Buying Guide
The Best 4K 120Hz Gaming Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the S3225QS has the largest screen size, and the CUNPU 4K costs the least.
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, is 4K and refreshes at 120Hz or more, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and if a maker skips response, the guide says so.
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)
Also Consider
Dell S2725QS
A 120Hz refresh rate at 4K.
Best for: Buyers who want 120Hz refresh rate at 4K.
Strong Alternative
Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C
USB-C with up to 65W power delivery.
Best for: Buyers who want USB-C with up to 65W power delivery.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Dell S3225QS
The largest screen size here (32 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Worth a Look
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR
A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR (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) |
| A 120Hz refresh rate at 4K. | Buyers who want 120Hz refresh rate at 4K. | Check price for Dell S2725QS (opens in a new tab) |
| USB-C with up to 65W power delivery. | Buyers who want USB-C with up to 65W power delivery. | Check price for Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (32 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Dell S3225QS (opens in a new tab) |
| A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz. | Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR (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 this is a deal-breaker for you: screen size of 27 inches, behind the S3225QS (32 inches).
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 4K high-refresh monitors here. It matches the XG27UCSR on refresh rate (160Hz). On screen size it ties with the S2725QS, the S2725QC and the XG27UCSR at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a fast IPS panel; compare the S3225QS, which has a VA panel. No other pick in this guide offers a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the S3225QS, which has a 95% DCI-P3 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 S3225QS (32 inches). If that matters, the S3225QS comes in at 32 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 S3225QS (32 inches)
Also Consider2 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 120Hz refresh rate at 4K.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the CUNPU 4K was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
That refresh rate makes it the best all-rounder among cheap 4K screens. It matches the S2725QC and the S3225QS on refresh rate (120Hz). On screen size it ties with the CUNPU 4K, the S2725QC and the XG27UCSR at 27 inches.
Like the S2725QC and XG27UCSR, it has an IPS panel, while the CUNPU 4K uses a fast IPS panel. Like the S2725QC, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the CUNPU 4K uses a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. 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 S2725QC, 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
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the S2725QC brings to the table is USB-C with up to 65W power delivery, plus 4K at 120Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want USB-C with up to 65W power delivery.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the CUNPU 4K was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 120Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the S2725QS and the S3225QS on refresh rate (120Hz). On screen size it ties with the CUNPU 4K, the S2725QS and the XG27UCSR at 27 inches.
Like the S2725QS and XG27UCSR, it has an IPS panel, while the CUNPU 4K uses a fast IPS panel. Like the S2725QS, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the XG27UCSR uses a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with 1500:1 contrast.
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper S2725QS and the pricier S3225QS, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 4ms
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
- USB-C: Yes
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 Size4 of 5
Dell S3225QS on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The S3225QS brings 4K at 120Hz to 32 inches with 95% DCI-P3 on a VA panel.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
It suits a deeper desk and media. On refresh rate it ties with the S2725QS and the S2725QC at 120Hz. On screen size it leads this guide at 32 inches, ahead of the CUNPU 4K (27 inches).
A VA panel is unique to it among these picks, while the S2725QS uses an IPS panel. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the XG27UCSR; the S2725QS goes with a 99% sRGB color gamut. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy.
When we checked, only the S2725QC and cheaper picks cost less, and the XG27UCSR cost more. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the CUNPU 4K covers it better at 160Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: VA
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
- 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Refresh rate trails the CUNPU 4K (160Hz)
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XG27UCSR adds USB-C and a dual mode at 1080p 324Hz, with ASUS's 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the S3225QS offers 32 inches.
Why we like it
It matches the CUNPU 4K on refresh rate (160Hz). On screen size it ties with the CUNPU 4K, the S2725QS and the S2725QC at 27 inches. Like the S2725QS and S2725QC, it has an IPS panel, while the CUNPU 4K uses a fast IPS panel.
Like the S3225QS, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the CUNPU 4K uses a 99% DCI-P3 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. The trade-off is screen size; for more, the S3225QS comes in at 32 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.3ms
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Screen size trails the S3225QS (32 inches)
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
How We Chose These 4K 120Hz Gaming 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 XG27UCSR, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The S2725QS and the S3225QS give no response; the XG27UCSR gives no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CUNPU 4K ($150 to $250) to the XG27UCSR ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a 4K 120Hz Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 120Hz on the S3225QS to 160Hz on the CUNPU 4K. Start with the CUNPU 4K if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 27 inches on the XG27UCSR to 32 inches on the S3225QS. The S3225QS is the pick for screen size.
Response
The CUNPU 4K lists 1ms; the S2725QC lists 4ms; the XG27UCSR lists 0.3ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Extras that separate them
The S2725QC: 4K at 120Hz. The S3225QS: a 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz. The XG27UCSR: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
Where your budget lands
$150 to $250 buys the CUNPU 4K; $250 to $500 buys the S2725QS, the S2725QC, the S3225QS and the XG27UCSR at our last check.
How to Choose a 4K 120Hz Gaming 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 120Hz refresh rate at 4K | S2725QS | A 120Hz refresh rate at 4K |
| Buyers who want USB-C with up to 65W power delivery | S2725QC | USB-C with up to 65W power delivery |
| Buyers who put screen size first | S3225QS | The largest screen size here (32 inches) |
| Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz | XG27UCSR | A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The CUNPU 4K leads on refresh rate at 160Hz, ahead of the XG27UCSR at 160Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNPU 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| S2725QS | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| S2725QC | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| S3225QS | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | VA |
| XG27UCSR | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The CUNPU 4K was the lowest-priced pick and the XG27UCSR the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | CUNPU 4K |
| About $250 to $500 | S2725QS, S2725QC, S3225QS, XG27UCSR |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the CUNPU 4K compare with the S3225QS on screen size?
The S3225QS leads at 32 inches, with the CUNPU 4K at 27 inches.
Why is the S3225QS our Largest Screen Size pick?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (32 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the CUNPU 4K and the S2725QS differ on panel?
The CUNPU 4K uses Fast IPS; the S2725QS, the S2725QC and the XG27UCSR use IPS; the S3225QS uses VA.
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 S2725QC: USB-C with up to 65W power delivery.
Should I pick the CUNPU 4K or the XG27UCSR?
The CUNPU 4K suits spending as little as possible; the XG27UCSR suits buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
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 a 120Hz refresh rate at 4K, the S2725QC for USB-C with up to 65W power delivery and the S3225QS for the largest screen size here (32 inches) if those matter more to you.
Set the refresh rate in Windows display settings; many screens start at 60Hz.