To find the best 4K monitor, you’ll need to determine what is most important for you. We recommend 4K monitors with a minimum 3840 X 2160 Resolution (UHD) and 10-bit color depth, which replicates more than one billion colors for a rich, color palette. Make sure you consider healthy ergonomics as well, with generous tilt, pivot, swivel, and height adjustment as well as a low blue light filter and flicker-free technology to minimize eye strain.
After analyzing hundreds of reviews, we’ve determined that the LG 27UK650-W 4K monitor is the best monitor you can buy. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more about the best computer monitors on the market.
Top 10 Best 4K Monitors
#1 LG 27UK650-W 4K Monitor
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 4K monitor comes with a super sharp 4K UHD 2160p resolution and 99% sRGB color coverage, an excellent choice as a primary monitor for an office or larger household.
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- 99% sRGB outstanding color depth
- AMD FreeSync technology for smooth no blur motion
- Generous 178° wide viewing angle
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- Peak brightness of 350 nits; could be brighter
- Does not include VESA’s HDR400 certification
- No local dimming for higher contrast ratio
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This 4K UHD monitor offers solid specs across the board, starting with an IPS display and 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) for a crisp, lifelike picture. HDR10 high dynamic range offers outstanding contrast optimization and depth. Kudos to AMD FreeSync technology, which helps optimize refresh rates by eliminating screen tearing and stuttering caused by a clash between the native refresh rate and graphics card.
Related: Check the qualities of some of the best 4K gaming monitors.
Similar to the leading curved gaming monitors, the other features with this best 4K monitor focus heavily on gaming, Black Stabilizer technology optimizes dark areas for the richer black palette and On-Screen Control allows for easy toggling of menu navigations using your mouse. All in all, we were very impressed with this 4K monitor’s combination of screen quality and controls. This is a great choice for consumers looking to purchase the best monitor for graphic design.
#2 BenQ EW3270U 4K Monitor
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 4K monitor comes with LED 4K UHD (3840×2160) resolution and Brightness Intelligence Plus technology, which auto optimizes brightness levels based on ambient lighting conditions – a great choice for people who want to protect their eyes.
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- Great color support (100% Rec.706)
- HDR support for excellent clarity
- Includes HDMI 2.0 & DisplayPort 1.4 ports
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- So-so peak brightness of 300 nits
- Maximum refresh rate of 60Hz could be better’
- No Adaptive Sync technology
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This 4K monitor is pretty well-rounded. A sharp 4K UHD remains true to color with a 95% DCI-P3 wide color gamut and HDR10 support for outstanding contrast levels, with deeper blacks, purer whites, and improved grayscale performance. AMD FreeSync technology also works to optimize refresh rates. Combined with BenQ’s proprietary Opt-Clarity for optimized brightness and contrast along with flicker-free technology and low blue light filtering, this 4K monitor is very gentle on the eyes. Monitors with great refresh rates or refresh rate technologies like the best gaming monitor 240Hz will help improve gaming experiences on PC or even consoles, like the best monitor for PS4.
Related: Have a look at the best 24-inch gaming monitor.
In addition to 95% DCI-P3 support, this 4K monitor also covers 100% of the Rec.706 color range for excellent picture quality, ensuring accurate colors from the screen to print, especially useful for photo and video editing. Big points go to its ergonomic options, with VESA compatibility to accommodate aftermarket mounting arms and walls. It’s a contender for the best photo editing monitor on our list.
#3 BenQ SW321C PhotoVue 4K Monitor
Award: BEST FOR SHUTTERBUGS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 4K monitor comes with excellent color reproduction (99% Adobe RGB coverage) and HotKey Puck G2, a dynamic puck-shaped scroll wheel for easy menu navigating – an excellent choice for photo editors who toggle between different preset shortcuts frequently.
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- Intuitive HotKey Puck G2 w/easy scrolling
- AQColor technology for rich color palette
- GamutDuo for side-by-side image comparison between two color gamuts
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- No Adaptive Sync tech
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This 4K monitor is a workhorse for photographers. AQColor technology delivers a rich color palette with 99%, Adobe RGB, and 10-bit color depth for a wider color palette and greater calibration options. Integrated Paper Color Sync software also works to maintain on-screen color to match the print to the tee. Kudos for DR10 and HLG formats support which also increase contrast depth and range. Moreover, you can also see the same contrast depth and range in our list of the highest-rated G-Sync monitors.
One of our favorite features with this best 4K monitor for designers is how easy it is to use. Along with a shading hood to reduce screen glare on the monitor, it integrates a HotKey Puck G2, a puck-shaped scroll wheel that makes navigating menus a breeze. Another photo editor-friendly feature, GamutDuo, also allows placing two images side by side with differing color gamuts to make judgments on the final output. There is no shortage of photographer-friendly features on this one. If you need a wider screen to support detailed photography work, the best widescreen monitor is another great option.
#4 Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q 4K Monitor
Award: BEST MINIMALIST DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 4K monitor comes with HDR10 support for outstanding color depth and a near borderless display, an excellent choice for minimalists who want to maximize screen space.
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- Sleek, near borderless display
- High Adobe RGB coverage for accurate reproduction
- 384-zone one dimming backlighting for improved contrast
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- No picture-in-picture modes
- Does not support AMD FreeSync or Nvidia GSync
- Average 60Hz refresh rate
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This 4K monitor is above average to great in most aspects. It uses an IPS display with h 10-bit color support for a rich, 1+ billion color palette, along with 99% sRGB coverage, which is excellent with color reproduction and ensuring on-screen output translates to print. Its peak 350-nit brightness is serviceable enough for bright rooms, but we generally recommend a peak brightness of 500 nits or higher to notice a true difference. It has less screen real estate than some of the models with a larger screen on this list, but this still has an impressive visual quality and vibrant colors.
On the ergonomics front, we are big fans of ComfortView, Dell’s proprietary technology which helps prevent blue lights, which can cause damage to the retina with prolonged exposure. Kudos for a healthy number of connectivity options including two HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB ports, and two DisplayPorts (most of our port selection research saw monitors with only one DisplayPort, so these are plenty of ports you don’t come across often). It’s certainly one of the best HDR monitor options on our list. Despite not having HDR, the cousin to this monitor does offer ultrasharp clarity. Learn more with our Dell Ultrasharp UP3216Q review.
#5 Dell UltraSharp U2720Q 4K Monitor
Award: BEST FOR PROGRAMMERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 4K monitor comes with an IPS 3840 x 2160 resolution panel and a full 90° pivot to convert it to Portrait Mode, an excellent option for coders and programmers looking for a vertical view of that lengthy code.
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- Easy Arrange functionality for multitasking
- VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified for excellent color reproduction
- Sleek InfinityEdge bezel for minimalist design
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- Refresh rate limited to 60Hz
- Does not support VRR
- The stand may not feel sturdy enough for some people
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This 4K monitor offers solid specs across the board, not unlike the top 1080p gaming monitors. A 4K UHD 2160p delivers a crisp display with a 99% sRGB color gamut for accurate color reproduction. On the software side, users will enjoy Easy Arrange, a layout feature that allows customization of application tiles in 38 unique layouts. Consider this an excellent monitor for multi-taskers.
Our favorite feature with this 4K monitor is its generous ergonomics with a full 90° pivot to convert from landscape to portrait mode, along with a 45° swivel, 5° to 21° tilt range, and 129mm of height adjustment. Back panel VESA mounting holes with the appropriate spacing are included for easy wall mounting. It’s one of the best vertical monitors on our list.
#6 BenQ PD3200U 4K Monitor
Award: BEST FOR EYE HEALTH
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 4K monitor comes with AQColor technology for a vivid color palette and Eye Care technology, a great choice for people looking to minimize eye strain during marathon working sessions.
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- Includes CAD/CAM mode product design
- Excellent Adobe RGB for color accuracy
- Dual View for viewing artwork in two color modes side-by-side
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- No HDR support
- Thick bezels
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This 4K UHD 2160p monitor is pretty well-rounded in most aspects. Exclusive AQColor technology delivers a crisp picture with high sRGB and Rec. 709 coverage for excellent color accuracy.
We think this 4K monitor’s biggest strength lies in its ergonomics. A Keyboard Video Mouse (KVM) Switch navigates between menus toggle style and enables the viewing of content from two separate computers on one screen. DualView also allows working in two color modes with easy side-by-side comparison, so we find this especially useful for photo and video editing. If you’re a Mac user, you can also check out our best monitor for mac mini buying guide to explore more options.
#7 BenQ PD2700U 4K Monitor
Award: BEST FOR PRODUCT MANAGERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 4K monitor offers dynamic HDR10 support and comes with three preset color modes – CAD/CAM, an excellent choice for technical designers looking for superb color accuracy when designing products.
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- Automated brightness intelligence
- Intuitive Keyboard Video Mouse (KVM) Switch
- Darkroom, CAD/CAM, and Animation display modes
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- Average 350 cd/㎡ brightness rating
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Arguably this 4K monitor’s biggest strength lies in its three professional modes (Darkroom, Animation, and CAD/CAM), great for product designers needing 100% sRGB and Rec. 7609 coverage for a blisteringly accurate picture. Along with DualView and picture/picture functionality, product designs can create a more accurate spec. AQColor technology delivers a bold and lifelike color palette. This professional monitor can be a great tool to content creators of nearly all types of content creation, from creative tasks like video editing to photo editing.
This 4K monitor also performs well from an ergonomic perspective, with a full 90 pivot to convert to Portrait mode, along with 150mm height adjustment, and a 20 tilt. Plus, it is VESA compatible for easy wall mounting. This 4K monitor’s combination of professional modes and ergonomic design make it a winner across the board for creative professionals. For product managers who spend a lot of time in front of a screen, our best monitor for eyes buying guide will also be useful.
#8 Dell UltraSharp U3219Q 4K Monitor
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 4K monitor comes with VESA certified DisplayHDR 400i support for dynamic HDR support and a peak brightness of 400 nits, an excellent choice as a No. 1 monitor for a home or office space.
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- VESA certified DisplayHDR w/rich color
- Peak brightness of 400 nits; great for bright rooms
- 99% sRGB coverage for excellent color reproduction
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- 8ms response time could be faster
- So-so 60Hz refresh rate
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This 4K monitor really pops off the screen with 3840×2160 Ultra HD 4K resolution. for a truly sharp and immersive picture. Color reproduction is also solid (99% sRGB coverage ), a workable choice for photo and video editors looking for accurate on-screen to print reproduction like the detailed image quality you’d get on a photo editing or video editing monitor.
Our only real knock on this monitor is its 8 ms response time and 60Hz refresh rate, which offers some noticeable blur with high motion scenes. Consider this 4K monitor a better option for less intensive office tasks such as email, web browsing, and spreadsheet mastering. Looking for a curved option? Check out our best-curved monitor buying guide.
#9 Samsung LU28E590DS 4K Monitor
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: At a great price range, this 4K monitor delivers with a 3840 X 2160 Resolution (UHD) for a 1 billion color palette and a Picture-in-Picture (PIP) 2.0 technology for multitasking – an excellent choice for people who want to watch movies and work in an app at the same time while looking for a budget model at a reasonable price.
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- 10-bit depth for 1+billion colors
- Peak 370-nit brightness rating
- Sturdy and well built T-stand for stability
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- Does not support G Sync or FreeSync
- So-so viewing angles (160° vertical; and 170° horizontal)
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Amongst other budget picks, this best 4K monitor for Macbook Pro is well put together. Ultra HD delivers four times the pixel density of Full HD with a 1_billionc color palette for a lifelike and vivid picture. Note, this 4K monitor uses a TN panel, which offers narrower viewing angles and a slightly lesser picture than IPS panels. Keep in mind that poor viewing angles can negatively affect the experience of sharing your display with others.
Multi-taskers will especially appreciate this best budget 4K monitor’s Picture-in-Picture (PIP) 2.0 technology for side-by-de app and spreadsheet/document management. Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports and a DisplayPort on this budget option. In short, if you are looking for a pure office work/spreadsheet multi-tasker extraordinaire, this TN panel is a solid choice at a competitive price. It’s the best monitor for watching movies on our list.
#10 HP Z27 4K Monitor
Award: BEST AESTHETICS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 4K monitor comes with a sleek and minimalist design and healthy 99% sRGB coverage, an excellent choice for people who prefer flair over function.
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- Sleek metallic finish for flair
- Health number of connectivity options (USB, DisplayPort, USB 3.0)
- Solid peak brightness of 350 cd/m²
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- Does not support G Sync or FreeSync for improved refresh rates
- Only covers 77% of the Adobe RGB
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This 4K monitor is pretty well-rounded, starting with an IPS panel carrying 3840 x 2160 resolution. One knock is that its Adobe RGB performance is below average (77%), so we don’t recommend it for high-intensity photo and video editing. Consider this a better 4K monitor for emails, web browsing, and spreadsheet tasks.
Ergonomics with this 4K monitor works very well, leads up a 90° swivel, and pivots with a healthy -5 to +23° tilting angle. All of the required ports are on tap, including HDMI 2.0, two USBs, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort. Need something with great sound quality? You might also be interested in the best monitor with speakers for your home or office.
How We Decided
In determining the best 4K monitor to buy, we focused on performance/display, viewing angle, ergonomics, and the number of ports.
Our preference is for the best 4K monitors to have IPS panels. IPS panels have a much higher image sharpness and color depth than TN panels, which are preferred for minimal input lag and refresh rates better suited for gaming. Brightness is also an important consideration, with our preferred brightness ratings in the 300 range for work in sunlit rooms or facing open windows.
Lastly, look for 4K monitors with a minimum 60Hz refresh rate. Refresh rates refer to the number of times an image is refreshed per second. The higher the number, the smoother the image. No blu, smooth motion starts to become noticeable at 120Hz and up. Auxiliary technologies such as Nvidia’s G Sync and AMD’s FreeSync technology also help frames run smoother.
Connectivity is a very important factor when selecting the best 4K monitor. SHoot for 4K monitors with 4K HDMI 2.0 ports and a built-in USB C/USB Type C hub to charge and connect external devices such as smartphones and computer mice. r DisplayPort and DVI ports should be represented as well. Don’t forget ergonomics, with preferred placement on the bottom and sides rather than the rear for easier reach.
Best 4K Monitor Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Performance/Display
Our recommendation is for 4K monitors to have a minimum 3840 X 2160 Resolution (UHD) and 10-bit color depth, which offers a breathtaking 1+ billion color palette for outstanding, beautiful color depth and contrast. Kudos for a peak brightness of 400 nits, which works exceptionally well in sunlit rooms or facing open windows. We also seek consistent colors so your immersive viewing experience can be long-lasting and you can fully enjoy more-detailed images. A 4K monitor tends to be a more expensive monitor, especially if it’s equipped with advanced screen technology like a G-Sync monitor. Aside from considering a colorful and/or bright screen, you should also consider either a flat or curved screen for whichever suits your interests better. - Size
Before buying a monitor, make sure it fits the space where you want to position it. Also, note how far it will be placed away from you. The industry-standard ranges from 27″ to 32,” although 27″ is becoming popular because it has 163 pixels per inch, more than the 90-100 PPI minimum range for viewing on a PC monitor. - Number of Ports
The greater and more diversified the number of ports, the more external devices could be connected and charged with ease. Look for a minimum built-in USB hub of three ports, along with DisplayPort and HDMI for more intensive applications. Consider a monitor with a USB-C port too since USB-C connectivity is starting to be seen more frequently on phones, laptops, etc. - Panel type
An IPS panel will work best if you’re after panel technology with color accuracy or color reproduction and better viewing angles instead of fast-paced gaming. A TN panel will be a better pick if you’ll use your monitor for gaming alone. - Ergonomics
Outside of health swivel, tilt, pivot, and height adjustment for seating comfort, we look for features that assist with multi-tasking and other project-specific work, such as picture-in-picture and DualView for comparing images using two color scales. Darkroom, CAD/CAM, and Animation display modes also work for project-specific tasks. - Connectivity
Check if your monitor has rich connectivity options like an HDMI 2.0 port so you can plug into your gaming console, a DisplayPort if you’re plugging into a PC, or a Thunderbolt 3 for laptops such as MacBook Pros. If you invested in a quality speaker system, consider your connectivity requirements as well. - Design
The best 4K monitors have height adjustments, various mounting options (VESA mounts) as well as movable features such as tilt, swivel, and pivot. Choose monitors with thin bezels as their sleek design provides a superior viewing experience over thick-framed units besides offering a more modern look. - Adaptive sync technology
Gamers need to look for monitors that are compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync drivers for a tear-free experience, especially for multiplayer games. This comes in handy when playing fast-paced games. - Refresh rate
This refers to the number of times your screen refreshes per second. The higher the refresh rate, the less blur you’ll see on screen, and motions are clearer and smoother. Gamers prefer a refresh rate of at least 144hz, but most 4K monitors have a refresh rate of 60hz. - Response time
This is how fast individual pixels change in color. This time, a smaller number is better because that means pixels change fast in a short time. A good response time of 0.5 to 1ms prevents blurring and ghosting when watching videos or playing games.
