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What Are The 5 Top 4K Monitors?

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Ryan Hansen
Ryan Hansen Avatar
Ryan Hansen
Ryan Hansen, a seasoned contributor to GadgetReview for over 5 years, is a distinguished figure in the product review and content marketing space. With over a decade of expertise, Ryan has significantly shaped the tech and consumer electronics landscape. Beyond his digital endeavors, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and delving into personal passions, from writing fiction to collecting Pokemon cards and building LEGO. In Ryan’s household, being a nerd is both a compliment and a responsibility, a testament to his deep connection and commitment to nerd culture.
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    Reviewed By

    Evan Shephard
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    Evan Shephard
    A highly experienced and adept professional in display and audio calibration, he excels in home theater design and precise calibration techniques. With over a decade of specialization in this field, he is not only a certified tester but also carries a prestigious ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) certification. This credential underscores his expertise and commitment to delivering superior quality in audiovisual experiences, further enhancing his value in the realm of display and audio expertise.
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      Updated May 5, 2024 12:21 PM

      Published

      ·

      8 min read
      best 4k monitor guide that shows the top best gaming monitor model
      IN THIS GUIDE

      A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

      When you’re looking for the best 4K monitors, image quality is crucial. A top-tier 4K monitor should offer a brightness of around 400 nits, a color gamut hitting 100% or more, and a contrast ratio of at least 1000:1. Features like low response time and minimal input lag ensure smooth gameplay and precise image transitions, making these monitors ideal for both work and gaming.

      In our analysis, five monitors stood out from a pool of 196 evaluated models. We delved into 321,872 reviews and found that 71% of experts weren’t trustworthy. Our approach filters fake and low quality reviews and certifies products as tested using our True Score. The winning monitors excelled in verified testing, delivering superior performance and image quality.

      Additionally, for gamers, the top 1080p gaming monitors provide a budget-friendly alternative for gamers who prioritize high refresh rates over resolution, while the best 4K gaming monitors combine the high refresh rate with the sharpness and clarity of 4K resolution, delivering an unparalleled gaming experience. Our guide also includes some of the best computer monitors across various price ranges and uses to cater to every need.

      How Did We Rank the Best 4K Monitors?

      Our buying guide for the best 4K monitors stands on the shoulders of an exhaustive review process, encompassing insights from more than 200 sites. We dove deep into testing methods and customer feedback, coupled with expert reviews, to extract the most important criteria. By focusing on 2 crucial test outcomes, 1 beneficial features, and 1 indispensable specifications, we crafted a guide that simplifies your decision-making process and highlights the top performers in the market.

      Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.

      ?️ Minimum Specifications

      • Must have a resolution of 4k (3840 x 2160).

      ? Test Criteria

      • Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 or higher (infinite), offering deep blacks and bright whites for an exceptional viewing experience.
      • Color Accuracy: At least 90% of the DCI P3 color gamut, providing rich and vibrant colors.

      ? “Nice To Haves”

      • Fast Response Time: 13 ms or less, ensuring smooth transitions without motion blur.

      Latest Updates

      • 05/05/2024: Republished the list to include the best 4k monitors based on our True Score system.

      Top 4K Monitors For 2024

      Prices accurate at the time of publishing

      See how we test the testers

      • Best Overall

        Runner Up

        Best Value

        Best Budget

        gr recommended award

        Best Mid-Range

        Premium Pick

        LG 27GP950-B

        • Best For PS4

        The LG 27GP950-B offers vibrant 4K clarity, high refresh rates, and accurate colors, ideal for competitive gamers and creatives in bright settings.

        LG 27GP950-B Review →

        True Score

        82
        82
        4

        Experts

        87
        903

        Customers

        Absolutely Fresh

        SAVE $423
        $899.99
        $476.99
        See Deal

      • Best Overall

        Runner Up

        Best Value

        Best Budget

        gr recommended award

        Best Mid-Range

        Premium Pick

        Gigabyte Aorus FV43U

        Ideal for bright rooms, the Gigabyte Aorus FV43U offers sharp 4K visuals, high refresh rates for smooth gaming, and precise colors for creatives.

        Gigabyte Aorus FV43U Review →

        True Score

        79
        78
        4

        Experts

        84
        637

        Customers

        Mixed Reviews

        $749.99
        See Deal

      • Best Overall

        Runner Up

        Best Value

        Best Budget

        gr recommended award

        Best Mid-Range

        Premium Pick

        Gigabyte Aorus FO48U OLED

        The Gigabyte Aorus FO48U OLED excels in HDR content, with top contrast and color accuracy, making it perfect for indoor use and detailed creative work.

        Gigabyte Aorus FO48U OLED Review →

        True Score

        78
        78
        4

        Experts

        83
        203

        Customers

        Mixed Reviews

        $1,243.25
        See Deal

      • Best Overall

        Runner Up

        Best Value

        Best Budget

        gr recommended award

        Best Mid-Range

        Premium Pick

        Asus PG32UQX

        The Asus PG32UQX excels for gamers and creatives who need vivid 4K and top color accuracy. Its smooth performance provides a rich, immersive experience.

        Asus PG32UQX Review →

        True Score

        77
        77
        6

        Experts

        81
        1k

        Customers

        Mixed Reviews

        SAVE $406
        $2,299.00
        $1,893.22
        See Deal

      • Best Overall

        Runner Up

        Best Value

        Best Budget

        gr recommended award

        Best Mid-Range

        Premium Pick

        Tempest GP27U

        The Tempest GP27U shines in bright rooms with superb brightness and color accuracy, ideal for creative work and casual gaming on a vivid 4K display.

        Tempest GP27U Review →

        True Score

        74
        74
        5

        Experts

        79
        61

        Customers

        Mixed Reviews

        SAVE $323
        $871.67
        $549.00
        See Deal

      Which Criteria Matters for Testing 4K Monitors?

      By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 1 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these computer monitors and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase the best 4K monitor!

      CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
      Contrast Ratio>1000:1YesThe difference in brightness between the whites (lit sections) and blacks (dim or unlit sections) of a monitor panel.
      Color Gamut (DCI P3 xy)> 90%YesHow much of the DCI P3 xy color gamut is covered by the monitor, which helps indicate color accuracy for HDR content, which includes certain movies.
      Response Time< 13 msNo (Nice to have)The time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another.

      Our Trusted Data Sources

      We looked at 110+ computer monitor reviewers and found that 33 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for computer monitors.

      1. Samuel Breton – Rtings, MuckRack
      2. Chris Eberle – Tom’s Hardware, LinkedIn
      3. Tony Hoffman – PC Mag, MuckRack

      Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every computer monitor review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.

      Computer Monitor Test Data & Results

      1. Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) Test Results

      Contrast Ratio

      > 1000:1

      Acceptable range of performance

      Definition: How bright the monitor will get, usually under specific testing conditions, like 10% windows (which means 10% of the screen is a white box.)

      Units of Measurement: Ratio

      Tools to Measure: Luminance meter or photometer or colorimeter

      Why It’s Important:
      Contrast ratio is how dynamic images are given detail and dramatic effect, with very dark areas appearing truly dark, while bright areas are bright and pop.

      Contrast ratio is responsible for making images appear “dynamic” and “dramatic.” By having a good contrast ratio, a monitor is able to recreate dramatic differences between light and dark spots in scenes, images and games accurately.

      At a minimum, we recommend a contrast ratio of 1000:1, as this will do a good enough job at allow for detail in dark scenes and images. If contrast ratio gets too low, the picture quality suffers, and the monitor performs worse across the board, no matter the lighting condition. By getting a monitor with a sufficiently high contrast ratio, you can ensure the picture quality doesn’t suffer, and dramatic scenes with stark shifts in lighting, whether they be in games or videos, are created as accurately as possible.

      Contrast Ratio (higher is better)

      2. Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) Test Results

      Color gamut is responsible for making a monitor produce accurate colors when displaying a variety of content. The DCI P3 xy gamut is considered a “standard” gamut of sorts, and is used to help color grade films. Most HDR content will use this gamut at the very least (though other gamut exist) and it’s a commonly used gamut for films.

      When it comes to a computer monitor, having a panel that covers at least 90% of the DCI P3 gamut means it’ll output accurate colors when watching HDR content and movies that use the gamut. If a monitor doesn’t cover enough of the gamut, it causes color inaccuracies and shifts the image quality. If you care about maintaining accuracy in the movies you watch so they look the way they were intended, this gamut needs to be properly covered.

      Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy)

      > 90%

      Acceptable range of performance

      Definition: The amount of the DCI P3 xy gamut that the monitor covers.

      Units of Measurement: %

      Tools to Measure: Colorimeter

      Why It’s Important:
      Color gamut coverage is important for ensuring that a monitor is able to accurately output colors. The DCI P3 xy gamut is responsible for making movies and HDR content look the way they were intended.

      Color Gamut P3 XY (in %; higher is better)

      3. Response Time (ms) Test Results

      Response Time (ms)

      < 13 ms

      Acceptable range of performance

      Definition: The amount of time it takes for pixels on a monitor to shift from one color to another.

      Units of Measurement: Milliseconds (ms)

      Tools to Measure: Response time tool, camera

      Why It’s Important:
      Faster response times keep the screen from becoming muddied and blurred when fast-paced action scenes in movies or games start.

      Response time measures how long it takes pixels to change from one color to another, often gray to gray. Low response times means the monitor is able to keep up with constant shifts in colors, and helps prevent motion blur from being introduced whatever you’re watching.

      We generally recommend a response time that is 13 ms or less, as this will keep motion blur to a minimum, but if you don’t watch a lot of very high intensity videos or play fast-paced games, response time isn’t going to matter much. It’s important to note that monitors will often advertise a 1ms or 2ms or 5ms response time, to name a few, but response time tests measure full color to color shifts, as well as overshoots, which produces different times than what the monitor often claims on the box. This is why response time is a listed spec, but also a testable criterion.

      Response Time (in ms; lower is better)

      Best 4K Monitors: Mistakes To Avoid

      1. Choosing the wrong size: While a larger screen size can offer a more immersive viewing experience, it’s crucial to consider your workspace and viewing distance. Opting for a screen that’s too large for your setup can lead to discomfort or neck strain if you’re sitting too close. Conversely, a screen that’s too small, like a 24-inch monitor, may not fully utilize the benefits of 4K resolution. Consider your viewing distance and space constraints when choosing the size of your 4K monitor. For a truly immersive experience, the leading curved gaming monitors are typically 4K and provide panoramic views, which enhance gameplay and make the most of your setup.

      2. Ignoring panel type: Different panel types—such as IPS, TN, and VA—offer varying characteristics in terms of color accuracy, viewing angles, and response times. IPS panels generally provide the best color reproduction and wide viewing angles, making them suitable for tasks like content creation and photo editing, and graphic design. TN panels offer faster response times, which may be preferred for gaming. Consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting the panel type.

      3. Overlooking refresh rate and response time: While 4K monitors are known for their high resolution, not all of them offer high refresh rates or low response times. If you’re into gaming or fast-paced tasks, pay attention to the monitor’s refresh rate and response time. A higher refresh rate (e.g., 144Hz or 240Hz) and lower response time (e.g., 1 ms) can result in smoother motion and reduced motion blur. However, these features may come at a premium price. Additionally, for seamless graphics and reduced screen tearing, the best G-Sync monitors incorporate adaptive sync technology to keep your visuals smooth and responsive.

      4. Neglecting connectivity options: Ensure the monitor has the necessary ports to connect to your devices, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB. Additionally, consider features like USB hubs, built-in speakers, or Thunderbolt connectivity if they’re important for your setup. For console gaming, the best monitor for PS4 typically includes HDMI ports and offers features like low input lag for smooth gameplay. Meanwhile, the top monitor for Mac Mini often provides Thunderbolt connectivity and high-resolution support to maximize compatibility and performance.

      The Best 4K Monitors Tests Compared

      Product
      True Score
      Brightness
      Contrast Ratio
      Color Gamut (DCI P3)
      Color Gamut (sRGB)
      Input Lag
      Response Time (ms)
      Reflections %

      LG 27GP950-B

      • Best for PS4

      82

      • 410 nits

      • 1,194:1

      • 96.75%

      • 100%

      • 4.2 ms

      • 4.4 ms

      • 8.4%

      $476.99
      $900
      $423
      See Deal

      Gigabyte Aorus FV43U

      • Best for Photo Editing

      79

      • 904.5 nits

      • 904.5:1

      • 99.43%

      • 99.1%

      • 21.7 ms

      • 3.93 ms

      • 5.4%

      $749.99
      See Deal

      Gigabyte Aorus FO48U OLED

      • Best for Streaming

      78

      • 282.33 nits

      • 282.33:1

      • 94.82%

      • 99.6%

      • 19.4 ms

      • 3.17 ms

      • 1.3%

      $1,243.25
      See Deal

      Asus PG32UQX

      • Best for 32-Inch

      77

      • 451 nits

      • 451:1

      • 117%

      • 97.5%

      • 12.2 ms

      • 6.6 ms

      • 5.1%

      $1,893.22
      $2,299
      $406
      See Deal

      Tempest GP27U

      • Best for For Mac

      74

      • 570.22 nits

      • 570.22:1

      • 101.78%

      • 99.8%

      • 16.9 ms

      • 4.61 ms

      • 5.5%

      $549.00
      $872
      $323
      See Deal

      4K Monitor Questions (FAQ)

      What is a 4K monitor, and why is it beneficial?

      A 4K monitor, also known as Ultra HD or UHD, refers to a display with a resolution of approximately 3840 x 2160 pixels, providing four times the resolution of a Full HD (1080p) monitor. It's beneficial for tasks like content creation, video editing, and gaming, as it offers sharper and more detailed images.

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      About Gadget Review’s Editorial Process

      Our guides, reviews, and news are driven by thorough human research and use our Trust Rating system and the True Score. AI assists in refining our content, ensuring that every article is engaging, clear and accurate. See how we write our content here →

      Ryan Hansen Avatar
      Ryan Hansen
      Ryan Hansen, a seasoned contributor to GadgetReview for over 5 years, is a distinguished figure in the product review and content marketing space. With over a decade of expertise, Ryan has significantly shaped the tech and consumer electronics landscape. Beyond his digital endeavors, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and delving into personal passions, from writing fiction to collecting Pokemon cards and building LEGO. In Ryan’s household, being a nerd is both a compliment and a responsibility, a testament to his deep connection and commitment to nerd culture.
      All Articles by Ryan Hansen

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