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The best 4K monitors you can buy
With four times the resolution of a 1080p HD display, 4K computer monitors offer better detailing, contrast, and color to enhance movies, photo and video editing, and games onscreen.
ZDNET Recommends
4K monitors work well for typical office work and casual home use because enhanced detailing makes small text easier to read. It's a game-changer if you work with spreadsheets and documents all day.
You can find excellent monitors for decent prices, but there are still some expensive models out there. I combed the web to find the best 4K monitors and analyzed their features to help you find the best choice for your budget and needs.
Also: The best curved monitors
- Blue light filter
- Fast response times
- USB-C to charge your laptop from your monitor
- No HDR
Philips Brilliance 279P1 tech specs: Screen size: 27 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 60Hz | HDR: No | Response time: 4ms
The Philips Brilliance 279P1 monitor achieves stunning clarity thanks to its UltraClear 4K UHD (3840x2160) resolution. The 4ms response time ensures you receive a smooth experience whether you're working or gaming.
USB-C connectivity conveniently allows you to charge your laptop directly from the monitor. It also includes a SmartErgo Base so you can find the best ergonomic adjustment for you.
The Philips Brilliance 279P1 features the Hideaway PowerSensor, which can help you save up to 80% in energy costs. With EasyRead mode, you'll have a screen that delivers an authentic paperback experience. Flicker-free technology with LowBlue Mode can also allow you to work or game longer without uncomfortable eye strain.
- Great price
- VRR support
- 120Hz via Display Port
- Ultra-fast response time
- No HDR support
- No integrated speakers
Asus VP28UQG tech specs: Screen size: 28 inches | Panel type: LED | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz | HDR: No | Response time: 1ms
Although marketed as a gaming display, the Asus VP28UQG monitor works well as an everyday screen -- and the price is perfect if you're trying to spend less than $350 on your new monitor.
It has an ultra-fast 1ms response time for near real-time reactions to inputs, making it convenient for gaming and creative work. It supports Adaptive Sync and AMD FreeSync variable refresh rate technology to help prevent screen stuttering and tearing that can ruin movies and make virtual meetings difficult.
Its native refresh rate is 60Hz, which is sufficient for casual office use, but if you connect the monitor to your desktop via the DisplayPort, you can get up to 120Hz for streaming movies and playing games.
You'll also receive access to the Asus Eye Care technology, which reduces blue light to eliminate eye strain -- a must for long days working or gaming.
- Integrated speakers
- VRR support
- USB ports
- Wireless connectivity
- No HDR support
HP U27 wireless monitor tech specs: Screen size: 27 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 60Hz | HDR: No | Response time: 5ms
The HP U27 is a middle-of-the-road option if you're looking to upgrade your current setup or buy your first 4K display. Its refresh rate of 60Hz is serviceable for everyday tasks and office work, and it supports AMD FreeSync Premium variable refresh rate technology, which prevents screen stuttering.
Along with HDMI and DisplayPort connections, it also has USB ports for connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, and external storage drives. If you dislike cables and cords cluttering your desk, you can connect your mobile devices or laptop to the display via Bluetooth for wireless multitasking.
Also: The best laptops, tested and reviewed by experts
It even has integrated speakers so you can stay untethered from your monitor via headset during video calls and presentations. And with down-firing speakers, you receive the full experience when gaming or streaming your favorite shows.
- USB-C docking
- High-quality picture
- Display configuration options
- No HDR
- No integrated speakers
Dell UltraSharp 43 tech specs: Screen size: 43 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 60Hz | HDR: No | Response time: 5ms
If you prefer to work on a large screen, the Dell UltraSharp 43 is your best option. The truly big-screen display measures 43 inches, offering plenty of real estate for detailed videos, photos, and documents.
With the Display Manager feature, you can configure the screen tile windows and applications for efficient multitasking. The Dell UltraSharp 43 also remembers where you left off in programs, automatically restoring your sessions even after you've turned off the display.
With USB-C ports directly on the monitor, you get more ways to connect peripherals and storage devices. You can also use these inputs to charge mobile devices and even daisy-chain secondary displays if (somehow) you need even more display space to work.
- Calman certified color accuracy
- HDR10
- Ergonomic stand
- No Dolby support
- No integrated speakers
Asus ProArt tech specs: Screen size: 27 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 60Hz | HDR: Yes | Response time: 5ms
The Asus ProArt is the ultimate display for creative professionals. The 27-inch screen can produce up to 100% of sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamuts for richer, more lifelike images.
Each monitor is Calman verified for Delta E<2 color accuracy, so you can confidently expect your on-screen work to look just as awesome in real life. Support for HDR10 ensures excellent detailing, which is essential for digital painting and photo editing. Display presets and 6-axis color adjustments also let you customize your palette for a signature look.
Also: The best graphic design monitors
Other features include picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes for easier referencing and multitasking, on-screen alignment grids and rulers for scale accuracy, an ergonomic stand, and a blue light filter. Along with HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity, you can use the USB-C port to quickly transfer files, charge devices, and daisy-chain displays for even more room to work.
What is the best 4K monitor?
The best 4K monitor is the Philips Brilliance 279P1 27-inch monitor based on my analysis of screen size, panel type, refresh rate, and response time. Below is look at how our top models compare in key areas:
4K monitor | Price | Screen size | Refresh rate |
Philips Brilliance 279P1 | $391 | 27-inches | 60Hz |
Asus VP28UQG | $349 | 28-inches | Up to 120Hz |
HP U27 | $430 | 27-inches | 60Hz |
Dell UltraSharp 43 | $720 | 43-inches | 60Hz |
Asus ProArt | $420 | 27-inches | 60Hz |
Which 4K monitor is right for you?
You'll want to consider desk space when shopping for a new 4K monitor, especially if you plan to create a multi-display setup. If you're using two or more screens, it's best to choose displays on the smaller side (between 24 and 27 inches) to avoid overwhelming your desk. You can also purchase mounting arms or wall mounts for some 4K monitors in order to free up desk space, but make sure you take note of weight and size limitations before you buy. You don't want your fancy new monitor to fall and smash into a million pieces because your mounting hardware couldn't handle it.
If you're a creative professional who works with audio or video, an ultra-wide screen is best suited for your needs. Super wide displays allow you to see more of your editing timeline to reduce frustration and better envision how cuts and transitions fit into your project. Digital artists and 3D modelers may want to opt for a big screen, like a 32-inch option, for more room to work.
Choose this 4K monitor... | If you want... |
Philips Brilliance 279P1 | The best overall option with a fast response time, ergonomic base, and blue light filtering to reduce eye strain. |
Asus VP28UQG 28-inch | A budget-friendly 4K monitor with VRR support, 120Hz display port, and ultra fast response time. |
HP U27 | A mid-range 4K monitor with USB ports, integrated speakers, and wireless connectivity. |
Dell UltraSharp 43 | A 4K monitor with a huge screen, USB-C docking, and high-quality images. |
Asus ProArt 27-inch | A 4K monitor that's perfect for creatives with HDR10, an ergonomic stand, and Calman certification. |
How did I choose these 4K monitors?
Aside from price, I carefully considered best uses for each product. While each monitor is capable of excellent 4K resolution, some are better suited for creative work like animation and digital art. With factory Delta E <2 color calibration and HDR support, artists, graphic designers, and animators can take full advantage of advanced displays.
Other everyday 4K displays are perfect for working from home or casual family use, making it easier to read text and playback video calls for virtual meetings and classes.
I also chose monitors with fast response times. So if you're looking for a gaming monitor with smooth performance, you have options.
Is a 4K monitor better than a 4K TV?
As your PC display, a 4K monitor is better than a 4K TV. It may be tempting to opt for a cheaper, smaller 4K TV to use as a monitor, but it really isn't the best option.
A TV's refresh rate is locked at either 60 or 120Hz, so your playback can get sluggish and choppy if you work with video or animation. Unlike TVs, monitors are designed to be viewed up-close, with built-in blue light filters to reduce eye strain and an aspect ratio designed for up-close use.
Also: The best blue light blocking glasses
Also, if you try to use a 32-inch TV as a computer display, you may experience headaches from blurry text and images as well as blue light output.
Can your eyes tell the difference between 1080p HD and 4K?
Actually, they can. A screen capable of 4K has roughly four times the resolution of a 1080p HD display. This means that there are more pixels per inch (PPI) of screen, allowing for better detailing.
When you pair greater pixel density with the higher refresh rates 4K displays can achieve, you get smoother playback that's ideal for action movies, sports, and gaming. A refresh rate is the number of times your screen refreshes in a given second.
As you can imagine, the faster the refresh rate is, the better quality your image will be.
How do I know if my monitor is 4K?
When you're browsing inventory, check the product listing for a display's resolution. If it says FHD, full HD, or (1920x1080), the screen is in 1080p. If you see 4K, then it's a 4K-capable display.
However, sometimes retailers will include the actual resolution (3820x2160) in the product title or specification overview. The first number is the horizontal pixel count, which doesn't matter as much, but the second number (2160) will always indicate 4K resolution.
If you want to know if the monitor you're currently using is 4K, there's a way to check. For Windows users, click the search bar and type in "display settings," then click "additional display settings" in the side bar. Under the "scale and layout" section, you'll see a drop-down menu of your display resolution which is defaulted to your monitor's native resolution.
For Mac users, open System Preferences and click on Display. The defaulted selection is your screen's native resolution.
Are there other 4K monitors worth considering?
Outside of this list, there are many 4K monitor options available for purchase. Here are some noteworthy models that didn't quite make the cut but receive honorable mention: