Why do you ask? Let me explain.
When people watch television, particularly as a social activity, they watch it from the comfort of a coach or an armchair (or maybe their bed). Some people watch it on smart phones, but no one gets a full movie experience out of that.
The point is, watching a movie on a TV is an event. A social occasion. But because of the distance between yourself and the screen, you’re not getting as much benefit as with a computer.
With a 4K monitor, you’re right up there where the action is. Because you’re closer to the screen, the improved resolution is all the more evident. If you’re a gamer, buying a 4K monitor is the ultimate goal.
After reviewing various 4k monitors, we found that the Dell UltraSharp U3417W 34-Inch Curved LED-Lit Monitor is The Best 4K Monitor in the market right now.
That’s all well and good, but do you know what separates a good 4K monitor from just an okay one? The next section goes over five points you need to consider before opening your wallet.
Things to Consider
If you’re a computer geek like me, there’s nothing casual about your computer. This is especially true of those who build their computers as I do. Every single component has to be just right. Since your monitor is critical to your computer experience, it is essential that you pick the right monitor. Here are five things you need to know beforehand.
1. Dimensions
There are loads of different monitors with equally different dimensions. The optimal size of a monitor depends on upon what you will need the monitor for, and how often you are going to be using it. Of course, the dimensions ultimately depend on upon what will work for your work or viewing pleasure.
For some people getting a monitor that is as big as they can possibly get is the way to go, but for others, a monitor that is about 23-24″ is big enough.
In line with this, it is important for you to consider what dimensions would work best for you and as a result you should then pick whatever size, and dimension monitor that you would feel most comfortable with.
For some people getting a monitor that is as big as they can possibly get is the way to go, but for others, a monitor that is about 23-24″ is big enough. In line with this, it is important for you to consider what dimensions would work best for you and as a result you should then pick whatever size, and dimension monitor that you would feel most comfortable with.
2. Usage
Depending on what you will be using your 4K monitor for can affect what features are the most important for you to consider when buying your monitor. For gaming, having a good refresh rate is essential, whereas for design, having a large screen that enables the screen to be split can be the most important considerations for you to have when buying the monitor.
3. Refresh rate
The refresh rate is an important consideration for anyone looking to buy a new monitor because it determines how quickly a monitor can refresh the image that is being displayed on the screen.
The faster the refresh rate, the better because it will enable you to switch between images, and also enable you to see your games flow more smoothly because there will be less lag time between hitting buttons and seeing the actions created either during a game or in a design context.
4. Resolution
There are many different options for monitors in terms of resolution, but obviously, if you are keen to find a monitor that will enable you to experience the very best in gaming, design and movie watching then you need to find a monitor that has a very high resolution.
However, as the highest resolution technologies are new, these monitors can lack the best refresh rates.
Therefore, although, the highest-resolution monitors (1440p & 4K) can display stunning pictures, they can lack the higher refresh rates and so it is important to consider what features you actually need, and you may realize that you can sacrifice some resolution for refresh rate speeds.
5. Price
Price is always one of the most important considerations to make when you are buying anything, and that is no different when you are buying a 4K monitor.
Prices for monitors vary from under $400 to more than $8000, so in order to find your ideal monitor, it is important for you to set some guidelines as to what you need, and what features may not be so essential.
Buying the most expensive monitor does not always mean that you will be getting the best 4k monitor, so make sure to do some research, and come up with a budget that will work for you and your needs.
QUICK OVERVIEW
The Best 4K Monitors
| Products | Features |
|---|---|
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EDITOR’S PICK
4.3 290+ 290+
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Check price
at Amazon
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MOST REVIEWED
4 1,400+ 1400+
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at Amazon
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TOP PICK
3.9 460+ 460+
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at Amazon
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BUDGET PICK
3.9 780+ 780+
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at Amazon
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BUDGET PICK
3.7 1,150+ 1150+
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Check price
at Amazon
|
After reviewing various 4k monitors, we found that the Dell UltraSharp U3417W 34-Inch Curved LED-Lit Monitor is The Best 4K Monitor in the market right now.
Under $400
LG 27UL500-W 27-Inch UHD
Features
- 27-inch screen size
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 60 Hz refresh rate
LG 27UL500-W is an excellent choice for those who love gaming and watching movies in 4K but it is also a budget option for designers. The monitor boasts 27-inch UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Display and uses 98% of the sRGB color spectrum.
This model uses Radeon FreeSync technology to eliminate choppiness and image tears, while the game modes allow you to choose the best setting when you’re playing your favorite games. The refresh rate of this monitor is 60 hertz.
The 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio that will allow you to work within two different programs simultaneously and enable the Split Screen feature, while the 24.50 x 8.20 x 18.10-inch size of the monitor makes it the perfect addition to your home office. It comes with a power cable, an HDMI, and a DP cable.
ASUS PB287Q 28″ 4K LED Monitor
Features
- 28-inch screen size
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 60 Hz refresh rate
With the ASUS PB287Q 4k UHD LED Monitor, you can experience breath-taking levels of detail in ultra-high definition. The ASUS PB287Q monitor has a 16:9 aspect ratio with WLED display that helps to deliver next-generation 4K UHD visuals and a with a resolution of up to 3840 by 2160.
The ASUS PB287Q 4k UHD LED Monitor has a pixel density of 157 pixels-per-inch (PPI), which is four times the pixel density of standard Full HD displays. This awesome level of PPI helps to ensure detailed visuals to enable you to experience stunning image clarity.
The monitor also boasts 1ms GTG fast response time and a 60Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth gameplay and movie experience.The monitor boasts 300% more onscreen space than similar sized Full HD displays so that you can spread out your work for more productive multitasking.
What is more, the ASUS PB287Q monitor features extensive connectivity options that include DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI and a second HDMI port that supports MHL.With these connections, you can even view content from your mobile device on the PB287Q while simultaneously charging the mobile device.
AOC CU32V3 Super-Curved Monitor
Features
- 32-inch screen size
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 60 Hz refresh rate
The AOC CU32V3 boasts a sharp 4k Ultra HD display on 16:9 in 3840 x 2160 extremely high resolution which is four times higher than Full HD displays.
As a result of the UHD and the high resolution, with this monitor, you can experience a premium visual experience with stunning, lifelike images with an amazing level of detail which helps to make movies more realistic and games more exciting.
The AOC monitor has built-in color correction technology with sRGB of 121% and Adobe of 90%. that helps to deliver accurate and consistent colors needed for design professionals and visual enthusiasts alike. The frameless design lets you have seamless multi-monitor setups.
This monitor has 2 HDMI 2.0 connectivity which increases bandwidth up to 18Gbps to transfer 4K content at 60 fps or four times the clarity of 1080p at 60 fps.
It also has 1 VGA port, 1 Displayport, and 1 MiniDisplay port. With this monitor you can connect other devices, like your notebook or smartphone, to expand your perspective to a bigger screen. Plus, it has the Screen + option for all multitaskers who need more than one screen to work.
Under $500
Dell Ultra HD 4K Monitor P2415Q 24-Inch
Features
- 24-inch screen size
- 1.78:1 aspect ratio
- 60 Hz refresh rate
With this brilliant and super affordable Dell Ultra HD 4K Monitor P2415Q 24-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor, you can experience 4K clarity on a 23.8-inch Ultra HD monitor.
The monitor, in fact, boasts four times the resolution of Full HD and also has wide color coverage and reliable performance so that you can use this monitor for design, gaming or watching films.
The DellTM 24 Ultra HD 4K Monitor is 23.8-inch of brilliant, high quality 3840 x 2160 resolution which is four times more detail than Full HD resolution and will help you to see extremely fine details onscreen.
Having such a high-resolution monitor will allow you to do so much more, for example, you will be able to view and edit higher resolution photos with more clarity and color enhancement. Another great feature of this Dell 24 Ultra HD 4K Monitor is that you can connect easily with other items simultaneously without compromising picture quality.
What is more, despite all of the monitors amazing features, the monitor boasts the latest regulatory and environmental standards as the monitor has been made with premium-quality materials, is BFR/PVC-free (excluding external cables) and has arsenic-free glass, a mercury-free LED panel, and a chassis made of more than 25 percent post-consumer recycled materials.
Samsung U28E590D 28-Inch 4k UHD LED-Lit Monitor
Features
- 28-inch screen size
- 1:78:1 aspect ratio
- 60 Hz refresh rate
This Samsung U28E590D 28-Inch UHD LED-Lit Monitor boasts beautiful 4K Ultra HD which will let you see everything that you watch, play, and read in amazing clarity and quality.
The brilliant UHD monitor has 64 times more color than conventional monitors which means that movies, games, and other content will look extremely realistic. What is more, the range of colors will help to ensure that you can experience a more accurate picture.
What is more, this Samsung U28E590D 28-Inch UHD LED-Lit Monitor boasts AMD FreeSync which enables the monitor to dynamically sync the screen refresh rate with the frame rate of the content that you are viewing in order to minimize input latency and reduce image tearing and stutter.
A great feature of this monitor is that you can connect multiple Ultra HD devices, like PCs and gaming consoles, as there are two HDMI inputs as well as one Display Port input on the back panel. Further to this, you can enjoy upgraded HDMI support with an upgraded HDMI (v2.0) that supports UHD resolutions at a 60Hz refresh rate, so 4K content plays smoothly without delay.
ASUS Designo MX27UC 27” Monitor 4K
Features
- 27-inch screen size
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 50 Hz refresh rate
Modern computer screens are less likely to cause eye damage than older screens, but for those with sensitive eyes, even regular monitors can be too much. That’s why consumers need monitors like the ASUS Designo MX27UC 27-inch Eye Care Monitor.
Although some of the other monitors here have settings that help to minimize flickering and other effects that can bother the eyes, none of them is designed specifically with eye care in mind. That’s one thing that helps to set this monitor apart.
The ASUS Eye Care technology in this monitor uses Rheinland-certified flicker-free backlighting. Filters reduce the blue light escaping from the screen, reducing the most damaging type of light from the monitor. Unlike other computer monitors, these features are automatic and don’t have to be toggled on.
Also, this 27-inch screen offers plenty of ports, including speaker ports, HDMI ports and USB Type-A and Type-C. The built-in speakers utilize Bang & Olufsen technology for superior sound, eliminating the need for external speakers for all but the most dedicated users.
Under $750
BenQ PD2700U 27 inch 4K Monitor
Features
- 27-inch screen size
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 60 Hz refresh rate
The BenQ PD2700U boasts Ultra HD which has 4 times greater resolution than Full HD to increase your productivity and help you to get the most out of your applications.
The monitor also boasts a 10-bit and 100% sRGB color rendering that will ensure that the monitor exceeds your expectations for richness, contrast, and visual dynamics.
The BenQ PD2700U Monitor boasts IPS (In-Plane Switching) Technology so that you can see accurate color and image reproduction from any angle that makes this monitor perfect for work and reviewing on-screen with multiple people in the room.
Further to this, the monitor boasts technology that prevents the harmful effects of flickering from tiring or damaging your eyes so that you can work for as long as you need to without feeling fatigued or sore in the eyes.
LG 43UD79-B Monitor
Features
- 43-inch screen size
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 60 Hz refresh rate
The 43UD79-B from LG offers stunning visuals and the latest, most advanced technologies to bring you one of the finest computer experiences possible. Thanks to its IPS (In-Plane-Switching) technology, this LG monitor can provide over 99% accurate sRGB colors, while also allowing for bolder colors and wider angles.
With 4 HDMI inputs, you can hook up multiple devices at once for better, more efficient work. The Screen Split feature with 14 different options is excellent if you have to multitask.
The monitor also has two Thunderbolt ports, making this an ideal monitor for Mac users as well. Two 10W speakers on either side of the monitor do their best to offer rich, thrilling sound. Because of the way the monitor curves and wraps around your vision, this offers exhilarating immersion in both video games and movies.
Dell U3417W FR3PK 34-Inch Screen Led-Lit Monitor
Features
- 34-inch screen size
- 21:9 aspect ratio
- 60 Hz refresh rate
The Dell U3417W FR3PK is another stunning 34-inch monitor, and it’s priced very competitively with the monitor above. Although it doesn’t share the same screen size as the LG, it offers the same resolution and image quality.
With a resolution of 3440 x 1440 and an aspect ratio of 21:9, you’ll be blown away with the stunning visual quality. With over 99% sRGB colour accuracy, your games, pictures and movies never looked better. Flicker-free and blue light filters can be activated to protect your eyes, and special multi-tasking features make it easier for you to take full advantage of your 34-inch screen.
Even better, the monitor has a split-screen feature that allows you to connect two separate desktops or laptops simultaneously, giving you new ways to multitask efficiently that you’ve only ever dreamed of before. To top it all off, dual 9W speakers are built into the monitor, letting you streamline your work area. All of these features combine to make a monitor well worth buying.
Under $1000
ASUS 32 ” 4K Ultra HD ProArt Professional Monitor
Features
- 32-inch screen size
- 1.78:1 aspect ratio
- 60 Hz refresh rate
This 32-inch 4K ProArt Professional Monitor from ASUS is almost as wide as a 34-inch monitor. And with a more traditional aspect ratio of 1.78:1, it is also compatible with the true 4K resolution for an unparalleled visual experience.
Like many ASUS monitors, the ProArt is designed with eye care in mind and is TUV-certified flicker-free. The stand is ergonomically designed and can be adjusted for maximum viewing comfort. When it comes to colour, the monitor is breathtaking. 100% accurate sRGB and Rec 709 colour support ensure the most lifelike colour experience you’ve ever seen.
Four USB ports on the side provide ample space for your flash drives, wireless mouse connections, phone chargers or any other accessories. And with a monitor refresh rate of 76Hz, you can enjoy the above-average performance as well. This is easily one of the best 4K monitors on the market.
Conclusion
As technology continues to progress, more and more monitors will be switching over to 4K resolution by default. Eventually, even video games will be programmed and developed in native 4K, hindering the playing experience of anyone using 1080p or 720p.
Eventually, high-definition and full-definition resolutions will become as obsolete as the 800×600 resolution that dominated PC games in the late ‘90s.
Don’t be left behind. The sooner you upgrade to a modern monitor the better. Thanks to the prevalence of UHD resolution monitors now; you don’t even have to pay that much to make the switch. There has never been a better time to upgrade to the modern era.
*All prices mentioned above are at the time of publishing.
