Having trouble deciding which 4K UHD monitor is the perfect fit for you?
You’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re looking for an economical but good 4K monitor for everyday use or the best 4K 60Hz display for PC/console gaming, we’ll make sure you pick the best one for your preferences and budget.
These are the best 4K monitors currently available in 2023.
As we now have a dedicated best 4K 144Hz (HDMI 2.1) gaming monitor buyer’s guide, we’ll focus on the best 4K monitors with a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz here.
Type | Monitor | Size | Panel | Refresh Rate | VRR | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best 27-28" 4K Monitors | 27” | IPS | 70Hz | None | ||
27” | IPS | 60Hz | None | |||
28” | IPS | 60Hz | FreeSync | |||
27” | IPS | 60Hz | N/A | |||
Best 32" 4K Monitors | 32” | VA | 60Hz | FreeSync | ||
32” | VA | 60Hz | FreeSync | |||
32” | IPS | 60Hz | FreeSync | |||
Best 43" 4K Monitors | 43” | IPS | 60Hz | None | ||
43” | VA | 60Hz | None |
All monitors feature modern flicker-free screens with integrated low blue light filters, which will prevent eye fatigue caused by prolonged use of the display.
Rest assured that these monitors are reliable, thoroughly tested, and offer the best value for the money in their respective categories.
Additionally, feel free to leave us a comment below if you need help picking a new monitor.
You can also view our changelogs for this buying guide at the end of this article.
Best 27-28″ 4K 60Hz Monitors
Looking for a 27″ or 28″ sized 4K monitor for that incredible detail clarity thanks to the high pixel density? These are the best models currently available!
The Pros:
- Accurate and consistent colors
- Wide viewing angles
- Affordable
The Cons:
- Tilt-only stand
- No AMD FreeSync
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
Looking for the most affordable 4K monitor that’s actually worth the price?
The Philips 278E1A is an excellent 4K UHD display for casual gaming, work and content consumption – and it’s available for under $300!
Image Quality
Based on an IPS panel with dithered 10-bit color support, the Philips 278E1A delivers an amazing picture quality with vibrant and precise colors. In fact, it offers better image quality than some more expensive 4K models.
Now, panel-related specs include the standard 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 178-degree wide viewing angles, a 350-nit peak brightness and a fast 4ms response time speed for minimal ghosting of fast-moving objects.
The 278E1A also offers some extension over the sRGB color space with 109% coverage, so some minor over-saturation is present, but it’s not really noticeable – what’s more important is that the entire sRGB gamut is covered.
Lastly, 4K Ultra HD resolution on 27″ screens provides you with roughly 163 pixels per inch, which results in stunning detail clarity and plenty of available screen real estate.
So, you’ll need to scale your interface for small items such as text to be readable.
Features
One thing that’s missing from the Philips 278E1A is support for varaible refresh rate (VRR), such as AMD FreeSync – though some gamers might be able to overlook this given the price.
You will find standard as well as advanced image adjustment tools in the monitor’s OSD menu, including gamma, sharpness, aspect ratio, color temperature, brightness, contrast, etc.
Design & Connectivity
The Philips 278E1A has ultra-thin bezels and it’s VESA mount compatible (100x100mm), but the stand is tilt-only (-5°/20°).
Connectivity includes two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, a headphone jack and two 3W built-in speakers.
Alternatives
In case the Philips 278E1A is not available or overpriced, consider the LG 27UL500 and the Dell S2721QS. These monitors use the same 27″ 4K IPS panel with sRGB color gamut, but also support FreeSync up to 60Hz.
If you want something a bit cheaper, check out the Sceptre U275W. It even has a 70Hz refresh rate, but not as wide color gamut as the 278E1A.
ASUS VG289Q
Best Budget 4K IPS Gaming Monitor
Size: 28”
Panel: IPS
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
VRR: FreeSync
HDR: 90% DCI-P3
The Pros:
- Wide color gamut and wide viewing angles
- Plenty of features including FreeSync
- Fully ergonomic stand
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
If you’re looking for something a bit more suited for gaming, we recommend the ASUS VG289Q.
Image Quality
For the most part, the VG289Q offers identical specifications as the Philips 278E1A – 350-nit peak brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio and 10-bit color depth support.
However, it also supports a wider 90% DCI-P3 gamut coverage for more saturated and rich colors! Additionally, it has a slightly but noticeably larger 28″ screen, which still offers a high pixel density for crisp details.
Features
Moving on, the ASUS VG289Q 28″ 4K monitor offers lots of useful gaming features including Shadow Boost for better visibility in dark games, customizable crosshairs, on-screen timers and picture presets.
Further, the monitor supports AMD FreeSync which eliminates all screen tearing and stuttering between 40-60Hz/FPS (Frames Per Second) if you have a FreeSync-compatible graphics card.
FreeSync is supported over both HDMI and DisplayPort, so you can use it with compatible Xbox consoles too.
The ASUS VG289Q is G-SYNC compatible even though it’s not certified as such by NVIDIA, so your mileage might vary; some units might have minor flickering issues, though none have been reported so far.
Design & Connectivity
The ASUS VG289Q has ultra-thin bezels and a fully ergonomic stand with up to 150mm height adjustment, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 62° swivel, 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity includes two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, a headphone jack and two 2W built-in speakers.
Alternatives
Overall, the ASUS VG289Q is the best 4K gaming monitor for around $350. It’s also available with a tilt-only stand at a bit lower price as the ASUS VG289Q1A.
Should you not be able to find it, check out the Acer CB282K, the Samsung U28R550, or the Philips 288E2E which use the same panel and offer basically identical image quality and performance, just different design and features.
If you’re after a 27″ 4K 60Hz monitor for color-critical work, we recommend the Dell U2723QE for SDR and the Lenovo ThinkVision P27 for HDR editing.
In case you want a 4K HDR monitor and don’t need a high refresh rate, we recommend the Innocn 27M2U with a 384-zone mini LED FALD backlight!
Best 32″ 4K 60Hz Monitors
Interested in a larger 32″ 4K monitor? Here are the best models!
LG 32UL500
Best 32″ 4K Monitor Under $350
Size: 32”
Panel: VA
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
VRR: FreeSync
HDR: 95% DCI-P3
The Pros:
- Built-in speakers
- Wide color gamut
- High contrast ratio
- AMD FreeSync
The Cons:
- Minor ghosting in fast-paced games, mainly in darker scenes
- Tilt-only stand
- Narrow viewing angles
About The Monitor
Do you want an affordable 32″ monitor with 4K UHD resolution?
You’ll have to settle with one with a VA panel as the IPS models are more expensive. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as VA panels have their advantages too.
Image Quality
This monitor’s VA panel offers a superb contrast ratio of 3,000:1. In comparison to IPS and TN panel monitors, you get deeper black shades and an overall better relation between the darkest and the brightest tones.
Now, the colors aren’t as consistent as that of the previously-mentioned IPS models, but they are good nonetheless and, in fact, much better than what you might find on any TN display.
As if that’s not enough, the LG 32UL500 even has a wide 95% DCI-P3 color gamut and it supports HDR, which will make the colors of compatible content more punchy and lifelike.
It has a peak luminance of 300-nits, which is plenty for an enjoyable viewing experience under normal lighting conditions. Still, it’s not enough for VESA’s DisplayHDR 400 certification, which requires a peak brightness of at least 400-nits.
Regardless, thanks to the wide color gamut and high native contrast ratio, HDR content will look better than SDR. Note that this still provides just a glimpse of what HDR can actually do.
Here’s why: for a notable improvement in HDR picture quality, an LED-backlit display should have at least DisplayHDR 600 certification or ideally, DisplayHDR 1000 or over, and full-array local dimming.
VA panels also don’t have as wide viewing angles as the IPS models, so the picture will degrade a bit when looked at an angle.
Check out our LG 32UL500 review for more information and comparison between similar models.
Features
The LG 32UL500 supports AMD FreeSync over both HDMI and DisplayPort with a 40-60Hz VRR range.
As it is a VA panel display, some smearing will be noticeable behind fast-moving objects, mainly in darker scenes.
Design & Connectivity
The LG 32UL500 monitor has a tilt-only stand (-5°/15°), but it’s VESA mount compatible (100x100mm).
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, a headphone jack and dual 5W built-in speakers.
Alternatives
- Samsung S32M70A – A 32″ 4K VA monitor with built-in smart features, such as streaming apps, DeX and Microsoft 365
The Pros:
- Built-in speakers
- Wide color gamut and high contrast ratio
- AMD FreeSync
The Cons:
- Minor ghosting in fast-paced games, mainly in darker scenes
- Tilt-only stand
- Narrow FreeSync range
About The Monitor
Interested in something a bit different?
Check out the Philips 328E1CA with a 1500R screen curvature!
Image Quality
Monitors with curved screens make the most sense with 21:9 ultrawide displays, but some users prefer the curvature even on regular 16:9 widescreen monitors.
Usually, curved widescreen monitors ranging from 24″ to 27″ have curvatures of 1500R or 1800R, which is not that noticeable or effective, but the 1500R curve is quite eye-catching on the 32″ sized screen of the Philips 328E1CA.
The curvature provides a bit of extra depth to the picture and increases immersion, but not everyone will be a fan of it. Some will love it straight away, others will despise it, and some will just need a bit of time to get used to it.
Now, the VA panel of the Philips 328E1CA also provides better viewing angles than the previously mentioned flat-screen alternatives, so you won’t get as noticeable gamma/saturation shifts at different angles.
It has a somewhat weaker peak brightness of 250-nits and a static contrast ratio of 2,500:1, while its 120% sRGB color gamut provides some extra color vibrancy.
Features
The Philips 328E1CA monitor has a rather narrow FreeSync range of 48-60Hz, but it’s supported over both HDMI and DisplayPort.
All in all, the image quality and performance between the 328E1CA and BenQ’s flat-screen model is very similar, the main difference is that Philips’ monitor has a bit wider viewing angles and a curved screen — so, it’s all up to your preference.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is tilt-only by -5°/20°, but the screen is VESA mount compatible via the 100x100mm VESA pattern.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a headphone jack and dual 3W built-in speakers.
Alternatives
There are two more models that use the same panel, but they’re usually more expensive yet the difference in image quality, performance and features are minimal, certainly not worth the extra ~$100.
LG 32UN650
Affordable 32″ 4K IPS Monitor
Size: 32”
Panel: IPS
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
VRR: FreeSync
HDR: 95% DCI-P3
The Pros:
- Built-in speakers
- Wide color gamut and viewing angles
- AMD FreeSync
- Height-adjustable stand
The Cons:
- Design lacks swivel/pivot
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
32″ 4K IPS monitors are much more expensive (~$700+) than the VA models as they’re mainly intended for professional use, but the LG 32UN650 is available for around $450!
Obviously, it doesn’t have the premium feature of $700+ models, such as professional-grade factory calibration, but thanks to its IPS panel, you still get consistent colors and wide viewing angles, as well as fast response time speed.
Image Quality
Here’s the deal: the LG 32UN650 has a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1, so you won’t get as deep blacks as in the previously mentioned VA models.
However, you get wide color gamut support (95% DCI-P3) and, if you have more people in the room looking at the screen, the picture won’t degrade at an angle.
Additionally, it has a fast pixel response time speed, which makes the monitor great for fast-paced games.
Sadly, there’s no sRGB emulation mode, but if you have a colorimeter, you can use the monitor for color-critical work as well.
Features
The monitor supports AMD FreeSync with a 40-60Hz range over both DisplayPort and HDMI, and you’ll find all of LG’s standard features in the OSD menu, including Black Stabilizer, various picture presets and advanced image adjustment tools.
Visit our LG 32UN650 review for more information.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is height-adjustable by 110mm, and you can tilt the screen by -5°/20° or mount it using the 100x100mm VESA pattern.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 inputs, a headphone jack and dual 5W built-in speakers.
Alternatives
If you want a 32″ 4K 60Hz monitor for color-critical work, check out the Dell U3223QE with an IPS Black panel.
Best 43″ 4K 60Hz Monitors
Need a bigger screen for all your spreadsheets or for a more immersive viewing experience? Here are the best 43″ 4K monitors!
The Pros:
- Built-in speakers
- Wide viewing angles
- Rich connectivity options, including USB-C with 60W PD
The Cons:
- Tilt-only stand
- BGR subpixel layout
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
When it comes to gaming, a good 4K 60Hz gaming monitor, such as the Philips 436M6VBPAB goes for $800 – however, for that price, you can get the Gigabyte Aorus FV43U with a higher 144Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1.
If you want a cheaper 43″ 4K display for casual gaming and content consumption, a good TV is also a good and cost-effective solution, such as the Vizio M43Q6-J04 or the Sony KD-43X85J.
In case you want a 43″ 4K IPS display for everyday, office-related and mixed use, we recommend the LG 43UN700.
Image Quality
Thanks to the monitor’s rich connectivity options and Picture by Picture support, you can split its screen into four 22″ 1920×1080 windows, making it ideal for multi-tasking and office-related work.
The 4K UHD resolution looks sharp even on 43″ sized screens with a decent pixel density of 103 pixels per inch. Further, the IPS panel ensures accurate colors with full sRGB coverage, wide viewing angles and 10-bit color depth support.
Further, the monitor has a strong 400-nit peak brightness and a standard contrast ratio of 1,000:1.
Sadly, like all 43″ displays, the LG 43UN700 has a BGR subpixel layout, which makes text appear somewhat fringy. With proper ClearType settings, it can be improved and if you’re still bothered by it, you can use scaling to make it even less noticeable, but you sacrifice screen real estate in the process.
Design & Connectivity
The stand offers tilt adjustment only, while the screen is VESA mount compatible via the 200x200mm pattern.
Connectivity options include two HDMI 1.4 ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C (DP 1.4 Alt Mode, 60W PD), two downstream USB 3.0 ports, dual 10W built-in speakers and a headphone jack.
Samsung 43M70A
Affordable 43″ 4K IPS Monitor
Size: 43”
Panel: VA
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
VRR: N/A
HDR: HDR10
The Pros:
- High contrast ratio
- Built-in speakers, WiFi/Bluetooth and Smart features
- Rich connectivity options, including USB-C with 65W PD
The Cons:
- Tilt-only stand
- BGR subpixel layout
About The Monitor
In case you don’t need wide viewing angles and consistent colors, the Samsung 43M70A is the best 43″ 4K VA monitor you can get for the money.
Image Quality
The 43″ M70A Samsung monitor has a high contrast ratio of 5,000:1, resulting in inky blacks and bright whites.
The peak brightness is okay at 300-nits, so the screen will be able to get bright enough under normal lighting conditions, but for particularly bright rooms without blinds/curtains, it might be too dim.
Further, the monitor covers the entire sRGB color space, so the colors are vivid and not over-saturated when viewing SDR content. HDR is supported, but due to lack of wide color gamut, brightness and local dimming, it’s meaningless.
Just like the LG 43UN700, the Samsung 43M70A has a BGR subpixel layout.
Moving on, the monitor has built-in smart features, including streaming apps, DeX, AirPlay 2 and Microsoft 365.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is tilt-only, but there’s a 100x100mm pattern for VESA mounting. Connectivity options include USB-C (DP 1.4 Alt Mode, 65W PD), two HDMI 2.0 ports, WiFi, Bluetooth, two downstream USB 2.0 ports and built-in speakers.
Conclusion
Were you able to find the best 4K monitor for you?
If not, feel free to leave us any questions you might have in the comments below, and we will gladly assist you.
Overall, for everyday use and casual gaming, the ASUS VG289Q is the best budget model, while the LG 32UL500 is the best model if you want a bit larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience and don’t mind the narrow viewing angles.
In case you want a 32″ 4K monitor with wide viewing angles and consistent colors, the LG 32UN650 offers excellent value for money. As for the 43″ variants, the LG 43UN700 is more suited for bright rooms and content creation, whereas the Samsung 43M70A offers a more immersive viewing experience, especially in a dark room.
Updates +
- November 24, 2022:
– Added the Innocn 27M2U. - February 10, 2022:
– Added the Samsung 43M70A.
– Removed the ViewSonic VP2768-4K Pro and VP3268-4K Pro. Visit our dedicated best photo/video editing monitor guide for the best 4K monitors for professional use. - December 14, 2021:
– Added review summaries for the monitors that were missing them. - November 24, 2021:
– Checked up on the guide to ensure that our picks are still the best options available. - August 13, 2021:
– Added the Philips 278E1A.
– Replaced the LG 32UL500 with the BenQ EW3270U.
– Removed the LG 27GN950 and the ASUS PG27UQ as we now have a dedicated 4K 144Hz monitor buyer’s guide.
– Removed the Philips 436M6VBPAB.
– Added the LG 43UN700 to the table. A dedicated review section will be added soon. - May 27, 2021:
– Improved readability overall - February 16, 2021:
– Added the LG 32UN650 and the Philips 328E1CA.
– Replaced the Dell U2718Q with the ViewSonic VP2768-4K and the BenQ PD3200U with the ViewSonic VP3268-4K. Added LG’s upcoming OLED monitors and the Dell UP3221Q as high-end professional monitor alternatives to the VP3268-4K.
– Removed the ASUS CG32UQ.