Buying a monitor can be a real pain in the gut considering the factors to keep in mind when purchasing one. Size, resolution, panel type, refresh rate, G-sync, FreeSync, port types, response time, HDR, color accuracy, log time- pheww! If you are trying to buy the perfect monitor, then you know what I’m talking about.
However, a much easier approach is to proceed with keeping a resolution in your mind. This resolution can be 2K (1440p) or 4K (2160p).
Confused? Yes, it is a bit confusing as the resolutions are written differently from a TV. Moreover, to reap the full experience of your preferred resolution, some other factors should be considered.
So 2K vs 4K, which monitor should you select? Let’s have the answer in detail.
A Bit of Background
Back in 2014, 4K was only finding its way in the TV industry. With time, 4K monitors have become a thing for gamers and working people alike, especially young entrepreneurs. Among the two types of 4K (cinematic 4K and 4K UHD), the monitors are available in UHD (3840 X 2160). The aspect ratio of the monitors is 16:9.
On the other hand, 2K monitors have a resolution of 2560 X 1440. These are also termed as Quad High Definition (QHD) or Wide Quad High Definition (WQHD; highlighting the wide aspect ratio 16:9).
The most common screen size for 4K UHD monitors is 32 inches. The 2K monitors can range from anywhere between 27 – 32 inches. But the optimum size for 2K monitors is 27 inches.
The Difference Between 4K vs 2K Monitors
The features of 2K vs 4K monitors are tabularized below:
| Features | 2K Monitors | 4K Monitors |
| Resolution | 2560 X 1440 (commonly written 1440p). | 3840 X 2160 (commonly written 2160p). |
| Menu Bar Size | Standard | 20% smaller than normal (approx.). |
| Visuals While Browsing | Opening a 1920 X 1080 browser will still keep 25% screen space. | Opening a 1920 X 1080 browser will still keep about 75% space. |
| Content Fit | The size of the letters is standard. This ensures readability. Better accessibility rather than more content fitting. | The size of the letters is small, which is not user-friendly. However, due to the small size, more content can fit one screen. E.g.: more tabs can be kept open and worked with. |
| Product Options | Many options are available in the market. For example, ASUS, BenQ, AOC, Dell, etc. | Options are lesser than the 2K but increasing day by day. For example, BenQ, ASUS, Philips, etc. |
| Ease of Compatibility | 2K monitors are compatible with most commercially available graphic cards. | The majority of graphic cards available in the market fail to be compatible with the monitor. |
| List of Content | Supports limited content. E.g., YouTube is not supported by 1440p monitors. | Supports unlimited content like Netflix, YouTube, etc. |
| Gaming Experience | Less satisfactory visuals than 4K. Usually, if the screen size is larger, say 32 inches, but the resolution is 2K, it usually fades out the picture. However, refresh rate, graphics card compatibility, the smooth gaming experience is ensured. | Best visuals for gaming as picture quality are outstanding. However, the refresh rate is not satisfactory. |
| Expense | Budget-friendly. | Can be quite expensive. |
2k Vs 4k Monitor: Which One Should You Buy?
Whether you buy a 2K monitor or a 4K monitor depends on a few things. It might be the budget you have or what type of activity you will majorly do on your computer.
The most important aspect here might be your finances. If your budget is on the lower end, you should be fine with a 27 inch 2K monitor.
However, if you are willing to go a bit more down the way, then you should consider a 4K monitor, which should be perfect for work, gaming, and movie-watching, right?
Well, here’s the catch: 2K is actually better, all things considered!
Why? Let’s break it down:
Also Read: The Difference Between 1440p vs 4k Gaming
For Gaming:
If you are looking for the best gaming experience, a 4K monitor might rarely satisfy you, especially if you are under a tight budget. It is because a smooth gaming experience (reaching 60 fps) is expensive in the case of 4K monitors. This is due to advanced graphic card requirements.
A graphic card maintaining constant 60 fps has not been launched yet.
This is comparatively easier and cheaper in 2K or full HD monitors. However, the visuals of 4K monitors will be far better than the 2K ones.
For Work:
Although 4K monitors fit more content, the readability of 2K monitors is better. Because 4K monitors have smaller lettering and menu size, additionally, each tab you open takes about 25% of the space on the screen.
This is, to say the least, quite irritating, especially when you are investing so much in something. However, if you require working on multiple tabs at once, go ahead and get a 4K monitor.
Conclusion
So, 2K vs 4K Monitor, which one is for you?
If you are not on a tight budget and require the best visuals than anything else (avid movie-watcher, aren’t you?), then go ahead and get that 32 inch 4K screen.
But if you prefer brains more than beauty, and prefer work over visuals, then please go for a 2K monitor. You guys are made for each other!
