Buying Guide
The Best 4K Gaming PC Monitors
Six 4K IPS monitors between 160Hz and 180Hz, compared on HDR, color and stand.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
A 4K monitor asks a lot of a graphics card, so these six stay with IPS panels between 160Hz and 180Hz rather than OLED prices.
We researched each listing for HDR, color coverage and stand adjustment.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Stand
MSI MAG 274UPF E2
Height, swivel and pivot adjustment.
Best for: Desks without a monitor arm.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 (opens in a new tab)
Best HDR Rating
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution
DisplayHDR 600 at 180Hz.
Best for: HDR games.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution (opens in a new tab)
Best for PC and Console
LG UltraGear 27G810A-B
180Hz with an HDMI 2.1 input.
Best for: Shared PC and console desks.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G810A-B (opens in a new tab)
Best Warranty
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A
A three-year warranty.
Best for: Long-term owners.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A (opens in a new tab)
Best Color Coverage
GIGABYTE M27UP
125% sRGB on a SuperSpeed IPS panel.
Best for: Creative work between games.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE M27UP (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 4K
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz
4K at 160Hz near $210.
Best for: Tight budgets.
Our take Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height, swivel and pivot adjustment. | Desks without a monitor arm. | Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 (opens in a new tab) |
| DisplayHDR 600 at 180Hz. | HDR games. | Check price for Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution (opens in a new tab) |
| 180Hz with an HDMI 2.1 input. | Shared PC and console desks. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G810A-B (opens in a new tab) |
| A three-year warranty. | Long-term owners. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A (opens in a new tab) |
| 125% sRGB on a SuperSpeed IPS panel. | Creative work between games. | Check price for GIGABYTE M27UP (opens in a new tab) |
| 4K at 160Hz near $210. | Tight budgets. | Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Stand1 of 6
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
- Desks without a monitor arm.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the CUNPU 4K cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is a straightforward, well-equipped IPS choice. It matches the VG27UQ1A, the M27UP and the CUNPU 4K on refresh rate (160Hz). 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 VG27UQ1A, which has an HDR. 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 fourth of 6, between the cheaper VG27UQ1A and the pricier AW2725QF, at the time of writing.
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
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Best HDR Rating2 of 6
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2725QF is a 27-inch 4K IPS screen at 180Hz with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for
- HDR games.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the CUNPU 4K, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED burn-in concerns while keeping 4K sharpness. On refresh rate it ties with the 27G810A at 180Hz. It shares an IPS panel with the 27G810A; the CUNPU 4K goes with a fast IPS panel.
You get a DisplayHDR 600 here, which sets it apart from the MAG 274UPF and its an HDR 400. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the 27G810A and VG27UQ1A; the CUNPU 4K goes with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz and Dolby Vision support.
Reaching 180Hz 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. It was priced above the MAG 274UPF and below the 27G810A at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Best for PC and Console3 of 6
LG UltraGear 27G810A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 27G810A runs 4K at 180Hz and switches to 1080p at 360Hz for shooters, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayHDR 400.
Best for
- Shared PC and console desks.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the CUNPU 4K, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It covers both uses on one screen. On refresh rate it ties with the AW2725QF at 180Hz. It shares an IPS panel with the AW2725QF; the CUNPU 4K goes with a fast IPS panel.
It shares a DisplayHDR 400 with the M27UP; the CUNPU 4K goes with an HDR400. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW2725QF and VG27UQ1A; the CUNPU 4K goes with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. You also get an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles.
Reaching 180Hz 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 AW2725QF came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
- Stand: swivel and pivot
Pros
- 180Hz 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
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Best Warranty4 of 6
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
- Long-term owners.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the CUNPU 4K cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It needs a strong graphics card to use its refresh rate at 4K. It matches the MAG 274UPF, the M27UP and the CUNPU 4K on refresh rate (160Hz). Like the CUNPU 4K, it has a fast IPS panel, while the MAG 274UPF uses a rapid IPS panel.
Like the AW2725QF and 27G810A, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the M27UP uses a 125% sRGB color gamut. It also offers 4K at 120Hz for consoles over HDMI. 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. Its price falls between the M27UP and the MAG 274UPF, based on our last check.
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
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Best Color Coverage5 of 6
GIGABYTE M27UP on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The M27UP offers 4K at 160Hz with DisplayHDR 400 and a 1080p 320Hz mode at a lower price.
Best for
- Creative work between games.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the CUNPU 4K, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It matches the MAG 274UPF, the VG27UQ1A and the CUNPU 4K on refresh rate (160Hz). It is the only pick here with a SuperSpeed IPS panel; the AW2725QF has an IPS panel instead. Like the 27G810A, it has a DisplayHDR 400, while the MAG 274UPF uses an HDR 400.
It is the only pick here with a 125% sRGB color gamut; the AW2725QF has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut instead. 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 VG27UQ1A, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: SuperSpeed IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 125% sRGB
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a SuperSpeed IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 125% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Best Budget 4K6 of 6
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
- Tight budgets.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2725QF offers 180Hz.
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 4K high-refresh monitors here. On refresh rate it ties with the MAG 274UPF, the VG27UQ1A and the M27UP at 160Hz. It shares a fast IPS panel with the VG27UQ1A; the AW2725QF goes with an IPS panel.
An HDR400 is unique to it among these picks, while the MAG 274UPF uses an HDR 400. A 99% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the 27G810A uses 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.
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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the M27UP was closest. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the AW2725QF covers it better at 180Hz.
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 trails the AW2725QF (180Hz)
How We Chose These 4K Gaming PC Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
What to Look for in a 4K Gaming PC Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match resolution to your graphics card
1080p suits entry and mid-range cards and high refresh rates. 1440p is the balance for most gaming PCs. 4K needs a high-end card to hold high frame rates.
Pick the resolution your card can drive before looking at refresh rate.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
Check ports and cables
High refresh rates at 1440p and 4K need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. Consoles need HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
Size for your desk distance
24 to 25 inches suits 1080p and competitive play at a typical desk. 27 inches pairs well with 1440p and 4K; 32 inches suits 4K at a deeper desk.
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 4K Gaming PC Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Desks without a monitor arm | MAG 274UPF | Height, swivel and pivot adjustment |
| HDR games | AW2725QF | DisplayHDR 600 at 180Hz |
| Shared PC and console desks | 27G810A | 180Hz with an HDMI 2.1 input |
| Long-term owners | VG27UQ1A | A three-year warranty |
| Creative work between games | M27UP | 125% sRGB on a SuperSpeed IPS panel |
| Tight budgets | CUNPU 4K | 4K at 160Hz near $210 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAG 274UPF | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
| AW2725QF | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 27G810A | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| VG27UQ1A | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| M27UP | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | SuperSpeed IPS |
| CUNPU 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | CUNPU 4K |
| About $250 to $500 | M27UP, VG27UQ1A, MAG 274UPF, AW2725QF |
| About $500 to $1000 | 27G810A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort?
On a PC, DisplayPort usually supports the highest refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 is equivalent and needed for consoles.
Does a FreeSync monitor work with an NVIDIA card?
Most do as G-SYNC Compatible over DisplayPort. Check the product page or NVIDIA's compatibility list for the model.
Does a 1ms response time rating matter?
Makers measure response time differently, so compare panel type and independent reviews rather than the headline figure.
Is OLED burn-in still a problem?
It is a risk with static elements over many hours. Current OLED monitors use pixel-refresh routines to reduce it; check the maker's warranty for burn-in coverage.
Is HDR worth it on a budget monitor?
Rarely. Budget HDR10 monitors accept HDR but lack the brightness and contrast to show it well. OLED or DisplayHDR 600 models do it better.
Do I need a GPU that matches the refresh rate?
To benefit fully, yes. A 240Hz monitor still feels smoother at 150fps than a 144Hz one, but the gains shrink when frame rates are far below the refresh rate.
Bottom Line
MSI's MAG 274UPF has the most adjustable stand. Alienware's AW2725QF has the strongest HDR rating, and CUNPU's screen is the budget route to 4K at 160Hz.