Being on the cutting edge of the latest technology is important if you work in graphic design. Not having the right tech can take what you might believe is a beautiful image, only for it to have a much lackluster appeal in your client’s eyes.
While there have been innovations that have added resolutions such as 5K or even 8K to the world, many designers will be looking at a quality 4K monitor for their needs.
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As we are prone to do, we love shining a light on the best products that you can use to make whatever creative career you’re in better, and today we’re doing just that with our picks of the best 4K monitors in 2022 – perfect for graphic design, photography, video editing, photo editing, coding, programming or any creative need.
If you’re ready, then stop waiting around and jump in!
The 10 Best 4K Monitors in 2022
- Dell Ultrasharp U3219Q — The best 4K monitor overall (Editor’s Choice) – 28″
- LG 27UL850 — Best budget 4k monitor – 27″
- AOC U2879VF — The best budget 4K monitor for gaming & design – 28″
- Viewsonic VP2785-4K — The best value 4K monitor – 27″
- BenQ SW271 — The best 4K for image editing – 27″
- Eizo ColorEdge CG319X — The best high-end 4K monitor – 31″
- BenQ PD3200U — The best 4K monitor for video and 3D projects – 32″
- Asus ProArt PA32UC-K — The best mid-tier 4K monitor – 32″
- BenQ PD2700U — The best space-saving 4K monitor – 27″
- Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ — The best 4K monitor for gaming – 27″
- BenQ SW321C PhotoVue — The best 4K monitor for photographers – 32″
Also check our our features on the best monitor calibrators to calibrate your screen, the best monitor stands, the best monitor arms and the best Mac accessories.
Or perhaps you want to browse the best 5k monitors or best Macbook Pro monitors.
What is the best 4K monitor?
Dell UltraSharp (U3219Q) is our pick for the best 4k monitor but check out the comparison below to see the best 4k monitor for your needs.
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4K Monitor Buying Guide: How to choose the best 4k Monitor
Size
Many graphic designers will swear that the bigger a monitor is, the better. While that’s all good and true, once you reach a certain size, it becomes more about the amount of space on your desk than the size of the monitor.
Before you run out and pick up that gargantuan 80-inch monitor, make sure your desk can handle it.
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Color accuracy
Color accuracy is important for any kind of creative work but especially when it comes to video or photo editing. You don’t want that red rose to look pink when you’re all done.
The term color accuracy has more to do with the monitor’s ability to produce the needed level of hue for the image. Finding a monitor that supports a wide color gamut including sRGB, Adobe RGB, or even Rec. 709 can make all the difference.
Refresh rate
Refresh rate is an important factor to consider when purchasing a 4K monitor. Monitors can come with different refresh rates for the applications that they are designed to be used for. For example, many gaming monitors have a refresh rate of 144Hz while standard monitors can have a refresh rate of around 60Hz.
60Hz is the sweet spot when it comes to picking a monitor that you may be used for video or photo work. Anything less and it can become a little bit difficult to handle that kind of work.
Aspect ratio
Aspect ratio is the length concerning the height of the screen. It is very common to see an aspect ratio of 16:9 on standard 4K monitors. If you fancy yourself a gamer as well as a graphic designer, some higher-end monitors will provide you with an aspect ratio of 21:9, which will give you more room to work.
Connectivity
Let’s face it, we all have things that we need to plug into our monitors. From flash drives or storage devices, having a monitor without the right connectivity options can just hold you back. While it’s not standard on all monitors yet, Thunderbolt 3 connectivity is something to look for in a new display.
Contrast Ratio
The contrast ratio is defined as the ratio of the brightness of the brightest shade to that of the darkest shade. We would advise you to go in for a monitor that has a higher contrast ratio. This is due to the fact that there will be a better picture quality.
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Response Time
The time taken by the pixel to change its color is measured in lieu of the response time. Most of the old display screens suffer a ghost effect. This is because of the non-synchronization of the pixels with the moving frames. But the recent ones are developed with a better response time.
Windows Scaling
The most essential point for buying a 4k monitor is named DPI or Windows scaling. PCs are designed with higher pixel densities. Higher pixel densities lead to better readability. Windows Scaling does not always affect all of the applications on your device.
G-Sync or FreeSync
These parameters are together called adaptive sync. Gamers have to focus on these parameters. These settings improve the performance of the monitor. These settings help with the screen tearing issue, graphic rate, and refresh rate mismatches. The screen tearing problem affects the gamers as the monitor has to stay in synchronization with the output of the graphic card
The 10 Best 4K Monitors in 2022
1. Dell Ultrasharp U3219Q (Editor’s Choice)
The best 4K monitor overall
Screen size: 32-inch | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Inputs: 1x HDMI, 1x Displayport | USB: 4 x USB 3.0, 1x USB Type C
Dell is no stranger when it comes to offering creatives high-end displays and it seems like they set a new bar every year and the Ultrasharp U3219Q is the newest bar setter from the company.
A 32-inch screen displays everything in beautiful 4K resolution that offers sRGB coverage, plus 95% DCI-P3, making it a superb choice for graphic design, video, or photo editing. Best of all, while it offers a ton of features that any creative looks for, the one thing it doesn’t do is destroy your budget. While it may not come with some features that higher-end (and priced) monitors have, it does come with USB-C support with is a major benefit.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Thin bezels | ➖ Only two display inputs |
| ➕ Great color accuracy |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Experience four times more detail than Full HD with 3840x2160 Ultra HD 4K resolution.
- Your images shine the way they were meant to on the world’s first 31.5” 4K Ultra HD monitor with VESA certified DisplayHDR 400i featuring HDR content playback support.
- Your UltraSharp monitor is factory calibrated at 99% sRGB coverage right out of the box. You can trust that your videos reflect lifelike color.
- Response Time - 8 ms (normal) ; 5 ms (Fast) - (gray to gray)
- Pixel Pitch:0.182 mm
2. LG 27UL850
The best budget 4k monitor
Screen size: 27-inch | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Ports: DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, USB Type-C, 2x USB 3.0
The 27UL850 from LG is one of the best budget 4k monitors available and it is perfect for creative work such as graphic design, photography, video editing and photo editing.
With a beautiful 27-inch, 4K display, everything that you work on will look incredible. With excellent color quality, plus its incredible price tag, there are very few better options out there.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Versatile design for best graphic design experience. | ➖ 60Hz refresh rate only. |
| ➕ Ergonomic engine for smooth running. | ➖ No DCI-P3 color. |
| ➕ Plenty of ports for easy connectivity. | ➖ Poor speaker quality. |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 27 inch UHD (3840 X 2160) IPS display
- VESA displayHDR 400
- USB type C connectivity. Brightness 350cd (typ) / 280cd (Min)
- SRBG 99 percent color gamut
- Ultra thin bezel and height/ pivot/ tilt adjustable stand
3. AOC U2879VF
The best budget 4K monitor for gaming & design
Screen size: 28-inch | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Inputs: VGA, DVI, HDMI, display Port | USB: 2x USB 2.0
With a 28-inch TN panel, the U2879VF from AOC is an already-great gaming display that has a big plus going for it – the price is incredible. With FreeSync tech, great color accuracy, plus Picture-in-Picture, the AOC display is a perfect option for creatives who might also like to try a little gaming in their downtime. Overall, the AOC display is great for any office or gaming den.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great price | ➖ No VESA mount |
| ➕ FreeSync technology support |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 28" Class (28" Viewable) TN panel, 3840 x 2160 resolution, 16: 9 aspect ratio
- 300 cd/M2 Brightness, 60Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, 20M: 1 DCR
- Connectivity- VGA, DVI, HDMI, display Port
- Amd Free Sync technology, extra narrow bezel
4. Viewsonic VP2785-4K
The best value 4K monitor
Screen size: 27-inch | Resolution: 4096 x 2160 | Inputs: 1 x DisplayPort, 1x Mini-DP, 2 x HDMI | USB: 3 x USB 3.0, 1x USB-C
Viewsonic has been known for its quality displays at a reasonable price and the VP2785-4K is a welcome addition to their stable. With a 27-inch, 4K, IPS screen, the display offers incredible color coverage at 100% sRGB and 99% AdobeRGB.
While construction of the display can be a bit troublesome, the overall design is sleek and lightweight and the display goes almost edge-to-edge. While it doesn’t deliver the same quality visuals as more higher-end options, the ViewSonic monitor doesn’t disappoint.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Incredible picture quality | ➖ A tad difficult to put together |
| ➕ Lightweight construction | ➖ The large external power brick |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- PREMIUM MONITOR: 4K UHD (3840x2160p) advanced ergonomic, 60Hz IPS monitor deliver lifelike colors perfect for office, graphic design, photographers and more
- FRAMELESS DIGITAL CANVAS: A three-sided ultra-thin bezel shows off more of your masterpiece, and less of the monitor
- REDUCE CABLE CLUTTER: Connect video, audio, data and power with a single USB-C cable and plug in peripherals like USB drives and mice with the USB hub
- COLOR ACCURACY: Screen wide 99% Adobe RGB, EBU, SMPTE-C, Rec. 709, and DICOM-SIM color spaces, Delta E<2 accuracy, and a smooth palette of 4.39 trillion colors deliver precise, lifelike images
- HARDWARE CALIBRATION: Quick and easy calibration ensures that the color displayed perfectly matches the original file
5. BenQ SW271
The best 4K monitor for image editing
Screen size: 27-inch | Resolution: 4096 x 2160 | Inputs: 2 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI | USB: 2 x USB 3.0, 1x USB-C
Anyone who does any kind of image editing will tell you that BenQ is one of the better monitor manufacturers and the SW271 only cements that feeling. Featuring the company’s standard ‘puck’ which is a wired remote in the base of the monitor that gives you easy access to changing color settings as well as presets.
Designed with photographers and graphic designers in mind, the SW271 features a 27-inch, 4K display that comes with a 10-bit HDR panel and 14-bit LUT. Graphic designers will love the color support the monitor provides with 99% AdobeRGB and 100% sRGB coverage.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great image quality | ➖ Size may be an issue |
| ➕ Thin bezels | ➖ Not budget-friendly |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 27 INCH 4K UHD RESOLUTION: Exceptional clarity of fine details
- HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE (HDR): for sharpened brightness and incredible details.Dimensions (HxWxD mm) (w/o Base) (with shading hood) 14.65X24.64x9.37 inches Dimensions (HxWxD mm) (w/o Base) 14.52x24.16X2.46...
- AQCOLOR TECHNOLOGY: 99% Adobe RGB coverage, hardware calibration support for accurate colors for photography. Card Reader Support Format: SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC
- USB TYPE-C: Transmit data and video signal with one cable for easy hardware calibration. Video Signal Data : Horizontal Frequency - 27~140Khz. Vertical Frequency - 24~75Hz. Video Bandwidth - 600MHz
- HARDWARE CALIBRATION WITH PALETTE MASTER ELEMENT SOFTWARE: Tune and maintain the color performance of the monitor at its most optimal state
6. Eizo ColorEdge CG319X
The best high-end 4K monitor
Screen size: 31.1-inch | Resolution: 4096 x 2160 | Inputs: 2 x DisplayPort, 2 x HDMI | USB: 3 x USB 3.0
If you’re at a stage in your career where the money you spend on tech isn’t a concern, then you should meet the ColorEdge CG319X from Eizo. With its 31-inch monitor, putting out a beautiful 4K resolution. However, the CG319X comes with one feature that sets it apart from other 4K monitors.
Eizo’s monitor puts out a 4K resolution at 4,096 x 2,160 which is a slightly taller 4K standard that is used in video production. With a built-in calibration tool that constantly keeps your colors as perfect as possible, you’d think you’ve found nirvana. At an extremely high price, this slice of heaven will cost you but be worth it.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Amazing color accuracy | ➖ Very expensive |
| ➕ Hardware calibration tool included | |
| ➕ Monitor hood included |
Latest Price on Amazon:
7. BenQ PD3200U
The best 4K monitor for video and 3D projects
Screen size: 32-inch | Resolution: 4096 x 2160 | Inputs: 1 x DisplayPort, 1x Mini-DP, 1 x HDMI | USB: 4 x USB 3.0
At 32 inches, the PD3200U from BenQ offers a great resolution that any designer will fall in love with. While the overall design could be seen as dull, the included CAD/CAM mode will be a welcome inclusion for designers who work in 3D. With factory-calibrated color accuracy and Rec. 709 support, the PD3200U can easily find a home on any desk.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ 4K resolution | ➖ The design may be too dull for some |
| ➕ Large display |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Exclusive AQCOLOR technology covers a wide variety of color spaces such as Adobe RGB, sRGB, Rec. 709, ensuring the colors on your screen are the brightest, boldest and most accurate
- Brightness (typ.) is 250nits; Aspect Ratio is 16:9
- View files side-by-side with DualView. Easily compare photos and videos in specialized CAD/CAM, darkroom or animation Display modes next to each other on one screen
- Ergonomic features allows you to customize your viewing experience with a tilt, twist or turn. Adjust the screen height or rotate to portrait mode for added comfort and workflow efficiency
- Keyboard video mouse (KVM) switch allows users to Display files, photos or videos from two different computers on a single screen. Easily work on multiple projects at once without worrying about...
8. Asus ProArt PA32UC-K
The best mid-tier 4K monitor
Screen size: 32-inch | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Inputs: 4 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x Thunderbolt 3 | USB: 2 x USB 3.0 Type A, 1x USB 3.0 Type C
Its flagship monitor, Asus has given the ProArt PA32UC-K an update with an improved design, 10-bit color, plus a new array of inputs including Thunderbolt 3 for designers and creatives to love.
Support for color calibration is included and can help the display’s accuracy reach 100% sRGB, 99.5% AdobeRGB, and 95% DCI-P3. The ProArt monitor comes with a ton of features for just about anyone but its price may keep some from experiencing all it can offer.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Full AdobeRGB color support | ➖ Not cheap |
| ➕ Plenty of display inputs | |
| ➕ Support for Thunderbolt 3 |
Latest Price on Amazon:
9. BenQ PD2700U
The best space-saving 4K monitor
Screen size: 27-inch | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Inputs: 1x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x miniDisplayPort | USB: 2 x USB 3.0 Type B, 4x USB 3.1
If all the bells and whistles that many high-end monitors aren’t really your thing, finding a monitor that will help you with everyday computing and productivity is no tougher than looking at the PD2700U from BenQ.
While you won’t even find a USB-C port on this display, the resolution is the selling point here. With a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, the PD2700U may not be the cheapest monitor out there but it comes with a great resolution, accurate colors, and most importantly doesn’t take up a ton of room on your desk.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great color accuracy | ➖ No USB Type-C |
| ➕ Saves a ton of desk space |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- SEE MORE 27 inch 4K IPS HDR monitor w/wide viewing angles 60Hz
- EXPERIENCE MORE HDR10 support lets you preview video content in HDR during editing for better faster results. Brightness - 350 cd/㎡. Response Time - 5ms(GtG). Refresh Rate - 60Hz. Aspect Ratio -...
- DO MORE improve workflow with CAD/CAM Darkroom Animation and DualView custom view modes PIP/PBP picture in picture/picture by picture
- CREATE MORE access more than a billion colors through 10 bit tech PD2700U covers 100%sRGB and Rec. 709 and has Delta E ≤ 3
- SURPRISE FREE every PD2700U comes pre calibrated with its unique calibration report is Pantone Validated and Verified by CalMAN
10. Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ
The best 4K monitor for gaming
Screen size: 27-inch | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Inputs: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort | USB: 2x USB 3.0
It’s becoming more and more common to see 4K monitors everywhere and seeing innovation in this field has become rare. The ROG Swift PG27UQ from Asus bucks that trend.
The display from Asus is a great 4K gaming monitor with HDR and color support that is commonly seen on higher-end monitors. It does all this at a refresh rate of 144Hz with G-Sync. With very few monitors that pack as many features as this one, it’s easily one of the best 4K monitors out there.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great picture quality | ➖ Expensive |
| ➕ G-sync support |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 27 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) 144 Hertz HDR gaming monitor with integrated aura Sync and ambient light sensor embraces ROG standards and design
- Nvidia G SYNC HDR for lifelike contrast and color, display HDR 1000 and UHD premium Certified with peak 1000 nits brightness and 384 local dimming zones
- Quantum dot IPS display with 97% DCI P3 (99% Adobe RGB) color gamut for realistic colors and smoother gradation. Brightness: 600 cd/㎡ (Typical)/1000 cd/㎡ (Peak)
- Marathon ready with game grade ergonomics such as tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustments and ASUS Eye Care technology to reduce eyestrain via Blue light filter and flicker free back lighting
- Flexible connectivity options with Display Port 1.4, HDMI 2.0 and USB 3.0 hub
11. BenQ SW321C PhotoVue
The best 4K monitor for photographers
Screen size: 32-inch | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort | USB: 1x USB Type-C, 2x USB Type-A, 1x USB Type-B
If you’re a photographer, having a great monitor for editing is crucial to ensure that your images look just right. The trouble is, many high-end monitors can cost a premium and that’s where to SW321C PhotoVue from BenQ comes into play.
At a great, affordable price, the PhotoVue monitor comes with an incredibly wide gamut of 99% AdobeRGB, and 95% DCI-P3. As a photographer, these are the features you look for.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great brightness | ➖ Connection bay is hard to reach |
| ➕ USB-C connectivity |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 32 INCH 16:9 4K MONITOR: Exceptional clarity and fine details with IPS technology
- AQCOLOR: 99% Adobe RGB coverage, 95% Display P3, uniformity technology, factory calibrated for accurate color performance, Delta E ≤ 2
- HARDWARE CALIBRATION: Tune and maintain optimal color performance with Palette Master Element software
- HDR10: Increase the dynamic range between black and white for more realism; HDR10 and HLG support
- PHOTO EDITING MONITOR: Paper Color Sync and A.R.T. reflectionless panel enable photo print previews close to printed copies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CD/m2?
The Candela per Square Meter is also known as Nit. It is the base unit to weigh the brightness level in a monitor. The brightness level indicates how bright the monitor's surface appears to the eyes from a particular point of view.
When does the screen tearing issue occur?
The screen tearing occurs when there is no synchronization between the monitor's refresh rate and the GPU's frame rate.
Which is the best gaming monitor discussed so far?
The AOC U2879VF and the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ is the best gaming monitor available so far.
What do you mean by the Color Gamut of a monitor?
A color gamut defines a range of colors that can be displayed by a device. Specific to monitors, this color gamut defines the range of colors that can be produced by it.
More Best Monitor Compilations
We’ve compiled several different monitor guides specific to your requirements.
- 10 Best 5K and 8K Monitors
- Top 10 Best Budget Monitors for Graphic Design
- Top 15 Best Monitors for Photo Editing
- 15 Best Monitors for Programming & Coding
- 10 Best Touch Screen Monitors
- 10 Best USB-C Monitors
- 10 Best Macbook Pro Monitors
- 15 Best Curved Monitors
- 15 Best Monitors for Editing Video
- 10 Best Monitors for Gaming
- 14 Best Monitors for Mac mini
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10 Best 4K Monitors for Graphic Design & Creative Work
While they may not be the newest technological innovation, a 4K monitor can provide you with everything you need to create beautiful works of art or even edit photos or videos. Choosing the right one for you can be tough. That’s why we hope our list of the 10 best 4K monitors for graphic design & creatives can point you in the right direction.
You can also visit our blog on best Monitors with Webcams and best Budget Monitors for Graphic Design.