In the ever-evolving world of gaming, having the right equipment is essential to immerse yourself fully in the virtual world. One crucial component that can significantly enhance your gaming experience is a high-quality gaming monitor. With the rise of 4K gaming, the demand for top-notch 4K gaming monitors has grown exponentially.
Best 4k Gaming Monitors Summary
- Best Overall Gaming: Samsung Odyssey G85SB – QD-OLED Panel, Curved, 175hz
- Best Budget: Gigabyte M27U 27inch – IPS Panel, Flat, 160hz
- Best Ultimate 49inch: Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 – Quantum OLED, Curved, 240hz
- Best 32inch: Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 – Mini LED, Curved, 240hz
Find details on these monitors below.
What makes a good gaming monitor?
- Display Technology
OLED and Mini LED panels have the best contrast since they use individual or many backlights and provide amazing color accuracy. IPS panels offer color accuracy but can not have as good contrast, but with the new IPS Black technology, you get double the contrast of your typical IPS panel. VA panels have better contrast but not as good color accuracy. - Resolution
You want a 4k resolution which offers great detail while gaming and ensuring you don’t see pixels. However, there is a give and take with resolution and refresh rate, because the higher the refresh rate which provides smooth motion, the harder it is to find a 4k monitor so we recommend at least a 1440p (2560×1440) resolution. - Refresh Rate
The refresh rate represents how many times the monitor can refresh the image on the screen per second and is measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, results in smoother motion and reduces motion blur, especially during fast-paced gameplay. - Response Time
Response time refers to how quickly a pixel can transition from one color to another. A lower response time, typically measured in milliseconds (ms), ensures minimal motion blur and ghosting. A response time of 1ms or 2ms is ideal for gaming, especially in competitive scenarios. - Adaptive Sync Technologies
Compatible tech, such as AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC, synchronize the monitor’s refresh rate with the output of the graphics card, reducing screen tearing and stuttering. These technologies contribute to a smoother gaming experience. - HDR (High Dynamic Range)
HDR support allows for a broader range of colors and improved contrast, resulting in more vibrant and realistic visuals. HDR can enhance the overall visual quality of games that support this technology.
Top 4k Gaming Monitors
1. Samsung Odyssey G85SB QD-OLED
Panel: QD-OLED, Refresh Rate: 175hz, Response Time: 0.03ms, USB-C: Yes, Curved: Yes
A Quantum-Dot OLED panel produces the best image you can get with individually lit pixels, this monitor is a beast. Incredibly fast refresh rate and response time, this Odyssey monitor is our highest recommendation not only for its specs, but for the build quality with a slim metal design as well. Did I mention this monitor won awards at CES 2022?
2. Alienware AW3423DW QD-OLED
Panel: QD-OLED, Refresh Rate: 175hz, Response Time: 0.1ms, USB-C: No, Curved: Yes
Another amazing gaming monitor with QD-OLED technology for an incredible picture. This one doesn’t make the #1 list, but it certainly is a close second with very similar features and great build quality.
3. Samsung 32″ Odyssey Neo G8
Panel: Mini LED, Refresh Rate: 240hz, Response Time: 1ms, USB-C: Yes, Curved: Yes
Excels as a gaming monitor due to its Quantum Mini LED technology, 4K resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, HDR support, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, gaming enhancements, immersive design, connectivity options, and smart features.
4. Samsung 49″ Odyssey OLED G9
Panel: OLED, Refresh Rate: 240hz, Response Time: 0.03ms, USB-C: Yes for Data, Curved: Yes
Introducing the world’s first 49″ OLED monitor, the Odyssey OLED G95SC with Neo Quantum Processor, which brings brighter whites, deeper blacks and near infinite color contrast. Its curved screen wraps around your field of view for truly engrossing gameplay in up to 32:9 aspect ratio. This is the best gaming monitor if you have the budget and the desk space.
5. LG 45” Ultragear™ OLED
Panel: OLED, Refresh Rate: 240hz, Response Time: 0.03ms, USB-C: No, Curved: Yes
With its OLED panel, it offers stunning visuals, deep blacks, vibrant colors, and wide viewing angles, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Additionally, its large 45-inch size, 4K resolution (given its size but 1440p), and fast response times contribute to an immersive and lag-free gaming session.
6. Alienware Ultrawide AW3821DW
Panel: Nano IPS, Refresh Rate: 144hz, Response Time: 1ms, USB-C: No, Curved: Yes
Great price for a 37.5″ Fast IPS Curved Gaming Monitor with NVIDIA® G-SYNC® ULTIMATE certification, VESA DisplayHDR™ 600 and IPS Nano Color for an immersive gaming experience.
7. ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQR 32″
Panel: IPS, Refresh Rate: 144hz, Response Time: 1ms, USB-C: No, Curved: No
This is a great priced 32inch flat monitor. If you aren’t interested in the curved look, this is the way to go since it has a high refresh rate, great color accuracy, fast response time and variable refresh rate.
8. Gigabyte M27U 27″
Panel: IPS, Refresh Rate: 160hz, Response Time: 1ms, USB-C: Yes, Curved: No
The best budget monitor for its 27-inch display with a 4K resolution delivering sharp visuals and a high level of detail, enhancing the gaming experience. A 160hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay with reduced motion blur. Lastly, the monitor’s support for AMD FreeSync and G-SYNC compatibility minimizes screen tearing and stuttering.