Gaming is a passion; with it, you bring in the utmost desires. These needs can create the ultimate need for high-end components, the latest technology, and plenty of peripherals. With this in mind, the recent hype for having 4k monitors is at an all-time high. The excessive use of such monitors is making 4k a normal need in the gaming community. What’s so special about the best 4k 144Hz monitors for gaming? Long answer short, you get to play games at a higher refresh rate, improvised GPU scaling, and high pixel density.
What excites me the most is the use of vibrant colors on the screen. As you increase the pixel density, the colors become more mesmerizing, to the point, and flashy. Hence, not surprising to see gamers drooling over 4k 144hz gaming monitors. Do you know what bothers my interest? The sensation of playing the latest AAA titles on a big screen, with 4k enabled.
The aura and hype are real, and to cater to it, I bought a decent 4k monitor. Keeping this in mind, I thought, why not help you out in selecting the best 4k gaming monitor?
There’s a limiting factor that, at times, stops gamers from buying the monitors at all. Firstly, price tags. Usually, these 4k monitors have a set of unique features, which makes them unique and expensive. The most probable reason for escalated prices is the use of G-sync, FreeSync, and GPU scaling. If your 4k monitor has all these mentioned features, then it’s expensive—secondly, the use of panels. There are three types (maybe more) of panels that propose enhanced performance. With each panel, you get a variable price tag. I only wanted to make it crystal clear that 4k monitors are heavenly but have a couple of limitations that need to be addressed before proceeding to the checkout.
Before we start reviewing our outstanding candidates on the list, I would like to pitch in a couple of things that need to be considered before finalizing the product.
It’s time to shift ourselves to the article’s actual session, where I’ll be discussing quality products to root for in 2021. So, without any further ado, let’s begin!
List of 5 Best 4k 144hz Monitors for Gaming
| Title | Model | Response Time | Refresh Rate | Panel Type | Star (ratings) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best versatile 4k 144hz gaming monitor | 4ms | 144Hz | IPS | 5 stars | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best Runner up 4k 144Hz gaming monitor | 4ms | 144Hz | IPS | 5 stars | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best budget 4k 144Hz gaming monitor | 1ms | 144Hz | IPS | 4.75 stars | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best under $300 4k 144Hz gaming monitor | 1ms | 144Hz | IPS | 4.5 stars | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best premium 4k 144Hz gaming monitor | 4ms | 144Hz | IPS | 4.5 stars | Buy on Amazon |
Best Versatile 4k 144hz Gaming Monitor
Acer Nitro XV273K took the first spot on the list for two reasons. Number one is that it’s cheaper when compared to other flagship models. Number two, it has all the advanced features for high-end and immersive gaming.
Image quality and design
When it comes to 4k gaming, Acer Nitro proposes a smooth pixel transition and constant 144Hz refresh rate that you can enjoy. It was because of the use of the DCI-p3 color gamut and the panels’ high pixel density (163 pixels per inch). Although the product lacks full-array local dimming (FALD) backlight, it still performs outstandingly.
It’s genuinely fantastic as the monitor size is 27-inch, you can have an immersive gaming experience with vibrant colors. For the design, you get the IPS panel with proper viewing angles and the support for AMD FreeSync. The FreeSync allows you to align all the mismanaged pixels on the screen due to GPU’s unmatched refresh rate.
It’s worth mentioning that the monitor offers a separate preset mode, which can be channeled through at ease. You get to use plenty of modes like night, standard, movie, game, blue light, etc. On top of that, the bezel-free design makes the monitor shine, hence making it eye-catching and mesmerizing.
Specifications
The monitor offers a 1ms time delay, 1.07 billion color support, a brightness of 350cd/m2, a led backlight, viewing angles of 178 degrees horizontal and 178 degrees vertical, and embedded speakers. You can also have tilting, axis, and height adjustment properties with the customizable stand. Notwithstanding, the monitor is portable, light-weighted, and has support for HDMI and DisplayPort.
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Super bright properties (500 nits)
- Solid Build
- On-fleek design
- Accurate DCI-P3 color gamut
- 4k gaming enabled
- Lacks dynamic contrast (HDR looks slightly better than SDR)
- Inaccurate white point in sRGB mode
Best Runner up 4k 144Hz Gaming Monitor
Runner-up slots are always considered to be of the same quality as those who stayed at the top. Acer Predator XB271HU failed to achieve the number one position, but it doesn’t mean you can’t rely on it. It’s still a capable monitor to keep.
Image quality and design
The monitor comes with a superb and top-notch zero-frame build (the only screen with no solid edges). Well, the way it is painted and manufactured speaks volumes; hence those positive reviews. The 27-inch monitor provides you with outstanding image quality on 1440P, with a superior IPS panel. It’s worth mentioning that the IPS panel allows you to have a variety of viewing angles without compromising the display quality.
Not to mention, you can boost the number of pixels generated with the help of a tier-S graphics card. The overclocked version will pitch in more pixels than the non-overclocked version. Well, it entirely depends on you and your evolving taste buds.
Apart from this, you can overclock your monitor to 165Hz, which is phenomenal since such a feature isn’t easily found in many latest gaming monitors. Do you know what’s surprising? If possible, you are earned with a decent Nvidia GPU; you can enable G-sync technology to smooth out all the jagged edges. On top of that, the G-sync will also eliminate stutters, freezes, and refresh rate disparity.
For the response time, it’s 4ms, which is considerably lower than what TN panels offer. But don’t you worry. TN panels have possible shortcomings, and you don’t want to trade off your happy gaming chances with it.
Specifications
For the specifications, you get to bask in 5 x USB ports (3.0), MPR II environment, overclocked refresh rate, the aspect ratio of 16:9, IPS technology, Nvidia G-sync, warranty of 2 years, 27-inch screen size, and a maximum resolution of 2560 X 1440 @144Hz.
- VESA compatibility
- Overclockable to 165 Hz
- Amazing color reproduction
- Supports G-sync
- On-fleek design
- Have zero-frame body
- Mediocre in-build speakers
- Expensive
Best Budget 4k 144hz Gaming Monitor
ASUS TUF Gaming VG32VQ is a monitor of dreams-no wonder, why it has earned the title of being budget-friendly, and at the same time outperforms the flagship models. The monitor’s orientation is curved, which means your field of vision will be encompassed by the monitor, hence eliciting 3D experience.
Image quality and design
Well, the monitor has outstanding features that I’ll be mentioning. For example, you get to hold a 32-inch WQHD screen with 2560 x 1440 maximum resolution. It has a dedicated 144Hz refresh rate, which means It is one of the best 4k 144hz gaming monitor you can game at a higher resolution.
Remember, you need to pair a high-end GPU to reach a 144Hz refresh rate on the monitor. GTX 750Ti, won’t do anything! Not to mention, the monitor provides you with ASUS extreme low motion blur sync, which is a need in these ultra-gaming times. In short, you get to hold of 1ms response time, adaptive sync (variable refresh rate which adjusts itself without your intervention), eliminate ghosting and tearing, and projection higher frame rates.
It’s worth mentioning, the use of FreeSync by AMD helps in smoothing out jagged, torn-out edges and pixels on the screen. Simply enable it through the in-windows control panel. On top of that, the monitor ASUS TUF gaming offers an industry-standard HDR10 dynamic range of colors, with variable brightness levels. It ensures that whatever preset you choose should suit your eyes well. Last but not least, the monitor features an ergonomically laid-out design that offers extensive swivel, title, and height adjustments.
Specifications
For the specifications, you get to hold the VA panel type, non-glare display surface, variable viewing angle, max brightness of 400 cd/m2, and a contrast ratio of 3000:1. Not to mention, you also get hold of HDR support, trace-free technology, GamePlus modes, GameFast input technology, HDCP support, in-built speakers, and a 5-way OSD navigation joystick. Notwithstanding, the monitor also offers a low signal-to-noise ratio; accessories like power cord, power adapter, DisplayPort and HDMI, and top-notch security and warranty.
- Budget-friendly
- Curved 3D display
- 1ms response time
- Uses plenty of high-end features
- The metallic body looks dull
Best Under $300 4k 144hz Gaming Monitor
ASUS VG279Q has won the hearts of millions because of being under $300, which is highly exceptional. Because 4k 144Hz monitors are usually expensive, and out of reach for most users, but who knew ASUS would be doing wonders, huh? The monitor has fine features that make it competitive and as per today’s standards.
Image quality and design
With ASUS VG279Q, you earn a sweet spot of having 4k gaming with zero stutters and lags. You also get hold of a 27-inch screen with an IPS panel (variable viewing angles) and adaptive sync. Well, variable synching automatically adjust the GPU’s refresh rate with the monitors without human intervention. Not to mention, you get to bask in AMD’s FreeSync as well, which takes the adaptive synching a notch further.
With this in mind, you get smoothed-out frame rates on the screen, with zero jagged edges. What a commendable feature! Not to mention, you also get to hold Shadow boost enhancing property, variable brightness options, 1ms of response time, ASUS Extreme low motion Blur, and the elimination for ghosting and tearing on the screen.
On top of that, ASUS VG279Q offers you GameFast input technology, with value-added features like ASUS exclusive Game-Plus hotkey, Game Visual optimization, and G-sync support of Nvidia. For the design, the monitor comes with a bezel-free stand and tilting properties and looks aesthetically pleasing.
Specifications
The monitor offers you a maximum resolution of 1920x 1080, aspect ratio of 16:9, brightness levels of 400cd/m2, flicker-free technology, a max refresh rate of 144Hz, a contrast ratio of 1000:1, Trace free technology, HDCP support, low blue light support, in-built speakers, low signal to noise ratio, and HDMI and DisplayPort support.
- 4-way ergonomic stand adjustment
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Highly responsive
- Slim bezels
- AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-sync support
- Poor speaker quality
Best Premium 4k 144hz Gaming Monitor
You must have heard about predator laptops and monitors, which are manufactured based on gaming alone. It’s the most visually satisfying monitor you can get hold of in 2021. Well, the Acer Predator X27 offers detailed textures and a smooth transition between animations, which is best for creating animated films. It’s time to list all the outclass features of the Acer Predator X27.
Image quality and design
The monitor offers 4k enabled resolution, in conjunction with Nvidia G-sync support. The synching properties help in smoothing out tearing and jagged pixels on the screen. Not to mention, the monitor also offers HDR10 support, OSD overclocking, 99 percent of Adobe RGB coverage, and support for a bazillion of colors.
It’s worth mentioning that the color ratio of Acer predator is outstanding and offers beautifully laid out designs for the aesthetics-a perfect match for today’s standards. Although the monitor is expensive, it’s worth trying since it proposes a real-time gaming experience with RTX cards. Imagine playing with real-time tracing enabled on the monitor. What a heavenly experience it would be!
Notwithstanding, the monitor comes with a jagged-out frame that concentrates light particles at your eye, hence eliciting the gaming experience.
Specifications
For the specifications, the monitor offers you a 27-inch screen with a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160, HDR10 support, Nvidia G-sync enabled 100 percent sRGB, brightness levels of 600 cd/m2, 4ms of response time, 2 x 8 W speakers, DisplayPort, HDMI, and 5 x USB 3.0 ports. Not to mention, you also get to hold VESA mount compatible.
- 4k gaming experience
- OSD offers layers of customization
- Ports and privacy hood
- Windows HDR bugs
- OSD is at times non-navigable
- Expensive
Things To Have A Look At!
The whole process of cherry-picking is intricate and brings complexities to address them at level best, keeping these certain bulletins in mind.
- Aspect Ratio: It’s a pivotal factor that shouldn’t be ignored at any cost. The aspect ratio takes into consideration the monitor’s height and width. The older monitors like CRTs have a standard aspect ratio of 4:3, while the recently manufactured LCDs and OLEDs have a standard aspect ratio of 16:9. For ultrawide monitors, you will get to see the standard set at 21:9, which is outstanding. Choose the monitor, which has at least an aspect ratio of 16:9.
- Resolution: The resolution of a monitor indicates the number of pixels horizontally and vertically. It’s apparent from the fact that the higher the resolution, the clearer the picture projection will be. It’s worth mentioning; the pixels rendered generate power from the GPU. So, all in all, resolution will directly affect your GPU; hence you need a powerful graphics processing unit. When standardizing the findings, there are three basic resolutions you can get hold of 1080P, 2k (1440P), 4K (2160P). To render resolution on 4k, you will need a GTX 1080Ti or one from the RTX series. Not to mention, you will also need a 144Hz monitor or higher to render the desired resolution. Yes, it’s a complicated process to comprehend, but a necessary one.
- Screen Size: it’s another crucial factor in determining what resolution and aspect ratio your monitor will be using. You get hold of 5 different sizes, numbered: 22-inch, 24-inch, 27-inch, 32-inch, and 35-inch+.
- Refresh rate: The refresh rate is the measurement to calculate how many times your monitor physically refreshes the image it’s displaying. It’s measured in hertz (Hz) and can deduce whether you’ll have a sloppy gaming experience or an immersive one. For a smoother gaming experience, you will need a decent (at least 60 Hz) refresh rate. Primarily, FPS games are more demanding since the visuals rendered stay in close proximity to your screen. If you want to have a top-notch gaming experience, with zero freezes, lag, you need to get a monitor with a higher refresh rate. In this article, we will be focusing on those 4k monitors with a standard refresh rate of 144Hz.
- Panels: Every monitor comes with a dedicated Panel embedded for performance and visuals. In layman’s terms, the panel is referred to as the monitor’s screen. In today’s standard, you get hold of 3 types of panels: IPS, VA, and TN. Generally, TN panels have a higher refresh rate but have a dull color reproduction than IPS panels. Not to mention, TN panels also have limited viewing angles. When speaking of IPS panels, you may get awkward color management, but have amazing viewing angles and less freezing (higher performance). When considering VA panels, they are fast, have a higher refresh rate, look cute when compared to TN, but are not for gaming. Since you aim to game at higher standards, we will be ruling out VA panels completely.
- Response time: The responsiveness of a monitor plays an important role in determining the gap between registry and display. The rate of the monitor is generally measured in milliseconds. For example, a 1ms response time is considered ideal for today’s standard compared to 5ms. Although, the period in milliseconds isn’t perceptible or experienceable to us, yet, it matters a lot.
What’s Better G-sync Or Freesync?
You must have come across the terms FreeSync and G-sync. Well, these technologies help in smoothing out the jagged and out-of-place frame rate on the screen. For example, let’s say, your GTX 1060 standard refresh rate is 120Hz. You are running a monitor of 60Hz. Now when you play a game and set the settings to 120Hz-the refresh rate of GPU-what will happen? Your GPU will be producing a greater number of frames than the frames your monitor can handle. It will lead to disruption, lagging, freezing, and shadowing on the screen.
To cope up with these findings, G-Sync and FreeSync were born. These technologies help in reducing the amount of stutter due to the mismatch of the refresh rate. When you buy a 4k 144hz monitor, you can get hold of both technologies in a single monitor. But there’s an issue. Not until recently, Nvidia remained non-compatible with FreeSync monitors. So, in short, if you want to use FreeSync, you need AMD; otherwise, for G-sync, get an Nvidia card.
Not to mention, recent arrivals have addressed this issue, and now you can run AMD GPUs on G-sync technology without any issue.
Final Thoughts
Whatever monitor you choose ensures that you get hold of all the latest and customizable options since it allows you to bask in for years to come. Monitor indeed plays a vital role in determining the resolution and how pixels are generated. If you think a 4k hdr 144hz monitor is out of your league, you can always root lower refresh rate monitors. Nonetheless, there are a couple of monitors which are cheap, like ASUS VG279Q 27″. If you ask for my two cents and recommendation, I would say it’s better to root for Acer Nitro XV273K Pbmiipphzx. The monitor proposes plenty of necessary options for the immersive gaming experience.
I hope the guide was helpful. I’m looking forward to hearing from you in the comment session. Feel free to put your reviews.
Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
Hey, I’m Muhammad Bilal. I’m a tech fanatic (also read: Gamer), who loves scrutinizing fine details. I aim to strive hard in my respective fields (as a writer and software programmer). Before pursuing my majors in a university (right now in A-levels), I want to spend time exploring and reviewing the latest technology.