4K resolution is now within reach of everyday PC users, promising a massive improvement to image quality, with four times the pixels of a 1080p display. A 4K monitor is useful not only in games and movies but also when editing documents or browsing web pages. The extra pixels make text look clear and crisp.
That’s all well and good, but which 4K monitor you choose will most likely be based on a variety of factors beyond just pixel count. That’s where this article comes in. After thorough testing, we’ve determined that these are the best 4K monitors covering a variety of budgets, use cases, and feature sets.
Why you should trust PCWorld for monitor reviews and buying advice:PCWorld prides itself on PC hardware experience and expertise. We’ve been covering PCs since the 1980s, and we now review dozens of monitors every year. All of our recommendations have been personally tested and vetted by our expert reviewers, who’ve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards.
Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE – Best 4K monitor

Pros
- Functional, professional design
- Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, Ethernet, and 140 watts of Power Delivery
- New generation of IPS Black boosts contrast ratio
- Excellent sharpness from 31.5-inch 4K panel
- 120Hz refresh rate with VRR
Cons
- Contrast ratio is good for an IPS panel, but still behind VA and OLED panels
- HDR brightness is decent, but contrast remains limited
- Doesn’t have speakers
Who should buy the Dell U3225QE?
Anyone who wants a well-rounded 4K monitor at the center of a home office will be well served by the U3225QE. This is a sharp 31.5-inch 4K IPS Black panel with excellent color accuracy and an above-average contrast ratio for a productivity monitor. The 120Hz refresh rate enhances responsiveness, making tasks like scrolling through documents and multitasking smoother. The ergonomic stand provides height, tilt, swivel, and portrait mode adjustments, and the anti-glare coating ensures comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions.
In addition to its stunning image quality, the U3225QE’s connectivity eliminates the need for external docks and adapters. It features Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports with 140W of Power Delivery—enough to charge most laptops—along with HDMI, DisplayPort, and a secondary DisplayPort for daisy-chaining multiple monitors. A built-in 2.5Gbps Ethernet port ensures a fast and stable wired network connection, a rare feature among monitors. It also offers six USB-A ports, a pop-out USB hub with quick-access USB-C and USB-A ports, and KVM switch functionality for seamless switching between two connected PCs.
Dell U3225QE: Further considerations
While this monitor lacks built-in speakers and its HDR performance is limited, the U3225QE’s extensive connectivity and high-quality display make it a standout choice for professionals who need a central hub for their workspace.
Want a smaller version of this monitor? Check out the Dell Ultrasharp U2725QE. It has a similar 4K IPS Black display panel and Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C connectivity.
Read our full Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE review
Dell S2722QC – Best budget 4K monitor

Pros
- Uniquely affordable USB-C monitor
- 4K resolution with HDR option
- High brightness and good color accuracy
- Integrated speakers
Cons
- Low contrast ratio saps SDR vibrance
- Mediocre color gamut
Who should buy the Dell S2722QC?
This isthe4K monitor for shoppers who want quality on a budget. The monitor can often be found for less than its $380 MSRP. It stands out by blending this budget price with 4K resolution and USB-C connectivity typically reserved for more expensive models.
Dell’s 27-inch IPS display delivers crisp visuals and a respectable brightness of 296 nits, suitable for most lighting conditions. In addition to an exceptionally clear, sharp 4K image, the monitor delivers color performance that’s more than adequate for everyday productivity, streaming, and light gaming. These perks are paired with a USB-C port with 65 watts of USB Power Delivery for charging a connected laptop or tablet, as well as two USB-A ports for connecting wiring peripherals. The monitor even ships with a sturdy yet compact ergonomic stand that adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot.
Dell S2722QC: Further considerations
The Dell S2722QC makes a few compromises to keep the price low. The IPS panel’s contrast ratio is low, which can make the image look flat and dull when playing games or watching a movie. It’s better suited for a home office than a gaming den. To be fair, though, quality 4K gaming monitors are usually more expensive.
Dell’s S2722QC offers a lot of bang for your buck. It doesn’t deliver the highest image quality in all areas, but its combination of 4K resolution, USB-C connectivity, and affordability makes it a solid choice if you want a tack-sharp home office monitor at a low price.
Read our full Dell S2722QC review
Asus ProArt PA279CV – Best budget 4K monitor for creatives

Pros
- Accurate image
- High maximum brightness
- Menu settings allow calibration
- Has USB-C with 65 watts Power Delivery
- Competitive price
Cons
- Unimpressive design
- Luminance uniformity could be better
- HDR is bright but otherwise falls short
Who should buy the Asus ProArt PA279CV?
The Asus ProArt PA279CV is an excellent choice for creatives who want an entry-level 4K monitor for professional use, but need to spend less than $500.
The ProArt PA279CV is a 27-inch 4K monitor with excellent color accuracy, high maximum brightness, and a good contrast ratio for an IPS monitor.
This monitor also throws in USB-C connectivity. It’s not a great USB-C hub, as it has only a couple USB-A ports, but it offers 65 watts of Power Delivery for charging a connected laptop or tablet.
Asus ProArt PA279CV: Further considerations
While this isn’t the right monitor for gaming enthusiasts (see below), Asus throws in adaptive sync support compatible with AMD and Nvidia video cards. This prevents screen tearing and provides smooth motion in 3D games. The monitor has a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz.
Read our full Asus ProArt PA279CV review
MSI MPG 272URX – Best 4K gaming monitor

Pros
- 26.5-inch 4K OLED panel looks sharp
- Great contrast and color performance
- Strong motion clarity
- Respectable HDR performance
- Lots of connectivity including USB-C
Cons
- Design is a bit bland
- Gamma, color temperature slightly off-target
- 4K OLED panel carries a premium price
Who should buy the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED?
The MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a high-performance gaming monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and a cutting-edge OLED panel.
This 26.5-inch display delivers stunning 4K resolution with an ultra-smooth 240Hz refresh rate, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want both visual clarity and fluid motion. Unlike previous 4K OLED monitors that were limited to 60Hz, the MSI is built for fast-paced gaming yet maintains the deep contrast and vibrant colors OLED monitors are known for. It also supports adaptive sync for smooth frame pacing.
MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED: Further considerations
The monitor isn’t just great for gaming. The QD-OLED panel offers excellent contrast and color accuracy, which makes it a solid pick for creative professionals and anyone who enjoys watching HDR movies. Connectivity is another strong point with HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1a, and USB-C inputs, along with 98 watts of USB Power Delivery for charging laptops or tablets. While the design is a bit plain, the stand is sturdy and fully adjustable.
The MSI’s many perks come at a premium. Priced at $1,099.99, the MSI MPG 272URX is more expensive than 1440p OLED alternatives, which can be found for under $800. If 4K clarity and a fluid 240Hz refresh rate are what you’re after, however, this monitor is worth the investment.
Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED – Best portable 4K monitor

Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Useful built-in kickstand
- Attractive and sturdy design
- Extensive image-quality options
Cons
- Flimsy bundled keyboard cover
- Some on-screen menu options are confusing
- Power adapter could be smaller
Who should buy the Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED?
Viewsonic’s VX1655-4K-OLED is our top choice for creators seeking top-notch image quality in a portable display.
This 16-inch OLED monitor delivers class-leading sharpness with 275 pixels per inch (a 27-inch 4K monitor, for comparison, has 163 pixels per inch). It also delivers vivid, accurate colors and deep contrast that make it perfect for both entertainment and creative work. The monitor’s HDR performance also far surpasses other portable monitors, so it’s a good choice if you want to sit back and watch a movie after a busy day.
Unlike most portable monitors, the VX1655-4K-OLED has a built-in kickstand that flips out from the rear of the display. The kickstand is more stable and easier to use than the detachable, folding stands that inexpensive portable monitors rely on. Connectivity is solid, as well, with dual USB-C inputs and one mini-HDMI.
Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED: Further considerations
The VX1655-4K-OLED has a few minor flaws. The bundled display cover feels somewhat flimsy, the on-screen menu system can be tricky to navigate, and the relatively large power adapter is more cumbersome than it needs to be.
Yet it’s clear the portable monitor’s perks far outweigh its problems. While shoppers can find cheaper alternatives, the VX1655-4K-OLED stands out for its ability to deliver a professional-grade visual experience on the go.
Read our full Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED review
Samsung M8 Smart Monitor – Best 4K monitor for entertainment

Pros
- Has Samsung’s Tizen OS with smart TV features
- Remote, webcam, and speakers included
- Excellent SDR image quality
- HDR quality is good for the price
Cons
- Limited connectivity
- Annoying to set up and access some features
- No adaptive sync or enhanced refresh rate
- Narrow viewing angle
Who should buy the Samsung M8 Smart Monitor?
A 32-inch 4K monitor is great for everyday PC tasks like web browsing and document editing, but it can be more than that. Monitors in this category are an ideal substitute for a television in a small mixed-used space like a studio apartment, rented room, or dormitory.
Samsung’s M8 Smart Monitor leans into this by fusing the features of a Smart TV with a traditional 32-inch 4K monitor. The monitor comes with a remote and runs Samsung’s Tizen operating system. You can access streaming content, like Netflix or Hulu, directly from the monitor.
Yet this is still a great PC monitor. A connected PC or other external device can be used by flipping the input source, as you would on a television. Image quality is solid with excellent sharpness, top-tier contrast, high brightness, and attractive color performance.
Samsung M8 Smart Monitor: Further considerations
The M8 Smart Monitor comes in a variety of attractive stand and bezel color options, with a detachable webcam, and has a USB-C port with up to 65 watts of Power Delivery. It supports Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5, too.
Read our full Samsung M8 Smart Monitor review
BenQ SW272U – Best 4K monitor for photographers

Pros
- Incredible sharpness from its paper-like display
- Wide color gamut and high color accuracy
- Excellent ergonomic stand
- Extensive image quality controls accessible through bundled remote
Cons
- Disappointing contrast ratio
- Modest connectivity for the price
- Very expensive for its feature set
Who should buy the BenQ SW272U?
The BenQ SW272U is an excellent 4K monitor for photographers and publishers who prioritize sharpness and accuracy. This 27-inch monitor has a “fine-coated panel” that delivers a simulated paper-like texture and boasts a resolution of 3840×2160 at 60Hz. It also provides a robust, industrial design with ergonomic stand that offers a wide range of adjustment and a glare-reducing hood designed to reduce ambient light.
Connectivity includes standard ports like HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, with the notable addition of an SD card reader, which photographers are sure to like. However, it misses some advanced features like Thunderbolt. The monitor offers an exceptional menu system, accessible through a joystick or a wireless remote, with extensive customization for color gamut, color temperature, and gamma. That’s another key feature for photographers, as it helps users precisely calibrate the monitor’s image based on their needs.
The SW272U also has excellent image quality which, of course, is key for its target market. Its color gamut coverage and color accuracy are defeated only by a few of the best OLED and QD-OLED monitors. The monitor’s sharpness also stands out, offering a high pixel density that, in combination with the fine-coated panel, mimics the quality of printed material. The monitor’s contrast ratio is limited, which proves a downside for entertainment, but it’s less of a concern for its target audience.
BenQ SW272U: Further considerations
There’s only one real issue, and that’s the price. BenQ asks almost $1,500 for the SW272U, and that’s a lot even for a 27-inch 4K monitor. If you’re a photographer hoping to see what your photos might look like in print, though, it’s worth the premium.
Read our full BenQ SW272U review
Dell G3223Q – Best 4K 144Hz monitor

Pros
- Bright, sharp SDR image
- Good color gamut and accuracy
- Solid build quality and ergonomic stand
- Great motion clarity at 120Hz or 144Hz
Cons
- Disappointing HDR performance
- Odd menu choices for creators
- Modest USB connectivity
Who should buy the Dell G3223Q?
Want a 4K monitor with a high refresh rate for smooth gaming? The Dell G3223Q is an excellent option.
The G3223Q is a 32-inch, 4K monitor with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (Nvidia G-Sync also works, unofficially). You can play games at high refresh rates with no screen tearing and smooth frame pacing.
You’ll find two HDMI 2.1 ports on the rear. They’re great for connecting a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X game console, since you can play at each console’s maximum resolution and refresh rate. There’s also a DisplayPort input for connecting your PC.
Dell G3223Q: Further considerations
None of this would matter if the G3223Q’s image quality wasn’t excellent—but it is. The monitor has great color performance, high brightness, good contrast, and a razor-sharp image thanks to its 4K resolution.
It’s a good value, too. The G3223Q is towards the low end of pricing for a 32-inch, 4K 144Hz monitor but doesn’t sacrifice features or build quality to achieve it.
Read our full Dell G3223Q review
Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX – Best 4K HDR monitor

Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- 4K resolution
- Dimmable mini-LED backlight
- Ergonomic adjustment options
Cons
- High power consumption
- Extremely expensive
Who should buy the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX?
Want the last word in high-resolution, high-definition gaming and entertainment? You need a fantastic HDR monitor like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX.
This monitor has a Mini-LED backlight with 1,152 in