Buying Guide
The Best 120Hz 4K Monitors
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the Samsung M70H has the largest screen size; the CUNPU 4K is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
120Hz is the line where motion starts to look noticeably smoother for this kind of setup. Every monitor here refreshes at 120Hz or more and is 4K, ordered from the lowest price.
The order reflects refresh rate, resolution and size from maker specifications; a missing panel is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz
A lower price than the S2725QS and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
Dell S2725QS
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Largest Screen Size
Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini LED Smart TV
The largest screen size here (43 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini LED Smart TV (opens in a new tab)
FreeSync Adaptive Sync
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved
A freeSync.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync.
Our take Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A
4K at 120Hz for consoles over HDMI at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the S2725QS and the rest when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for Dell S2725QS (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (43 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini LED Smart TV (opens in a new tab) |
| A freeSync. | Buyers who want a freeSync. | Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved (opens in a new tab) |
| 4K at 120Hz for consoles over HDMI at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
CUNPU's 27-inch 4K screen runs at 160Hz with an HDMI 2.1 input and 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when screen size of 27 inches, behind the Samsung M70H (43 inches is a problem.
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 4K high-refresh monitors here. It matches the CRUA 32 4K and the VG27UQ1A on refresh rate (160Hz). On screen size it ties with the S2725QS and the VG27UQ1A at 27 inches.
Like the VG27UQ1A, it has a fast IPS panel, while the S2725QS uses an IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers an HDR400; compare the Samsung M70H, which has a mini LED HDR. No other pick in this guide offers a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the S2725QS, which has a 99% sRGB color gamut.
It also offers 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles, a factory calibration of Delta E under 2 and 4K at a budget price tier. It undercut the S2725QS and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: screen size of 27 inches, behind the Samsung M70H (43 inches). If that matters, the Samsung M70H comes in at 43 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Screen size of 27 inches, behind the Samsung M70H (43 inches)
IPS Panel2 of 5
Dell S2725QS on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The S2725QS runs 4K at 120Hz on a 27-inch IPS panel with FreeSync Premium.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the CUNPU 4K, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
That refresh rate makes it the best all-rounder among cheap 4K screens. It matches the Samsung M70H on refresh rate (120Hz). On screen size it ties with the CUNPU 4K and the VG27UQ1A at 27 inches.
It is the only pick here with a 99% sRGB color gamut; the CUNPU 4K has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut instead. A FreeSync Premium is unique to it among these picks, while the CRUA 32 4K uses a FreeSync. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. Its price falls between the CUNPU 4K and the Samsung M70H, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size3 of 5
Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini LED Smart TV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's M70H is a 43-inch 4K Mini LED TV with a 120Hz mode through Motion Xcelerator.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the CUNPU 4K offers 160Hz.
Why we like it
Its gaming hub covers consoles and cloud services. It matches the S2725QS on refresh rate (120Hz). On screen size it leads this guide at 43 inches, ahead of the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches).
It is the only pick here with a mini LED HDR; the CUNPU 4K has an HDR400 instead. You also get Samsung TV Plus channels. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy.
Its price falls between the S2725QS and the CRUA 32 4K, based on our last check. If refresh rate is your priority, the CUNPU 4K (160Hz) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 43 inches
- HDR: Mini LED HDR
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- Motion Xcelerator with DLG 120Hz
- Gaming hub for consoles and cloud services
- Samsung TV Plus channels
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the CUNPU 4K (160Hz)
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
FreeSync Adaptive Sync4 of 5
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
CRUA's 32-inch 4K screen curves at 1500R and runs at 160Hz with built-in speakers.
Best for
- Buyers who want a freeSync.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the CUNPU 4K, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The maker specifies an HDMI 2.1 input. On refresh rate it ties with the CUNPU 4K and the VG27UQ1A at 160Hz. Its 32 inches screen size ranks second of 5 here, behind the Samsung M70H (43 inches) and ahead of the VG27UQ1A (27 inches).
A 120% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the S2725QS uses a 99% sRGB color gamut. No other pick in this guide offers a FreeSync; compare the S2725QS, which has a FreeSync Premium. Reaching 160Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. When we checked, only the Samsung M70H and cheaper picks cost less, and the VG27UQ1A cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Color gamut: 120% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- 120% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG27UQ1A brings TUF to 4K at 160Hz with 95% DCI-P3 coverage and a three-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the Samsung M70H offers 43 inches.
Why we like it
It needs a strong graphics card to use its refresh rate at 4K. On refresh rate it ties with the CUNPU 4K and the CRUA 32 4K at 160Hz. It matches the CUNPU 4K and the S2725QS on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a fast IPS panel with the CUNPU 4K; the S2725QS goes with an IPS panel. You get a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut here, which sets it apart from the CRUA 32 4K and its a 120% sRGB color gamut. Reaching 160Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K.
Only the CRUA 32 4K came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on screen size, where the Samsung M70H comes in at 43 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Screen size trails the Samsung M70H (43 inches)
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
How We Chose These 120Hz 4K Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the CUNPU 4K to the VG27UQ1A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Samsung M70H and the CRUA 32 4K give no panel; the S2725QS, the Samsung M70H and the CRUA 32 4K give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CUNPU 4K ($150 to $250) to the VG27UQ1A ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a 120Hz 4K Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 120Hz on the Samsung M70H to 160Hz on the CUNPU 4K. Start with the CUNPU 4K if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 27 inches on the VG27UQ1A to 43 inches on the Samsung M70H. The Samsung M70H is the pick for screen size.
Extras that separate them
The Samsung M70H: a gaming hub for consoles and cloud services. The CRUA 32 4K: built-in speakers. The VG27UQ1A: a 3-year warranty with advance replacement.
Budget
$150 to $250 buys the CUNPU 4K; $250 to $500 buys the S2725QS, the Samsung M70H, the CRUA 32 4K and the VG27UQ1A at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Spending as little as possible: the CUNPU 4K. Buyers who want an IPS panel: the S2725QS. Buyers who put screen size first: the Samsung M70H.
How to Choose a 120Hz 4K Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | CUNPU 4K | A lower price than the S2725QS and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | S2725QS | An IPS panel |
| Buyers who put screen size first | Samsung M70H | The largest screen size here (43 inches) |
| Buyers who want a freeSync | CRUA 32 4K | A freeSync |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | VG27UQ1A | 4K at 120Hz for consoles over HDMI at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The CUNPU 4K leads on refresh rate at 160Hz, ahead of the CRUA 32 4K at 160Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNPU 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| S2725QS | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| Samsung M70H | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 43 inches | Not listed |
| CRUA 32 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | Not listed |
| VG27UQ1A | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The CUNPU 4K was the lowest-priced pick and the VG27UQ1A the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | CUNPU 4K |
| About $250 to $500 | S2725QS, Samsung M70H, CRUA 32 4K, VG27UQ1A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest screen size: the Samsung M70H or the CRUA 32 4K?
The Samsung M70H leads at 43 inches, with the CRUA 32 4K at 32 inches. The VG27UQ1A is at the other end of this group with 27 inches.
Why is the Samsung M70H our Largest Screen Size pick?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (43 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the CUNPU 4K and the S2725QS differ on panel?
The CUNPU 4K and the VG27UQ1A use Fast IPS; the S2725QS uses IPS. The makers of the Samsung M70H and the CRUA 32 4K don't say.
What extras do the CUNPU 4K and the S2725QS include?
The CUNPU 4K: 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles. The S2725QS: a 120Hz refresh rate at 4K. The Samsung M70H: Motion Xcelerator with DLG 120Hz.
Who should choose the S2725QS?
The S2725QS carries our IPS Panel label for an IPS panel. It ranks second of 5 here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the CUNPU 4K, chosen for a lower price than the S2725QS and the rest when we checked. Look at the S2725QS for an IPS panel, the Samsung M70H for the largest screen size here (43 inches) and the CRUA 32 4K for a freeSync if those matter more to you.
Set the refresh rate in Windows display settings; many screens start at 60Hz.