Gaming has evolved in recent years, with new 4k screens delivering a more detailed gaming experience. Console and PC gamers alike have embraced this new format, with upgraded console released mid-cycle that can take advantage of the greater levels of detail provided by these new screens. This doesn't come without tradeoffs though, as most 4k screens have slower refresh rate, and by extension, slower response times than their lower resolution counterparts.

We've reviewed 60 monitors, and below are our picks for the best 4k gaming monitors to buy in 2019. See also our recommendations for the best monitors for Xbox One, the best monitors for PS4 and the best monitors for PC gaming.

1. Best 4k Gaming Monitor: LG 27UK650-W

   

   LG 27UK650-W

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.1

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 23% Input Lag
   • 14% Resolution and Size
   • 13% Motion Blur
   • 12% Refresh Rate
   • 9% Ergonomics
   • 8% Image Flicker
   • 6% Reflections
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% SDR Color Gamut
   • 1% SDR Color Volume

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Size : 27 "
   Resolution : 3840x2160
   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz
   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS
   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : FreeSync

   The LG 27UK650 is the best 4k gaming monitor that we've tested so far. It delivers good overall picture quality, with great motion handling and excellent low input lag. It has two HDMI, and 1 DisplayPort connection, so you can easily connect multiple devices, like a PC and 4k console. 

   It supports FreeSync, which is great, and it works with NVIDIA's new Adaptive Sync drivers, available with NVIDIA 10- and 20- series graphics cards. It has an excellent response time, delivering clear motion with only minor blur behind fast moving objects.

   Unfortunately, the 27UK650 doesn't look as good in a dark room, and it has very limited HDR support, due to the limited HDR brightness and lack of a wide color gamut. Overall though, it is a great gaming monitor that should please most people, even if gaming isn't your main usage.

   See our review

2. Larger Alternative: LG 32UD99-W

   

   LG 32UD99-W

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Size : 32 "

   Resolution : 3840x2160

   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : FreeSync

   If you like the LG 27UK650, but would prefer something a bit bigger, check out the LG 32UD99 instead. It delivers almost identical performance to the smaller 27UK650, but it has slightly better HDR performance, including the ability to display a wide color gamut. The 32UD99 has the same excellent response time, FreeSync support, and nearly identical low input lag as the 27UK650, which is great for gaming. It also adds a USB-C port, and USB hub, great for connecting your keyboard and mouse, or other peripherals.

   See our review

3. Cheaper Alternative: LG 27UD68P-B

   

   LG 27UD68P-B

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Size : 27 "

   Resolution : 3840x2160

   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : FreeSync

   If the LG 27UK650 is a bit too expensive for you, check out the LG 27UD68P-B instead. The 27UD68P-B has very good motion handling, with a great response time and flicker-free backlight. Like the 27UK650 and 32UD99, it supports FreeSync, and has a decent effective FreeSync range, and excellent low input lag. However, unlike those two monitors, it doesn't support HDR, although this doesn't add much to the other models anyway.

   See our review

4. Best G-SYNC 4k Monitor: Acer Predator X27

   

   Acer Predator X27

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.1

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 23% Input Lag
   • 14% Resolution and Size
   • 13% Motion Blur
   • 12% Refresh Rate
   • 9% Ergonomics
   • 8% Image Flicker
   • 6% Reflections
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% SDR Color Gamut
   • 1% SDR Color Volume

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Size : 27 "
   Resolution : 3840x2160
   Refresh Rate : 120 Hz
   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS
   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : G-Sync

   If you're looking for a great 4k monitor for your NVIDIA graphics card, the Acer Predator X27 is the best 4k G-SYNC gaming monitor that we've tested so far. It delivers good overall picture quality, with wide viewing angles and good peak brightness.

   Gamers will appreciate the extremely fast response time, fast refresh rate, and NVIDIA G-SYNC support across almost the entire refresh rate range. It also offers the best HDR experience of any monitor we've tested so far, thanks to the excellent HDR peak brightness and outstanding color gamut, the best we've tested so far.

   Unfortunately, despite the local dimming feature, the X27 doesn't perform as well in a dark room, as blacks appear gray, and it has bad black uniformity. Overall, although expensive, the X27 is a great monitor that should please most people.

   See our review

5. Best Dark Room 4K Monitor: LG 32UD59-B

   

   LG 32UD59-B

   SEE PRICE

   Newegg.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   7.8

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 23% Input Lag
   • 14% Resolution and Size
   • 13% Motion Blur
   • 12% Refresh Rate
   • 9% Ergonomics
   • 8% Image Flicker
   • 6% Reflections
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% SDR Color Gamut
   • 1% SDR Color Volume

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Size : 32 "
   Resolution : 3840x2160
   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz
   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : VA
   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : FreeSync

   If you like gaming late at night, the LG 32UD59-B is the best dark room 4k monitor that we've tested so far. It has a very good native contrast ratio, so blacks appear black in a dark room, and it has decent black uniformity, with no annoying flashlighting or backlight bleed.

   It has very good overall motion handling, with a fast response time that is great for gaming or watching movies, and it supports FreeSync. Like the vast majority of monitors, it is limited to a 60 Hz refresh rate, which may disappoint more serious gamers.

   Unfortunately, the 32UD59 has poor horizontal viewing angles, so it isn't as well suited if you like to share your screen with a couple of people. Overall though, it is a very good gaming monitor.

   See our review