitors from ViewSonic and Asus that retail for over $2,000 at this writing.

Read: Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 4K Monitor Review 

Best 155Hz 4K Gaming Monitor

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Best 155Hz 4K Gaming Monitor

Specifications

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 32 inches / 16:9
Panel Type: IPS
Refresh Rate: 155 Hz with overclock
Response Time (GTG): 1ms
Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible

Reasons to buy

+
Rich and vibrant color
+
Excellent HDR contrast
+
Smooth video processing
+
Accurate image
+
Solid build quality

Reasons to avoid

-
No advantage from 155 Hz
-
ELMB Sync reduces light output

The 32-inch 4K gaming monitor segment is becoming very crowded, but the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ looks to stand out with some trick features. For starters, the PG32UQ boasts a maximum refresh rate of 155 Hz, which pushes it slightly ahead of the class standard of 144 Hz.

While that 155 Hz rating didn't show much of an advantage in our testing, we can't ignore the rich and vibrant colors provided by the IPS panel and the excellent HDR contrast afforded by its HDR 600 rating. Throw in features like a large color gamut, 1ms response time, FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility and top-notch video processing, and we have a real winner on our hands.

The PG32UQ performed well across our test suite and comes in at a price that squeaks just below $1,000.

More: Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ review

Best 144Hz 4K Gaming Monitor

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Best 144Hz 4K Gaming Monitor

Specifications

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches / 16:9
Panel Type: 4K
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Response Time (GTG): 1ms
Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible

Reasons to buy

+
Bright sharp picture
+
Excellent HDR contrast
+
Visually perfect out-of-box color
+
Top-shelf video processing
+
Monolithic build quality 

Reasons to avoid

-
No flaws of consequence

We have dozens of gaming monitors that pass through our lab yearly, but few monitors impress as much as the Philips Momentum 279M1RV. The 279M1RV packs in 4K resolution into a 27-inch IPS panel that impresses at every turn. You’ll find the usual 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time and Adaptive-Sync support expected from this class, but Philips goes above and beyond on the details.

The 279M1RV first impresses with its excellent picture quality. Not only is the display bright (hitting 458 nits in our testing), but it also performed well (for an IPS monitor) in the contrast test at 1,018:1. Color accuracy was at the head of the class, as was its HDR brightness and contrast. No calibration was needed out of the box with the 279M1RV.

Gaming performance is exemplary with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. In addition, RGB fans will be delighted to know that Philips’ excellent Ambiglow system is present, which provides bias light to further enhance contrast/color saturation and gaming immersion.

Read: Philips Momentum 279M1RV 4K Gaming Monitor Review 

Best 144Hz 4K Gaming Monitor Value

Acer's Predator XB273K offers high-end performance at a more balanced price.  (Image credit: Acer)
Best 144Hz 4K Gaming Monitor Value

Specifications

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9
Panel Type: IPS
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Response Time (GTG): 4ms
Adaptive-Sync: G-Sync

Reasons to buy

+
Superb gaming performance
+
Out-of-box color accuracy
+
HDR
+
DCI-P3 color

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

A little more affordable than the other 144Hz options on this page, the Acer Predator XB273K is the best 4K gaming monitor at that ideal refresh rate for value-seekers. During fast-paced games with settings maxed, there was no blur. G-Sync worked successfully--with both standard and HDR content-- to fight screen tearing when paired with an Nvidia graphics card. The monitor kept up well with other 144 Hz displays during our testing and even beat the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ and Acer Predator X27, which are about $2,000 monitors when it came to input lag. 

Regarding image quality, the Predator XB273K delivers pro-level color accuracy and contrast, reaching over 4,000:1, according to our testing, and over 2,000:1 after our calibration. HDR doesn't look as good as on monitors with FALD backlights, but we consider the Predator XB273K the next best thing. 

For cheaper 4K displayers, see Best Budget 4K Monitors

Read: Acer Predator XB273K review

Best 4K Gaming Monitor for HDR

The Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX brings Mini LED to gamers.  (Image credit: Asus)
Best 4K Gaming Monitor for HDR

Specifications

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 32 inches / 16:9
Panel Type: IPS
Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
Response Time (GTG): 4ms
Adaptive-Sync: G-Sync Ultimate

Reasons to buy

+
Incredible contrast
+
OLED info screen

Reasons to avoid

-
No Dolby Vision
-
No motion blur reduction

If you want the best 4K gaming monitor for HDR movies and games, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX is an expensive but impressive buy. This is the first gaming-focused monitor with Mini LED. Thanks to that advanced backlight, we recorded a fantastic HDR contrast ratio of 180,820.8:1. And while an OLED screen like the Alienware on this page can offer deeper, purer blacks, the PG32UQX can get much brighter. It hit 1,627 nits with HDR during testing. 

We loved watching HDR films on the screen, but there’s no Dolby Vision support. This won’t affect many games, but 4K Blu-ray discs and content from Netflix often use Dolby Vision. On the other hand, you do get support for 24p film cadences. 

And as a gaming monitor, the PG32UQX is no slouch either. It performed admirably against other 144 Hz screens in our response time and input lag tests, even besting some, including the HP Omen on this page, in the latter. And the nifty OLED screen on the bottom uniquely relays helpful information, like refresh rate and CPU and GPU temperatures. 

More: Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX review 

Best Budget 4K Gaming Monitor

A solid 4K gaming monitor doesn't have to cost a fortune.  (Image credit: Asus)
Best Budget 4K Gaming Monitor

Specifications

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 28 inches, 16:9
Panel Type: IPS
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Response Time (GTG): 5ms
Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync

Reasons to buy

+
Good value
+
Accurate color
+
Good build quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Average contrast
-
HDR looks only slightly better than SDR

The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q offers tremendous value for gamers looking to step up to 4K resolution without going bonkers on price. The VG289Q has a competent overdrive function, which helps reduce motion blur, and we didn't notice ghosting on the panel. 

AMD FreeSync is supported here, although take note that the maximum refresh rate is just 60Hz (FreeSync will work down to 48Hz on this monitor). We can happily say that SDR content looked rich and colorful on the VG289Q, but shifting to HDR didn't really show any improvement.

But if you're just looking to dip your toes in the 4K gaming monitor market, it's hard to find any serious faults with the VG289Q. Be sure to check out our Best Budget 4K Monitors list for more value-priced offerings in this category. 

Read: Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q review

Best 4K Gaming Monitor for Consoles

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
Best 4K Gaming Monitor for Consoles

Specifications

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 32 inches / 16:9
Panel Type: OLED
Resolution: 4K
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Response Time (GTG): 0.03ms
Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible

Reasons to buy

+
Stunning image with broad contrast and rich color
+
Greater color volume than most other OLEDs
+
Perfect motion resolution and low input lag
+
Solid build quality and attractive styling

Reasons to avoid

-
No flaws of consequence

For hardcore console gamers who want to have the best display performance available, there are plenty of options available. However, one that really stands out from the crowd is the Alienware AW3225QF, which is a 32-inch monitor with a 4K resolution, 240 Hz refresh rate, and a brilliant QD-OLED panel. If you own an Xbox Series S/X or PlayStation 5 console, it doesn’t get much better than this.

The monitor supports Dolby Vision on the Xbox Series X and ranks near the top of its class in most categories. Throw in excellent motion resolution and low input lag, and the Alienware AW3225QF is a boon not only to console gamers but also to those of us who prefer PC gaming. $1,200 is not a small sum, but the Alienware AW3225QF is well worth the price of entry.

Read: Alienware AW3225QF Review

Quick Shopping Tips

When seeking the best 4K gaming monitor for you, consider the following:

  • 4K gaming requires a high-end graphics card. If you're not using a GeForce RTX 4090 or Radeon RX 7900 XTX, you'll want at least a GeForce RTX 3080 or Radeon RX 6900 XT to game at high-quality settings. Visit our Graphics Card Buying Guide for help.

  • G-Sync or FreeSync? A monitor's G-Sync feature will only work with PCs using an Nvidia graphics card, and FreeSync will only run with PCs carrying an AMD card. You can technically run G-Sync on a monitor that's only FreeSync-certified, but performance may vary. We've seen negligible differences in mainstream gaming capabilities for fighting screen tearing between the two. Our Nvidia G-Sync vs. AMD FreeSync article offers an in-depth performance comparison.

  • 4K and HDR go hand-in-hand. 4K displays often support HDR content for extra bright and colorful images. But for Adaptive-Sync optimized for HDR media, you'll want a G-Sync Ultimate or FreeSync Premium Pro (formerly FreeSync 2 HDR) monitor. For a noticeable upgrade from an SDR monitor, opt for at least 600 nits brightness. You can learn more from our glossary page on HDR and our buying guide for picking the best HDR monitor.

So you've made it this far and still haven't found something that seems like the right fit for your gaming desires? Well, we've recently looked at a couple of other 4K monitors that, while they don't quite make our best 4K gaming monitor list, are still worth considering.

Acer's Nitro XV282K is a compact 28-inch 4K gamer with 144Hz refresh, vibrant, accurate colors, plus other premium features. Its primary downsides are average contrast, light gamma and its $900 price.

And while not strictly a gaming screen, Asus' ProArt PA32UCG delivers a phenomenal, accurate image, excellent HDR (thanks to a Full-Array Mini-LED backlight and 1700-nit peak brightness) and 144 Hz refresh over its DisplayPort. The 5ms response time, though, will disqualify it from consideration for many gamers. And the $5,000 price also means it's likely to be a niche display for professionals who want to game on the side.

For more guidance picking a monitor of any resolution--gaming or otherwise--check out our PC Monitor Buying Guide and list of the Best Computer Monitors

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test Monitors

MORE: All Monitor Content

MORE: HDMI vs. DisplayPort: Which Is Better For Gaming?

Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

  • Muggi1909
    hey nice job there, but can you pls take a look on this monitor too, I think personal its the best buy for the bucks if you want a 4k 144hz gaming monitor for around 800 dollars or less :)
    Acer Nitro XV273
    Reply
  • spoidz
    Did Prices just explode all of a sudden?

    Some of the best are back up to $2000 MSRP and not far below at retail. I thought we were seeing lower $1000's a week or so back.
    Or maybe I just haven't been noticing, but I have been web "window shopping" these last weeks or so.
    Reply
  • ryzengamer
    The ASUS VP28UQG freesync 1ms gaming monitor is good and affordable. It comes with a 3 years on site warranty here.
    Reply
  • BulkZerker
    spoidz said:
    Did Prices just explode all of a sudden?

    Some of the best are back up to $2000 MSRP and not far below at retail. I thought we were seeing lower $1000's a week or so back.
    Or maybe I just haven't been noticing, but I have been web "window shopping" these last weeks or so.

    This list looks like the same one they released last time. If they haven't reviewed any standout 4kmonitors why change it?
    Reply
  • fry178
    anything past 500$ is kind of useless, unless you also using it to "work" on it.
    i can buy a 49" 4K tv with 120hz and local dimming for sub 1000 (even brands like sony),
    and use a lower res like 1080 to play (tvs upscale 1080p content properly),
    which would also reduce (4K related) input lag a bit and will not require a 1070.
    Reply
  • ivoleiden
    What about the Samsung CRG90 ? 49", super ultra wide 5120 x 1440 , HDR 1000, 120hz (overclockable to 144), native freesync. I ordered one, it's coming tomorrow to replace my 32" QHD 60Hz NoHDR really looking forward!!! only 1,200 Eur!!!
    Reply
  • bendvis
    Why is the Razer Raptor 27 listed as the best 4k gaming monitor when it's a 1440p screen?
    Reply
  • JonnyDoom
    Anything less than 32 inch is to small for 4K. Things will be small and far away. 2k works though at around 28 inch.
    Reply
  • mac_angel
    spoidz said:
    Did Prices just explode all of a sudden?

    Some of the best are back up to $2000 MSRP and not far below at retail. I thought we were seeing lower $1000's a week or so back.
    Or maybe I just haven't been noticing, but I have been web "window shopping" these last weeks or so.

    Typically stores will jack up the prices before Black Friday and then they can list a sale price and post a bigger difference - "Now $800 off the previous price"
    Reply
  • mac_angel
    I'm curious with TomsHardware is going to start reviewing FreeSync TVs for gaming. You're bringing up the future of 4k OLED monitors coming, and Alienware's 55" being around $4000. Samsung's 8000 series and up (55" and up) have 4k, HDR and FreeSync. And LG's new firmware for most of their OLED TVs also enable FreeSync. All are much cheaper than Alienware's, even at bigger sizes.
    Reply