Back in 2020, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles emerged and promptly raised the stakes for 4K gaming at a 120Hz refresh rate. Since then, 4K monitors capable of that speed have become high-demand peripherals, not just with console owners, but with PC gamers who own higher-end rigs looking to push to 4K visuals.
We certainly don't blame them. Combining that UHD (ultra high definition) resolution with a fast refresh rate means sharp, crisp and butter-smooth visuals free of ghosting and noticeable motion blur. As a result, you’re not only experiencing an elevated viewing experience, but you’re getting much more responsive gameplay, which matters in fast-paced gaming like first-person shooters.
And while most of these monitors aren’t exactly the cheapest, we've found a variety of options for you, including an enticingly affordable budget pick. Without further ado, these are our top selections for the best 120Hz 4K monitors.
If you're looking to go cutting-edge, you might want to grab an OLED as your 4K monitor. The Gigabyte Aorus FO48U is gigantic in many ways, from its 48-inch panel and impressive 135,000:1 contrast ratio to its wide color gamut.
It’s even got an excellent set of speakers, which means you can skip wearing a headset. Since this is an OLED panel, colors are deep and vivid, so you’re getting the ultimate visual package here.
Of course, the FO48U comes with HDMI 2.1 connectivity so that console gamers can partake in that 120Hz 4K gaming goodness. And while this isn’t exactly the cheapest gaming monitor, it’s not too bad price-wise for what it offers.
Gigabyte's M32UC might officially be a 144Hz 4K monitor, but it does offer 120Hz 4K support for PS5 and Xbox Series X thanks to its HDMI 2.1 connectivity, and when you consider pricing, it’s a vital addition to this list.
The M32UC delivers a crisp picture and overall excellent image quality, with HDR400 support, a bunch of ports (and Gigabyte’s KVM switch tech, to boot), plus that refresh rate can actually be overclocked to 160Hz should you wish.
Note that this is a curved 32-inch VA panel, and there are a couple of weak spots. Firstly, the integrated speakers are rubbish (but you can always use a headset), and secondly, the picture does take some tweaking out of the box to get the best from the M32UC.
Still, if you're prepared to do a little tinkering on that front, the value proposition is pretty amazing here, seeing as the Gigabyte M32UC is now typically at an MSRP of a third less than when it launched - and the monitor was a bargain back then.
There's also a 28-inch model from Gigabyte (M28U) which is even cheaper to boot, if you want to save more money (and don't want the curved screen - note it's an IPS rather than a VA panel, too).
Read the full review: Gigabyte M32UC
Content creators won’t get a lot out of faster-than-60Hz refresh rate monitors. However, content creators who game can. The Asus ProArt Display PA32UCG-K is a creative professional’s dream with its impressive color gamuts of 98% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB, 99.5% Adobe RGB and 85% Rec.2020.
That’s not to mention other features like a screen hood and included calibration hardware. And, when it’s time for gaming, the DisplayHDR 1400, Dolby Vision and 120Hz refresh rate will come in extremely handy. With 32-inches of screen real-estate, there’s a lot of room to spread out, whether for making videos or playing the latest AAA titles.
Read our full review: Asus ProArt Display PA32UCG-K
Another large-screen contender, the Acer Predator CG437K is big in a lot of ways. It’s got a 43-inch panel, DisplayHDR 1000, a pair of 10W speakers, and nifty features like light and proximity sensors that let it know when to conserve energy. It even has its own remote control, which means you can sit back and enjoy the latest blockbuster without constantly reaching over.
Meanwhile, that 4,000:1 contrast ratio should offer a wider dynamic range to deliver more details in dark shadows and bright highlights when gaming. And, in times when a 120Hz refresh rate just doesn’t feel responsive enough, you can even overclock this monitor to 144Hz.
Xbox Series X fans might want to consider the Philips Momentum 559M1RYV, designed by Philips specifically for Xbox consoles. This one’s a massive 120Hz 4K gaming display, and it’s probably better mounted on the wall or set on a TV stand than on your average desk.
After all, it’s got 55-inches of screen space, which might be too big for any desktop gaming experience. However, if you’re looking for a monitor for your console, this one’s a winner, with HDMI 2.1 connectivity, DisplayHDR 1000 and great color coverage. There’s also a decent port selection and a 40W 2.1 speaker system from Bowers & Wilkins to sweeten the deal.
This is another screen that's officially a 144Hz 4K monitor, but it supports 120Hz (and has HDMI 2.1) so it's well worth considering as an option, just like the 144Hz budget Gigabyte display we already highlighted.
At 43-inches, unlike the above Philips model, it won’t feel too overwhelming on a gaming desk, which means you can use it comfortably for both console and PC gaming. The color coverage is excellent as well, as is the contrast ratio.
Gigabyte rounds it all out with DisplayHDR 1000 support, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (to combat tearing) and two 12W speakers. Just keep in mind that this is a VA panel, so if you’re wanting an IPS option, look elsewhere.
Read the full review: Gigabyte AORUS FV43U
