Is this the best smart monitor for home entertainment? My verdict after a week of testing

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I’ve made it no secret that my favorite display I’ve ever owned is the HP Omen 27K, a 27-inch 4K monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate. I bought the display years ago while it was on sale, and I’ve been using it every day since. So, when I had the chance to try out the new HP Omen 32X, I jumped at the opportunity because it shares much of what made the 27K great, but with one major difference: it is the company’s first smart monitor.

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Smart monitors come equipped with built-in streaming platforms — in this case, Google TV — so you can work during the day and relax at night watching your favorite shows without switching devices. What truly sets the Omen 32X apart is that it combines the convenience of a smart TV with gaming-centric features.

It’s a versatile, jack-of-all-trades display that smartly balances work, play, and entertainment. I recommend it to anyone wanting a single screen to do a bit of everything.

Optimized for you

There’s a lot to unpack with the HP Omen 32X. The monitor offers a surprising number of features, so I’ll only focus on key aspects, starting with the specs. At its core, this is a 32-inch IPS 4K display. While that resolution may impress you, what really stood out to me most was the screen’s sheer size. The 32-inch panel provides ample workspace, allowing users to comfortably fit multiple split-screen windows side by side without feeling cramped, something that’s very difficult to achieve on a 27-inch screen.

Thanks to its ultra-high resolution, HP’s device delivers sharp images and vibrant colors. In-game textures and shadows render with lifelike quality, letting you catch the smallest details. IPS panels don’t output the same level of contrast as an OLED monitor. That said, the Omen 32X still manages to impress. Brightness levels are rated at 400 nits, but I’ve sat in front of the device for hours, and it feels much brighter. This capability is probably due to support for Dolby Vision, a type of visual tech that further enhances a monitor’s output.

Another strength is customization. HP’s Omen 32X has a robust settings menu that allows you to fine-tune saturation, hue, and color temperature, to name a few features. Navigation is easy thanks to the included remote, which makes adjusting certain settings much more convenient than using the buttons behind the screen.

HP has also added nine distinct picture modes, each optimized for different uses. As two examples, PC Mode offers a balanced mix of brightness, contrast, and image quality, and Game Mode enhances brightness, contrast, and response to deliver a smoother gaming experience.

Double duty

The Omen 32X performs admirably as a gaming monitor. The device runs at a speed and responsiveness that competitive players will appreciate. Thanks to the 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, on-screen motion is fluid, minimizing blurs and input for a velvety smooth experience. Every button press is registered instantly, creating a lightning-fast feel that’s perfect for certain titles. During testing, I played Monster Hunters Wilds and the recently released Hades 2. Both ran beautifully. Animations were crisp, attacks were easy to track, and gameplay felt seamless even during chaotic moments.

I should also mention that the Omen 32X supports both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium. For those who don’t know, those are adaptive sync technologies that match a display’s refresh rate to your graphics card. This capability ensures tear-free visuals, no matter what you play.

Also: I replaced my dual-monitor setup with this ultrawide OLED – and I don’t think I’ll switch back

Outside of gaming, the monitor doubles as a smart TV. Support for Google TV grants access to popular streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, and to free live channels. The intuitive user interface makes browsing simple to understand, letting people switch from gaming to binge-watching Breaking Bad without a hitch.

Vital features

There are a handful of important features worth mentioning — some that I liked and others… not so much. Inside, the HP Omen 32X has a set of built-in speakers that get plenty loud. Raising the volume to 35% is all you really need to enjoy room-filling audio. However, they lack depth and bass. The overall audio experience was just average at best.

Around the back, you’ll find a solid selection of ports, including two HDMI inputs, a DisplayPort 1.4, and an RJ-45 Ethernet connection. The real highlight for me is the USB-C port, which outputs 65W of power, so you can recharge your devices directly from the monitor. That feature is great to have in a pinch, but 65W isn’t very fast. I plugged in my OnePlus Nord N20 at 29% for 30 minutes, and its power only rose to 34%.

The same USB-C port also supports Multi-View, a feature that allows Android phones to cast their screen directly to the monitor. Normally, I would’ve tested this feature to tell you my thoughts, but I couldn’t. According to the official user manual, Multi-View only works with certain devices, and my phone was not one of them.

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I contacted HP and asked if they could provide a list of Android phones compatible with Multi-View. At the time of publication, I have yet to hear from HP. However, as soon as they respond with the pertinent information, I’ll update this story.

ZDNET’s buying advice

Normally, the HP Omen 32X retails for $840, but at the time of writing, it’s on sale for $740. I’d recommend this monitor to anyone looking for a versatile multimedia display. The device performs well as a 4K gaming monitor and a capable smart TV, although the built-in speakers leave something to be desired. 

For a more premium option, check out the Alienware 34 Curved Monitor. This device won ZDNET’s Editors’ Choice award.