With new consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X raising the stakes with 4K gaming at a 120Hz refresh rate, 4K monitors have become high-demand accessories. Gamers lucky enough to secure their own unit of these still hard-to-find consoles and PC gamers with the right hardware are now hunting for the best 120Hz 4K monitor they can afford.
Not that we blame them. Combining that 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 getting an elevated viewing experience, but you’re getting much more responsive gameplay, which matters in fast-paced gaming. In other words, a 120Hz 4K display will improve your experience and increase your chances of overthrowing your rivals.
And while most of these monitors right now aren’t exactly the cheapest, we found a variety of options for you. When you're ready to get on the bandwagon, these are our top picks of the best 120Hz 4K.
OLEDs are also the next big thing in computer displays, so why not go all out? 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 during the most intense moments. Since this is an OLED panel, colors are deep and vivid. So, you’re getting the whole ultimate visual package. Of course, it also comes with HDMI 2.1 connectivity so that next-gen 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 for what it offers.
A 43-inch panel might just be the sweet spot in big-screen gaming. It’s larger than most monitors, but it’s not too big to overwhelm desktop gamers. For such a monitor, the Asus ROG Strix XG438Q has our vote. It doesn’t come with premium features, but it’s armed with some mid-range ones, including DisplayHDR 600, AMD FreeSync and a pair of 10W speakers.
The best part is that it offers that 120Hz refresh rate for 4K gaming at its smoothest. And now, it’s dropped its price to a more reasonable sub-$1,000 level. However, the lack of HDMI 2.1 might disappoint those looking to use it for next-gen console gaming.
On the other hand, if a smaller setup is more your taste, the Viotek GFI27QXA is an inexpensive option. Of course, there are limitations here – HDR support, for example, is not available with Adaptive Sync. However, for a 120Hz 4K monitor that’s under $600, there are a lot of excellent features you’ll appreciate.
It comes with an ergonomic stand with height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustments, a screen hood, great color coverage and support for HDR. Plus, that 27-inch panel is the sweet spot for ultra HD resolution viewing. You can also overclock that refresh rate to 144Hz if you don’t mind not using HDR or running Adaptive Sync. Otherwise, that 120Hz resolution is more than smooth enough.
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 a 32-inch 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, two 10W speakers, and nifty features like light and proximity sensor 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 it to 144Hz.
Xbox Series X fans will want to go for 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 console 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 next-gen 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.
The Gigabyte AORUS FV43U might officially be a 144Hz 4K monitor. Still, it offers 120Hz 4K support for PS5 and Xbox Series X thanks to its HDMI 2.1 connectivity, so it’s a vital addition to this list.
Even more so because at 43 inches, it won’t feel too overwhelming on a gaming desk, which means you can use it comfortably for both next-gen console and PC gaming. The color coverage is excellent as well, as is the contrast ratio. Gigabyte rounds it all out with DisplayHDR 1000, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and two 12W speakers. Just keep in mind that this is a VA panel. If you’re looking for an IPS option, look elsewhere.
Read the full review: Gigabyte AORUS FV43U
