What HDR actually means
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a set of standards that allow displays to show a wider range of brightness and color. SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) content is designed for screens capable of about 100 nits. HDR content is designed for screens that can go much brighter while also displaying very deep blacks.
The result is more lifelike images with brighter highlights, darker shadows, and more visible detail in both.
VESA DisplayHDR tiers
DisplayHDR 400: The minimum tier. Requires 400 nits peak brightness. Provides a marginal HDR experience at best. Most budget monitors with HDR branding fall here.
DisplayHDR 600: Requires 600 nits peak and basic local dimming. A noticeable improvement over SDR, especially for highlights like sun reflections and explosions.
DisplayHDR 1000: Requires 1000 nits peak with advanced local dimming. This is where HDR starts to look genuinely impressive. Bright highlights pop against dark backgrounds.
DisplayHDR True Black 400/500: Specific to OLED displays. Requires true black (0.0005 nits or less). Even at lower peak brightness, OLED HDR can look stunning because the contrast ratio is effectively infinite.
Does HDR 400 count as real HDR?
Technically yes, practically not really. HDR400 monitors can accept HDR signals, but the limited brightness means highlights do not stand out the way they should. Many HDR400 monitors also lack local dimming, so the entire backlight adjusts uniformly, washing out dark areas when bright elements are on screen.
How to check your monitor
Look at your monitor specs for the VESA DisplayHDR certification level. If it is not VESA certified, the "HDR" branding may be meaningless. Use our Color Accuracy and Contrast tests to evaluate what your display can actually do.