A 4K monitor is a type of display device that has a screen resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is about 8 million pixels. This much higher resolution than a traditional 1080p HD TV or monitor means images appear sharper and more life-like.
4K monitors are also known as Ultra High Definition (UHD) displays and they’re becoming more popular as they become increasingly affordable. They provide an immersive viewing experience and many people find them ideal for watching movies, playing video games, browsing the web, and editing photos and videos. Some professionals even use them for their work because of the high level of detail they can display.
While there are still only relatively few 4K monitors available on the market, more new models are coming out all the time. And even though they’re still relatively expensive, prices continue to fall as their popularity increases and competition between manufacturers grows.
If you’re looking to upgrade your computer setup with a 4K display, there are many things to consider before choosing one. In this guide, we will look at some of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a 4K monitor, including screen size and resolution, panel type, refresh rate, price, and more. We’ll also take a look at some of the best 4K monitors currently available on the market so you can be sure you’re buying a quality product.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the things you need to consider when buying a 4K monitor for your computer.
Screen Size and Resolution
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for a 4K monitor is the screen size and resolution. Most 4K monitors have a screen size of 27 inches or larger, with some models going up to 43 inches. If you want a smaller monitor, you might be able to find some 24-inch models, but most of these are 1080p monitors and not true 4K displays.
As for resolution, you will want a minimum resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels as this is considered to be the standard for 4K Ultra HD. Even though you can find some “4K” models that have a lower resolution, such as 2560 x 1440 pixels, these are not truly 4K monitors.
Panel Type
When it comes to panel type, there are two main types of panels used in 4K monitors: IPS and TN. IPS panels are known for their excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles, while TN panels have faster refresh rates and response times.
If you want a monitor for gaming, photo and video editing, or other tasks where color accuracy is important, an IPS panel may be the best choice. For more casual use where speed is of the essence, TN panels can provide better performance. But keep in mind that even 4K monitors with TN panels usually have excellent color reproduction and many users won’t be able to tell the difference between IPS and TN panels.
Refresh Rates and Response Times
The refresh rate of a 4K monitor tells you how many times per second the display can redraw an image on the screen. The higher the refresh rate, the better your gaming or other fast-paced experiences will be. Most 4K monitors have a refresh rate of 60Hz, but some models have faster refresh rates up to 144Hz or even 240Hz.
Response time is another important factor that can affect the quality of your gaming and other fast-paced experiences on a 4K monitor. This specification tells you how long it takes for one pixel to change from one color to another. Lower response times are better as they mean less ghosting and blurring of fast-moving objects on the screen. Most 4K monitors have a response time of 5 milliseconds or less, but some models have even faster response times down to 1 millisecond or less.
Price
Of course, price is also an important consideration when shopping for a 4K monitor. These displays are still relatively new and expensive, with most models costing $500 or more. However, prices continue to fall as more 4K monitors hit the market and competition between manufacturers grows.
You can find some cheaper 4K monitors if you’re willing to sacrifice features like a high refresh rate or fast response time. For example, if you’re willing to go down to a maximum resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and settle for a 60Hz refresh rate, you can find very affordable 4K monitors in the $300 price range. However, most users want a true 4K display with all the bells and whistles, and these models with IPS panels usually start around $500 for 24-inch models or $700 for 27-inch displays.
Now that you know what to look for when shopping for a 4K monitor, let’s take a closer look at some of the best options currently available on the market. Here are our top picks for the best 4K monitors:
