Buying Guide
The Best IPS 4K Monitors
Five monitors compared, from the ViewFinity S7 27 to the 27G810A, 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 uses an IPS panel, 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 refresh rate 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.
Also Consider
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution
A dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
LG UltraGear 27G810A-B
The top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G810A-B (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 27-inch
Undercutting the ViewFinity S7 32 on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel for the least money.
Our take Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 27-inch (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch
The largest screen size here (32 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS ProArt PA329CRV
96W USB-C power delivery.
Best for: Buyers who want 96W USB-C power delivery.
Our take Check price for ASUS ProArt PA329CRV (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2725QF is a 27-inch 4K IPS screen at 180Hz with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ViewFinity S7 27, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED burn-in concerns while keeping 4K sharpness. It matches the 27G810A and the ViewFinity S7 27 on screen size (27 inches). A DisplayHDR 600 is unique to it among these picks, while the ViewFinity S7 27 uses an HDR10.
It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the 27G810A; the PA329CRV goes with a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also offers a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz and Dolby Vision support. Reaching 180Hz 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. When we checked, only the ViewFinity S7 32 and cheaper picks cost less, and the PA329CRV cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 0.5ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Costs more than the ViewFinity S7 27 at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G810A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 27G810A runs 4K at 180Hz and switches to 1080p at 360Hz for shooters, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayHDR 400.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ViewFinity S7 27 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It covers both uses on one screen. It matches the AW2725QF and the ViewFinity S7 27 on screen size (27 inches). It shares a DisplayHDR 400 with the PA329CRV; the ViewFinity S7 32 goes with an HDR10.
It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the AW2725QF; the PA329CRV goes with a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. Reaching 180Hz 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the PA329CRV the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
- Stand: swivel and pivot
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the ViewFinity S7 27 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 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
- Getting 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel for the least money.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 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. On screen size it ties with the AW2725QF and the 27G810A at 27 inches.
Like the ViewFinity S7 32, it has an HDR10, while the PA329CRV uses a DisplayHDR 400. 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 ViewFinity S7 32 was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed refresh rate should compare it with the AW2725QF, which offers 180Hz.
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
- Undercutting the ViewFinity S7 32 on price when we checked
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Screen size trails the ViewFinity S7 32 (32 inches)
Largest Screen Size4 of 5
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 32-inch ViewFinity S7 gives 4K on a larger IPS panel for spreadsheets and video.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
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 leads this guide at 32 inches, ahead of the PA329CRV (31.5 inches). Like the ViewFinity S7 27, it has an HDR10, while the 27G810A uses a DisplayHDR 400.
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 27 and the pricier AW2725QF, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its refresh rate; if that figure matters, the AW2725QF offers 180Hz.
Key dimensions & 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
- Largest screen size of the picks (32 inches)
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Costs more than the ViewFinity S7 27 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
ASUS ProArt PA329CRV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's ProArt PA329CRV is a 31.5-inch 4K IPS screen listing 98% DCI-P3 and DisplayHDR 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want 96W USB-C power delivery.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ViewFinity S7 27 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its 96W USB-C port can power a larger laptop over one cable. Its 31.5 inches screen size ranks second of 5 here, behind the ViewFinity S7 32 (32 inches) and ahead of the ViewFinity S7 27 (27 inches). It shares a DisplayHDR 400 with the 27G810A; the ViewFinity S7 32 goes with an HDR10.
A 98% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the 27G810A uses a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. You also get Calman Verified with Delta E below 2 and DisplayPort MST output for a second screen. 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 AW2725QF and cheaper picks cost less, and the 27G810A cost more. If you want a confirmed refresh rate, look to the AW2725QF instead: it offers 180Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: IPS
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 98% DCI-P3
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 98% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- Costs more than the ViewFinity S7 27 at the time of writing
How We Chose These IPS 4K Monitors
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, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the AW2725QF to the PA329CRV, state resolution, screen size and panel and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution and IPS panel.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ViewFinity S7 27, the ViewFinity S7 32 and the PA329CRV give no refresh rate; the ViewFinity S7 27, the ViewFinity S7 32 and the PA329CRV give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ViewFinity S7 27 ($150 to $250) to the 27G810A ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in an IPS 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 ViewFinity S7 32. The ViewFinity S7 32 is the pick for screen size.
Features beyond the spec table
The ViewFinity S7 27: 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel. The ViewFinity S7 32: a 32-inch 4K IPS panel. The PA329CRV: Calman Verified with Delta E below 2.
Where your budget lands
$150 to $250 buys the ViewFinity S7 27; $250 to $500 buys the ViewFinity S7 32 and the AW2725QF; $500 to $1000 buys the PA329CRV and the 27G810A at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Spending more for the fullest feature set: the 27G810A. Getting 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel for the least money: the ViewFinity S7 27. Buyers who put screen size first: the ViewFinity S7 32.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
How to Choose an IPS 4K Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz | AW2725QF | A dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | 27G810A | The top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz |
| Getting 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel for the least money | ViewFinity S7 27 | Undercutting the ViewFinity S7 32 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who put screen size first | ViewFinity S7 32 | The largest screen size here (32 inches) |
| Buyers who want 96W USB-C power delivery | PA329CRV | 96W USB-C power delivery |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ViewFinity S7 32 leads on screen size at 32 inches, ahead of the PA329CRV at 31.5 inches. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW2725QF | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 27G810A | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| ViewFinity S7 27 | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| ViewFinity S7 32 | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | IPS |
| PA329CRV | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The ViewFinity S7 27 was the lowest-priced pick and the 27G810A the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | ViewFinity S7 27 |
| About $250 to $500 | ViewFinity S7 32, AW2725QF |
| About $500 to $1000 | PA329CRV, 27G810A |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the PA329CRV compare with the ViewFinity S7 32 on screen size?
The ViewFinity S7 32 leads at 32 inches, with the PA329CRV at 31.5 inches. The ViewFinity S7 27 is at the other end of this group with 27 inches.
What makes the ViewFinity S7 32 the Largest Screen Size?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (32 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the AW2725QF and the 27G810A differ on response?
The AW2725QF uses 0.5ms; the 27G810A uses 1ms. The makers of the ViewFinity S7 27, the ViewFinity S7 32 and the PA329CRV don't say.
Beyond the specs, what sets the AW2725QF and the 27G810A apart?
The AW2725QF: a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz. The 27G810A: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz. The ViewFinity S7 27: 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel.
Should I pick the AW2725QF or the PA329CRV?
The AW2725QF suits buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz; the PA329CRV suits buyers who want 96W USB-C power delivery.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AW2725QF, chosen for a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz. Look at the 27G810A for the top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz, the ViewFinity S7 27 for undercutting the ViewFinity S7 32 on price when we checked and the ViewFinity S7 32 for the largest screen size here (32 inches) if those matter more to you.
Measure desk depth before buying a larger screen.