Buying Guide
The Best Entry-Level 4K Monitors
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the CRUA 32 4K has the largest screen size; the 27US500 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 and cost $300 or less when we checked, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; if a maker skips refresh rate, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
LG UltraFine 27US500-W
Undercutting the ViewFinity S70H on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for LG UltraFine 27US500-W (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S70H) 27-inch
A built-in KVM switch for two computers.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in KVM switch for two computers.
Our take Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S70H) 27-inch (opens in a new tab)
Fast IPS Panel
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz
A fast IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Our take Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
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)
Largest Screen Size
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved
The largest screen size here (32 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the ViewFinity S70H on price when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for LG UltraFine 27US500-W (opens in a new tab) |
| A built-in KVM switch for two computers. | Buyers who want built-in KVM switch for two computers. | Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S70H) 27-inch (opens in a new tab) |
| A fast IPS panel. | Buyers who want a fast IPS panel. | Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz (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) |
| The largest screen size here (32 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
LG UltraFine 27US500-W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 27US500 offers 90% DCI-P3 coverage and HDR10 input on an IPS panel in a white finish.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
It suits creative work more than gaming. On screen size it ties with the ViewFinity S70H, the CUNPU 4K and the ViewFinity S7 27 at 27 inches. Like the ViewFinity S7 27, it has an IPS panel, while the CUNPU 4K uses a fast IPS panel.
No other pick in this guide offers a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the CUNPU 4K, which has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with a white borderless design and a Reader Mode. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy.
It undercut the ViewFinity S70H and every other pick on price 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: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- HDR: HDR10
- Color gamut: 90% DCI-P3
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 90% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- White borderless design
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Screen size of 27 inches, behind the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches)
Also Consider2 of 5
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S70H) 27-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ViewFinity S70H adds a KVM switch, so one keyboard and mouse can control two computers.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in KVM switch for two computers.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
TÜV-certified Eye Saver mode cuts blue light and flicker, and 178-degree viewing angles keep brightness even. The 27-inch 4K panel gives a high pixel density for sharp text. It supports HDR10 for deeper contrast in video.
It matches the 27US500, the CUNPU 4K and the ViewFinity S7 27 on screen size (27 inches). It shares an HDR10 with the 27US500 and ViewFinity S7 27; the CUNPU 4K goes with an HDR400. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy.
When we checked, only the 27US500 cost less, and the CUNPU 4K cost more. If you want a confirmed refresh rate, look to the CUNPU 4K instead: it offers 160Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- HDR: HDR10
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- Built-in KVM switch for two computers
- HDR10 support
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Costs more than the 27US500 at the time of writing
Fast IPS Panel3 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
- Buyers who want a fast IPS panel.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the 27US500 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 4K high-refresh monitors here. On screen size it ties with the 27US500, the ViewFinity S70H and the ViewFinity S7 27 at 27 inches. No other pick in this guide offers a fast IPS panel; compare the 27US500, which has an IPS panel.
No other pick in this guide offers an HDR400; compare the ViewFinity S7 27, which has an HDR10. No other pick in this guide offers a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the 27US500, which has a 90% 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. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper ViewFinity S70H and the pricier ViewFinity S7 27, at the time of writing.
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
- Costs more than the 27US500 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 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. It matches the 27US500, the ViewFinity S70H and the CUNPU 4K on screen size (27 inches).
It shares an IPS panel with the 27US500; the CUNPU 4K goes with a fast IPS panel. It shares an HDR10 with the 27US500 and ViewFinity S70H; the CUNPU 4K goes with an HDR400. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy.
When we checked, only the CUNPU 4K and cheaper picks cost less, and the CRUA 32 4K cost more. If you want a confirmed refresh rate, look to the CUNPU 4K instead: it offers 160Hz, while this one gives no figure.
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
- Screen size trails the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches)
- Costs more than the 27US500 at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size5 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 put screen size first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the 27US500 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The maker specifies an HDMI 2.1 input. Its 32 inches screen size is the largest here; the 27US500 comes next at 27 inches. A 120% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the CUNPU 4K 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. Worth noting too: 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. At our last price check it topped the group, with the ViewFinity S7 27 the nearest cheaper option.
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 27US500 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Entry-Level 4K Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- 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 27US500 to the CRUA 32 4K, state resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The 27US500, the ViewFinity S70H and the ViewFinity S7 27 give no refresh rate; the ViewFinity S70H and the CRUA 32 4K give no panel.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the 27US500 ($150 to $250) to the CRUA 32 4K ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an Entry-Level 4K Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 27 inches on the ViewFinity S7 27 to 32 inches on the CRUA 32 4K. Start with the CRUA 32 4K if screen size decides it.
HDR
The 27US500, the ViewFinity S70H and the ViewFinity S7 27 list HDR10; the CUNPU 4K lists HDR400. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Extras that separate them
The CUNPU 4K: a factory calibration of Delta E under 2. The ViewFinity S7 27: 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel. The CRUA 32 4K: built-in speakers.
How much to spend
$150 to $250 buys the 27US500, the ViewFinity S70H, the CUNPU 4K and the ViewFinity S7 27; $250 to $500 buys the CRUA 32 4K at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Keeping the budget tight: the 27US500. Buyers who want a fast IPS panel: the CUNPU 4K. Buyers who put screen size first: the CRUA 32 4K.
How to Choose an Entry-Level 4K Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | 27US500 | Undercutting the ViewFinity S70H on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want built-in KVM switch for two computers | ViewFinity S70H | A built-in KVM switch for two computers |
| Buyers who want a fast IPS panel | CUNPU 4K | A fast IPS panel |
| Buyers who want 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel | ViewFinity S7 27 | 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel |
| Buyers who put screen size first | CRUA 32 4K | The largest screen size here (32 inches) |
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 27US500 at 27 inches. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27US500 | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| ViewFinity S70H | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| CUNPU 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| ViewFinity S7 27 | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| CRUA 32 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The 27US500 was the lowest-priced pick and the CRUA 32 4K the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | 27US500, ViewFinity S70H, CUNPU 4K, ViewFinity S7 27 |
| About $250 to $500 | CRUA 32 4K |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 27US500 compare with the CRUA 32 4K on screen size?
The CRUA 32 4K leads at 32 inches, with the 27US500 at 27 inches.
What does the CRUA 32 4K add over the 27US500?
On paper it adds screen size (32 inches against 27 inches). The 27US500 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the CRUA 32 4K our Largest Screen Size pick?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (32 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the 27US500 and the CUNPU 4K differ on panel?
The 27US500 and the ViewFinity S7 27 use IPS; the CUNPU 4K uses Fast IPS. The makers of the ViewFinity S70H and the CRUA 32 4K don't say.
What extras do the 27US500 and the ViewFinity S70H include?
The 27US500: a white borderless design. The ViewFinity S70H: a built-in KVM switch for two computers. The CUNPU 4K: 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the 27US500, chosen for undercutting the ViewFinity S70H on price when we checked. Look at the ViewFinity S70H for a built-in KVM switch for two computers, the CUNPU 4K for a fast IPS panel and the ViewFinity S7 27 for 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel if those matter more to you.
Set the refresh rate in Windows display settings; many screens start at 60Hz.