4k vs 144hz Monitors: Which Is Better?

If you are thinking about switching around what monitor use and you need to make a monitor comparison, the first thing you need to think about is the size of the monitor. Many people start out by using a 4k resolution monitor and then decide that they want to change. Usually, those people are gamers or work in graphic design and need something a little extra.

The first thing you need to think about what you need your monitor for- it may not be worth it if you only use it for conventional reasons. A 144hz monitor will be more expensive and more technical-but if you need it, you will see an improvement.

Most of us use our computers for gaming and something else, whether it is just browsing Facebook or it is doing homework. You need a monitor that will handle both.

4k vs 144hz Gaming Monitors

Most people who are looking to buy a new monitor are gamers. You want to find something that will keep up with MMO games and other graphics-heavy games while, at the same time, find something that has an overclockable refresh rate. A high refresh rate 4k monitor is a great investment for gamers, but does it go far enough?

Everything is easier and smoother when you have a higher refresh-rate. When comparing the two types of monitors side by side, it really depends on which monitor it is. For many 4k monitors, it is possible to manage over 60 frames per second, but you may see some syncing issues or even tearing.

With a 144hz monitor, you may lose some of the details in the graphics. In some games, this won’t matter at all. For other games, it will. This isn’t really noticeable unless you are trying to overclock. With most monitors, the picture should be clear and sharp.

The same thing can be said about games where you need to aim and fire-when you try to do either extremely quickly, you need your monitor to keep up with you. In tests, there wasn’t much of a difference between the two types of monitors. Even so, many gamers do believe that they see a smoother performance when they have a 144hz monitor.

One final thing to note is that marathon gamers prefer 144hz because, anecdotally, they believe that those monitors aren’t as hard on the eyes. This could be because they don’t tend to have as many glitches and sharp movements or it could be because they tend to have a softer focus than some other screens.

Cheaper 144hz monitors will have more problems than more expensive ones; so if you are going to make the leap, try to aim for something in the mid-price range.

4k vs 144hz For General Use

Most people use their computers for more than just gaming, so what other things to we need to look at when comparing 4k vs 144hz? You may want to look at editing photos, typing, and just browsing social media. These are the things we do on a regular basis.

With a 4k computer, you are going to see more color, better detail, and just have a better picture to look at. For most apps, this is a better thing. However, on word processing apps and social media, it can seem a bit jarring at first. Eventually, you will get used to it.

When you switch from a 4k monitor to a 144hz monitor, you are losing some pixels, which will impact your work if you edit photos or videos. You won’t be able to see some of the details that you may need to make seamless transitions, blend, or alter photos.

If you consume content, such as watching Good Mythical Morning on YouTube, you might not get the full experience unless you have 4k. Most creators use high-quality cameras that show up best in 4k.

For most other uses, it really won’t matter whether you choose a 4k monitor or a 144hz monitor. You will notice a difference, but it isn’t going to make or break what you do.

Final Verdict For Our 4k vs. 144hz Comparison

The main difference between 4k and 144hz is, 4k is the best for productivity, but a 144hz monitor is a great option for gaming due to its overclocking rate. At the end of the day, there are some benefits to both a 4k monitor and a 144hz monitor. It will come down to your own personal preferences, budget, and tastes.

If you have more than one computer and you only use one for gaming, the answer is fairly straightforward. However, 4k is great for those who spend a lot of time streaming, watching YouTube, and looking at images.

Another thing to keep in the back of your mind is that 4k monitors still have improvements and changes in the pipeline.

Companies are putting a lot more work into 4k monitors so that they aren’t limited to 60hz and that they can do even more and be better. Once again, it is a personal decision about whether or not you want to jump onto the bandwagon now or wait until they get even better.

One final thing to think about is this: in order for your gaming to be top tier with the 4k monitor, you will have to modify your system. If you build your own computer, this won’t be an issue. If you do not, you will be looking at gear that will cost a lot of money.

You’ll need extra graphic cards, cooling, and more just to get the full use out of it. For full-time or serious gamers, it may be worth it. For part-time or casual gamers, it may not be.

Neil John – May 15, 2020