The 4 Best 4k Gaming Monitors - Fall 2021 Reviews

The best 4k gaming monitor that we've tested is the Gigabyte M32U. It's an impressive 4k monitor with a fast 144Hz refresh rate. It delivers an excellent gaming experience, with low input lag and a superb response time at both the max refresh rate and 60Hz. It supports FreeSync variable refresh rate technology (VRR), and it also works with NVIDIA's G-SYNC Compatible technology, although it's not officially supported.

It's also one of the best monitors for consoles gamers. It's one of the few monitors with HDMI 2.1 ports, so it can take full advantage of most of what the Sony PS5 and Xbox Series S|X have to offer, including 4k @ 120Hz gaming and VRR support on the Xbox. It's also great for productivity when you're not gaming, with a large, high-resolution screen and superb text clarity. It also has a few extra features designed for productivity, including a built-in keyboard video and mouse switch (KVM), so you can control two sources with a single keyboard and mouse.

Unfortunately, the IPS panel results in a low contrast ratio, so blacks look gray in a dark room. It has a local dimming feature to try to improve black levels, but it's terrible. Overall though, it's an impressive gaming monitor that should please most people.

The best 4k monitor for gaming in dark rooms we've tested is the LG OLED48C1. Although this is technically a TV, there's nothing better for dark rooms than an OLED like this. Its 48 inch screen feels incredibly immersive, and it can display deep, inky blacks for a great dark room gaming experience. Also, there's no blooming or visible transition between dimming zones like on backlit TVs because there's no backlight.

Like all OLEDs, the response time is near-instantaneous, resulting in clear motion with almost no blur trail behind fast-moving objects. It supports many different advanced gaming features, including HDMI 2.1, so you can game at 4k 120Hz from the latest consoles or PCs. It supports FreeSync natively and is certified as G-SYNC compatible, ensuring a nearly tear-free gaming experience from any source.

Unfortunately, there are a few downsides to using an OLED TV as a monitor. First, it has no ergonomic adjustments to speak of, so it might be hard to get a comfortable viewing position. Second, there's the risk of permanent burn-in, although we don't expect it to be an issue for most people. On the plus side, it delivers an amazing HDR experience, and it has built-in speakers. Overall, this is one of the best 4k gaming monitors we've tested.

The best 4k gaming monitor that we've tested in the budget category is the Dell S2721QS. It's a very good gaming monitor with low input lag, a good response time, and support for FreeSync variable refresh rate technology. Like all of the monitors on this list, it has a large, high-resolution screen, which is great for atmospheric games like RPGs, as you can see more fine details in your favorite worlds. It also supports HDR, with okay peak brightness in HDR and a wide color gamut.

 It has a simple design that looks great in any setting. Like most Dell monitors, it has very good ergonomics, so it's easy to place it in an ideal viewing position. It also has wide viewing angles, so it's a great choice for co-op gaming or watching videos with a friend. It has good reflection handling and great peak brightness in SDR, so glare shouldn't be an issue in a bright room.

Unfortunately, it's limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which might disappoint some gamers, and it doesn't support any advanced gaming features like HDMI 2.1. It's also not the best choice for a dark room, as it has low contrast and just decent black uniformity. Overall, it's a great monitor and the best budget 4k gaming monitor we've tested.