PC gaming has never been as awesome or cutting-edge as it is today. With new monitor technology, you can amp up your gaming sessions to the next level, especially when you start playing on 4K, Ultra HD monitors. If you’re looking for a new monitor for gaming, you’d be hard-pressed to justify buying anything other than 4K. And since there are so many choices on the market today, we’ve gone out and played on 10 of the most popular best gaming 4K monitors to find out which one is best for avid gamers like you. During our research, we measured response time, refresh rates, screen sizes, adaptive sync functionality, and color availability to create an immersive gaming experience. These are some of the top-rated computer monitors that you can find on the market.
Not even the best 27-inch monitors come close to what we’ve found as the perfect display design for gaming. So, after playing our favorite games for dozens of hours on these monitors, we narrowed our list down to the top 3, with the ASUS PG278QR 27″ 4K gaming monitor coming out on top. This monitor sports a super quick response time, AMD FreeSync, and tons of configurable options, making it an easy choice for the #1 spot. Keep reading to learn more about the ASUS PG278QR and the other 2 best picks for the best 4K gaming monitors. If 4K doesn’t seem up your alley, never fear: other resolutions can support a high-quality gaming experience if the monitors have other features, so check out our list of the best 1080p gaming monitors too. Moreover, compare 4K gaming monitors to 1080p gaming monitors for a real breakdown of each resolution.
Best 4K Gaming Monitors
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS MG28UQ 4K | Acer Predator XB271HK | LG 27MP59G-P | |
| Rank | #1 – Editor’s Choice / Best 4K Gaming Monitor | #2 – Best High Performance 4K Gaming Monitor | #3 – Best Budget 4K Gaming Monitor |
| Amazon Rating |  |  | |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Screen Size | 28-inch IPS | 27-inch IPS | 27-inch IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| HDMI Input? |  | | |
| Display Port? | | | |
| Sync Feature | FreeSync | G-Sync | FreeSync |
| Price | $419.99 | $869.00 | $229.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
#1 Pick ASUS PG278QR 27″
Award: Best 4K Gaming Monitor
Price: $519.99 | Features: AMD FreeSync, 1ms response time, ASUS GamePlus configuration profiles
WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: The ASUS PG278QR is a cheaper 4K monitor for budget gamers.
It’s rare to find a product that really encompasses everything you expect when you hear the phrase “the complete package”, but the ASUS PG278QR is about as close as they come without going overboard. While this monitor’s perfect for the hardcore gamer, pair it with the best monitor for video editing for the best of both worlds.
Alternatively, the Predator-line monitor from Acer comes close to a top display for gaming. You can see more details with our Acer Predator XB321HK review, so be sure to check it out.
At only $519.99, the ASUS PG278QR is simultaneously one of the cheapest, yet feature-rich gaming displays on the market (4K or otherwise), and is a marvelous example of how a company can make a solid product with great performance but still keep it within the range of most gamer’s budgets. All the standards are here, including the defining 3840 x 2160 resolution (high pixel density) for superb picture quality, 1ms response time and up to 165Hz refresh rate for ultra-quick games, 16:9 aspect ratio, and AMD’s FreeSync technology which prevents screen tearing during high-paced action sequences on screen. And speaking of fast action, the best gaming mouse will make sure that you don’t miss a beat whether shooting, running, or jumping. That aspect ratio of 16:9 makes watching movies and other content scenes great too. If you’re in the pool of content creators, this can be a great tool for content creation as well as alongside video games for competitive gamers. Also, the HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, and USB 3.0 ports make for flexible connectivity options, although sadly no USB C port. This display has great viewing angles of 170°(H)/160°(V) with good brightness, making it such a beauty to look at. If you’re a console gamer that owns a PS4, consider a gaming monitor for PS4 too.
For these reasons and so many more, the ASUS PG278QR is the best overall gaming monitor with 4K. It’s one of the best gaming monitors there is, and you can tell the difference especially after comparing the resolution between a 4K vs 2K computer monitor. And, comparing CRT vs LCD gaming monitors, you’ll honestly see a huge difference.
#2 Pick Acer Predator XB271HK 27″ Gaming Monitor
Award: Best High Performance 4K Gaming Monitor
Price: $869.00 | Read Full Review: Acer Predator XB271HK Review | Features: Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, 1ms GTG response time, 5 USB 3.0 ports
WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: The Acer Predator XB271HK is perfect for gaming or creative work, take your pick!
It’s no secret by now that when it comes to gaming monitors, Acer and its Predator line of performance-focused displays have quickly rocketed to the top of every self-respecting gamer’s Christmas wish list. This is the best gaming monitor from Acer. Right up there with the ASUS Rog Swift. It offers a response time of 4ms, a refresh rate of 60Hz, and a 16:9 aspect ratio, as well as flicker-less technology that reduces screen flickering. It also features Nvidia G-Sync technology to prevent screen tearing, providing gamers with the ultimate gaming experience. Plus, the Ergostand on this display allows the monitor to tilt and move up or down to find the best viewing angle, while the monitor itself has a wide 178° both horizontal and vertical viewing angles. If you like the specs on this monitor, then you should look at our feature article on the top-rated 24-inch gaming monitors you can buy today.
We raved about the Predator X34 when we got a chance to review it in-house, and everything that made that screen great is back in spades with the slightly more conservative – but still obscenely powerful – Predator XB271HK. And while all the options you’d hope for make an appearance in the XB271HK just as they did in the X34, what sets this screen apart is its 100% accurate color reproduction across sRGB and AdobeRGB color gamut scores that makes for perfect picture quality. If the gamer in your life already has a monitor, check out this list for some more of the best gifts for gamers.
This means if you need a display that can perform just as sufficiently at work as it does at home, this is going to be the best buy for you. Especially if you want the best external monitor for gaming.
#3 Pick LG 27MP59G-P 27″ Gaming Monitor
The LG 27MP59G-P may not look as flashy as other gaming products, but it’s got just as much polish and precision in every one of its parts.
Award: Best Budget 4K Gaming Monitor
Price: $229.99 | Read Full Review: LG 27MP59G-P | Features: AMD FreeSync, 1ms response time, IPS display
WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: The LG 27MP59G-P is fast, powerful, and cheap. What more could you ask for?
Rounding out our list is the 27″ LG 27MP59G-P 4K UHD gaming monitor, which, while not as flashy or stylish as some other LG or overall gaming products on the market, still performs handily under the pressures of what gamers need in a pinch (while they’re pinching pennies).
Read: Best Computer Monitor Reviews
The 27MP59G-P doesn’t have spectacular color representation, so if you’re looking for something good for creative work and gaming both we’d refer you to the XB21HK instead (100% color accuracy), but outside of that small caveat, everything else you could want is here to shine. AMD FreeSync compatibility, 75 Hz refresh rate, Dynamic Action Blur Sync, black stabilizer technology, and a cool $229 price tag are just a few of the features that come in stock with this LG 4K gaming monitor, all of which helped it to earn the number three spot on our list this year. If you’re looking for budget IPS monitors or an affordable FreeSync monitor, this is the choice for you. We love that this best cheap monitor has these features. Pair it with the best monitor stand for added versatility.
Note: Other 4K gaming monitors worth mentioning that are not on our list include the Asus ROG Swift PG279Q 27-inch screen and the Alienware 55 OLED Gaming Monitor. The Asus ROG Swift 27-inch 1440p resolution comes with Nvidia G Sync technology, 165Hz refresh rate, and Eye Care technology for low blue light mode. The Alienware monitor offers a refresh rate of 120Hz and a low input lag and achieves “true black” for a higher contrast ratio and gaming detail. Lastly, the Samsung CRG5 budget gaming monitor with 144 Hz, 1080p resolution, and G Sync compatibility eliminates image tears and provides excellent image quality. These refresh rates aren’t as high as what the best 240Hz monitor has to offer, but combined with the other features, these monitors perform well during gaming and are worthwhile purchases.
See Also: Be sure to also check out the best ViewSonic monitor.
Mistakes to Avoid
First and foremost, don’t buy just any 4K gaming monitor that’s on the cheap end of the scale and think you can automatically use it for gaming due to the resolution alone. Gaming monitors in particular are built with certain features and fast response times that coincide with what gamers need most: speed, and responsiveness to get those quality frame rates. You might get the best 4K monitor available, but you should ensure it is customized for gaming. It’s a great idea to compare 1080p vs 4K monitors to know exactly what you’re getting into.
Also, make sure you avoid displays that don’t come with custom gaming profiles. These are settings you can pre-configure depending on the game you’re playing to ensure you get the best possible brightness, contrast ratio, and speed when you play games of different styles such as FPS, RTS, and MMORPGs. And, to further enhance your gaming experience, you might want to check out our guide to the top response time for gaming.
Most Important Features of a 4K Gaming Monitor
Screen Size
- The best 4K gaming monitor will be larger than at least 24″, as the detail beyond that isn’t worth the extra resolution if you don’t have the screen space to truly enjoy it.
- 27- to 34-inches screen size is the sweet spot for most gaming monitors, and this goes doubly so for 4K options. There are other ultrawide monitors for gaming such as the 49-inch Samsung CHG90 but they’re much more expensive.
- Not so big that it won’t fit on your desk, but also large enough that the 4K resolution has an opportunity to stretch its legs out and shine. A 21:9 aspect ratio isn’t needed.
Ports and Connectors
- Make sure that both your gaming monitor and the machine you plan to play with have a DisplayPort-HDMI adapter, version 1.2. Gaming monitors also usually include USB 3.0 or USB C ports.
- This is important for G-Sync and FreeSync technology, both of which make sub 2ms response times possible. This is also essential if you want to physically connect a gaming console to your monitor like the best monitors for Xbox Series X.
G-Sync/FreeSync
- Both G-Sync and FreeSync, also known as adaptive sync technology, are relatively new technologies in the gaming space, and have only recently made their way onto 4K gaming displays as of this year.
- Each prevents a phenomenon known as “screen tearing”, where the information the graphics card is sending to the monitor is temporarily out of sync (hence the names).
- These create a solid link between both devices so they never miscommunicate, and the animations on-screen stay smooth and buttery throughout.
Price
- In general, there’s no rule for how much a 4K gaming monitor may set you back.
- Some like the Samsung UE590 or ASUS MG28UQ don’t break the $500 mark, but they are also made for gaming exclusively.
- Others, like the Acer XB271HK, creep into the $900 range, primarily because it’s both a gaming monitor and a creative professional monitor like the best monitor for graphic design, complete with 100% color gamut representation.
Refresh Rate
- Unfortunately, for the time being, there are no 4K gaming monitors that can press past the 60Hz refresh rate limit…though this is looking to change very soon. Update: Turns out the best 4K 144Hz monitors have finally hit the market, so some models are sure to be great fits for avid gamers.
- Due to the strains that a high refresh/high pixel count combo can put on your average graphics card (and more to the point, DisplayPort 1.2), right now only a GTX 1080 SLI combo would come within a mile of being able to support a 4K gaming display that ran at 100Hz, let alone the refresh rate 144hz or the rumored 240Hz that should be coming out in the next year or so.
- Regardless, as long as your 60 Hz monitor has G-Sync, you should still get decent performance and picture quality that will last over the long haul.
Which Best 4K Gaming Monitor is Right for You
The best 4K gaming monitors have come a long way in recent years. Once populated by a few fringe hyper-expensive models that only had one or two of the features that gamers wanted, now almost all of them have a bevy of port options, G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility, and one model, in particular, is even great for creative work to boot. If you’re not sure a monitor is the right choice, then you might be thinking about comparing a gaming monitor vs a TV.
Which is right for you will ultimately depend on your budget, and more to the point, what kind of graphics card you have. In the end, you’ll want a screen that has G-Sync if you run an Nvidia GPU with an Nvidia GeForce card, while a monitor with Free-Sync is going to be the choice for the AMD loyal. Luckily we have a mix of both on our list of the best 4K gaming monitors in, so you always have plenty of options when you choose the one that finally lands on your desk at home!
