Home PC Components and Peripherals The Best Budget 4K Gaming Monitor in 2022
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In order to get crisp, clean images in 2022, 4K resolution is what you should look for. There are 8K screens and even more basic 6K ones, for sure. However, 4K is a perfect fit for the majority of people, whether you’re gaming, watching a movie, browsing the web, zooming your coworkers, or doing work.
Unfortunately, 4K monitors can get a little pricey, but we have compiled a list of the best 4K gaming monitors that are more affordable for those who are on a limited budget. Without further ado, here are our top picks.
The Samsung UR59C, which has a 32-inch VA panel with accuracy and curves, is the best cheap 4K monitor. After calibration, the image quality is excellent, with vivid, realistic colors and legible writing. We measured a color inaccuracy of 4.3dE with apparent inaccuracies when testing in sRGB mode, but our calibration (see our suggested settings on page 1 of the review) reduced it to 0.9dE.
As expected with a VA panel, the UR59C also has excellent contrast, reaching an astonishing 2,590.5:1 after calibration. The UR59C’s 1500R curve is apparent and advantageous, allowing us to keep more windows in view. Although this display isn’t suitable for professional gaming, it can be used by casual players.
In order to prevent screen tearing, the UR59C has a 60 Hz refresh rate and a 4 ms reaction time. While a 75 Hz screen may provide smoother gameplay, the pixel density and 60 Hz refresh rate will still create a fantastic gaming experience.
Stunning pictureEffective curve
No USB portsNeeds calibration
The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q, the finest, budget-friendly 4K gaming monitor, has a 60 Hz refresh rate but uses FreeSync technology to prevent screen rips. Yes, both input lag and response time are much longer than what you’d find on a 144 Hz display; however, this is an excellent alternative if you want your games to look detailed and realistic while on a tight budget.
On the VG289Q, SDR games appeared more vivid, and dynamic contrast provided minor visual enhancements like depth. Even if HDR isn’t as good as what you’d see on a panel with an edge array backlight or a full-array local dimming (FALD) backlight, shadows and highlights still appeared to be more distinct, and we liked the color boost.
Accurate colorGood build quality
Average contrastHDR looks only slightly better than SDR
If you’re looking for a 32-inch, cheap 4K monitor, take a look at the LG 32UN500-W. Contrast is a key factor in image quality, and the 32UN500-W’s VA panel didn’t let us down, scoring 2,353.9:1 right out of the box.
DCI-P3 is the 32UN500-W’s native color gamut, and it accurately covers that color space. Again, the 32UN500-W isn’t winning any HDR awards as a low-cost 4K monitor. Overall, the image doesn’t offer a perceptible improvement above SDR, and the color doesn’t have the promised pop. However, the 32UN500-W also thoughtfully includes two 5W speakers and even AMD FreeSync to fight screen tearing during casual gaming. In general, it delivered popping colors with deep blacks, making it a great fit for your favorite 4K movie and the like.
Decent build qualityGood contrast
No portrait mode or adjustable heightHDR is lacking
The Dell S2721QS wins the prize for the finest 27-inch, low-cost 4K monitor thanks to its brilliant screen, consistently accurate image, and practical extras. The ability to connect multiple PCs and see them concurrently using picture-in-picture or picture-by-picture modes is one of these extra features, and an optional program that makes it simple to calibrate the screen or arrange up to 6 windows in various pre-set configurations is another.
Unfortunately, HDR isn’t this monitor’s strong suit. In this setting, we captured apparent grayscale inaccuracies as well as undersaturated color. Additionally, this monitor lacks the necessary speed and Adaptive-Sync (FreeSync or G-Sync) capabilities to serve as a suitable gaming screen. However, when it comes to image quality, the Dell S2721QS can offer you a bright screen that reaches 393 nits in our tests and a high contrast ratio for an IPS monitor (1,101:1).
Accurate, bright imageHelpful productivity features
Low-impactHDR support Clunky OSD
You should probably choose a professional monitor if you’re working on a professional project. Professional monitors are renowned for providing extraordinary accuracy at a premium cost. However, as display technology advances, you can get monitors with pro-level accuracy in important areas, including color, but without the pro-level price tag. One such display and the best cheap 4K monitor for creative users is the HP U28.
The U28 stands out from the other monitors on this page since it can accurately cover the sRGB and P3 color spaces with just a switch in the OSD, no calibration required. Additionally, a movable stand with height, swivel, and portrait mode adjustments is included, providing lots of versatility for creative work.
You may be able to lessen cable clutter with a USB-C connector that allows you to charge laptops (or other devices), and there are many more ports here as well. The U28 is excellent for sustaining your pastime or perhaps career with that bonus in mind and creative-level accuracy.
Accurate sRGB, P3 colorGood port selection, including USB-C
Lackluster HDRA little pricey
Although the Samsung 27″ S80UA costs a bit more than the other monitors on this list, you won’t have to worry about image quality once you own it. According to our testing, it accurately covers 95% of DCI-P3 and is incredibly vibrant for a cheap screen. Additionally, you have the option of using sRGB mode, which has a modest color gamut inaccuracy of just 2.8dE.
What’s more about the Samsung 27″ S80UA is that it isn’t only for gaming. It’s also a great monitor for productivity. This monitor offers a USB hub in addition to a superb port selection. Simply by connecting the monitor to your PC using USB-C, you can add three USB-A connections.
You might be able to do away with the charger for your ultraportable laptop because it can also charge gadgets via USB-C at up to 100W. Additionally, you have options for HDMI and DisplayPort as well as a headphone jack. However, there are no speakers, and HDR is a dud, just like many cheap 4K panels. While SDR modes on the monitor aren’t ideal for watching HDR movies, the color will still appear fantastic. Additionally, the stand is dependable even in portrait mode.
Color is superbDoubles as a great monitor for productivity
No speakers
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