Buying Guide
The Best 120Hz 4K Monitors with HDMI 2.1
Five monitors compared, from the CUNPU 4K to the 32GS95UE, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 120Hz panel only pays off when your GPU can hold frame rates near that figure. Every monitor here refreshes at 120Hz or more, is 4K and has HDMI 2.1, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by refresh rate, resolution and size, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips panel, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
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 CRUA 32 4K 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)
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)
Also Consider
MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED
An HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED
Up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
Best for: Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
LG UltraGear 32GS95UE OLED
A dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 32GS95UE OLED (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the CRUA 32 4K and the rest when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz (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) |
| An HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz. | Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz. | Check price for MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| Up to 1000 nits peak brightness. | Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness. | Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for LG UltraGear 32GS95UE OLED (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
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the CRUA 32 4K offers 32 inches.
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 4K high-refresh monitors here. On refresh rate it ties with the CRUA 32 4K at 160Hz. Its 27 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the CRUA 32 4K leads at 32 inches.
You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the MPG 321URXW and its a QD-OLED panel. You get an HDR400 here, which sets it apart from the 32GS95UE and its a DisplayHDR True Black 400. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the MPG 321URXW; the CRUA 32 4K goes with a 120% sRGB color gamut.
It also comes with 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles, a factory calibration of Delta E under 2 and 4K at a budget price tier. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the CRUA 32 4K the next step up.
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 trails the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches)
FreeSync Adaptive Sync2 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
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MPG 321URXW offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
The maker specifies an HDMI 2.1 input. It matches the CUNPU 4K on refresh rate (160Hz). On screen size it ties with the MAG 321UP and the 32GS95UE at 32 inches.
It is the only pick here with a 120% sRGB color gamut; the CUNPU 4K has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut instead. A FreeSync is unique to it among these picks, while the 32GS95UE uses a FreeSync Premium Pro. 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.
Its price falls between the CUNPU 4K and the MAG 321UP, based on our last check. If refresh rate is your priority, the MPG 321URXW (240Hz) is the stronger choice.
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
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 321URXW (240Hz)
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MSI MAG 321UP is a 32-inch QD-OLED that stops at 165Hz, which keeps its price below the 240Hz models.
Best for
- Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its HDMI 2.1 port carries full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz from a console or PC. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 165Hz: the MPG 321URXW offers 240Hz, and the CRUA 32 4K comes in at 160Hz. It matches the CRUA 32 4K and the 32GS95UE on screen size (32 inches).
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 321URXW; the 32GS95UE goes with an OLED panel. Like the 32GS95UE, it has a FreeSync Premium Pro, while the CRUA 32 4K uses a FreeSync. You also get an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles.
Reaching 165Hz 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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. When we checked, only the CRUA 32 4K and cheaper picks cost less, and the MPG 321URXW cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG 321URXW is a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the 32-inch step up from the 272URX. It matches the 32GS95UE on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 31.5 inches: the CRUA 32 4K comes in at 32 inches, and the CUNPU 4K comes in at 27 inches.
Like the MAG 321UP, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the CUNPU 4K uses a fast IPS panel. Like the 32GS95UE, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the CUNPU 4K uses an HDR400. Like the CUNPU 4K, it has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the CRUA 32 4K uses a 120% sRGB color gamut.
It also offers up to 1000 nits peak brightness, a white finish and an HDMI 2.1 input. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper MAG 321UP and the pricier 32GS95UE, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
LG UltraGear 32GS95UE OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LG's 32GS95UE is a 32-inch 4K OLED at 240Hz with FreeSync Premium Pro.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It is the most expensive 4K OLED here at the time of writing. It matches the MPG 321URXW on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the CRUA 32 4K and the MAG 321UP at 32 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers an OLED panel; compare the CUNPU 4K, which has a fast IPS panel. Like the MPG 321URXW, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the CUNPU 4K uses an HDR400. It shares a FreeSync Premium Pro with the MAG 321UP; the CRUA 32 4K goes with a FreeSync.
It also offers a dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz and an HDMI 2.1 input. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the MPG 321URXW and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
How We Chose These 120Hz 4K Monitors with HDMI 2.1
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the CUNPU 4K to the 32GS95UE, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The CRUA 32 4K gives no panel; the CRUA 32 4K gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CUNPU 4K ($150 to $250) to the 32GS95UE ($1000 to $1500).
What to Look for in a 120Hz 4K Monitor with HDMI 2.1
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 160Hz on the CRUA 32 4K to 240Hz on the MPG 321URXW. The MPG 321URXW is the pick for refresh rate.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 27 inches on the CUNPU 4K to 32 inches on the CRUA 32 4K. Start with the CRUA 32 4K if screen size decides it.
Response
The CUNPU 4K lists 1ms; the MAG 321UP, the MPG 321URXW and the 32GS95UE list 0.03ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Features beyond the spec table
The MAG 321UP: a console mode. The MPG 321URXW: a white finish. The 32GS95UE: an HDMI 2.1 input.
Budget
$150 to $250 buys the CUNPU 4K; $250 to $500 buys the CRUA 32 4K; $500 to $1000 buys the MAG 321UP and the MPG 321URXW; $1000 to $1500 buys the 32GS95UE at our last check.
How to Choose a 120Hz 4K Monitor with HDMI 2.1
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | CUNPU 4K | A lower price than the CRUA 32 4K and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want a freeSync | CRUA 32 4K | A freeSync |
| Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz | MAG 321UP | An HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz |
| Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness | MPG 321URXW | Up to 1000 nits peak brightness |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | 32GS95UE | A dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MPG 321URXW leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the 32GS95UE at 240Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNPU 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| CRUA 32 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | Not listed |
| MAG 321UP | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 321URXW | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| 32GS95UE | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The CUNPU 4K was the lowest-priced pick and the 32GS95UE the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | CUNPU 4K |
| About $250 to $500 | CRUA 32 4K |
| About $500 to $1000 | MAG 321UP, MPG 321URXW |
| About $1000 to $1500 | 32GS95UE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 32GS95UE worth paying more than the CUNPU 4K?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 160Hz) and screen size (32 inches against 27 inches). The CUNPU 4K was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the CRUA 32 4K the FreeSync Adaptive Sync?
It earns the label for a freeSync. It suits anyone who wants a freeSync.
Do the CUNPU 4K and the MAG 321UP differ on panel?
The CUNPU 4K uses Fast IPS; the MAG 321UP and the MPG 321URXW use QD-OLED; the 32GS95UE uses OLED. The maker of the CRUA 32 4K doesn't say.
Beyond the specs, what sets the CUNPU 4K and the CRUA 32 4K apart?
The CUNPU 4K: 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles. The CRUA 32 4K: a 1500R curve. The MAG 321UP: an HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz.
Should I pick the CUNPU 4K or the 32GS95UE?
The CUNPU 4K suits spending as little as possible; the 32GS95UE suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the CUNPU 4K, chosen for a lower price than the CRUA 32 4K and the rest when we checked. Look at the CRUA 32 4K for a freeSync, the MAG 321UP for an HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz and the MPG 321URXW for up to 1000 nits peak brightness if those matter more to you.
Measure desk depth before buying a larger screen.