If you are a gamer, it is a good idea to upgrade to a 4K gaming monitor to enhance your gameplay. The best 4K monitor will provide users with a stunning UHD image and a fast performance to ensure you always receive a fantastic gaming experience, whether you like to play casually or competitively.
4K gaming monitors have become much more popular and are compatible with Xbox and PlayStation 5 consoles to provide immersive gameplay with OLED technology and high refresh rates of up to 240Hz. This guide will provide everything you need to know to help you choose the best 4K monitor for gaming to suit all your gaming needs.
Why Does 4K Resolution Matter for Gaming Enthusiasts?
A 4K gaming monitor is highly important for gamers because it provides sharp details and stunning UHD images to create a more immersive experience than lower-resolution monitors. The 4K monitors have double the amount of horizontal and vertical pixels in a 1080p screen, meaning they have 4x more pixels for a vibrant and realistic picture.
Vital for both competitive and casual gamers, a 4K monitor is slightly more expensive but players love the pixel density, high contrasts and bright highlights that create stunning image quality. 4k monitors on smaller screens aren’t as noticeable but monitors beyond 24 inches will really enhance the screen and picture.
Key Features to Consider in a 4K Gaming Monitor
Screen size
The ideal screen size for your monitor depends on your gaming setup. The bigger the screen, the more immersive the gameplay will be. 4K monitors range in size from 24 inch to 32 inch for desktop monitors but there are even bigger sizes available for a TV-style setup.
Screen panel type
The type of screen panel will provide various factors when gaming including refresh rates, response times, and color reproductions. Your chosen panel will determine your gaming experience. Different screen panels include OLED, IPS, QLED, VA, and TN.
Response time
A low response time is essential with a 4K gaming monitor as this reduces delays which often causes blurs or ghosting. The best 4K monitor for console gaming should have a response time of 3ms or even better at 1ms to provide a smooth performance and high gaming resolution.
Refresh rate
A higher refresh rate such as 120Hz – 240Hz is also vital for 4K gaming monitors as it provides smoother motion and reduces motion blur for the best gaming experience, especially for fast-paced and competitive games.
Connectivity
Ensure you choose the most suitable 4K monitor that has the right ports for your gaming needs. The HDMI 2.1 is ideal for 4K gaming but an HDMI 2.0 is also acceptable and you may also require DisplayPort or USB-C connections.
Extra features
Before choosing a 4K monitor, you should also check what additional features the monitor provides. This may include HDR support, ergonomic stands, built-in speakers, and more which will improve your gaming sessions depending on your personal preferences.
4 Best 4K Monitors for Gaming
Once you know what special features to look for you can research the best 4K gaming monitor for PS5 or the best 4K gaming monitor for Xbox Series X to transform your entertainment. Whether you require the best budget 4K monitor for gaming or are looking for the best OLED 4K monitor for gaming, there is certainly a perfect choice for your needs.
Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM
The Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM is one of the best 4K OLED monitors for gaming as it provides stunning colour accuracy and colour coverage to create an outstanding user experience. The OLED screen supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro which ensures gamers receive a smooth performance and clear, unblurred visuals. The Asus monitor also comes with a variety of ports including 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, 3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and 2 USB-C connectors to suit all types of gamers.
Specifications
● 32-inch screen
● 240Hz refresh rate
● QD OLED
● 3840 x 2160 resolution
● 1ms response time
Pros
● Stunning OLED screen and care
● High HDR brightness
● Exceptional colour
● Supports True Black
Cons
● Quite expensive
● Limited full-screen brightness
LG UltraGear 27GR93U
The LG UltraGear 27GR93U is one of the best 4K gaming monitors for consoles due to its HDMI 2.1 bandwidth and low input lag. The picture quality offers sharp motion at a 120Hz refresh rate but there may be some blur at 60Hz. The screen brightness is impressive but the HDR is limited and in dark rooms, black looks grey. However, the colour accuracy is excellent in sRGB mode and calibration can further improve it. This monitor is better for console gaming than PC gaming due to the refresh rate but still offers a decent image quality.
Specifications
● 27 inch
● IPS Panel
● 3840×2160
● 1ms response time
Pros
● Stunning 4K IPS panel
● Very fast
● Colour accuracy
Cons
● Limited HDR
● Motion blur at 60Hz
Gigabyte M28U
The best gaming 4K monitor for Xbox Series X and PS5 on a budget is the Gigabyte M28U which is one of the cheaper options that doesn’t lack quality. The IPS panel screen provides a vibrant picture and colour depth and the black colour is impressive. The 144Hz refresh rate is great considering the price and you also receive AMD’s FreeSync Premium support. There are also 2 HDMI 2.1 ports and a DisplayPort 1.4 ideal for PC gamers. This is a high-resolution screen that has cut costs on the stand for an impressive budget monitor.
Specifications
● 28 inch
● IPS panel
● 2ms response time
● 144Hz refresh rate
Pros
● High pixel density
● Fast response and refresh rate
● Excellent image quality
Cons
● Low contrast
● Cheap stand
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
The best 4K gaming monitor for PC and consoles is the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED. The QD-OLED panel offers stunning picture quality with amazing colour reproduction at a cheaper price than the competition. It has a 240Hz refresh rate and an incredibly fast 0.03ms response time to ensure gamers receive a standout gaming experience. The pixel density is fantastic and you really are getting the best bang for buck 4K gaming monitor here.
Specifications
● 32 inch
● 240Hz refresh rate
● QD-OLED panel
● 3840×2160 resolution
Pros
● Super fast response time
● Bright colour quality
● Low input lag
Cons
● Dim highlights
● Limited HDR
Exclusive Offer for Art and Design Lovers: Artist Pro 24 (Gen2)
The XPPen Artist Pro 24 (Gen2) 4K is the best 4k gaming monitor that also doubles up as a professional drawing tablet making it an outstanding purchase for professional artists that also love to game. The 4K resolution offers stunning image quality and colour accuracy to enhance the colour and capture every little detail of your creations.
XPPen partnered with Calman to develop X-Color Master technology which creates colour precision which is perfect for both gaming and drawing. The tablet comes with a Dual X3 Pro series Styli with 16K ultra-sensitive pressure levels to help artists create their best work. The IPS panel screen provides anti-glare effects and you will surely be impressed with the clarity and precision of the 4K ultravision display.
Specifications
● 24 inch
● IPS panel
● 6ms response time
● 60Hz refresh rate
● 3840×2160 resolution
Pros
● Built-in ergonomic stand
● Comes with two X3 pro stylus pens
● Range of connectivity options (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C)
Cons
● Limited refresh rate
● High response time
Conclusion
To answer your question on what’s the best 4K monitor for gaming, there are plenty of options available depending on your individual gaming needs and budget. The Asus may be the best gaming monitor for PS5 or Xbox gaming, the XPPen Artist Pro 24 (Gen 2) is perfect for professional artists looking for stunning colour accuracy and the Gigabyte M28U is the best offer on a budget. The XPPen Artist Pro 24 (Gen 2) will roll all of your gaming and artist needs into one for the perfect 4K monitor. Choose from the best 4K monitors for gaming 2024 that suit your gaming preferences.
FAQs for 4K Gaming Monitors
Does a 4K monitor require more powerful hardware?
Yes, a 4K gaming monitor will need a powerful GPU (graphics processing unit) to provide a smooth performance and a 4K resolution.
Do I need HDMI 2.1 for 4K gaming?
HDMI 2.1 is recommended for the best 4K gaming experience with faster refresh rates and higher resolutions but it is not required.
Do all 4K monitors support HDR?
The majority of 4K monitors support HDR but not all. HDR improves the range of colour and contrast to achieve more realistic pictures.
Can I play 4K games on a PC with an older GPU?
It depends on how old the GPU is. New GPUs can handle 4K but older and mid-range ones may struggle. You need to check your GPU’s specifications to find out if it will accommodate 4K gaming.
Can I use a 4K monitor with a PlayStation 5 or Xbox series X?
Yes, a 4K monitor is perfect for use on the PS5 and Xbox consoles for stunning image quality and smooth performance.
