The 7 Best HDR Monitors
This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in July of 2018. Among the most important factors in video quality are the brightness of colors and the darkness of blacks. High dynamic range is a still-evolving set of standards that allows for intense and highly realistic light output, making compatible movies and games practically jump off the screen. One of these premium monitors will future-proof your system as HDR media support becomes more widespread. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Samsung Odyssey G7
2. Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ
3. Acer Predator XB273K
Editor's Notes
July 15, 2021:
We've removed a couple models with costs in the thousands, because in that price range, you're far better off getting a high-quality gaming TV. We also gave a model from MSI the axe due to poor long-term reviews that indicate subpar quality control.
Instead, we have a few great newcomers worth mentioning. The Samsung Odyssey G7 is our new top pick partly because of its consistent and deep blacks in addition to its ultra-smooth 240Hz refresh rate. If you want something a bit finer for a bit more money, consider the Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ. On the other hand, the budget-friendly Gigabyte M27Q is one of the top choices in its price range and does an admirable job.
April 09, 2020:
A year ago, it wasn't really advisable to invest in an HDR computer monitor. We're finally reaching a point where a lot of new offerings can actually produce meaningful high dynamic range results, but with the caveat that they're pretty darn expensive; if you have the room for it, an HDR-enabled television will deliver better dynamic contrast, but TVs don't have DisplayPort inputs, so until there are HDMI 2.1 graphics cards available, these monitors are the only way to get high-frame rate displays with HDR support.
That said, most of these are relatively new releases, but not the Acer Predator X27, which isn't just for gaming; its accuracy and consistency make it more than suitable for professional photo and video editors. Speaking of productivity, the MSI Prestige PS341WU was built for it, with a 5K by 2K resolution and built-in split picture functionality that make it an excellent choice for power users of any sort. Another notable and highly interesting option is the Asus ROG Strix XG438Q, which measures 43 inches and is on a par with many high-end LCD TVs, and in fact outperforms many of those at a similar price point. The Samsung CRG9 is one more ultra-advanced model, and as long as you have the computing power to drive it, basically nothing else can compare, because there are almost no others with its size, aspect ratio, or pixel count.
With the somewhat unconventional ones out of the way, there are several good options that come in considerably more standard sizes, and at somewhat lower prices. The Asus Tuf VG279QM boasts a maximum refresh rate of 280 hertz, a rate that is actually difficult for high-end PCs to achieve on the most advanced games; but if you're a dedicated competitor, you'll appreciate the speed, and in fact Samsung recently released a study showing that frame rates up to 300 FPS can actually increase accuracy in fast-paced esports situations. The Acer Predator XB273K is a reworked and slightly more affordable follow-up to the X27,and while it doesn't get quite as bright, a lot of users will be very happy with it. The Acer Nitro VG271U is an all-around high-performing option as well, although its significant black uniformity issues take away from its appearance especially in dark rooms. The Asus CG32UQ and HP Pavilion 32-Inch are both passable and affordable choices, but they're limited to relatively low refresh rates, which is definitely not ideal for gaming. Overall, though, it's tough to beat the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ, which packs a ton of powerful components and is one of the very few to boast 384 local dimming zones.
Special Honors
Asus ProArt PA32UCG The ProArt line is designed and priced for the professional user, boasting a peak brightness of 1,400 nits, HDR10 with Dolby Vision support, and far more accurate colors than most common consumer-oriented models. It features industry-level variable refresh rate technology and is one of the very few displays available with a true 10-bit panel. asus.com
Apple Pro Display HDR You may not have heard of 6K resolution or DisplayHDR 1600 certification, and in case, here's your first taste: An incredibly good-looking and absurdly expensive release from none other than one of the most cutting-edge electronics design companies in the world. There might be a couple more technically advanced monitors out there, but we're not sure where they are. apple.com
4. Asus Tuf VG279QM
5. Asus ROG Strix XG438Q
6. Acer Nitro VG271U
7. Gigabyte M27Q
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.