Best 4K Monitor for Programming – Reviews and Buying Guide

If we talk about programming, the monitor is one of the essential components in the day-to-day life of a programmer or developer. That is why choosing the best 4k monitor for programming and developers will make your work more productive, efficient, and quality.

For this reason, in this buying guide, I give you the keys to choose the best monitor to program quality and that the investment is worth it. We started!

When we set out to prepare this selection, our intention was not only to collect some of the most attractive 4K UHD resolution proposals that we can currently find in physical and online stores but also to offer you a range of options that are as diverse as possible for everyone to find.

At least one solution that meets your needs. As you will see below, the most abundant are the programming devices that fit well both at home and in the office. Still, there are also some monitors with a markedly professional vocation and others that will make gamers “salivate.”

The monitors that we propose stand out for their price, performance, cost/performance ratio, design, or even several of these characteristics simultaneously. This selection represents a starting point that can help you find the proposal that best suits your needs.

Still, it does not pretend to cover all the attractive 4K UHD options that we can find on the market because it is materially impossible to do so. For this reason, we suggest that you use the comments of the article to share with the other Xataka readers and with us your favourite monitors. We are sure that together we will be able to make a wide selection, and, above all, useful.

Acer Predator X27 bmiphzx – 4K UHD IPS Monitor

This monitor is an “old” acquaintance, but we could not resist including it in this selection because it fits like a glove on the premises defined in this article. We had the opportunity to analyze it in-depth, so we know it well.

What can we tell you about it? Quite simply, which is a dream for any ambitious programmer because it not only proposes us to use 4K UHD resolution but also a native refresh of 120Hz expandable by overclocking to 144 Hz, a response time of 4 ms from grey to grey (GTG), a typical brightness of 600 nits, FALD backlighting with 384 zones and HDR10 support. As you can see, it’s not bad at all. 

AOC U2790VQ – 4k Frameless Monitor

AOC is a brand well known for its monitors for programmers, but it also has exciting solutions with a professional vocation. The monitor that we propose is one of them.

As you can see in the photograph, its design is stylish and soberer than that of the programming proposals of this brand. The stand makes it easy to flexibly adjust the screen’s height and incorporates two speakers that allow you to reproduce stereo sound.

In its AOC U2790VQ specifications, it does not reflect the coverage of the main colour spaces this monitor offers us, but, as we have seen, IPS panels are characterized by reproducing colour with precision and richness.

It is not only an exciting option for office automation. But also for tasks that require colour fidelity, such as video editing or photo retouching. There are more capable monitors in this scenario of use, such as the Eizo model that we will talk about a little later, but they are also significantly more expensive.

BenQ EL2870U – 1ms 4K Monitor

Best 4K monitors for programming are no longer an option only available to large budgets. Fortunately, there are affordable solutions, and this BenQ EL2870U proposition is one of them.

Please take a look at its specifications in the table. You will see that this monitor feels comfortable with programming thanks to its very low response time of 1 ms GTG (although its refreshment does not go beyond 60 Hz). It can also be used as a general-purpose display for office automation, video editing, multimedia playback, etc.

Of course, users must consider that their TN panel does not offer us a richness and chromatic precision as high as the solutions that incorporate an IPS panel. Still, if we are willing to accept it, we can get an interesting proposal at a price quite attractive.

EIZO CG318-4K-BK – Professional Graphics Monitor

This veteran Japanese EIZO CG318-4K-BK monitor manufacturer has managed to build an enviable reputation in the field of video editing and photo retouching programming thanks, above all, to the incredible precision and chromatic homogeneity of its proposals.

This is precisely what this monitor promises us, but it is by no means its only striking feature. And it is that the resolution of its IPS panel is 4,096 x 2,160 points, so it is a strict 4K device and not a 4K UHD screen (3,840 x 2,160 points) with which we are all familiar.

Also, it can be thoroughly calibrated using professional tools, which is crucial in a product intended for video and photo professionals. The only reasonable downside is that it is expensive, but we must not overlook a professional tool and not a consumption monitor.

HP Envy 27-Inch UHD – Best 4k IPS Monitor

The HP Envy 27-Inch UHD monitor that we have looked at on this occasion is a versatile proposal. It uses an IPS panel that makes it suitable for tasks where it is important to reproduce color reliably, such as video editing or photo retouching.

Still, it does not “disgust” programming. It has a response time suitable for programming (5.4 ms GTG). However, it is somewhat high for demanding programmers, and it supports the synchronization technology of the GPU and the AMD FreeSync panel.

The funny thing is that its greatest virtue is, at the same time, also its greatest defect: it is useful for everything, but it does not stand out in anything. And this is not necessarily bad. Users looking for a versatile 4K IPS monitor with a careful design and an affordable price have an ally worth considering.

Lenovo – 61D5RAR1US – 4ms Monitor

The possibility of thoroughly analyzing this Lenovo – 61D5RAR1US monitor was planted in front of us very a few weeks ago, and, of course, we did not let it escape. And this is a very atypical option that stands out not only for its curved VA panel of no less than 43.4 inches but also for its resolution of 3,840 x 1,200 dots.

These figures reflect that its aspect ratio is 32:10 and that, therefore, it is an ultra-widescreen, but they also indicate that it is not strictly a 4K UHD 4ms monitor, although its panel has the same columns as the screens of this type.

In any case, what is important is that this is a device with a professional vocation and a very high image quality that allows us to have up to four windows open in full screen, so its impact on our productivity can be very profound. 

LG 43UD79-B – LED Lit Monitor

This LG 43UD79-B monitor rivals for its versatility with some of the options that we propose in this selection, but it stands out from many of its competitor’s thanks to an important characteristic: its size.

And it is that it’s very generous 42.51 inches and its reasonable price for its dimensions make it an attractive option in a scenario of varied use in which, above all, the maximum possible productivity must prevail.

The combination of those more than 42 inches, the 4K UHD resolution, and the PBP ( Picture by Picture ) working mode, which divides the screen into up to four regions and reproduces each of the incoming video signals in one of these areas, we allow you to work with multiple windows comfortably.

And this feature can have a positive impact on our productivity. And the programmers? They will benefit from the high image quality of an IPS panel, but its response time (8 ms GTG) is not the last word in programming, so advanced programmers have more desirable alternatives.

Philips 276E8VJSB – Thinnest 4k Monitor

This Philips 276E8VJSB monitor reinforces the reflection that I made a few paragraphs above: it is no longer necessary to face a large investment to get a good device with a 4K UHD resolution. This proposal is the most economical of this selection.

However, this does not mean that we have to accept major sacrifices. Regarding its design, as you can see in the photograph, it is stylish and attractive. Also, its IPS panel ensures respectful colour reproduction, and its native contrast and brightness figures, although they do not stand out, are not bad at all (1,000: 1 and 350 cd / m², respectively).

These characteristics reflect an option with a domestic vocation suitable for office automation, video reproduction, programming, and photographic processing, among other possible scenarios of use.

Its 5 ms GTG response time does not predict the best possible experience with some games, such as FPS or fighting games, but casual or moderate gamers may also be able to enjoy it with their favourite titles. Of course, if the 60 Hz refresh rate of this monitor is enough.

Samsung LS32R750UENXZA – Best 4K Computer Monitor

This Samsung LS32R750UENXZA monitor is one of those products designed to leave no one indifferent. And the most curious thing is that the reason does not lie in the characteristics of its panel.

Not even in its design. The originality of this proposal lies in its pedestal in the shape of a clamp. This very ingenious resource allows us to adjust not only its height but also its inclination freely. It is even possible to place it as if it were a pulpit if, for example, we use it together with a laptop.

The flexibility that the innovative base of this Best 4K Computer monitor puts in our hands ensures a satisfactory experience. We know this because it passed through our laboratory a few days ago, and we did not miss the opportunity to analyze it in depth.

Our tests showed us how little it occupies on our desk, and its detailed image quality also convinced us. Of course, its most relevant shortcomings appear when we decide to use it to play movies, programming, and enjoy video games because it cannot play HDR content. But if this is not a problem, there is no doubt that this is an option that is worth considering.

More than important, it is essential to have the best 4k monitor to program. The objective of a 4k monitor for programmers is to properly visualize everything that is being developed. It will also be important that you have a monitor that does not damage your sight while you use it. Visual comfort on a monitor is important as you will spend many hours in front of the monitor.

There are endless models to choose from; it all depends on the taste of each user. Various large screens of 4k resolutions and inches are available on the market. If you are a programmer, you must have the best monitor, with a size and 4k resolution that allow you to work comfortably.

If you want the best 4k monitor to program, you should consider those with an IPS screen, bringing many benefits. This type of monitor consists of a classic LCD panel whose liquid crystals are arranged in such a way as to avoid light leaks and losses. In this way, these monitors offer higher image quality with brighter and more defined colors, especially dark ones.

In these IPS monitor, the liquid crystals are illuminated on the back with a second layer of LED spotlights. Also, they provide a better viewing angle compared to others. Its response time is much better than that of the original TFT screens and AMOLED panels.

How many monitors do you need?

If you are a programmer, you will agree that a single monitor to work is not enough. To be more efficient in your work, it is necessary to have the two best monitors. This will allow you efficient coding. In this way, you could have a complete monitor for code management. A second monitor can be helpful to have any documentation, specifications, chat windows, among others.

Probably some programmers may need a third monitor. This third monitor may be dedicated to testing. This is vital for those programmers who are immersed in web, application, or video game development. Working with more than three monitors would make a programmer’s job more complicated. It can even decrease your performance when programming.

You must verify the connectivity of all your monitors. A monitor to the program must be able to connect both by HDMI and by Display Port. In the case of the Display Port connection, at least version 1.2 is required for optimal operation. In the case of HDMI, version 1.4 or 2.0 is required.

Many monitors also integrate DVI and VGA connections that are very useful depending on the computer you are connecting to. Monitors with multiple USB ports are available, although this is sometimes indifferent to many. When purchasing your monitor, you must check both the inputs and outputs, as some will be useful for multiple daisy-chaining monitors.

What screen size is suitable for programming?

With the variety available in the market, the size of the screen is not a problem; we just have to be clear about what size we need. There are various alternatives to consider if you are looking for the best 4k monitors for programming.

Monitors come in different formats depending on the size of the panel. For a programmer, a 27-inch monitor in 16: 9 format and a resolution of 4k is the best option. However, everything will depend on your preferences when programming, in addition to your budget.

Choosing a suitable screen size will also depend on your resolution. It will not be the same to have a Full HD resolution in a 24-inch panel as in a 75-inch one. Although it would be the same number of pixels, as the size of the surface increases, the pixels also increase in size.

So the images lose sharpness and definition. A 25 to 27-inch monitor with 2k resolution or a 32-inch monitor with 4k resolution is recommended. In the case of ultrawide monitors, 4k is always recommended; we leave you a guide with the best here.

You certainly won’t be using your screen just for programming. There will be times when your screen will be very useful for watching movies or playing games. In these cases, it is understandable that you want something more extensive, especially if you will share it with a group of friends.

Another additional consideration that you must make is to evaluate the space you have to locate your monitors. This so that your work area is not too small in the end, so we recommend that you buy a desktop monitor support.

What is the best 4k monitor orientation for programming?

In general, the monitors that we find in the market have a horizontal orientation. It is not a fluke or a whim that this is the default orientation that manufacturers offer.

Everything is based on the preference of the majority of users. A horizontally oriented monitor provides added comfort when composing or watching movies. But when you are a programmer, your preferences regarding the orientation of the monitor can change.

Some programmers may prefer to have a monitor oriented vertically. This is to be able to see more codes simultaneously on the screen, having much less dead space to one side.

 When buying the best 4k monitor to program, you recommend that you look among those with a folding base. This way, you can lift, tilt or rotate; it even allows you to orient in portrait mode if you prefer. You can also opt for desktop support like the one we saw in the previous point.

Why 4k resolution is suitable for programming?

Resolution is nothing more than the calibration of the pixels that make up the monitor. The minimum lines, both vertically and horizontally, make up the resolution of a monitor. So, the higher the resolution, the higher the quality of the image provided. In the market, there is a variety of monitors available whose resolution is adjusted to the needs of each user.

Today, HD displays with 1366 x 768 pixels and 720p or 1280 x 720 pixels HD +. These monitors are sufficient for daily work on a laptop. 1080p or Full HD monitors with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels are available for viewing movies or photos. For the most demanding, there are 2K monitors, which correspond to 2560 x 1440 pixels. As if that were not enough, there are also UHD 4k monitors that resolve 3840 x 2160 pixels. The latter is the most attractive alternative because it offers very well-defined images ideal for gaming.

A monitor with medium resolution onwards is enough for your work as a programmer. But if your budget allows it, you don’t have to settle for less. Probably, your monitors for programmers sometimes become monitors for gaming, so you will need a higher resolution. Everything will depend on what you want and especially what you need. A maximum resolution for a programmer will always be better, although it must be said that it is not always necessary.

And so far for today, I hope this guide on the best monitors for programmers, compatible with PC and MAC, will be helpful to you; remember that you can leave us a comment below if you have questions. See you at the next!

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