If you're looking to get the best visuals and performance in today's demanding games then you'll need one of the best 120Hz 4K monitors. It's a tall order for most hardware, and you'll need to be utilizing some serious firepower to match, but for those with a powerful enough rig, you'll get the best of both worlds without compromise.
It's important to note that the PS5 and Xbox Series X are technically capable of providing framerates up to 120Hz with an output of 4K. However, these examples are rare, with the now four-year-old systems having to upscale the picture - the vast majority of games on these consoles even struggling to hit 60Hz, let alone double it.
That said, if you're running a gaming PC featuring one of the best graphics cards then you might just be ready. Fortunately, in 2024, there have been many advancements in GPU tech to make these dreams a reality; Nvidia DLSS 3 Frame Generation and AMD Fluid Motion Frames can push games' framerates to their limits in a way which is (almost) indistinguishable from native performance. Because of this AI-upscaling tech, you won't even necessarily need to have the best gaming PC money can buy either.
While 4K 120Hz monitors have been on the market for a handful of years now, they are still far from the most affordable panels on the market. However, rates are coming down as more manufacturers throw their hat into the ring. In this buying guide, you'll find representation from Asus, Acer, Gigabyte and more to round out your user experience. For more, we recommend checking out the best gaming monitors which go over a wider array of screens not limited to refresh rate or resolution.
Best 4K 120Hz monitors in December 2024
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Best 4K 120Hz monitor overall
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.
Best budget 4K 120Hz monitor
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
Best 4K 120Hz monitor for content creators
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
Best 4K 120Hz monitor with HDR
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.
Best 4K 120Hz monitor TV alternative
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.
Best 4K 120Hz monitor for consoles
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
Best 4K 120Hz monitors - FAQs
Is 120Hz good for 4K?
Yes, 120Hz is double the standard refresh rate for many 4K (UHD panels) especially if you're considering a viable gaming TV replacement.
Is 4K at 60Hz better than 4K at 120Hz?
No. 4K at 120Hz is double 60Hz ensuring a super smooth gaming experience, but you'll need the hardware that's able to deliver the framerates at this resolution.
Can the PS5 and Xbox Series X really do 4K at 120fps?
Technically yes. There is a small pool of games for both the PS5 and Xbox Series X which have a dedicated 120Hz mode with an output in 4K. These include Destiny 2, Gears 5, and Ghostrunner. However, most titles will output in 1080p or a checkerboarded resolution such as 1200p or 1536p to prioritize a higher framerate.
How we chose the best 4K 120Hz monitors
We've made our selection for the best 4K 120Hz monitors based on each model's respective performance capabilities against its pricing, and the feature sets. We have reviewed many of the screens found in this guide, such as the Gigabyte M32UC, Asus ProArt Display PA32UCG-K, and Gigabyte AORUS FV43U thoroughly and can personally speak to their quality firsthand.
How we tested the best 4K 120Hz monitors
We put all monitors that pass our desks here at TechRadar through a rigorous testing process, including verifying the quoted color gamut, viewing angles, port selection, build quality, and performance capabilities. For more, check out how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.
