Buying Guide
The Best 32-Inch Gaming Monitors to Buy
Four 32-inch 4K monitors, from a curved budget screen to two OLED models.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
At 32 inches, 4K keeps text and detail sharp at a normal desk distance. These four step from a budget curved panel to a 240Hz QD-OLED.
We compared refresh rate, HDR certification and inputs from each listing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDMThe highest refresh rate here (240Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best G-SYNC Support
LG UltraGear 32GX850A-BListed G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Pro.
Best for: NVIDIA and AMD PCs alike.
Check price for LG UltraGear 32GX850A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Lower-Cost OLED
MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLEDA 165Hz 4K QD-OLED with HDMI 2.1.
Best for: OLED on a smaller budget.
Check price for MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 4K
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz CurvedA curved 4K 160Hz panel with speakers.
Best for: Tight budgets.
Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (240Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Listed G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Pro. | NVIDIA and AMD PCs alike. | Check price for LG UltraGear 32GX850A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 165Hz 4K QD-OLED with HDMI 2.1. | OLED on a smaller budget. | Check price for MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A curved 4K 160Hz panel with speakers. | Tight budgets. | Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 4
ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM
ASUS's PG32UCDM is a 32-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements is a problem.
Why we like it
USB-C input and a three-year warranty round out a listing aimed at high-end PCs. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 240Hz, ahead of the 32GX850A (165Hz). It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MAG 321UP; the 32GX850A goes with an OLED panel.
It is the only pick here with a G-SYNC Compatible; the MAG 321UP has a FreeSync Premium Pro instead. You also get 90W USB-C power delivery. Reaching 240Hz 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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Only the 32GX850A came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 32 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C
- Yes
- Warranty
- 3-year
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 CRUA 32 4K at the time of writing
Best G-SYNC Support2 of 4
LG UltraGear 32GX850A-B
LG's 32GX850A is a 32-inch 4K OLED at 165Hz with listed G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Pro support.
Best for
- NVIDIA and AMD PCs alike.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements is a problem.
Why we like it
It suits a PC that cannot hold 240 frames per second at 4K anyway. It matches the MAG 321UP on refresh rate (165Hz). It is the only pick here with an OLED panel; the PG32UCDM has a QD-OLED panel instead.
It also comes with a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 330Hz and a glossy screen finish. 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.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Its price falls between the MAG 321UP and the PG32UCDM, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 165Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 32 inches
- Panel
- OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 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 CRUA 32 4K at the time of writing
Best Lower-Cost OLED3 of 4
MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED
MSI's MAG 321UP is the lower-priced route to a 32-inch 4K QD-OLED, running at 165Hz.
Best for
- OLED on a smaller budget.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
The maker specifies an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. It matches the 32GX850A on refresh rate (165Hz). Like the PG32UCDM, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the 32GX850A uses an OLED panel.
A FreeSync Premium Pro is unique to it among these picks, while the CRUA 32 4K uses a FreeSync. It also comes with an HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz and a console mode. 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. Its price falls between the CRUA 32 4K and the 32GX850A, based on our last check.
Key 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 CRUA 32 4K at the time of writing
Best Budget 4K4 of 4
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved
CRUA's 32-inch 4K screen curves at 1500R and runs at 160Hz with built-in speakers.
Best for
- Tight budgets.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the PG32UCDM offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
The maker specifies an HDMI 2.1 input. On refresh rate it trails the group at 160Hz, while the PG32UCDM offers 240Hz. No other pick in this guide offers a FreeSync; compare the PG32UCDM, which has a G-SYNC Compatible.
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. Another plus: 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the MAG 321UP was closest. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the PG32UCDM covers it better at 240Hz.
Key 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 PG32UCDM (240Hz)
How We Chose These 32-Inch Gaming Monitors to Buy
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared four monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 4 picks leave out panel.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the PG32UCDM to the CRUA 32 4K, 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 CRUA 32 4K ($250 to $500) to the PG32UCDM ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 32-Inch Gaming Monitor to Buy
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Across these 4 picks refresh rate spans 160Hz (the CRUA 32 4K) to 240Hz (the PG32UCDM). The 32GX850A comes second at 165Hz, in the same price tier as the PG32UCDM.
Extras that separate them
The 32GX850A: a glossy screen finish. The MAG 321UP: a console mode. The CRUA 32 4K: built-in speakers.
A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures Where your budget lands
$250 to $500 buys the CRUA 32 4K; $500 to $1000 buys the MAG 321UP, the 32GX850A and the PG32UCDM at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates: the PG32UCDM. NVIDIA and AMD PCs alike: the 32GX850A. OLED on a smaller budget: the MAG 321UP.
A large monitor showing a game on a low media unit Read HDR labels carefully
HDR10 means the monitor accepts an HDR signal, not that it displays it well. DisplayHDR 600 or True Black 400 certifications say more about real HDR performance.
How to Choose a 32-Inch Gaming Monitor to Buy
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | PG32UCDM | The highest refresh rate here (240Hz) |
| NVIDIA and AMD PCs alike | 32GX850A | Listed G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Pro |
| OLED on a smaller budget | MAG 321UP | A 165Hz 4K QD-OLED with HDMI 2.1 |
| Tight budgets | CRUA 32 4K | A curved 4K 160Hz panel with speakers |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The PG32UCDM leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the 32GX850A at 165Hz. "Not listed" marks panel where the CRUA 32 4K leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG32UCDM | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| 32GX850A | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | OLED |
| MAG 321UP | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| CRUA 32 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The CRUA 32 4K was the lowest-priced pick ($250 to $500) and the PG32UCDM the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | CRUA 32 4K |
| About $500 to $1000 | MAG 321UP, 32GX850A, PG32UCDM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 32GX850A compare with the PG32UCDM on refresh rate?
Between the top two, it is 240Hz on the PG32UCDM against 165Hz on the 32GX850A, a 45% difference. The spread runs down to the CRUA 32 4K at 160Hz.
What does the PG32UCDM add over the CRUA 32 4K?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 160Hz). On our last price check the CRUA 32 4K was in the $250 to $500 tier and the PG32UCDM in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 2 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate decides your purchase.
Why is the 32GX850A our Best G-SYNC Support pick?
It earns the label for listed G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Pro. The CRUA 32 4K, the cheapest pick, sat in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits NVIDIA and AMD PCs alike.
Do the PG32UCDM and the 32GX850A differ on panel?
The PG32UCDM and the MAG 321UP use QD-OLED; the 32GX850A uses OLED. The CRUA 32 4K has no panel listed, so 3 of 4 picks are covered here.
What extras do the PG32UCDM and the 32GX850A include?
The PG32UCDM: a 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage. The 32GX850A: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 330Hz. The MAG 321UP: an HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz.
Bottom Line
ASUS's PG32UCDM is the complete 4K OLED package. LG's 32GX850A and MSI's MAG 321UP cost less at 165Hz, and CRUA's curved screen is the budget route.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Monitors
- Related guideThe Best 27-Inch Gaming Monitors
- Related guideThe Best OLED Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget Gaming Monitors
- Higher budgetThe Best FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitors
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1080p Monitor
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1440p Monitor
- Also see: graphics cardsWhen Is Integrated Graphics Enough for a PC?
- Similar guideThe Best 32 in. Gaming Monitors
- Topic hubAll gaming monitors guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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