In the world of gaming, having a high-quality monitor can make all the difference. As we are about to step out of 2023, 4K gaming monitors have become common for gamers. The demand for sharper graphics and immersive gameplay has driven manufacturers to produce some outstanding options. However, with so many 4K gaming monitors on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. We will take a look at the best monitors based on expert and real consumers testing and reviews.
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What to look for in a 4K gaming monitor
When choosing a 4K gaming monitor this fall, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Resolution: As mentioned above, 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) is the standard for high-end gaming monitors.
- Refresh rate: Look for a monitor with a refresh rate of at least 144Hz, and preferably 240Hz or higher.
- Response time: Look for a monitor with a response time of 1ms or lower.
- Panel type: IPS panels offer better viewing angles and color accuracy, while VA panels offer better contrast ratios and deeper blacks. Choose a panel type that best suits your needs.
- HDR support: HDR support is not essential for a good gaming experience, but it can provide a significant improvement in image quality. Look for a monitor with HDR10 or DisplayHDR 400 certification.
- Other features: Some 4K gaming monitors also come with additional features, such as G-SYNC or FreeSync support, built-in speakers, and RGB lighting.
Best 4k Gaming Monitors 2023 and Early 2024
Its almost end of year 2023 and for gamers like its best time to buy hardware stuff. So if you’re into the 4K gaming and looking to buy a new monitor I’ve got you covered.
Best Mini LED: Cooler Master Tempest GP27U
- 27-inch IPS panel with 4K resolution (3840 x 2160)
- 160Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time
- 576-zone Mini LED backlight with HDR1000 support
- 98% DCI-P3 color gamut
- FreeSync and G-Sync compatible
- DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, and USB-C ports
- Built-in speakers and headphone jack
- Tilt, swivel, height, and pivot adjustable stand
Mini LED technology is on the rise in the gaming monitor segment, and the Cooler Master Tempest GP27U is among the best available. This 27-inch monitor boasts 576 dimming zones for enhanced contrast and a vivid, colorful image. The standout feature is the 160Hz refresh rate, offering a smoother gaming experience, though it loses Adaptive-Sync above 144Hz.
Best OLED: Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ
- 41.5-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) OLED panel
- 138Hz refresh rate (overclocked)
- 0.1ms response time
- 98% DCI-P3 color gamut
- True 10-bit color
- Delta E < 2 color accuracy
- 700 nits peak brightness
- HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C ports
- Built-in speakers and headphone jack
Asus delivers with the ROG Swift PG42UQ, equipped with a vibrant 42-inch OLED panel, 4K resolution, and a swift 0.1ms response time. It boasts low input lag and class-leading input lag, ensuring a responsive gaming experience. Moreover, the inclusion of quality internal speakers is a rare bonus for gaming monitors. The Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ is a great choice for gamers who are looking for the best possible image quality and performance.
Best Premium: Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
- 32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) VA panel
- 240Hz refresh rate
- 1ms (GtG) response time
- Quantum Mini LED backlight with HDR2000 support
- 99% DCI-P3 color gamut
- AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility
- DisplayPort 1.4 and 2x HDMI 2.1 ports
- Built-in speakers and headphone jack
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 stands out in the premium category with its blazing 240Hz refresh rate, offering a competitive edge. It features a 32-inch 1000R VA panel and Mini-LED lighting with an impressive 1,196 dimming zones, resulting in stunning SDR and HDR images.
The monitor also provides exceptional color accuracy and smooth motion processing, making it a valuable addition to any gamer’s arsenal. It is a high-end monitor, but it is worth the investment for gamers
Best Value: Acer Predator XB273K
- 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 1ms (GtG) response time
- G-SYNC compatible
- DisplayHDR 400 support
- 98% DCI-P3 color gamut
- DisplayPort 1.4 and 2x HDMI 2.0 ports
- Built-in speakers and headphone jack
For budget-conscious gamers, the Acer Predator XB273K is a standout choice. Despite the affordability, it offers professional-level color accuracy, excellent gaming performance, and factory-fresh color accuracy. It efficiently combats screen tearing and provides a great gaming experience.
Best for HDR: Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX
- 32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 1ms (GtG) response time
- Mini LED backlight with HDR1400 support
- 98% DCI-P3 color gamut
- G-SYNC Ultimate compatible
- DisplayPort 1.4 and 2x HDMI 2.1 ports
- Built-in speakers and headphone jack
For those craving the best HDR experience, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX is a top choice. With its Mini LED panel, it delivers incredible contrast and a brilliant screen. The monitor’s unique OLED screen at the bottom displays essential information, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Best Budget: Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q
- 32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 1ms (GtG) response time
- Mini LED backlight with HDR1400 support
- 98% DCI-P3 color gamut
- G-SYNC Ultimate compatible
- DisplayPort 1.4 and 2x HDMI 2.1 ports
- Built-in speakers and headphone jack
The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q challenges the notion that 4K monitors must be expensive. At an affordable price point, it provides excellent performance, eliminating motion blur with ease. The Mini LED backlight with HDR1400 support provides stunning image quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks. While it may not match the contrast and brightness of its high-end counterparts, it’s a great value for those looking to enter the world of 4K gaming.
Best for Consoles: Sony Inzone M9
- 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 1ms (GtG) response time
- DisplayHDR 600 support
- 95% DCI-P3 color gamut
- G-SYNC Compatible and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, and USB-C ports
- Built-in speakers and headphone jack
Sony’s Inzone M9 is tailor-made for console gamers. With a 27-inch IPS panel, 144Hz refresh rate, FALD backlight, and exceptional color accuracy, it caters to PlayStation 5 users. Additionally, it supports FreeSync and G-Sync, making it an ideal choice for console and PC gamers alike.
Additional Considerations
The gaming monitor market is vast, and our focus is on 4K monitors. However, two honorable mentions include the Acer Nitro XV282K, a compact 28-inch 4K gamer with vibrant colors and premium features, and the Asus ProArt PA32UCG, which offers an accurate image and excellent HDR but may not suit every gamer’s needs due to its 5ms response time and higher price.
As 4K gaming becomes more accessible, there’s a monitor for every budget and preference in fall 2023 and early 2024. Whether you’re into Mini LED, OLED, or seek an affordable option, this year’s offerings have you covered. When it comes to gaming, your choice of monitor can significantly impact your experience, so choose wisely.
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