A 4K gaming monitor enables users to play their favorite video games in one of the highest resolutions possible—3840 x 2160, which is twice that of a 1080p monitor. This resolution ensures that the monitor has over 8 million pixels working in tandem to produce an enhanced and sharper display for gaming or other entertainment purposes, such as watching movies.
As better and more advanced monitor technology is developed, the cost of producing 4K monitors for gaming drops drastically. This allows gamers to pick up higher quality monitors at a fraction of the price compared to a few years ago. Due to this, gamers are able to invest in a 4K monitor relatively easily, without going over their budget.
The Geekflare monitor review team has determined the best 4K gaming monitors based on factors such as additional features, refresh rate, response time, maximum brightness, and price.
- SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G7 4K – Best for Immersive HDR Gaming
- GIGABYTE FreeSync Gaming Monitor – Best for Adaptive Sync
- ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor – Best for Competitive Gamers
- AOC Super-Curved 4K Monitor – Best for Immersive Single-Player Gaming
- MSI MAG274UPF – Best for Console-Focused Gaming
- Dell G3223Q Gaming Monitor – Best for Budget-Conscious 144Hz 4K
- SAMSUNG UJ59 Series 32″ 4K UHD – Best for Multitasking
- Dell S3221QS 32″ Curved 4K UHD – Best for Adjustable Viewing
- SAMSUNG 32” S70A Series 4K UHD – Best for Reducing Eye Strain
- INNOCN 27″ Mini LED 4K 160Hz UHD – Best for High Technical Specifications
- Acer Nitro 27″ UHD – Best for Budget-Conscious 4ms Response Time
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SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G7 4K
Best for Immersive HDR Gaming
The curved and compact-sized Odyssey Neo G7 is great for a two or three-monitor 4K setup. Since the horizontal length is relatively modest, you can fit multiple SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G7 4K monitors on an average-sized desk, table, or gaming cabinet. The mini LED display allows for a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, excellent image quality, and deep blacks on this curved gaming monitor.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G7 4K UHD 165Hz 1ms G-Sync 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor, Quantum HDR2000, AMD… | Buy on Amazon |
Additionally, the gentle curvature is perfect for multi-monitor gaming, increasing immersion via high-resolution displays. The Odyssey Neo G7 is a G-Sync monitor, but also offers AMD FreeSync Premium functions for faster refresh rates and better frame rates.
SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G7 4K Specifications
Product Details | Product Specifications |
---|---|
Refresh Rate | 165Hz |
Response Time | 1ms |
Maximum Brightness | 2,000 nits |
SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G7 4K Pros
The monitor is sturdily built, so it won’t get damaged easily
Doesn’t get as hot as some other small 4K monitors
Does not have flashing lights, which can be problematic with epilepsy patients
SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G7 4K Cons
The stand it comes with is wobbly
There is some ghosting and screen tearing at 165Hz (but not when set to 120Hz)
Very expensive compared to other monitors of its size
SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G7 4K Price
The SAMSUNG 32-inch Odyssey Neo G7 4K monitor costs $1,099.99.
GIGABYTE FreeSync Gaming Monitor
Best for Adaptive Sync
With a wide range of ports, more than most of its competitors, the GIGABYTE FreeSync Gaming Monitor gives you multiple connectivity options with other devices. For instance, in addition to the HDMI 2.1 ports, there are also those for USB Type-C, USB 3.0 Upstream, USB 3.0 Downstream, DisplayPort 1.2, and even a 3.5mm earphone jack. This makes it an ideal monitor for connecting your game streaming gear. This IPS monitor is reliable for color performance and accuracy as well, which eliminates panel-type worries.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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GIGABYTE M32U 32″ 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor with IPS, 1ms Response Time, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.0 – Black | Buy on Amazon |
GIGABYTE FreeSync Specifications
Product Details | Product Specifications |
---|---|
Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
Response Time | 1ms |
Maximum Brightness | 350 nits |
GIGABYTE FreeSync Pros
The large variety of ports makes streaming setups easy
Comes in curved and flat variations
The stand it comes with is decent quality
GIGABYTE FreeSync Cons
Somewhat dark due to low nit
The production quality control could be better
The longevity of units is fairly short, as glitches and other issues can arise within a year of consistent usage
GIGABYTE FreeSync Price
The 32-inch GIGABYTE FreeSync Gaming Monitor costs $721.77.
ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor
Best for Competitive Gamers
The ASUS TUF gaming monitor comes at an affordable price, and offers some game-specific exclusives for added incentives. The monitor has a gaming feature called “GamePlus”, which integrates hotkeys for various functions—these functions relate to crosshairs, timers, an FPS counter, and more. This couples with HDR10’s high dynamic range and makes the ASUS TUF a solid pick if you need an HDR monitor.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A 28” Monitor, 4K UHD (3840 x 2160), IPS, Adaptive-Sync/ FreeSync, Eye… | Buy on Amazon |
ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor Specifications
Product Details | Product Specifications |
---|---|
Refresh Rate | 144Hz (Overclockable to 165Hz) |
Response Time | 1ms |
Maximum Brightness | 250 nits |
ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor Pros
Very cheap compared to other small 4K monitors
The colors look great and displayed accurately without needing customization
The GamePlus gaming features are helpful during First-Person-Shooter gameplay
ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor Cons
After a few months of usage, the screen may randomly—yet temporarily—turn black on occasion
There are rare pixel flickers
ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor Price
The ASUS TUF Gaming 28-inch Monitor costs $262.95.
AOC Super-Curved 4K Monitor
Best for Immersive Single-Player Gaming
With a screen curve that’s more concave than many other curved monitors of its size, AOC prioritizes game immersion. The AOC Super-Curved 4K Monitor has a curved frame that allows your eyes to adjust to the contours of the screen, as well as the sharp images and vibrant colors. Conversely, this monitor’s specifications, especially the 60Hz refresh rate, are not meant for fast-paced shooters, so it’s best used for single-player digital adventures.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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AOC CU32V3 32″ Super-Curved 4K UHD monitor, 1500R Curved VA, 4ms, 121% sRGB Coverage / 90% DCI-P3,… | Buy on Amazon |
AOC Super-Curved 4K Monitor Specifications
Product Details | Product Specifications |
---|---|
Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
Response Time | 4ms |
Maximum Brightness | 250 nits |
AOC Super-Curved 4K Monitor Pros
Decent build quality
Both the display and the monitor’s shape are visually pleasing
The LowBlue mode makes viewing displayed images much easier on your eyes
AOC Super-Curved 4K Monitor Cons
The low-performance stats make it unsuitable for competitive shooters
Although the neck is detachable, you need a screwdriver to remove it
There are some issues with screen tearing
AOC Super-Curved 4K Monitor Price
The 32-inch AOC Super-Curved 4K Monitor costs $328.99.
MSI MAG274UPF
Best for Console-Focused Gaming
Thanks to traits designed specifically to elevate your gaming experience, the MSI MAG274UPF has Rapid IPS, which results in a low response time, and the adaptive sync prevents screen tearing, among other features.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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MSI MAG274UPF, 27″ 3840 x 2160 (UHD), 4K Rapid IPSGaming Monitor, 1 ms, 144Hz, FreeSync Premium,… | Buy on Amazon |
Esports professionals prefer this monitor over others for its excellent gaming performance, especially for multiplayer games like Valorant. Unfortunately, there are no built-in speakers. However, the MSI MAG274UPF is about 27 inches long and this makes it a fairly portable monitor.
MSI MAG274UPF Specifications
Product Details | Product Specifications |
---|---|
Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
Response Time | 1ms |
Maximum Brightness | 500 nits |
MSI MAG274UPF Pros
Great technical stats for the price
The smart port arrangement allows for one more USB-A slot than usual
The USB-C port can transfer up to 65 Watts of power—which is more than many other monitors of this size
MSI MAG274UPF Cons
No audio output means you need to connect your PC or console to speakers or headphones for sound
Some stand assembly is required
MSI MAG274UPF Price
The 27-inch MSI MAG274UPF monitor costs $399.99.
Dell G3223Q Gaming Monitor
Best for Budget-Conscious 144Hz 4K
Necks and stands are important when it comes to choosing a monitor. With the Dell G3223Q Gaming Monitor, you’ll receive a decent monitor and a great stand. You can tilt and rotate the screen to set up your gaming rig more easily; this adds to the overall gaming experience. However, the downside of this Dell monitor’s stand is that most of the ports are positioned directly behind the neck, making it difficult to connect the cables.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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Dell G3223Q Gaming Monitor – 32-Inch 4K Ultra UHD (3840×2160), 144Hz 1Ms Display, AMD… | Buy on Amazon |
Dell G3223Q Specifications
Product Details | Product Specifications |
---|---|
Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
Response Time | 1ms |
Maximum Brightness | 500 nits |
Dell G3223Q Pros
The adjustable stand adds flexibility
Reliably performs at 4K 144Hz for long periods
It can swap between DCI-P3 (native) and sRGB color space modes, making it suitable for video and image editing
Dell G3223Q Cons
The ports are poorly placed, behind the monitor
This monitor is expensive for its size and specs
Dell G3223Q Price
The 32-inch Dell G3223Q Gaming Monitor is available at $569.99.
SAMSUNG UJ59 Series 32″ 4K UHD
Best for Multitasking
While most games want the users to focus solely on the action, there are others that require planning and research rather than fast reflexes. In these cases, instead of using a secondary device or monitor, the SAMSUNG UJ59 Series monitor can be helpful.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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SAMSUNG 32″ UJ59 Series 4K UHD (3840×2160) Computer Monitor, HDMI, Display Port, Eye Saver/Flicker… | Buy on Amazon |
There are built-in PBP (picture-by-picture) and PIP (picture-in-picture) modes that let you have two separate video feeds live at once. In one video feed, you can play your game, and in the other, you can have a web browser or document file open to help you keep track of things.
Nonetheless, the 60Hz refresh rate isn’t good for multiplayer gaming. It’s best to stick with single-player gaming and multitasking with this monitor.
SAMSUNG UJ59 Series 32″ 4K UHD Specifications
Product Details | Product Specifications |
---|---|
Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
Response Time | 4ms |
Maximum Brightness | 270 nits |
SAMSUNG UJ59 Series 32″ 4K UHD Pros
A built-in PIP mode helps in multitasking
Vibrant color reproduction
“Game Mode” optimizes contrast for better visibility
SAMSUNG UJ59 Series 32″ 4K UHD Cons
60Hz isn’t the best for competitive gaming
Upscaling for lower-resolution video doesn’t work well
SAMSUNG UJ59 Series 32″ 4K UHD Price
You can buy the SAMSUNG UJ59 Series 32-inch 4K UHD for $339.99.
Dell S3221QS 32″ Curved 4K UHD
Best for Adjustable Viewing
Due to a high-quality picture, two built-in speakers, and an adjustable neck, you have plenty of options to fine-tune your viewing experience with the Dell S3221QS 32-inch Curved 4K UHD. Conveniently, there’s a hole in the stand through which you can run a few smaller cables. This is perfect for hiding the HDMI cable and for a more seamless setup. If you want a tidy and moveable monitor, this is a great option for you.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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Dell S3221QS 32 Inch Curved 4K UHD (3840 x 2160), VA Ultra-Thin Bezel Monitor, 60Hz, 4MS Response… | Buy on Amazon |
Dell S3221QS 32″ Curved 4K UHD Specifications
Product Details | Product Specifications |
---|---|
Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
Response Time | 4ms |
Maximum Brightness | 300 nits |
Dell S3221QS 32″ Curved 4K UHD Pros
Plenty of convenient features for setting up the workspace or gaming rig
Has a small hole in the stand for running cables and keeping the space neat
Has built-in speakers and well as an audio-out port
Dell S3221QS 32″ Curved 4K UHD Cons
Low refresh rate
The price is high for a 32-inch 4K monitor with only a 60Hz refresh rate
Dell S3221QS 32″ Curved 4K UHD Price
The Dell S3221QS 32-inch Curved 4K UHD costs $359.99.
SAMSUNG 32” S70A Series 4K UHD
Best for Reducing Eye Strain
The SAMSUNG 32” S70A Series 4K UHD is designed to reduce eye strain for gamers, programmers, and video editors. It has an “Eye Saver” mode, which automatically adjusts the brightness and color temperature to reduce the strain on your eyes.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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SAMSUNG 32” S70A Series 4K UHD (3840×2160) Computer Monitor, HDMI, DisplayPort, HDR10 (1 Billion… | Buy on Amazon |
Moreover, the automatic source switch allows you to plug any device into your monitor and have the picture come up instantly, requiring no extra work with the input channels.
SAMSUNG 32” S70A Series 4K UHD Specifications
Product Details | Product Specifications |
---|---|
Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
Response Time | 5ms |
Maximum Brightness | 300 nits |
SAMSUNG 32” S70A Series 4K UHD Pros
Excellent vision protection features
The automatic source switcher is convenient for swapping devices
Has a picture-in-picture feature, which is useful for multitasking
SAMSUNG 32” S70A Series 4K UHD Cons
Refresh rate is too low for multiplayer gaming
The sound quality isn’t very good
SAMSUNG 32” S70A Series 4K UHD Price
The SAMSUNG 32-inch S70A Series 4K UHD costs $349.99.
INNOCN 27″ Mini LED 4K 160Hz UHD
Best for High Technical Specifications
The INNOCN 27″ Mini LED 4K 160Hz UHD comes with excellent technical features for a well-rounded product. Firstly, the high refresh rate and short response times are ideal for multiplayer gaming needs.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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INNOCN 27″ 4K Monitor Gaming 160Hz UHD 3840 x 2160p 1ms IPS HDR1000 HDMI 2.1 Computer Monitor, 99%… | Buy on Amazon |
The longevity of this monitor is also a standout feature, as customers have reported excellent functioning of the monitor, even after 2 years of usage. On top of that, the positions of the ports and power switch are easy to reach and make for a convenient addition to your workspace or gaming setup.
INNOCN 27″ Mini LED 4K 160Hz UHD Specifications
Product Details | Product Specifications |
---|---|
Refresh Rate | 160Hz |
Response Time | 1ms |
Maximum Brightness | 1,000 nits |
INNOCN 27″ Mini LED 4K 160Hz UHD Pros
The technical stats ensure excellent performance in fast-paced multiplayer games
Access to USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C ports is versatile and convenient
Great build quality and longevity
INNOCN 27″ Mini LED 4K 160Hz UHD Cons
Exorbitant pricing
It can be tricky to set up due to a counterintuitive menu
The quality of the included cords is low
INNOCN 27″ Mini LED 4K 160Hz UHD Price
The INNOCN 27-inch Mini LED 4K 160Hz UHD monitor costs $799.99.
Acer Nitro 27″ UHD
Best for Budget-Conscious 4ms Response Time
For those on a tight budget, the Acer Nitro 27″ UHD is a decent option. It has modest technical stats compared to many other 4K monitors; however, they are still usable for single-player gaming and multiplayer gaming that doesn’t require the fastest possible response times.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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acer Nitro 27″ UHD 3840 x 2160 IPS PC Gaming Monitor | Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible) |… | Buy on Amazon |
The Acer Nitro 27″ UHD also has built-in speakers that function as advertised. Additionally, Acer claims that the monitor is FreeSync compatible, which adds another layer of versatility for the latest games. However, it lacks in the number of ports and can only be connected with basic equipment.
Acer Nitro 27″ UHD Specifications
Product Details | Product Specifications |
---|---|
Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
Response Time | 4ms |
Maximum Brightness | 250 nits |
Acer Nitro 27″ UHD Pros
Very affordable price
The response time is decent for most gaming needs
Has great longevity
Acer Nitro 27″ UHD Cons
Not many ports
The sound quality of the speakers isn’t very good
Does not come with a wall mount bracket despite the sales page text implying it does
Acer Nitro 27″ UHD Price
The Acer Nitro 27-inch UHD costs $249.99.
Benefits of Gaming on a 4K Monitor
Plenty of modern games are now featuring 4K resolution support. As such, people using a 1440p or 1080p monitor will miss out on some visual elements. Although major visual elements aren’t required in games with non-realistic graphics (like Minecraft and Terraria), for titles that focus on beautiful animation (such as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Stellar Blade), a 4K monitor is an addition that can provide an immersive gaming experience.
These monitors also feature much higher resolutions and better screen real estate than an average 1080p monitor, resulting in better clarity of images and greater color reproduction accuracy.
Some of the high-end 4K gaming monitors, like the SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G7 4K, also come with high refresh rates, variable refresh rates for smooth gameplay, fast response times, and high brightness. This makes these monitors ideal for gaming, video editing, or multimedia streaming.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 4K Gaming Monitor
There are 5 key factors that you should consider when choosing a 4K gaming monitor.
- Price: Consider your budget for purchasing a 4K gaming monitor. While the higher-end monitors are priced at $900 to $1000, you should be able to find a value-for-money product closer to $500 as well. However, you will have to compromise on features, like higher refresh rates and faster response times.
- Refresh Rate & Response Time: You need a higher refresh rate and a quicker response time for fast-paced multiplayer games. If you play competitive shooters, opt for a 4K monitor that provides refresh rates of 144Hz or higher, and response times of 1ms.
- Maximum Brightness: Look at the value mentioned in nit or cd/m2; the higher the number, the brighter the image—which is important for noticing smaller details. If you pair a higher level of brightness with an OLED or LED panel, you’ll have better color reproduction and clarity.
- Requirements: Consider whether you’re gaming, watching movies, editing videos and images, or using your monitor for other activities. For example, gaming requires better technical stats (refresh rates, response times), whereas watching movies does not.
- Audio: Some monitors come with built-in speakers, while some don’t. You should check the description to see if your auditory needs will be met.
Refresh Rate vs Response Time in Gaming Monitors
While the maximum refresh rate and response time factors are often discussed together, they are different. Let’s check out the differences between them below.
Refresh Rates
- The refresh rate of a monitor is how fast it can display each frame of the video
- Refresh rates are measured in Hertz (Hz), which is a unit of measure for frequency—how often an action happens per unit of time (in this case, the unit of time is seconds), which means 1Hz is once per second
- When you see the stat for a monitor’s refresh rate—for example, 60Hz—that means frames from the video are displayed on-screen 60 times in one second
- More frames displayed in a second mean more accurate depictions of moving objects, which lets you visually track and predict the movement of in-game objects
- For instance, a monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz will have over twice the number of frames per second—more than twice the visual information—than a monitor with a refresh rate of 60Hz
Response Times
- Response times for monitors measure how fast one frame changes into the next
- Specifically, the unit of measure for response times (milliseconds) tracks how quickly every pixel on a monitor changes
- For example, if every pixel of one frame changes to display the next frame within 4 milliseconds, the response time for that monitor would be 4ms
- As a frame of reference, it takes the human eyelid somewhere between 100 to 150 milliseconds to blink once, so the monitors with 1ms response times, which are the fastest, change the colors displayed by over 8 million pixels, roughly 100 to 150 times faster than the human eye’s blinking speed
FAQs
Yes, it is worth getting a 4K monitor for gaming, but only if you’re playing games that focus heavily on graphics. A monitor with such specifications will enhance the game’s visuals and lead to greater immersion.
Yes, 4K 144Hz is worth it, but only if you play fast-paced multiplayer games. Having a refresh rate of 144Hz gives you more time to react than a monitor with a refresh rate of 60Hz. Conversely, for single-player games, it’s not worth it.
The average price of a 4K 144Hz monitor is about $750. However, you can get a decent 4K 144Hz monitor for between $300 and $400 as well.
The recommended screen size for a 4K gaming monitor depends on your gaming setup. If you’re going to be sitting directly in front of your monitor (within 2 feet), a monitor with a screen size between 27 inches and 32 inches would work well. However, if your monitor is going to be 5 or more feet away from where you’re sitting, it would be better to invest in a monitor between 40 and 50 inches in length.
If you’re playing on a modern gaming console (like a PS5), the only thing you need to keep in mind is if the HDMI cable you’re using to connect your console to your monitor is 4K-capable. For gaming PCs, you need to consider your cable as well as your computer’s graphics card and whether or not it has enough processing power and memory to handle 4K video. If it doesn’t have a powerful graphics card and high memory, you’ll get frame drops and other technical issues.