Gaming has greatly evolved to feature ultra-modern technology to accommodate diverse virtual creativity. Therefore, along with the constant upgrades with games, you must equip yourself with equally good gaming hardware. Additionally, games are constantly being upgraded with better graphics which require high-quality monitors. Accordingly, it is paramount to have gaming equipment compatible with game-computing technology for a longer period.
To make your gaming experience worthwhile and enjoyable, we have compiled a detailed buying guide on the best 4k gaming monitor.
Nonetheless, let's first get to know what a 4k gaming monitor is.
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What is a 4k Gaming Monitor?
A 4k gaming monitor is an output device similar to the usual computer monitor but with the specifications of Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution for the sole purpose of gaming. Specifically, the 4k resolution applies the display of 3840 x 2160 pixels. Of course, great pixels provide high-quality images, and no wonder why gamers desire the 4k monitors.
Ideally, games are meant to simulate human imaginations, which with the help of a 4k monitor, they are virtually brought to reality with realistic and sharp visuals. Therefore, getting yourself the best 4k gaming monitor is certainly worth the money and effort for a longer period of compatibility with new releases and next-gen games. Having identified what a 4k gaming monitor is, let's look at the 5 best 4k gaming monitors.
The Best 4k Gaming Monitor
1. ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A
- 28-inch 4K (3840x2160) IPS DCI-P3 grade gaming monitor for stunning crisp and...
- Compatible with industry-standard HDR10 high dynamic range for color and...
- FreeSync technology to eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
- Shadow Boost enhances image details in dark areas, brightening scenes without...
Our first pick for the best monitor is the ASUS TUF 4k monitor, which offers a fantastic performance while playing games. Amazingly, this 4k gaming monitor is incredibly affordable for its kind of performance. Its performance is enabled by its dual compatibility to either G-Sync or FreeSync graphics cards, HDR10 color dynamic with peak brightness levels, and anti-skip technology.
Fundamentally, you should expect a zero-ghosting gaming experience, the ASUS TUF, with an additional overdrive that will save you from blurred gaming motion. In addition, its 28-inch screen size guarantees you crisp, clear visuals. Moreover, it also offers extra colorful SDR and HDR games but with no significant improvement while switching between the two.
As one of the outstanding 4k gaming monitors, it has a refresh rate of just 60 Hz, which is adequate for casual gamers who would appreciate detailed and great pixel gaming scenes. However, it is not adequate for hardcore gamers who would be better suited by lower refresh rates.
2. Acer Predator XB273K
- 27" UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) Widescreen IPS NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible Display
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz (OverClocking to 144Hz) - Using 2 Display Ports
- High Brightness and Contrast with VESA Certified DisplayHDR 400
- DCI-P3 90% Wide Color Gamut; Optimize colors with quantum dot technology; No...
Another smooth and fast gaming monitor is the Acer Predator XB273K. This 4k gaming monitor harnesses its quality performance from its 27-inch screen size with an Nvidia compatible display. Additionally, it has two display ports for a refresh rate of 120 Hz for effective anti-skip technology. It also has high contrast and brightness with a display HDR 400, which is VESA Certified.
Moreover, its screen real estate guarantees you an optimized color technology for effective color adjustments. It comes with four USB ports 3.0, two display v1.4 ports, and two HDMI v2. However, this monitor has a lower HDR quality which is fairly adequate for PC games. All in all, you will obtain a high picture quality with fantastic contrast, depth, and color vibrancy.
For its 144 Hz refresh rate, it is suitable for online games and faster shooters. In the overall, its Nvidia sync system offers a high adaptive sync 4k gaming experience.
3. LG 27GN950-B 27 Inch
- 27” UHD (3840 x 2160) Nano IPS Display
- IPS 1ms (GtG) 144Hz with VESA DSC Technology
- NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
- DCI-P3 98% with VESA DisplayHDR 600
Among the best gaming monitors, you should count the LG 27GN950-B with a 27-inch screen size. It combines a gamer's desire for color vibrancy, high response time, and quality contrast. Furthermore, it has an outstanding input lag score of 144Hz with Nvidia compatibility with AMD premium pro.
When it comes to its color depth, it has a remarkable color accuracy with high-quality contrast, suitable for intense gaming. Moreover, it also comes with local dimming for its backlight but low HDR quality.
4. ASUS ROG Strix 27" 4K HDR
- 27-inch 4K (3840x2160) IPS gaming monitor with 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms (MPRT)...
- Supports Display Stream Compression (DSC) Technology for transporting ultra-high...
- High dynamic range (HDR) technology with DisplayHDR 400 certification and 125%...
- Adaptive Sync delivering a seamless, tear-free gaming experience (G-SYNC...
The ASUS ROG Strix is another great choice for the best 4k gaming monitor. This 4k monitor offers a rich depth of colors and high contrast ratio for image details with darkest blacks and brightest whites. Subsequently, it offers an excellent HDR performance for sharper HDR gaming.
Additionally, this gaming monitor has a 144 response time and a 60 Hz refresh rate for a low input lag that overshadows the absence of the HDMI 2.1 ports. Also, with the specifications screen size of 27 inches, it has an enhanced object definition in darkness with a very low motion blur for eliminating smearing. Plus, you can customize the back and underside to feature a variety of RGB lighting.
You can also benefit from the dual compatibility with both the AMD and Nvidia systems. Furthermore, to achieve a 144Hz response time, you can install a graphics card with Display Stream Compression. In the end, you can expect to get this high-performing monitor at an affordable rate with the added HDR gaming quality.
5. Gigabyte Aorus FV43U
- 43” 3840x2160 Super Speed VA Display, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible
- 144Hz Refresh Rate, High Bit Rate 3 support (HBR3)
- 1ms Response Time (MPRT)
- KVM Monitor, and 8-bit color plus FRC
In the category of best 4K gaming monitors' , we also recommend the Aorus FV43U, which has an excellent visuals quality at an affordable rate. This incredible monitor also offers an effective gaming experience with deep color coverage. You will probably find this monitor effective if you are an ordinary gamer, but it is not ideal for intensive gaming.
Moreover, the Aorus FV43U has USB -C port connectivity which allows you to reach 144Hz. This 4k monitor also has two 12W built-in speakers and a remote for easy control. It also has a quality HDR performance with amazing popping textures with an incredible visual depth. However, as a premium 4k gaming monitor, it only lacks the Dolby Vision support to have full TV functionality.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best 4k Gaming Monitor
1. Screen Size
One of the foremost considerations for the best gaming monitor is the screen size. Size subsequently affects the distance that a gamer sits from the monitor as well as the experience of PC or console gamers. It is advisable you sit at least 3 feet away from a 27-inch 4k monitor for most gaming monitors. Additionally, gaming items such as environment or clothing can also be noticed at the same distance for smaller screen sizes.
In most cases, gamers prefer a large screen for great image quality that shows all the pixel count at a distance. Therefore, it goes without saying that a larger gaming display provides a more immersive gaming experience due to the improved vision field. However, it is best you keep a safe distance from a large gaming monitor to avoid adverse effects on your eyes. All in all, depending on the specifications screen size, you should expect to pay more for larger screen sizes.
2. Display Type
The display type of your monitor significantly affects the color and image quality. Subsequently, the image quality to a gamer varies whether you are using an IPS, OLED, or VA monitor panel. For the In-plane-switching screens, you should expect to obtain wider viewing angles and accurate image colors. However, the IPS has occasional backlight leakage and a limited contrast ratio that may affect the image quality.
Secondly, the OLED displays provide gamers with reduced screen glow and improved edge-lit local dimming through an improved individual pixel control. Even so, the limited screen brightness reduces their capacity for ambient lighting. Lastly, the vertical alignment (VA) displays provide a uniform dark color with minimal lighting but at the expense of narrower viewing angles. Ultimately, it would be best to choose the display type that matches your daily gaming tasks and room lighting to get the best image quality.
Also, it would help if you considered the aspect ratio on the display aspect, which determines the height and width of the display of your choice. The majority of the wide monitors offer the aspect ratio of 16:9, while other monitors of the older version offer an outdated 4:3 ratio. For the ultra-wide gaming monitors, they offer you a display setting of a 21:9 aspect ratio for an improved gamers view.
Finally, while determining the best display type for the ultimate gaming experience, you should consider the resolution of your display. A high resolution translates to a sharper or clearer picture. Nevertheless, in some cases, you might need supplementary powerful graphics cards for full HD (1,920 x 1,080), despite most monitors having display settings of 4k and WQHD.
3. G-Sync and FreeSync
Additionally, you should also consider between the G-Sync and FreeSync gaming technology for your gaming monitor. These monitor aspects assist in achieving minimal input lag, combating screen tearing, and maintaining smooth frames per second. To begin with, the G-sync technology, developed by Nvidia, requires a complimentary Nvidia GPU. The G-Sync is subsequently built into an Nvidia compatible monitor and only works with Nvidia graphics cards.
On the other hand, there is the FreeSync technology by AMD which offers the liberty of its application. Unfortunately, FreeSync can only run on AMD graphics cards. However, it is possible to run the Nvidia-sync system on a FreeSync certified monitor but always remember to match the Nvidia monitor with Nvidia graphics cards. Eventually, the difference between a G-Sync compatible or FreeSync monitor comes at the price, with the G-Sync compatible monitors being more pricey than the latter option.
4. Anti-Skip Technology
Regarding anti-skip technology, you should consider the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which works to refresh your console or gaming PC rates much faster. This means that even if your gaming system drops the display frames, you will not experience image stutters or screen tears. For pc gaming, the VRR is standard for HDMI 2.1 ports, with PC gamers enjoying these variable refresh rates under both sync systems. Nonetheless, you should expect a faster refresh rate while using HDMI than with the latter technologies.
5. Response Time
Also, while shopping for the best gaming monitors, you should consider the response time. In-depth reviews indicate that the best monitors should have low response times for faster and fluid actions with low input lag or none. For example, the lowest response time for new IPS panel monitors is 4ms compared to the 1 millisecond response times on the TN monitors. Therefore, a lower response time and an efficient refresh rate prevent latency while gaming, leading to improved competitive gaming performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) on the Best 4k Gaming Monitor
1. What makes great gaming monitors?
Simply put, the best gaming monitor should provide you with highly smooth and clear images through wide viewing angles. As a result, this makes you feel in tandem with the game, leading to a higher gamer's satisfaction. Therefore, you should go for the 4k gaming monitor with a higher refresh rate and slower response times to avoid disruptions in the graphics quality of your game.
2. What input lag is acceptable in gaming?
Ideally, getting a 4k monitor with a lower input lag time is better with a recommended lag of 30 milliseconds or less if possible. However, don't focus too much on a lower input lag because it might be difficult to notice the lag between efficiently working 4k monitors.
3. Does a 4K monitor need an Nvidia graphics card?
4k gaming monitors are undeniably the way to go for next-gen gaming. However, to render smooth performance at 4k, you will still need a robust graphics card input. Subsequently, high-quality graphics cards such as the Nvidia can help you play higher frame-rated games efficiently without lagging.
