Buying Guide
The Best 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitors
Five monitors compared, from the CUNPU 4K to the Odyssey Neo G7, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 4K monitor at 144Hz asks a lot of a GPU. Every pick is 3840x2160 at 144Hz or more, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; where a maker leaves out panel, we say 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)
Rapid IPS Panel
MSI MAG 274UPF E2
A rapid IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a rapid IPS panel.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED
The highest refresh rate here (240Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 32-inch
A Mini LED backlight Samsung calls Quantum Matrix at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 32-inch (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) |
| A rapid IPS panel. | Buyers who want a rapid IPS panel. | Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (240Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A Mini LED backlight Samsung calls Quantum Matrix at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 32-inch (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
- Pass on it if refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz rules it out for your setup.
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 and the MAG 274UPF at 160Hz. It matches the MAG 274UPF on screen size (27 inches).
A fast IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2725Q uses a QD-OLED panel. An HDR400 is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2725Q uses a DisplayHDR True Black 400. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW2725Q; the CRUA 32 4K goes with a 120% sRGB color gamut.
You also get 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles, a factory calibration of Delta E under 2 and 4K at a budget price tier. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the CRUA 32 4K was closest. What it gives up: refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz); by contrast, the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
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
- Refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz)
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 price comes first: the CUNPU 4K cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The maker specifies an HDMI 2.1 input. It matches the CUNPU 4K and the MAG 274UPF on refresh rate (160Hz). On screen size it ties with the Odyssey Neo G7 at 32 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a 120% sRGB color gamut; compare the CUNPU 4K, which has 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper CUNPU 4K and the pricier MAG 274UPF, at the time of writing.
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
Rapid IPS Panel3 of 5
MSI MAG 274UPF E2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MAG 274UPF gives 4K at 160Hz with a fully adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rapid IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
It is a straightforward, well-equipped IPS choice. It matches the CUNPU 4K and the CRUA 32 4K on refresh rate (160Hz). On screen size it ties with the CUNPU 4K at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a rapid IPS panel; compare the CUNPU 4K, which has a fast IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers an HDR 400; compare the CUNPU 4K, which has an HDR400. 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.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper CRUA 32 4K and the pricier AW2725Q, at the time of writing. The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Rapid IPS
- HDR: HDR 400
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height, swivel and pivot adjustment
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Rapid IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2725Q (240Hz)
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh4 of 5
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2725Q is a 26.7-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with USB-C and a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
It has one of the most adjustable stands among the OLED models here. Its 240Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the Odyssey Neo G7 comes next at 165Hz. Its 26.7 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the CRUA 32 4K leads at 32 inches.
A QD-OLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the MAG 274UPF uses a rapid IPS panel. A DisplayHDR True Black 400 is unique to it among these picks, while the MAG 274UPF uses an HDR 400. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the CUNPU 4K; the CRUA 32 4K goes with a 120% sRGB color gamut.
It also comes with Dolby Vision support, 166 PPI at 4K and USB-C with 15W power delivery. When we checked, only the MAG 274UPF and cheaper picks cost less, and the Odyssey Neo G7 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 26.7 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
- USB-C: Yes
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
- Screen size trails the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches)
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's Odyssey Neo G7 uses a Mini LED backlight behind a 32-inch 4K screen at 165Hz.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the CUNPU 4K, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The 1000R curve is steep for a 16:9 monitor, and its Quantum HDR2000 label is Samsung's own rating rather than a VESA tier. It reaches 2,000 nits peak with Quantum HDR 2000, and CoreSync lighting on the back matches on-screen colours. The 1000R curve fills your view.
On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 165Hz: the AW2725Q offers 240Hz, and the MAG 274UPF comes in at 160Hz. 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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Only the AW2725Q came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Response: 1ms
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing
- Mini LED backlight Samsung calls Quantum Matrix
Cons
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
How We Chose These 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the CUNPU 4K to the Odyssey Neo G7, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The CRUA 32 4K and the Odyssey Neo G7 give no panel; the CRUA 32 4K and the MAG 274UPF give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CUNPU 4K ($150 to $250) to the Odyssey Neo G7 ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 160Hz on the MAG 274UPF to 240Hz on the AW2725Q. The AW2725Q is the pick for refresh rate.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 26.7 inches on the AW2725Q to 32 inches on the CRUA 32 4K. Start with the CRUA 32 4K if screen size decides it.
Response
The CUNPU 4K and the Odyssey Neo G7 list 1ms; the AW2725Q lists 0.03ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Features beyond the spec table
The MAG 274UPF: a 160Hz refresh rate at 4K. The AW2725Q: 166 PPI at 4K. The Odyssey Neo G7: a 1000R curved screen.
Budget
$150 to $250 buys the CUNPU 4K; $250 to $500 buys the CRUA 32 4K and the MAG 274UPF; $500 to $1000 buys the AW2725Q and the Odyssey Neo G7 at our last check.
How to Choose a 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor
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 a rapid IPS panel | MAG 274UPF | A rapid IPS panel |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | AW2725Q | The highest refresh rate here (240Hz) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | Odyssey Neo G7 | A Mini LED backlight Samsung calls Quantum Matrix at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2725Q leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the Odyssey Neo G7 at 165Hz. "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 274UPF | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
| AW2725Q | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| Odyssey Neo G7 | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The CUNPU 4K was the lowest-priced pick and the Odyssey Neo G7 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, MAG 274UPF |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q, Odyssey Neo G7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AW2725Q ahead of the Odyssey Neo G7 on refresh rate?
The AW2725Q leads at 240Hz, with the Odyssey Neo G7 at 165Hz. The MAG 274UPF is at the other end of this group with 160Hz.
Is the Odyssey Neo G7 worth paying more than the CUNPU 4K?
On paper it adds refresh rate (165Hz 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 MAG 274UPF the Rapid IPS Panel?
It earns the label for a rapid IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants a rapid IPS panel.
Do the CUNPU 4K and the MAG 274UPF differ on panel?
The CUNPU 4K uses Fast IPS; the MAG 274UPF uses Rapid IPS; the AW2725Q uses QD-OLED. The makers of the CRUA 32 4K and the Odyssey Neo G7 don'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 274UPF: a 160Hz refresh rate at 4K.
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 274UPF for a rapid IPS panel and the Odyssey Neo G7 for a Mini LED backlight Samsung calls Quantum Matrix at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Use DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 for the full refresh rate.