As mainstream graphics cards become even more powerful, it's not surprising that PC gamers drool over monitors with a 4K resolution. A panel packing 8.3 million pixels (3840 x 2160) makes your favorite games look sharp and realistic. It also lets you see the most out of the best webcams, which is helpful if you're a streamer.
In addition to being the highest resolution that you can find in a good gaming monitor these days, going 4K also offers the ability to expand to bigger displays while still retaining a sharp image. With a packed pixel army, you can stretch your screen size well past 30 inches without having pixels so large that you can see them. And the best graphics cards, whether from Nvidia's RTX 40-series or AMD's Radeon RX 7000-series, make a move to 4K even more tempting.
But that image quality comes at a steep price. Anyone who's shopped for a 4K monitor knows that they're not cheap. Yes, 4K is about high-res gaming (and other media), but you'll still need solid gaming specs, like a 60Hz-plus refresh rate, low response time, and your choice of Adaptive-Sync (Nvidia G-Sync (opens in new tab) or AMD FreeSync (opens in new tab), depending on your system's graphics card). And you can't forget the cost of the powerful graphics card you'll need to game properly in 4K. See our Best Gaming Monitors page for lower-resolution recommendations if you're not ready for 4K yet.
For those ready for high-res gaming (lucky you), below are the best 4K gaming monitors of 2023 based on our in-house benchmarks.
Quick Shopping Tips
Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
When seeking the best 4K gaming monitor for you, consider the following:
- 4K gaming requires a high-end graphics card. If you're not using a GeForce RTX 4090 or Radeon RX 7900 XTX, you’ll want at least a GeForce RTX 3080 or Radeon RX 6900 XT to game at high-quality settings. Visit our Graphics Card Buying Guide (opens in new tab) for help.
- G-Sync or FreeSync? A monitor’s G-Sync feature will only work with PCs using an Nvidia graphics card, and FreeSync will only run with PCs carrying an AMD card. You can technically run G-Sync on a monitor that's only FreeSync-certified, but performance may vary. We've seen negligible differences in mainstream gaming capabilities for fighting screen tearing between the two. Our Nvidia G-Sync vs. AMD FreeSync article offers an in-depth performance comparison.
- 4K and HDR go hand-in-hand. 4K displays often support HDR content for extra bright and colorful images. But for Adaptive-Sync optimized for HDR media, you'll want a G-Sync Ultimate or FreeSync Premium Pro (formerly FreeSync 2 HDR) monitor. For a noticeable upgrade from an SDR monitor, opt for at least 600 nits brightness. You can learn more from our glossary page on HDR and our buying guide for picking the best HDR monitor.
For more guidance picking a monitor of any resolution--gaming or otherwise--check out our PC Monitor Buying Guide (opens in new tab) and list of the Best Computer Monitors.
The Best 4K Gaming Monitors You Can Buy Today
The Dell G3223Q is a stellar entry in the 4K gaming monitor segment, offering a 32-inch panel size, low total input lag (measured at just 30ms) and an excellent balance between response and motion resolution. As you might expect for a 4K gaming monitor, we have a 144Hz refresh rate with support for both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Adaptive Sync technologies.
Not only does the Dell G3223Q nail the basics, but it also offers a bright and colorful picture. And color accuracy straight out of the box is top notch in both DCI-P3 and sRGB color gamuts. With DisplayHDR 600 support, accuracy and color reproduction were also well represented in HDR mode.
If there were any downsides, it was that contrast and color gamut volume came up a little bit short compared to some of its close rivals. However, with a street price of less than $800, the Dell G3223Q is easy to recommend for 4K gamers.
More: Dell G3223Q review
Cooler Master is ramping up its gaming monitor portfolio, and the latest from the company is the impressive Tempest GP27U. The is on the smaller side for a 4K gaming monitor at 27 inches, but it brings a lot of features to the table along with excellent performance.
The headlining feature of the monitor is its Mini LED panel with a Quantum Dot film and 576 dimming zones. The result is an expansive color gamut and excellent image quality across the board. Of course, you’ll need to calibrate the Tempest GP27U to get the best performance, but once everything is dialed in, it impresses with deep blacks and overall color performance compared to its peers. On top of that, Cooler Master has thrown in support for up to 160 Hz refresh rates, although you can’t use Adaptive-Sync above 144 Hz.
The Cooler Master Tempest GP27U has loads of accolades on its plate and very few demerits of consequence. Throw in a relatively affordable price of $849, and you have a winning combination for gamers.
Read: Cooler Master Tempest GP27U 160 Hz Mini LED Review
Asus is a formidable name in the gaming monitor space, offering entries for both mainstream and enthusiast customers. The company’s latest 4K gaming monitor, the ROG Swift PG42UQ, is a premium offering aimed at gaming enthusiasts that want excellent pictured quality backed by good motion resolution.
What makes the ROG Swift PG42UQ special is that it offers a vibrant OLED panel measuring 42 inches in size. You get 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), a 0.1 ms response time, and a native refresh rate of 120Hz (which jumps to 138Hz with overclocking). The ROG Swift PG42UQ excels in nearly every category, offering excellent color calibration out-of-the-box, top-notch video processing, low input lag, and hard-to-beat contrast (as afforded by its OLED panel).
As you would expect from Asus, the ROG Swift PG42UQ comes well-packaged and has premium construction throughout. Asus even includes a remote control for accessing the OSD and controlling the volume on the built-in speakers. In addition, a full allotment of ports is on deck, including two HDMI 2.0, one DisplayPort 1.4, and multiple USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports for connecting peripherals.
Read: Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ 4K OLED Gaming Monitor
One thing you can expect regarding the vast category of 4K gaming monitors is that they all feature a 144Hz refresh rate (or slightly higher with overclocking). Well, Samsung bucks that trend with the Odyssey Neo G8, which offers a maximum refresh rate that is more fitting of a lower resolution 1440p monitor: 240Hz.
Not only does the 240Hz refresh rate put the Odyssey Neo G8 on a higher plane than its counterparts, but Samsung has infused the monitor with a 32-inch 1000R VA panel and Mini-LED lighting with 1,196 dimming zones. As a result, we measured contrast at 25,000:1 versus the 3,000:1 typical of VA panels. The superlatives didn’t end there; we were floored by the accuracy of the monitor fresh from the factory and image quality in both SDR and HDR modes were superb.
We only had a few reservations about the Odyssey Neo G8, namely its color gamut volume, which was mid-pack compared to its competitors. There’s also the issue of price. The Odyssey Neo G8 isn’t cheap, with an MSRP of $1,400. However, that price is a relative bargain compared to its Mini LED competitors from ViewSonic and Asus that retail for over $2,000 at this writing.
Read: Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 4K Monitor Review
The ViewSonic Elite XG320U excels in the 32-inch class with a 4K IPS panel that overclocks to a maximum of 150Hz. The monitor comes in at a hair under $1,000 and delivers a large color gamut, excellent HDR, great gaming performance and a sharp image. We’d also add that its build quality is solid, which is in keeping with previous high-end ViewSonic monitors that we’ve tested.
In addition to supporting HDMI 2.1, the Elite XG320U boasts a 1ms response time, FreeSync and G-Sync support and peak HDR brightness of 543 nits in our testing (a bit below the spec’d 600 nits). The contrast ratio for the panel is also listed at 1,000:1.
It should be noted that while we were overall impressed across-the-board with the monitor, we did give it demerits for a lack of controls over color gamut size and the fact that the slight overclock to 150Hz robs gamers of Adaptive-Sync support.
More: ViewSonic Elite XG320U review
The 32-inch 4K gaming monitor segment is becoming very crowded, but the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ looks to stand out with some trick features. For starters, the PG32UQ boasts a maximum refresh rate of 155 Hz, which pushes it slightly ahead of the class standard of 144 Hz.
While that 155 Hz rating didn't show much of an advantage in our testing, we can't ignore the rich and vibrant colors provided by the IPS panel and the excellent HDR contrast afforded by its HDR 600 rating. Throw in features like a large color gamut, 1ms response time, FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility and top-notch video processing, and we have a real winner on our hands.
The PG32UQ performed well across our test suite and comes in at a price that squeaks just below $1,000.
More: Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ review
We have dozens of gaming monitors that pass through our lab yearly, but few monitors impress as much as the Philips Momentum 279M1RV. The 279M1RV packs in 4K resolution into a 27-inch IPS panel that impresses at every turn. You’ll find the usual 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time and Adaptive-Sync support expected from this class, but Philips goes above and beyond on the details.
The 279M1RV first impresses with its excellent picture quality. Not only is the display bright (hitting 458 nits in our testing), but it also performed well (for an IPS monitor) in the contrast test at 1,018:1. Color accuracy was at the head of the class, as was its HDR brightness and contrast. No calibration was needed out of the box with the 279M1RV.
Gaming performance is exemplary with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. In addition, RGB fans will be delighted to know that Philips’ excellent Ambiglow system is present, which provides bias light to further enhance contrast/color saturation and gaming immersion.
Read: Philips Momentum 279M1RV 4K Gaming Monitor Review
A little more affordable than the other 144Hz options on this page, the Acer Predator XB273K is the best 4K gaming monitor at that ideal refresh rate for value-seekers. During fast-paced games with settings maxed, there was no blur. G-Sync worked successfully--with both standard and HDR content-- to fight screen tearing when paired with an Nvidia graphics card. The monitor kept up well with other 144 Hz displays during our testing and even beat the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ and Acer Predator X27, which are about $2,000 monitors when it came to input lag.
Regarding image quality, the Predator XB273K delivers pro-level color accuracy and contrast, reaching over 4,000:1, according to our testing, and over 2,000:1 after our calibration. HDR doesn't look as good as on monitors with FALD backlights, but we consider the Predator XB273K the next best thing.
For cheaper 4K displayers, see Best Budget 4K Monitors.
Read: Acer Predator XB273K review (opens in new tab)
If you want the best 4K gaming monitor for HDR movies and games, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX is an expensive but impressive buy. This is the first gaming-focused monitor with Mini LED. Thanks to that advanced backlight, we recorded a fantastic HDR contrast ratio of 180,820.8:1. And while an OLED screen like the Alienware on this page can offer deeper, purer blacks, the PG32UQX can get much brighter. It hit 1,627 nits with HDR during testing.
We loved watching HDR films on the screen, but there’s no Dolby Vision support. This won’t affect many games, but 4K Blu-ray discs and content from Netflix often use Dolby Vision. On the other hand, you do get support for 24p film cadences.
And as a gaming monitor, the PG32UQX is no slouch either. It performed admirably against other 144 Hz screens in our response time and input lag tests, even besting some, including the HP Omen on this page, in the latter. And the nifty OLED screen on the bottom uniquely relays helpful information, like refresh rate and CPU and GPU temperatures.
More: Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX review
You don’t often see the word budget associated with a 4K monitor, but the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q isn’t just affordable; it’s a great gaming monitor too. Despite being available for $349 (opens in new tab) as of writing, it offers a tremendous amount of performance, making it a fantastic value for gamers looking to get to 4K without breaking the bank. We've even seen 4K monitors priced at $400 offer lesser gaming performance.
There was no ghosting when we gamed on the VG289Q, and overdrive successfully helped eliminate motion blur. SDR titles looked extra colorful, but there was hardly any improvement when moving over to HDR games.
With the VG289Q priced so low, it’s not surprising that its refresh rate is limited to just 60 Hz (FreeSync works down to 48 Hz). Of course, hardcore gamers will want more Hz, but casual players can make do with fast-paced scenes showing sufficient detail and excellent pixel density.
For more low-priced 4K screens, check out Best Budget 4K Monitors list.
Read: Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q review
The lines separating the monitor needs of gamers and professionals keep blurring. Besides that, there’s nothing wrong with a photo editor wanting to game during their free time, right? The Acer ConceptD CP271K is the best 4K gaming monitor for professionals because it boasts impressive gaming specs and accurate color space coverage.
Creative professionals can get work done with the monitor’s 110% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, although the very meticulous will find that to be slightly too colorful. You can, however, reduce color with a software look-up table. You also get excellent HDR output with a FALD backlight that reaches 1,000 nits.
At the same time, the ConceptD CP271K offers gamers accurate sRGB coverage (96.3%) and powerful performance that kept up with 144 Hz gaming monitors in our response time and input lag benchmarking.
Read: Acer ConceptD CP7271K review (opens in new tab)
If you’re looking for a big 4K experience, the Aorus FV43U offers excellent image quality and gaming performance at a much lower price than screens with slightly lesser image quality. We've seen it for as cheap as $1,000 (opens in new tab), giving the $1,500 (opens in new tab) Asus ROG PG43UQ on this page a run for its money. The Aorus bested the Asus in our contrast (SDR and HDR) and max brightness tests, as well as in color coverage. However, the Asus beat the Aorus in our response time test by 1ms and input lag by 7ms. Still, unless you’re an extremely competitive gamer, it’s probably worth the price savings and slight image quality advantages.
The Aorus FV43U also offers USB-C connectivity, allowing you to hit 144Hz, two 12W speakers that sound better than most and a remote. HDR performance is also top-of-the-line, with our benchmarks recording 38,888.4:1 contrast and HDR games showing impressive depth and popping textures. A lack of 24p and Dolby Vision support hurt the FV43U’s chances as a full TV replacement, but there isn’t much else missing in a premium gaming monitor here.
More: Gigabyte Aorus FV43U review
We loved the Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ when we first saw it in June, but it’s been hard to find online ever since. We reviewed it at $1,500 (opens in new tab) but have seen it sell for more. However, if you can find this massive screen at the right price, you won’t be disappointed.
At 43 inches, the ROG Swift PG43UQ is a juggernaut that makes for a great TV replacement -- it even has a remote. From a 4-foot distance, it lends to a highly immersive experience that rivals a curved ultra-wide. And with DisplayHDR 1000 certification, HDR movies pack a punch. Games looked incredibly realistic and warm in HDR and also natural and vibrant in SDR.
Most importantly, the PG43UQ is spec'd for high-performance gaming. Response time competed well against other 144 Hz screens in our benchmarks, and the input lag was better than the equally priced Acer Predator CG437K. If you can't find the Asus in stock, the Acer's a fine substitution with a drop less performance for around $1,455 (opens in new tab).
Read: Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ review
The Samsung UR59C isn’t a gaming monitor exactly, but you’d be surprised at the speed it offers compared to other curved, 4K so-called gaming monitors. For example, the MSI Optix MAG321CURV, a 32-inch curved 4K gaming monitor, showed a 22ms response time in our testing and 71ms input lag, while the UR59C posted the same response time but a shorter 63ms input lag. So no, this is not a high-end gaming monitor. But 4K at 60 frames per second (fps) is much more attainable than 144 fps, which may make the lack of Adaptive-Sync acceptable, depending on your GPU’s capability. A low price makes this one of the best budget 4K monitors overall too.
We haven’t seen many curved 4K gaming monitors but found the UR59C’s 15000mm curve noticeable and effective in upping productivity with multiple windows open. The curve didn’t feel as extreme as it would on an ultrawide, but that also meant no distortion.
Games looked tear-free and without apparent lag when we paired it with a GTX 1080 Ti, while the VA panel’s high contrast 2,648.4:1 out of the box (according to our testing) made cut scenes feel like a movie and graphics, like trees and dirt, more realistic.
Read: Samsung UR59C review
It’s very rare to find an OLED-based gaming monitor. However, the Aorus FO48U brings the rich contrast and massive color gamut that OLED allows, while being brighter than the Alienware AW5520QF 55-Inch OLED, the only other gaming OLED monitor currently available. In addition, with a 120 Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1, the FO48U is also ready to connect to the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S and run their max speeds.
With a 120 Hz refresh and 1ms GTG response time, the FO48U kept up with 120 and 144 Hz rivals during our response time test but was 4ms behind the Alienware OLED when it came to total input lag. But for a much brighter screen (even if it doesn’t quite match a nice LCD’s max nits) and greater color gamut (107.7% DCI-P3), that’s a small price to pay.
Unfortunately, a lack of Dolby Vision and support for the 50p and 24p TV formats make it harder for the FO48U to replace your TV completely, but a pair of 15w speakers, plus a 20w one, take care of the audio.
More: Aorus FO48U review
The market is full of 4K gaming monitors that cover a wide range of sizes and price points, but most are geared primarily toward gaming PCs. Sony takes a different approach with the Inzone M9 monitor, which is optimized for PCs and its PlayStation 5 gaming console.
The Inzone M9 ticks all the right boxes with a 27-inch IPS panel, 144Hz refresh with Adaptive-Sync support (AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync), a FALD backlight (96 dimming zones), and excellent color accuracy right out of the box. You'll also find dual HDMI 2.1 ports and a feature-filled Inzone app for easily configuring settings. Even the design of the Inzone M9 mimics that of the launch edition PlayStation consoles with a white and black motif.
Thankfully, Sony Inzone M9 provides a lot of bang for the buck, delivering excellent gaming and color performance, nice little touches (like an integrated KVM switch for running the monitor on a console and a PC), and an attractive price of $899.
Read: Sony Inzone M9 27-Inch 4K Monitor review
So you've made it this far and still haven't found something that seems like the right fit for your gaming desires? Well, we've recently looked at a couple of other 4K monitors that, while they don't quite make our best 4K gaming monitor list, are still worth considering.
Acer's Nitro XV282K is a compact 28-inch 4K gamer with 144Hz refresh, vibrant, accurate colors, plus other premium features. Its primary downsides are average contrast, light gamma and its $900 price.
And while not strictly a gaming screen, Asus' ProArt PA32UCG delivers a phenomenal, accurate image, excellent HDR (thanks to a Full-Array Mini-LED backlight and 1700-nit peak brightness) and 144 Hz refresh over its DisplayPort. The 5ms response time, though, will disqualify it from consideration for many gamers. And the $5,000 price also means it's likely to be a niche display for professionals who want to game on the side.
MORE: Best Gaming Monitors (opens in new tab)
MORE: How We Test Monitors (opens in new tab)
MORE: All Monitor Content (opens in new tab)
MORE: HDMI vs. DisplayPort: Which Is Better For Gaming? (opens in new tab)
