The 5 Best 4k Gaming Monitors - Spring 2022 Reviews

The Gigabyte M32U is the best 4k gaming monitor we've tested. It's an excellent gaming monitor with a large 32 inch screen, and the high resolution delivers clear text and sharp images. Although it's mainly for gaming, it has lots of productivity features if you want to use it for work during the day and game on it at night.

It has a high 144Hz native refresh rate, and the FreeSync variable refresh rate (VRR) support with G-SYNC compatibility helps reduce screen tearing. Motion looks smooth thanks to its incredibly quick response time, whether you're gaming at its max refresh rate of 144Hz or at 60Hz. Even though it has an optional backlight strobing feature that works at the same time as VRR to help improve the appearance of motion, it's buggy, and motion already looks good without it.

Unfortunately, while it has HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, it's limited to 24 Gbps and not the full 48 Gbps. You'll need Display Stream Compression (DSC) for signals above that bandwidth, and while you can play 4k games up to 120 fps from the PS5, you're limited to chroma 4:2:0 signals. If this isn't an issue for you, it's one of the best gaming monitors with a 4k resolution.

The best 4k console gaming monitor we've tested is the LG 27GP950-B. It's an amazing gaming monitor, with a fantastic response time at the max refresh rate and low input lag for a responsive gaming experience. Both of its HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, meaning it can take full advantage of everything the Xbox Series X and PS5 offer, including variable refresh rate support and 4k @ 120Hz gaming.

It delivers impressive picture quality, with a superb SDR color gamut and excellent color accuracy. It has wide viewing angles, so the image remains accurate when viewed at an angle, making it a great choice for co-op gaming. It supports HDR and has impressive peak brightness in HDR, so bright highlights stand out. It also has an excellent HDR color gamut.

Unfortunately, even though it has great peak brightness in SDR, it has disappointing reflection handling, so it's not ideal for a bright room. As long as you're in a moderately-lit room or have decent blinds, it's an impressive monitor.

The LG OLED48C1 is the best 4k HDR gaming monitor that we've tested. It's a small TV marketed as a gaming monitor, so although it lacks a DisplayPort input, it delivers stunning picture quality while offering excellent gaming performance. The near-infinite contrast ratio results in an incredible HDR experience, as blacks are inky and perfectly uniform, and bright highlights stand out in dark scenes with no distracting blooming.

It delivers an incredible HDR gaming experience, with a nearly-instantaneous response time, so fast-paced action looks crisp and clear. It also has an incredible selection of gaming features, including four HDMI 2.1 bandwidth ports, meaning you can enjoy the latest games at 4k @ 120Hz from multiple sources, including the PS5 and Xbox Series X. It also supports both G-SYNC and FreeSync variable refresh rate technology, resulting in a nearly tear-free gaming experience from almost any source.

Sadly, the one downside to using an OLED as a monitor is the risk of permanent burn-in. It can happen with cumulative exposure to the same static elements, like a taskbar, but it's not an issue if you play varied games. If this isn't a concern for you, it's one best HDR gaming monitors we've tested.

The Gigabyte AORUS FV43U is the best 4k HDR gaming monitor with an LED backlight that we've tested. It delivers a very good HDR experience, with an excellent contrast ratio and impressive peak brightness in HDR, so bright highlights stand out. It also has a local dimming feature to improve the dynamic range, but like most monitors, it's not very good.

Games look great on this monitor, thanks to its fast response time and high refresh rate, so there's very little blur behind fast-moving objects. It also has great low input lag, and even though it's a bit higher than most gaming monitors, it still delivers a responsive gaming experience. Both of its HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, so it's also a great choice for console gamers, although it's not as good as the LG 27GP950-B.

Unfortunately, it doesn't perform as well when gaming at 60Hz, so it's best suited for gaming in 'Performance' mode if you're on a console. It also has narrow viewing angles, so it's not great for co-op gaming or a wide seating arrangement. It's a good monitor, and it's one of the best monitors you can buy if you're mainly interested in HDR gaming.

The best budget 4k gaming monitor we've tested is the Dell S2722QC. Although designed for office use, it's a versatile monitor that delivers a great gaming experience. It has a fast response time, resulting in clear motion with little blur behind fast-moving objects, and it has low input lag, so your actions are in-sync with the action you see on screen. It also supports FreeSync and G-SYNC compatible variable refresh rate technology, ensuring a nearly tear-free gaming experience from almost any source.

It's great for gaming in a bright room, with high peak brightness and good reflection handling, so you don't have to worry about glare. It has wide viewing angles, great for co-op gaming, and the high-resolution screen delivers an incredibly sharp gaming experience. It even supports HDR and can display a wide color gamut, but it's not very bright in HDR, so this doesn't add much overall.

Unfortunately, this isn't a good choice if you enjoy gaming in a dark room. It has a low contrast ratio, so blacks look gray in a dark room, and dark scenes look washed out overall. Despite these limitations, it's a great monitor overall with a good selection of gaming features.