Those looking for a top-notch 4K monitor for entertainment, editing work, or visually-rich games often run into a problem: Those monitors are expensive, and they tend to be larger to take advantage of all those pixels, which can add even more onto the price tag. But don’t worry! If you don’t want to pay $500 to $1,000 bucks for a new monitor, there are still ways you can get a 4K display, plus the right ports and cables to support it. Take a look at our favorite affordable options, starting with the all-around excellent Samsung UE570.
Also, check out our guide to the best budget monitors overall for even more options at lower resolutions.
Samsung 28-inch UE570
Samsung’s 4K monitor gives you all the useful monitor features you could want at a price that’s far more affordable than the higher end of the market. That includes a 60Hz refresh rate, 1-millisecond response time, and AMD FreeSync compatibility. There’s also a native split-screen function that’s perfect for editing photos or video and modes that include blue light filters and common needs. Like our other picks, it’s also large enough to take advantage of that 4K resolution and show off your work or games at much greater detail.
HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 are both included, too, so the screen can manage multiple inputs if necessary. It works well with consoles as well as PCs, so it can handle a little bit of everything. The picture-in-picture mode may even come in useful when catching up on videos or web conferences while working, while the flicker-free mode will help minimize eye strain during longer sessions. Whether you are looking for an affordable remote work monitor or want a high-res upgrade for gaming, this remains an affordable option!
Acer 28-inch KG281K
Acer’s 28-inch monitor is available for well under $500 but is still an excellent 4K display that’s designed for gaming, including AMD FreeSync technology and a 1ms response time, plus a 0.160mm pixel pitch. Two HDMI 2.0 connections and one DisplayPort 1.2 connection are available (with cables included with purchase), so supporting that 4K resolution shouldn’t be a problem as long as you have the requisite content ready to play.
This model doesn’t have a lot of extra features, and there is much to adjust except for a slight tilting feature, but it’s a solid monitor with a high-quality display that has what many gamers are looking for. The viewing angle is 170 degrees, and the monitor is made to be flickerless with VisionCare technology that’s well-suited for professionals who are really starting at their monitors all day — programmers, graphic designers, and similar professions are sure to appreciate it.
LG 27-inch 27UD68-P
LG also has a worthy entry for cheap 4K monitors with this reliable 60Hz display, which is slightly smaller than our first 28-inch picks but still has plenty of room for immersive gaming or busy editing projects. It’s also easy for users to quickly adjust brightness and picture settings with an on-screen menu system instead of being relegated to only hardware buttons. It has support for 99% of the sRGB color gamut, too.
Gamers have plenty to like about this monitor, which has support for AMD’s FreeSync and three different gaming modes for customizing by genre or enhancing darker colors. Screen Split software can customize multiple windows, and picture-in-picture settings and Dual Controller support are nice additions, too. Ports include two HDMI 2.0 connections and DisplayPort 1.2. It’s fully compatible with VESA wall mounts.
Asus 28-inch VP28UQG
Asus comes in swinging with this solid monitor made with the brand’s Eye Care technology to lower the blue light produced and save you some (literal) headaches. The 28-inch model features a 1ms response time and native 60Hz refresh rate. It’s also compatible with both Adaptive Sync and FreeSync technologies for your GPU, and Asus’s joystick controls allow you to quickly switch on GamePlus features like crosshairs, timers, and more. Connectivity includes two HDMI 2.0 connections and DisplayPort 1.2. It’s also one of the most affordable models on our list, a budget-conscious option for those who want to save as much as possible when putting together their computer system.
AOC 27-inch U2790VQ
AOC’s monitor has an interesting frameless design with only one bezel on the bottom of the display, which is both stylish and space-conscious (also, nice for those who aren’t fans of clunky bezels on their displays). Typical brightness is a bit higher than some of our picks at 350 cd/m2, good for ensuring clear visuals or more effective editing, and colors are at over 99% sRGB and 80% NTSC coverage. It includes two HDMI ports (2.0 and 1.4) and DisplayPort 1.2, with cables included. However, the 5ms response time is a bit longer than our other picks, and there’s no syncing technology for working with a GPU. This is a great pick for photographers and video editors or hobbyists who want a good display on a budget.
Philips Brilliance 27-inch 272P7VUBNB
If color coverage and accuracy is especially important to you, we recommended this Philips display, which sports 122% sRGB and 103% NTSC color accuracy, making it great for particularly detailed work. It also has a USB-C port, which is particularly great for fast file transfer from your equipment and sending 4K video. DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2,0, and USB-A 3.2 are also included. There’s also a blue light filter mode if you know your eyes might get tired. The base allows you to swivel and rotate as much as you want based on what you are working on, too. Basically, it’s a great recommendation for photographers and similar lines of work where visual needs can be quite demanding … without a huge price tag.
