Buying Guide
The Best 4K Monitors Under $300
From the CUNPU 4K to the S2725QC: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A $300 ceiling rules out the premium models, which makes the differences between the rest matter more. Every monitor here cost $300 or less when we checked and is 4K, ordered by refresh rate.
We sorted these picks by refresh rate, resolution and size, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips refresh rate, 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 ViewFinity S7 27 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)
FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync
Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C
A freeSync Premium.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync Premium.
Our take Check price for Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 27-inch
4K on a 27-inch IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel.
Our take Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 27-inch (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch
A 32-inch 4K IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want 32-inch 4K IPS panel.
Our take Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the ViewFinity S7 27 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 freeSync Premium. | Buyers who want a freeSync Premium. | Check price for Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C (opens in a new tab) |
| 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel. | Buyers who want 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel. | Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 27-inch (opens in a new tab) |
| A 32-inch 4K IPS panel. | Buyers who want 32-inch 4K IPS panel. | Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 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
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: screen size of 27 inches, behind the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches).
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 at 160Hz. It matches the S2725QC and the ViewFinity S7 27 on screen size (27 inches).
You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the ViewFinity S7 27 and its an IPS panel. You get an HDR400 here, which sets it apart from the ViewFinity S7 32 and its an HDR10. You get a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut here, which sets it apart from the S2725QC and its a 99% sRGB color gamut.
It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the ViewFinity S7 27 the next step up. What it gives up: screen size of 27 inches, behind the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches); by contrast, the CRUA 32 4K 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 CRUA 32 4K (32 inches)
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
- If budget leads, the CUNPU 4K was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The maker specifies an HDMI 2.1 input. It matches the CUNPU 4K on refresh rate (160Hz). On screen size it ties with the ViewFinity S7 32 at 32 inches.
It is the only pick here with a 120% sRGB color gamut; the CUNPU 4K has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut instead. A FreeSync is unique to it among these picks, while the S2725QC uses a FreeSync Premium. 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 ViewFinity S7 32 and the S2725QC, based on our last check.
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
FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync3 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 a freeSync Premium.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the CUNPU 4K offers 160Hz.
Why we like it
It also offers a 120Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it trails the group at 120Hz, while the CUNPU 4K offers 160Hz. It matches the CUNPU 4K and the ViewFinity S7 27 on screen size (27 inches).
It shares an IPS panel with the ViewFinity S7 27 and ViewFinity S7 32; the CUNPU 4K goes with a fast IPS panel. You get a 99% sRGB color gamut here, which sets it apart from the CRUA 32 4K and its a 120% sRGB color gamut. It is the only pick here with a FreeSync Premium; the CRUA 32 4K has a FreeSync instead.
You also get 1500:1 contrast. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy.
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
- Refresh rate trails the CUNPU 4K (160Hz)
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Also Consider4 of 5
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 27-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ViewFinity S7 27-inch is a plain 4K IPS screen for sharp text.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
Samsung doesn't state a refresh rate. TÜV-certified Eye Saver mode cuts blue light and flicker, and HDMI and DisplayPort inputs keep setup simple. On screen size it ties with the CUNPU 4K and the S2725QC at 27 inches.
Like the S2725QC and ViewFinity S7 32, it has an IPS panel, while the CUNPU 4K uses a fast IPS panel. 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 ViewFinity S7 32, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed refresh rate should compare it with the CUNPU 4K, which offers 160Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- HDR: HDR10
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- No published refresh rate
- Screen size trails the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches)
Strong Alternative5 of 5
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 32-inch ViewFinity S7 gives 4K on a larger IPS panel for spreadsheets and video.
Best for
- Buyers who want 32-inch 4K IPS panel.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
TÜV-certified Eye Saver mode cuts blue light and flicker, and Game Mode adjusts colour and contrast. On screen size it ties with the CRUA 32 4K at 32 inches. Like the S2725QC and ViewFinity S7 27, it has an IPS panel, while the CUNPU 4K uses a fast IPS panel.
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 ViewFinity S7 27 and the pricier CRUA 32 4K, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its refresh rate; if that figure matters, the CUNPU 4K offers 160Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: IPS
- HDR: HDR10
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 32-inch 4K IPS panel
- Screen size of 32 inches, ahead of the CUNPU 4K
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- No published refresh rate
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
How We Chose These 4K Monitors Under $300
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the CUNPU 4K to the ViewFinity S7 32, state resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ViewFinity S7 27 and the ViewFinity S7 32 give no refresh rate; the CRUA 32 4K gives no panel.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CUNPU 4K ($150 to $250) to the S2725QC ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a 4K Monitor Under $300
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 27 inches on the ViewFinity S7 27 to 32 inches on the CRUA 32 4K. For less, the ViewFinity S7 32 is the runner-up at 32 inches.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 120Hz on the S2725QC to 160Hz on the CUNPU 4K. Start with the CUNPU 4K if refresh rate decides it. No figure for the ViewFinity S7 27 and the ViewFinity S7 32.
Response
The CUNPU 4K lists 1ms; the S2725QC lists 4ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Features beyond the spec table
The S2725QC: 4K at 120Hz. The ViewFinity S7 27: 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel. The ViewFinity S7 32: a 32-inch 4K IPS panel.
Budget
$150 to $250 buys the CUNPU 4K and the ViewFinity S7 27; $250 to $500 buys the ViewFinity S7 32, the CRUA 32 4K and the S2725QC at our last check.
How to Choose a 4K Monitor Under $300
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | CUNPU 4K | A lower price than the ViewFinity S7 27 and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want a freeSync | CRUA 32 4K | A freeSync |
| Buyers who want a freeSync Premium | S2725QC | A freeSync Premium |
| Buyers who want 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel | ViewFinity S7 27 | 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel |
| Buyers who want 32-inch 4K IPS panel | ViewFinity S7 32 | A 32-inch 4K IPS panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The CRUA 32 4K leads on screen size at 32 inches, ahead of the ViewFinity S7 32 at 32 inches. "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 |
| S2725QC | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| ViewFinity S7 27 | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| ViewFinity S7 32 | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 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 S2725QC the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | CUNPU 4K, ViewFinity S7 27 |
| About $250 to $500 | ViewFinity S7 32, CRUA 32 4K, S2725QC |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the S2725QC worth paying more than the CUNPU 4K?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the CUNPU 4K still leads on refresh rate (160Hz). The CUNPU 4K was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
What makes the CRUA 32 4K the FreeSync Adaptive Sync?
It earns the label for a freeSync. It suits anyone who wants a freeSync.
Do the CUNPU 4K and the S2725QC differ on panel?
The CUNPU 4K uses Fast IPS; the S2725QC, the ViewFinity S7 27 and the ViewFinity S7 32 use IPS. The maker of the CRUA 32 4K doesn'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 S2725QC: USB-C with up to 65W power delivery.
Who should choose the S2725QC?
The S2725QC carries our FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync label for a freeSync Premium. It ranks third of 5 here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the CUNPU 4K, chosen for a lower price than the ViewFinity S7 27 and the rest when we checked. Look at the CRUA 32 4K for a freeSync, the S2725QC for a freeSync Premium and the ViewFinity S7 27 for 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel if those matter more to you.
Check that your GPU has the port the monitor needs for its full refresh rate.