Buying Guide
The Best Samsung 4K Monitors
From the Odyssey G7 27 to the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH: 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
Within Samsung's line-up, panel and refresh rate vary more than the badge suggests. Every monitor here is made by Samsung and is 4K, ordered by refresh rate.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; nothing here was tested in-house, 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
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G81SF 32-inch
A Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film.
Best for: Buyers who want Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G81SF 32-inch (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)
Strong Alternative
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch
A 37-inch 1000R curve.
Best for: Buyers who want 37-inch 1000R curve.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G70D) 27-inch 4K
The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G70D) 27-inch 4K (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43-inch Smart
The largest screen size here (43 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43-inch Smart (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G81SF 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's G81SF puts a 240Hz QD-OLED panel at 4K into a 32-inch screen.
Best for
- Buyers who want Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its Glare Free coating cuts reflections that glossy OLEDs show in bright rooms, and it detects logos and taskbars to dim them. On refresh rate it ties with the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH at 240Hz. It matches the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH on screen size (32 inches).
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH; the Odyssey G7 27 goes with an IPS panel. You get a DisplayHDR True Black 400 here, which sets it apart from the Odyssey Neo G7 43 and its a DisplayHDR 600. You also get a Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film and logo and taskbar detection to dim static elements. It was priced above the Odyssey Neo G7 43 and below the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
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 Odyssey G7 27 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
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its stand adjusts for height, pivot, tilt and swivel. It matches the Odyssey G8 G81SF on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the Odyssey G8 G81SF at 32 inches.
Like the Odyssey G8 G81SF, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the Odyssey G7 27 uses an IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers a DisplayHDR True Black 500; compare the Odyssey G7 27, which has a DisplayHDR 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. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Odyssey G8 G81SF and the rest.
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 Odyssey G7 27 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 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 want 37-inch 1000R curve.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Odyssey G7 27 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 Odyssey G8 G81SF (240Hz) and ahead of the Odyssey Neo G7 43 (144Hz). On screen size it sits mid-pack at 37 inches: the Odyssey Neo G7 43 comes in at 43 inches, and the Odyssey G7 27 comes in at 27 inches.
Like the Odyssey Neo G7 43, it has a DisplayHDR 600, while the Odyssey G7 27 uses a DisplayHDR 400. 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. Its price falls between the Odyssey G7 27 and the Odyssey Neo G7 43, based on our last check.
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 Odyssey G7 27 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G70D) 27-inch 4K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Odyssey G7 gives 4K at 144Hz on a 27-inch IPS panel.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the Odyssey Neo G7 43 offers 43 inches.
Why we like it
It suits a high-end graphics card and players who value sharpness over maximum refresh. It matches the Odyssey Neo G7 43 on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 27 inches, while the Odyssey Neo G7 43 comes in at 43 inches.
It is the only pick here with an IPS panel; the Odyssey G8 G81SF has a QD-OLED panel instead. It is the only pick here with a DisplayHDR 400; the Odyssey G8 G81SF has a DisplayHDR True Black 400 instead. It also offers Samsung's smart-monitor features listed alongside gaming modes.
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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Odyssey G7 37 was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
- Stand: swivel
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Screen size trails the Odyssey Neo G7 43 (43 inches)
Largest Screen Size5 of 5
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43-inch Smart on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's Odyssey Neo G7 43 is a 43-inch 4K Mini LED screen at 144Hz with built-in Smart TV apps.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the Odyssey G8 G81SF offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
The maker says the picture can shrink to a smaller on-screen size. It matches the Odyssey G7 27 on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it leads this guide at 43 inches, ahead of the Odyssey G7 37 (37 inches).
Like the Odyssey G7 37, it has a DisplayHDR 600, while the Odyssey G7 27 uses a DisplayHDR 400. You also get Quantum Mini LED backlighting and an adjustable on-screen size from 43 down to 20 inches. 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 Odyssey G7 37 and the Odyssey G8 G81SF, based on our last check. If refresh rate is your priority, the Odyssey G8 G81SF (240Hz) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 43 inches
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
- Built-in Smart TV apps
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the Odyssey G8 G81SF (240Hz)
- Costs more than the Odyssey G7 27 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Samsung 4K Monitors
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up 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 Odyssey G8 G81SF to the Odyssey Neo G7 43, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Odyssey G7 37 and the Odyssey Neo G7 43 give no panel; the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Odyssey G7 27 ($250 to $500) to the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH ($1000 to $1500).
What to Look for in a Samsung 4K Monitor
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 144Hz on the Odyssey Neo G7 43 to 240Hz on the Odyssey G8 G81SF. The Odyssey G8 G81SF is the pick for refresh rate.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 27 inches on the Odyssey G7 27 to 43 inches on the Odyssey Neo G7 43. The Odyssey G7 37 comes second for less money.
Response
The Odyssey G8 G81SF lists 0.03ms; the Odyssey G7 37, the Odyssey G7 27 and the Odyssey Neo G7 43 list 1ms. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Features beyond the spec table
The Odyssey G7 37: 4K at 165Hz. The Odyssey G7 27: Samsung's smart-monitor features listed alongside gaming modes. The Odyssey Neo G7 43: Quantum Mini LED backlighting.
Where your budget lands
$250 to $500 buys the Odyssey G7 27; $500 to $1000 buys the Odyssey G7 37, the Odyssey Neo G7 43 and the Odyssey G8 G81SF; $1000 to $1500 buys the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH at our last check.
How to Choose a Samsung 4K Monitor
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film | Odyssey G8 G81SF | A Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film |
| 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 want 37-inch 1000R curve | Odyssey G7 37 | A 37-inch 1000R curve |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | Odyssey G7 27 | The lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who put screen size first | Odyssey Neo G7 43 | The largest screen size here (43 inches) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Odyssey G8 G81SF 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey G8 G81SF | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| Odyssey G7 37 | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 37 inches | Not listed |
| Odyssey G7 27 | 144Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| Odyssey Neo G7 43 | 144Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 43 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Odyssey G7 27 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 | Odyssey G7 27 |
| About $500 to $1000 | Odyssey G7 37, Odyssey Neo G7 43, Odyssey G8 G81SF |
| About $1000 to $1500 | Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest screen size: the Odyssey Neo G7 43 or the Odyssey G7 37?
The Odyssey Neo G7 43 leads at 43 inches, with the Odyssey G7 37 at 37 inches. The Odyssey G7 27 is at the other end of this group with 27 inches.
Is the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH worth paying more than the Odyssey G7 27?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 144Hz) and screen size (32 inches against 27 inches). The Odyssey G7 27 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Odyssey Neo G7 43 the Largest Screen Size?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (43 inches). It suits anyone who put screen size first.
Do the Odyssey G8 G81SF and the Odyssey G7 27 differ on panel?
The Odyssey G8 G81SF and the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH use QD-OLED; the Odyssey G7 27 uses IPS. The makers of the Odyssey G7 37 and the Odyssey Neo G7 43 don't say.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Odyssey G8 G81SF and the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH apart?
The Odyssey G8 G81SF: a Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film. The Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH: DisplayHDR True Black 500. The Odyssey G7 37: a 37-inch 1000R curve.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Odyssey G8 G81SF, chosen for a Glare Free coating Samsung lists as 54% less glossy than standard anti-reflection film. Look at the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH for DisplayHDR True Black 500 at the highest price in the group, the Odyssey G7 37 for a 37-inch 1000R curve and the Odyssey G7 27 for the lowest price among these monitors at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
Check that your GPU has the port the monitor needs for its full refresh rate.