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7 Best Monitor for Color Grading in 2023 Reviews | To Improve Your Designs, Photos or Videos

7 Top Picks

4 Reviewers

40 Hours of Research

20 Options Considered

Unlike color correction, which makes an image appear more realistic, color grading conveys a visual tone by creating a coherent sensibility or mood. To ensure the best color grading experience, you need a reliable monitor with high color accuracy. Besides, it should have consistent colors. In addition, it should deliver sharp images with better contrast.

When choosing the best monitor for color grading, you need to consider several features. Therefore, the process can be challenging. That's why I have written this review. It covers all the essentials you must consider when selecting your ideal monitor for color grading. Besides, I have listed the best options available. Read through.

3 Top Monitors for Color Grading

1. [Best Overall]

 LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor

4.9/5

This is a professional color grading monitor with an IPS panel with accurate color reproduction for an excellent color grading experience.

  • Ample space
  • Accurate colors
  • HDR 10 compatible

This is a high-end monitor with features best suited for color grading. This monitor has an appealing frameless design with more viewable space for color grading. It also has 100% sRGB and 100% Rec.

  • Less eye fatigue
  • Rich port connectivity
  • It has adjustable color parameters

4.7/5

It has an IPS panel with accurate colors and wide viewing angles, excellent for color grading. Its adjustable stand allowed me to work on my footage efficiently without fatigue.

  • Energy efficient

  • High screen resolution
  • Low blue mode offers eye protection

Best Monitor for Color Grading - What Is Color Grading?

Color grading is when a colorist creates a visual tone using color and contrast in post-production, making the images pop with coherent sensibility. The artist/colorist, through color grading, brings out different emotional moods and physical sensations.

Color grading is primarily used to fix mismatched exposure or lighting issues. It defines the final polish of footage, whether intended for screen airing, social media posts, or streaming platforms.

Best Monitor for Color Grading Reviews

4.9/5

LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor is the best color grading monitor. It is a professional color grading monitor with an IPS panel with accurate color reproduction for an excellent color grading experience. Besides, thanks to the 34 inches ultra wide screen, this LG monitor has ample space, letting me view fine details more efficiently for accurate color grading exercises. Another feature I loved about this ultra wide monitor is its compatibility with HDR 10.

LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor Features

LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor features are as follows.

  • The monitor has a 34 inches screen with ample space, allowing me to view fine details efficiently for efficient grading exercises.
  • The monitor has a 3440 x 1440 screen resolution with crisp images for better color grading.
  • The IPS display has accurate color reproduction, ensuring I render images more accurately.
  • The monitor's curved panel provides a more immersive experience when color-grading my footage.
  • Thanks to the 99% sRGB color gamut coverage, the monitor has deep and detailed images.
  • It features an ergonomic design with tilt and height adjustment for a more comfortable color grading experience.
  • The monitor supports USB Type-C connectivity, letting me charge my accessories and transfer data quickly.
  • It is compatible with HDR 10, ensuring deep colors and more detailed images.
  • The monitor has a minimum brightness of 240cd and a peak brightness of 300cd, letting me view bright images more efficiently.
  • It has a 60-hertz refresh rate, ensuring smooth motions with minimal input lag.

Specifications

Screen size

34 inches

Resolution 

3440 x 1440

Panel type 

IPS

Refresh rate

60 hertz

Aspect ratio

21:9

Dimensions 

32.7 x 9.9 x 16.9 inches

Weight 

17.64 lbs


Pros

  • Ample space
  • Accurate colors
  • Wide color gamut coverage
  • HDR 10 compatible
  • Supports on-screen control

Cons

  • This monitor has a dim display but works perfectly in medium to low-light surroundings.

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27" WQHD (2560 x 1440) Monitor is a high-end monitor with features best suited for color grading. This ASUS monitor has an appealing frameless design with more viewable space for color grading. It also has 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 wide color gamut with more colors for an excellent color grading experience. Find more features below.

ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD (2560 x 1440) Monitor Features

ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27" WQHD (2560 x 1440) Monitor features are as follows.

  • The monitor has a 27 inches screen with a reduced field of view, reducing eye strain to my eyes.
  • It has a 2560 x 1440 screen resolution with sharp and vivid images for better color grading performance.
  • The IPS panel ensures accurate color reproduction and a wide viewing angle, ideal for color grading.
  • The monitor has the international color standard with 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 color gamut coverage with more colors for color grading my footage efficiently.
  • I enjoyed several adjustable color parameters thanks to the ProArt Palette and ASUS-exclusive ProArt Preset.
  • The monitor has rich port connectivity with HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort, dual-link DVI-D, and USB ports, letting me connect external devices to the monitor.
  • It features an ergonomic design with swivel, tilt, pivot, and height adjustment to enhance my comfort while color grading my footage.
  • The monitor supports a blue light filter and flicker-free technology that reduces eye fatigue to protect my eyes.

Specifications

Screen size

27 inches

Resolution 

2560 x 1440

Panel type 

IPS

Refresh rate

75 hertz

Aspect ratio

16:9

Dimensions 

15.04 x 24.21 x 8.9 inches

Weight 

17.00 lbs


Pros

  • Less eye fatigue
  • 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 color gamut coverage
  • Rich port connectivity
  • It has adjustable color parameters

Cons

  • The monitor has minor backlight bleeding, which is quite OK.

4.7/5

The Philips Brilliance 272P7VUBNB 27" Monitor is a high-end UHD monitor with vivid colors and a vibrant display. It ranks as one of the best monitors featuring about 1 billion colors for efficient color grading. The USB-C monitor also has an IPS panel with accurate colors and wide viewing angles, excellent for color grading. Its adjustable stand allowed me to work on my footage efficiently without fatigue and eye strain.

Philips Brilliance 272P7VUBNB 27" Monitor Features

Philips Brilliance 272P7VUBNB 27" Monitor features are as follows.

  • The monitor has a 27 inches screen with more space for viewing fine details more accurately. The screen also has a reduced field of view that eliminates eye strain to my eyes.
  • It has a 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 display resolution with super-crisp images for a better color grading experience.
  • The monitor has an IPS panel, guaranteeing accurate colors for color-grading exercises.
  • The monitor has wide color gamuts with 122% sRGB and 103% NTSC for deep and more detailed images.
  • It supports a USB-C port, allowing me to charge accessories and share files quickly between devices.
  • The monitor has an ergonomic design with rotation, swivel, tilt, and height adjustment for a more comfortable working posture.
  • This monitor has rich port connectivity with DisplayPort 1. 2, USB-C 3. 2, and HDMI 2. 0 for flexible device connectivity.
  • I also feature the low blue mode and flicker-free technology that reduces eye fatigue to protect my eyes.
  • I was impressed by the monitor's built-in power sensor that automatically reduces the brightness when not in use, saving energy.

Specifications

Screen size

27 inches

Resolution 

3840 x 2160

Panel type 

IPS

Refresh rate

60 hertz

Aspect ratio

16:9

Dimensions 

24.17 x 21.57 x 10.12 inches

Weight 

17.00 lbs


Pros

  • Energy efficient
  • 122% sRGB and 103% NTSC color gamut coverage
  • High screen resolution
  • Low blue mode offers eye protection

Cons

  • The stand base of this monitor takes up more space on my desk. However, I can solve this problem by mounting the monitor onto the wall.

The LG UltraFine UHD 27-Inch Computer Monitor 27UN850-W is a performance-oriented monitor offering the best performance for color grading. This FreeSync monitor has a 27 inches screen with more space, letting me view fine details more efficiently. The HDR monitor also has wide sRGB color gamut coverage, delivering deep colors and more detailed images. Find more features below.

LG UltraFine UHD 27-Inch Computer Monitor 27UN850-W Features

LG UltraFine UHD 27-Inch Computer Monitor 27UN850-W features are as follows.

  • The monitor supports VESA DisplayHDR 400 HDR with detailed images for better color grading.
  • It has up to 400 nits of brightness for better character and texture elevation.
  • It has 99% sRGB spectrum coverage, ensuring vivid colors and vibrant images.
  • The monitor supports AMD FreeSync, eliminating screen tearing, flicker, and stuttering for smooth motion.
  • It features real-time strategy (RTS) and first-person-shooter (FPS) modes for an optimized gaming experience.
  • The monitor features On-screen control, allowing me to make a few screen adjustments with a few mouse clicks.
  • This monitor has an IPS panel with accurate colors for a better grading experience. The panel also ensures wide viewing angles for better viewing from wide angles.
  • The monitor has a 3840 x 2160 screen resolution with quality images for an enhanced color grading experience.
  • The ergonomic stand ensures a comfortable working posture as it supports tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment.

Specifications

Screen size

27 inches

Resolution 

3840 x 2160

Panel type 

IPS

Refresh rate

60 hertz

Aspect ratio

16:9

Dimensions 

8.2 x 27.2 x 19.4 inches

Weight 

13.50 lbs


Pros

  • Supports AMD FreeSync technology
  • High brightness
  • Has on-screen control
  • Has IPS panel

Cons

  • The stand of this monitor is weak. They could make it robust.

I recommend the BenQ SW321C 32 Inch 4K IPS Photo and Video Editing Computer Monitor to a colorist who likes working on 4K monitors. It is a premium BenQ monitor with high-end features meant to deliver the best color grading performance. The 32-inch monitor combines sRGB, P3, and Adobe RGB color space to provide rich colors and more detailed images for video and photo editing. In addition, it has a 14-bit color space with more colors for the best experience.

BenQ SW321C 32 Inch 4K IPS Photo and Video Editing Computer Monitor Features

BenQ SW321C 32 Inch 4K IPS Photo and Video Editing Computer Monitor features are as follows.

  • The monitor has a 32 inches screen with more space for viewing fine details precisely, ensuring the best color grading experience.
  • It has an IPS panel with wide viewing angles and accurate colors, ensuring the best grading performance.
  • The monitor has a 4k UHD 3840 x 2160 display resolution that produces sharp and vivid images for a more vibrant display.
  • This video editing monitor has 95% P3, 100% sRGB, and 99% Adobe RGB color space coverage, ensuring deep colors and detailed images. In addition, it features Delta E ≤2, which guarantees high color accuracy.
  • It has a 14-bit 3D lookup table that enhances color blending, ensuring precise color reproduction.
  • BenQ's Paper Color Sync technology allows me to edit my photos accurately.
  • The monitor has an ergonomic design with swivel, tilt, height, and tilt adjustment, ensuring I color grade my photos comfortably without fatigue.

Specifications

Screen size

32 inches

Resolution 

3840 x 2160

Panel type 

IPS

Refresh rate

60 hertz

Aspect ratio

16:9

Dimensions 

32.0 x 20.0 x 4.0 inches

Weight 

26.01 lbs


Pros

  • Supports BenQ's Paper Color Sync technology
  • Comprehensive color gamut coverage
  • 4K UHD resolution
  • Ample space
  • Supports 99% Adobe RGB color gamut

Cons

  • This color grading monitor is more expensive than other monitors on this list.

I recommend the BenQ SW321C 32 Inch 4K IPS Photo and Video Editing Computer Monitor to a colorist who likes working on 4K monitors. It is a premium Dell monitor with high-end features meant to deliver the best color grading performance. It combines sRGB, P3, and Adobe RGB color space to provide rich colors and more detailed images for photo and video editing. In addition, it has a 14-bit color space with more colors for the best experience.

Dell g2422hs 24-inch full HD monitor

BenQ SW321C 32 Inch 4K IPS Photo and Video Editing Computer Monitor Features

BenQ SW321C 32 Inch 4K IPS Photo and Video Editing Computer Monitor features are as follows.

  • The monitor has a 32 inches screen with more space for viewing fine details precisely, ensuring the best color grading experience.
  • It has an IPS panel with wide viewing angles and accurate colors, ensuring the best grading performance.
  • The monitor has a 4k UHD 3840 x 2160 display resolution that produces sharp and vivid images for a more vibrant display.
  • This video editing monitor has 95% P3, 100% sRGB, and 99% Adobe RGB color space coverage, ensuring deep colors and detailed images. In addition, it features Delta E ≤2, which guarantees high color accuracy.
  • It has a 14-bit 3D lookup table that enhances color blending, ensuring precise color reproduction.
  • BenQ's Paper Color Sync technology allows me to edit my photos accurately.
  • The monitor has an ergonomic design with swivel, tilt, height, and tilt adjustment, ensuring I color grade my photos comfortably without fatigue.

Specifications

Screen size

32 inches

Resolution 

3840 x 2160

Panel type 

IPS

Refresh rate

60 hertz

Aspect ratio

16:9

Dimensions 

32.0 x 20.0 x 4.0 inches

Weight 

26.01 lbs


Pros

  • Supports BenQ's Paper Color Sync technology
  • Comprehensive color gamut coverage
  • 4K UHD resolution
  • Ample space
  • Supports 99% Adobe RGB color gamut

Cons

  • This color grading monitor is more expensive than other monitors on this list.

The last on my list of best monitors is the ViewSonic VP2756-4K 27 Inch Premium IPS 4K Ergonomic Monitor. It is a high-end monitor, and I highly recommend it for color grading. It features a 4K UHD display resolution for a super-crisp display. It also has an IPS panel with accurate colors, ideal for color grading. Its three sides of ultra-slim bezels also impressed me.

ViewSonic VP2756-4K 27 Inch Premium monitor

ViewSonic VP2756-4K 27 Inch Premium IPS 4K Ergonomic Monitor Features

ViewSonic VP2756-4K 27 Inch Premium IPS 4K Ergonomic Monitor features are as follows.

  • The monitor has a 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 resolution with high-quality images for a better viewing experience.
  • It has a 60Hz refresh rate for smooth motions, at least for color grading.
  • The IPS panel delivers wide viewing angles and accurate colors for precise color grading.
  • It supports a USB-C port, allowing me to connect audio/video, transfer data, and charge accessories, ensuring better cable management.
  • This color grading monitor has flexible port connectivity with HDMI 2.0, USB Type C, and DisplayPort for flexible device connectivity.
  • It has a 27 inches display with ample space, letting me view fine details efficiently for enhanced precision.
  • The monitor features Delta E ≤2, ensuring high color accuracy.
  • The monitor features an ergonomic design with swivel, tilt, height, and tilt adjustment, ensuring I achieve a more comfortable posture for comfortable grading exercises.

Specifications

Screen size

27 inches

Resolution 

3840 x 2160

Panel type 

IPS

Refresh rate

60 hertz

Aspect ratio

16:9

Dimensions 

2.1 x 24.1 x 14.3 inches

Weight 

15.10 lbs


Pros

  • Ergonomic design
  • Rich port connectivity
  • High display resolution
  • High pixel density

Cons

  • Unfortunately, this color grading monitor doesn't support HDR technology. Also, a 60-hertz refresh rate can experience motion blurs.
colors on the monitor

Best Monitor For Color Grading Buying Guide

The buying guide for the best color grading monitors is as follows.

Color Gamut

Color gamut is the vast array of colors found within the visible color space. These colors are visible to human eyes and can be displayed by a monitor. Colorists, especially video colorists, should focus on the following color gamut standards.

  • Rec. 709. This color gamut is mostly used in photo editing and video projects. Computer monitors, TVs, and other streaming devices use this color gamut.

  • sRGB. This color gamut resembles the Rec. 709 but has a relatively higher gamma. It is common in computer imaging, office monitors, cameras, and printers.

  • DCI-P3. This color gamut standard has a wider gamut than the Rec. 709. It is widely used in digital film projectors.

  • Rec. 2020. This color gamut standard is the widest of the four types. It covers a significant percentage of what our eyes see. They are commonly used in premium professional video cameras and professional reference monitors. However, they are expensive.


Calibration

Monitor calibration is where you tweak the white and black points together with colors to make them conform with the color gamut you're working with. The best color grading monitors should have an appropriate color calibration. In most monitors, you may find datacolor SpyderX or other calibration tools.


Bit Depth

The different types of color gamuts have different bit rates. For instance, Rec. 709 is commonly referred to as 8-bit color space. This bit depth produces about 16.7 million colors. On the other hand, DCI-P3 is popularly known as a 10-bit color space. This color space has about 1 billion colors. Rec. 2020 is popularly known as 12-bit color space and produces about 68.7 billion colors.

While several monitors still have 8-bit panels, they have color and video distortion, which may affect how my images appear. However, for the best color grading experience, consider at least a 10-bit monitor.


HDR

High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a display's gradient between white and black. Monitors with HDR support have deep and more detailed images. The most common types of HDR are HLG and HDR10. No matter what, ensure your monitor for color grading supports HDR technology.


Contrast 

The contrast ratio of a display monitor refers to the difference between the black and white output. In the contrast ratio 1000: 1, the first digit, 1000, represents blacks, while 1 represents white. Note that the higher the contrast ratio, the more color variants a monitor can display. Therefore, the best color grading monitor should have a high contrast ratio.


Panel Technology

The best color grading monitors feature IPS panel technology. These panels have the best colors with high accuracy. Besides, they have a wide viewing angle, which maintains the display quality even if I move from one side of the screen to the other. However, monitors with IPS panels are more expensive than other panels.


Size 

Everyone loves larger screens. Color grading monitors with larger screens provide ample space, allowing me to see fine details more efficiently; therefore, color reading my footage efficiently. However, too large screens can cause eye strain when moving my eyes from one edge to another.

Color grading monitors between 24 inches and 48 inches are the best. 32 inches is the sweet spot for a color grading monitor.

Monitor screens with color settings

FAQs

What Type of Monitor Is Best for Color Accuracy?

The best type of monitor for color accuracy is an IPS LED monitor. IPS panels offer the best color accuracy and more colors than other panels. They also have a wide viewing angle, which maintains the image quality when you move around.

Do You Need a 4K Monitor for Color Grading?

No, you don't need a 4K monitor for color grading. A Full HD 1080p monitor is enough for color grading if it can accurately reproduce colors through color calibration.

How Can I Tell if My Monitor Color Is Accurate?

You can tell if your monitor color is accurate through a calibration system. Alternatively, you can use a color checker card to eyeball. However, individual color perception can't match the accuracy of a dedicated calibrator.

What Is the Ideal Brightness and Contrast Setting for Color Grading?

The ideal brightness and contrast settings for color grading are subjective. The brightness and the contrast setting will vary depending on the surrounding ambiance. A calibration tool can help determine the best brightness and contrast calibration at any time.

About Dusan Stanar

I'm the founder of VSS Monitoring. I have been both writing and working in technology in a number of roles for dozens of years and wanted to bring my experience online to make it publicly available. Visit https://www.vssmonitoring.com/about-us/ to read more about myself and the rest of the team.