Achieving 4K resolution has become accessible for typical computer users, offering a significant boost in visual sharpness through four times the pixels compared to 1080p screens. Such displays enhance not just gaming and video playback but also routine activities like document preparation and online navigation, resulting in sharper, more defined text.
Selection of a 4K display often depends on elements extending past mere resolution, including cost, intended applications, and included capabilities. This guide, based on extensive evaluations, highlights top options across different price ranges and scenarios.
PCWorld earns confidence in display evaluations and purchase guidance through decades of hardware knowledge. Established in the 1980s, the outlet assesses numerous screens annually, with all suggestions undergoing hands-on examination by specialists using both technical metrics and practical usability criteria.
For a versatile 4K option ideal for home office setups, the Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE excels as a 31.5-inch IPS Black panel providing precise colors and superior contrast for work-focused viewing. Its 120Hz refresh supports fluid interactions during scrolling and multi-tasking. The adjustable stand allows for height, tilt, swivel, and rotation to portrait orientation, while the matte surface minimizes reflections in diverse lighting.
Beyond its impressive visuals, the U3225QE simplifies setups with robust ports, including Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C offering 140W charging for laptops, plus HDMI, DisplayPort, and a secondary DisplayPort for linking additional screens. It incorporates a 2.5Gbps Ethernet for reliable networking, uncommon in displays, alongside six USB-A ports, a retractable hub with USB-C and USB-A quick-connects, and KVM capabilities for toggling between two computers effortlessly.
Although it omits integrated audio and delivers modest HDR, the U3225QE's connectivity and panel excellence position it as a prime workspace centerpiece for demanding users.
A compact alternative comes in the Dell Ultrasharp U2725QE, featuring a comparable 4K IPS Black screen and Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C options.
Budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable performance will appreciate the Dell S2722QC, frequently available below its $380 list price, combining 4K clarity and USB-C features usually seen in pricier units.
The 27-inch IPS screen produces detailed images with 296 nits peak brightness, fitting various environments, and offers sufficient color fidelity for daily tasks, media consumption, and casual play. It includes a USB-C connection with 65W power delivery for device charging, two USB-A slots for accessories, and a stable stand supporting height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments.
To maintain affordability, the S2722QC trades off on contrast, potentially making visuals appear washed out in games or films, favoring office use over entertainment spaces. Nonetheless, premium 4K gaming screens command higher costs.
Overall, the S2722QC provides strong value through its resolution, port options, and low cost, ideal for sharp office visuals without excess spending.
Creative professionals entering 4K on a sub-$500 budget should consider the Asus ProArt PA279CV, a 27-inch model with strong color precision, elevated brightness, and solid IPS contrast.
It adds USB-C with 65W power delivery for laptop charging, though the hub is basic with limited USB-A ports.
Gaming isn't its forte, but it includes adaptive sync for AMD and Nvidia GPUs to eliminate tearing and ensure fluid gameplay at 60Hz.
The MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED tops lists for gamers desiring a 240Hz refresh and advanced OLED technology in a 26.5-inch 4K format.
This panel combines exceptional detail with seamless motion, surpassing earlier 60Hz 4K OLEDs while retaining OLED's rich blacks and vivid hues, plus adaptive sync for consistent pacing.
Beyond gaming, the QD-OLED suits content creators and HDR viewing with its contrast and accuracy. Ports encompass HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1a, USB-C with 98W delivery, and the stand offers full adjustments despite a simple aesthetic.
At $1,099.99, it exceeds 1440p OLED pricing under $800, but justifies the cost for 4K and 240Hz enthusiasts.
For mobile creators prioritizing superior visuals, the Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED in 16-inch form leads with 275 pixels per inch density—far above a 27-inch 4K's 163—delivering vibrant, precise colors and profound blacks ideal for work and leisure.
Its HDR exceeds portable rivals, enhancing movie sessions. A rear flip-out kickstand provides better stability than typical foldable designs, with dual USB-C and mini-HDMI for connections.
Drawbacks include a fragile cover, cumbersome menu, and bulky adapter, but these pale against its pro-level portability and quality.
In compact living areas like apartments or dorms, a 32-inch 4K screen such as the Samsung M8 Smart Monitor serves dual roles as PC display and TV equivalent, integrating Tizen OS for streaming services via remote.
As a computer monitor, it switches inputs easily for attached devices, boasting keen sharpness, strong contrast, ample brightness, and appealing colors.
Available in colorful stands and bezels, it includes a removable webcam, USB-C with 65W delivery, Bluetooth 4.2, and Wi-Fi 5.
Photographers and print specialists will value the BenQ SW272U's 27-inch 4K setup at 60Hz with a textured panel simulating paper, paired with a durable frame, adjustable stand, and light-hood for glare control.
Ports cover HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and an SD reader, lacking Thunderbolt but offering intuitive controls via joystick or remote for fine-tuning color, temperature, and gamma.
Image excellence shines in gamut coverage and accuracy, rivaled only by elite OLEDs, with high density mimicking print quality, though contrast limits entertainment appeal—fitting its niche.
Priced near $1,500, it's steep for 27 inches but valuable for print-preview needs.
Gamers pursuing smooth 4K play should eye the Dell G3223Q, a 32-inch 144Hz model with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (and unofficial Nvidia G-Sync) for tear-free, steady frames.
Rear HDMI 2.1 ports accommodate PS5 and Xbox Series X at max specs, with DisplayPort for PCs.
Visuals impress with vibrant colors, bright output, decent contrast, and precise 4K detail, all at competitive pricing without skimping on quality.
For ultimate HDR in gaming and media, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX employs Mini-LED with 1,152 zones for superior contrast, pinpoint brightness, and sustained high luminance.
This yields detailed highlights, solid blacks, and rich colors, matching top TVs and surpassing typical HDR displays in a 4K 144Hz G-Sync Ultimate package. HDMI 2.1 absence is offset by 4K 120Hz on Xbox via HDMI 2.0 subsampling.
Expect a $3,000 investment for this premium.
Elite professionals demand the Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC, elevating 4K with an OLED panel's infinite contrast, broad gamut, and pinpoint accuracy via RGB layout avoiding fringing in QD-OLED rivals.
Presets cover sRGB, DCI-P3, Rec. 709, AdobeRGB, with calibration tools including an integrated colorimeter.
Rugged build with handle, thick bezels, VESA compatibility, and fold-out legs suit studio or field use.
At $3,000, it underprices rivals like LG UltraFine 32EP950 or Apple Pro Display XDR, ideal for diverse creation with top color fidelity.
Programmers benefit from the BenQ RD280U's 28-inch 3:2 aspect 3840x2560 panel, matching 27-inch 4K density for legible small text and reduced strain, plus extra vertical space over standard 2160p height.
IPS ensures consistent colors and angles, matte anti-glare, plus MoonHalo lighting and auto night mode for comfort.
USB-C with 90W delivery and DisplayPort mode acts as a dock.
At $599.99, it exceeds standard 27-inch 4K costs but offers unique coding aids unavailable elsewhere.
Other notable picks include the 37-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 G75F for value-packed 4K LCD; Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG with 4K/165Hz or 1080p/330Hz modes; Dell Pro 27 Plus emphasizing USB-C expansion; Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP's 4K 240Hz OLED with 1080p 480Hz option; Samsung Odyssey OLED G8's versatile 4K 240Hz with smart features; MSI Modern MD272UPSW's affordable Google TV integration; Alienware AW2725Q's budget 27-inch 4K 240Hz QD-OLED; HP Omen Transcend 32's connected 4K OLED with strong SDR; and Acer Predator X32 X3's accessible 4K OLED with 90W USB-C.
Evaluations employ the Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra for metrics on contrast, brightness, blacks, gamut, accuracy, and gamma, enabling comparisons.
Subjective assessments cover initial visuals across content types, features, menus, ergonomics, and construction.
Consult PCWorld's detailed testing methodology for further insights.
Matthew S. Smith, a 15-year veteran in tech reviews including displays, contributes to PCWorld alongside Wired, Digital Trends, Reviewed, and Lifewire.
4K units cost more yet include extras like advanced ports and panels absent in lower-res options. Key considerations include: USB-C for laptop integration with charging and video; most at 60Hz, higher rates needing HDMI 2.1 or DP 1.4; HDR often basic, seeking VESA DisplayHDR 1000 or True Black for quality (see HDR PC guide). The Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE impresses with its IPS Black accuracy, 120Hz, connectivity, stand, and coating. Dell S2722QC provides affordable 4K, USB-C, HDR, speakers.
HDMI 2.1 matters for PS5/Xbox at 4K 120Hz, as consoles lack other outputs; for PCs, DisplayPort suffices for superior specs.
Post-2015 systems typically handle 4K; verify via graphics card guide and specs.
4K gaming requires robust GPUs like Nvidia RTX 3070 or AMD RX 6800 for 60fps in new titles.
Scaling resolves past text issues on high-DPI screens, with modern OS and apps adapting well, rare in legacy software.
Matthew S. Smith brings 15 years of consumer tech expertise to PCWorld, plus Wired, Ars Technica, Digital Trends, Reviewed, IGN, Lifewire; he explores AI, metaverse for IEEE Spectrum, and hosts Computer Gaming Yesterday on YouTube.