The Best 4K Gaming Monitor in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

In the world of gaming, having the right monitor can make all the difference between winning or losing your games. The best 4k gaming monitor combines the sharpest image with smooth performance, offering a more immersive gameplay that can give you the edge in competitive and casual gaming. As 4K monitors have become more popular recently, manufacturers have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, offering features like OLED technology, fast refresh rates, and advanced HDR capabilities.

Whether you’re a professional e-sports player, a content creator who plays games, or someone who is just looking for the best gaming experience, this guide will help you find the best 4k monitor for gaming that matches your needs.

How to Choose the Best 4K Gaming Monitor

Before looking into specific models, it’s important to understand what makes the 4K resolution so special. With 3840 x 2160 pixels in a panel, 4K resolution offers four times the detail of a standard 1080p display. This increase in pixel density is what makes 4K monitors produce sharper text and images, more detailed textures, and better visibility for distant objects in games.

Screen Size

Choosing monitors with different screen sizes has its own benefits. Larger screen sizes offer a more immersive gaming experience and can improve situational awareness. While screen sizes don’t directly affect your gaming performance, they can affect your gaming experience. The ideal screen size depends on your gaming setup and preference:

• 24-inch monitors are perfect for competitive gaming with limited desk space. 4K gaming monitors in this range offer the highest pixel density which offers sharper images. As monitors in this range are smaller, it is easier to view the entire screen without moving your head in this market, while there are only a few of the best 24-inch 4K monitors, there are still some great options.

• 27-inch monitors are considered by many gamers as the sweet spot for monitors. In this range, gamers consider it as a great balance between immersion and competitive gaming. At the same time, monitors in this market offer the best viewing distance for most desk setups.

• 32-inch monitors are the most ideal size for immersive gaming and content creation. As it offers the most screen real estate, these monitors are optimal for story-driven games as even the tiniest details can be more noticeable. And it’s perfect for content creators looking for the widest screen space for editing and productivity tasks.

Ultrawide monitors on the other hand might not be as popular for most FPS gamers but it’s the perfect size for simulation games and multitasking. Some of the more popular games being played with these monitors are racing games, flight simulators, and other immersive titles. While it may not support the aspect ratios for most games, it’s still a great alternative to having a multiple monitor setup.

Screen Panel Type

For daily users or just casual gamers, you might not notice much of a difference between panel types. However, different panel types and panel technologies may offer a better gaming experience for some. The factors can range from color reproduction, refresh rate, and response times, which affect the overall gaming experience.

• OLED panels have been popular because they offer the best color reproduction and have the perfect blacks and the best contrast. Aside from that, OLED panels are known to have the fastest response times and the most outstanding HDR performance. However, OLED panels are prone to burn-in with static images. Some of the best 4K OLED gaming monitors come from Samsung and similar brands.

• IPS panels offer the best color accuracy for budget monitor options. Considered by many to be consistent with their performance, many gamers choose these panels for their wide viewing angles, making them perfect for FPS games. However, some IPS panels may glow in dark scenes.

• TN panels on the other hand offer the fastest response times among LCD panels. These panels are also common in budget-friendly monitors. But because of that, it offers limited viewing angles and offers less color reproduction.

• VA panels are the best in offering great contrast ratios among LCD panels making it produce deeper blacks compared to other monitors. However, these panels can produce the most motion blur and screen tearing in fast scenes. It’s a good middle-ground option for many gamers starting with a small budget.

• QLED panels are less common but it offers enhanced brightness and color volume than OLED panels. It also offers the best HDR performance and has fewer burn-in risks. But, these monitors can come at a premium price point.

Screen Form

Over the years, as screen technologies have improved, we have seen new screen forms from the usual flat-type monitors. Curved screens offer better viewing angles and can be better for gaming in general.

Response Time

A monitor’s response time can affect the overall viewing experience. Image clarity, responsiveness, and display coherence are some of the factors that a better response time monitor can offer to gamers. The usual response time that is perfect for gamers would be around 5ms, but 1ms is considered ideal.

Best 4K Gaming Monitor Overall

Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SD S32DG80) - $1,299

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 is considered to be the pinnacle of gaming monitor technology in 2024. Its OLED panel delivers perfect blacks and great image contrast, while the 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time ensure smooth motion in fast-paced images. The Neural Quantum Processor technology from Samsung also helps upscale lower-resolution content, ensuring crisp images.

If you have been wondering what is the best 4K monitor for gaming, this 4K monitor for gaming is perfect for competitive gamers who need the best performance out of a monitor. At the same time, because of its perfect color reproduction, it is great for content creators. And because it supports HDR True Black 400, it is a good option for watching movies and the casual user. All of these reasons make it the best 4K gaming monitor 2024.

Specifications

• Screen Size: 32-inch

• Panel Type: OLED

• Screen Form: Flat

• Response Time: 0.03ms

• Refresh Rate: 240Hz

• Resolution: 3840 x 2160

• HDR: HDR True Black 400

• VRR: G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro

Best OLED Gaming Monitor

LG 32GS95UE - $1,199

LG's latest OLED gaming monitor brings professional-grade features to the gaming world. The dual-mode feature allows users to switch between full 4K resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate and 1080p mode with a 480Hz refresh rate, perfect for different gaming scenarios. The OLED panel provides incredible image quality with perfect blacks and vibrant colors.

Because of its Dual Mode feature, it can easily change between Full HD and UHD. Making it a perfect choice for casual gamers who need the most performance, and it can be achieved by lowering the resolution. At the same time, it is perfect for content creators looking for a high-quality and modern display.

Specifications

• Screen Size: 32-inch

• Panel Type: OLED

• Screen Form: Flat

• Response Time: 0.03ms

• Refresh Rate: 240Hz

• Resolution: 3840 x 2160

• HDR: HDR10

• VRR: G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro

Best Budget 4K Gaming Monitor

ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q - $239

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q proves that high-quality 4K gaming doesn't have to break the bank. This monitor delivers excellent image quality with its IPS panel, providing sharp visuals and good color accuracy. The TUF Gaming brand's durability ensures longevity, while gaming-specific features like GamePlus and GameVisual enhance the gaming experience without a premium price tag.

If you are starting on a low budget, this monitor is the perfect entry point into 4K gaming. It also offers excellent value for content consumption and is a solid choice for casual gamers. However, if you are into content creation, this can also be a great choice for productivity.

Specifications

• Screen Size: 28-inch

• Panel Type: IPS

• Screen Form: Flat

• Response Time: 5ms

• Refresh Rate: 60Hz

• Resolution: 3840 x 2160

• HDR: HDR10

• VRR: FreeSync Premium

Best 4K Curved Gaming Monitor

Dell Alienware AW3225QF - $1,199

The Alienware AW3225QF combines the immersive benefits of a curved display with cutting-edge QD-OLED technology. The 1800R curve radius provides an optimal viewing experience, while the quantum dot enhancement delivers exceptional color volume and brightness. The monitor's high refresh rate and quick response time make it perfect for both competitive and cinematic gaming experiences.

If you’re into simulation games like driving simulators, or flight simulators or planning to build a sim rig for racing games, this is the perfect monitor. With great colors, it can also be a great choice for video editors, benefiting from the wide screen size offering more screen real estate. This monitor is considered to be the best 4K curved gaming monitor.

Specifications

• Screen Size: 32-inch

• Panel Type: QD-OLED

• Screen Form: Curved (1800R)

• Response Time: 0.1ms

• Refresh Rate: 240Hz

• Resolution: 3840 x 2160

• HDR: HDR True Black 400

• VRR: G-Sync Ultimate

Best 4K Gaming Monitor for Artists

XPPen Artist Pro 24 (Gen 2) 4K - $1299

The new XPPen Artist Pro 24 (Gen 2) 4K is a unique hybrid device that excels both as a professional drawing tablet and a gaming monitor. Its exceptional color accuracy and 4K resolution make it perfect for digital artists who also enjoy gaming. The X-Color Master technology, developed in partnership with Calman, ensures professional-grade color precision that benefits both creative work and gaming visuals.

With dual functionality as a drawing tablet and a gaming monitor, this can be the perfect monitor for content creators, graphic designers, and other creatives. With professional-grade color accuracy, you can enjoy playing your games in the best colors and watching movies with the best experience.

Specifications

• Screen Size: 24-inch

• Panel Type: IPS

• Screen Form: Flat

• Response Time: 6ms

• Refresh Rate: 60Hz

• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)

• Color Rating: 99% sRGB (Delta E<1), 99% Adobe RGB, 98% DCI-P3

• Brightness: 300 nits

• Stylus Support: X3 Pro Series

• Touch: Multi-touch support

What is the Best 4k Monitor for Gaming?

If you are looking for the best 4K monitor for gaming, the market for it is a bit crowded. But, don’t worry because there are many great options to answer your question on what is the best 4K monitor for gaming.

Whether you're a competitive gamer needing lightning-fast response times, an artist requiring color accuracy, or someone looking for the best value, there's a perfect monitor waiting for you. If you are creative and looking for an all-in-one monitor, the XPPen Artist Pro (Gen 2) 4K is the perfect choice. Consider your primary use case, budget, and desired features to make the best choice for your setup.

Take your gaming to the next level by choosing from our carefully curated selection of the best 4K gaming monitor 2024.