Buying Guide
The Best 32-Inch 4K Gaming Monitors
From the ViewFinity S7 32 to the MPG 321URXW: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
32-inch 4K gives sharp detail at a comfortable size. Every pick is 31.5-32 inches at 4K, 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; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing refresh rate is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLEDA built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLEDUp to 1000 nits peak brightness at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the ViewFinity S7 32 costs less.
Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
OLED Panel
LG UltraGear 32GX850A-BAn OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an OLED panel.
Check price for LG UltraGear 32GX850A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
VA Panel
Dell S3225QSA VA panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a VA panel.
Check price for Dell S3225QS on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inchThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the S3225QS.
Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
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
- Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
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 321URXW at 240Hz. It matches the MPG 321URXW on screen size (31.5 inches).
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 321URXW; the 32GX850A goes with an OLED panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the MPG 321URXW and 32GX850A; the ViewFinity S7 32 goes with an HDR10. You also get 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 was priced above the S3225QS and below the 32GX850A at the time of writing.
Key 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
- Costs more than the ViewFinity S7 32 at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED
MSI's MPG 321URXW is a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the ViewFinity S7 32 costs less.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the 32-inch step up from the 272URX. It matches the MPG 321URX on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 321URX at 31.5 inches.
Like the MPG 321URX, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the ViewFinity S7 32 uses an IPS panel. Like the MPG 321URX and 32GX850A, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the ViewFinity S7 32 uses an HDR10. It also offers 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the 32GX850A.
Key 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
- Screen size trails the 32GX850A (32 inches)
- Costs more than the ViewFinity S7 32 at the time of writing
The catch
If screen size is your priority, the 32GX850A (32 inches) is the stronger choice.
OLED Panel3 of 5
LG UltraGear 32GX850A-B
LG's 32GX850A runs 4K at 165Hz or switches to 1080p at 330Hz for fast shooters.
Best for
- Buyers who want an OLED panel.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements is a problem.
Why we like it
Its glossy OLED finish looks punchy in a dim room but reflects more in a bright one. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 165Hz: the MPG 321URX offers 240Hz, and the S3225QS comes in at 120Hz. It matches the S3225QS and the ViewFinity S7 32 on screen size (32 inches).
You get an OLED panel here, which sets it apart from the ViewFinity S7 32 and its an IPS panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the MPG 321URX and MPG 321URXW; the ViewFinity S7 32 goes with an HDR10. 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. It was priced above the MPG 321URX and below the MPG 321URXW at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 165Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 32 inches
- Panel
- OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 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 ViewFinity S7 32 at the time of writing
VA Panel4 of 5
Dell S3225QS
The S3225QS brings 4K at 120Hz to 32 inches with 95% DCI-P3 on a VA panel.
Best for
- Buyers who want a VA panel.
Skip if
- Pass on it if a VA panel that can smear dark transitions rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits a deeper desk and media. Its 120Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the MPG 321URX leads at 240Hz. On screen size it ties with the 32GX850A and the ViewFinity S7 32 at 32 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a VA panel; compare the 32GX850A, which has an OLED 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 second of 5, between the cheaper ViewFinity S7 32 and the pricier MPG 321URX, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 120Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 32 inches
- Panel
- VA
- Color gamut
- 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
- 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 321URX (240Hz)
- Costs more than the ViewFinity S7 32 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch
The 32-inch ViewFinity S7 gives 4K on a larger IPS panel for spreadsheets and video.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the S3225QS.
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 32GX850A and the S3225QS at 32 inches. It is the only pick here with an IPS panel; the MPG 321URX has a QD-OLED panel instead.
It is the only pick here with an HDR10; the MPG 321URX has a DisplayHDR True Black 400 instead. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the S3225QS was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed refresh rate should compare it with the MPG 321URX, which offers 240Hz.
Key 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 MPG 321URX
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- No published refresh rate
How We Chose These 32-Inch 4K Gaming Monitors
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and refresh rate and response are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the MPG 321URX to the ViewFinity S7 32, state resolution, screen size and panel and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ViewFinity S7 32 gives no refresh rate; the S3225QS and the ViewFinity S7 32 give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ViewFinity S7 32 ($250 to $500) to the MPG 321URXW ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 32-Inch 4K Gaming Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size across these picks
The 32GX850A tops screen size at 32 inches and the MPG 321URXW sits lowest at 31.5 inches; 3 picks share the top figure. For less, the S3225QS is the runner-up at 32 inches ($250 to $500 tier).
Refresh rate
Across these 4 picks refresh rate spans 120Hz (the S3225QS) to 240Hz (the MPG 321URX). If refresh rate is your first filter, the MPG 321URX sets the ceiling at 240Hz. The ViewFinity S7 32 gives no refresh rate figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A 4K monitor showing a detailed landscape wallpaper Features beyond the spec table
The 32GX850A: a glossy screen finish. The S3225QS: a 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz. The ViewFinity S7 32: a 32-inch 4K IPS panel.
Budget
$250 to $500 buys the ViewFinity S7 32 and the S3225QS; $500 to $1000 buys the MPG 321URX, the 32GX850A and the MPG 321URXW at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the ViewFinity S7 32 costs less: the MPG 321URXW. Buyers who want an OLED panel: the 32GX850A. Buyers who want a VA panel: the S3225QS.
How to Choose a 32-Inch 4K Gaming Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want built-in KVM with picture-in-picture | MPG 321URX | A built-in KVM with picture-in-picture |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the ViewFinity S7 32 costs less | MPG 321URXW | Up to 1000 nits peak brightness at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want an OLED panel | 32GX850A | An OLED panel |
| Buyers who want a VA panel | S3225QS | A VA panel |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the S3225QS | ViewFinity S7 32 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The 32GX850A leads on screen size at 32 inches, ahead of the S3225QS at 32 inches. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the ViewFinity S7 32 leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG 321URX | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 321URXW | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| 32GX850A | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | OLED |
| S3225QS | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | VA |
| ViewFinity S7 32 | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the ViewFinity S7 32, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the MPG 321URXW at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | ViewFinity S7 32, S3225QS |
| About $500 to $1000 | MPG 321URX, 32GX850A, MPG 321URXW |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MPG 321URXW worth paying more than the ViewFinity S7 32?
The MPG 321URXW matches or trails the ViewFinity S7 32 on screen size, so pay more only for a feature the spec sheet doesn't cover. The ViewFinity S7 32 leads on screen size (32 inches). The ViewFinity S7 32 sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the MPG 321URXW in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them.
What makes the 32GX850A the OLED Panel?
It carries the badge for an OLED panel. The ViewFinity S7 32, the cheapest pick, sat in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who wants an OLED panel.
Do the MPG 321URX and the 32GX850A differ on panel?
The MPG 321URX and the MPG 321URXW use QD-OLED; the 32GX850A uses OLED; the S3225QS uses VA; the ViewFinity S7 32 uses IPS.
Beyond the specs, what sets the MPG 321URX and the MPG 321URXW apart?
The MPG 321URX: a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. The MPG 321URXW: up to 1000 nits peak brightness. The 32GX850A: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 330Hz.
Who should choose the S3225QS?
The S3225QS carries our VA Panel label for a VA panel. It ranks fourth of 5 here and sat in the $250 to $500 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who wants a VA panel.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MPG 321URX, chosen for a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. Look at the MPG 321URXW for up to 1000 nits peak brightness at the highest price in the group, the 32GX850A for an OLED panel and the S3225QS for a VA panel if those matter more to you.
Use DSC or HDMI 2.1 for 4K above 120Hz.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Monitors to Buy Now
- Related guideThe Best 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best 4K Gaming Monitors Under $500
- Similar guideThe Best 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitors
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 4K Monitor
- Explainer1080p vs 1440p vs 4K Monitor
- Also see: graphics cardsHow to Choose a Graphics Card for 1440p Gaming
- Similar guideThe Best 4K Gaming PC Monitors
- Topic hubAll 4k monitors guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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