When it comes to PC gaming, 4K resolution represents the cutting edge, offering unparalleled visual fidelity. Thanks to advancements like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames, you don't need an ultra-powerful PC to enjoy this level of detail. My top pick, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM, delivers stunning visuals with vibrant colors and high frame rates while maintaining excellent responsiveness. Even if the price or PC requirements seem daunting, there are plenty of excellent gaming monitors available to suit various budgets.

TL;DR – These Are the Best 4K Gaming Monitors:

Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP

4See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy### Arzopa 32" 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor

2See it at Amazon### GigabyteM27U

0See it at Amazon### LG Ultragear GX9

1See it at Amazon### Alienware AW3225QF

3See it at DellA 4K gaming monitor is the ultimate way to experience your favorite PC games, providing incredible sharpness with four times the resolution of a 1080p gaming monitor. As I've reviewed numerous displays with this high resolution, it's clear that more graphics cards are capable of running them smoothly, making 4K gaming more accessible than ever. These monitors also enhance the experience for PS5 gamers. To help you choose, we've tested and researched dozens of options, presenting our top five 4K gaming monitors.

Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham and Matthew S. Smith.

1. Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP

Best 4K Gaming Monitor

Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP

4WOLED gaming monitor with 480Hz refresh rate and 4K@240HzSee it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsScreen Size32"Aspect ratio16:9Resolution3840x2160 / 1920x1080Panel typeOLED HDR compatibilityDisplayHDR 400 True Black Brightness1,300 cd/m2Refresh rate240Hz / 480HzResponse time0.03ms Inputs2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB-C (DisplayPort mode), 3 x USB-A, 1 x USB-BPROSBeautiful OLED displayFast refresh rate with great motion clarityUp to 480Hz refresh ratePlentiful gaming featuresCONSMay be too large for some gaming spacesIf you're seeking the pinnacle of 4K gaming and are willing to invest, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP is the monitor for you. Its 32-inch size is ideal for appreciating the detailed 4K resolution. The WOLED panel, which stands for white OLED, is exceptionally bright and offers vivid, factory-calibrated colors, making it excellent for both creative work and top-tier gaming. Its power efficiency and longevity surpass those of competing QD-OLED monitors.

As highlighted in my review, the versatility of this Asus ROG Swift monitor is what sets it apart. You can game at 4K with exquisite detail up to 240Hz, or switch to a special 480Hz mode for enhanced clarity and responsiveness, albeit at 1080p. This mode allows more graphics cards to achieve higher frame rates, benefiting your gameplay. The monitor also features Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB), which further reduces motion blur, making a noticeable difference even for casual gamers. As a long-time Battlefield player, I found the improvement immediately evident.

Moreover, it boasts a comprehensive suite of gaming features, some of which, like the Sniper Mode, offer competitive advantages by providing a reticle and a zoomed-in window. The Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP is undeniably the best 4K monitor currently available.

2. Arzopa M3RC - 32" 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor

Best Budget 4K Gaming Monitor

### Arzopa 32" 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor

2This display is Arzopa's bold entry into the gaming monitor market, offering exceptional value. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size32” Aspect ratio16:9Resolution3840x2160Panel typeAMD FreeSync, G-Sync compatible Brightness350 cd/m2Refresh rate144HzResponse time1ms Inputs2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB Type-C, 2x USB 2.0, 1x audio outPROS144Hz refresh rateIPS panel with good color calibrationBuilt in USB hubGreat valueCONSLow peak brightnessProduct support is questionableGone are the days when 4K high refresh rate monitors were priced over $1,000. With the Arzopa M3RC, priced around $300, affordable 4K gaming is now within reach for many. Arzopa, known for its quality portable monitors, brings its affordability and feature balance to the full-size gaming monitor market, aiming to meet the demanding needs of PC gaming.

This monitor boasts a native 4K resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring crisp visuals and smooth gameplay, enhanced by AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. The color-rich IPS panel is surprisingly accurate out of the box, a rarity in this price range.

While monitors challenging conventional pricing often compromise, the Arzopa M3RC offers more than expected. It includes a USB Type-C video input and a two-port USB hub, features typically omitted at this price point.

The trade-offs include moderate brightness, rated at 350 nits, and concerns about long-term support from a smaller brand. However, with a 1-year limited warranty and positive early adopter feedback, it's a compelling option at its price.

3. Gigabyte M27U

Best 4K Gaming Monitor Under $500

### GigabyteM27U

0Fast, bright, and affordable, this is the 4K gaming monitor to beat in this price range. With a peak brightness of around 700 nits, it offers one of the best HDR gaming experiences you can find under $500.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27"Aspect ratio16:9Resolution3840x2160 Panel typeSuperSpeed IPSHDR compatibilityDisplayHDR 400 True Black Brightness400 cd/m2 (~700 cd/m2 peak)Refresh rate160HzResponse time1msInputs2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Downstream ports, 1x USB 3.2 Upstream port, 1x Earphone JackPROSHigh peak brightnessPlentiful connectivity optionsReliably smooth, reliably great looking gaming experienceCONSNo local dimmingThe Gigabyte M27U stretches the definition of "budget" but offers superior picture quality and an excellent HDR experience at its price point. With a brightness of around 400 nits in SDR and nearly 700 nits in HDR, it provides vibrant highlights and colors that enhance your gaming experience. Its edge-lit local dimming zones improve contrast beyond what typical IPS panels can achieve.

The monitor includes a range of gaming features like an on-screen reticle and Shadow Boost, easily accessible through Gigabyte's OSD Sidekick software. It's an excellent choice for multi-system setups, thanks to its built-in KVM, allowing seamless switching between inputs and peripherals.

The only trade-off is choosing between local dimming zones and peak brightness. Enabling local dimming reduces full-screen brightness, but it's a fair compromise for the enhanced gaming experience it delivers.

4. LG UltraGear GX9 (45GX950A-B)

Best Ultrawide 4K Gaming Monitor

### LG Ultragear GX9

1Large and in-charge, this is a true 4K ultrawide with features to spare.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size44.5"Resolution5120x2160Panel typeOLED, G-Sync Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium ProBrightness1,300 cd/m2 Refresh rate165Hz/330HzResponse time0.03msInputs2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 2.1, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB Type-CPROSDual resolution and refresh rate optionsHigh peak brightness with per-pixel local dimming (OLED)DisplayPort 2.1 supportCONSRequires a powerful GPUDeep curvature isn't for everyoneFor those who can't compromise on an ultrawide gaming monitor and seek the highest resolution in the 21:9 aspect ratio, the LG UltraGear GX9 is the answer. This massive 45-inch display, with its deep 800R curvature, offers dual resolutions and refresh rates for a customizable gaming experience.

Its 5120x2160 resolution and 45-inch width create an immersive experience, drawing you into the action. With a native 165Hz refresh rate, it's ideal for most games, but competitive esports players can switch to an FHD mode that boosts the refresh rate to 330Hz for unparalleled responsiveness.

The OLED panel technology allows for infinite contrast, providing vivid colors and a wider dynamic range without HDR. When HDR is enabled, the experience is even more spectacular, enhancing movies and other content as well.

However, a powerful GPU is essential to run games at its refresh rate, given its ultrawide 4K resolution. The deep curve may also be distracting for some users outside of gaming. Despite these considerations, the LG UltraGear GX9 is an exceptional choice for premium ultrawide 4K gaming.

5. Dell Alienware AW3225QF

Best Curved 4K Monitor

### Alienware AW3225QF

3A large 32” curved display with looks and specs to match its size. 4k UHD, super-powered 0.3ms response times, and 240hz; this is what a premium gaming monitor looks like. See it at DellProduct SpecificationsScreen size32"Aspect ratio16:9Resolution3840x2160Panel typeQD-OLED, Adaptive-Sync, G-Sync CompatibleHDR compatibilityDisplayHDR 400, HDR10, Dolby VisionBrightness250 cd/m2 (1,000 cd/m2 peak)Refresh rate240Hz Response time0.3msInputs2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 PROSReliably excellent gaming experienceFantastic HDR240Hz refresh rate for competitive gamingCONSExpensiveFlat panels may be popular, but the Alienware AW3225QF is the top choice for gamers who prefer a curved display. Its 32-inch size and 240Hz refresh rate offer an immersive and smooth gaming experience. The quantum dot panel delivers rich, accurate colors, and the gentle curve draws you into the game without distorting text.

With a 0.3ms response time, it's ideal for competitive gaming, showing no ghosting in both tests and real-world gameplay. Its wide VRR support ensures smooth, tear-free gameplay across a broad frame rate range.

The AW3225QF stands out with its HDR capabilities, reaching up to 1,000 nits in HDR mode and supporting Dolby Vision for streaming and eARC for soundbar connectivity. Whether you're a dedicated PC gamer or a console player looking to enhance your experience with a subtle curve, the Alienware AW3225QF is an outstanding choice.

What to Look for in a 4K Gaming Monitor

When shopping for a 4K gaming monitor, consider the features and image quality you desire, alongside your budget. The 4K gaming monitor market has evolved significantly, with high refresh rate Ultra HD displays now available for under $400, often featuring Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync, and HDR support. While all 4K gaming monitors offer crisp images, investing more can yield better image quality, brightness, features, and panel types. It's wise to take your time and save a bit longer if necessary to get the best monitor for your needs.

Size: For most users, 4K benefits are most noticeable on monitors 27 inches or larger. While smaller sizes increase pixel density, 4K's 8 million pixels mean that beyond a certain point, clarity improvements become less perceptible. The 27-to-32-inch range is ideal for Ultra HD, though larger options up to 48 inches are available for a "big screen" experience. Remember, larger screens may soften the image.

Panel: Consider the panel type. IPS panels are known for accurate colors and wide viewing angles but have lower contrast. VA panels offer better contrast but can show ghosting. OLED panels, increasingly popular, provide infinite contrast and fast response times but risk burn-in. Mini-LED backlights, often referred to as Mini-LED monitors, enhance contrast and brightness but may exhibit blooming around light objects on dark backgrounds. More zones reduce this effect, and Mini-LED displays offer better sustained brightness than OLED without burn-in risks.

Refresh rate: For gaming, a minimum of 120Hz is recommended, with 144Hz or higher preferred. Higher refresh rates reduce input latency and motion blur, crucial for competitive gaming. 240Hz monitors are ideal for shooters, with some options exceeding this rate.

Connectivity and supporting features: Console gamers need HDMI 2.1 for full 4K 144Hz support. Other features to consider include Dolby Vision, Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync, built-in KVMs, USB hubs, speakers, and gaming-specific features.

4K Gaming Monitor FAQ

Are 4K gaming monitors worth it?

4K gaming monitors offer stunning visuals but aren't ideal for everyone. If your PC has an entry-level graphics card, running games at 4K may result in low frame rates. However, with a mid-range GPU from the current generation or a high-end GPU from the previous one, 4K can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Upscaling technologies like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames make 4K gaming more accessible, allowing even mid-range hardware to achieve smooth gameplay.

Is 1440p better than 4K?

1440p may be preferable if you prioritize higher frame rates over visual sharpness. It's less demanding, enabling higher frame rates on higher settings. However, with technologies like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames, 4K gaming is now possible on less powerful systems. Consider what you value most—visuals or frame rates—when choosing between 1440p and 4K.

Do you need an expensive graphics card to run a 4K gaming monitor?

Not necessarily. Thanks to upscaling features like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames, you can enjoy 4K gaming with a mid-range GPU like the AMD Radeon 7700 XT or Nvidia RTX 4070. For native 4K gaming on ultra settings, a top-tier GPU is still required, but these technologies make 4K gaming more accessible to a broader range of hardware.