The 5 Best 4k Gaming Monitors - April 2019
Reviews

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 trade-offs, though, as most 4k screens have slower refresh rate and, by extension, slower response times than their lower resolution counterparts.

We've reviewed 64 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 one 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 want a larger monitor to game on, then check out the LG 32UD99. The two monitors have almost identical performance, although the 32UD99 does perform slightly better with HDR content and can display a wide color gamut. The response time and input lag are excellent, just like the 27UK650 and, of course, the monitor supports FreeSync to ensure tear-free gaming. The 32UD99 also has a USB-C port and a USB hub, which is great if your computer has limited connectivity.

   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, has a decent effective FreeSync range, and has 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

   The best 4k monitor with G-SYNC support we've tested so far is the Acer Predator X27. It is a great IPS monitor overall with good picture quality, wide viewing angles, and good peak brightness, making it suitable for a bright room.

   As a gamer, you will appreciate the fast response time that displays fast moving objects with almost no blur trail, and the 120Hz fast refresh rate. The Predator X27 supports NVIDIA's G-SYNC for a very wide range of refresh rates, ensuring a tear-free gaming experience. Also, if you play a lot of HDR games, you should note that the Predator X27 offers the best HDR experience of the monitors we've tested thus far, mainly due to the excellent HDR peak brightness. The remarkable color gamut is also the best we've tested so far.

   Unfortunately, the monitor, just like most IPS monitors, does not deliver good dark room performance; blacks look gray due to the lacking contrast ratio and poor black uniformity, despite the existence of a local dimming feature that cannot help much. Overall, the X27 is an expensive monitor that delivers great performance in most usages and will satisfy those who choose it.

   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 60Hz 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