Buying Guide
The Best 4K Monitors for Gaming
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the INNOCN 43 has the largest screen size, and the CRUA 32 4K costs the least.
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 and refreshes at 120Hz or more, ordered by refresh rate.
The order reflects refresh rate, resolution and size from maker specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and a missing panel is flagged, not filled in.
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)
Premium Pick
GIGABYTE MO27U2
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE MO27U2 (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved
The cheapest way into this group, below the M27UP.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved (opens in a new tab)
SuperSpeed IPS Panel
GIGABYTE M27UP
A superSpeed IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a superSpeed IPS panel.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE M27UP (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
INNOCN 43-inch 4K 144Hz
The largest screen size here (43 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for INNOCN 43-inch 4K 144Hz (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) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for GIGABYTE MO27U2 (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the M27UP. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved (opens in a new tab) |
| A superSpeed IPS panel. | Buyers who want a superSpeed IPS panel. | Check price for GIGABYTE M27UP (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (43 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for INNOCN 43-inch 4K 144Hz (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
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
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 INNOCN 43 comes in at 43 inches.
Like the MO27U2, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the M27UP uses a SuperSpeed IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers a DisplayHDR True Black 400; compare the M27UP, which has a DisplayHDR 400. Like the MO27U2, it has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the CRUA 32 4K uses a 120% sRGB color gamut.
It also offers Dolby Vision support, 166 PPI at 4K and USB-C with 15W power delivery. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper INNOCN 43 and the pricier MO27U2, at the time of writing.
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 INNOCN 43 (43 inches)
- Costs more than the CRUA 32 4K at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 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 the most complete package.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
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 M27UP at 27 inches.
Like the AW2725Q, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the M27UP uses a SuperSpeed IPS panel. Like the AW2725Q, it has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the CRUA 32 4K uses a 120% sRGB color gamut. 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the AW2725Q.
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 CRUA 32 4K at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 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 would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Pass on it if refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
The maker specifies an HDMI 2.1 input. On refresh rate it ties with the M27UP at 160Hz. Its 32 inches screen size ranks second of 5 here, behind the INNOCN 43 (43 inches) and ahead of the AW2725Q (26.7 inches).
A 120% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the MO27U2 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the M27UP 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: 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 of 160Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz)
SuperSpeed IPS Panel4 of 5
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
- Buyers who want a superSpeed IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the CRUA 32 4K cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it ties with the CRUA 32 4K at 160Hz. It matches the MO27U2 on screen size (27 inches). You get a SuperSpeed IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the MO27U2 and its a QD-OLED panel.
You get a DisplayHDR 400 here, which sets it apart from the INNOCN 43 and its an HDR400. You get a 125% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the MO27U2 and its 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. It was priced above the CRUA 32 4K and below the INNOCN 43 at the time of writing.
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 CRUA 32 4K at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size5 of 5
INNOCN 43-inch 4K 144Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
INNOCN's 43-inch 4K monitor runs at 144Hz with built-in speakers, USB-C and a height-adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
It is a lower-cost way to a TV-sized desktop screen. Its 144Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the AW2725Q leads at 240Hz. Its 43 inches screen size is the largest here; the CRUA 32 4K comes next at 32 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers an HDR400; compare the AW2725Q, which has a DisplayHDR True Black 400. It also comes with USB-C input. 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. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper M27UP and the pricier AW2725Q, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 43 inches
- HDR: HDR400
- Stand: height adjustment
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a stand with height adjustment
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the AW2725Q (240Hz)
- Costs more than the CRUA 32 4K at the time of writing
How We Chose These 4K Monitors for Gaming
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- 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 AW2725Q to the INNOCN 43, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The CRUA 32 4K and the INNOCN 43 give no panel; the CRUA 32 4K and the INNOCN 43 give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CRUA 32 4K ($250 to $500) to the MO27U2 ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 4K Monitor for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 144Hz on the INNOCN 43 to 240Hz on the AW2725Q. Start with the AW2725Q if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 26.7 inches on the AW2725Q to 43 inches on the INNOCN 43. For less, the CRUA 32 4K is the runner-up at 32 inches.
Response
The AW2725Q and the MO27U2 list 0.03ms; the M27UP lists 1ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Extras that separate them
The CRUA 32 4K: built-in speakers. The M27UP: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz. The INNOCN 43: a height-adjustable stand.
Where your budget lands
$250 to $500 buys the CRUA 32 4K, the M27UP and the INNOCN 43; $500 to $1000 buys the AW2725Q and the MO27U2 at our last check.
How to Choose a 4K Monitor for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want Dolby Vision support | AW2725Q | Dolby Vision support |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | MO27U2 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | CRUA 32 4K | The cheapest way into this group, below the M27UP |
| Buyers who want a superSpeed IPS panel | M27UP | A superSpeed IPS panel |
| Buyers who put screen size first | INNOCN 43 | The largest screen size here (43 inches) |
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 |
| CRUA 32 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | Not listed |
| M27UP | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | SuperSpeed IPS |
| INNOCN 43 | 144Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 43 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 and the MO27U2 the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | CRUA 32 4K, M27UP, INNOCN 43 |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q, MO27U2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the CRUA 32 4K compare with the INNOCN 43 on screen size?
The INNOCN 43 leads at 43 inches, with the CRUA 32 4K at 32 inches. The AW2725Q is at the other end of this group with 26.7 inches.
What does the MO27U2 add over the CRUA 32 4K?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 160Hz). It does not win everywhere: the CRUA 32 4K still leads on screen size (32 inches). The CRUA 32 4K was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the M27UP our SuperSpeed IPS Panel pick?
It earns the label for a superSpeed IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants a superSpeed IPS panel.
Do the AW2725Q and the M27UP differ on panel?
The AW2725Q and the MO27U2 use QD-OLED; the M27UP uses SuperSpeed IPS. The makers of the CRUA 32 4K and the INNOCN 43 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 CRUA 32 4K: a 1500R curve.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2725Q, chosen for Dolby Vision support. Look at the MO27U2 for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K, the CRUA 32 4K for the cheapest way into this group, below the M27UP and the M27UP for a superSpeed IPS panel if those matter more to you.
Set the refresh rate in Windows display settings; many screens start at 60Hz.