Most gamers won’t need or want a 4K monitor because the increased resolution can create issues with lag and overall gameplay. It can be worth it if you want the best graphics possible or like to play 4K games.
This post will examine if a 4K monitor is worth it for gaming. I’ll explore some of the pros and cons of using this type of monitor to help you determine if it’s a good option for your situation.
Let’s dive into it.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Most gamers won’t need or want a 4K monitor because of the potential issues with gameplay it can cause.
- The demanding resolution of this monitor can result in lag when loading graphics, which is an obvious downside to using it.
- A 4K monitor does allow you to play 4K games, which can be very visually appealing and a preference for gamers who want the best of the best in terms of graphics and visuals.
Is a 4K Monitor Worth It for Gaming?
| 4K Monitor Pros | 4K Monitor Cons |
| Better graphics and resolution | Potential for slower speeds caused by graphics loading |
| Larger screen sizes | More expensive |
| Good for gamers looking for supreme visuals | Not a preferred choice by professional gamers |
| Good option for 4k and 1440p games | Many games still aren’t in 4K or 1440p |
A 4K monitor isn’t always worth it for gaming. Still, there are a few situations where you might want to choose this option. It just depends on your needs and preferences as a gamer and what type of experience you are looking for.
The most significant advantage of using a 4K monitor is that you get better graphics and an enhanced visual experience. This is because 4K monitors deliver outstanding resolution that can really improve the gameplay experience.
But there is also the possibility that using this resolution can cause issues with your gameplay. This is because games might take longer to load or experience lags when trying to keep up with a higher resolution.
That’s one of the big reasons why professional gamers don’t use 4K monitors that often. They typically prefer lower resolution options that will help reduce the chance of lags or delays, which can interrupt the flow of gameplay.
Now, if you want to play 4K or 1440p games because of the amazing visual experience these offer, then a 4K monitor can be totally worth it. If you have visuals as a priority and that really makes a game for you, 4K monitors are awesome.
4K monitors also allow you to increase the screen size without noticing any pixelation or loss of image quality. This is another benefit to the higher resolution. But it might not be necessary for you if you are happy with your screen size.
4K monitors are typically more expensive than lower resolution options. So they might not be worth it if you are on a budget or simply looking for the most affordable option you can find. Lower resolution options will be more friendly to your wallet.
Is a 4K Monitor Worth it for PS5?
Whether or not a 4K monitor is worth it for use with a PS5 depends on your needs and preferences for ideal gameplay. PS5 will support a 4K monitor, but that doesn’t mean you need to have one for a great experience.
The same factors come into play with a 4K monitor and a PS5 for any other gaming console. And keep in mind the sacrifices in potential gameplay that might pop up if you use one.
But if you want to take advantage of amazing graphics and your favorite games that are available in 4K, getting a monitor to match isn’t a bad idea. Just be prepared to spend a little more on it than on lower-resolution options.
How to Choose a 4K Monitor for Gaming
Taking the following factors into account, your decision-making will be much easier.
Size
While you aren’t going to find a monitor as large as your normal living room television, getting one that is large enough to be comfortable for you to look at for long gaming sessions is going to be important. We recommend 27 inches and up.
Resolution
The higher the resolution, the sharper your image is going to be. That is why we are showing you 4K monitors in this article because they are going to give you the best and sharpest image possible.
Response Time
Having a low response time will allow you to have the absolute minimum amount of input lag possible. That means when you push a button on your controller, your character will react that much quicker.
What’s the Best 4K Monitor for Gaming?
Here are a few top recommendations, along with a quick review of each option.
1. ASUS VP28UQG
- Size: 28”
- HDR: No
- Response Time: 1ms
ASUS is one of the biggest gaming brands in the world, and its monitors are some of the most well-respected on the market.
The VP28UQG is their affordable 4K monitor, but it still with plenty of awesome features to make it a great purchase.
This monitor is 28 inches, and it has a fantastic 1ms response time. The one downfall here is the lack of HDR. The good news is, the picture quality on this screen is fantastic, so while it doesn’t feature HDR, you still get a great viewing experience.
2. BenQ EL2870U
- Size: 28”
- HDR: Yes
- Response Time: 1ms
BenQ makes some of the best gaming monitors on the market, and the EL2870U is a great 4K monitor for your gaming console.
It has all the high-end features you would expect, and they even made it with low blue light and zero flicker construction, making it easier on your eyes.
You get a nice 28-inch monitor with a blazing fast 1ms response time. That ensures you have the least amount of input lag as possible, giving you a competitive edge over your competition.
This monitor also features HDR, giving you an amazing picture that you will have to see to believe.
3. LG 27UL850-W
- Size: 27”
- HDR: Yes
- Response Time: 5ms
LG has some of the best television and monitor technology on the market, and they have packed a ton of it into their 27UL850-W.
One of the biggest things that many people overlook is the ease of use and usefulness of the on-screen display. We think this LG model has one of the best on-screen display menus on the market today.
This monitor is 27 inches diagonal and features a 5ms response time. While that is a bit longer than other monitors on this list, it is still much better than most televisions on the market.
The HDR on this monitor makes the image pop off the screen, giving it fantastic contrast.
FAQs
Here are a few short answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related to if a 4K monitor is worth it for gaming.
Does 4K make a difference for gaming?
4K resolution can make a difference for gaming, in both a good and bad way. The demanding graphics involved with 4K can potentially cause delays and other issues with gameplay. But 4K also offers stunning visuals which can enhance the gaming experience.
Is 4K better than 1080p for gaming?
4K is better than 1080p for gaming from a visual perspective because you can get crisper and more in-depth graphics caused by a higher resolution. But this also comes with the downside of potentially slower gameplay and delays.
Is a 4K monitor better than 1440p for gaming?
A 4K monitor is not necessarily better than a 1440p monitor for gaming. While it does offer a higher resolution leading to enhanced visuals, 4K is also pretty taxing from a graphics perspective, which can slow down gameplay.
Do I need a 4K monitor for gaming?
You do not need a 4K monitor for gaming, and many gamers still prefer a lower-resolution option in most cases. If you want to play 4K games, then getting a 4K monitor will allow you to do so while enjoying the increased graphics that come with it.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a 4K monitor for gaming, but it does have some benefits related to the visual experience you’ll have while gaming. These monitors give you excellent graphics and resolution, which can be ideal for gamers looking for the ultimate visual experience.
But 4K monitors can also potentially lead to issues with gameplay caused by lag and loading graphics, so they aren’t always the preferred choice for active gamers.
What type of monitor do you use for gaming and why? Let me know in the comments below.
