4K gaming brings the best video games in the land to you in super-high definition. However, you need the correct hardware to bring these 4K games to life. That means a suitable CPU, GPU, and enough system RAM. Furthermore, you need a suitable 4K gaming monitor to let those high definition graphics really shine.

So, without further ado, here are the best 4K gaming monitors you can buy today.

Premium pick

1. Acer Predator XB273K

8.80 / 10
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The Acer Predator XB273K is an exceptional 4K gaming monitor with a substantial range of ports, features, and specs to boot. The Predator XB273K sports a 27-inch 4K UHD IPS panel, with a 178-degree viewing angle. The screen has a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time and arrives Nvidia G-Sync ready.

Another boost comes from the quantum dot technology, which significantly increases optimization across the entire color gamut. It also uses flicker-free and ultra-low motion blur technology to keep the screen smooth during gameplay.

Regarding ports, the XB273K features 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0, and 4x USB 3.0 ports, which is a decent array of options.

Aside from the array of ports and excellent screen, the Predator XB273K also features Predator Game Mode, which is eight different preset display modes. With a single hotkey, you can switch between screen modes designed for different content types, such as action, racing, sports, and so on.

You'll also note the external shielding hood surrounding the monitor. The shield is meant to protect from distraction during those intense gaming sessions. It is a little overkill. However, the ErgoStand allows you to twist and move the monitor into several positions, handy for any gamer.

As a small aside, if you want a monitor with the same specs but with AMD FreeSync instead of Nvidia G-Sync, you should check out the Acer Nitro XV273K.

Key Features
  • 144Hz refresh rate
  • Nvidia G-Sync
  • Quantum Dot
  • Flicker-free, ultra-low motion blur tech
  • Gaming Shield
Specifications
  • Brand: Acer
  • Screen Size: 27-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0, 4x USB 3.0 ports
Pros
  • Fast refresh and response rate
  • Excellent screen, vibrant colors
  • Decent range of ports
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Gaming Shield is OTT
Buy This Product
Acer Predator XB273K
Editors choice

2. LG 27GN950-B

8.60 / 10
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The LG 27GN950-B comes from LG's UltraGear range, which focuses on developing high-tier gaming monitors pushing new technology.

The 27GN950-B fits the bill perfectly, featuring a 27-inch 4K UHD Nano IPS panel, a 5ms response time, and a 144Hz refresh rate, with support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. The screen has 600-nits brightness and also supports HDR10 and DisplayHDR 600.

The screen appears massive, too, with a very high screen to bezel ratio, which also looks great.

In terms of ports, you'll find 2x HDMI 2.0 and 1x DisplayPort 1.4, with 3x USB 3.0 ports on the back of the monitor. Also, lurking at the back is a Chroma-compatible RGB lighting ring, which uses Video Sync mode to sync colors between your game, providing an ever-changing immersive color experience.

Similarly, Sound Sync lights the RGB ring up following in-game dynamic sounds. Big in-game explosion? Expect the light to mimic the situation.

Overall, the LG 27GN950-B is an excellent gaming monitor that will suit beginners and experts alike.

Key Features
  • 144Hz refresh rate
  • AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
  • Nvidia G-Sync Compatible
  • HDR 10 & DisplayHDR 600
  • Chroma RGB Lighting Ring
Specifications
  • Brand: LG
  • Screen Size: 27-inch
  • Display Technology: Nano IPS
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 3x USB 3.0
Pros
  • Low-profile bezel
  • Lots of ports
  • Excellent Nano IPS screen
Cons
  • Not many gaming-focused extras
  • 5ms response time
Buy This Product
LG 27GN950-B
Best value

3. BenQ EL2870U

9.00 / 10
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Why pay more than you need when you have 4K gaming monitors options like the BenQ EL2870U. It's a 28-inch 4K UHD TN LCD with AMD FreeSync. It has a 1ms response time with a slightly slower refresh rate of 60Hz, although that's still fine for most gamers. It also supports HDR 10.

The EL2870U features BenQ's Opt-Clarity technology, which enhances and streamlines brightness, contrast, color temperature for a better picture. Opt-Clarity isn't gaming-specific, mind, but it does make for a clearer image. Another cool feature is Brightness Intelligence Plus, which automatically adjusts the screen's light and brightness level depending on your surroundings.

Connectivity-wise, you're looking at 2x HDMI 2.0 and 1x DisplayPort 1.4. While the BenQ EL2870U lacks USB ports, it doesn't detract from image quality, as you might expect.

This is an LCD panel, whereas most other 4k gaming monitors on this list are LED. If you're unsure about the differences between an LED and LCD panel, check out the gaming monitors FAQ at the bottom of the page.

Key Features
  • 60Hz refresh rate
  • AMD FreeSync
  • HDR10
  • Opt-Clarity & Brightness Intelligence
Specifications
  • Brand: BenQ
  • Screen Size: 28-inch
  • Display Technology: TN
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4
Pros
  • Excellent screen for price
  • Automatic color adjustment to surroundings
  • HDR support
Cons
  • Basic design
Buy This Product
BenQ EL2870U

If curved monitors are more your thing, the Samsung UR590C is right up your gaming alley. It's a 31.5-inch 1500R 4K UHD curved screen, with a 60Hz refresh rate and a 4ms response time. There's 1x HDMI 2.0 and 1x DisplayPort 1.4, but no USB ports. Furthermore, the UR590C is just 0.27-inches thick, making for a stylish and extremely slimline design.

The UR590C has a few tricks up its sleeve. For example, you can use the Samsung Picture-by-Picture mode to connect two separate inputs to the monitor and simultaneously display them. There's also Game Mode, which automatically detects and customizes colors and contrast levels while gaming, giving you a greater depth of color.

Another interesting feature is Samsung's UHD upscaling tech. Not all media is designed with the 4K resolution in mind, especially older titles. The UHD upscaling can upconvert SD, HD, and FHD content into near 4K-level quality. The standard varies between the original recording quality (or maximum game resolution), but there are substantial improvements at times.

With this combination of features, the UR590C was a CES 2019 Innovation Award winner, a notable accolade.

Key Features
  • 60Hz refresh rate
  • 1500R Curve
  • UHD upscaling
  • CES 2019 Innovation Award winner
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Screen Size: 49-inch
  • Display Technology: LED
  • Resolution: 3840x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 32:9
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm jack
Pros
  • Looks great
  • Handy monitor technology
  • Additional gaming features
Cons
  • On the large-side
  • Curved design isn't for everyone
Buy This Product
Samsung UR590C

Acer makes great gaming monitors; there's no doubt about it. The Acer Nitro VG270K continues that strong tradition, delivering a 27-inch 4K UHD IPS panel with a 60Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. It is also HDR Ready and comes with AMD FreeSync for extra smoothness. The AG270K is another 4K gaming monitor that reduces its bezel as much as possible, maximizing screen space for your games (though packs in a couple of speakers, too!).

You'll find 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, and 2x USB 2.0 ports in terms of connections. While the USB ports use the now-aging USB 2.0 specification, they're still handy for connecting extra speakers, keyboard, or mouse, freeing up faster USB 3.0 ports on your machine.

Elsewhere, you'll note Acer's Game View Technology that enables you to switch between preset display modes for different content types, as well as Acer ComfyView, which is essentially anti-glare technology.

The VG270K isn't packed with features but does have an excellent screen. If you're looking to upgrade to your first 4K gaming monitor but don't want to overstretch, this makes an excellent option.

Key Features
  • 60Hz refresh rate
  • AMD FreeSync
  • Acer Game View Tech & ComfyView
Specifications
  • Brand: Acer
  • Screen Size: 27-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x USB 2.0
Pros
  • Thin bezel
  • Wide-range of connection options
  • HDR Ready
Cons
  • Stand slightly lacking
  • Slower response time than advertised
Buy This Product
Acer Nitro VG270K

Dell's S2721QS gives you almost everything you want in a 4K gaming monitor. It is elegant and sleek, with a decent range of features, with an excellent screen to bezel ratio, which adds to the style. In terms of screen, you're looking at a 27-inch 4K UHD IPS panel with support for Smart HDR and AMD FreeSync.

Like the Samsung option, the S2721QS features Picture-By-Picture mode, allowing you to display video from two separate inputs simultaneously. There's also the option of Picture-In-Picture mode, which lets you put one video input into a container that you can move around your screen (a bit like a video app on your desktop).

Another management option arrives via Dell Display Management (DDM). DDM features a range of preset screen zones you can use to organize your screen. These zones are also customizable and could be handy for streamers attempting to manage their various platforms. Connection-wise, you'll find 2x HDMI 2.0 and 1x DisplayPort 1.4, but no USB ports.

Key Features
  • 60Hz refresh rate
  • AMD FreeSync
  • Smart HDR
  • Dell Display Management
Specifications
  • Brand: Dell
  • Screen Size: 27-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4
Pros
  • Ultra-thin bezel
  • Crisp colors
  • Sturdy stand
Cons
  • No USB ports
  • Stand isn't pretty
Buy This Product
Dell S2721QS

Like Acer, Asus are well known for their gaming monitors. The Asus VA32UQ is a 31.5-inch 4K UHD VA panel, with a 60Hz refresh rate and a 4ms response time. It is also AMD FreeSync ready so that you can enjoy a little extra refresh speed, and supports HDR-10, too.

The VA32UQ also uses Asus Shadow Boost, which modifies the image's contrast on the screen for greater clarity. The result is that in some situations, you might catch a glimpse of an enemy lurking in the shadows earlier than with an alternative monitor. There's also Asus' GamePlus Technology that you can use to add an extra crosshair to your screen to improve your in-game accuracy.

Furthermore, the VA32UQ uses Asus Eye Care technology to reduce flickering and protect your eyes from strain during gaming sessions. Eye Care can also automatically lower the amount of blue light, ease you into the evening, and protect against the overexertion of the eyes.

It features 2x HDMI 1.4 and 1x DisplayPort 1.2, but no USB ports. There are a couple of speakers, however.

While the visual side of the VA32UQ is great, it does have a few issues elsewhere. For one, it does not come with a VESA mount. Of course, there are VESA alternatives, but if you're adding it into an existing setup, that's worth considering. Also, you cannot adjust the stand, which is fixed in position. If you want to raise it up on your desk, you'll need to use a riser instead.

Key Features
  • 60Hz refresh rate
  • AMD FreeSync
  • HDR-10 Support
  • Asus Shadow Boost & GamePlus Tech
Specifications
  • Brand: Asus
  • Screen Size: 31.5-inch
  • Display Technology: VA
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2
Pros
  • Crisp colors
  • Protects eyes
Cons
  • Fiddly menu buttons
  • Non-adjustable stand
Buy This Product
Asus VA32UQ

Acer Predator XB273K

FAQ

Q: What Is an LCD 4K Gaming Monitor?

An LCD features a panel of liquid crystal molecules. The molecules can be induced using an electrical current to take certain patterns which either block or allow light to pass through. An LCD TV or monitor has a light source at the rear of the display, which lights up the crystals. LCDs commonly use Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFL) to provide the TV or monitor backlight.

To provide a color image on your screen, the LCD has red, green, and blue sub-pixels in each screen pixel. Transistors within the display control the direction of light each pixel emits, which then passes through either a red, green, or blue filter.

Q: What Is an LED 4K Gaming Monitor?

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are small semiconductors that emit visible light when an electrical current passes through them. LEDs are typically more efficient and longer-lasting than traditional lighting.

While manufacturers often use LED in place of LCD, an LED TV is also a type of LCD. Instead of CCFL tubes to provide the LCDs backlight, rows of LEDs provide the backlight. The LEDs give better control of the light and greater efficiency as it is possible to control individual LEDs.

Q: What Is Better For Gaming; LED or LCD?

Should you opt for an LED or LCD gaming monitor? The answer depends on what you want from your screen. Gamers generally want super-fast response times and excellent colors, so an IPS LCD is always a good shout.

Q: What Is a 1500R Curve?

1500R refers to the curve of the screen in millimeters, based upon the radius of a curve. For example, a 1000R curve is more pronounced and closely fits human vision at a distance of one meter, whereas 1800R is a more gentle curve.

Q: Why Is Refresh Rate Important?

The refresh rate of a monitor refers to the number of times per second that the displayed image will be updated. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate means more information reaches your eyes in the same amount of time, leading to smoother-looking motion.

Standard basic monitors are 60Hz, but you can get monitors that have higher rates of 144Hz or even 240Hz.