If you're looking for the best 8K monitor around and want to get ahead of the game, we're here to help you with your search.
8K monitors are few and far between at the moment and making the selection of HDMI 2.1 monitors and OLED monitors seem abundant in comparison.
While gaming in 8K has been a lofty ideal that is tipped to head our way for next-gen consoles in the future, monitors with higher than a 4K resolution are often used for intense design work, more so than gaming... at least right now that is.
However, we're hopeful that there will be more 8K monitors tailored to gaming, and we'll be updating this article with all the latest monitors so you can be first in line when they do.
As for now, here's a look at what's out there, and what monitors we know are coming our way so far...
Best 8K monitor
Best 8K monitor - Dell UltraSharp UP3218K
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+ 3For those wanting to take advantage of 8K practically immediately, we think that the Dell UltraSharp UP3218K is a brilliant choice.
It outputs at true 8K, with a resolution of 7680 x 4320 and offers up a rather glossy panel with some decent brightness and colour fidelity with 100% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709, and 98% DCI-P3 coverage - again, a more design focussed monitor.
This monitor was actually released some time ago and does not have an HDMI 2.1 connection, meaning that for next-gen gamers, you may be better off with any one of the best HDMI 2.1 monitors available today.
Read More: Best 8K TVs
If you do plan on using it for gaming via its display port, the Dell UltraSharp UP3218K could be okay for casual players, but this isn't necessarily a gaming monitor.
It is impressive nonetheless, and if you're after one of the best monitors for video editing or design work, then it could be worth the investment.
Best professional 8K monitor - Sharp 8M-B32C1
click to enlarge + 3If you're interested in a standout 8K monitor for professional use, the Sharp 8M-B32C1 may be worth checking out.
This monitor was originally released exclusively in Japan but is now available in Europe for order directly through Sharp's website.
Reportedly, Sharp produces around 150 units per month and so you'll have to enquire to get a quote rather than there being a set price available.
Read More: Are gaming monitors good for work?
When it comes to the display, you're getting a 31.5-inch screen with a native 7680 x 4320 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate which should look incredibly crisp.
You're also getting up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness HDR technology which should help to provide incredible contrast and display vibrant images.
For those looking to carry out professional video editing or design work, the Sharp 8M-B32C1 could be the way to go.
Upcoming 8K monitor releases
The next year or so is also likely to see some more 8K monitors hit the shelves, so as and when we see more announced, we'll be sure to list them below. As of right now, there's only one that's official, though.
ViewSonic ColorPro VP3286-8K
click to enlarge + 3In terms of some upcoming monitors, the ViewSonic ColorPro VP3286-8K looks to be of the only fully announced 8K offerings.
Details on it are pretty thin on the ground since its announcement back in January 2021, but what we do know is that it will be a 32-inch monitor, like Dell's and offer up a native 8K resolution at 7680x4320.
Alongside this, Viewsonic says the ColorPro VP3286-8K will feature "colour accurate picture quality" on industry standards like sRGB, and Rec709 and offer 99% Adobe RGB accuracy for the widest possible colour gamut.
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In terms of connectivity, they also say this monitor will feature plenty of ports including Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort and a USB hub. In addition, its design is rather eye-catching with thin bezels and what looks to be a minimalistic shape.
On the base, you'll also notice what looks like a dial, which is pretty intriguing. We're not too sure about the function of this currently, but it's sure to belong to something useful.
There's no word yet as to whether this will be HDMI 2.1, but if you don't mind 4K at 120hz, you could opt for the ViewSonic Elite HDMI 2.1 monitor that was recently released instead.
Frequently asked questions about 8K monitors
With 8K being a relatively new resolution, you probably have a ton of questions about the monitors. Don't worry though, we've answered some of the most common queries right here.
Do I need an 8K monitor right now?
Honestly, not really, unless you're an avid designer. For gamers especially it's similar to looking at the best 8K TVs available, many of which are as expensive as they are impressive.
However, if you can wait it out, Dell's current monitor monopoly will fade and there's likely to be more 8K monitors on the market within the next couple of years, like the ViewSonic ColorPro VP3286-8K.
Will we see more 8K monitors in 2022?
According to a recent TechRadar article, 2022 is likely to be the year of 8K monitors with a slew of manufacturers set to join Dell in the space.
BenQ, who we know have an HDMI 2.1 monitor on the way, has slated theirs for a release in Q2 2022 at the earliest, whilst other manufacturers like Sharp, Hannspree, and the aforementioned Viewsonic, have also said that 2023 will see them offer some 8K panels.
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Keep your eyes peeled as when those monitors are announced, we'll be right here with an updated list for you.
Is 8K output supported on PS5 and Xbox Series X?
For gamers, an 8K resolution is arguably the pinnacle of visual fidelity as both Xbox Series X and PS5 support 8K, but there is a catch as it isn't currently enabled on either console.
This is because there's currently little to no content that offers the resolution natively. When it comes to games, for instance, only The Touryst on PS5 renders its output at 8K, but downscales it to 4K to work with the PS5.
Read More: Does a high Refresh Rate matter?
For 8K output to be enabled on both consoles, it is reliant upon there being a slew of new content including films and more integrally, more games that can support the resolution.
Even then, the games expected to work with 8K aren't currently predicted to be fast-paced AAA titles that work well on the best HDMI 2.1 monitors in 4K at 120Hz. The games slated for native 8K support are less graphically intense titles at this current moment.
Are 8K Monitors good for gaming?
While there is a lot to get excited about with the future potential for 8K gaming, as it currently stands, you're likely better off with one of the best HDMI 2.1 monitors.
Much like the best 8K TVs, 8K monitors are currently very expensive and don't offer as high refresh rates as other displays can.
Plus, with 8K not yet enabled on next-gen consoles, we think you're much better off with an HDMI 2.1 display.
8K monitors have the potential to be excellent for gaming in the future, but right now, they are better used for things such as high-end design work.
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