The Greatest 4K Gaming Monitor on a Budget in 2022

Hey there, fellow gamers! Today, I want to talk to you about something that’s been the talk of the town lately – the best budget-friendly 4K gaming monitor for the year 2022. Trust me when I say this, you don’t want to miss out on this little gem.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “A 4K gaming monitor that won’t break the bank? Is that even possible?” Well, my friend, I’m here to tell you that dreams really do come true. This monitor is a game-changer (pun intended) and will take your gaming experience to a whole new level without emptying your wallet.

Let’s dive right into the details, shall we? This impressive piece of technology boasts a stunning 4K resolution that will leave you in awe. The visuals are incredibly crisp and vibrant, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. Whether you’re exploring vast open worlds, competing in intense multiplayer battles, or immersing yourself in the world of virtual reality, this monitor will deliver visuals that will blow your mind.

But that’s not all. This monitor is not just a pretty face. It’s packed with features that gamers like you will appreciate. With a lightning-fast refresh rate and a response time that’s quicker than a blink of an eye, you won’t have to worry about any annoying lag or motion blur. Your movements will be smooth, precise, and oh-so-satisfying. Say goodbye to those frustrating moments when split-second decisions make all the difference.

And guess what? This monitor doesn’t just look good and perform well. It’s also designed with your comfort in mind. With adjustable height and tilt options, you can find the perfect viewing angle for those marathon gaming sessions. Your neck and back will thank you as you enjoy hours upon hours of gaming bliss.

Now, I know you might be wondering about connectivity options. Well, fear not! This monitor has got you covered. With multiple HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, you can easily connect all your gaming devices without any hassle. Switch between your trusty gaming console, powerful gaming PC, or even your favorite streaming device with ease. It’s all about convenience, my friend.

So, if you’re on the hunt for the ultimate budget-friendly 4K gaming monitor, look no further. This little wonder is here to elevate your gaming experience without breaking the bank. With its jaw-dropping visuals, lightning-fast performance, and ergonomic design, you’ll be wondering how you ever gamed without it.

Remember, my fellow gamers, greatness doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag. Embrace the future of gaming without emptying your wallet. It’s time to level up your gaming setup with the greatest 4K gaming monitor on a budget in 2022. Happy gaming!

If you want crystal-clear images in 2022, you should aim for 4K resolution. While there are screens that offer 8K or even 6K, 4K is the perfect option for most people, whether you’re gaming, watching a movie, browsing the internet, video conferencing with your colleagues, or getting work done.

Unfortunately, 4K monitors can be expensive. But don’t worry! We’ve put together a list of the best 4K gaming monitors that are more affordable, perfect for those on a tight budget. So, without wasting any more time, here are our top picks:

01 Samsung UR59C

Hey there! I want to tell you about the Samsung UR59C, the ultimate affordable 4K monitor. This bad boy comes with a 32-inch VA panel that brings accuracy and curves to your screen. Once you calibrate it, the image quality is top-notch, with vibrant colors and clear text. We measured a color inaccuracy of 4.3dE initially when testing in sRGB mode, but after following our suggested calibration settings (check out page 1 of the review!), we were able to reduce it to a mere 0.9dE.

Now, when it comes to contrast, the UR59C doesn’t disappoint with its VA panel! After calibration, it reaches an impressive contrast ratio of 2,590.5:1. Plus, the 1500R curve is a game-changer, giving you a wider view of your windows. Keep in mind, though, this monitor isn’t meant for professional gaming, but it’s perfect for casual gamers like you and me.

To avoid any screen tearing, the UR59C boasts a 60 Hz refresh rate and a 4 ms response time. While a 75 Hz screen may provide even smoother gameplay, the pixel density and 60 Hz refresh rate still deliver a fantastic gaming experience that you’ll love.

So, what are the pros?

• The picture quality is absolutely stunning!
• The curve is effective, enhancing your viewing experience.

What about the cons?

• No USB ports, which can be a bummer.
• It requires some calibration to get the best out of it.

Now, let’s take a look at the specifications:

• Price: $399.99
• Screen Size: 31.5 Inches
• Display Type: LED
• Maximum Display Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Pixels
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz

Introducing the Samsung UR59C

But wait, there’s more! Meet the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q

I’m here to talk to you about the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q, the ultimate 4K gaming monitor that won’t break the bank. It may have a refresh rate of 60 Hz, but it uses FreeSync technology to prevent any screen tearing. Sure, the input lag and response time may be a bit longer compared to a 144 Hz display, but if you’re on a tight budget and still want your games to look incredibly detailed and realistic, this monitor is an excellent choice.

When it comes to playing SDR games on the VG289Q, you’ll notice that they appear much more vibrant and dynamic. The dynamic contrast feature also adds a subtle visual enhancement by providing depth to the images. Although the HDR may not be as impressive as what you would see on a monitor with an edge array backlight or full-array local dimming (FALD) backlight, the shadows and highlights are still more distinct, and the colors pop.

Here are some pros of the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q:

• The colors are accurate and true
• The build quality is solid

On the flip side, there are a few cons:

• The contrast is average
• The HDR only looks slightly better than SDR

Here are the specifications:

• Price: $309.99
• Screen Size: 28 Inches
• Display Type: LED
• Maximum Display Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Pixels
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz

So, that’s the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q for you.

Now let’s move on to number 3 on our list, the LG 32UN500-W.

If you’re on the lookout for an affordable 4K monitor that’s 32 inches in size, then the LG 32UN500-W is worth checking out. Image quality is crucial, and the 32UN500-W doesn’t disappoint in this area, boasting a contrast ratio of 2,353.9:1 straight out of the box.

The 32UN500-W has a native color gamut of DCI-P3, accurately covering that color space. However, it’s important to note that this monitor isn’t winning any awards for HDR performance as a budget 4K option. The image doesn’t show a noticeable improvement over SDR, and the colors lack the promised vibrancy. Nevertheless, the 32UN500-W also includes thoughtful features like two 5W speakers and AMD FreeSync to combat screen tearing during casual gaming. Overall, it delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it a great choice for enjoying your favorite 4K movies and more.

Pros

• Decent build quality
• Good contrast

Cons

• No portrait mode or adjustable height
• Lackluster HDR performance

Specifications

• Price: $299.99
• Screen Size: 31.5 Inches
• Display Type: LED
• Maximum Display Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Pixels
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz

LG 32UN500-W

04 Dell S2721QS

When it comes to affordable 4K monitors, the Dell S2721QS stands out as the best option for a 27-inch screen. With its impressive display, accurate image quality, and handy extra features, this monitor truly shines. One of these extras is the ability to connect multiple PCs and view them at the same time using picture-in-picture or picture-by-picture modes. Another great feature is the optional program that makes it easy to calibrate the screen or arrange up to 6 windows in different preset configurations.

However, it’s important to note that this monitor falls short in terms of HDR performance. We noticed grayscale inaccuracies and undersaturated colors in this setting. Additionally, the Dell S2721QS lacks the speed and Adaptive-Sync capabilities needed for a gaming monitor, such as FreeSync or G-Sync. Nevertheless, when it comes to image quality, this monitor delivers a bright screen that reaches 393 nits in our tests, along with a high contrast ratio for an IPS monitor (1,101:1).

Pros of the Dell S2721QS:

• Accurate and bright image
• Useful productivity features

Cons of the Dell S2721QS:

• Limited impact
• Weak HDR support and clunky OSD

Specifications of the Dell S2721QS:

• Price: $329.99
• Screen Size: 27 Inches
• Display Type: UHD 4K
• Maximum Display Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Pixels
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz

Dell S2721QS

05 HP U28

If you’re working on a professional project, it’s important to choose a professional monitor. These monitors are known for their exceptional accuracy, but they often come with a high price tag. However, thanks to advancements in display technology, you can now find monitors that offer professional-level accuracy in areas like color without breaking the bank. Enter the HP U28, the best affordable 4K monitor for creative users.

What sets the U28 apart from other monitors on the market is its ability to accurately cover the sRGB and P3 color spaces with just a simple switch in the OSD menu. No calibration is required, saving you time and effort. The monitor also comes with a versatile stand that offers height, swivel, and portrait mode adjustments, allowing you to find the perfect position for your creative work.

In addition to its impressive color accuracy and adjustable stand, the U28 also offers the convenience of a USB-C connector. This means you can charge your laptop or other devices directly through the monitor, minimizing cable clutter. With plenty of other ports available, this monitor is a great choice for both your hobbies and professional endeavors, offering both accuracy and convenience.

Pros:

• Accurate sRGB and P3 color coverage
• Good selection of ports, including USB-C

Cons:

• Lackluster HDR performance
• Slightly higher price point

Specifications:

• Price: $359.99
• Screen Size: 28 Inches
• Display Type: 4K HDR
• Maximum Display Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Pixels
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz

HP U28

06 Samsung 27-inch S80UA

If you’re willing to spend a little extra, the Samsung 27″ S80UA is worth every penny. It delivers outstanding image quality that’s hard to beat. Our tests show that it accurately covers 95% of DCI-P3 and provides vibrant colors, even though it’s considered a budget-friendly screen. Plus, it has an sRGB mode with a minor color gamut inaccuracy of just 2.8dE.

But here’s the exciting part: the Samsung 27″ S80UA isn’t just for gaming. It’s also perfect for boosting productivity. This monitor comes with a USB hub and an impressive selection of ports. When you connect it to your PC using USB-C, you instantly get three additional USB-A connections.

What’s even more convenient is that you can potentially leave your ultraportable laptop charger behind because this monitor can charge gadgets through its USB-C port at up to 100W. On top of that, it offers options for HDMI, DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t have built-in speakers, and its HDR capabilities are lacking, which is common for cheaper 4K panels. While the SDR modes aren’t ideal for watching HDR movies, the colors still look fantastic. Plus, the stand is sturdy and reliable, even in portrait mode.

Pros

• The color quality is excellent
• It’s versatile and works well for productivity