This model has two 10W built-in speakers with Waves MaxxAudio® Technology. They produce pretty good sound, so if you decide to watch a movie without external loudspeakers, you'll hear every word and whisper clearly.
The setting menu is a bit awkward.
This monitor by LG is a good choice for photo/video editors and MacBook owners. It features a USB Type-C slot, so you can edit an image on the monitor meantime charging your Mac. As for the PC, there are HDMI and DisplayPorts for connection.
27"
3840 x 2160
IPS
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Brightness: 350 cd/m²
Static Contrast Ratio: 1000 : 1
Response Time: 5 ms
Viewing angles: 178°(H)/178°(V)
2 x HDMI
1 x USB Type-C
2 x USB Type-A
1 x DisplayPort
1 x Headphone jack
Yes, 2 x 5 W with MAXXAudio™ technology
2 years
The Picture-by-Picture (PBP) mode allows you to display two images from several devices at a time. The UHD upscaling technology identifies the type of image and improves its quality. How great is that!
The Vesa mount is right at the top, making the monitor somewhat difficult to mount onto a wall.
The Samsung LU32J592 is everything we like to see in mid-range screens and then some for good measure. It will be able to elevate your online and offline gaming experience. The monitor is perfect for work. It will let you enjoy movies in stunning 4K quality with spectacular colour reproduction.
31.5"
3840 x 2160
VA
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Brightness: 270 cd/m²
Static Contrast Ratio: 3000 : 1
Response Time: 4 ms
Viewing angles: 178°(H)/178°(V)
2 x HDMI
1 x DisplayPort
1 x Headphone jack
No
2 years
The Ultra-Low Blue Light technology used allows reducing blue light up to 70% and lowers the risks of eyestrain to the minimum.
The stand base isn't steady on uneven surfaces.
If what you want is a 4k monitor that can deliver lifelike image quality and cause no harm to your eyes, the VP28UQG from Asus should certainly be right up your alley. Recommended for people who often spend many hours in front of the computer screen.
28"
3840 x 2160
TN (LCD)
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Brightness: 300 cd/m²
Static Contrast Ratio: 500:1
Response Time: 1 ms
Viewing angles: 170°(H)/160°(V)
2 x HDMI
1 x DisplayPort
1 x Audio Out
No
3 years
This model supports the Dynamic Action Sync which analyzes and optimizes an image to make it more natural. The Black Stabilizer feature adds contrast and improves the visibility of dark spots.
It may not always connect to an external device automatically.
This 4k UltraHD monitor by LG has all the chances to amuse a true gamer with a clear natural image and the variety of video game related settings. Looking for a good monitor for your beefy PC? This one may truly become a good choice.
24"
3840 x 2160
IPS (LED)
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz / 135 kHz (H-Frequency)
Brightness: 250 cd/m²
Native Contrast: 1000:1
Response Time: 5 ms
Viewing Angle: 178°(H)/178°(V)
2 x HDMI
1 x DisplayPort
1 x Audio Out
No
2 years
The Brightness Intelligence Plus Technology automatically adjusts the brightness level based on the exterior lighting. This handy function minimises the power consumption of the monitor.
The monitor frame is too wide and looks a bit out of date.
This 4K monitor by Benq is a high-end model with built-in speakers and excellent colour rendering that can maximise your experience while watching a film, playing on your PS4 Pro, or working with documents.
28"
3840 x 2160
TN+film
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Brightness: 300 cd/m²
Native Contrast: 1000:1
Response Time: 1 ms
Viewing Angle: 170°(H)/160°(V)
2 x HDMI
1 x DisplayPort
1 x Audio Out
2 x 2 W
1 year
Top-Notch Monitor
The 27UK850 is a top of the line 4k monitor from LG. Designed for photo and video editing, this model boasts high-quality picture and hassle-free operation. This is a 27” IPS panel with a particular IPS module that allows for HDR compatibility. It has 1000:1 contrast ratio and 350 cd/m2 brightness which guarantees a user crisp image when playing high-demand games. Other standard specs include 60 Hz refresh rate, 3840 x 2160 ultra-high definition resolution, and 5ms response time. The input lag is minimal, so there are no noticeable picture delays.
Speaking about settings, LG allows you to use either the On-Screen control or a responsive multi-directional joystick to adjust the monitor for your tasks. You can stick to standard setups (there are quite a lot) or choose between 17 SDR modes that include the HDR effect to improve SDR content, 2 FPS game modes, and more. The 27UK850 also offers you to select one of four HDR picture modes, while the HDR Cinema filter enhances image quality.
To put it simply, this 4k monitor produces a stunning image without blurring and stuttering. Designed to meet the taste of any gamer or video editor, the screen does its job amazingly well.
Eye Candy Design
The LG 4k monitor is designed in a classic style. Its chassis is slim, the arcline base is made from cast aluminium and stabilises the screen pretty well. The stand allows a user to change the angle of the display by tilting, pivoting, and rotating it. So, you can put the monitor in a vertical position and work with posters, edit vertical images, and documents with more convenience.
The 27UK850 has very thin bezels, so the screen seems borderless. There are also two 10-watt built-in speakers with Waves MAXXAudio™ technology. They produce very good sound.
The monitor takes very little space and fits any interior perfectly. You can wall-mount it or place it on a desk. The standard VESA mounting holes are located on the back if the former option attracts you most. As for the input connectors, LG has two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, 3.5mm audio jack, two USB Type-A and one Type-C for a MacBook. Handy, since you can use your monitor for editing a doc or image right from your Mac while it’s charging using the power of the monitor.
Summarizing all the above, we just want to say that the LG 27UK850 4K monitor is built to last and please a user with a fantastic image, effortless operation, and quite a decent sound through built-in speakers. Definitely a wise choice for graphic designers and anyone who values highly accurate colours.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £979.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07MKT1W65 |
Size and Clarity
The Samsung LU32J592 is up there with the best computer monitors within the mid-range price bracket.
First and foremost, the model incorporates a native Ultra HD 3840 x 2160p resolution. The 4K resolution offers much more screen space and delivers much more detailed visuals.
The widescreen monitor will prove equally suitable for work and entertainment, letting you can view documents/webpages with far less scrolling, comfortably work with multiple windows and toolbars, as well as enjoy movies and video games in astonishing 4K quality. It's not just about the size and image clarity though.
The colours here are just as fantastic. Supporting a billion shades of colour, the model is able to reproduce the most vivid, vibrant, and life-like images. Its improved colour accuracy means that the visuals always appear more natural, making the computer monitor perfect for various photo, video, and graphics applications.
The model's versatility and overall well-balanced design is probably its biggest strength. At the same time, the monitor is definitely better for gaming purposes than just about anything else.
Sure, everything that we have mentioned before pertains to gaming applications as much as it does to every other task. That's not the case with the model's AMD FreeSync support and pre-installed Game Mode though.
Get Your Game On
AMD FreeSync works wonders synchronising your GPU and monitor's refresh rate to reduce stutter and image tear. You'll be able to play without the usual pixel distortion, motion jitter, and/or visual artifact issues. You won't have to deal with dropped frames and/or choppy visuals. The company's Low Input Lag tech does an excellent job minimising the delay between the peripherals' input and the on-screen response to deliver seamlessly smooth gaming experience.
Game Mode optimises the screen contrast at a moment's notice to give you a competitive edge over your online opponents. Selectively boosting contrast in certain scenes, Game Mode reveals additional detail in darker areas, making it possible to spot your enemies faster.
Again though, it is not all about gaming here. For example, the company's UHD upscaling tech is pretty remarkable. Incorporating signal analysis and detail enhancement, the upscaling feature is able to seamlessly upconvert SD, HD, and Full HD footage to near UHD-level picture quality.
All in all, we don't have any major issues with the Samsung LU32J592. This computer monitor is everything we like to see in mid-range screens and then some for good measure. It will be able to elevate your online and offline gaming experience. The monitor is perfect for work. It will let you enjoy movies in stunning 4K quality with spectacular colour reproduction.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £339.99 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07CTHWKQC |
Designed With Care for Your Eyes
The Asus 4k monitor is an excellent screen for each and every user who spends long hours in front of their computers. Why is it so? Well, engineers from Asus have tried to create not just a top-notch monitor that will display fantastic lifelike images; they’ve aimed to design the kind of a monitor that could be used for several hours in a row without eye strain and fatigue. And they did succeed in this, with the VP28UQG Eye Care Gaming Monitor being an exemplary proof of it.
This is one of the few 4k monitors that have been tested and certified by TÜV Rheinland laboratories as a safe-to-use device. The monitor features the Ultra-Low blue and flicker-free technologies that provide smoother and steadier image by reducing the amount of blue light and flickering that monitor screens emit. This ensures minimal eyestrain and allows eliminating other potential stimuli that cause eye ailments. Besides, you can customise the settings adjusting the level of blue light so that your eyes feel comfortable.
All of this means you can play or work sitting in front of this monitor longer without worrying about your sight. That being said, we would still recommend you to make short breaks at least every few hours as well as try to observe all other measures that can help protect your eyes.
Lightning Fast Response
Do you like playing computer games? If you do, you will definitely appreciate the image quality this 4k gaming monitor offers you. With Asus, you get a 28-inch UHD display with TN panel and AMD FreeSync technology that allow you to experience a more realistic picture. However, these aren't the only features that influence the viewing experience. One of the better things about this model is its extremely fast response time that equals only 1ms, making it the fastest monitor in its class. On top of that, you get clear and blur-free images, so even if you play fast-action games, you won't be able to notice image change. And if that were not enough, the manufacturer has implemented the Asus-exclusive GamePlus technology which further improves the colours and controls of the monitor.
It's Great No Matter How You Slice It
The Asus 4k monitor can be described as a versatile monitor that will be able to cater to the needs of a wide range of customers starting from regular users and ending with professional gamers and photo editors. However, the benefits of this monitor are not centred only around its excellent graphics. In addition to the fantastic image quality and super fast response time, this monitor is very easy to set up and use. It has plenty of customisation options and comes with a stand that allows you to place it on a table or mount it to a wall so that you can save some workspace. This option is especially useful if you've got space limitations.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £285.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B075CQ5Z8R |
Breathtaking Image
Talking about high-class monitors, we can’t avoid mentioning the LG 24UD58 4K UHD IPS Monitor. This model produces a natural image with deep vibrant colours allowing the user to immerse into a game or a movie to the fullest. Such a video quality is achieved due to the 3840 x 2160 Ultra HD IPS (LED) panel known for its superior image capabilities. It features wide viewing angles, quick response time, 200 - 250 nits brightness range, and quite a high contrast ratio.
The 24UD58 also supports the FreeSync, Black Stabilizer and Dynamic Action Sinc functions. As you may know, thanks to these options, the lag time and screen stuttering will be reduced to the minimum. Plus, all the black spots will be brightened for better visibility.
What's more, this monitor allows a gamer to optimise game settings by selecting one of the three modes: Custom (Game), FPS, and RTS. So if you feel like playing a strategy or action game, you can be sure that whatever game you choose, the image quality will be awesome.
Get the Full Control
It's no news that LG produces very user-friendly devices, and the 24UD58 is not an exception. It is very simple to install, set up, and change screen settings. You can set it up with a built-in joystick on the bottom of the monitor or use the on-screen control. The latter option enables you to make quite a lot of adjustments.
The picture setting alone includes 11 modes including reader, photo, cinema, two dark room modes, colour weakness, two FPSs, RTS and two custom modes (one is for game-related options, the other lets you adjust each element of the screen). Nice, right?
We also can’t skip mentioning the screen split function this 4k gaming monitor supports. While this feature may not seem like something extraordinary for a monitor of this class, it is always good to know that you can split the screen with one click instead of resizing each window separately.
Elegance and Order in Every Line
The LG 24UD58 4k monitor is neat on all levels. The curved shape of the monitor with the Arcline stand adds elegance to the overall appearance of the monitor, so it blends perfectly with most interiors. All the jacks and buttons are conveniently arranged on the backside and are easy to reach.
If you'd like to install the monitor on the wall, it’s easy to do with a 100x100 wall mount panel. Take note that there are no built-in speakers though. But do we really need them if we usually use headphones or loudspeakers while playing a game or watching a movie?
In all, there is no doubt that folks in LG have produced the monitor that can meet almost all expectations of gamers.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £258.97 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B01JM4E3UC |
AMAZING GAMING DISPLAY
Hardcore gamers tend to be very picky about which kind of monitor they use, especially when it comes to 4K monitors. While having the highest resolution possible is nice, many large monitors tend to suffer from screen blurring due to poor refresh rates, which can ruin the gaming experience, especially with fast action games. Along with that, gamers want the monitor to be large enough to provide a fully immersive experience, without any of the drawbacks that LCD-based monitors often have.
The BenQ EL2870U 28" 4K HDR Gaming Monitor is the answer to many gamer's prayers. This 28" 4K monitor includes impressive performance all around, giving a true 4K experience with its 3840 x 2160 resolution, rendering the image in stunning detail that is only possible from a 4K monitor. The screen size is also large enough to satisfy most gamers, especially those who will sit a distance away from the monitor. Although the monitor itself does not provide a curved display like other panoramic models, the size of the screen and orientation should still provide a greatly immersive view that is not unlike that of other, larger-screened monitors.
FULLY LOADED
Just providing a high-quality display is often enough for some gamers, but the more demanding types will want a plethora of features added that will help create the best gaming experience possible. If you are one of those types, then not to worry - this monitor is loaded to the gills with features. This monitor is fully HDR compliant, meaning that it provides a high dynamic range in colours and brightness, giving you the most realistic image possible. The extremely fast 1 ms GTG response time gives super fast screen updates and prevents things such as screen blurring that often occur with low refresh rate monitors. All gaming action is rendered in stunning detail, with no ghosting or artefacts that remove from the immersion of the gameplay.
Other features are included here too, including the AMD FreeSync technology, which gives you super-fast refresh rates that can keep up with your ultra-powerful video card. The Brightness Intelligence Plus technology helps to reduce eye strain by detecting the ambient brightness and automatically adjusting the screen brightness and colour temperature for the best effect, which is quite important for those who engage in marathon gaming sessions. Plenty of inputs are also provided, including HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort inputs that should let you connect any computer or gaming system, no matter how new. There are even built-in speakers for those who don't wish to connect an additional speaker system. For any gamer looking for the ultimate in gaming monitors, you can end your search right here
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £199.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B079HV1TDC |
What Is a 4K Monitor?
The technology moves forward, and so do the monitors. Engineers improve image quality, display size, and resolution everyday pleasing their customers with better and better entertainment. Just a few years ago 4K monitors seemed to be a dream and only a dream for most people. Today, they are becoming a much more common thing to see.
A 4k monitor offers a lot to its user. Superior image quality, great screen clarity, and colour accuracy are only a few features you enjoy while working on such a monitor. In comparison to a standard screen with the resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p), its 4k analogue offers you 2 times higher resolution (3840x2160). This means you can view and edit 4k content at its native resolution without scaling it. Indeed, this is a great option for photographers and video editors.
Such a monitor will also bring more depth to a film and a game allowing you to enjoy the more realistic picture. However, if you are a professional video gamer, you should consider a gaming monitor, designed specifically to enhance your experience. In case you are a designer or an architect, a high-quality touch screen monitor is a gem for you.
In this review though, we have narrowed the choices down to the five best 4k monitor models so that it would be easier for you to find the one that will suit all your needs.
What Features to Compare
Display Size
This feature indicates how comfortable it will be to work with the screen. Many will agree that when it comes to a screen size bigger is always better. There are two principal things though to take into account: the physical size of the monitor and its price. If you have enough space for your new equipment, the 28” model or larger will be the best choice. At the same time, smaller monitors are a finding for smaller offices and workplaces.
Display Type
The type of display panel determines the quality of image that you will see on your screen. There are several popular models:
- TN panel is an excellent choice for a novice user. It offers pretty fast response time and affordable price range. At the same time, it has a bit simpler features and may get lower colour accuracy than its analogues.
- IPS panel ensures wider viewing angles, better colour reproduction, and excellent image sharpness. However, despite improved image quality, IPS panels feature slower response time than TN panels do.
- IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) displays feature an improved transistor type, so they weigh less, feature very low power consumption, and deliver very high resolution. But they are more expensive than TN and IPS models.
Brightness and Contrast
Well, most of the models enable their user to adjust brightness in the range of 50-350 cd/m2. At the same time, professionals claim that the best brightness level is about 250 cd/m2 unless you work in a very bright room. The higher levels should be adjusted then.
The contrast ratio is also important because it determines the quality of differentiation between darker and brighter scenes. So the higher the contrast ratio is, the higher the image quality.
Response Time
As you might have known, any movie or game is a fast-changing series of images. In order to see these images change one after another smoothly without any fractions, the display should have a smaller response time. In addition to that, a screen should also have a high refresh rate (60Hz and above). A refresh rate below 60Hz in a 4K monitor may hurt your eyes during long sessions.
Viewing Angle
Despite this feature is mostly related to TVs, when it comes to large LCDs this characteristic is also important because it determines the quality of an image you will see from your seat. That is to say, this figure tells you the maximal angle for you to watch a movie and enjoy a good picture. The best 4k monitor is the one that has a 170° viewing angle and higher.
Interfaces
Depending on how you are planning to use your monitor, you may need different ports. Most of the models have an HDMI and a DisplayPort capable of transmitting images in high quality. USB ports allow you to connect media devices to display data from them on the screen. Some models even allow you to connect a smartphone to the USB port to recharge it while also keeping it close.
Design
Make sure to check what parts of the monitor can be moved, rotated or tilted. Some stands allow you to tilt and rotate the screen. That could be a huge concern to designers and other artists. If you are planning on mounting the screen on the wall, we would also recommend you to check if the monitor has VESA sockets.
FAQ:
Q: What parameters are most important for a gaming monitor?
A: Visual experience is the top priority for gaming monitors, which is why they are usually designed to achieve low response time and high refresh rate. These parameters define the performance of the monitor in rendering images. The response time determines how quickly every single pixel of the monitor panel can change its colour with all the pixels together forming the resulting image we see on the screen. Thus, the smaller the response time the faster the monitor can render an image and more images it can display per second (frames per second). At that, the more frames per second the monitor renders (the higher its refresh rate) the smoother and more artefact-free gameplay experience it delivers (with 60 frames per second being a common standard of a comfortable gameplay).
Q: Is it possible to achieve higher refresh rate by setting a lower resolution?
A: No, it is not possible.
Q: Do I need a better video card to maintain adequate FPS when playing games with 4K resolution enabled?
A: Yes, you certainly do. The higher resolution you choose, the higher the load on your video card will be. You should check beforehand whether your video card is able to render 4K fast enough.
Q: If there are no Game Modes or other presets on a monitor I want, will I be able to achieve the same result without them?
A: Yes, all these Game Modes are just pre-made configurations that were made to save you time. If you spend some time adjusting the settings, you can achieve the same result, maybe even better for your taste.
Q: If there is a USB port in the monitor, will I be able to connect my phone to it and recharge it?
A: Yes, your phone will be recharging while connected to the monitor.
Q: How to calibrate a monitor?
A: Well, you have a few options. But in any case, your monitor should work for at least half an hour before you start. So, you can:
Use built-in Windows and Mac tools. If you are new to monitor calibration, this method won't be a bear. With the help of these tools, you'll be able to adjust the gamma, contrast, and colour levels. If you have Windows 10, you will find this tool in the display settings or you can simply type the word “calibrate” in the Cortana search box so that the virtual assistant finds it for you. Once the calibration is over, you can either save it or turn to the previous settings. The procedure is almost the same with Mac OS.
You can also use online utilities such as online monitor test or photo Friday. Both of them are pretty good and can help you calibrate colour, brightness, and contrast of the display.
Finally, you can opt for a special calibration device, especially if you calibrate monitors quite often. The advantage of using this tool is that it will allow you to set up the monitor with pristine accuracy. Many of calibration devices are available at rather a low price so you can definitely find something suitable.
Q: How to set up dual monitors?
A: After you connect both monitors to your computer via HDMI cable or VGA, you will need to adjust them properly. For starters, you should set the primary and secondary monitors. When you select “display settings”, you will see two blue boxes at the top of the resulting dialogue box - the #1 on your left monitor and the #2 on the right one. You just need to choose one monitor, the second will change automatically. You will find the resolution settings in “Advanced display setting” link. There, you can choose your desired value. If you want to expand your desktop across each monitor, select “extend displays” in the “multiple displays settings”.
Sources:
1. Liza Brown 4K Monitor Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Monitor, Wondershare. June 15, 2017.
2. Chris Hoffman Should You Buy a 4K Computer Monitor? How-To Geek. January 3, 2016.
3. Marco Chiappetta 4K monitors: Everything you need to know about UltraHD PC displays, PCWorld. April 8, 2015.
4. John R. Delaney How to Choose the Right Monitor for Gaming, PCMag. March 2, 2015.
5. Whitson Gordon How to Pick the Perfect Computer Monitor, Lifehacker. December 26, 2013.
6. The Best 4K Monitors, and How to Choose a 4K Monitor, Logical Increments Blog. May 2, 2017.
7. Nick Pino, Jon Porter 4K TV and UHD: Everything you need to know about Ultra HD, TechRadar. January 24, 2017.
8. Caleb Denison 4K TV Buying Guide: Everything to Know, Digital Trends. May 8, 2017.
9. David Katzmaier 4K content guide: What to watch in 4K and HDR today, CNET. March 28, 2017.
10. Ryan Waniata Where and How to Watch 4K UHD Content, Digital Trends. May 10, 2017.