Best 4K monitors: HDR, gaming, budget, and best overall
4K resolution is now within reach of everyday PC users, promising a massive improvement to image quality, with four times the pixels of a 1080p display. A 4K monitor is useful not only in games and movies but also when editing documents or browsing web pages. The extra pixels make text look clear and crisp.
Thatโs all well and good, but which 4K monitor you choose will most likely be based on a variety of factors beyond just pixel count. Thatโs where this article comes in. After thorough testing, weโve determined that these are the best 4K monitors covering a variety of budgets, use cases, and feature sets.
Why you should trust PCWorld for monitor reviews and buying advice: PCWorld prides itself on PC hardware experience and expertise. Weโve been covering PCs since the 1980s, and we now review dozens of monitors every year. All of our recommendations have been personally tested and vetted by our expert reviewers, whoโve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards.
Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE โ Best 4K monitor
Pros
Functional, professional design
Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, Ethernet, and 140 watts of Power Delivery
New generation of IPS Black boosts contrast ratio
Excellent sharpness from 31.5-inch 4K panel
120Hz refresh rate with VRR
Cons
Contrast ratio is good for an IPS panel, but still behind VA and OLED panels
HDR brightness is decent, but contrast remains limited
Doesnโt have speakers
Best Prices Today:
Who should buy the Dell U3225QE?
Anyone who wants a well-rounded 4K monitor at the center of a home office will be well served by the U3225QE. This is a sharp 31.5-inch 4K IPS Black panel with excellent color accuracy and an above-average contrast ratio for a productivity monitor. The 120Hz refresh rate enhances responsiveness, making tasks like scrolling through documents and multitasking smoother. The ergonomic stand provides height, tilt,…