Best 4K monitors 2023: top displays for gaming, editing and more

Get the best 4K monitor for both work and play with budgets of all shapes and monitors of all sizes

Best 4K monitors 2023
(Image credit: HP)

The best 4K monitors deliver impressively crisp imagery and great sound. Whether you want a monitor for work, gaming or entertainment, we've got the very best options in this guide for you. 

Having a 4K monitor can transform your working days if you're a creative, and give you a more efficient and effortless experience. But, it's not just for those who enjoy super rich colours and super-fast response times at work. 4K monitors are the standard these days, and you can upgrade your screen time on a reasonable budget these days. 

This list features all the specs so you can compare which one is right for you. And while many of these monitors are great for gaming, if you want to really invest in your experience then check out the best gaming monitors for our top picks that are going to deliver all-round when playing all your favourite games. 

Best 4K monitors 2023 

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LG 27GP950-B

(Image credit: Future)

1. LG 27GP950-B

The best premium 4K monitor with fast-refresh rate

Specifications

Screen size: 27-inch
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
Brightness: 400 cd/m²
Response time: 1ms
Contrast ratio: 700:1
Color support: 1.07b

Reasons to buy

+
Customisable lighting
+
Fast refresh (144Hz)
+
Good port selection

Reasons to avoid

-
No integrated speakers
-
Doesn't rotate on its base

If you're looking for a 27-inch 4K gaming monitor then you can't do much better than the LG 27GP950-B. It comes with a stunning list of top-end specs – such as HDMI 2.1 and a 144Hz refresh rate, so it's ideal for gamers – which adds up to a screen experience that's simply one of the best you can buy.

There really aren't many negatives to talk about at all. The local dimming isn't always flawless, and we do wish there was some rotation built into the base, but again we can live without that. Just minor quibbles really. 

Read our full LG 27GP950-B gaming monitor review to find out all the details about this superb 4K monitor.

DellT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Dell)
The best 4K monitor for most people

Specifications

Screen size: 27-inch
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
Brightness: 400 cd/m²
Response time: 8ms
Contrast ratio: 2000:1
Color support: 1.07b

Reasons to buy

+
Lots of USB port and other in/outputs
+
Excellent image quality from the bright, clear 4K panel

Reasons to avoid

-
No support for faster gaming refresh rates
-
No built-in speakers

The Dell Ultrasharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor U2723QE (to give its full and rather extensive name!) is the "do-it-all 4K monitor". It combines an excellent 27-inch panel with the features of a USB-C hub, so is ideal for acting as a laptop screen whilst providing it with power.

Missing, however, are features like the faster Thunderbolt connection standard and speakers. And if you're a serious gamer then you might be better off with a faster refresh rate option, as it's 60Hz here, but that's fine for most users.

Read our Dell Ultrasharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor U2723QE review for a full overview on this 4K monitor. 

Acer CB282K

(Image credit: Acer)

3. ACER CB282K

The best budget 4K monitor

Specifications

Screen size: 28-inch
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
Brightness: 300 cd/m²
Response time: 4ms
Contrast ratio: 1000:1
Color support: 1.07b

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable price point
+
Plenty of input options

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most vibrant
-
No USB-C

The Acer CB282K offers great picture quality at an affordable price. It's not as bright as some, though, and there's also no USB-C (instead HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 for connections). But that'll be just fine for most users who want that extra screen real-estate and resolution. 

We also think it hits the sweet spot in terms of size, at 28-inch, meaning it's big enough to display games and videos well, but not so big that it dominates any room. It's a mighty fine option for those who don't want to spend too much.

Read our full Acer CB282K review to learn more about this 4K monitor.

Samsung M8 Smart Monitor

(Image credit: Future)

4. SAMSUNG M8 SMART MONITOR

Best 4K monitor for entertainment

Specifications

Screen size: 32-inch
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
Brightness: 400 cd/m²
Response time: 4ms
Contrast ratio: 3,000:1
Color suppor: 1b max

Reasons to buy

+
Like a smart TV
+
Built-in speakers

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited port selection

This 4K monitor has a different take: called a  'Smart Monitor with Streaming TV' by Samsung, the M8 comes with a camera included and lots of smart features like built-in apps. So not only do you get a great picture, it's a bit like having a smart TV rather than straightforward monitor. 

As a result, however, you'll need the space for it because it's large, and there aren't as many ports here as with some of the competition. Not that you need the volume: with USB-C you can power a laptop from the screen, keeping everything neat and tidy. 

If you're thinking about buying a 32-inch 4K monitor then be sure to read our full Samsung M8 review

samsung odyssey g7

(Image credit: Samsung)

5. SAMSUNG ODYSSEY NEO G7

The best 4K monitor with added smarts

Specifications

Screen size: 43-inch
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
Brightness (typical): 400 nits
Response time: 1 ms (MPRT)
Contrast ratio: 4,250:1
Colour support: 1 billion

Reasons to buy

+
Great picture for gaming
+
Extra smart TV options
+
Plenty of port choices
+
REASONS TO AVOID

Reasons to avoid

-
Not much positional adjustment

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 comes from a long line of impressive Samsung monitors under the Odyssey umbrella, and while it's primarily aimed at gamers, this is a screen that works very well for other tasks too. No matter what you hook the Odyssey Neo G7 up to, it'll perform well.

You don't actually have to hook it up to anything though: the monitor comes with its own on-board software and selection of streaming apps, powered by Samsung's own Tizen OS. You can quite easily stream movies, music and more to this screen independently of having a console or computer connected.

In terms of the raw specs, the 144Hz maximum refresh rate, the Mini-LED tech, the support for DisplayHDR 600 technology, and the compatibility with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro are some of the reasons this is an appealing device. As it's Samsung it's well built, and it's priced quite reasonably too.

HUAWEI MateView 28.20” Curved Monitor

(Image credit: Argos)

6. HUAWEI MATEVIEW

The best 4K monitor for home office work

Specifications

Screen size: 28.2-inches
Aspect ratio: 3:2
Resolution: 3840 x 2560
Brightness: 500 cd/m²
Contrast ratio: 1,200:1
Color support: 1.07b

Reasons to buy

+
Large screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio
+
Plenty of ways to connect
+
Smart Bar touch controls 

Reasons to avoid

-
It doesn't swivel or rotate
-
Limited display settings

If you’re keen to make sure your office fulfils a modern, minimalist aesthetic then the Huawei MateView 4K monitor will fit right in. This 28.2inch screen is a 3:2 aspect ratio, not ultra-wide like many of the 16:9 panels in this guide. That makes it great for work. 

It's also paired with some seriously clever features like wireless projection from your Windows PC or Huawei smartphone, as well as touch controls using the Smart Bar on the underside of the frame. You’ll also get plenty of choices when it comes to wired connectivity, including a USB-C port with 65W charging. 

One downside is that you don’t get loads of display settings, but creators will love its depth of colour and accuracy, while those using it for more writing-based tasks will enjoy the 3:2 aspect ratio. The whole thing feels sleek and easy to use. 

Get the full details in our Huawei MateView review on the site. 

phlips brilliance 329p1h blackT3 Awards 2021 winner badge

Want a 4K monitor for office work? Then the Philips Brilliance 329P1H is a top choice.

(Image credit: Philips)
A professional 4K monitor that puts work first

Specifications

Range: P Line
Size: 32-inch
Resoluion: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)
Panel type: IPS
Backlight type: W-LED
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Brightness: 350 cd/m²
PPI: 140
Contrast ratio: 1000:1
Viewing angles: 178º (H)/178º (V)

Reasons to buy

+
Integrated HD webcam
+
USB-C with 90W power
+
Highly adjustable stand

"If you are in the market for a 4K monitor that is intended primarily for work instead of play, the Philips Brilliance 329P1H is a solid option. It has an accurate IPS panel, a highly adjustable stand, and an integrated HD webcam with support for Windows Hello." – T3's Philips Brilliance 329P1H review

As we note in our full Philips Brilliance 329P1H review, this is a great 4K monitor for professionals, delivering a 32-inch Ultra HD IPS panel with integrated webcam, Windows Hello integration, and USB-C connectivity.

The screen itself is very accurate and it comes with highly adjustable stand, too, meaning it can be easily adjusted to all desks and preferences. That integrated webcam is no token afterthought, either, delivering Full HD 1080p video recording.

In terms of ports it delivers a brace of HDMI 2.0 and a Thunderbolt 1.4. Adjustability sits at 180mm of height adjustment, with the display gliding smoothly up and down, plus 90 degrees of pivot, 180 degrees of swivel and tilting from -5 to +25 degrees.

The Windows Hello integration is really nice as it allows for the automatic logging into Windows 10 using facial recognition, while the really weighty foot of the stand means it is really hard to tip or knock over the panel, too.

There's no HDR on this panel, and you don't get any gamer-focussed high refresh rates either, but if you want a 4K monitor for work, general use and streaming video content, the Philips Brilliance 329P1H is a great choice.

We're pleased to announce that the Philips Brilliance 329P1H has won T3's Best 4K Monitor award at the T3 Awards 2021, so if you're potentially interested in this monitor, we suggest reading up on why the judges thought it was so good.

dell ultrasharp u4320q black

(Image credit: Dell)
The best 4K monitor with a big screen

Specifications

Screen size: 42.5 inches
Resolution: 4K 3840 x 2160
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Contrast ratio: 1000:1
Inputs : HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, USB 3.1

Reasons to buy

+
Large, crisp display
+
Dell Display Manager gives lots of control
+
You view content from four PCs at once

Reasons to avoid

-
Fiddly buttons
-
Too big for most
-
Hard to access ports

"It may not be the right choice for everyone, but if you’re after a large screen and you have enough space on your desk for it, the Dell UltraSharp U4320Q is a 4K monitor with impressive performance. It’ll give you precision, accurate colours and plenty of ways to connect to it, including via USB-C." – T3's Dell UltraSharp U4320Q review

If you are on the hunt for a large 4K monitor to boost productivity and to display multiple computers or windows at once, the Dell UltraSharp U4320Q is definitely worth adding to your shortlist. Perfect for those who manage large spreadsheets or who need it for more creative tasks like video editing, it's crisp, bright and precise.

At 42.5inches, this isn't a monitor for the faint-hearted, you'll need a lot of desk space for it as it will need to be placed far back for you to make the most of it. Dell claims that it's the first monitor of this size that is fully height adjustable, you can also tilt and swivel it to suit your needs. 

What's more is that it has plenty of ways to connect, including USB-C which charges your laptop while displaying it.  Plus with the Dell Display Manager software, you can have full control over the layout and display settings without needing to fiddle around with the buttons on the monitor. 

BenQ EW3280UT3 Award

(Image credit: Future)
A superb all-around 4K display with something for everyone

Specifications

Screen size: 32 inches
Viewing angle: 178°(H)/178°(V)
Resolution: 3840x2160
Contrast ratio: 1000:1
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Response time: 5ms

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent picture and HDRi
+
Integrated speakers and a remote
+
Comes with USB-C connectivity

Reasons to avoid

-
Not a particularly exciting design
-
Refresh rate tops out at 60Hz

"From the 4K resolution and HDRi, to the stereo sound and the USB-C charging, the BenQ EW2380U is a great all-rounder that can wear many different hats. While there isn't one stand-out feature to point to in particular, its versatility is part of the monitor's appeal." – T3's BenQ EW3280U review

We wouldn't say the BenQ EW3280U is the best monitor in any one particular area, but what it does do is offer something for creatives, gamers, casual users and professionals for a very reasonable price – it's perfect if you want your 4K display to wear a lot of different hats through the week.

The HDRi that is on board the BenQ EW3280U isn't technically an officially recognized HDR standard – rather it's BenQ's take on the same technology – but it does the job of keeping both light and dark areas of the screen in view. There's minimal ghosting, and the high resolution looks bright, vivid and sharp whether you're looking at a game or a movie.

And a word about the sound too: with speakers on either side and on the back, you get audio that's a cut above what you might expect for something at this size and at this price. Coming from BenQ, you are of course also getting the reliability and the solid build quality that the manufacturer is known for.

Best 4K monitors 2023 Buying Advice

How to choose the best 4K monitor

It's really important to do your research when choosing the best 4K monitor for you. From refresh rates to adaptive-sync capabilities, be sure you know exactly what these features are and whether they'll influence your decision before you make it. A little research goes a long way when investing in new tech.

To this end, below our list of top 4K monitors we've included some advice that should help you narrow down and determine what UHD screens you should be looking for, and ensure you land a panel that you'll be impressed with.

The natural successor to 1080p screens and televisions is of course 4K, which is also marketed as Ultra HD (UHD). There are four times as many pixels, which means four times as much detail.

Movies look good at 1080p, but in 4K the picture really gets to that breathtaking level – and as long as your PC can handle the processing demands, playing games on a 4K display is an amazing experience, too.

When choosing a monitor, you need to take into consideration factors such as color gamut and response time, the latter being a reflection on how good the panel will be for gaming (the faster the better). 

You also – naturally – need to work out which panel size you need. 27-inch displays are the sweet spot for us, although you can get some excellent deals on larger displays, too. 

Who makes the best 4K monitors?

There are loads of quality 4K monitor makers in business today producing panels at both the budget and premium ends of the market. Naturally, certain manufacturers tend to lean toward different pricing brackets, but almost all will offer something for most usage cases.

The best 4K monitor makers, from T3's experience of reviewing and ranking 4K monitors are:

  • Samsung 
  • Dell 
  • Philips 
  • Acer 
  • HP 
  • BenQ 
  • LG

These makers have shown T3 with stylish panels, excellent build quality and advanced panel tech and features that in almost all circumstances when they introduce a new Ultra HD monitor then it's going to be a good one.

If you're looking for a monitor specifically for the MacBook Pro, we also have a dedicated guide to the best monitors for MacBook Pro that provides even more options.

Remember, if you're looking to upgrade your home office then T3 has a range of buying guides that can help you identify the right products for you. For example, our best mesh network guide can help you improve your connectivity, while our best office chairs guide can improve your comfort. For faster computing speeds, too, consider purchasing one of the best SSDs on the market.

Robert Jones

Rob has been writing about computing, gaming, mobile, home entertainment technology, toys (specifically Lego and board games), smart home and more for over 15 years. As the editor of PC Gamer, and former Deputy Editor for T3.com, you can find Rob's work in magazines, bookazines and online, as well as on podcasts and videos, too. Outside of his work Rob is passionate about motorbikes, skiing/snowboarding and team sports, with football and cricket his two favourites. 

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