If you’re looking for the best 4K gaming monitor in 2024, you’re in the right place. The price of 4K gaming monitors has significantly dropped, making high-end gaming accessible to more people. Whether you’re searching for the best budget option, a 240 Hz refresh rate, or an OLED display, there are plenty of great monitors available. Here’s everything you need to know to buy the best 4K gaming monitor in 2024, along with specific product recommendations for every budget level.
PC and Console Requirements for 4K Gaming
For PC gamers, recent benchmarks like the Tech PowerUp RX 7900 GRE review show that you can get around 60 FPS at ultra settings in 4K with an RX 7800 XT or RTX 4070. For less demanding titles like Fortnite, Valorant, or CS2, this FPS goes up significantly. Upscaling technologies like DLSS and FSR help improve FPS without sacrificing too much visual quality. If you’re into esports titles and want to use a 240 Hz 4K gaming monitor, you’ll need to upgrade to at least an RTX 4070 Ti or AMD RX 7900 XT.
For console gamers, the PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X perform well in 4K. However, if you’re using an Xbox Series S, consider sticking to a 1440p gaming monitor for better results.
Pricing for 4K Gaming Monitors in 2024
Prices have fallen dramatically, with options ranging from $350 to over $1,500, depending on your requirements. The choice comes down to whether you want a traditional LCD monitor or an OLED monitor, the refresh rate, and the aspect ratio.
LCD vs. OLED for 4K Gaming
- LCD Panels (IPS/VA): Most common for gaming monitors. VA panels (curved) offer better contrast, while IPS panels (flat) provide superior color accuracy. LCDs are brighter and more affordable than OLEDs, handling motion fairly well.
- OLED Panels: More expensive but elevate the gaming experience with true deep blacks, nearly instantaneous response times, and incredible HDR. They do, however, have a small risk of burn-in with prolonged use in desktop applications.
Two types of OLED panels:
- QD-OLED: Slightly better and more expensive.
- W-OLED: A cheaper but still excellent option.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate determines how many frames per second (FPS) your monitor can display, measured in hertz (Hz). In 2024, most 4K gaming monitors range from 120 Hz to 240 Hz. For consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X, you’ll be capped at 120 Hz, so don’t overspend on a monitor with a higher refresh rate unless it’s for PC gaming.
Aspect Ratio and Monitor Size
Most mainstream 4K monitors come in a 16:9 aspect ratio. However, ultra-wide (21:9) and super ultra-wide (32:9) monitors are also available for a more immersive experience. Monitor sizes typically range from 27 inches to 32 inches, but there are larger options available for those seeking a more cinematic setup.
Recommended Cables for 4K Gaming
4K gaming requires proper cables to handle the increased bandwidth.
- For Consoles: HDMI 2.1 is a must for 4K at 120 Hz or higher.
- For PC Gamers: DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression (DSC) is recommended for 4K at 240 Hz.
AMD FreeSync vs. NVIDIA G-Sync
In 2024, both FreeSync and G-Sync have become compatible with most modern monitors. It doesn’t matter if you have an AMD or NVIDIA GPU; just ensure you’re using the correct cable (DisplayPort for PCs) to sync your GPU and monitor.
Top Recommendations for the Best 4K Gaming Monitors of 2024
- Best Budget 4K Gaming Monitors:
- MSI MAG 274UPF: Priced at $380, this is one of the most affordable 4K gaming monitors. It lacks a USB hub and KVM switch, but if you’re on a tight budget, this is a solid choice.
- Gigabyte M27U: Slightly more expensive at $399, this monitor offers additional features like a USB hub and KVM switches.
- Other Budget Alternatives:
- Gigabyte M28U: Similar to the M27U but in a 28-inch format, often found at the same price.
- LG UltraGear 27GR93U: Priced around $416, this monitor offers better performance and color tuning than the Gigabyte models.
- Acer Predator XB283K: This 28-inch model is slightly more expensive at $449 but provides excellent overall performance.
- Best 32-inch 4K Gaming Monitors:
- LG UltraGear 32-inch: At $519, this is an excellent value for those seeking a larger screen.
- Asus ROG XG32UQ: A great 32-inch option with a 165 Hz refresh rate, priced at $549.
- Best Budget 4K Gaming TVs:
- Hisense U7N 55-inch: At $799, this TV offers a 144 Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for 4K gaming.
- Best 240 Hz 4K Gaming Monitors:
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G8: A 32-inch 240 Hz monitor priced at $799, offering decent HDR for an LCD.
- Best OLED 4K Gaming Monitors:
- MSI MPG 321URX: At $949, this QD-OLED monitor is one of the best-priced OLED options in the market.
- Gigabyte FO32U: A personal favorite, priced at $999. It has great color accuracy and tuning.
- Alienware AW3225QF: A curved QD-OLED option with Dolby Vision for those who prefer an immersive experience, priced at $999.
Conclusion
2024 offers a wide range of fantastic 4K gaming monitors at different price points, from budget options to high-end OLED displays. As prices continue to drop, finding a monitor that fits your gaming and productivity needs is easier than ever. For the best deals, make sure to regularly check online listings.
