Buying Guide
The Best HDR 4K Monitors
From the CUNPU 4K to the MPG 321URX: 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 4K panel quadruples the pixels of 1080p, so plan for upscaling in demanding games. Every monitor here is 4K and supports HDR, 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 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
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
The top of this price range, adding a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch
The largest screen size here (37 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz
A lower price than the M27UP 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)
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)
| 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 top of this price range, adding a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (37 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the M27UP 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 superSpeed IPS panel. | Buyers who want a superSpeed IPS panel. | Check price for GIGABYTE M27UP (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. On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 321URX at 240Hz. Its 26.7 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the Odyssey G7 37 leads at 37 inches.
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the MPG 321URX; the M27UP goes with a SuperSpeed IPS panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the MPG 321URX; the M27UP goes with a DisplayHDR 400. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the CUNPU 4K; the M27UP goes with a 125% sRGB color gamut.
It also comes with Dolby Vision support, 166 PPI at 4K and USB-C with 15W power delivery. 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. It was priced above the M27UP and below the Odyssey G7 37 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 Odyssey G7 37 (37 inches)
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 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
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 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 AW2725Q at 240Hz. Its 31.5 inches screen size ranks second of 5 here, behind the Odyssey G7 37 (37 inches) and ahead of the AW2725Q (26.7 inches).
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the AW2725Q; the M27UP goes with a SuperSpeed IPS panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the AW2725Q; the Odyssey G7 37 goes with a DisplayHDR 600. 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Odyssey G7 37 the nearest cheaper option.
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
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size3 of 5
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's Odyssey G7 37 is a 37-inch 4K screen at 165Hz with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the CUNPU 4K cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It sits between a 32-inch monitor and a TV in size. Its 165Hz refresh rate ranks third of 5 here, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz) and ahead of the M27UP (160Hz). On screen size it leads this guide at 37 inches, ahead of the MPG 321URX (31.5 inches).
No other pick in this guide offers a DisplayHDR 600; compare the CUNPU 4K, which has an HDR400. You also get a 37-inch 1000R curve. 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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper AW2725Q and the pricier MPG 321URX, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 37 inches
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
- 37-inch 1000R curve
Cons
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 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
- Pass on it if refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 4K high-refresh monitors here. On refresh rate it ties with the M27UP at 160Hz. You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the M27UP and its a SuperSpeed IPS panel.
You get an HDR400 here, which sets it apart from the M27UP and its a DisplayHDR 400. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW2725Q; the M27UP goes with a 125% sRGB 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.
It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the M27UP the next step up. 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: 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
- Refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz)
SuperSpeed IPS Panel5 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 refresh rate matters most to you; the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
It matches the CUNPU 4K on refresh rate (160Hz). On screen size it ties with the CUNPU 4K at 27 inches. No other pick in this guide offers a SuperSpeed IPS panel; compare the CUNPU 4K, which has a fast IPS panel.
No other pick in this guide offers a DisplayHDR 400; compare the Odyssey G7 37, which has a DisplayHDR 600. No other pick in this guide offers a 125% sRGB color gamut; compare the AW2725Q, which has 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.
On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper CUNPU 4K and the pricier AW2725Q, at the time of writing. The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the AW2725Q offers 240Hz.
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
- Refresh rate trails the AW2725Q (240Hz)
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
How We Chose These HDR 4K Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the AW2725Q to the M27UP, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Odyssey G7 37 gives no panel; the MPG 321URX and the Odyssey G7 37 give no color gamut.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CUNPU 4K ($150 to $250) to the MPG 321URX ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in an HDR 4K Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 160Hz on the M27UP to 240Hz on the AW2725Q. The AW2725Q is the pick for refresh rate.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 26.7 inches on the AW2725Q to 37 inches on the Odyssey G7 37. Start with the Odyssey G7 37 if screen size decides it.
Response
The AW2725Q and the MPG 321URX list 0.03ms; the Odyssey G7 37, the CUNPU 4K and the M27UP list 1ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Features beyond the spec table
The Odyssey G7 37: 4K at 165Hz. The CUNPU 4K: a factory calibration of Delta E under 2. The M27UP: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
How much to spend
$150 to $250 buys the CUNPU 4K; $250 to $500 buys the M27UP; $500 to $1000 buys the AW2725Q, the Odyssey G7 37 and the MPG 321URX at our last check.
How to Choose an HDR 4K Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want Dolby Vision support | AW2725Q | Dolby Vision support |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | MPG 321URX | The top of this price range, adding a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture |
| Buyers who put screen size first | Odyssey G7 37 | The largest screen size here (37 inches) |
| Spending as little as possible | CUNPU 4K | A lower price than the M27UP and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want a superSpeed IPS panel | M27UP | A superSpeed IPS panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2725Q leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the MPG 321URX 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 |
| MPG 321URX | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| Odyssey G7 37 | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 37 inches | Not listed |
| CUNPU 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| M27UP | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | SuperSpeed IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The CUNPU 4K was the lowest-priced pick and the MPG 321URX the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | CUNPU 4K |
| About $250 to $500 | M27UP |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q, Odyssey G7 37, MPG 321URX |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest screen size: the Odyssey G7 37 or the MPG 321URX?
The Odyssey G7 37 leads at 37 inches, with the MPG 321URX at 31.5 inches. The AW2725Q is at the other end of this group with 26.7 inches.
Is the MPG 321URX worth paying more than the CUNPU 4K?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 160Hz) and screen size (31.5 inches against 27 inches). The CUNPU 4K was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Odyssey G7 37 the Largest Screen Size?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (37 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the AW2725Q and the CUNPU 4K differ on panel?
The AW2725Q and the MPG 321URX use QD-OLED; the CUNPU 4K uses Fast IPS; the M27UP uses SuperSpeed IPS. The maker of the Odyssey G7 37 doesn't say.
Beyond the specs, what sets the AW2725Q and the MPG 321URX apart?
The AW2725Q: Dolby Vision support. The MPG 321URX: a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture. The Odyssey G7 37: a 37-inch 1000R curve.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2725Q, chosen for Dolby Vision support. Look at the MPG 321URX for the top of this price range, adding a built-in KVM with picture-in-picture, the Odyssey G7 37 for the largest screen size here (37 inches) and the CUNPU 4K for a lower price than the M27UP and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.
Check that your GPU has the port the monitor needs for its full refresh rate.