The best 4K monitors

best 4K monitors

Good news for folks in the market for a 4K computer monitor. Prices are really starting to come down on Ultra HD displays, and 4K video games and content are becoming more and more common.

There are several to choose from, but as usual, we’re here to help you sort through the noise. In our latest accessory roundup, we take a look at the best 4K monitors for your laptop or desktop computer.

Why 4K?

The answer to this question is super simple: because 4K is better. How much better really depends on the display and the type of content you are viewing, but videos look like moving high resolution photos, colors are deeper, and text is sharper and more legible. I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that 4K is as big of a leap (visually) from 1080p high definition, as HD was from standard definition.

But isn’t 4K so new that content is scarce and prices are still sky-high? This has been a common concern over the years, but as noted above, they aren’t really issues anymore. Major streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video offer a wide variety of 4K content, and you can find a 27-inch 4K display for under $300 without having to look too hard.

What to look for in a 4K monitor

The first thing you’re going to want to look at is size—4K monitors range from 24-40 inches. Then you’ll probably want to look at your desired price point. Do you simply want the cheapest 4K display you can find, or do you want the best 4K display under $500?

Once you’ve determined size and price, you’ll want to look at available features. Do you want the display to have speakers? USB-C ports? Does it need to have a certain type of connection to be compatible with your computer and any hubs/adapters you’re using?

Hopefully we can help you answer a lot of these questions below. Here are some of the best 4K monitors available right now.

ASUS PQ321Q 31-inch

Because of its larger size and pedigree, this ASUS is one of the more expensive 4K displays available. But it’s worth it. The 31.5-inch panel features ultra-high definition (UHD) 3840 x 2160 resolution, good for a 140 PPI (pixels per inch) and a gorgeous picture. Other features include an ergonomically-designed stand with tilt, swivel and heigh adjustments, built-in stereo speakers, picture-in-picutre function, and both DisplayPort and dual HDMI ports. This is also one of the thinnest 4K monitors available, so you can mount it on a wall, and it comes with a 3-year warranty.

Unfortunately, this option is no longer available.

Dell P2715Q 27-inch

Dell is well-known for producing some of the best displays in the business, and the P2715Q upholds that reputation. It features a gorgeous 27-inch panel, and the stand allows for pivot and swiveling. Connections include DisplayPort 1.2, 4 high-speed USB 3.0 ports, and an HDMI port that supports connecting an MHL-capable smartphone or tablet. This monitor has a 4-star rating on Amazon.

Buy for $422.99

LG 27UD88 27-inch

The clarity and details with 4K Ultra HD resolution will amaze, even up close. With over 99% coverage of the sRGB spectrum this LG monitor is a great solution for professional photographers, graphic designers or anyone looking for highly accurate color. Features include on-screen controls with Screen Split 2.0, FreeSync support, 3 special gamer modes, and black stabilizer for making dark scenes more visible. Connections include USB 3.0 with fast charge support, HDMI, and USB-C.

Buy for $824.

Samsung UE590 28-inch

The UE590 is carefully designed to keep the focus on your content viewing pleasure. It comes with a stunning matte black body framed by a narrow bezel with a metallic rim, elevated by a T-shaped stand with a matching metallic touch. Other features include Picture-in-Picture (PIP) 2.0 technology, two HDMI inputs and a DisplayPort. It also supports AMD’s FreeSync tech, which syncs syncs these screen refresh rate with the frame rate of your content, minimizing lag and stuttering. This monitor has a 4-star rating on Amazon on nearly 1000 reviews.

Buy for $294.00

ViewSonic XG2700 27-inch

The ViewSonic XG2700 is a 27-inch 4K Ultra HD LED gaming monitor that delivers stunning definition and color for highly immersive gameplay. It too supports AMD’s FreeSync technology, has black stabilization, and a number of inputs including USB 3.0, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. This monitor isn’t the best-looking aesthetically, but it gets particularly high marks from Amazon customers, with a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Comes with a 3 year warranty as well.

Buy for $550.

BenQ BL3201PH 32-inch

This is perhaps one of the best 4K monitors on the market right now for folks looking for a larger screen. It has the features to be used as a professional graphic design display, with CAD/CAM and animation modes, 100% sRGB, and 4ms GTG refresh rate. These specs are just a fancy way of saying that you’re going to get gorgeous colors and low latency. It also has a built in Low Blue Light feature, that filters out harmful blue light that can cause eye fatigue and irritation. Connections include HDMI (although it’s not 2.0, so it doesn’t support 4K@60Hz), DisplayPort, DVI, and USB 3.0.

This model is no longer available.

LG 27UL650-W 27-inch

This monitor from LG is 27 inches and is an IPS display, with a resolution of 3840 x 2160. It also supports LG’s VESA DisplayHDR 400, which means the display can get up to 400 nits of brightness to support High Dynamic Range (HDR). LG also touts the three-sided “virtually borderless” display, with the two sides and top bezels smaller than the bottom.

The adjustable stand can go up to 110mm, and the display’s refresh rate is 60Hz. The 4K display from LG also supports 99% coverage of the sRGB spectrum, which means the colors will pop and should be plenty accurate.

The 4K monitor also supports Game Mode, with pre-selected options for the different style of games out there, along with Radeon FreeSync to reduce the tearing and stuttering that can occur while playing some content.

This monitor is available now from Amazon.

Buy for $402.20

BenQ EX3501R 35-inch

If you prefer a larger, curved display, then the BenQ EX3501R may be the right option. It has a resolution of 3440 x 1440, with a 21:9 aspect ratio, a wide viewing angle, and super slim bezels on the sides and top.

BenQ’s curved 4K monitor also features eye-care technology for extended use sessions, which includes Brightness Intelligence Plus to adapt screen brightness and color temperature based on your room’s lighting. It uses Low Blue Light and Zero Flicker to help reduce eye strain.

It supports USB-C for connectivity, it has a 100Hz refresh rate, and AMD’s Free Sync to reduce tearing and broken frames while playing games. It supports High Dynamic Range with HDR10.

It’s available now from Amazon.

Buy for $549.99

Dell UltraSharp 27-inch

This 27-inch 4K IPS display from Dell features minimized bezels on all sides, and it’s designed to play well with additional monitors. Dell says the monitor supports High Dynamic Range (HDR with HDR10), along with full 99.9% sRGB coverage for color accuracy.

There are the variety of ports available on the back of the monitor, including HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack, USB, and more.

Finally, this Dell monitor can actually rotate on its stand. The landscape mode is the standard, but owners can also rotate it to portrait, too.

The Dell UltraSharp 27-inch 4K monitor is available now from Amazon.

Buy for $399.00

We’ll obviously continue to update this list as we discover more great 4K monitors. If you see something we’ve missed, be sure to let us know down in the comments below!