Buying Guide
The Best 4K Monitors with HDMI 2.1
Five monitors compared, from the MPG 321URX to the 32GS95UE, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 4K panel quadruples the pixels of 1080p, so plan for upscaling in demanding games. Every monitor here is 4K and has HDMI 2.1, ordered by refresh rate.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; a missing color gamut is flagged, not filled in, 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
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
The cheapest way into this group, below the MAG 321CUP.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $1000.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED
A 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches.
Best for: Buyers who want 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED
Up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
Best for: Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
LG UltraGear 32GS95UE OLED
A dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MPG 321URX costs less.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 32GS95UE OLED (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED
A 1700R curve.
Best for: Buyers who want 1700R curve.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the MAG 321CUP. | Keeping the cost under $1000. | Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches. | Buyers who want 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches. | Check price for MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| Up to 1000 nits peak brightness. | Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness. | Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MPG 321URX costs less. | Check price for LG UltraGear 32GS95UE OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A 1700R curve. | Buyers who want 1700R curve. | Check price for MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG 321URX is a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with a built-in KVM, so one keyboard and mouse can switch between a desktop and a laptop.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $1000.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
USB-C input rounds out the ports. On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 272URX, the MPG 321URXW and the 32GS95UE at 240Hz. It matches the MPG 321URXW on screen size (31.5 inches).
It also comes with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. 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 cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the MAG 321CUP the next step up. What it gives up: screen size of 31.5 inches, behind the 32GS95UE (32 inches); by contrast, the 32GS95UE comes in at 32 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- 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 of 31.5 inches, behind the 32GS95UE (32 inches)
Also Consider2 of 5
MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG 272URX is a 26.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It packs 4K into a desk-friendly size. On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 321URX, the MPG 321URXW and the 32GS95UE at 240Hz. Its 26.5 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the 32GS95UE leads at 32 inches.
It also offers a 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches, OLED Care 2.0 in MSI software and an HDMI 2.1 input. 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. When we checked, only the MAG 321CUP and cheaper picks cost less, and the MPG 321URXW cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
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 32GS95UE (32 inches)
- Costs more than the MPG 321URX at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG 321URXW is a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the 32-inch step up from the 272URX. It matches the MPG 321URX, the MPG 272URX and the 32GS95UE on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 321URX at 31.5 inches.
It also comes with up to 1000 nits peak brightness and an HDMI 2.1 input. 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. You also get this: 4K resolution for sharp text and detail.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
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
- Costs more than the MPG 321URX at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
LG UltraGear 32GS95UE OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LG's 32GS95UE is a 32-inch 4K OLED at 240Hz with FreeSync Premium Pro.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MPG 321URX costs less.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the most expensive 4K OLED here at the time of writing. It matches the MPG 321URX, the MPG 272URX and the MPG 321URXW on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the MAG 321CUP at 32 inches.
It is the only pick here with an OLED panel; the MPG 321URX has a QD-OLED panel instead. It also comes with a dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz and an HDMI 2.1 input. 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 MPG 321URXW.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MPG 321URX at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the MAG 321CUP brings to the table is a 1700R curve, plus HDMI 2.1 and a 15W USB-C port.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1700R curve.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It also offers a 165Hz refresh rate and offers a 32 inches screen size. On refresh rate it trails the group at 165Hz, while the MPG 321URX offers 240Hz. 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.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. You also get this: 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. When we checked, only the MPG 321URX cost less, and the MPG 272URX cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 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
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 321URX (240Hz)
- Costs more than the MPG 321URX at the time of writing
How We Chose These 4K Monitors with HDMI 2.1
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 6 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while color gamut and adaptive sync have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the MPG 321URX to the MAG 321CUP, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution and 0.03ms response.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MPG 321URX and the 32GS95UE give no color gamut; the MPG 321URX, the MPG 272URX and the MPG 321URXW give no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the MPG 321URX ($500 to $1000) to the 32GS95UE ($1000 to $1500).
What to Look for in a 4K Monitor with HDMI 2.1
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Across these 5 picks refresh rate spans 165Hz (the MAG 321CUP) to 240Hz (the MPG 321URX). The MPG 321URX is the pick for refresh rate.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 26.5 inches on the MPG 272URX to 32 inches on the 32GS95UE, a 21% spread. The MAG 321CUP comes second at 32 inches, in the $500 to $1000 tier against $1000 to $1500 for the 32GS95UE.
Features beyond the spec table
The MPG 272URX: OLED Care 2.0 in MSI software. The MPG 321URXW: an HDMI 2.1 input. The MAG 321CUP: HDMI 2.1 and a 15W USB-C port.
Budget
$500 to $1000 buys the MPG 321URX, the MAG 321CUP, the MPG 272URX and the MPG 321URXW; $1000 to $1500 buys the 32GS95UE at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Keeping the cost under $1000: the MPG 321URX. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MPG 321URX costs less: the 32GS95UE.
How to Choose a 4K Monitor with HDMI 2.1
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the cost under $1000 | MPG 321URX | The cheapest way into this group, below the MAG 321CUP |
| Buyers who want 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches | MPG 272URX | A 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches |
| Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness | MPG 321URXW | Up to 1000 nits peak brightness |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the MPG 321URX costs less | 32GS95UE | A dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want 1700R curve | MAG 321CUP | A 1700R curve |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MPG 321URX leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the MPG 272URX at 240Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG 321URX | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 272URX | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 321URXW | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| 32GS95UE | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | OLED |
| MAG 321CUP | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the MPG 321URX, sat in the $500 to $1000 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the 32GS95UE at $1000 to $1500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 321URX, MAG 321CUP, MPG 272URX, MPG 321URXW |
| About $1000 to $1500 | 32GS95UE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 32GS95UE worth paying more than the MPG 321URX?
The spec sheets show screen size (32 inches against 31.5 inches) in its favour. The MPG 321URX sat in the $500 to $1000 tier and the 32GS95UE in the $1000 to $1500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size decides your purchase.
What makes the MPG 321URX the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for the cheapest way into this group, below the MAG 321CUP. It makes sense for keeping the cost under $1000.
Do the MPG 321URX and the 32GS95UE differ on panel?
The MPG 321URX, the MPG 272URX, the MPG 321URXW and the MAG 321CUP use QD-OLED; the 32GS95UE uses OLED.
Beyond the specs, what sets the MPG 321URX and the MPG 272URX apart?
The MPG 321URX: a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. The MPG 272URX: a 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches. The MPG 321URXW: up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
Should I pick the MPG 321URX or the MAG 321CUP?
The MPG 321URX suits keeping the cost under $1000; the MAG 321CUP suits buyers who want 1700R curve.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MPG 321URX, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the MAG 321CUP. Look at the MPG 272URX for a 4K QD-OLED panel at 26.5 inches, the MPG 321URXW for up to 1000 nits peak brightness and the 32GS95UE for a dual mode with 1080p at 480Hz at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Measure desk depth before buying a larger screen.