If you’re reading this article, chances are you need a new monitor. But with so many on offer these days, it can be tough to figure out which one will suit your needs best. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on what to look for when buying a 4K monitor-making it easier to find the right one for you!
What is a 4K monitor and what does it do for me
4K is a term that describes the ultra-high-definition used for both computer screens and TVs. It has four times more pixels than 1080p HD, producing an incredibly sharp picture. 4K monitors are used to display extremely high-resolution images-ideal for photographers, graphic designers, or anyone who wants to edit their work directly on their monitor.
You can also use a 4K monitor to play games or watch movies with an ultra-high-definition picture that’s way better than the 1080p HD standard most TVs are made for.
Basics of what you want in a recommended 4K monitor
So, you’ve decided that a 4K monitor is the right choice for you. Let’s look at some of the main things to consider before buying one so you can find the best possible monitor for your setup.
4K monitor Size recommended
The first thing to consider when looking for a 4K monitor is the size of the screen. While some people prefer to go for large screens for their 4K monitors, the truth is that bigger isn’t always better. If you’re using your monitor primarily as a computer-for app or gaming-you’ll want something on the smaller end of the spectrum (around 24 inches). That’s because anything larger can be more difficult to see close up, and any smaller than that won’t provide much of an advantage over a full HD monitor.
You’ll ideally want to go for something around 27 inches for business purposes like editing or graphic design-just make sure you have enough space on your desk to accommodate it!
Resolution
The resolution of your monitor is one of the main things you’ll want to consider when buying a 4K monitor. Technically, UHD is 3840 x 2160 pixels, but your monitor will often have a slightly lower resolution than that. In fact, all monitors below 27 inches must have a max resolution of 2560 x 1440-so if you’re going smaller than that, it’s important to consider the resolution carefully.
The higher the resolution, the better it is for graphic design-so if you’re using your monitor primarily for work purposes, you’ll want a 4K monitor that has at least a 2560 x 1440 max resolution. However, if you’re going for something around 27 inches or larger (or playing games on your 4K monitor), you’ll want to look for something even higher like 4096 x 2160.
Panel type
The panel type of your monitor is another thing that will influence the overall quality of your screen. There are three main types to consider: LED, LCD, and OLED. Each has its own pros and cons so you’ll need to figure out which type will work best for you.
LED
LED monitors are the most common type of 4K monitor on the market today. As their name suggests, they use LEDs as backlighting for the screen and have a higher contrast ratio than other types. They’re also more energy-efficient and have multiple inputs, which makes them a great choice for gamers and other users with lots of different hardware.
LCD
LCD monitors are slightly less common, but still, make excellent choices when looking for 4K monitors. They have the same contrast ratio as LED screens, but are thicker and need to be kept upright at all times. If you’ll regularly be using your monitor in a portrait orientation, you might want to go for an LCD monitor instead of an LED one. However, if you’ll only be using it in landscape mode, this isn’t necessary.
OLED
Finally, OLED monitors are set to become the next big thing when it comes to 4K monitors-as they have a contrast ratio far superior to LCD/LED screens. They also have a slower response time and faster refresh rates, so gamers should definitely look into them if they’re willing to consider going the OLED route.
Features
Another thing you’ll need to consider when buying a 4K monitor is its features. The more features your monitor has, the better-but of course, the more you pay. Here are some of the main kinds of features to look out for:
Connectivity
Since you’ll likely have multiple devices plugged into your monitor at once, it’s important that your monitor has enough input ports to handle them all. You should ideally have two HDMI 1.4 ports, a display port, and two USB 3.0 ports to make sure everything is accessible at all times as well as an audio-out jack for headphones or speakers.
Refresh rate
The refresh rate of your monitor impacts the overall fluidity of what you see on screen-so higher is always better! Refresh rates are measured in hertz (Hz), and the average person will be looking for a monitor with at least 60 Hz. However, gamers will likely want to consider something around 100 Hz or higher-especially if they play fast-paced games.
4K Monitor Recommendation FAQ
What’s the difference between 4K and UHD?
The main difference is that 4K has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 while UHD has a resolution of 4096 x 2160. So if you’re searching for monitors above 27 inches, you’ll likely want to go with something labeled “4k” instead of “UHD” because otherwise, you’re not going to get a true 4K experience.
Is it worth buying a monitor with a higher resolution than 4K?
It definitely is-as the higher the resolution, the more detailed your screen will be. This can be especially helpful if you work in graphics design or plan on watching lots of movies.
What’s the best way to choose a size for my monitor?
The size of your monitor is dependent on two main factors: personal preference and space requirements. If you’re looking for something around 27 inches, but space is limited, you might want to consider going with something smaller like 23 inches instead. On the other hand, if you have lots of space, then go big! You can always push your monitor to the side if it’s taking up too much room.
How do I connect my laptop to an external monitor?
This is easier than you might think all All you need to do is plug in a single cord. First, make sure both monitors are turned on. Then, look for an icon on your laptop labeled “output” or “screen”-it’ll be next to the volume buttons on either side of your laptop display. Select this icon and choose which monitor you want to send the signal to. If it’s not already, ensure that the monitor you’re sending the signal to is set to duplicate the other monitor (if you use two monitors at once) or extend your laptop display (if you want to use it as an extension)-and voila! You’re now using both screens.
What can I do if my monitor’s resolution isn’t 4K?
It’s not too difficult to manually change the resolution on your monitor if it’s not 4K-but this is the last resort. First, you’ll want to check the manual that came with your monitor for any fixes to its resolution settings. You can also use a program like Windows 7+’s built-in “built-in display” software to maximize the resolution of your current screen.
What kind of computer do I need to use a 4K monitor?
Most operating systems in the last few years have been able to handle a 4K resolution-but it all depends on what you plan on using your monitor for. If you’re only looking for an everyday monitor, then any computer should be fine-but gamers will likely want something much more powerful.
Are there any other uses for a 4K monitor?
Yes! You can also use these to run multiple screens simultaneously-perfect for when you want to watch movies or TV shows while working on your laptop, for example. It’s just important that the movie is formatted in a way that it can be displayed across both screens.
Our top picks of the best 4K monitors available in 2021
The Dell UltraSharp 32 is a great choice for anyone whose work frequently involves graphics or media. Its awesome resolution of 3840 x 2160 gives you an extensive amount of pixels to work with ensuring that your content will look crystal clear. This monitor also has stunning color accuracy and comes with easy connectivity options like HDMI and DisplayPort.For other recommended 4k monitors, please refer to the website below.
Conclusion
Today, in 2021, you’re finally diving into the world of 4K monitors! There are so many great choices out there and that’s why you need to read this guide on what to look for when buying a 4K monitor. Now get out there and get shopping!