What to look for when you want to get the best 4K monitor?
First, you need to find something that doesn’t weigh heavily on your pocket. At the same time, you need to make sure that it has fantastic picture quality.
A balance which is pretty rare to get, right?
Fortunately, the LG 27UK650-W 27-Inch offers exactly that. Not only does it have an insane response time – which is the time pixels take to change from black to white – but its contrast ratio will also complement the best PC games that you play.
And the best part about it? You won’t have to rob a bank to pay its asking price.
The Best 4K Monitors – Comparison Table
Dell Ultra HD P2715Q | BenQ PD2700U | Philips Momentum 436M6VBPAB | ASUS MG28UQ 4K | Dell P2415Q | |
Preview | |||||
Weight | 16.7 lbs | 16.96 lbs | 32.36 lbs | 23.3 lbs | 12.4 lbs |
Screen Size | 27-inch | 27-inch | 43-inch | 28-inch | 24-inch |
Display Resolution (pixels) | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
Mount type | Wall Mount | Wall Mount | VESA compatible | Wall Mount | Wall Mount |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
More Info | Check it on Amazon | Check it on Amazon | Check it on Amazon | Check in on Amazon | Check it on Amazon |
Acer Predator X27 | LG 27UK650-W 27 Inch | Philips BDM4350UC | HP 2TB68A8 Z27 | ViewSonic XG2700 | |
Preview | |||||
Weight | 27.06 lbs | 13.7 lbs | 20.7 lbs | 13.69 lbs | 23.6 lbs |
Screen Size | 27-inch | 27-inch | 43-inch | 27-inch | 27-inch |
Display Resolution (pixels) | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
Mount type | Wall Mount | Wall Mount | Wall Mount | Wall Mount | Wall Mount |
Refresh Rate | 144 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
More Info | Check it on Amazon | Check it on Amazon | Check it on Amazon | Check it on Amazon | Check it on Amazon |
Provided someone asks you to put together a wish-list of features you’d want in a 4k monitor, the most you could come up with is the Acer Predator X27. That’s how good this monitor is.
Features:
Protected by the anti-glare hood – which shields the screen from surrounding light – the 27’’ screen provides a mouth-watering resolution of 3840 x 2160. Throw into the mix its maximum refresh rate of 144Hz and a response time of 5ms, and you could see why this 4k monitor is astronomically expensive.
Furthermore, provided you view it in a well-lit room, the display gives off a very good HDR quality with its color volume being better than most (if not all) monitors in this review. You can also view gradients nearly perfectly without any banding whatsoever.
Once you’ve stopped gushing about its display, look around to enamor you with its controls. It offers a dynamic lighting setup, up to 4.7’’ of height adjustment and plus/minus 30* of swivel adjustment. You also get a handle at the shaft’s top to easily carry the monitor.
While its physical control is limited to four buttons, there is also a mini-joystick control mechanism beneath them. Both of them let you select from the three gaming modes: Sports, Action, and Racing, as well as select from the given list of picture modes.
Via its onscreen display (OSD) menu system, you can adjust its brightness, change input source, adjust control and enable/disable the Dark Boost mode, with the latter mode bringing clarity in dimly/poorly lit scenes.
Pros:
- 4k UHD resolution
- Glare-reducing hood
- Excellent display and contrast ratio
- Provides height, swivel and tilt contro
Cons:
- Pricey
Final Verdict:
Ignore its price tag for a second – a feat which is easier said than done considering that it’s terribly expensive– and you won’t get any 4k monitor boosting as many features as the Acer Predator X27.
Thanks to its wide viewing angles, an above-part gradient handling, and stunning peak brightness, the LG 27UK650-W 27 Inch is one of the best monitors that we’ve tested.
Features:
Starting with a glance over its design, the LG 27UK650-W 27 has a dual-stage border design which and allows you to adjust its height, swivel, tilt, and pivot for comfort. Also, since its matte black front is complemented by a white back, this product is suitable for any design studio.
In terms of connectivity suite, the LG W27 won’t leave you wanting for more. It includes a DisplayPort 1.2, a single 3.5mm audio passthrough jack and two HDMI 2.0 slots for viewing videos. Provided you can afford to pay a bit more, you’ll also get a USB-C in the package.
Gamers would find it good to know that this model allows them to simultaneously connect up to two 4k HDR consoles and a gaming PC. Also making sure that you’ve no problems for streaming content and HDR is the fact that all the ports are HDCP 2.2 and HDR compliant.
As for its display, the 27-inch IPS panel provides a 3840 x 2160 resolution, an excellent response time and a flicker-free backlight. And while the serious gamers among you might find its 60 Hz refresh rate underwhelming, the LG W27 makes up for this shortcoming by supporting FreeSync.
Pros:
- Has an excellent resolution
- Extremely low input lag
- Wide viewing angles
- Supports HDR
Cons:
- A mere 60 Hz refresh rate
Final Verdict:
The LG 27UK650 W27 is one of the most balanced 4K monitors out there. True, it doesn’t offer anything which you can term as jaw-dropping. Yet, take its price tag into account, and you’d know that most users would find little wrong with this 4k monitor.
The best way to gauge how much a manufacturer trusts its product is to check the latter’s replacement warranty. Apply this criterion here – and since this product comes with a 4-year warranty – you’d realize that Philips means business with this 4k monitor.
Features:
As you might have seen by now, a feature which separates the Philips BDM4350UC from other models in this review is its massive 43-inch display. Add to this its 10-bit IPS panel, and this monitor becomes a great all-purpose option.
Additionally, as far as connectivity options are concerned, you won’t find anything wrong with this model. It includes fast charging, two Display Ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, four USB 3.0 ports and single audio in/out the connection. The model also comes with Philips very own dual 7-watt speakers.
Allowing its viewers to make the full use of the 43-inch display of this model is its MultiView feature, using which you can split the screen into four separate Full HD displays. Then there’s the picture-in-picture mode for those of you looking for extra ways to use the space.
Fortunately, to make sure that you get a proper view regardless of which side you’re watching it from, Philips has provided this model with a 178-degree viewing angle. Equally impressive is the refresh rate of this model which allows it to give a smoother on-screen image.
Pros:
- Excellent refresh rate
- Decent sRGB gamut range
- Offers great value for money
- Wide viewing angle
Cons:
- Port placement is poor
Final Verdict:
The Philips Brilliance BDM4350UC is a whopping 43-inch monitor which allows you to make full use of the space provided. Ignore its poor port placement – since it isn’t a deal-breaker for the majority – and what you’d get is a 4k monitor that offers the best value for your money.
People who want something to complement their laptops often complain that when it comes to 4k monitors, they can’t find a suitable model. If you have a similar complaint, you’re in dreamland with the HP Z27.
Features:
What is it that makes this monitor the best for any laptop? For starters, you can charge your laptop from the USB-C connection of this model. That’s right; the same connection which the model uses to display videos will get your laptop up and running.
The fact that this model comes with thin bezels provides it with two benefits. First, thin bezels make sure that the screen appears large that it actually is, which is never a bad thing. Second, they make sure that the monitor consumes less space than its similar-sized counterparts.
Compare it with other models in this review, and you’d note that the 8ms response time of this model is unrivaled. Equally impressive is its 178-degree viewing angle and its flicker-free LED backlight means it won’t put a strain on your eyes either.
Furthermore, to make sure that the customer stays on the safe side, HP provides this model with its exclusive Zero Bright Dot guarantee. Provided even one sub-pixel fails to do its job, you can claim this warranty to have the screen replaced.
Pros:
- Charge laptop from its USB-c port
- Thin bezels make the screen appear larger
- Comes with a dead-pixel policy
Cons:
- Question marks on the provided USB-c cable
Final Verdict:
The HP Z27 models are one of those 4k monitors which offer a perfect mix of a competitive price and above-average display. Add to this its laptop-related functionality, and this model sure becomes a must-have.
Prefer resolution over the rate of frames-per-second? Want to get a monitor which complements an AMD GPU-containing PC? If your answer to both these questions is in the affirmative, the ViewSonic XG2700-4K might prove to be a great buy.
Features:
The design of the ViewSonic XG2700-4K comes across as a double-edged sword.
On one end, the deep bezels on the panel as well as the cheap-looking plastic stand ensure that this TV won’t get any marks for its beauty. On the other, since they allow it to rotate, tilt, and make its height adjustable, the same features make the 4k monitor all the more practical.
Scaling is one aspect of this feature which upholds its reputation. Apart from working well with all of the features of Windows – graphics, text, and icons look sharp – most of the 3rd party apps we used in our testing were comfortable with the scaling options, which means there won’t be any blurriness.
The connectivity options provided by this model leave little to desire. It provides a cable-tidying loop, three HDMI 2.0 ports, four USB 3.0 ports, a bevy of display outputs, a DisplayPort jack, an audio jack, and a mini-DisplayPort plug.
Finally, what makes this 4k monitor the best for gaming is its AMD FreeSync. To make sure that your game runs smoothly, this technology coordinates the output of your graphics card with the monitor’s refresh rate. Such synchronization allows the games to run without tearing or juddering.
Pros:
- AMD FreeSync
- Plenty of connectivity options
- UHD picture quality
- Ergonomic stand
Cons:
- Has no speakers
Final Verdict:
With its AMD FreeSync technology, four screen modes and loads of customization options, the ViewSonic XG2700-4K is undoubtedly one of the best 4k gaming monitors out there.
Despite being one of the first manufacturers to hop on the 4k monitor train, Dell was unable to make the most of its monitors. Today, though, models like the Dell Ultra HD P2715Q have brought it back in the game.
Features:
Simple yet sensible. These three words immediately come to mind when one juxtaposes the design of this model with its functionality. The absence of any unnecessary frills on its slim panel, the presence of chunky buttons that look ready to handle abuse and an ergonomic stand makes it crystal clear that this monitor means business.
Adjustability is another strong part of the P2715Q. You can adjust its height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. And while it offers enough resistance when encountering bumps, you won’t find any difficulty when moving it with your free hand. The VESA compatibility of the model means you can turn to a third-party stand if the one provided in the package fails to impress you.
Turn it around, and you’d see a full bevy of connections are on offer. They include a DisplayPort-out (to let you daisy chain the monitor), a DisplayPort and a Mini-DisplayPort for picture-in-picture. Four USB 3.0 ports, a speaker-line out and HDMI are included in the package.
Also, while it doesn’t provide a lot of adjustabilities – you can only change contrast sharpness, brightness and RGB values – the on-screen menu is easy to use. There are no vague icons as everything is labeled to let you do exactly what you want to do.
Still, despite all the other bells and whistles that are on offer, it is the P2715Q’s display which makes it special. Its IPS panel provides strong color, deep blacks, and a wide viewing angle. Add to the equation the 163ppi sharpness, and what you get is a guaranteed formula for a brilliant viewing experience.
Pros:
- Will withstand loads of abuse
- Convenient on-screen menu
- Beautiful picture quality
- Extremely adjustable
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide a lot of adjustability options
Final Verdict:
Despite the fact that this monitor came on the market all those years ago – 5, to be precise – it continues to put its high-priced successors to shame. Simply put, you can’t find a better one if sturdiness is what you want from your 4k monitor.
With their sights set on content creators and serious computing, BenQ has come up with a model whose high-quality IPS panel, tight pixel pitch, and an above-average contrast ratio makes it a whizz-bang product. Will it meet your requirements? Let’s find out.
Features:
After some purely sizzling looks? Then look elsewhere. The BenQ PD2700U is designed to be an underrated operator. Its low-key branding and the boring black plastic color won’t make it famous. Yet, if it is build quality that you’re after, then this model offers a perfect match.
From the screen stand – which isn’t only sturdy but also offers a wide range of adjustment – to the matte black finish – which helps prevents dust and smudges from building up – and the stand assembly whose metal inserts allow it to ensure stability, this model’s build oozes durability.
One feature of this model which creators will surely find useful is its I/O layout.
Its main video slots include HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, Mini DP 1.4 and DP 1.4 for daisy chaining. The last port is undoubtedly the most useful as it allows for multi-monitor setups. All the USB 3.0 slots support KVM switching capabilities to allow you to control two PCS with one PD2700U.
Lastly, its 27’’ IPS panel offers 3840 x 2160 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and a 5ms response time. Throw into the mix the tighter pixel pitch which all 4k screens provide, and what you get is a display which is sharp and crisp.
Though you cannot use it for gaming because handling motion isn’t one of the best features of this model.
Pros:
- Sharp, crisp image
- Support for HDR 10
- USB 3.0 port offers KVM switching
Cons:
- Not good for gaming
Final Verdict:
If you’re a budget shopper who wants something that offers the best value for their money, the PD2700U ticks all the right boxes for durability, color accuracy, and connectivity options. As long as you don’t use it for gaming, you won’t have any qualms about this model.
4k Monitor or TV? That’s the first question you’d have on seeing the Philips Momentum 436M6VBPAB display. Yet, the absence of a tuner in its features-list makes the purpose of this monitor crystal clear.
Features:
Since it sits somewhere between a TV and a monitor, the monitor is bulky enough to give you no nightmares about its stability. Two feet are placed on at either end of its display and it is shallow enough for you to push it right against the wall.
Philips has provided this model with all the ports you expect in a monitor, though the inclusion of USB-C port is a welcome addition. This port lets you charge your smartphone, tablet or laptop and outputs audio/video as well, and you can perform all these tasks with a single cable.
Want to dive into its menu? You can either do it with the included remote or via the recessed joystick provided on the monitor’s rear panel. The interface is user-friendly and all icons are underlined with useful descriptions to make the whole menu easy to navigate.
Finally, while we won’t recommend this monitor for photographers and content creators – its display isn’t that good – the fact that it has an HDR 1000-certified panel makes the display more than adequate for a normal viewer. Also, since a semi-matte coating envelops the panel, it won’t give off any harsh deflections while providing vivid colors.
Pros:
- Sturdy
- HDR 1000-certified panel
- USB-C connection
- Excellent display and contrast ratio
- Provides height, swivel and tilt control
Cons:
- Has only single HDMI port
Final Verdict:
The Philips Momentum 436M6VBPAB is an ideal monitor for an average living room, though content creators, gamers and designers could opt for better options than this.
The ASUS MG28UQ 4K belongs to that ever-growing category of monitors which aims to target the community of video gamers. And the best part about it? It doesn’t demand a king’s ransom in exchange for giving you a great 4k experience.
Features:
For starters, while you won’t find anything eye-catching about its display, you won’t have any doubts about its solidity, either. The design provides a good range of adjustability and the positioning of menu control buttons makes them easy to reach.
Added to the back of this display is a 5-way joystick control which makes it easier for you to navigate through the OSD of this model, especially when you compare it with button-controlled menus which some other monitors provide.
Since we’re talking about the OSD, it would be a disservice not to appreciate the calibration performance of this model, which is downright superb. Almost all the settings can be tweaked from here and you can also make software adjustments to reduce eye strain and get better gaming experience.
GamePlus is yet another feature of this model which deserves our attention. Included in all ASUS gaming monitors, it provides hotkeys which allow you to activate a Timer, FPS Counter, Display alignment, among other useful features. Though it won’t let you use more than one feature at one time.
Lastly, in case you are wondering, the reason why we didn’t tag this model as the best for gaming has to do with its display. For instance, it doesn’t offer AMD FreeSync – a feature which you get from the ViewSonic XG2700, which is undoubtedly the best 4k gaming monitor out there.
Pros:
- Value for money
- Has ASUS GamePlus
- Software adjustments to reduce eye strain
- Lots of tweaking options
Cons:
- Some users have reported problems of having dead pixels
Final Verdict:
If you are a hardcore gaming enthusiast and willing to spend what it takes to land the best 4k gaming monitor, the ASUS MG28UQ 4K isn’t for you. However, if you want above-average gaming experience at a relatively modest price then this model might offer something to you.
Some of us have a problem that we don’t have enough desk space for a 27-inch monitor. Yet, we want a 4k screen which provides a great viewing experience. Are you encountering the same problem? Then get Dell’s P2415Q.
Features:
Take it out of the box, and you won’t have any complaints about its stand. It allows you to easily angle the screen forward or back (tilt), gives you the freedom to slide it up or down (height adjustment) and you can also pivot the screen if you prefer a portrait view.
Fortunately, all the ports of the P2415Q are easy to access. You can use the Display Port 1.2 and Mini Display Port 1.2 to increase its refresh rate to 60Hz. Or, if you are satisfied with the 30Hz refresh rate which is standard, check out the Display Port 1.1 and HDMI port.
Since this monitor has IPS technology running on its back, some users have complained that they observed the light bleeding issue, which occurs when LCD screens pass additional light. ON the flip side, the presence of an anti-glare coating means it won’t strain your eyes.
Lastly, this model provides 8 preset modes, which include Custom Color, Cool, Warm, Paper, Multimedia, Standard and Movie. All these modes provide a vibrant color display without any lag and the frequency of the colors is also pleasing on the eyes.
Pros:
- Has an ergonomic stand
- Excellent refresh rates
- Anti-glare coating
Cons:
- Not that good in a dark room
Final Verdict:
The Dell P2415Q belongs to that rare-breed of 4k monitors which offer a UHD AH-IPS panel at a reasonable price. Though its speed is on the lower side – especially if you talk about gamers – the high-resolution level of its display will please all but the most eccentric buyer.
Conclusion
Whether you came here looking for the best 4k monitor on the market – in which case you need the Acer Predator X 27. Or if your wish was to get something more affordable – which means LG 27UK650-W 27-Inch might suit you – this article has got you covered.