Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for Machine Learning
From the Samsung ViewFinity S71H to the LG 27UP850K: 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
Machine learning work means notebooks, logs and plots side by side, so pixel density matters more than refresh rate. Every pick is 27 inches or larger at 4K or higher, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by refresh rate, resolution and size, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips refresh rate, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 27-inch 4KUndercutting the 27US500 on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker for the least money.
Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 27-inch 4K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
LG UltraFine 27US500-WA white borderless design.
Best for: Buyers who want white borderless design.
Check price for LG UltraFine 27US500-W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz CurvedThe highest refresh rate here (160Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-CUSB-C with up to 65W power delivery.
Best for: Buyers who want USB-C with up to 65W power delivery.
Check price for Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
LG 27UP850K-W UltraFineThe top of this price range, adding USB Type-C with up to 90W power delivery.
Best for: Spending more than the S2725QC costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for LG 27UP850K-W UltraFine on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the 27US500 on price when we checked. | Getting TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker for the least money. | Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 27-inch 4K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A white borderless design. | Buyers who want white borderless design. | Check price for LG UltraFine 27US500-W on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (160Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| USB-C with up to 65W power delivery. | Buyers who want USB-C with up to 65W power delivery. | Check price for Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding USB Type-C with up to 90W power delivery. | Spending more than the S2725QC costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for LG 27UP850K-W UltraFine on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 27-inch 4K
The ViewFinity S7 27-inch is a plain 4K IPS screen for sharp text.
Best for
- Getting TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker for the least money.
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. Samsung pitches the 3840x2160 panel on its high pixel density and the extra screen space it gives for designs, diagrams and several windows.
On screen size it ties with the 27US500, the S2725QC and the LG 27UP850K at 27 inches. Like the 27US500, it has an HDR10, while the LG 27UP850K uses a DisplayHDR 400. It also offers a Game Mode that adjusts colour and contrast.
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. It undercut the 27US500 and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key 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
- TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker
- HDMI and DisplayPort inputs
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Screen size of 27 inches, behind the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches)
The catch
The maker doesn't give its refresh rate; if that figure matters, the CRUA 32 4K offers 160Hz.
Also Consider2 of 5
LG UltraFine 27US500-W
The 27US500 offers 90% DCI-P3 coverage and HDR10 input on an IPS panel in a white finish.
Best for
- Buyers who want white borderless design.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
It suits creative work more than gaming. It matches the Samsung ViewFinity S71H, the S2725QC and the LG 27UP850K on screen size (27 inches). It shares an HDR10 with the Samsung ViewFinity S71H; the LG 27UP850K goes with a DisplayHDR 400.
A 90% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the CRUA 32 4K uses a 120% sRGB color gamut. It also offers 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.
When we checked, only the Samsung ViewFinity S71H cost less, and the CRUA 32 4K cost more. If you want a confirmed refresh rate, look to the CRUA 32 4K instead: it offers 160Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Key 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
- Costs more than the Samsung ViewFinity S71H at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh3 of 5
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved
CRUA's 32-inch 4K screen curves at 1500R and runs at 160Hz with built-in speakers.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Samsung ViewFinity S71H, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The maker specifies an HDMI 2.1 input. Its 32 inches screen size is the largest here; the Samsung ViewFinity S71H comes next at 27 inches. No other pick in this guide offers a 120% sRGB color gamut; compare the 27US500, which has a 90% 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: 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper 27US500 and the pricier S2725QC, at the time of writing.
Key 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 Samsung ViewFinity S71H at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Dell 27 S2725QC 4K USB-C
What the S2725QC brings to the table is USB-C with up to 65W power delivery, plus 4K at 120Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want USB-C with up to 65W power delivery.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Samsung ViewFinity S71H cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 120Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the Samsung ViewFinity S71H, the 27US500 and the LG 27UP850K on screen size (27 inches). A 99% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the LG 27UP850K uses a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.
You also get 1500:1 contrast. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. Worth noting: 4K resolution for sharp text and detail. When we checked, only the CRUA 32 4K and cheaper picks cost less, and the LG 27UP850K cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 120Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 4ms
- Color gamut
- 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the Samsung ViewFinity S71H at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
LG 27UP850K-W UltraFine
What the LG 27UP850K brings to the table is USB Type-C with up to 90W power delivery, plus stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio.
Best for
- Spending more than the S2725QC costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the CRUA 32 4K offers 32 inches.
Why we like it
It also offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the Samsung ViewFinity S71H, the 27US500 and the S2725QC on screen size (27 inches). A DisplayHDR 400 is unique to it among these picks, while the 27US500 uses an HDR10.
A 95% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the 27US500 uses a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also offers DisplayPort, two HDMI connections and two USB 3.0 ports and a Switch app that splits the screen into up to 6 sections. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. At our last price check it topped the group, with the S2725QC the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- HDR
- DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut
- 95% DCI-P3
- Stand
- height, tilt and pivot
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- a stand with height, tilt and pivot
Cons
- Screen size trails the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches)
- Costs more than the Samsung ViewFinity S71H at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed refresh rate, look to the CRUA 32 4K instead: it offers 160Hz, while this one gives no figure.
How We Chose These Monitors for Machine Learning
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 lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out refresh rate.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Samsung ViewFinity S71H to the LG 27UP850K, state resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Samsung ViewFinity S71H, the 27US500 and the LG 27UP850K give no refresh rate; the CRUA 32 4K gives no panel.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Samsung ViewFinity S71H ($150 to $250) to the LG 27UP850K ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Monitor for Machine Learning
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much screen size you need
The CRUA 32 4K tops screen size at 32 inches and the LG 27UP850K sits lowest at 27 inches. If screen size is your first filter, the CRUA 32 4K sets the ceiling at 32 inches.
Refresh rate across these picks
Across these 2 picks refresh rate spans 120Hz (the S2725QC) to 160Hz (the CRUA 32 4K). Start with the CRUA 32 4K if refresh rate decides it. The Samsung ViewFinity S71H, the 27US500 and the LG 27UP850K give no refresh rate figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop Features beyond the spec table
The CRUA 32 4K: built-in speakers. The S2725QC: 4K at 120Hz. The LG 27UP850K: stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio.
Budget
$150 to $250 buys the Samsung ViewFinity S71H and the 27US500; $250 to $500 buys the CRUA 32 4K, the S2725QC and the LG 27UP850K at our last check.
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop Match the pick to your priority
Getting TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker for the least money: the Samsung ViewFinity S71H. Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most: the CRUA 32 4K. Spending more than the S2725QC costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the LG 27UP850K.
How to Choose a Monitor for Machine Learning
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker for the least money | Samsung ViewFinity S71H | Undercutting the 27US500 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want white borderless design | 27US500 | A white borderless design |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | CRUA 32 4K | The highest refresh rate here (160Hz) |
| Buyers who want USB-C with up to 65W power delivery | S2725QC | USB-C with up to 65W power delivery |
| Spending more than the S2725QC costs for the fullest feature set in this group | LG 27UP850K | The top of this price range, adding USB Type-C with up to 90W power delivery |
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 Samsung ViewFinity S71H at 27 inches. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the Samsung ViewFinity S71H, the 27US500 and the LG 27UP850K leave the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung ViewFinity S71H | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 27US500 | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| CRUA 32 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | Not listed |
| S2725QC | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| LG 27UP850K | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Samsung ViewFinity S71H, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the LG 27UP850K at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Samsung ViewFinity S71H, 27US500 |
| About $250 to $500 | CRUA 32 4K, S2725QC, LG 27UP850K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest screen size: the CRUA 32 4K or the Samsung ViewFinity S71H?
The CRUA 32 4K tops screen size at 32 inches; the Samsung ViewFinity S71H follows at 27 inches, 19% apart.
How does the S2725QC compare with the CRUA 32 4K on refresh rate?
Between the top two, it is 160Hz on the CRUA 32 4K against 120Hz on the S2725QC, a 33% difference. The Samsung ViewFinity S71H, the 27US500 and the LG 27UP850K don't state a refresh rate figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
What makes the CRUA 32 4K the Fastest Refresh?
The label rests on the highest refresh rate here (160Hz). The S2725QC is next on refresh rate at 120Hz, so this pick's 160Hz is 33% further out. The Samsung ViewFinity S71H, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Do the Samsung ViewFinity S71H and the LG 27UP850K differ on HDR?
The Samsung ViewFinity S71H and the 27US500 use HDR10; the LG 27UP850K uses DisplayHDR 400. The makers of the CRUA 32 4K and the S2725QC don't state HDR, so 3 of 5 picks are covered here.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Samsung ViewFinity S71H and the 27US500 apart?
The Samsung ViewFinity S71H: a TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker. The 27US500: a white borderless design. The CRUA 32 4K: a 1500R curve.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Samsung ViewFinity S71H, chosen for undercutting the 27US500 on price when we checked. Look at the 27US500 for a white borderless design, the S2725QC for USB-C with up to 65W power delivery and the LG 27UP850K for the top of this price range, adding USB Type-C with up to 90W power delivery if those matter more to you.
Use 125% or 150% scaling on a 4K screen.
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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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