Tested: 11 great 4K monitors to meet any need or budget

[ad_1]

4K decision is now inside attain of on a regular basis PC customers, promising an enormous enchancment to picture high quality, with 4 instances the pixels of a 1080p show. A 4K monitor is beneficial not solely in video games and flicks but in addition when modifying paperwork or searching net pages. The additional pixels make textual content look clear and crisp.

That’s all nicely and good, however which 4K monitor you select will almost certainly be based mostly on quite a lot of elements past simply pixel depend. That’s the place this text is available in. After thorough testing, we’ve decided that these are the perfect 4K screens masking quite a lot of budgets, use circumstances, and have units.

Why it is best to belief PCWorld for monitor evaluations and shopping for recommendation: PCWorld prides itself on PC {hardware} expertise and experience. We’ve been masking PCs because the Nineteen Eighties, and we now evaluate dozens of screens yearly. All of our suggestions have been personally examined and vetted by our skilled reviewers, who’ve utilized not solely efficiency benchmarks however rigorous usability requirements.

Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE – Greatest 4K monitor

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE - Best 4K monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/dell-u3225qe.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/> Professionals Useful, skilled design

Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, Ethernet, and 140 watts of Energy Supply

New technology of IPS Black boosts distinction ratio

Glorious sharpness from 31.5-inch 4K panel

120Hz refresh fee with VRR Cons Distinction ratio is sweet for an IPS panel, however nonetheless behind VA and OLED panels

HDR brightness is first rate, however distinction stays restricted

Doesn’t have audio system

Worth When Reviewed: $949.99

Who can buy the Dell U3225QE?

Anybody who needs a well-rounded 4K monitor on the heart of a house workplace will likely be nicely served by the U3225QE. This can be a sharp 31.5-inch 4K IPS Black panel with wonderful shade accuracy and an above-average distinction ratio for a productiveness monitor. The 120Hz refresh fee enhances responsiveness, making duties like scrolling by paperwork and multitasking smoother. The ergonomic stand offers top, tilt, swivel, and portrait mode changes, and the anti-glare coating ensures snug viewing in numerous lighting circumstances.

Along with its beautiful picture high quality, the U3225QE’s connectivity eliminates the necessity for exterior docks and adapters. It options Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports with 140W of Energy Supply—sufficient to cost most laptops—together with HDMI, DisplayPort, and a secondary DisplayPort for daisy-chaining a number of screens. A built-in 2.5Gbps Ethernet port ensures a quick and secure wired community connection, a uncommon function amongst screens. It additionally gives six USB-A ports, a pop-out USB hub with quick-access USB-C and USB-A ports, and KVM change performance for seamless switching between two related PCs.

Dell U3225QE: Additional concerns

Whereas this monitor lacks built-in audio system and its HDR efficiency is proscribed, the U3225QE’s intensive connectivity and high-quality show make it a standout selection for professionals who want a central hub for his or her workspace.

Need a smaller model of this monitor? Try the Dell Ultrasharp U2725QE. It has an analogous 4K IPS Black show panel and Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C connectivity.

Learn our full Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE evaluate

Dell S2722QC – Greatest funds 4K monitor

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Dell S2722QC - Best budget 4K monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pc-world-dell-s2722qc-2.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/> Professionals Uniquely reasonably priced USB-C monitor

4K decision with HDR choice

Excessive brightness and good shade accuracy

Built-in audio system Cons Low distinction ratio saps SDR vibrance

Mediocre shade gamut

Worth When Reviewed: $380

Who can buy the Dell S2722QC?

That is the 4K monitor for customers who need high quality on a funds. The monitor can typically be discovered for lower than its $380 MSRP. It stands out by mixing this funds value with 4K decision and USB-C connectivity sometimes reserved for costlier fashions.

Dell’s 27-inch IPS show delivers crisp visuals and a decent brightness of 296 nits, appropriate for many lighting circumstances. Along with an exceptionally clear, sharp 4K picture, the monitor delivers shade efficiency that’s greater than enough for on a regular basis productiveness, streaming, and lightweight gaming. These perks are paired with a USB-C port with 65 watts of USB Energy Supply for charging a related laptop computer or pill, in addition to two USB-A ports for connecting wiring peripherals. The monitor even ships with a sturdy but compact ergonomic stand that adjusts for top, tilt, swivel, and pivot.

Dell S2722QC: Additional concerns

The Dell S2722QC makes a couple of compromises to maintain the value low. The IPS panel’s distinction ratio is low, which might make the picture look flat and boring when enjoying video games or watching a film. It’s higher suited to a house workplace than a gaming den. To be truthful, although, high quality 4K gaming screens are often costlier.

Dell’s S2722QC gives lots of bang in your buck. It doesn’t ship the very best picture high quality in all areas, however its mixture of 4K decision, USB-C connectivity, and affordability makes it a strong selection if you would like a tack-sharp residence workplace monitor at a low value.

Learn our full Dell S2722QC evaluate

Asus ProArt PA279CV – Greatest funds 4K monitor for creatives

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Asus ProArt PA279CV - Best budget 4K monitor for creatives" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/asus-proart-pa279cv-2.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/> Professionals Correct picture

Excessive most brightness

Menu settings permit calibration

Has USB-C with 65 watts Energy Supply

Aggressive value Cons Unimpressive design

Luminance uniformity could possibly be higher

HDR is vibrant however in any other case falls brief

Worth When Reviewed: $499

Greatest Costs Immediately:

$319

$335

$399.99

$451.20

$528.07

Who can buy the Asus ProArt PA279CV?

The Asus ProArt PA279CV is a superb selection for creatives who need an entry-level 4K monitor for skilled use, however have to spend lower than $500.

The ProArt PA279CV is a 27-inch 4K monitor with wonderful shade accuracy, excessive most brightness, and a superb distinction ratio for an IPS monitor.

This monitor additionally throws in USB-C connectivity. It’s not a fantastic USB-C hub, because it has solely a pair USB-A ports, but it surely gives 65 watts of Energy Supply for charging a related laptop computer or pill.

Asus ProArt PA279CV: Additional concerns

Whereas this isn’t the correct monitor for gaming fanatics (see under), Asus throws in adaptive sync assist appropriate with AMD and Nvidia video playing cards. This prevents display tearing and offers {smooth} movement in 3D video games. The monitor has a most refresh fee of 60Hz.

Learn our full Asus ProArt PA279CV evaluate

MSI MPG 272URX – Greatest 4K gaming monitor

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="MSI MPG 272URX - Best 4K gaming monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/msi-mpg-272urx-3.jpeg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/> Professionals 26.5-inch 4K OLED panel seems sharp

Nice distinction and shade efficiency

Sturdy movement readability

Respectable HDR efficiency

Numerous connectivity together with USB-C Cons Design is a bit bland

Gamma, shade temperature barely off-target

4K OLED panel carries a premium value

Worth When Reviewed: $1,099.99

Greatest Costs Immediately:

$923.98

$999.99

$1044.24

Who can buy the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED?

The MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED ought to be on the high of your record in case you’re on the lookout for a high-performance gaming monitor with a 240Hz refresh fee and a cutting-edge OLED panel.

This 26.5-inch show delivers beautiful 4K decision with an ultra-smooth 240Hz refresh fee, making it a superb selection for avid gamers who need each visible readability and fluid movement. In contrast to earlier 4K OLED screens that had been restricted to 60Hz, the MSI is constructed for fast-paced gaming but maintains the deep distinction and vibrant colours OLED screens are recognized for. It additionally helps adaptive sync for {smooth} body pacing.

MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED: Additional concerns

The monitor isn’t simply nice for gaming. The QD-OLED panel gives wonderful distinction and shade accuracy, which makes it a strong decide for inventive professionals and anybody who enjoys watching HDR films. Connectivity is one other sturdy level with HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1a, and USB-C inputs, together with 98 watts of USB Energy Supply for charging laptops or tablets. Whereas the design is a bit plain, the stand is sturdy and totally adjustable.

The MSI’s many perks come at a premium. Priced at $1,099.99, the MSI MPG 272URX is costlier than 1440p OLED options, which may be discovered for beneath $800. If 4K readability and a fluid 240Hz refresh fee are what you’re after, nevertheless, this monitor is well worth the funding.

Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED – Greatest transportable 4K monitor

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED - Best portable 4K monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/viewsoinc-vx1655-4k-oled-1.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/> Professionals Glorious picture high quality

Helpful built-in kickstand

Engaging and durable design

Intensive image-quality choices Cons Flimsy bundled keyboard cowl

Some on-screen menu choices are complicated

Energy adapter could possibly be smaller

Worth When Reviewed: $499.99

Greatest Costs Immediately:

$441.99

$467.99

$519.99

$636.3

Who can buy the Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED?

Viewsonic’s VX1655-4K-OLED is our best choice for creators searching for top-notch picture high quality in a conveyable show.

This 16-inch OLED monitor delivers class-leading sharpness with 275 pixels per inch (a 27-inch 4K monitor, for comparability, has 163 pixels per inch). It additionally delivers vivid, correct colours and deep distinction that make it good for each leisure and artistic work. The monitor’s HDR efficiency additionally far surpasses different transportable screens, so it’s a good selection if you wish to sit again and watch a film after a busy day.

In contrast to most transportable screens, the VX1655-4K-OLED has a built-in kickstand that flips out from the rear of the show. The kickstand is extra secure and simpler to make use of than the removable, folding stands that cheap transportable screens depend on. Connectivity is strong, as nicely, with twin USB-C inputs and one mini-HDMI.

Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED: Additional concerns

The VX1655-4K-OLED has a couple of minor flaws. The bundled show cowl feels considerably flimsy, the on-screen menu system may be difficult to navigate, and the comparatively massive energy adapter is extra cumbersome than it must be.

But it’s clear the transportable monitor’s perks far outweigh its issues. Whereas customers can discover cheaper options, the VX1655-4K-OLED stands out for its skill to ship a professional-grade visible expertise on the go.

Learn our full Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED evaluate

Samsung M8 Sensible Monitor – Greatest 4K monitor for leisure

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Samsung M8 Smart Monitor - Best 4K monitor for entertainment" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/samsung-smart-monitor-m8-2.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/> Professionals Has Samsung’s Tizen OS with good TV options

Distant, webcam, and audio system included

Glorious SDR picture high quality

HDR high quality is sweet for the value Cons Restricted connectivity

Annoying to arrange and entry some options

No adaptive sync or enhanced refresh fee

Slender viewing angle

Worth When Reviewed: $729.99

Who can buy the Samsung M8 Sensible Monitor?

A 32-inch 4K monitor is nice for on a regular basis PC duties like net searching and doc modifying, however it may be greater than that. Displays on this class are a perfect substitute for a tv in a small mixed-used house like a studio condo, rented room, or dormitory.

Samsung’s M8 Sensible Monitor leans into this by fusing the options of a Sensible TV with a conventional 32-inch 4K monitor. The monitor comes with a distant and runs Samsung’s Tizen working system. You'll be able to entry streaming content material, like Netflix or Hulu, instantly from the monitor.

But that is nonetheless a fantastic PC monitor. A related PC or different exterior gadget can be utilized by flipping the enter supply, as you'd on a tv. Picture high quality is strong with wonderful sharpness, top-tier distinction, excessive brightness, and engaging shade efficiency.

Samsung M8 Sensible Monitor: Additional concerns

The M8 Sensible Monitor is available in quite a lot of engaging stand and bezel shade choices, with a removable webcam, and has a USB-C port with as much as 65 watts of Energy Supply. It helps Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5, too.

Learn our full Samsung M80B Sensible Monitor evaluate

BenQ SW272U – Greatest 4K monitor for photographers

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="BenQ SW272U - Best 4K monitor for photographers" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/benq-sw272u-1.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/> Professionals Unbelievable sharpness from its paper-like show

Vast shade gamut and excessive shade accuracy

Glorious ergonomic stand

Intensive picture qc accessible by bundled distant Cons Disappointing distinction ratio

Modest connectivity for the value

Very costly for its function set

Worth When Reviewed: $1,499.99

Greatest Costs Immediately:

$1,549.99

$1549.99

$1756.47

Who can buy the BenQ SW272U?

The BenQ SW272U is a superb 4K monitor for photographers and publishers who prioritize sharpness and accuracy. This 27-inch monitor has a “fine-coated panel” that delivers a simulated paper-like texture and boasts a decision of 3840×2160 at 60Hz. It additionally offers a strong, industrial design with ergonomic stand that gives a variety of adjustment and a glare-reducing hood designed to cut back ambient gentle.

Connectivity contains customary ports like HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, with the notable addition of an SD card reader, which photographers are positive to love. Nevertheless, it misses some superior options like Thunderbolt. The monitor gives an distinctive menu system, accessible by a joystick or a wi-fi distant, with intensive customization for shade gamut, shade temperature, and gamma. That’s one other key function for photographers, because it helps customers exactly calibrate the monitor’s picture based mostly on their wants.

The SW272U additionally has wonderful picture high quality which, in fact, is vital for its goal market. Its shade gamut protection and shade accuracy are defeated solely by a couple of of the perfect OLED and QD-OLED screens. The monitor’s sharpness additionally stands out, providing a excessive pixel density that, together with the fine-coated panel, mimics the standard of printed materials. The monitor’s distinction ratio is proscribed, which proves a draw back for leisure, but it surely’s much less of a priority for its target market.

BenQ SW272U: Additional concerns

There’s just one actual subject, and that’s the value. BenQ asks virtually $1,500 for the SW272U, and that’s rather a lot even for a 27-inch 4K monitor. In the event you’re a photographer hoping to see what your pictures would possibly seem like in print, although, it’s well worth the premium.

Learn our full BenQ SW272U evaluate

Dell G3223Q – Greatest 4K 144Hz monitor

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Dell G3223Q - Best 4K 144Hz monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/dell-3223q-1.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/> Professionals Brilliant, sharp SDR picture

Good shade gamut and accuracy

Strong construct high quality and ergonomic stand

Nice movement readability at 120Hz or 144Hz Cons Disappointing HDR efficiency

Odd menu selections for creators

Modest USB connectivity

Worth When Reviewed: $1099

Who can buy the Dell G3223Q?

Need a 4K monitor with a excessive refresh fee for {smooth} gaming? The Dell G3223Q is a superb choice.

The G3223Q is a 32-inch, 4K monitor with a most refresh fee of 144Hz and assist for AMD FreeSync Premium Professional (Nvidia G-Sync additionally works, unofficially). You'll be able to play video games at excessive refresh charges with no display tearing and {smooth} body pacing.

You’ll discover two HDMI 2.1 ports on the rear. They’re nice for connecting a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Collection X sport console, since you may play at every console’s most decision and refresh fee. There’s additionally a DisplayPort enter for connecting your PC.

Dell G3223Q: Additional concerns

None of this could matter if the G3223Q’s picture high quality wasn’t wonderful—however it's. The monitor has nice shade efficiency, excessive brightness, good distinction, and a razor-sharp picture due to its 4K decision.

It’s a superb worth, too. The G3223Q is in the direction of the low finish of pricing for a 32-inch, 4K 144Hz monitor however doesn’t sacrifice options or construct high quality to realize it.

Learn our full Dell G3223Q evaluate

Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX – Greatest 4K HDR monitor

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX - Best 4K HDR monitor" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/asus-rog-swift-PG32UQX-1.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/> Professionals Glorious gaming efficiency

4K decision

Dimmable mini-LED backlight

Ergonomic adjustment choices Cons Excessive energy consumption

Extraordinarily costly

Worth When Reviewed: $2,999

Greatest Costs Immediately:

$1,497.50

$1497.5

Who can buy the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX?

Need the final phrase in high-resolution, high-definition gaming and leisure? You want a unbelievable HDR monitor just like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX.

This monitor has a Mini-LED backlight with 1,152 unbiased backlight zones. The backlight drastically improves the monitor’s distinction ratio and achieves eye-searing ranges of brightness in small areas of the show. The monitor’s most sustained brightness is exceptionally excessive, as nicely.

Consequently, the PG32UQX delivers wonderful element in vibrant areas of the display whereas sustaining good distinction and black ranges in darker scenes. It additionally has distinctive shade, which additional contributes to a fantastic HDR expertise. General HDR efficiency rivals the perfect HDTVs and blows away most HDR screens.

Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX: Additional concerns

That is additionally a 4K 144Hz monitor with assist for Nvidia G-Sync Final. HDMI 2.1 is lacking, however Xbox Collection X|S consoles can obtain 4K 120Hz over HDMI 2.0 by a chroma subsampling mode.

The one downside? You'll be able to count on to pay as much as $3,000 for this monitor.

Learn our full Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX evaluate

Asus ProArt Show OLED PA32DC – Greatest 4K monitor for professionals

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC - Best 4K monitor for professionals" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/asus-proart-pa32dc-3.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/> Professionals The perfect SDR picture high quality but

Good HDR efficiency

Lengthy record of picture high quality options

Exceptionally sturdy

Quite a few inputs, plus USB hub Cons HDR brightness could possibly be higher

Glare may be a difficulty in vibrant rooms

Solely 60Hz, no adaptive sync

Worth When Reviewed: 3,499

Who can buy the Asus ProArt Show OLED PA32DC?

That is the 4K monitor for professionals who need the perfect. {Most professional} screens assist 4K decision, however the Asus ProArt Show OLED PA32DC stands above the pack.

The key is within the OLED panel. OLED seems unbelievable, in fact, with wonderful distinction, a large shade gamut, and very good shade accuracy. What units the PA32DC other than inexpensive OLED screens, although, is its use of a standard RGB subpixel format. This delivers the perfect readability on trendy PCs and prevents the colour fringing points that may seem on opponents that use QD-OLED show panels.

Asus offers an extended record of picture high quality presets and choices. The monitor has built-in modes for sRGB, DCI-P3, Rec. 709, and AdobeRGB, amongst others. It additionally contains a number of, correct shade temperature and gamma modes. A built-in colorimeter can be utilized to exactly calibrate shade accuracy.

Asus ProArt Show OLED PA32DC: Additional concerns

This monitor is constructed to be used in quite a lot of skilled settings. It’s a rugged, beefy show with thick bezels and a built-in carrying deal with to assist with transportation. An ordinary VESA desk stand is obtainable to be used in an workplace or at residence, and the monitor has built-in legs for straightforward setup at a cellular studio or jobsite.

Priced at $3,000, the PA32DC could seem costly, but it surely undercuts opponents just like the LG UltraFine 32EP950, Apple Professional Show XDR, and Asus’ older ProArt OLED shows. This can be a top-notch skilled monitor suited to a variety of content material creation, and people who want wonderful shade efficiency will discover that it’s nicely well worth the value.

Learn our full Asus ProArt OLED PA32DC evaluate

BenQ RD280U – Greatest 4K monitor for coders

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="BenQ RD280U - Best 4K monitor for coders" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/benq-rd280u-1.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/> Professionals 28-inch panel with 3840×2560 decision

Engaging and purposeful design

Good vary of connectivity

Helpful additional options Cons Solely a 60Hz refresh fee

HDR is supported, however sub-par

Costly for its measurement

Worth When Reviewed: $599.99

Greatest Costs Immediately:

$599.99

$819.65

Who can buy the BenQ RD280U?

The BenQ RD280U is a superb monitor for programmers, thanks in no small half to its uncommon 28-inch show with a 3:2 facet ratio and 3840×2560 decision. Its excessive pixel density, which is equal to a 27-inch 4K show, ensures textual content is rendered with crystal readability. That make small fonts simpler to learn and should scale back eye fatigue throughout lengthy coding classes. The three:2 facet ratio can also be notable, because it offers extra vertical show house than a widescreen monitor and due to this fact room for a better vertical pixel depend (most 4K screens have simply 2,160 vertical pixels).

BenQ pairs the monitor’s pixel-dense show with options to assist programming. Its IPS panel delivers wonderful shade accuracy and broad viewing angles, making certain code stays clear and legible from any place. The monitor’s matte end successfully reduces glare, making it appropriate for numerous lighting circumstances. And the monitor has a “MoonHalo” ambient gentle and an computerized night time mode, each meant to cut back eye pressure.

BenQ RD280U: Additional concerns

Connectivity is one other power of the RD280U. It has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 90 watts of USB Energy Supply. This enables programmers to simply join and cost their laptops, successfully turning the monitor right into a handy docking station.

BenQ asks a comparatively excessive $599.99 for the RD280U, which is a pair hundred greater than a aggressive 4K 27-inch widescreen monitor. Nonetheless, programmers who code for hours on finish are prone to discover the additional value is an efficient funding, because the RD280U gives many options — together with a 3840×2560 show panel — that aren’t accessible from opponents.

Learn our full BenQ RD280U evaluate

Different notable 4K screens we’ve reviewed

The Samsung Odyssey G7 G75F is a gigantic, 37-inch 4K LCD monitor bought at an affordable value; the Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG has dual-mode assist for 4K and 1080p native resolutions, at 165Hz and 330Hz refresh charges, respectively; the Dell Professional 27 Plus is a pointy 4K monitor, however its USB-C hub is the star of the present; the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP is a superb 32-inch 4K OLED monitor with a 240Hz refresh fee, but in addition gives the distinctive function of having the ability to run in 1080p mode with a 480Hz refresh fee; the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 all-purpose show gives 4K decision, as much as a 240Hz refresh fee, Adaptive Sync, HDR, and built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to assist its Sensible TV performance; the MSI Fashionable MD272UPSW isn't for everybody, however this good monitor powered by Google TV OS is strong, and cheaper than its friends; the Alienware AW2725Q is a superb 27-inch 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitor, and cheaper than the competitors; the HP Omen Transcend 32 is expensive even for a 32-inch 4K OLED monitor, however makes up for that with nice USB-C connectivity and top-tier SDR picture high quality; the Acer Predator X32 X3 is a extra reasonably priced 4K OLED monitor that packs a pleasant bonus: USB-C with 90 watts of Energy Supply.

How we take a look at 4K screens

We take a look at 4K screens with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Extremely shade calibration device. It offers goal measurements for distinction, brightness, black ranges, shade gamut, shade accuracy, and gamma, amongst different metrics. These goal outcomes may be in contrast with different screens to see how every performs in opposition to the competitors.

These goal picture outcomes are supplemented with our subjective analysis of a monitor. We consider out-of-box picture high quality, sampling all forms of content material from gaming to films. We have a look at the function set. We carefully think about particulars like a monitor’s on-screen menu, ergonomic stand (or lack thereof), and total construct high quality.

For extra particulars, see our article on on how we take a look at screens at PCWorld.

Who curated this text?

Matthew S. Smith is a contract know-how journalist with 15 years of expertise reviewing shopper electronics, together with the universe of laptop screens. Along with PCWorld, his work may be discovered on Wired, Digital Tendencies, Reviewed, Lifewire, and different know-how publications.

How to decide on the perfect 4K monitor

4K screens are costlier than different screens, so that they pack quite a few options and a high quality show panel. A typical 4K monitor may have options which can be non-compulsory on a 1080p monitor. Nonetheless, there are a couple of particulars it is best to know earlier than shopping for a 4K monitor.

USB-C

USB-C is a superb selection for connecting a 4K monitor to a contemporary laptop computer with USB-C or Thunderbolt. USB-C can bundle Energy Supply and DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which implies the monitor can cost a related gadget whereas it outputs video to the monitor. Some screens, just like the Dell U3223QE, are USB-C hubs that increase connectivity for the related gadget.

Refresh fee

Most 4K screens have a 60Hz refresh fee. People who transcend 60Hz might solely assist an enhanced refresh fee over a selected port, so make sure you examine the specs. A monitor might want to assist HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 to deal with 4K at as much as 144Hz.

HDR

Many 4K screens assist HDR, however most supply lackluster HDR efficiency. HDR will operate, and should look higher than SDR, however gained’t method the standard of a superb HDTV. If you would like high quality HDR, look for at least VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification (or VESA DisplayHDR True Black). See our article on every part that you must learn about HDR in your PC to be taught extra.

FAQ 1. What's the finest 4K monitor?

The Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE checks all of the bins for a fantastic 4K monitor. The 31.5-inch 4K IPS Black panel options wonderful shade accuracy and an above-average distinction ratio, has a 120Hz refresh fee for enhanced responsiveness, and sports activities beneficiant connectivity choices that eradicate the necessity for any exterior adapters or hub. It additionally has an ergonomic stand and anti-glare coating for snug viewing in all lighting circumstances.

2. What's the finest funds 4K monitor?

The Dell S2722QC gives 4K, USB-C, HDR, and built-in audio system, making it a superb on a regular basis productiveness monitor for an reasonably priced value.

3. Does a 4K monitor want HDMI 2.1?

HDMI 2.1 is barely essential if you wish to join a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Collection X sport console at 4K decision and play titles with 120Hz assist. These consoles solely assist HDMI output, so an HDMI connection is your solely choice.

Most desktop PCs and laptops even have a DisplayPort output. That is preferable to HDMI 2.1 as a result of it helps greater resolutions and refresh charges, so HDMI 2.1 isn't obligatory to attach a PC.

4. Can my PC deal with a 4K monitor?

Assist for 4K video output went mainstream round 2015. When you have a pc newer than 2015, odds are excessive that it helps 4K. Most PCs bought previous to 2015 won't assist 4K.

Wish to ensure? Our information to checking what graphics card you've got will assist determine your PC’s graphics {hardware}. You'll be able to then reference its official specs to seek out its most supported decision.

Avid gamers be warned: 4K decision is demanding in 3D video games, so it's possible you'll battle to see {smooth} gameplay except you've got the most recent graphics {hardware}. You’ll want not less than an Nvidia RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 to play the most recent titles at 4K and 60 frames per second.

5. Is textual content too small on a 4K monitor?

Early adopters of 4K screens typically struggled to learn small textual content. That’s as a result of many older functions had been programmed such that interface components have an outlined, concrete measurement in pixels. The upper a show’s decision, the smaller the interface seems.

Fortunately, this downside is generally solved. Home windows and MacOS have wonderful textual content scaling choices and most software program builders have up to date their functions to correctly assist 4K shows. It’s nonetheless an issue with very outdated apps that had been by no means up to date however, basically, it’s uncommon to see tiny, unreadable textual content on a 4K monitor.