The Best Budget 4K Monitors for 2023

When 4K monitors were first released, they were really expensive. Fast forward a few years though, and the cost of going 4K is now significantly cheaper, which means you have more options to choose from.

So which one should you pick? That’s where we come in. We’ve spent hundreds of hours testing and reviewing a wide range of monitors and collecting user experience from our thousands of readers.

Below you’ll find our favorite budget 4K monitors, and a brief buying guide further down to help you understand why we chose them.

Why Choose a 4K Monitor? 

Compared to a 1080p monitor with 1920×1080 pixels, a 4K monitor has a resolution of 3840×2160, which is four times more. This gives 4K monitors several advantages, like improved image quality, more screen real estate (which means you can fit more on your screen), and an overall sharper and less blurry experience.

Even if you’ve upgraded in recent years to a QHD (2560×1440) monitor, a 4K monitor still offers twice as many pixels – something you’ll instantly notice in day-to-day usage.

Budget 4K Monitor Buying Tips

Choosing a monitor is not just about the resolution. You also want to consider things like the screen size, color accuracy, and refresh rate, as well as extra features like a built-in USB hub or an adjustable stand.

Screen size: Many consider 32” to be ideal for a 4K monitor. However, on smaller screens (like a 27″ screen) sharpness is better because there are more pixels per inch (known as PPI). This means you won’t be able to see individual pixels as easily as you would on a larger and less pixel-dense screen. Also, smaller screens are generally cheaper.

Panel technology: IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCD is the most common form of panel technology. Monitors using IPS usually have great viewing angles and vibrant colors with good color accuracy.

Refresh rate: Most monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate (which means the image on the screen refreshes 60 times a second). This is perfectly fine for most people, although gamers will prefer a higher refresh rate of at least 120Hz. However, gamers will require a very powerful PC to push their 4K in-game frame rates to match this refresh rate.

Connectivity: You will need to ensure your monitor has the right connectivity options for your PC, laptop, or console. You should firstly determine the number and type of video ports you require. These may include HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C (all of which are compatible with a 4K signal).

Additionally, if you require further connectivity like connecting and charging a laptop via USB-C, USB-A ports, or audio, consider a monitor with a built-in USB hub of some kind. This will also allow you to attach accessories like mice, keyboards, or external drives.

Adjustability: You’ll be sitting at your desk for hours every day, so you want to ensure your posture is correct and you’re comfortable while using your monitor. You should check that your monitor has height, pivot, swivel, and tilt functions so that you can adjust it to your liking. Don’t forget you can also mount your monitor to a monitor arm using a VESA mount.

There are of course other features to consider, but when looking for a budget monitor – some compromises have to be made. With that in mind, here are the best budget monitors with a 4K resolution currently available.

Best Budget 4K Monitors

LG 27UP850-W

Look, I get it. This monitor might not be considered “budget” to some, with pricing anywhere from $380 to $500 depending on the version you buy (the 27UN850-W is the previous 2021 version which is around $380 at the time of writing).

The benefit of spending a bit more is that you get a seriously impressive package for your money, particularly if you use a laptop due to the built-in USB hub.

By attaching your Mac or Windows laptop to the monitor with a single USB-C cable, you’ll be able to output a 4K image, charge your laptop with 96W of power delivery, and access the ports on the back of the monitor. These ports include two USB-A ports, as well as a 3.5mm audio port – perfect for attaching any accessories or external speakers you have. It also has a single DisplayPort port and two HDMI ports for additional connectivity.

The 27UP850-W features a 27” IPS panel with incredible image quality, and covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color space – making it the perfect budget 4K monitor for content creators. The stand is also adjustable, but strangely it doesn’t swivel. Not a deal breaker, but might be annoying for some

With a refresh rate of 60Hz and 5ms response time, this monitor isn’t at the top of the list for gamers. However, it does have AMD FreeSync which will help eliminate screen tearing and give you a smoother gaming experience. 

Why we like it: The LG 27UP850-W is an incredible budget 4K monitor for those that want impeccable color accuracy without paying professional monitor prices. It’s also an excellent all-round 4K monitor for users that just want a high resolution and easy USB-C laptop charging and connectivity.

Read our full LG 27UP850-W review.

Dell S2721QS

Dell’s Studio lineup of monitors is often overshadowed by the performance of high-end IPS panels from the Professional and Ultrasharp series. However, if you’re looking for a 27” 4K monitor on a budget, the S2721QS is a strong contender. 

This is an in-plane switching (IPS) panel as well, so you aren’t missing out on too much when it comes to quality. It covers 99% of the sRGB color space, but unlike the Ultrasharp series, you don’t get the factory-done color calibration, nor do you get hardware calibration like the LG. 

This isn’t a gaming monitor either, but it also has AMD FreeSync to ensure a smooth experience and deal with artifacting and tearing. It’s a solid choice when it comes to a casual gaming panel. 

Unfortunately, Dell didn’t include any USB ports at the back of the S2721QS, though you do get two HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.2 port, and a 3.5mm audio out port, as well as built-in speakers. 

The S2721QS comes with an adjustable stand that you can tilt, rotate and adjust the height, making it easy to get the monitor in the perfect spot for you. It’s an excellent runner up if you don’t need the color accuracy of our top contender, or you just don’t want to spend that much money on a budget 4K monitor. 

Samsung UJ59

If 27” isn’t enough for you, and you prefer a larger panel for your 4K monitor, Samsung’s 32” UJ59 (also called UJ590 in some regions) is an excellent choice. It comes in at a reasonable price and checks all the boxes for a great day-to-day experience. 

The UJ59 comes with a VA panel rather than an IPS one. While you’ll get slightly less accurate colors, especially when viewing from an angle, you get a better contrast ratio when compared to IPS panels. Samsung includes both picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture, so you can manage all that screen real estate easily.

Gaming-wise, you do get FreeSync technology but a refresh rate of only 60Hz, which is pretty much standard. Samsung does include a Game Mode which boosts the contrast, but it messes up the colors a bit and its “selective” contrast boosting isn’t exactly something to boast about. It simply doesn’t work that well, and I’ve found it’s best if you just leave it off. 

Port selection is fairly standard – you get a DisplayPort 1.2 port, as well as two HDMI ports and a 3.5mm audio output. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of the design – the non-adjustable stand is a pain to deal with (though it has VESA 100, so a monitor arm is an option), and the bezels are thicker than I’d like. 

At the end of the day, the UJ59 is relatively average when compared to the LG and Dell options higher up on my list, but it’s still a great choice if you don’t want a 27” panel and would rather go bigger without breaking the bank.

Philips Brilliance 279P1

I’ll be honest, Philips isn’t the first brand that springs to mind when looking for a 4K monitor. However, the Brilliance 279P1 is a monitor that looks stunning, has a highly adjustable stand, and a few niche features I haven’t seen offered in a 4K monitor in quite some time. 

Starting with the panel, this is a 27” screen size IPS panel, which means good contrast ratio, and good colors with 122% coverage of the sRGB color gamut.

Adaptive sync is nowhere to be found here, which means gamers should look elsewhere for the best budget 4K monitor. But this isn’t a monitor meant for gaming – instead, it’s a monitor made to cover a wide range of day-to-day users, and here’s why. 

You’ll get a wide array of ports, including DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0, and also USB-C connectivity with power delivery up to 65 W. There’s also several USB 3.2 ports you can use to attach accessories directly to the monitor. And, this monitor comes with duo 3W built-in stereo speakers

All in all, the Philips Brilliance 279P1 won’t win any awards for the best budget 4K monitor. But if you’re looking for as many connectivity options as possible with the added bonus of USB-C – it’s a strong contender. 

ASUS TUF VG289Q

ASUS TUF Gaming monitors tend to be the more affordable brethren of the high-end Republic of Gamers models, but I’ve found that, even though lower end, they let you save money without any heavy compromises in terms of features. The VG289Q confirms that for me, with a well-rounded set of features at a very reasonable price. 

The 28” IPS panel has a 90% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, which makes it a decent choice for creatives who aren’t too fussed about a high level of color accuracy. Colors are excellent regardless of viewing angles, and the contrast ratio is surprisingly good for an IPS 4K monitor. ASUS does advertise HDR10, but with a peak brightness of 350 nits, that’s a bit of a stretch.

In typical ASUS fashion, they tried to make this a gaming monitor for the budget-conscious crowd that wants 4K. True, the refresh rate is only 60Hz, but you have a fast 5ms response time, as well as AMD FreeSync to help with artifacting and tearing. It’s also jam-packed with every PC gaming term ASUS could find – Shadow Boost for better shadows, GamePlus for in-game crosshairs and FPS counter, GameVisual for 7 pre-set color settings, etc. I’d still suggest against using these – the benefits of using them don’t outweigh the color issues they cause. 

The port selection isn’t particularly impressive – all you have is two HDMI 2.0 ports and a single DisplayPort 1.2 port, as well as a 3.5mm audio output. There are no USB ports, which would’ve been nice, but not essential. 

The stand is also very basic – offering no adjustability save for a little bit of tilt.

If you’re after that gaming monitor aesthetic, and want a solid IPS monitor with a decent selection of gaming features, this is a great choice. Just make sure you have a powerful graphics card capable of taking advantage of the 4K resolution.

LG 32UN550-W

LG’s 32UN550-W is like the bigger brother of the 27UP850-W, minus all of the professional features such as color calibration and excellent color space coverage. You’ll save a heap of money though – the 32UN550-W is roughly half the price of the 27UP850-W. If you don’t care about those features and want the largest and best budget 4K monitor for as little money as possible, it’s one you should certainly consider. 

With the 32UN550-W you get a 32” VA panel which has an excellent contrast ratio and surprisingly good viewing angles. The peak brightness of 350 nits isn’t enough for a true HDR experience, but the overall experience with the monitor is pretty good.

This is in no way a monitor made for gaming, but a 4ms response time on the fastest setting and AMD FreeSync adaptive sync make it a good choice if you want to play a casual game or two. You will only get a refresh rate of 60Hz, though. 

Port selection is fairly average, with a single DisplayPort port and two HDMI ports, as well as a 3.5mm audio port. You do get a height-adjustable stand, which is a nice addition that monitor manufacturers seem to omit a tad too often recently. 

All things considered, the 32UN550-W is a great 4K monitor for day-to-day use with an excellent contrast ratio and a well-rounded feature set. It’s not going to impress you with anything in particular, but it’s a good choice overall. 

AOC U2790VQ

Last but not least, if you’re in the market for a 4K monitor with bezels that are as slim as they come, the AOC U2790VQ is the perfect choice for you. It’s an IPS monitor that’s made for day-to-day use, and comes in with a clean design that looks beautiful on any desk. 

Kicking things off with the panel, this is a 27” IPS panel with great colors and excellent viewing angles, both horizontal and vertical. There is a contrast ratio of 1000:1, and a peak brightness of 350 nits, which is pretty standard for these monitors. 

AOC didn’t bother catering to gamers with the U2790VQ – there is a 60Hz refresh rate, as well as a 5ms response time, but no adaptive sync in sight. While I understand Nvidia’s G-Sync is hard to implement on a budget, AMD’s FreeSync adaptive sync would’ve made for a nice inclusion. Neither is present here.

Port selection, when it comes to audio and video, is fairly standard – one DisplayPort 1.2 port, and two HDMI ports, one HDMI 1.4 and one HDMI 2.0. You don’t get any USB ports, and you don’t get a height-adjustable stand either – all you can adjust is the tilt. The stand is fairly minimal, though, and takes up very little space. 

If you’re the type of person to prioritize the aesthetics of their monitor, the AOC U2790VQ is a great choice. If not, I’d suggest you take a look at some of the other 4K monitors I mentioned above. 

Wrapping Up

Overall, LG’s 27UP850-W is the best budget 4K monitor, thanks to a combination of excellent sharpness, great image quality and color accuracy, and a set of features that make it a brilliant pick for productivity-focused users. Dell’s S2721Q is a close runner-up, and if you want a larger screen size, Samsung’s UJ59 with its 32-inch diagonal gives you more screen space. 

A budget 4K monitor can be a significant boost in productivity on your desk, sometimes better than even a multi-monitor setup, and oftentimes more affordable than multiple monitors. If you’re in the market for a new 4K monitor, just pick the one from the list above that ticks the most boxes for your use case.

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