Buying Guide
The Best 4K Monitors
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size; the Samsung M70H is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
4K needs a strong GPU for games, but it gives the sharpest desktop at this size. Every monitor here is 4K, ordered by refresh rate.
The order reflects refresh rate, resolution and size from maker specifications; a missing panel is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED
Dolby Vision support.
Best for: Buyers who want Dolby Vision support.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
GIGABYTE MO27U2
A 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K.
Best for: Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE MO27U2 (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)
Premium Pick
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43-inch Smart
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with built-in Smart TV apps.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43-inch Smart (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini LED Smart TV
The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini LED Smart TV (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolby Vision support. | Buyers who want Dolby Vision support. | Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K. | Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K. | Check price for GIGABYTE MO27U2 (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-priced pick here at the time of writing, with built-in Smart TV apps. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43-inch Smart (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini LED Smart TV (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 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
- Buyers who want Dolby Vision support.
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. It matches the MO27U2 on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 26.7 inches, while the Odyssey Neo G7 43 comes in at 43 inches.
Like the MO27U2, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the MAG 274UPF uses a rapid IPS panel. It is the only pick here with a DisplayHDR True Black 400; the MAG 274UPF has an HDR 400 instead. It also offers Dolby Vision support, 166 PPI at 4K and USB-C with 15W 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. Its price falls between the MAG 274UPF and the MO27U2, based on our last check.
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 Odyssey Neo G7 43 (43 inches)
- Costs more than the Samsung M70H at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
GIGABYTE MO27U2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MO27U2 uses a QD-OLED panel at 4K and 240Hz, the fastest here, with 99% DCI-P3.
Best for
- Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It needs a top-end card to use it fully. It matches the AW2725Q on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the MAG 274UPF at 27 inches.
Like the AW2725Q, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the MAG 274UPF uses a rapid IPS panel. 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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper AW2725Q and the pricier Odyssey Neo G7 43, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the Samsung M70H 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
- If budget leads, the Samsung M70H was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is a straightforward, well-equipped IPS choice. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 160Hz: the AW2725Q offers 240Hz, and the Samsung M70H comes in at 120Hz. It matches the MO27U2 on screen size (27 inches).
You get a rapid IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the MO27U2 and its a QD-OLED panel. You get an HDR 400 here, which sets it apart from the Odyssey Neo G7 43 and its a DisplayHDR 600. 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. It was priced above the Samsung M70H and below the AW2725Q 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 Samsung M70H at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43-inch Smart on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's Odyssey Neo G7 43 is a 43-inch 4K Mini LED screen at 144Hz with built-in Smart TV apps.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Samsung M70H cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The maker says the picture can shrink to a smaller on-screen size. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 144Hz: the AW2725Q offers 240Hz, and the Samsung M70H comes in at 120Hz. It matches the Samsung M70H on screen size (43 inches).
A DisplayHDR 600 is unique to it among these picks, while the Samsung M70H uses a mini LED HDR. You also get Quantum Mini LED backlighting and an adjustable on-screen size from 43 down to 20 inches. Reaching 144Hz 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the MO27U2 the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 43 inches
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
- Built-in Smart TV apps
Cons
- Costs more than the Samsung M70H at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini LED Smart TV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's M70H is a 43-inch 4K Mini LED TV with a 120Hz mode through Motion Xcelerator.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
Its gaming hub covers consoles and cloud services. Its 120Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the AW2725Q leads at 240Hz. On screen size it ties with the Odyssey Neo G7 43 at 43 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a mini LED HDR; compare the Odyssey Neo G7 43, which has a DisplayHDR 600. You also get Samsung TV Plus channels. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. It undercut the MAG 274UPF and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 43 inches
- HDR: Mini LED HDR
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- Motion Xcelerator with DLG 120Hz
- Gaming hub for consoles and cloud services
- Samsung TV Plus channels
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2725Q (240Hz)
How We Chose These 4K Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side 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 AW2725Q to the Samsung M70H, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Odyssey Neo G7 43 and the Samsung M70H give no panel; the MAG 274UPF and the Samsung M70H give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Samsung M70H ($250 to $500) to the Odyssey Neo G7 43 ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 4K Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 120Hz on the Samsung M70H to 240Hz on the AW2725Q. Start with the AW2725Q if refresh rate decides it.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 26.7 inches on the AW2725Q to 43 inches on the Odyssey Neo G7 43. For less, the Samsung M70H is the runner-up at 43 inches.
Response
The AW2725Q and the MO27U2 list 0.03ms; the Odyssey Neo G7 43 lists 1ms.
Extras that separate them
The MAG 274UPF: a 160Hz refresh rate at 4K. The Odyssey Neo G7 43: Quantum Mini LED backlighting. The Samsung M70H: a gaming hub for consoles and cloud services.
Where your budget lands
$250 to $500 buys the Samsung M70H and the MAG 274UPF; $500 to $1000 buys the AW2725Q, the MO27U2 and the Odyssey Neo G7 43 at our last check.
How to Choose a 4K Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want Dolby Vision support | AW2725Q | Dolby Vision support |
| Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K | MO27U2 | A 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K |
| Buyers who want a rapid IPS panel | MAG 274UPF | A rapid IPS panel |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Odyssey Neo G7 43 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with built-in Smart TV apps |
| Spending as little as possible | Samsung M70H | The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2725Q leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the MO27U2 at 240Hz. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2725Q | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| MO27U2 | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| MAG 274UPF | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
| Odyssey Neo G7 43 | 144Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 43 inches | Not listed |
| Samsung M70H | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 43 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Samsung M70H was the lowest-priced pick and the Odyssey Neo G7 43 the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Samsung M70H, MAG 274UPF |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q, MO27U2, Odyssey Neo G7 43 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Odyssey Neo G7 43 add over the Samsung M70H?
On paper it adds refresh rate (144Hz against 120Hz). The Samsung M70H was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the MAG 274UPF our Rapid IPS Panel pick?
It earns the label for a rapid IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants a rapid IPS panel.
Do the AW2725Q and the MAG 274UPF differ on panel?
The AW2725Q and the MO27U2 use QD-OLED; the MAG 274UPF uses Rapid IPS. The makers of the Odyssey Neo G7 43 and the Samsung M70H don't say.
What extras do the AW2725Q and the MO27U2 include?
The AW2725Q: Dolby Vision support. The MO27U2: a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K. The MAG 274UPF: a 160Hz refresh rate at 4K.
Should I pick the AW2725Q or the Samsung M70H?
The AW2725Q suits buyers who want Dolby Vision support; the Samsung M70H suits spending as little as possible.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2725Q, chosen for Dolby Vision support. Look at the MO27U2 for a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K, the MAG 274UPF for a rapid IPS panel and the Odyssey Neo G7 43 for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with built-in Smart TV apps if those matter more to you.
Set the refresh rate in Windows display settings; many screens start at 60Hz.