Best 4K monitors 2024: HDR, 144Hz, budget, and best overall

4K resolution is now within reach of everyday PC users, promising a massive improvement to image quality, with four times the pixels of a 1080p display. A 4K monitor is useful not only in games and movies but also when editing documents or browsing web pages. The extra pixels make text look clear and crisp.

After extensive testing, I’ve determined that the recommendations listed below are the best 4K monitors available today, covering a variety of budgets and use cases. If you’re looking for additional options, see our roundups of the best monitors overall, the best gaming monitors, and the best monitor deals. 

Also, make sure you optimize the ergonomics and comfort while viewing that new 4K monitor with a proper monitor arm for your desktop setup. Check out our roundup of best monitor arms to see our top picks.

Updated July 14, 2024: See our recent review of Gigabyte’s Aorus FO32U2. This is a superb gaming monitor, but in a sea of similar 4K QD-OLED display panels, you need to really nail the extras to stand out.






Dell U3223QE – Best 4K monitor





















Pros


IPS Black panel fulfills its promise 

Accurate color with wide gamut 

High brightness in SDR  

USB-C hub with 90 watts of power 



Cons


Edges of display are noticeably bright 

HDR performance disappoints 

Only a 60Hz panel 


















The Dell U3223QE, which also tops our list of the best monitors overall, is an excellent 4K monitor for professionals and everyday users who want excellent image quality. 

Technology is what sets this monitor apart. It has a new IPS Black panel that offers roughly twice the contrast of computer monitors with older IPS panels. This provides a richer image with a better sense of depth and darker black levels in dark scenes. The U3223QE also has a high maximum brightness and excellent color performance with high color accuracy. Images are vibrant and true to life. 

Yet there’s more to the Dell U3223QE than image quality. It’s also a versatile USB-C hub monitor with up to 90 watts of Power Delivery. The built-in hub has multiple USB-A ports, Ethernet, and even DisplayPort out. 

This is a 32-inch 4K monitor, which may be too large for some desks. Dell also has a 27-inch model, the U2723QE, which offers 4K resolution and the same IPS Black panel. We haven’t reviewed that model but expect it will deliver similar performance.

Read our full

Dell U3223QE review






Dell S2722QC – Best budget 4K monitor





















Pros


Uniquely affordable USB-C monitor

4K resolution with HDR option

High brightness and good color accuracy

Integrated speakers



Cons


Low contrast ratio saps SDR vibrance

Mediocre color gamut

















Best Prices Today:



$319.99 at Dell





The Dell S2722QC has emerged as the best budget 4K monitor you can buy right now. Initially priced at $380, the monitor now retails for around $280 (and as low as $250). It stands out by blending this budget price with 4K resolution and USB-C connectivity typically reserved for more expensive models.

Dell’s 27-inch IPS display delivers crisp visuals and a respectable brightness of 296 nits, suitable for most lighting conditions. In addition to an exceptionally clear, sharp 4K image, the monitor delivers color performance that’s more than adequate for everyday productivity, streaming, and light gaming. These perks are paired with a USB-C port with 65 watts of USB Power Delivery for charging a connected laptop or tablet, as well as two USB-A ports for connecting wiring peripherals. The monitor even ships with a sturdy yet compact ergonomic stand that adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot.

Still, the Dell S2722QC makes a few compromises to keep the price low. The IPS panel’s contrast ratio is low, which can make the image look flat and dull when playing games or watching a movie. It’s better suited for a home office than a gaming den. To be fair, though, quality 4K gaming monitors are usually more expensive. 

Dell’s S2722QC is a good budget 4K monitor that offers a lot of bang for your buck. It doesn’t deliver the highest image quality in all areas, but its combination of 4K resolution, USB-C connectivity, and affordability makes it a solid choice if you want a tack-sharp home office monitor at a low price.

Read our full

Dell S2722QC review






Asus ProArt PA279CV – Best budget 4K monitor for creatives





















Pros


Accurate image

High maximum brightness

Menu settings allow calibration

Has USB-C with 65 watts Power Delivery

Competitive price



Cons


Unimpressive design

Luminance uniformity could be better

HDR is bright but otherwise falls short


















Want a great 4K monitor, but need to spend less than $500? The Asus ProArt PA279CV is an excellent choice.

The ProArt PA279CV is a 27-inch 4K monitor that targets entry-level professional use. It has excellent color accuracy, high maximum brightness, and a good contrast ratio for an IPS monitor. 

This monitor also throws in USB-C connectivity. It’s not a great USB-C hub, as it has only a couple USB-A ports, but it offers 65 watts of Power Delivery for charging a connected laptop or tablet.

Asus throws in adaptive sync support compatible with AMD and Nvidia video cards. This prevents screen tearing and provides smooth motion in 3D games. The monitor has a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz. 

The ProArt PA279CV carries an MSRP of about $500, but that price can swing significantly lower when retailers run a sale. We recommend waiting for a discount if possible.

Read our full

Asus ProArt PA279CV review






Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX – Best budget 4K gaming monitor





















Pros


4K resolution

Good gaming performance

Tons of ergonomic adjustment options

Inexpensive 



Cons


A relatively low 60Hz refresh rate


















For gamers who enjoy stunning graphic detail and slower paced games the focus shouldn’t be on refresh rate, but image quality and high resolution. The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q gives you both. It is a 28-inch 4K display with a refresh rate of 60Hz and adaptive sync making it compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync. It’s also modestly priced at only $400 which is a bargain for a 4K display.

The refresh rate is quite low for something branded as “gaming”, but if you aren’t planning to play quick e-sports or shooter games, then you won’t have to worry about it. It provides you with outstanding image quality and a vivid color range that more than makes up for the middling refresh rate.

The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q delivers on that in most aspects for gamers. But in the end, it’s all about getting a budget friendly 4K display and in that aspect this monitor delivers exceptional value.

Read our full

Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q review






Alienware AW3225QF – Best 4K gaming monitor





















Pros


Excellent color performance and contrast

Good overall HDR performance

240Hz refresh rate with great motion clarity

Big price drop from prior 4K OLED monitors



Cons


Stand is too large

Curved panel is an acquired taste

HDR brightness is still just okay

















Best Prices Today:



$1199.99 at Dell





The Alienware AW3225QF sets a new benchmark for 4K gaming monitors. It delivers a new 4K QD-OLED panel from Samsung that delivers crystal-clear visuals at a buttery-smooth 240Hz refresh rate, a new high mark for a 4K OLED displays. And it manages to do all of this at a price that undercuts earlier 4K OLED displays, which typically retailed for $2,000 to $3,000 (or more).

Despite that, the AW3225QF looks just as stunning as its more expensive predecessors. It achieves vibrant color with an infinite contrast ratio, and kicking the resolution up to 4K reduces the sharpness problems that plagued many OLED gaming monitors in 2023. The AW3225QF also performs well in HDR games. It can’t sustain the extreme brightness of an OLED monitor but handles small, bright objects well and delivers excellent detail in both bright and dark scenes.

Alienware’s design is both stylish and sophisticated with an attractive white-and-black color scheme. However, the monitor comes with a massive stand that’s a poor fit for smaller desks. A VESA mount is provided for use with a third-party monitor arm or stand.

The AW3225QF’s connectivity options complement its high resolution. It has one DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports, all of which support the monitor’s 4K resolution at its peak refresh rate. One of the HDMI ports also provides eARC support, which is handy for connecting to home theater devices. In fact, this may prove a popular use for the AW3225QF. Its connectivity makes it a reasonable alternative to a small 4K TV, so the monitor’s appeal extends beyond PC gaming. Console gamers who need a small display should also give it a look.

Read our full

Alienware AW3225QF review






Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED – Best portable 4K monitor





















Pros


Excellent image quality

Useful built-in kickstand

Attractive and sturdy design

Extensive image-quality options



Cons


Flimsy bundled keyboard cover

Some on-screen menu options are confusing

Power adapter could be smaller

















Best Prices Today:



$499.99 at Viewsonic





Viewsonic’s VX1655-4K-OLED is our top choice for creators seeking top-notch image quality in a portable display.

This 16-inch OLED monitor delivers class-leading sharpness with 275 pixels per inch (a 27-inch 4K monitor, for comparison, has 163 pixels per inch). It also delivers vivid, accurate colors and deep contrast that make it perfect for both entertainment and creative work. The monitor’s HDR performance also far surpasses other portable monitors, so it’s a good choice if you want to sit back and watch a movie after a busy day.

Unlike most portable monitors, the VX1655-4K-OLED has a built-in kickstand that flips out from the rear of the display. The kickstand is more stable and easier to use than the detachable, folding stands that inexpensive portable monitors rely on. Connectivity is solid, as well, with dual USB-C inputs and one mini-HDMI.

The monitor has a few minor flaws. The bundled display cover feels somewhat flimsy, the on-screen menu system can be tricky to navigate, and the relatively large power adapter is more cumbersome than it needs to be.

Yet it’s clear the portable monitor’s perks far outweigh its problems. While shoppers can find cheaper alternatives, the VX1655-4K-OLED stands out for its ability to deliver a professional-grade visual experience on the go.

Read our full

Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED review






Samsung M8 Smart Monitor – Best 4K monitor for entertainment





















Pros


Has Samsung’s Tizen OS with smart TV features

Remote, webcam, and speakers included

Excellent SDR image quality

HDR quality is good for the price



Cons


Limited connectivity

Annoying to set up and access some features

No adaptive sync or enhanced refresh rate

Narrow viewing angle

















Best Prices Today:



$699.99 at Samsung





A 32-inch 4K monitor is great for everyday PC tasks like web browsing and document editing, but it can be more than that. Monitors in this category are an ideal substitute for a television in a small mixed-used space like a studio apartment, rented room, or dormitory. 

Samsung’s M8 Smart Monitor leans into this by fusing the features of a Smart TV with a traditional 32-inch 4K monitor. The monitor comes with a remote and runs Samsung’s Tizen operating system. You can access streaming content, like Netflix or Hulu, directly from the monitor.

Yet this is still a great PC monitor. A connected PC or other external device can be used by flipping the input source, as you would on a television. Image quality is solid with excellent sharpness, top-tier contrast, high brightness, and attractive color performance. 

The monitor also comes in a variety of attractive stand and bezel color options, with a detachable webcam, and has a USB-C port with up to 65 watts of Power Delivery. It supports Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5, too.

Read our full

Samsung M8 Smart Monitor review






BenQ SW272U – Best 4K monitor for photographers





















Pros


Incredible sharpness from its paper-like display

Wide color gamut and high color accuracy

Excellent ergonomic stand

Extensive image quality controls accessible through bundled remote



Cons


Disappointing contrast ratio

Modest connectivity for the price

Very expensive for its feature set


















The BenQ SW272U is an excellent 4K monitor for photographers and publishers who prioritize sharpness and accuracy. This 27-inch monitor has a “fine-coated panel” that delivers a simulated paper-like texture and boasts a resolution of 3840×2160 at 60Hz. It also provides a robust, industrial design with ergonomic stand that offers a wide range of adjustment and a glare-reducing hood designed to reduce ambient light.

Connectivity includes standard ports like HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, with the notable addition of an SD card reader, which photographers are sure to like. However, it misses some advanced features like Thunderbolt. The monitor offers an exceptional menu system, accessible through a joystick or a wireless remote, with extensive customization for color gamut, color temperature, and gamma. That’s another key feature for photographers, as it helps users precisely calibrate the monitor’s image based on their needs.

The SW272U also has excellent image quality which, of course, is key for its target market. Its color gamut coverage and color accuracy are defeated only by a few of the best OLED and QD-OLED monitors. The monitor’s sharpness also stands out, offering a high pixel density that, in combination with the fine-coated panel, mimics the quality of printed material. The monitor’s contrast ratio is limited, which proves a downside for entertainment, but it’s less of a concern for its target audience.

There’s only one real issue, and that’s the price. BenQ asks almost $1,500 for the SW272U, and that’s a lot even for a 27-inch 4K monitor. If you’re a photographer hoping to see what your photos might look like in print, though, it’s worth the premium.

Read our full

BenQ SW272U review






Dell G3223Q – Best 4K 144Hz monitor





















Pros


Bright, sharp SDR image

Good color gamut and accuracy

Solid build quality and ergonomic stand

Great motion clarity at 120Hz or 144Hz



Cons


Disappointing HDR performance

Odd menu choices for creators 

Modest USB connectivity

















Best Prices Today:



$599.99 at Dell





Want a 4K monitor with a high refresh rate for smooth gaming? The Dell G3223Q is an excellent option. 

The G3223Q is a 32-inch, 4K monitor with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (Nvidia G-Sync also works, unofficially). You can play games at high refresh rates with no screen tearing and smooth frame pacing. 

You’ll find two HDMI 2.1 ports on the rear. They’re great for connecting a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X game console, since you can play at each console’s maximum resolution and refresh rate. There’s also a DisplayPort input for connecting your PC. 

None of this would matter if the G3223Q’s image quality wasn’t excellent—but it is. The monitor has great color performance, high brightness, good contrast, and a razor-sharp image thanks to its 4K resolution. 

It’s a good value, too. The G3223Q is towards the low end of pricing for a 32-inch, 4K 144Hz monitor but doesn’t sacrifice features or build quality to achieve it.

Read our full

Dell G3223Q review