Most consumers want a high-definition TV to watch, so why not have a high-definition monitor, too? A 4K monitor showcases a 4,000-pixel image with ultra-high definition. Images are clear and precise, creating a digital heaven for anyone using a PC for work or gaming. The LG 27UK850-W is the perfect example of that, and that’s why it’s our top pick.
But don’t worry if you aren’t sure which monitor to put your money on. Our roundup of the best 4K monitors for 2020 should help you make the right choice.
At a glance
LG 27UK850-W
Why you should buy this: The monitor offers the best 4K features for the price.
Who it’s for: Those looking for a midsize 4K monitor with excellent image quality right out of the box.
Why we picked the LG 27UK850-W:
This excellent 4K display from LG has everything. The underlying IPS panel offers a 3,840 x 2,160 resolution and HDR10 compatibility and supports 99% of the sRGB color gamut for the very best results if you’re concerned about detail and image quality. There’s also FreeSync technology, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for those with compatible AMD GPUs, or even some Nvidia GPUs.
Plenty of on-screen controls make for easy access to adjust volume, brightness, split-screen features, gaming modes, and more. The design includes a sturdy base and means to tilt, pivot, and adjust the height as needed for your space.
We really like that the LG 27UK850-W has a USB-C port for the latest connections and accessories. HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB 3.2 ports are also included, making for a versatile collection of connectivity options.
Acer Predator XB3
Why you should buy this: Acer’s Predator family offers great gaming features, and this 4K model is just icing on the cake.
Who it’s for: Gamers who need that high resolution, but aren’t interested in an ultrawide screen.
Why we picked the Acer Predator XB3:
Looking for a top 4K gaming monitor? Acer’s Predator series is always a good bet, and this 27-inch XB3 model is truly impressive, sporting G-Sync, HDR, and a refresh rate that can reach 144Hz with the right setup (overclocked DisplayPort connection).
If you don’t need an ultrawide, it’s a gamer’s dream, and there are plenty of adjustment options for both positioning, color, and brightness. Our tests found that the XB3 performed amazingly well when it came to the HDR-enabled brightness and color accuracy.
The biggest downside to the Acer Predator XB3 is that the menu controls, which use a joystick and collection of buttons, are a bit difficult to reach and use without some practice.
Dell Ultrasharp U2720Q
Why you should buy this: It’s a solid Dell monitor that adds some extra features so you can get the most out of your 4K experience.
Who it’s for: Those with a bit more to spend on a monitor and want a screen that can do everything.
Why we picked the Dell Ultrasharp U2720Q:
Dell offers a fantastic, reliable 4K monitor with the U2720Q. If you are looking for a monitor that’s ready for any kind of placement or pairing, this is one of your best bets: It offers fantastic 4K clarity with HDR popped into a sensibly large 27-inch panel, built on IPS technology for excellent color clarity and near-180-degree viewing angles. It features a natural contrast ratio of 1,300:1 for deep blacks and stark whites, and spans 99% of the sRGB color gamut.
Although not designed with gaming in mind, the 5ms response time is more than fast enough for most gamers and its 60Hz refresh rate means that games can display at decent frame rates. It’s not a patch on 144Hz+ panels, but a minority of rigs can even put out more than 60 FPS at 1440p, let alone 4K.
The Dell Ultrasharp U2720Q is all packaged within a Dell InfinityEdge frame, delivering a near-borderless experience with incredibly thin bezels. The lightweight display supports adjustments by height, pivot, swivel, and tilting, and is an excellent pick for a multi-monitor setup. Connections include DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB-C.
BenQ PD3200U
Why you should buy this: BenQ’s 4K monitor has incredible color accuracy and extra screen space.
Who it’s for: Artists and those who use their monitors for at-home entertainment.
Why we picked the BenQ PD3200U:
If you like (or don’t mind) your 4K monitor having a relatively chunky design, the 32-inch BenQ PD3200U is well worth recommending. With near-perfect color accuracy, it’s a great 4K display for professionals while still offering a snappy 4ms response time for gaming. With a broad 178-degree viewing angle you can get a great picture no matter where you sit — which makes it a viable option for collaborative work of watching movies with friends.
As much as the chunky design may be a put off for some, the BenQ PD3200U‘s substantial frame isn’t weak or overly flexible. That lends it a sturdy build quality that you don’t always find at this competitive price point.
LG34WK95-U
Why you should buy this: This ultrawide has plenty of screen real estate to really make those pixels count.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a larger screen for work or games but still prefers an ultra HD experience.
Why we picked the LG34WK95-U:
There are many reasons to buy the LG34WK95-U, especially if you are most ambitious at your desk and spend a generous amount of time in front of a screen. The ultrawide design and crisp clarity of Ultra HD resolution alone are reasons enough.
Whether you are a professional or a gamer, as long as you require the clearest display with exceptional detail and need a lot of room on your monitor, this model is for you.
In case our other suggestions in this guide don’t have the storage capacity for your work or gaming requirements, definitely consider the LG34WK95-U. This computer monitor will work exceptionally well for anyone, especially if you’re in any design or graphics field. The picture will come across so full, bright, and clear. The LG34WK95-U is a 5K monitor with a boost in pixels to 5,120 x 2,160 resolution. It’s optimal for super-detailed designs or artwork.
The LG34WK95-U monitor features “Nano IPS” tech, which is at least one reason for the stellar visual quality. It enhances color accuracy and has a 60Hz refresh rate with a 5ms response time.
Finally — if the stunning picture didn’t convince you — the LG34WK95-U also has a wide range of different port options. This monitor has a DisplayPort connector, a Thunderbolt 3, two HDMI, USB-C, in addition to USB-A upstream and downstream. We have to note that this monitor is large. You will need a significant amount of desk space to house it.
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UQ
Why you should buy this: This gaming monitor offers UHD resolution without skimping too much on other important specs.
Who it’s for: Gamers who are invested in the details.
Why we picked ASUS ROG Strix XG27UQ:
Different gamers have different priorities: If your priority is an ultra-high definition so you can enjoy every drifting leaf and sputtering torch, then you’ll need a monitor with the resolution to match: This 27-inch ROG Strix comes with a 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution for its IPS panel, and offers both a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, so it can still handle more twitchy gameplay without leaving you at a disadvantage.
The monitor also comes with impressive specs like 90% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, support for both Adaptive Sync and G-Sync, and support for DisplayHDR 400 to give compatible games a visual boost. There’s even “aura sync” for the RGB features to synchronize lighting across peripherals and color setups you may already have.
Connections for the ROG Strix XG27UQ include two HDMI 2.0 ports and two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, so there are also plenty of options for multiple video connections depending on the setup you have in mind. Asus’s blue light and flicker filters are included here, too, so long sessions at a high resolution shouldn’t cause as much strain.
Dell 27 P2721Q
Why you should buy this: Dell’s professional monitor is perfect for active workplaces.
Who it’s for: Designers, editors, and artists who need an office hub.
Why we picked Dell 27 P2721Q:
Dell’s 27-inch monitor is notable for its solid design, made specifically for the modern workplace, especially active offices where people are frequently switching between laptop and desktop or similar situations where a high-resolution, USB-C monitor is an important asset — no matter what it’s connected to.
In addition to the 4K resolution, Dell’s 27 P2721Q offers reduced flicker and blue light filter options so lengthy work sessions don’t become too painful for your eyes. There’s also interesting display tech here like an auto-restore feature for quickly resuming work on visual projects, asset management reports for IT troubleshooting, and support for shortcut keys so you can switch between visual profiles based on the projects you want. You can even choose from 28 different preset window partitions for multitasking, or personalize up to five different window sections as you see fit. In addition to USB-C, the monitor also includes HDMI and DisplayPort connections.
Editors’ Recommendations