Buying Guide
The Best Height-Adjustable 4K Monitors
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the INNOCN 43 has the largest screen size, and the MAG 274UPF costs the least.
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 has a height-adjustable stand, ordered by refresh rate.
We ranked these monitors on refresh rate, resolution and size using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and where a maker leaves out panel, we say so.
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
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH) 32-inch
DisplayHDR True Black 500 at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH) 32-inch (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MSI MAG 274UPF E2
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
INNOCN 43-inch 4K 144Hz
The largest screen size here (43 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for INNOCN 43-inch 4K 144Hz (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS ProArt PA279CDV
Calman Verified with Delta E below 1.5.
Best for: Buyers who want Calman Verified with Delta E below 1.5.
Our take Check price for ASUS ProArt PA279CDV (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) |
| DisplayHDR True Black 500 at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH) 32-inch (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (43 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for INNOCN 43-inch 4K 144Hz (opens in a new tab) |
| Calman Verified with Delta E below 1.5. | Buyers who want Calman Verified with Delta E below 1.5. | Check price for ASUS ProArt PA279CDV (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
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It has one of the most adjustable stands among the OLED models here. It matches the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 26.7 inches: the INNOCN 43 comes in at 43 inches, and the PA279CDV comes in at 26.5 inches.
Like the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH and PA279CDV, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the MAG 274UPF uses a rapid IPS panel. Like the PA279CDV, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH uses a DisplayHDR True Black 500. 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. Its price falls between the INNOCN 43 and the PA279CDV, based on our last check.
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
- Costs more than the MAG 274UPF at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH) 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's G80SH is a 32-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with DisplayHDR True Black 500, USB-C and a three-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its stand adjusts for height, pivot, tilt and swivel. On refresh rate it ties with the AW2725Q at 240Hz. Its 32 inches screen size ranks second of 5 here, behind the INNOCN 43 (43 inches) and ahead of the PA279CDV (26.5 inches).
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the AW2725Q and PA279CDV; the MAG 274UPF goes with a rapid IPS panel. You get a DisplayHDR True Black 500 here, which sets it apart from the PA279CDV and its a DisplayHDR True Black 400. It also comes with OLED Safeguard+ burn-in protection.
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. Only the PA279CDV came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 500
- Stand: height, pivot, tilt and swivel
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
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 500 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MAG 274UPF at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
MSI MAG 274UPF E2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MAG 274UPF gives 4K at 160Hz with a fully adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz).
Why we like it
It is a straightforward, well-equipped IPS choice. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 160Hz: the AW2725Q offers 240Hz, and the PA279CDV comes in at 120Hz. Its 27 inches screen size ranks third of 5 here, behind the INNOCN 43 (43 inches) and ahead of the PA279CDV (26.5 inches).
You get a rapid IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH and its a QD-OLED panel. You get an HDR 400 here, which sets it apart from the PA279CDV and its a DisplayHDR True Black 400. 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.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the INNOCN 43 the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Rapid IPS
- HDR: HDR 400
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height, swivel and pivot adjustment
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Rapid IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz)
Largest Screen Size4 of 5
INNOCN 43-inch 4K 144Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
INNOCN's 43-inch 4K monitor runs at 144Hz with built-in speakers, USB-C and a height-adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the MAG 274UPF cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is a lower-cost way to a TV-sized desktop screen. Its 144Hz refresh rate ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the AW2725Q (240Hz) and ahead of the PA279CDV (120Hz). Nothing else here matches its 43 inches screen size; the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH comes closest at 32 inches.
It is the only pick here with an HDR400; the AW2725Q has a DisplayHDR True Black 400 instead. It also offers USB-C input. Reaching 144Hz 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 MAG 274UPF and the AW2725Q, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 43 inches
- HDR: HDR400
- Stand: height adjustment
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a stand with height adjustment
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- Costs more than the MAG 274UPF at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
ASUS ProArt PA279CDV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ProArt PA279CDV moves the ProArt line to a 26.5-inch 4K QD-OLED panel at 120Hz, calibrated to Delta E below 1.5.
Best for
- Buyers who want Calman Verified with Delta E below 1.5.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
It adds 96W USB-C and a KVM for two computers. Its 120Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the AW2725Q leads at 240Hz. On screen size it trails the group at 26.5 inches, while the INNOCN 43 comes in at 43 inches.
Like the AW2725Q and Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the MAG 274UPF uses a rapid IPS panel. Like the AW2725Q, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH uses a DisplayHDR True Black 500. You also get Calman Verified with Delta E below 1.5 and 96W USB-C power delivery.
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper AW2725Q and the pricier Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Stand: tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustment
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate trails the AW2725Q (240Hz)
- Screen size trails the INNOCN 43 (43 inches)
How We Chose These Height-Adjustable 4K Monitors
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 from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the AW2725Q to the PA279CDV, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The INNOCN 43 gives no panel; the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH, the MAG 274UPF and the INNOCN 43 give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the MAG 274UPF ($250 to $500) to the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH ($1000 to $1500).
What to Look for in a Height-Adjustable 4K Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate across these picks
Here refresh rate runs from 120Hz on the PA279CDV to 240Hz on the AW2725Q. Start with the AW2725Q if refresh rate decides it.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 26.5 inches on the PA279CDV to 43 inches on the INNOCN 43. The INNOCN 43 is the pick for screen size.
Response
The AW2725Q lists 0.03ms; the PA279CDV lists 0.1ms.
Extras that separate them
The MAG 274UPF: a 160Hz refresh rate at 4K. The INNOCN 43: a height-adjustable stand. The PA279CDV: 96W USB-C power delivery.
Budget
$250 to $500 buys the MAG 274UPF and the INNOCN 43; $500 to $1000 buys the AW2725Q and the PA279CDV; $1000 to $1500 buys the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH at our last check.
How to Choose a Height-Adjustable 4K Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want Dolby Vision support | AW2725Q | Dolby Vision support |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH | DisplayHDR True Black 500 at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | MAG 274UPF | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who put screen size first | INNOCN 43 | The largest screen size here (43 inches) |
| Buyers who want Calman Verified with Delta E below 1.5 | PA279CDV | Calman Verified with Delta E below 1.5 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AW2725Q leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH 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 |
| Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| MAG 274UPF | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
| INNOCN 43 | 144Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 43 inches | Not listed |
| PA279CDV | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.5 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The MAG 274UPF was the lowest-priced pick and the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | MAG 274UPF, INNOCN 43 |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q, PA279CDV |
| About $1000 to $1500 | Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH compare with the INNOCN 43 on screen size?
The INNOCN 43 leads at 43 inches, with the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH at 32 inches. The PA279CDV is at the other end of this group with 26.5 inches.
What does the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH add over the MAG 274UPF?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 160Hz) and screen size (32 inches against 27 inches). The MAG 274UPF was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the INNOCN 43 our Largest Screen Size pick?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (43 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the AW2725Q and the MAG 274UPF differ on panel?
The AW2725Q, the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH and the PA279CDV use QD-OLED; the MAG 274UPF uses Rapid IPS. The maker of the INNOCN 43 doesn't say.
What extras do the AW2725Q and the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH include?
The AW2725Q: Dolby Vision support. The Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH: DisplayHDR True Black 500. The MAG 274UPF: a 160Hz refresh rate at 4K.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2725Q, chosen for Dolby Vision support. Look at the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH for DisplayHDR True Black 500 at the highest price in the group, the MAG 274UPF for the lowest price of the group at our last check and the INNOCN 43 for the largest screen size here (43 inches) if those matter more to you.
Use the cable in the box; older cables can cap the refresh rate.