TestMyGears

HDR test

Run a free HDR test online in your browser — live OS detection, HDR test image patterns (black steps and P3 swatches), and links to HDR test video when you need real peak brightness. Browsers stay SDR-limited; use this HDR test website for signaling and contrast first, then 4K HDR test footage for hardware verification.

HDR Not Detected

Enable HDR in system settings

HDR Detection SDR
Gamut — Resolution — Scale —

Test Mode

HDR Tiers

DisplayHDR 400 Entry
DisplayHDR 600 Usable
DisplayHDR 1000 Excellent
DisplayHDR 1400+ Flagship

HDR Formats

HDR10 Static metadata
Universal
HDR10+ Dynamic metadata
Advanced
Dolby Vision Dynamic · 12-bit
Best
HLG Broadcast compatible
TV

Assessment Guide

True HDR

OS HDR on · #010101 distinct from black · P3 red wider than sRGB

Fake HDR

Stays SDR · P3 matches sRGB · crush grey looks black

Free HDR test online — images, patterns & video guide

TestMyGears is a free HDR test website for the full search journey: HDR test image checks in-browser, HDR test pattern steps for contrast, and HDR test video pointers when you need 4K HDR test peaks. Detect OS HDR signaling via matchMedia, run SDR-safe reference fills, and know when to switch to downloaded HDR test footage instead of expecting 1000 nits from a webpage.

HDR capability detection

Live browser HDR test via matchMedia — reports dynamic range, gamut, resolution, and scale while your OS HDR mode is on. Detection depends on system settings: even HDR-capable panels read SDR until Windows Use HDR or macOS HDR is enabled.

Brightness & dynamic range patterns

HDR brightness test patterns from near-black through reference white — compare shadow detail and highlight headroom in one frame. True HDR monitor test video can exceed ~100 browser nits; these SDR patterns still reveal crushed blacks and grey wash on fake-HDR panels.

Wide gamut verification

HDR color test with sRGB vs Display P3 red swatches — a practical HDR screen test when you cannot run full HDR test footage locally. Browsers may clip P3; identical swatches often mean an sRGB pipeline, not proof your OLED or wide-gamut monitor lacks P3 hardware.

What is HDR?

High dynamic range expands brightness, contrast, and color beyond standard SDR — the foundation behind every HDR monitor test, HDR display test, and 4K HDR test video search.

HDR core concept

HDR (High Dynamic Range) combines high peak brightness, deep blacks, and wide color gamut. In one frame the sun can approach 1000 nits while shadows stay near 0.01 nit — roughly 10–100× the usable range of SDR's 0.1–100 nit window. That is why HDR content test and HDR video test clips look dramatically different from SDR on capable hardware.

HDR formats

HDR10: open standard, static metadata, 10-bit PQ. HDR10+: dynamic per-scene metadata. Dolby Vision: dynamic metadata plus 12-bit internal processing and hardware licensing. HLG: broadcast HDR, backward-compatible with SDR chains. Most streaming HDR test YouTube uploads and 4K HDR test video downloads ship HDR10 or Dolby Vision.

"Fake HDR" problem

Many budget displays accept HDR10 signals but peak under 400 nits with ~1000:1 contrast — label HDR without rendering it. VESA DisplayHDR 400 is the entry tier; meaningful HDR monitor test results usually start at DisplayHDR 600+. This online HDR test cannot certify nits — it flags OS signaling and relative contrast instead.

How to evaluate HDR performance

A complete monitor HDR test combines system settings, peak-brightness judgment, and contrast verification — then confirms with HDR test video or calibration apps when the browser path is not enough.

  1. Check system settings

    Confirm HDR is enabled in the OS: Windows → Settings → System → Display → Use HDR. macOS → System Settings → Displays on supported Macs and Pro Display XDR. A browser HDR test cannot detect high dynamic range until the OS exposes it — reload or watch the live badge after toggling. See also: HDR terminology .

    Tip Use the correct HDMI 2.0/2.1 or DisplayPort cable; cheap adapters often drop HDR metadata

  2. Assess peak brightness

    True HDR experience targets 600+ nit peaks; 400 nit is a practical minimum. In Dynamic Range mode, reference white should feel clearly brighter than mid-grey on capable hardware — but remember browser HDR test pages cap near SDR brightness. For eye-searing peaks use a 4K HDR test video, LTT HDR test video, or Windows HDR Calibration. See also: video vs browser tests .

    Tip Compare the same clip with OS HDR off vs on — the gap should be obvious on real HDR hardware

  3. Verify contrast

    HDR blacks should stay deep in a dark room. If black steps look greyish — common on IPS without local dimming — HDR effectiveness is limited regardless of peak nits. OLED HDR test and Mini LED HDR test panels win here; pair with our black screen and blooming tests for halos. See also: blooming test .

    Tip Document washed blacks before buying — no amount of HDR test patterns fixes low native contrast

HDR terminology

PQ (Perceptual Quantizer)

The EOTF used by HDR10, mapping roughly 0.0001–10,000 nit brightness. More precise than gamma for HDR — allocates encoding where human vision is most sensitive. SMPTE ST 2084; basis for most HDR test footage and streaming masters.

Tone mapping

When HDR content exceeds panel peak brightness, highlights compress into the displayable range. Good tone mapping keeps detail in sun and speculars; poor mapping blows highlights or washes SDR desktop content — a common complaint after enabling Windows HDR.

VESA DisplayHDR

Tiered monitor HDR certification: DisplayHDR 400/500/600/1000/1400 and True Black for OLED. Numbers reflect certified peak nits; True Black requires sub-0.0005 nit blacks. Useful when comparing HDR monitor test claims beyond marketing HDR badges.

10-bit color depth

HDR targets at least 10-bit (1024 levels per channel) vs SDR 8-bit (256). Reduces banding across wide brightness swings. Some panels use 8-bit+FRC — close for HDR image test work but native 10-bit is preferable for grading and HDR color test passes.

HDR performance by panel type

Panel technology sets the ceiling for every HDR screen test, HDR OLED test, and display HDR test — regardless of HDR10 labels on the box.

IPS (no local dimming)

  • Peak brightness: often 300–400 nit — barely qualifying.
  • Contrast: ~1000:1 — blacks look grey in dark scenes.
  • HDR effect: minimal vs SDR — frequently 'fake HDR.'
  • Not recommended if HDR content test is your primary use.

VA panel

  • Peak brightness: 400–600 nit on many models.
  • Contrast: 3000–5000:1 — deeper blacks than IPS.
  • High contrast can make HDR usable even at moderate peaks.
  • Quantum-dot VA with local dimming performs better still.

Mini LED backlight

  • Peak brightness: 1000–2000 nit on premium sets.
  • Local dimming: 512–2000+ zones depending on tier.
  • Strong HDR monitor test scores — brightness plus contrast.
  • Watch for haloing at bright/dark boundaries (blooming).

OLED / QD-OLED

  • Peak brightness: 800–2000 nit (often localized highlights).
  • Contrast: effectively infinite — perfect blacks.
  • Best OLED HDR test results — no halo, no backlight bleed.
  • ABL may limit sustained fullscreen white on some models.

HDR test video vs browser HDR test

Searchers often want HDR test video download, YouTube HDR test, or 4K HDR test video — here is how those fit alongside this HDR test website.

YouTube & 4K HDR test video

YouTube HDR test uploads and 4K HDR test video streams drive real peak brightness when OS HDR is on — unlike any HDR test online page. Search 'HDR test patterns' or '4K HDR test' on YouTube for reference clips; use them after this browser check confirms signaling.

HDR test video download

Offline HDR test footage and 4K HDR test video download files (manufacturer demos, calibration samples) help compare TVs without streaming compression. Download only from trusted sources; verify HDR10/Dolby Vision tags before judging color.

HDR test image

An HDR test image is usually a static reference frame — PLUGE bars, color patches, or near-black steps — used to judge contrast without motion. Our Dynamic Range and Wide Gamut modes act as live HDR test images in the browser: solid fills you can fullscreen, not downloadable files, but instant for a quick HDR test image pass before calibration.

HDR test pattern

HDR test pattern searches often mean gradient ramps, checkerboards, or black-level steps. This site ships SDR-safe HDR test pattern equivalents (grey steps, white reference, P3 vs sRGB swatches) — not tone-mapped HDR10 gradients. For broadcast-style HDR test patterns with metadata, use calibration apps or 4K HDR test video instead.

Browser HDR test limits

No HDR test website — including this one — outputs true 1000 nit HDR gradients in Chrome or Edge. matchMedia detects OS HDR mode; relative patterns expose contrast and gamut clipping. Treat browser results as step one, not a replacement for HDR video test or a colorimeter.

Quick setup for monitor & OLED HDR tests

Dim the room

HDR brightness test and black-level judgment need low ambient light. A lamp behind the panel hides grey blacks that fail an OLED HDR test or VA contrast check.

Match your real use case

Enable the same picture mode you use for games or streaming before any HDR display test. Vivid or retailer demo modes inflate peaks and skew HDR monitor test impressions.

Test the actual input

Run the HDR screen test on the port and cable you daily-drive — HDMI 2.1, DP, or USB-C. Docking stations often strip HDR metadata even when the panel supports it.

When to use calibration apps

Windows HDR Calibration, HCFR, or DisplayCAL close the gap after this HDR test online pass. They address what HDR test video alone cannot — white point, EOTF tracking, and sustained luminance.

HDR test FAQs

Why can't a browser HDR test show true peak brightness?

Websites composite in SDR (~100 nits). matchMedia detects when Windows or macOS sends an HDR signal, but no HDR test online page drives 600–1000 nit peaks. Use Dynamic Range mode for relative contrast, then a 4K HDR test video, YouTube HDR test clip, or Windows HDR Calibration for hardware verification.

My display says HDR — why does it look bad?

Likely label HDR (accepts HDR10) without hardware that qualifies. Panels under ~500 nit peak and ~1000:1 contrast cannot render true HDR. Check VESA DisplayHDR tier; meaningful HDR monitor test results usually start at 600+ certified nits with adequate dimming or OLED blacks.

What is an HDR test image — and can I use one online?

An HDR test image is a still reference (black steps, color patches, PLUGE) for checking contrast and gamut. HDR test images also appear as PNG/JPEG downloads from calibration sites. This page runs live HDR test image fills in Dynamic Range and Wide Gamut modes — no download, but browsers cap brightness near SDR. Pair with HDR test images from calibration packs when you need file-based workflows.

Where can I find HDR test video or YouTube HDR test clips?

Search YouTube for '4K HDR test', 'HDR test pattern', or 'HDR test 1000 nits'. Channels like LTT publish HDR test video references; manufacturers host UFO-style demos. Enable OS HDR first, then compare the same 4K HDR test video with HDR off to see if peaks and contrast actually change.

Is this HDR test website better than downloading HDR test footage?

They solve different problems. This free HDR test online tool checks OS signaling, gamut reporting, and SDR-safe patterns instantly — no download. HDR test video download and 4K HDR test video files are better for peak brightness, tone mapping, and motion — but require a local HDR-capable player and correct OS settings.

How do I run an OLED HDR test?

Enable HDR in OS settings, run this browser HDR test for detection and black-step patterns, then play HDR test content on the same input. OLED should show perfect blacks on near-black steps; ABL may dim sustained fullscreen white — normal on many OLED HDR test panels.

Desktop looks grey after enabling HDR — is the monitor broken?

Common Windows SDR-in-HDR tone-mapping issue. SDR apps are mapped into HDR headroom with varying quality. Adjust the HDR brightness balance slider in Windows 11; 22H2+ improved desktop behavior. If SDR still looks washed out, toggle HDR off for desktop work and on only for HDR video test sessions.

HDR10 or Dolby Vision — which should I choose?

Dolby Vision offers dynamic metadata and 12-bit processing where hardware supports it. HDR10 is the universal fallback — most HDR test YouTube streams and game titles use it. Pick based on what your display and source device decode; both beat SDR for HDR content test when the panel qualifies.

Does 8-bit+FRC count as real HDR?

It can receive and display HDR10 but may band or dither in fast HDR highlights. Native 10-bit is cleaner for HDR color test and grading. For most viewers brightness and contrast matter more than bit depth — but enthusiasts running HDR image test workflows prefer true 10-bit panels.

Should I turn off HDR for SDR content?

Depends on tone mapping. Windows 11 plus a good display often keeps HDR on full-time; budget panels may look dim or grey in SDR apps. If desktop SDR bothers you, disable HDR except when running HDR video test, gaming, or streaming — or calibrate with Windows HDR Calibration.

How do I set up HDR gaming?

Enable HDR in Windows, turn on in-game HDR mode, then set paper white (~200–250 nit for readable UI) and peak brightness to your panel's capability when prompted. Verify with this browser HDR test first, then an in-game HDR test pattern or HDR test video before tuning competitive settings.

Continue your display check

Pair this HDR test with contrast, gamut, and motion tools on TestMyGears.