The return of Kahui Whetu is set to be the biggest yet, with more entertainment and activities to help Gore celebrate Matariki. Read...

Learning a new language can be a great investment in your personal and professional development. Whether you work at a company that’s about to start doing business abroad or you’re taking an international vacation this summer, learning the language can be a great asset. And right now, you can get a lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning for $450 off for a limited time. Babbel is the world’s top-grossing language learning software, with more than ten million users worldwide. Developed by more than 100 expert linguists, it takes a practical approach to 14 languages, allowing you to learn through practical, bite-sized lessons that fit easily into your schedule. Focusing on vocabulary you’ll actually use and a simple curriculum, you can become conversational in a new language in as little as 30 days with daily practice. Learn a new language in your own time. From 6/18 through 11:59 pm PT on 6/26, you can get a lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning for just $149.97 (reg. $599).   Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) – $149.97 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Entertainment Read...

Whether you’re traveling to a foreign country this summer or you’re just interested in acquiring a new skill, learning a language is a smart investment. It’s good for your brain and it can help you navigate the world far more easily. With Babbel Language Learning, you can become conversational in a new language in as little as 30 days of consistent study, and it’s on sale for $450 off this week only. Babbel has more than 10 million users worldwide who have helped drive it to a 4.5/5-star rating on the Google Play Store and 4.6/5-star rating on the App Store. Through bite-sized lessons designed to fit into a busy schedule and a focus on practical vocabulary, you can hone your skills in 14 different languages at your own pace. Ready to learn a new language? Now through 11:59 pm PT on 6/17, you can get a lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning for just $149.97 (reg. $599).   Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) – $149.97 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Entertainment Read...

Use the platform trusted by international organizations like NASA and TripAdvisor. Get lifetime access to learning materials for 25 languages in the Rosetta Stone library, from Spanish and Portuguese to Mandarin and Vietnamese. Learn at your own pace, with personalized review sessions and a curriculum built to adapt with you. Hone your accent with Rosetta Stone’s proprietary speech recognition software. Find out why The Wall Street Journal writes that Rosetta Stone “may be the next best thing to living in a country.” Learn a new language this summer! From 6/7 through 11:59 pm PT on 6/16, you can get a lifetime subscription to Rosetta Stone for just $151.99 (reg. $399) with code ROSETTA.   Rosetta Stone: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) – $151.99 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Entertainment Read...

SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited (SkyCity) advises that the Acting South Australian Liquor and Gambling Commissioner (Commissioner) for Consumer and Business Services has advised that he has determined to recommence the Honourable Brian Martin AO KC&rs Read...

SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited (SkyCity) advises that the Federal Court has today approved the agreement reached by SkyCity Adelaide Pty Limited (SkyCity Adelaide), the operator of the SkyCity Adelaide casino Read...

AI in adult entertainment could have negative effects on society and individuals, experts say. Read...

Like rival case vendors, Fractal Design arrived at Computex 2024 with several notable products in tow, two of which should make small form factor fans happy. But fans of the Raspberry Pi—arguably the smallest form factor—only got a teaser of what could be, in the form of the ittiest, bittiest Fractal Design North. Yes, that’s right: Fractal created a Raspberry Pi case in the style of its popular wood-trimmed North line for its tradeshow suite. This micro enclosure is a far cut above the more typical acrylic cases for the ultra-affordable single-board computer. While some are fun or cute (like the retro Nintendo console-themed ones), none look like they belong in a sleek home. Currently, Fractal Design has no formal plans to produce a North Micro, though members of the press (not just me, ahem) already have begun encouraging the idea. If it’s a cost issue, let me be the first to say I’ve bought decor priced higher than what this RPi case probably would go for. (Maybe the same as the Raspberry Pi board itself, maybe even more.) This is about aesthetics, and trust me, the decorative pieces I own aren’t remotely as practical. Speaking of elevating your living room vibe, Fractal Design’s actual case reveals hit extremely polished notes. The Fractal Mood sports a fabric layer over its metal mesh panels, allowing it to blend in with your speaker setup, while the Fractal Era 2 updates the original’s top panel to a slatted wood piece for better airflow. Neither would look out of place within a chic entertainment system. The Mood becomes available on June 18th for $150 in dark and light colorways, and the Era 2 will release in Q3 2024 for $200 in silver, charcoal gray, and midnight blue.Meanwhile, the unofficial Fractal North Micro has no release date—yet. But perhaps with enough positive feedback over X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook, Fractal Design will make it available for purchase. You know what to do. Computer Components Read...

Do you want a huge amount of usable display space, but without the hassle of a double-monitor setup? An ultrawide monitor is the ticket. Ultrawide monitors have a wider display panel that provides an immersive experience and far more screen real-estate than your average widescreen. I’ve tested a bunch of ultrawide monitors in order to name the best picks in various categories ranging from those optimized for gaming to those suited for professional use. Below you’ll find a curated list of my favorites in each category. I describe my evaluation process for monitors at the bottom of this article, or for even more details, see the article on how we test monitors for PCWorld. If you’re still on the fence about whether an ultrawide is the right choice for you, see PCWorld’s article on whether ultrawide monitors are worth it to have all your questions answered. You can find even more monitor recommendations in our roundup of the best monitors. Alienware AW3423DWF – Best ultrawide monitor Pros Excellent contrast ratio  Top-notch color gamut and accuracy Great motion clarity  Respectable HDR performance Extremely competitive price Cons Stand is a bit too large No USB-C Maximum HDR brightness is lackluster Best Prices Today: $1,099.99 at Amazon The Alienware AW3423DWF is a legendary monitor. It packs the incredible contrast and realism of OLED in a 34-inch widescreen panel, yet it’s priced at just $1,099. That’s not inexpensive, but it’s better value than other OLED monitors available right now. Image quality is where it stands out. It delivers a vivid, immersive, rich experience with deep black levels and bright highlights, which are enhanced by the display’s glossy finish. Movies and games seem nearly three-dimensional—as if you’re looking through a window, not staring at a monitor. What’s the catch? The monitor is not bright, especially in SDR, so it’s a bad choice for a brightly lit room. We also noticed the OLED panel has trouble rendering small fonts smoothly. These are minor issues, though, and shouldn’t trouble most owners. This monitor targets gamers, so it offers an enhanced refresh rate of up to 165Hz and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for smooth frame pacing in games. However, its excellent image quality will be impressive in everyday use, as well. It has good connectivity, with two DisplayPort inputs and one HDMI, as well as a USB-A hub with four ports. There’s even a healthy range of calibration options that help demanding owners dial in the image to their personal specifications. Read our full Alienware AW3423DWF review Gigabyte GS34WQC – Best budget ultrawide monitor Pros Plenty of connectivity and menu options Good contrast ratio Solid color performance Up to 144Hz refresh rate with good motion clarity Cons Stand setup uses screws instead of clip mechanism Modest maximum brightness HDR is supported but lackluster Best Prices Today: $299.99 at Best Buy The Gigabyte GS34WQC is a great budget ultrawide monitor. It has a sharp 34-inch ultrawide display panel that provides 3440×1440 resolution. It also delivers strong scores across contrast and color accuracy that frequently rival more expensive displays. The result is image quality comparable to many monitors sold for twice as much. Motion clarity is strong, as well. The monitor has a 120Hz refresh rate, which can be overclocked to 135Hz, and supports AMD FreeSync for smooth and consistent gameplay. Camera pans deliver good detail and fast objects are easy to track. There’s better monitors for motion clarity, of course (similarly priced widescreen monitors can hit a refresh rate of 240Hz), but the GS34WQC’s results are solid for the price. Gigabyte’s GS34WQC relies on a functional, though basic, design. The monitor’s build quality is commendable and includes a robust stand. Assembling the stand is a hassle, as you must manually attach four screws. Most competitors have a clip-in stand that can be assembled without tools. Fortunately, the GS34WQC has an intuitive menu system with extensive customization options that help gamers customize the visuals to their preference. But the GS34WQC’s best trait is undeniably its price. The monitor carries an MSRP of $330 and can be had for even less on sale. It’s not the least expensive ultrawide available but it easily beats the image quality of its less expensive ultrawide competitors. Read our full Gigabyte GS34WQC review LG Ultragear 34GN850 – Best midrange ultrawide monitor for gamers Pros 21:9 panel with a 34-inch screen Curved monitor Impressive gaming performance Ergonomic adjustment options Cons Only average power consumption Expensive Best Prices Today: $569.99 at Amazon$750 at LG The LG Ultragear 34GN850-B, released in 2020, was once the king of ultrawide gaming. It was dethroned by Alienware’s AW3423DWF—and as a result LG has slashed the price. Originally $999.99, this monitor is now available for $699.99 (and sometimes less). That’s great news. Although surpassed by the Alienware, LG’s Ultragear 34GN850-B is an attractive monitor with excellent color performance, good image clarity, and a bright, vivid picture. It has an enhanced refresh rate of up to 144Hz (with a 160Hz overclocked mode) and supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth gameplay. Its weakness? Contrast. The IPS panel scores lower in contrast than other monitors on this list, including the Asus ProArt PA348CV, which also has an IPS panel. The image can look hazy in darker scenes. Connectivity is respectable with two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and two-port USB-A hub for connecting wired peripherals. The monitor also retains many of the features that would be expected of a high-end monitor including a sturdy ergonomic stand and attractive design.  Read our full LG Ultragear 34GN850 review Dell U4025QW – Best 5K ultrawide monitor Pros Sharp, vibrant, color-accurate 5K display Incredible connectivity including Thunderbolt, Ethernet Long list of menu options and features 120Hz refresh rate is impressive at this resolution Cons Stand is wobbly and hard to adjust Contrast ratio remains far short of OLED competitors HDR doesn’t look its best Extremely expensive Best Prices Today: $1,814.92 at Amazon The Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW is an excellent ultrawide monitor with a vast 40-inch display and 5K resolution that ensures every detail is sharp and defined. But it’s not just about its size and clarity; it’s packed with features, too. Visually, the U4025QW is a treat, offering unparalleled sharpness and an expansive workspace that enhances productivity and elevates entertainment. The monitor’s impressive 120Hz refresh rate is a rare find at this resolution, ensuring smooth motion on the Windows desktop and in games. It even has an IPS Black display panel, which improves contrast and delivers a more realistic, immersive image. The U4025QW’s connectivity is extensive. It has Thunderbolt, Ethernet, HDMI, and DisplayPort, as well as a USB hub that includes multiple downstream USB-A and USB-C ports. The monitor’s menu options and settings provide significant image quality control as well as useful features like picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes. That’s not to say it’s perfect. The monitor’s stand isn’t as robust as it should be, and while the contrast ratio of IPS Black is commendable, it can’t rival OLED. But the most serious downside is the price, which soars close to $2,000. But if you want a big, sharp monitor to serve as the focal point for a desktop command center, the Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW is worth it. Read our full Dell U4025QW review Asus ProArt PA348CGV – Best ultrawide monitor for professionals Pros Excellent SDR image quality  Sturdy, hefty design  Wide range of customization 120Hz refresh rate Cons USB-C hub lacks video-out or ethernet HDR is merely passable The Asus ProArt PA348CV surpassed our expectations. Priced at just $729.99, it’s towards the low end of pricing for a professional ultrawide display—yet its performance is near the top of the pack. This monitor has a wide color gamut, excellent color accuracy, and a virtual buffet of image-quality calibration features that let users precisely tune the image. It’s also a bright and vivid monitor, making it easy to use in nearly any office. Admittedly, it doesn’t set any records in image quality tests—but it ties or comes close to alternatives that are hundreds of dollars more expensive. Asus throws in a useful USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode and delivers 90 watts of USB Power Delivery. It also drives a USB-A hub with four downstream ports. Additional video connectivity includes two HDMI and one DisplayPort for a total of four input options. Surprisingly, Asus throws in an enhanced refresh rate up to 120Hz. It’s not sold as a gaming monitor, but it can handle gaming well enough. That’s good news if you need one home office monitor for both work and play. Read our full Asus ProArt PA348CGV review Corsair Xeneon Flex – Best big-screen ultrawide monitor Pros Incredibly immersive gaming experience Huge 45-inch ultrawide OLED panel can be adjusted from flat to 800R curve to suit your setup Exceptional image quality, contrast, color performance, and HDR Elite motion clarity on a 240Hz panel Abundant connectivity with USB-C hub and power delivery options It made four people who walked into my office stop and say “WHOA” like Keanu Reeves Cons Poor text clarity and general sharpness for productivity work Very expensive No swivel or tilt options, stand can’t be replaced Bending mechanism feels clunky and mildly terrifying at first Enabling HDR mutes desktop contrast and vibrancy Best Prices Today: $1,801.42 at Amazon$1999.99 at Best Buy Want a monitor that takes immersion to a new level and outshines your friend’s measly 34-inch ultrawide? The Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 is for you.  The Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 takes immersion to a new level, outshining pedestrian 34-inch ultrawides. It’s an incomparable way to enjoy visually stunning games. The 45WQHD240 has an extremely high contrast ratio and a wide color gamut. Maximum brightness is high (for OLED) as well, which is a benefit if you want to play games with HDR turned on. The monitor’s 240Hz refresh rate and low pixel response times provide top-notch motion clarity. Even its modest 3440×1440 resolution may be seen as a benefit. While it does soften the image, it also reduces the strain on your GPU, making it possible to enjoy high-quality settings on midrange hardware.  But there is even more to the Xeneon Flex, which is hinted at in its name: The display features a unique flexible OLED panel that can be adjusted from a completely flat position to an impressive 800R curvature, one of the tightest curves available in a monitor. You adjust the curve manually, using the handles located on each side of the display. The flexibility is useful if you enjoy a wide variety of game genres (you may want it flat while playing Civilization IV but curved in Cyberpunk 2077). The Corsair Xeneon Flex features a robust and stable stand with integrated ports including USB-C. The stand doesn’t, however, offer height adjustment. With a retail price of nearly $2,000, the Xeneon Flex is an investment, but its versatile OLED panel and superior image quality make it an obvious choice for gamers.  Read our full Corsair Xeneon Flex review What to look for in an ultrawide monitor Ultrawide monitors are a favorite of PC enthusiasts, but remain a niche within the larger monitor market. This leaves shoppers with fewer options. Most ultrawide monitors have a 34-inch panel with a resolution of 3440×1440, and similar connectivity. Still, these monitors can differ in several key areas. Here’s what to look for. Panel type is a big deal Ultrawide monitors offer less choice in some regards but that script is flipped when it comes to panel type. Ultrawide monitors come in a variety of panel types: IPS, VA, and OLED. IPS panels are common in mid-range and premium ultrawide monitors. This panel type delivers great color performance, high maximum brightness, superb sharpness, and good motion performance. It’s weak in contrast, however, which can disappoint when viewing TV shows or movies. VA panels are typically a budget option, though some are found in premium ultrawide monitors. They have better contrast than IPS panels and deliver similar color performance and brightness—however, budget VA panels tend to be merely okay in these areas. Most VA panels fall short in motion performance and may look blurry when playing fast-paced games. OLED is king of the hill. It leads in color, contrast, and motion performance. Sharpness is often slightly reduced compared to IPS and VA, but most people will find it a minor downgrade. OLED also is the best choice for HDR. In general, OLED is better than IPS, and IPS is better than VA. However, some people might prefer VA over IPS because it has a better contrast ratio and looks darker in dark content. A height-adjustable stand is a must-have All the monitors on this list provide an ergonomic stand that adjusts for height, tilt, and swivel. This is a must-have feature, but one that isn’t found on the least expensive ultrawide monitors. As tempting as it may be to save money on a budget model without a height-adjustable stand, you would regret it. Ultrawide monitors are bulky and tend to require a larger, heavier stand, which in turn makes them more difficult to place on an elevated platform. The old college trick of sticking a monitor on a shoe box won’t work. Look for USB-C, but don’t expect it USB-C compatibility is an excellent feature, and USB-C hub monitors can clear away tons of clutter on your desk. Unfortunately, many ultrawide monitors don’t support USB-C yet, or have limitations that detract from the USB-C port’s usefulness. Asus’s ProArt PA348CV, our favorite ultrawide for professionals, is one exception. It has a USB-C port with up to 90 watts of Power Delivery, and the port drives a USB-A hub with four downstream ports. Dell, HP, and BenQ also offer ultrawide monitors with USB-C. Most of these lack an enhanced refresh rate, however, and they’re typically more expensive than the Asus. Pricing is important—and can swing wildly Monitor pricing is always important, but it’s key for ultrawide monitors. Although very expensive at MSRP, ultrawide monitors routinely see huge price cuts during seasonal sales. They also receive major semi-permanent price cuts later in their life. The LG Ultragear 34GN850-B is an example of this. Originally sold for $999.99, it’s now routinely available for $699.99, and went as low as $599.99 during Amazon’s Black Friday sale. That’s a 40 percent reduction in price! Waiting for a deal can save you hundreds. Don’t buy an ultrawide for console gaming A quick word of warning: You should not buy an ultrawide monitor if you plan to connect a game console frequently.   Game consoles don’t support ultrawide aspect ratios, so you’ll see black bars on either side of the image. That’s unattractive and wastes the monitor’s potential. It’s best to stick with a widescreen monitor if console gaming is a priority. How we test monitors PC World’s team of staff and freelance reviewers conduct in-depth testing to compare monitors across a wide range of categories and price points. We test dozens of monitors each year to find the best pick for every category and price point. Our testing uses a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra color calibration tool. It delivers objective, unbiased measurements for a wide range of metrics including brightness, contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, color temperature, and gamma. Results are recorded and logged for future comparison. This allows our experts to easily compare many monitors at once and eliminates subjective bias from the results. FAQ 1. What size of ultrawide gaming monitor is best? Most ultrawide monitors have a 34-inch panel with a 21:9 aspect ratio, which is the best option for most gamers.  Some ultrawide monitors are available in larger sizes, but these typically aren’t the best choice for gamers. Many do not support high refresh rates. Those that do are expensive and often use the same 3440×1440 resolution found on smaller ultrawide monitors, which means they appear less sharp than a 34-inch display. 2. What is the best resolution for an ultrawide monitor? Nearly all 34-inch ultrawide monitors have a display resolution of 3440×1440. This is an excellent choice for gamers.  It’s sharp enough to look impressive in modern games. However, this resolution remains significantly lower in total pixel count than 4K, which makes it less demanding on graphics hardware. That’s good news if you have a mid-range graphics card like an Nvidia RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6650XT.  Larger 38-inch models have a higher resolution of 3840×1660—however, nearly all these monitors lack support for high refresh rates, making them a bad choice for gamers. LG offers a line of 34-inch 5K2K ultrawide monitors with 5120×2160 resolution, but this line also lacks support for enhanced refresh rates. A few new 45-inch ultrawide monitors are available with 3440×1440 resolution. This can be a problem, because stretching the same resolution across a much larger display reduces sharpness. We recommend 3440×1440 only for 34-inch ultrawide monitors. 3. What’s the best refresh rate for an ultrawide gaming monitor? A refresh rate of 144Hz to 165Hz is ideal for most ultrawide gaming monitors.  Very few ultrawide monitors exceed this refresh rate, and those that do are too expensive to make it a good value.  Also, gamers shopping for an ultrawide gaming monitor are likely to prefer immersive and graphically demanding games that make it difficult to see the full benefit of a refresh rate above 144Hz. You’ll need a high-end video card, like an RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon 6800, to drive most ultrawide gaming monitors at frame rates above 144 frames per second. 4. Does an ultrawide gaming monitor need HDR? HDR isn’t a must-have for an ultrawide gaming monitor, but it’s a nice addition.  Gaming is a great use case for HDR—arguably the best, in fact—and it can deliver improved image quality. We recommend buying an ultrawide gaming monitor with HDR support if your budget is $500 or more.  Monitors Read...

4K resolution is now within reach of everyday PC users, promising a massive improvement to image quality, with four times the pixels of a 1080p display. A 4K monitor is useful not only in games and movies but also when editing documents or browsing web pages. The extra pixels make text look clear and crisp. After extensive testing, I’ve determined that the recommendations listed below are the best 4K monitors available today, covering a variety of budgets and use cases. If you’re looking for additional options, see our roundups of the best monitors overall, the best gaming monitors, and the best monitor deals.  Also, make sure you optimize the ergonomics and comfort while viewing that new 4K monitor with a proper monitor arm for your desktop setup. Check out our roundup of best monitor arms to see our top picks. Dell U3223QE – Best 4K monitor Pros IPS Black panel fulfills its promise  Accurate color with wide gamut  High brightness in SDR   USB-C hub with 90 watts of power  Cons Edges of display are noticeably bright  HDR performance disappoints  Only a 60Hz panel  Best Prices Today: $631.13 at Amazon The Dell U3223QE, which also tops our list of the best monitors overall, is an excellent 4K monitor for professionals and everyday users who want excellent image quality.  Technology is what sets this monitor apart. It has a new IPS Black panel that offers roughly twice the contrast of computer monitors with older IPS panels. This provides a richer image with a better sense of depth and darker black levels in dark scenes. The U3223QE also has a high maximum brightness and excellent color performance with high color accuracy. Images are vibrant and true to life.  Yet there’s more to the Dell U3223QE than image quality. It’s also a versatile USB-C hub monitor with up to 90 watts of Power Delivery. The built-in hub has multiple USB-A ports, Ethernet, and even DisplayPort out.  This is a 32-inch 4K monitor, which may be too large for some desks. Dell also has a 27-inch model, the U2723QE, which offers 4K resolution and the same IPS Black panel. We haven’t reviewed that model but expect it will deliver similar performance. Read our full Dell U3223QE review Asus ProArt PA279CV – Best budget 4K monitor for creatives Pros Accurate image High maximum brightness Menu settings allow calibration Has USB-C with 65 watts Power Delivery Competitive price Cons Unimpressive design Luminance uniformity could be better HDR is bright but otherwise falls short Best Prices Today: $415.99 at Adorama$449.99 at Best Buy Want a great 4K monitor, but need to spend less than $500? The Asus ProArt PA279CV is an excellent choice. The ProArt PA279CV is a 27-inch 4K monitor that targets entry-level professional use. It has excellent color accuracy, high maximum brightness, and a good contrast ratio for an IPS monitor.  This monitor also throws in USB-C connectivity. It’s not a great USB-C hub, as it has only a couple USB-A ports, but it offers 65 watts of Power Delivery for charging a connected laptop or tablet. Asus throws in adaptive sync support compatible with AMD and Nvidia video cards. This prevents screen tearing and provides smooth motion in 3D games. The monitor has a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz.  The ProArt PA279CV carries an MSRP of about $500, but that price can swing significantly lower when retailers run a sale. We recommend waiting for a discount if possible. Read our full Asus ProArt PA279CV review Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX – Best budget 4K gaming monitor Pros 4K resolution Good gaming performance Tons of ergonomic adjustment options Inexpensive  Cons A relatively low 60Hz refresh rate Best Prices Today: $299.99 at Amazon For gamers who enjoy stunning graphic detail and slower paced games the focus shouldn’t be on refresh rate, but image quality and high resolution. The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q gives you both. It is a 28-inch 4K display with a refresh rate of 60Hz and adaptive sync making it compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync. It’s also modestly priced at only $400 which is a bargain for a 4K display. The refresh rate is quite low for something branded as “gaming”, but if you aren’t planning to play quick e-sports or shooter games, then you won’t have to worry about it. It provides you with outstanding image quality and a vivid color range that more than makes up for the middling refresh rate. The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q delivers on that in most aspects for gamers. But in the end, it’s all about getting a budget friendly 4K display and in that aspect this monitor delivers exceptional value. Read our full Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q review Alienware AW3225QF – Best 4K gaming monitor Pros Excellent color performance and contrast Good overall HDR performance 240Hz refresh rate with great motion clarity Big price drop from prior 4K OLED monitors Cons Stand is too large Curved panel is an acquired taste HDR brightness is still just okay Best Prices Today: $1199.99 at Dell The Alienware AW3225QF sets a new benchmark for 4K gaming monitors. It delivers a new 4K QD-OLED panel from Samsung that delivers crystal-clear visuals at a buttery-smooth 240Hz refresh rate, a new high mark for a 4K OLED displays. And it manages to do all of this at a price that undercuts earlier 4K OLED displays, which typically retailed for $2,000 to $3,000 (or more). Despite that, the AW3225QF looks just as stunning as its more expensive predecessors. It achieves vibrant color with an infinite contrast ratio, and kicking the resolution up to 4K reduces the sharpness problems that plagued many OLED gaming monitors in 2023. The AW3225QF also performs well in HDR games. It can’t sustain the extreme brightness of an OLED monitor but handles small, bright objects well and delivers excellent detail in both bright and dark scenes. Alienware’s design is both stylish and sophisticated with an attractive white-and-black color scheme. However, the monitor comes with a massive stand that’s a poor fit for smaller desks. A VESA mount is provided for use with a third-party monitor arm or stand. The AW3225QF’s connectivity options complement its high resolution. It has one DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports, all of which support the monitor’s 4K resolution at its peak refresh rate. One of the HDMI ports also provides eARC support, which is handy for connecting to home theater devices. In fact, this may prove a popular use for the AW3225QF. Its connectivity makes it a reasonable alternative to a small 4K TV, so the monitor’s appeal extends beyond PC gaming. Console gamers who need a small display should also give it a look. Read our full Alienware AW3225QF review Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED – Best portable 4K monitor Pros Excellent image quality Useful built-in kickstand Attractive and sturdy design Extensive image-quality options Cons Flimsy bundled keyboard cover Some on-screen menu options are confusing Power adapter could be smaller Best Prices Today: $499.99 at Amazon$499.99 at Viewsonic Viewsonic’s VX1655-4K-OLED is our top choice for creators seeking top-notch image quality in a portable display. This 16-inch OLED monitor delivers class-leading sharpness with 275 pixels per inch (a 27-inch 4K monitor, for comparison, has 163 pixels per inch). It also delivers vivid, accurate colors and deep contrast that make it perfect for both entertainment and creative work. The monitor’s HDR performance also far surpasses other portable monitors, so it’s a good choice if you want to sit back and watch a movie after a busy day. Unlike most portable monitors, the VX1655-4K-OLED has a built-in kickstand that flips out from the rear of the display. The kickstand is more stable and easier to use than the detachable, folding stands that inexpensive portable monitors rely on. Connectivity is solid, as well, with dual USB-C inputs and one mini-HDMI. The monitor has a few minor flaws. The bundled display cover feels somewhat flimsy, the on-screen menu system can be tricky to navigate, and the relatively large power adapter is more cumbersome than it needs to be. Yet it’s clear the portable monitor’s perks far outweigh its problems. While shoppers can find cheaper alternatives, the VX1655-4K-OLED stands out for its ability to deliver a professional-grade visual experience on the go. Read our full Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED review Samsung M8 Smart Monitor – Best 4K monitor for entertainment Pros Has Samsung’s Tizen OS with smart TV features Remote, webcam, and speakers included Excellent SDR image quality HDR quality is good for the price Cons Limited connectivity Annoying to set up and access some features No adaptive sync or enhanced refresh rate Narrow viewing angle Best Prices Today: $673.52 at Amazon$699.99 at Samsung A 32-inch 4K monitor is great for everyday PC tasks like web browsing and document editing, but it can be more than that. Monitors in this category are an ideal substitute for a television in a small mixed-used space like a studio apartment, rented room, or dormitory.  Samsung’s M8 Smart Monitor leans into this by fusing the features of a Smart TV with a traditional 32-inch 4K monitor. The monitor comes with a remote and runs Samsung’s Tizen operating system. You can access streaming content, like Netflix or Hulu, directly from the monitor. Yet this is still a great PC monitor. A connected PC or other external device can be used by flipping the input source, as you would on a television. Image quality is solid with excellent sharpness, top-tier contrast, high brightness, and attractive color performance.  The monitor also comes in a variety of attractive stand and bezel color options, with a detachable webcam, and has a USB-C port with up to 65 watts of Power Delivery. It supports Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5, too. Read our full Samsung M8 Smart Monitor review BenQ SW272U – Best 4K monitor for photographers Pros Incredible sharpness from its paper-like display Wide color gamut and high color accuracy Excellent ergonomic stand Extensive image quality controls accessible through bundled remote Cons Disappointing contrast ratio Modest connectivity for the price Very expensive for its feature set Best Prices Today: $1,495.68 at Amazon The BenQ SW272U is an excellent 4K monitor for photographers and publishers who prioritize sharpness and accuracy. This 27-inch monitor has a “fine-coated panel” that delivers a simulated paper-like texture and boasts a resolution of 3840×2160 at 60Hz. It also provides a robust, industrial design with ergonomic stand that offers a wide range of adjustment and a glare-reducing hood designed to reduce ambient light. Connectivity includes standard ports like HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, with the notable addition of an SD card reader, which photographers are sure to like. However, it misses some advanced features like Thunderbolt. The monitor offers an exceptional menu system, accessible through a joystick or a wireless remote, with extensive customization for color gamut, color temperature, and gamma. That’s another key feature for photographers, as it helps users precisely calibrate the monitor’s image based on their needs. The SW272U also has excellent image quality which, of course, is key for its target market. Its color gamut coverage and color accuracy are defeated only by a few of the best OLED and QD-OLED monitors. The monitor’s sharpness also stands out, offering a high pixel density that, in combination with the fine-coated panel, mimics the quality of printed material. The monitor’s contrast ratio is limited, which proves a downside for entertainment, but it’s less of a concern for its target audience. There’s only one real issue, and that’s the price. BenQ asks almost $1,500 for the SW272U, and that’s a lot even for a 27-inch 4K monitor. If you’re a photographer hoping to see what your photos might look like in print, though, it’s worth the premium. Read our full BenQ SW272U review Dell G3223Q – Best 4K 144Hz monitor Pros Bright, sharp SDR image Good color gamut and accuracy Solid build quality and ergonomic stand Great motion clarity at 120Hz or 144Hz Cons Disappointing HDR performance Odd menu choices for creators  Modest USB connectivity Best Prices Today: $593.37 at Amazon$599.99 at Dell Want a 4K monitor with a high refresh rate for smooth gaming? The Dell G3223Q is an excellent option.  The G3223Q is a 32-inch, 4K monitor with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (Nvidia G-Sync also works, unofficially). You can play games at high refresh rates with no screen tearing and smooth frame pacing.  You’ll find two HDMI 2.1 ports on the rear. They’re great for connecting a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X game console, since you can play at each console’s maximum resolution and refresh rate. There’s also a DisplayPort input for connecting your PC.  None of this would matter if the G3223Q’s image quality wasn’t excellent—but it is. The monitor has great color performance, high brightness, good contrast, and a razor-sharp image thanks to its 4K resolution.  It’s a good value, too. The G3223Q is towards the low end of pricing for a 32-inch, 4K 144Hz monitor but doesn’t sacrifice features or build quality to achieve it. Read our full Dell G3223Q review Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX – Best 4K HDR monitor Pros Excellent gaming performance 4K resolution Dimmable mini-LED backlight Ergonomic adjustment options Cons High power consumption Extremely expensive Best Prices Today: $1,892.85 at Amazon Want the last word in high-resolution, high-definition gaming and entertainment? You need a fantastic HDR monitor like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX. This monitor has a Mini-LED backlight with 1,152 independent backlight zones. The backlight greatly improves the monitor’s contrast ratio and achieves eye-searing levels of brightness in small areas of the display. The monitor’s maximum sustained brightness is exceptionally high, as well.  As a result, the PG32UQX delivers excellent detail in bright areas of the screen while maintaining good contrast and black levels in darker scenes. It also has exceptional color, which further contributes to a great HDR experience. Overall HDR performance rivals the best HDTVs and blows away most HDR monitors. This is also a 4K 144Hz monitor with support for Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate. HDMI 2.1 is missing, but Xbox Series X|S consoles can achieve 4K 120Hz over HDMI 2.0 through a chroma subsampling mode.  The only problem? You can expect to pay up to $3,000 for this monitor. Viewsonic’s XG321UG is a less expensive alternative that performs similarly, though it lacks 4K 120Hz support on Xbox Series X|S. Read our full Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX review Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC – Best 4K monitor for professionals Pros The best SDR image quality yet Good HDR performance Long list of image quality features Exceptionally sturdy Numerous inputs, plus USB hub Cons HDR brightness could be better  Glare can be an issue in bright rooms Only 60Hz, no adaptive sync Best Prices Today: $3499 at Asus Most professional monitors support 4K resolution, but the Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC stands above the pack. The secret is in the OLED panel. OLED looks fantastic, of course, with excellent contrast, a wide color gamut, and superb color accuracy. What sets the PA32DC apart from less expensive OLED monitors, though, is its use of a conventional RGB subpixel layout. This delivers the best clarity on modern PCs and prevents the color fringing issues that can appear on competitors that use QD-OLED display panels.  Asus provides a long list of image quality presets and options. The monitor has built-in modes for sRGB, DCI-P3, Rec. 709, and AdobeRGB, among others. It also includes multiple, accurate color temperature and gamma modes. A built-in colorimeter can be used to precisely calibrate color accuracy.  The monitor is built for use in a variety of professional settings. It’s a rugged, beefy display with thick bezels and a built-in carrying handle to help with transportation. A standard VESA desk stand is available for use in an office or at home, and the monitor has built-in legs for easy setup at a mobile studio or jobsite.  Priced at $3,000, the PA32DC may seem expensive, but it undercuts competitors like the LG UltraFine 32EP950, Apple Pro Display XDR, and Asus’ older ProArt OLED displays. This is a top-notch professional monitor suited to a wide range of content creation, and those who need excellent color performance will find that it’s well worth the price. Read our full Asus ProArt OLED PA32DC review What to look for in a 4K monitor 4K monitors are more expensive than other monitors, so they pack numerous features and a quality display panel. A typical 4K monitor will have features that are optional on a 1080p monitor. Still, there are a few details you should know before buying a 4K monitor. USB-C USB-C is an excellent choice for connecting a 4K monitor to a modern laptop with USB-C or Thunderbolt. USB-C can bundle Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which means the monitor can charge a connected device while it outputs video to the monitor. Some monitors, like the Dell U3223QE, are USB-C hubs that expand connectivity for the connected device. Refresh rate Most 4K monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate. Those that go beyond 60Hz may only support an enhanced refresh rate over a specific port, so be sure to check the specifications. A monitor will need to support HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 to handle 4K at up to 144Hz.  HDR Many 4K monitors support HDR, but most offer lackluster HDR performance. HDR will function, and may look better than SDR, but won’t approach the quality of a good HDTV. If you want quality HDR, look for a minimum of VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification (or VESA DisplayHDR True Black). See our article on everything you need to know about HDR on your PC to learn more. How we test 4K monitors We test 4K monitors with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra color calibration tool. It provides objective measurements for contrast, brightness, black levels, color gamut, color accuracy, and gamma, among other metrics. These objective results can be compared with other monitors to see how each performs against the competition. These objective image results are supplemented with our subjective evaluation of a monitor. We evaluate out-of-box image quality, sampling all types of content from gaming to movies. We look at the feature set. We closely consider details like a monitor’s on-screen menu, ergonomic stand (or lack thereof), and overall build quality.  FAQ 1. Does a 4K monitor need HDMI 2.1? HDMI 2.1 is only important if you want to connect a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X game console at 4K resolution and play titles with 120Hz support. These consoles only support HDMI output, so an HDMI connection is your only option. Most desktop PCs and laptops also have a DisplayPort output. This is preferable to HDMI 2.1 because it supports higher resolutions and refresh rates, so HDMI 2.1 is not necessary to connect a PC. 2. Can my PC handle a 4K monitor? Support for 4K video output went mainstream around 2015. If you have a computer newer than 2015, odds are high that it supports 4K. Most PCs sold prior to 2015 will not support 4K.  Want to be sure? Our guide to checking what graphics card you have will help identify your PC’s graphics hardware. You can then reference its official specifications to find its maximum supported resolution. Gamers be warned: 4K resolution is demanding in 3D games, so you may struggle to see smooth gameplay unless you have the latest graphics hardware. You’ll need at least an Nvidia RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 to play the latest titles at 4K and 60 frames per second. 3. Is text too small on a 4K monitor? Early adopters of 4K monitors often struggled to read small text. That’s because many older applications were programmed such that interface elements have a defined, concrete size in pixels. The higher a display’s resolution, the smaller the interface appears.  Thankfully, this problem is mostly solved. Windows and MacOS have excellent text scaling options and most software developers have updated their applications to properly support 4K displays. It’s still a problem with very old apps that were never updated but, in general, it’s rare to see tiny, unreadable text on a 4K monitor. Monitors Read...