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With the gaming community continuing to see a rise in popularity, so does the equipment needed to run the games you’re playing. That’s why today, we will be taking a look at the Best 4k Gaming Monitors of 2021.
As you all know, graphics cards in our current generation are more than capable of providing high 4K frame rates in the newest and latest games being released today. Even lower-tier graphics cards such as the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti can handle 4k GPUs.
That being said, in order to use such high-tier graphics cards to their full extent, you’re going to need one hell of a machine to run demanding games at 4K. Not only that, 4K gaming monitors don’t come in cheap. Anyone who is already doing high-res gaming knows that equipment like these usually comes with a steep price.
But that shouldn’t stop you at all from considering a 4K gaming monitor for your setup.
While budget might be your main concern, the good thing is that 4K will most likely be the norm in the future. Meaning, you’re never going to run out of options if you don’t get a 4K gaming monitor now or feel like you’re lagging behind other fellow gamers.
So if you think you’re ready for 4K gaming or just simply want to have an idea why you should upgrade your setup, then this article is perfect for you.
What Does a 4k Gaming Monitor Do And How Will It Benefit You?
Before we dive into our top picks and recommendations, let’s answer these questions first: Do you need a 4k gaming monitor? What exactly do they do? How do they differ from your standard monitors and how will they benefit you?
If you’re unsure of how to answer the aforementioned questions, don’t worry! I’m here to help you out and give you a thorough explanation so you know exactly what we’re talking about.
What is a 4K gaming monitor?
First off, let’s answer what exactly is 4K. According to our research, a 4K resolution refers to a horizontal display resolution of approximately 4,000 pixels. Such resolutions are commonly found on television and movie screens and use different types of 4K resolutions.
That being said, it was only a matter of time before 4K resolutions made their way to the gaming community. With games becoming more graphics-heavy and demanding, I find that the best way to enjoy them to their full extent is through a 4K gaming monitor. Of course, you will also need the right setup to run and support such demanding games.
With the right 4K gaming monitor, you will notice right away details in your game that you never thought were there. Gamers used to high-res gaming know that it makes a world’s difference in quality and overall gaming experience.
What does a 4K gaming monitor do?
To put it simply, a 4k gaming monitor will offer the highest and best resolution possible you can get right now in any gaming monitor.
Just imagine, a panel packing 8.3 million pixels (3840 x 2160) is going to give you amazing levels of detail with your games and will make it look incredibly sharp and realistic.
Aside from that, a 4k gaming monitor also offers the ability to go past 20-inch screens. Personally, a 27-inch screen is more than enough to get an immersive experience with my games. But if you prefer something bigger than that, a 4k gaming monitor is more than capable of handling 30-inch screens without a fuss.
Not to mention, the latest high-end graphics cards being released by Nvidia’s RTX 30-series and AMD’s Radeon RX 6000 series pair up nicely with a 4k gaming monitor.
Do you need a 4k gaming monitor?
The short answer is no.
But that’s not to say it’s not a worthy upgrade. I only say no because 4k gaming monitors are often pretty expensive and the needed specs in order to run games in 4k is an even more expensive upgrade if you don’t already have them.
4k gaming is still fairly new in the community, but you can bet that more and more companies and manufacturers will be pushing towards this resolution in the upcoming months and years. Especially now that the latest games are becoming more demanding than ever in terms of graphics.
While 4k gaming is not an absolute necessity, it’s definitely something to consider. Especially when you realize that 4k gaming will most likely give you a decade’s worth of the most immersive and realistic gaming experience at the comfort of your home.
So if money is no object to you and you can make the upgrade for yourself right away, what are you waiting for? For people who are still on the fence about it or are concerned about their budget, worry not! There are budget-friendly 4k gaming monitors on our list that work just as impressively as their high-end counterparts.
Read on to find out!
Our Top Recommendations
1. LG 27GN950-B
Overview
Taking the top spot in our list of the best 4k gaming monitors of 2021 is the LG 27GN950-B.
With the LG 27GN950-B, you’re getting the smoothest, fastest, and most responsive 4k gaming monitor in the market right now. The LG UltraGear is the first 4K Nano IPS 1ms gaming monitor with a 144 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time. Pretty impressive, right?
This display comes in at 27 inches and has the best input lag scores you will ever see in a 144 Hz gaming monitor. What’s more, the Nano IPS tech in the LG 27GN950-B also offers a wider color gamut and amazing viewing angles with sharp IPS image quality. Not only that, but you are also getting 600-nit peak brightness and 10-bit color depth.
Aside from that, this 4k gaming monitor also supports FreeSync Premium Pro as well as GSync that offers you stability and smoothness in all your games. You won’t have to worry about changing monitors if you are planning to change your graphics cards.
Another noteworthy feature of the LG 27GN950-B is that it’s height adjustable. You can effortlessly make adjustments to its height, pivot, and tilt the monitor at different angles while getting an anti-glare coating with your display for maximum comfort and less strain in your eyes.
Overall, the LG 27GN950-B provides you with a terrific panel that will give off realistic image quality, beautiful colors, and great contrast in your games alongside a fast refresh rate and response time.
With such impressive features, it doesn’t matter whether you’re gaming or just watching your favorite shows or content. You are sure to enjoy the best image quality possible with the LG UltraGear.
Check out our dedicated review of the LG 27GN950-B here.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 23.9 x 11.5 x 18.1 inches.
- Display Size: 27 inches.
- Manufacturer / Brand: LG
- Screen Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels.
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Type: Nano IPS
- Response Time: 1 ms.
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Adaptive Sync: FreeSync and GSync.
- Screen Surface: Flat.
- Item Weight: 16.9 lbs
- Colors: Black.
- Extra Special Features: Height Adjustment, Pivot Adjustment, Anti-Glare Coating, and Tilt Adjustment.
Pros
- Supports both GSync and FreeSync.
- Impressive response time and refresh rates.
- Height adjustable.
- Sharp and bright, vivid colors with excellent accuracy.
- Local dimming produces VA-like contrast.
Cons
- Colors can sometimes come off oversaturated.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The LG 27GN950-B?
2. Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ
Overview
Asus is probably one of the most popular gaming companies on the whole planet right now. You can ask any gamer, both hardcore and casuals alike, and they will absolutely be familiar with this particular brand. Specifically, their ROG brand is made especially for gamers.
Their products range from motherboards, keyboards, gaming laptops, monitors, smartphones, and other peripherals you can think of. But today, let’s talk about the Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ and why it’s one of the best 4k gaming monitors in the market as of writing.
This particular 4k gaming monitor sports a 27-inch display, a 144 Hz refresh rate, and a speedy response time of 1 ms. In fact, this might just be the best 144Hz 4K gaming monitor in its price range.
For just a little under $800, you’re getting an impressive HDR performance despite the lack of premium FALD backlight. This is all thanks to the monitor’s effective edge-array backlight and the screen’s Dynamic Dimming feature.
When it comes to input lag and response time, the Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ easily outperformed other 144 Hz 4k gaming monitors like the Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ and the Acer Predator X27. This is quite impressive as the latter gaming monitors come in at around $2000 each.
Another thing to mention about the Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ is that you can still run G-Sync on it successfully despite being listed as a FreeSync monitor.
All in all, the best part about the Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ is that it only comes in for under $1000 and is proven to outperform more expensive monitors. While it’s still not the cheapest on this list, it definitely beats the LG 27GN950-B’s much higher price point.
Check out our dedicated review of the Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ here.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 24.95 x 17.19 x 10.61 inches
- Display Size: 27 inches.
- Manufacturer / Brand: Asus ROG
- Screen Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels.
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Type: IPS
- Response Time: 1 ms.
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz.
- Adaptive Sync: FreeSync
- Screen Surface: Flat
- Item Weight: 16.53 pounds
- Colors: Black.
- Extra Special Features: High dynamic range (HDR) technology with DisplayHDR 400 certification, Adaptive Sync, Robust Connectivity with HDMI (v2.0) x2, DisplayPort 1.4 x2 ports, ASUS Eye Care technology with TÜV Rheinland Certification for Flicker-free and Low Blue Light technology, and a 4-way ergonomic stand (tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustable).
Pros
- Rich, saturated colors.
- Bright and clear display.
- Price points comes at under $800.
- Speedy response time and refresh rate.
- Can support both GSync and FreeSync successfully.
- Has effective Dynamic Dimming feature.
Cons
- Thick bezels.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ?
3. Acer Predator XB273K
Overview
As you know by now, 4k gaming monitors are usually not cheap and can be quite an expensive upgrade for some.
However, that doesn’t stop other manufacturers from catering to gamers who are on a tight budget. So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly monitor that runs on 4k resolutions, the Acer Predator XB273K might just be the one for you.
In case you’re unaware, Predator is the gaming brand under Acer. Just as ROG is to Asus. They offer gaming peripherals such as keyboards, monitors, headphones, and other accessories.
But enough about the company, let’s dive into the product itself.
Just like the first two 4k gaming monitors on this list, the Acer Predator XB273K also has a 27-inch display and a 144Hz refresh rate. It closely resembles the Acer Predator X27 with very few sacrifices made in order to place it in a cheaper model and much a lower price point.
Honestly, the only thing noticeable between the two is the HDR performance. The Acer Predator XB273K obviously has a lower quality of HDR, only having a minimum of 400 nits but that’s about it. If HDR is not that important to you, you will be able to save a lot of money going for the XB273K.
Apart from that, you’re getting an overall excellent 4k gaming monitor with the Acer Predator XB273K. Vibrant and sharp picture qualities, terrific color accuracy, and quick 144 Hz refresh rates are enough for you to dominate any FPS shooting game.
Overall, the Acer Predator XB273K is a terrific bargain and has great value for its price. Any gamer on a tight budget would absolutely appreciate this 4k gaming monitor.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 24.76 x 12.09 x 21.3 inches
- Display Size: 27 inches.
- Manufacturer / Brand: Acer Predator
- Screen Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Type: IPS
- Response Time: 1 ms.
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Adaptive Sync: GSync
- Screen Surface: Flat
- Item Weight: 24 pounds
- Colors: Black
- Extra Special Features: High Brightness and Contrast with VESA Certified DisplayHDR 400, DCI-P3 90% Wide Color Gamut; Optimize colors with quantum dot technology, and Ports: 2 x Display Port v1. 4, 2 x HDMI v2. 0 & 4 x USB 3. 0 Ports
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Impressive color accuracy.
- DCI-P3 color.
- A great alternative to the much more expensive Acer Predator X27.
- Fast refresh rates.
Cons
- Lower HDR quality.
- GSync compatible only.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Acer Predator XB273K?
4. Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ
Overview
Sometimes, bigger is better. And that saying definitely applies when it comes to the Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ.
Coming in at a whopping 43-inches of screen display, this 4k gaming monitor has a refresh rate of 144 Hz, 1ms response time, and supports Display Stream Compression Technology for transporting ultra-high-definition video streams across a single interface at high speed without any perceptible loss of visual quality.
To add to that, the Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ also has high dynamic range (HDR) technology with DisplayHDR 1000 certification and 90% DCI-P3 professional color gamut to ensure that you’re getting exceptional contrast and color performance for every gaming session.
Due to its screen size, you can also comfortably use this for your streaming pleasure as this particular 4k monitor is wall mountable. While the lack of Dolby Vision support can seem underwhelming, especially when 4K Blu-ray discs and streaming apps such as Netflix usually use Dolby Vision, you do get support for 24p film cadences.
But if you’re planning to use this solely for gaming, the lack of Dolby Vision support shouldn’t affect most of your games. Apart from that, this 4k gaming monitor also comes in with a mini LED. You will find yourself with an advanced backlight and an amazing HDR contrast ratio of 180,820.8:1.
While OLED screens can provide you with deeper and purer blacks in terms of picture quality, the ROG Swift PG32UQ makes up for it with brightness. In fact, the PG32UQ can easily hit 1,627 nits with HDR.
In terms of performance, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ definitely doesn’t lag behind at all. While it’s definitely a huge splurge for some, it can be totally worth the upgrade if money is not a concern for you.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 38.37 x 24.85 x 9.54 inches.
- Display Size: 43 inches.
- Manufacturer / Brand: Asus ROG.
- Screen Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels.
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Type: IPS
- Response Time: 1 ms.
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Adaptive Sync: GSync
- Screen Surface: Flat
- Item Weight: 50 pounds.
- Colors: Black
- Extra Special Features: Remote-controlled, Anti Glare Technology, Wall Mountable, Connectivity with DisplayPort 1. 4 x2, HDMI(v2. 0) x2 and 100 x 100mm, Display Stream Compression Technology, DisplayHDR 1000 certification, and 90% DCI-P3.
Pros
- Amazing contrast and HDR.
- Bright and vibrant colors.
- Wall mountable.
- Great design.
- Impressively detailed image quality.
Cons
- NVIDIA G-SYNC compatible only.
- No Dolby Vision support.
- Thick bezels.
- Expensive.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ?
5. Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q
Overview
Probably the most budget-friendly option in this list is the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q.
But don’t be fooled by its affordability, the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q is still a pretty great 4k gaming monitor that ticks all the boxes when it comes to providing you with the necessities.
Aside from that, the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q also offers great value for gamers who are looking to experience 4k gaming without burning a hole through their wallets. Though, keep in mind that there are definitely some sacrifices made with the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q in order to keep it at such a low and affordable price point.
However, it’s pretty expected that the HDR on this 4k gaming monitor isn’t as impressive as its high-end and more premium counterparts in the market. But SDR titles definitely look amazing on this screen, providing fantastic picture quality and amazing colors and details.
Apart from the lackluster HDR performance, the refresh rate of the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q is also limited to 60 Hz only, with FreeSync working down to 48 Hz. Hardcore gamers might want something more from the low refresh rate but casual gamers shouldn’t have a problem with the current refresh rate at all.
Overall, if you want to dip your toes into high-res gaming but don’t want to break the bank, the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q is something to consider.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 25.18 x 15.95 x 9.19 inches
- Display Size: 28 inches.
- Manufacturer / Brand: Asus
- Screen Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels.
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Type: IPS
- Response Time: 5 ms
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync
- Screen Surface: Flat
- Item Weight: 22.6 pounds
- Colors: Black
- Extra Special Features: Swivel, pivolt, tilt, and height adjustable, DCI-P3 grade, Shadow Boost technology, and AMD FreeSync technology.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Terrific color accuracy.
- Crisp and detailed image quality.
- Height adjustable.
Cons
- Mediocre HDR performance.
- 60 Hz of refresh rate only.
Rating: 8 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q?
6. LG 27UL650-W
Overview
If you can’t get enough budget-friendly 4k gaming monitors, the LG 27UL650-W is another option to set your eyes on.
Aside from being only under $500, this 4k gaming monitor has an IPS panel display that will provide you with terrific color and contrast as well as lower input lag for your gaming sessions. Aside from gaming, this 4k monitor can also be used for streaming and editing purposes thanks to its impressive precise color accuracy and HDR10.
However, do keep in mind that this particular gaming monitor has no HDR and local dimming. It will depend on you whether those features are deal-breakers or not.
Another thing worthy of mention is that the LG 27UL650-W only comes in with a 60 Hz refresh rate and has no built-in speakers. The latter is not that big of a deal for me as I usually use headphones while gaming but that’s something you might want to consider before investing in this 4k gaming monitor.
All in all, if you don’t mind the sacrifices made to keep this monitor at a budget-friendly price, then the LG 27UL650-W is definitely something you should check out.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 24.1 x 9.1 x 22.3 inches
- Display Size: 27 inches
- Manufacturer / Brand: LG
- Screen Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Type: IPS
- Response Time: 5 ms
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Adaptive Sync: Radeon FreeSync
- Screen Surface: Flat
- Item Weight: 13.7 pounds
- Colors: White
- Extra Special Features: VESA DisplayHDR 400, sRGB 99 percent Color Gamut, and 3 Side Virtually Borderless Display.
Pros
- FreeSync compatibility.
- Great color accuracy and crisp details.
- Nice white design.
Cons
- No HDR or local dimming.
- No built-in speakers.
- Comes only at 60 Hz of refresh rate.
Rating: 8 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The LG 27UL650-W?
7. LG 48″ Class CX Series OLED 4K TV
Overview
I get it, the LG 48″ Class CX Series OLED 4K TV is technically not a 4k gaming monitor but it definitely is a great contender among 4k gaming monitors on this list. The 48-inch display on this monitor makes a good alternative for other gaming monitors if you want a 4k OLED panel.
Because of the 4k resolution on this huge display, you are getting an incredibly crisp and detailed image quality with every gaming or streaming session that you do.
Additionally, the LG 48″ Class CX Series OLED 4K TV will also offer you terrific overall visuals thanks to the unparalleled contrast of OLED displays. With any kind of media consumption, you will be getting deep, rich shadows alongside bright and vibrant highlights.
Not to mention, this particular monitor also provides a wide range of HDR formats. But what makes this 4k monitor so suitable for gaming is that it can support a 120Hz refresh rate at 4K as well as a variable of refresh rates.
It’s also compatible with NVIDIA G-SYNC and FreeSync that ultimately gives you an edge with less lag, high refresh rates, and incredibly smooth and responsive gameplay.
What’s more, you’re getting built-in speakers that no other dedicated 4k gaming monitor can match at this quality.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 42.2 x 25.6 inches
- Display Size: 48 inches.
- Manufacturer / Brand: LG
- Screen Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Type: OLED
- Response Time: 1 ms.
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
- Adaptive Sync: G-SYNC and FreeSync
- Screen Surface: Flat
- Item Weight: 41.67 pounds
- Colors: Black.
- Extra Special Features: Google Assistant / Alexa, LG ThinQ AI, webOS, Dolby Vision , HDR10, HLG, Quad Step Noise Reduction, Advanced Color Enhancer, Α9 Gen 3 AI Processor 4K, Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, and Filmmaker Mode.
Pros
- Amazing picture quality.
- Vibrant and rich colors.
- Supports Dolby Vision and other HDR formats.
- Has Google Assistant and Alexa.
- Terrific built-in speakers.
- Has an OLED panel.
Cons
- Expensive.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The LG OLED48CXPUB Alexa Built-In CX 48″ 4K Smart OLED TV?
Before You Buy
Now that we have covered our top picks for the best 4k gaming monitors of 2021, here are some tips and reminders for you to consider so you can make an even more informed purchase.
Budget
Let’s face it, 4k gaming monitors don’t come in cheap. Even the most budget-friendly options can still be quite costly for some of you. So before you decide and jump into any impulsive purchases, I highly suggest doing adequate research first on the monitor you’re eyeing.
The last thing you would want is an unsatisfactory purchase or realizing that the 4k gaming monitor you bought isn’t the one that works for you. That said, you also have to make sure that you get a monitor you’ll be able to maximize in terms of its features.
Ask yourself questions like “is a 144 Hz the one for you or is a 60 Hz enough for me?”. Knowing the answer to such questions makes a huge difference in terms of price points and you might also save yourself a lot of money in the long run.
Graphics Cards
Before you invest in a 4k gaming monitor, you have to remember that in order to play at such high resolutions, you also need the appropriate graphics card to back it up. Obviously, games that can run on 4k can be pretty demanding on your PC setup.
While 4k gaming monitors can already cost a pretty hefty buck, graphics cards can just be as expensive. Thankfully, there are a few lower-tier graphics cards in the market that can run games on 4k.
So if you’re on a budget and don’t really need the high-end graphics cards being released today, I recommend hunting for the budget-friendly options instead.
G-Sync or FreeSync?
To put it simply, a monitor carrying a G-Sync feature will only work with PCs using an Nvidia graphics card, and a monitor with FreeSync will only run with PCs carrying an AMD card. However, it is possible to get a monitor that can comfortably support both graphics cards.
It is also possible to run a G-Sync compatible monitor on an AMD graphics card (and vice versa) but do expect some changes in performance. Some 4k gaming monitors will still run smoothly but some don’t hold as well. So keep this in mind when choosing a 4k gaming monitor.
Conclusion
To conclude this article, investing in a 4k gaming monitor can be a tricky process sometimes. But it doesn’t always have to be. Not when you know what kind of games and applications you’re planning to run on your chosen 4k monitor.
Once you figure out the sort of games you’re going to be playing, it will be pretty easy to know which refresh rates, HDR formats, resolutions, and etc. you should go for. You will also find out whether your games or movies will be shown on your monitor to their full extent.
Overall, the right gaming monitor can last you up to 5 to 10 years. That’s why I always say a 4k gaming monitor is a pretty worthy upgrade as it will last you for a very long time.
Did the 4k gaming monitor you were eyeing make it into our list? Let me know if you have any suggestions in the comments section below. I would love to hear your thoughts!
Recommended reading for you:
The LG 27GN950-B Review: Watch Your Games Come Alive On 4k
How To Buy The Best 4k Gaming Monitors 2021
Best Gaming Desks 2021: Reign Supreme In Comfort & Style
Your Quick Guide To Buying PC Gaming Desks 2021
Best Computer Gaming Chairs For Adults 2021: For Next Level Gaming!
The Ultimate Computer Gaming Chair Guide For Every Gamer This 2021.
Cougar Argo Gaming Chair Review: Is It The Next Best Thing?
Respawn 110 Gaming Chair Review: Too Good To Be True?
The Cougar Mars 120 Gaming Desk Review: Your Superior Gaming Desk With LED Lights
The Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk Review: Go Big Or Go Home With Your Gaming Setup
