The best 4K computer monitors
- We found the perfect productivity display in the Dell UltraSharp 32 4K USB-C Monitor (U3219Q), our pick for the best 4K computer monitor overall. It's an ergonomically designed panel that both business professionals and gamers will appreciate.
- The U3219Q's ergonomic design allows for you to find the perfect position with a flip of your hand. Whether it's time to work, game or stream a movie, you can easily adjust color and contrast to fit the moment.
- Below, we've also picked what we think are the best 4K monitors for budget buyers, office use, gaming, and more.
This is the year that — for the first time ever — the Super Bowl, the halftime show with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, and all of those million-dollar ads were streamed in crystal clear 4K resolution and HDR (high dynamic range). The Fox Sports announcement caused scores of football fans to toss out their "old-school" 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) TVs and pick up flashy 4K upgrades.
Back in the 1950s, even my grandparents found themselves jumping on the color television trend, purchasing the first model in their neighborhood. (Yes, loads of kids asked my mom if they could come over to watch cartoons in color.) Later, television tech upgraded to various standards, from high-definition (HD) 720p (1,280 x 720), 1080p, and now, 4K. So, what's the wow-factor with 4K and why upgrade your computer monitor now?
For starters, a 4K display delivers an improved color space and a sharper picture quality, with a display resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. That's four times as many pixels as the current standard of 1,920 x 1,080. With more 4K content available than ever before, upgrading is a smart way to future-proof your desktop computer. Most operating systems, like Windows or Mac, can already output higher resolutions than 1080p. So, when you plug in a 4K display, as long as your computer's graphics card supports the resolution, you get an instant upgrade.
Plus, since we all sit much closer to our computer screens than we do our TVs, we're more likely to see the superb details of things like freshly mowed grass and the feathers on a bird's wings much clearer. Who doesn't want to count the individual blades of grass on a football field, or at least see the plays better?
Here are the best 4K computer monitors you can buy in 2019:- Best 4K monitor overall: Dell UltraSharp 32 4K USB-C Monitor (U3219Q)
- Best value 4K monitor: LG 27UD88-W
- Best 4K monitor for office use: BenQ PD2700U
- Best 4K monitor for gaming: Acer Predator X27
The best 4K monitor overall
The U3219Q has an ergonomic design and its stand height is adjustable. The rotating panel can tilt, swivel and move horizontally or vertically. There are no latches or screws needed to move it, as the monitor spins easily with just the touch of your hand. The panel is simple and slim enough to fit on your desk without taking up too much space.
You have two options to adjust settings like brightness and contrast: the onscreen display (OSD) menu or Dell's Display Manager software. Display Manager is ideal for making a few quick changes using your keyboard and mouse. In the OSD, you can find a wider range of settings, including Dell's picture-in-picture or picture-by-picture options, which allow you to run two feeds from different inputs simultaneously on the same screen.
There are four different HDR display modes including Desktop HDR, Movie HDR, Game HDR and Reference. Even on sunny days, you'll get a clear picture, thanks to its anti-glare coating. This general display panel has color-space coverage of 99% Adobe RGB, meaning it could work well for photographers and those in creative fields.
Port options include one DisplayPort 1.4b, one HDMI 2.0 and one USB Type-C. The latter allows for easy connection to slim laptops and other systems. In addition, there is a USB 3.0 upstream port, two USB 3.0 downstream ports, and two USB ports with device-charging capability. Some games will be disappointed that this panel does not support any Variable Refresh Rate technologies, like AMD's FreeSync or Nvidia's G-Sync.
In its quality test, PCMag found that the U3219Q passed color reproduction exams with high marks. Ultimately, the tests determined that in addition to being a solid general media display, the panel has superb gaming performance and 4K movie clarity. The full review said users will enjoy the U3219Q's screen, which can pivot a full 90 degrees from horizontal to vertical and back again.
A Forbes review said the U3219Q's high-resolution screen is best for office use, and was appreciative of the ergonomic design. While the panel does work for gaming, they point out, it may be better suited for casual gamers. It's worth noting: The monitor does not have any internal speakers or extra gaming overlays.
Pros: Excellent HDR color profiles, great for multitasking
Cons: Pricey, backlight not flicker-free
The best value 4K monitor
This 4K Ultra HD monitor boasts immense color accuracy, and is perfect for creatives looking for a deal, or a gamer looking to try 4K for the first time. AMD's FreeSync technology is installed, which means a variable refresh rate is automatically supported on the display. Overall, the 27UD88 reaches 99% of the sRGB color space. You can customize the monitor for games, movies and reading through the easy-to-use onscreen display (OSD) menu, which includes options to change colors to precise hues.
The panel has a slim design and an elegant, curved stand with a matte silver appearance that can be rotated in any direction. Gamers will appreciate that the system has multiple ports, including two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, two USB 3.0 ports and one USB-C port. Using just one cable, you can hook up a laptop to this panel via the upstream USB Type C-port with DisplayPort alternate mode option. This feature allows you to control the display and charge your laptop all at once. In addition, the Quick Charge port can charge a tablet or phone.
As PC Gamer pointed out, the 27UD88 is limited to 60Hz refresh and doesn't support HDR. However, they note that it's a quality IPS panel that avoids TN tech for colors and contrast, which is often seen in inferior 4K monitors. Called one of the best monitors on the market by TechRadar, the 27UD88 is largely touted for its high degree of color accuracy.
Pros: Superior color options, USB-C connectivity, Freesync compatible
Cons: 60Hz refresh rate, does not support HDR
The best 4K monitor for office use
This screen has a robust, industrial look, along with a full range of rotation options. You can turn it 90 degrees to portrait mode, swivel it from side to side, tilt it backwards or forwards and adjust its height to 5.5 inches. Ports on the PD2700U include two DisplayPorts, one of which is a Mini connector, USB 3.0 and HDMI 2.0. An integrated keyboard video mouse (KVM) feature allows you to add two PCs to the monitor and toggle between them with one mouse and keyboard.
While you won't get the full HDR experience with this monitor, the PD2700U is HDR10 compliant. You'll find a wide color gamut with an estimated 100% of the sRGB color space reached. Calibration options include five gamma presets and four color temperatures. There are eight pictures modes, including CAD, Animation and Darkroom modes. In User image mode, RGB sliders allow you to pinpoint the perfect grayscale. You can mix colors even more with hue and saturation nozzles. Overall, the color is noticeably sharp and bright.
A small, ambient, light sensor automatically adjusts the monitor's brightness to complement the space you're working in. You can also disable this feature if that's not a concern. Another bonus: This panel has built-in two-watt speakers. An anti-glare layer contributes to the grain-free picture quality.
A TechRadar review said that, while the PD2700U is not on the cutting-edge of 4K monitors and is a bit low-key in its design, it's still a high-quality IPS panel with a lot of pixels and clear color accuracy. Tom's Hardware wrote that you get a lot of bang for your buck in its assessment, saying the panel delivers high performance at a low cost.
Pros: HDR10 support, precise calibration options
Cons: No adaptive sync, no USB Type-C connectivity
The best 4K monitor for gaming
Physically, this panel looks like an elite gaming machine. The ''V''-shaped stand is part of an ergonomically-friendly mount with a multidirectional swivel that allows for up to 4.7 inches of height adjustment. Cables can be snaked through a compartment in the stands column and a handle at the top helps you to move or carry the panel. An optional anti-glare hood can be fastened to the panel or to the top and sides to reduce ambient light.
By using Acer's GameView menu, you can adjust brightness and contrast or enable Dark Boost, which brings out details of low-lit scenery. Ports include one HDMI 2.0, a full-size DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0 and four USB 3.0 downstream ports. Other onscreen display (OSD) menu options include picture mode, including categories like Movie and Graphics, as well as three gaming modes labeled Action, Racing and Sports.
This panel supports Nvidia's G-Sync adaptive sync tech. For some gamers, purchasing this panel means they'll need to make additional investments in hardware like a new graphics card. The Predator X27 has two built-in four-watt speakers, which is a nice added feature for streaming video clips or movies. It's also worth noting that Acer includes a three-year warranty with the Predator X27.
PCMag writes that the Acer Predator X27 received one of the highest luminances ever recorded by their review team. While it's not for everyone, they said, it's a means to get the most out of your gaming system in terms of resolution and brightness. TechRadar said in its review that nothing compares to the Acer Predator X27, noting that games that utilize HDR look immaculate on this panel.
Pros: Supports HDR content, 144Hz, glare-reducing hood
Cons: Expensive, requires high-performance hardware for optimum use
The best budget 4K monitor
This Asus screen supports AMD's Freesync and has a useful five-way joystick control attached to the back of the display that can be used to navigate calibration menus. By comparison, the joystick makes it easier for you to adjust brightness and contrast, more so than button controls typically found on the MG28UQ's expensive counterparts. GameVisual color temperature presets allow for adjustment to be made to reduce eye strain, which, as Asus asserts, is meant to make for a smoother gameplay performance.
The panel can handle just about any type of gaming setup, and its ports include HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0 DisplayPort and USB. Its stand pivots and has integrated automatic screen rotation. The MG28UQ offers a Twisted Nematic (TN) display, and does not exceed 74.6% of sRGB color space coverage. The built-in two-watt speaker system won't be much help while streaming a movie or gaming — and you'll likely be forced to use headphones. Tip: Use the Cinema display setting for playing movies on the MG28UQ.
Tom's Guide says the Asus MG28UQ is ideal for people who can use it for dual purposes from work to gaming. 4k.com recommends this panel for gamers and non-gamers, but does not suggest it for professional visual design work.
Pros: Affordable, great for work or gaming, Freesync compatible
Cons: Low color accuracy, not compatible with Nvidia
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