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There are plenty of benefits to getting a 4k monitor, like its increased text clarity and image sharpness compared to monitors with a lower resolution. Luckily, you can find 4k monitors for different uses and at different price points, with most being good enough for many people. Of course, there's no perfect solution for everyone, but knowing how you'll use the monitor is a good place to start. We've helped you narrow down those options with some of the best choices below.
If you're looking for a high-end 4k monitor with a ton of features, then look no further than the 32-inch Dell U3223QE. While it comes with a premium price tag, it also comes with premium features that make it versatile for different uses, like if you need it for anything from basic office work to editing your favourite photos. It comes with a massive USB hub that includes five USB-A ports and three USB-C ports; this is more ports than most other monitors on the market.
This makes it easy to connect different devices, like if you need to hook up your work and personal laptops, and you can even plug in your mice and keyboard directly into the monitor. Besides that, this model is ideal for content creators because it displays a wide range of accurate colours, so combined with its high resolution, images look life-like and realistic.
If a 32-inch screen is too big for you, there are some options you can get with smaller 27-inch screens. Size is a personal preference, but with a smaller screen, you won't have to drag your mouse as much to move it across the entire screen, and something smaller is also beneficial if you have limited desk space. The ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV is a great option as a 27-inch, 4k monitor.
It offers many premium features, and while it has a smaller USB hub, you still get three USB-A ports and two USB-C ports to connect your devices easily. It even has different picture modes available for various colour spaces that you may work with, which is ideal if you're editing your latest photos or videos.
Premium 4k monitors can get costly, so if you're on a tighter budget, look into the Dell S3221QS instead. It's different because it doesn't have as many extra perks as other monitors, which is what you have to expect for a low-cost display. However, it still provides all the benefits of a 4k monitor, like sharp text clarity, and its 32-inch display makes it easy to open multiple windows at the same time.
This monitor is ideal if you sit directly in front of it because it has a slightly curved screen to bring the edges closer to you. However, it's not as good for sharing your screen with someone next to you because of this, and it also has limited ergonomics, making it difficult to adjust to an ideal position.
Some 4k monitors are designed for specific uses, and while the monitors above are great, they aren't meant for some uses. If you want to sit back and watch your favourite content, the Samsung Smart Monitor M7/M70C S32CM70 is a unique 4k monitor with a built-in smart platform. Of course, you can get any other 4k monitor and stream content with your computer, but this is an easy plug-and-watch option.
It comes with Samsung's Tizen smart platform—the same one that their TVs have—and a remote that helps you navigate the menu. It comes with all your favourite streaming apps built in too. Besides that, it still has extra features that are helpful for other uses, like a USB-C port if you want to connect your laptop to find out which movie to watch next.
If you want a 4k monitor for gaming, the type of monitor you need differs from one you would get for general office work. The market for 4k gaming monitors is continuously growing, and these tend to include gaming-oriented features. The LG 27GR93U-B is an excellent option that you can use for both PC and console gaming. This is because it has HDMI 2.1 bandwidth that lets you use the latest gaming technology to play 4k games at high refresh rates for a smooth and fluid experience.
It has a 144Hz refresh rate and a fast response time, resulting in minimal motion blur with fast-moving objects. It also has low input lag for a responsive feel, so you won't notice any delay in reaction-based games. It doesn't have as many extra productivity features as some other monitors, but this is the trade-off for getting something dedicated for gaming.
With so many 4k monitors to choose from, it can be difficult to get the best options for your needs. Luckily, there isn't one perfect 4k monitor for everyone, and there are options at different price points, so you'll likely find what you need. With that in mind, most 4k monitors are good enough for most people, and you'll only need extra features for specific uses, like gaming.
Written by Nicholas Di Giovanni, RTINGS.com
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.