7 Top Picks
4 Reviewers
30 Hours of Research
30 Options Considered
You have come to the right place if you are looking for the best monitors for photo editing. The monitor arena keeps expanding with new models, vendors, and features and it can be a little confusing to choose the right one for your needs.
3 Top Monitors for Photo Editing
1. [Best Monitor Overall]
5/5
If you are thinking of printing your photos, choose BenQ photo Editing Monitor by BenQ.
It gives more color accuracy than other monitors that I have tested out there. This is the feature that I really loved about this product.
2. [Best For The Money] LG 27UL500 IPS Monitor
4.9/5
Enjoy breathtaking clarity with LG 27UL500 IPS Monitor by LG Brand.
This is achieved by its high resolution of 3840 x 2160 which provides extraordinary image sharpness when working on your photos.
It is calibrated to offer color accuracy. Also, it comes with a game mode making it suitable for professional gamers.
3. [Best For The High Resolution] ViewSonic VP3881 UltraWide Curved Monitor
4.8/5
ViewSonic VP3881 UltraWide Curved Monitor by ViewSonic has 6-Axis Color Enhancement, professional color processing capability, ultimate color accuracy, and DICOM-SIM color spaces. I reviewed more ultra wide monitors for more screen space.
These are features that make it one of the best photo editing monitors.
There are monitors with stunning refresh rates, high resolutions, screen-smoothing technologies, great color accuracy, etc. This is why I have prepared for you the 'Best Monitors for Photo Editing' review and guide so you can make a wise purchasing decision. You should also check out my reviews of proffesional monitors for photo editing under $300.
Below is a list of best monitors for your editing work based on my own testing.
Best Monitors for Photo Editing: Reliable Screens for Photographers - How to Pick the Best For You?
Photographers, video editors, as well as content creators, require a photo screen that can give color accuracy and editing images that look more vivid. In other words, they need a reliable screen that can deliver what they are looking for.
This is a screen that can offer smooth performance, provide much desk space for working, and give extraordinary clarity with its size and resolution. I would also recommend calibrating the monitor for digital photography because it will ensure that the contrast ratio, colors, vibrancy, and brightness are true to life.
Best Monitors for Photo Editing Reviews
[Best Monitor Overall]
5/5
Main Features:
- Has a high resolution of 4K UHD 2160P to see more in detail when editing your photos
- Has advanced black and white mode to view your pictures in these colors
- Comes with hot puck key to easily see your work in different color spaces
- Offers the most advanced features for exceptional color features such as AQCOLOUR technology, and 95% P3, 99% Adobe RGB color space and 100% sRGB
- The stand is heavy and well-constructed to support your monitor
- Has a detachable shading hood to reduce screen glare
- It is a 32-inch monitor to provide much more space when viewing your photography
Color Accuracy
If you are thinking of printing your photos, choose BenQ photo Editing Monitor by BenQ.
It gives more color gamut than other monitors that I have tested out there. This is the feature that I really loved about this product.
Ultimate photographers monitor
This is one of the few 4K monitors that you can be more creative with. Use it for photo editing, printing, and video editing. It has the most vibrant colors.
BenQ IPS photo and Video Editing Monitor Specifications
Resolution | 4K UHD 2160P |
Panel | LCD |
Brand | BenQ |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Screen size | 32 inches |
Modes | Has advanced black and white mode |
Video Format | Supports 24P/25P with 4:4:4, 4:2:2, and 4:2:0 video formats |
IPS LED
It uses an in-Plane switching (IPS) display panel. This means that it has a much wider viewing angle, faster response time, and better color and contrast ratio. Its advanced technology ensures that colors and tones are smoothly presented on the screen.
It comes with a menu with 5 small buttons to access its various modes and functions.
BenQ IPS photo and Video Editing Monitor Pros
BenQ IPS photo and Video Editing Monitor Cons
[Best For The Money]
4.9/5
Main Features:
- It is a 27-inch screen to offer more space when editing your photos
- It is one of the best photography editing monitors because of its size and resolution of 3840 x 2160 that provides clarity
- It features an IPS panel that is known to have faster response time, wider viewing angles, and better color and contrast ratio
- Has Radeon FreeSync for smooth performance
- It is HDR10 Compatible and has controls to adjust the brightness
- Has Adobe RGB 98 percent color gamut to deliver consistent and gorgeous imagery and great pixel density
Delivers Great Image Quality
Enjoy breathtaking clarity with LG 27UL500 IPS Monitor by LG Brand. This is achieved by its high resolution of 3840 x 2160 which provides extraordinary image sharpness when working on image editing.
It is awesome for many things
Due to its many useful features such as FreeSync, wide viewing angles, high resolution, and Adobe RGB 98 percent color gamut, you can use it for video and photo editing, gaming, and everything in between.
It is calibrated to offer incredible color accuracy. Also, this LG monitor comes with a game mode making this monitor suitable for gamers.
LG 27UL500 IPS Monitor Specifications
Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
Panel | IPS |
Brand | LG |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Screen size | 27 inches |
Ports/Connectivity | HDMI and DisplayPort |
Viewing Angle | 178º(R/L), 178º(U/D) |
The best monitors for photo editing with FreeSync Technology
If you are looking for a professional monitor with FreeSync technology, choose this one. This will facilitate smooth performance by preventing things like screen tearing and stuttering.
Affordable
It comes with a lower price tag. No need to break a bank in order to afford this budget monitor. It is the best mid range monitor with many useful and extra features for a low price.
LG 27UL500 IPS Monitor Pros
LG 27UL500 IPS Monitor Cons
[Best For High Resolution]
4.8/5
Main Features:
- It is a curved ultrawide monitor with a screen size of 38 inches which makes it ideal for photo, video editing, and viewing
- Comes factory calibrated Delta E<2 hence you will enjoy enhanced colors
- Has a high resolution of 3840x1600p to provide clarity
- Delivers lifelike colors that are ideal for video and photo editors, and many more
- Uses IPS panel that has a much wider viewing angle, faster response time, and better color and contrast ratio
- Has high refresh rates of 60Hz to make your content feel smoother and snappier
- Comes with a palette of 4. 39 trillion colors to deliver the most immersive panoramic viewing experience
- Has various ports for connectivity such as USB 3.1. HDMI, DisplayPort and for a second monitor
- Extras provided with the monitor include audio cable, power cable, USB 3.1 type C cable, AC/DC adapter, and HDMI cable
Best photo editing monitor
ViewSonic VP3881 UltraWide Curved Monitor by ViewSonic has 6-Axis Color Enhancement, professional color processing capability, ultimate color accuracy, and DICOM-SIM color spaces. These are features that make it one of the best photo editing monitors.
It delivers lifelike colors and its calibration ensures that the color displayed matches those of the original fil
Immersive Curved Screen Design
A concave screen like this one delivers a great viewing experience. Its 38-inch screen provides a large space to work on, making this monitor the best ultrawide monitor.
Loaded with connectivity
If you wish to connect to your laptop, macOS devices, or PC, use its various ports such as HDMI 2.0, USB 3.1, and DisplayPort inputs.
ViewSonic VP3881 UltraWide Curved Monitor Pros
ViewSonic VP3881 UltraWide Curved Monitor Cons
Main Features:
- It is ultra-wide with a screen size of 37.5 to offer more space when editing or viewing your photography
- Has a high resolution-3840 x 1600 to provide clarity when working on your imagery
- It comes with various connectivity ports such as DisplayPort, USB Type C, and HDMI to connect to your laptop, PC, camera, and even your other devices
- Has a wide viewing angle of 178°
- It has eye care technology; blue light filter and flicker-free backlighting to lessen the eye strain
- It comes with a wireless Qi charging pad
- Features Stereo 10W Harman Kardon built in speakers so you can listen to your favorite music while working on your photos
- Has a great design that will complement your décor. Its transparent sundial base further enhances its beauty
- Has a status-monitoring lighting
Great for Multi-tasking
ASUS Designo Curve MX38VC Monitor by ASUS is a product that you will love for your work. It is engineered for multitasking. Use it for the photo, video editing, and even gaming. It has a high refresh rate of 75Hz for a smooth performance and reduced eye strain.
Ultra-Wide
This HD monitor features an ultra wide monitor with a screen size of 37.5 inches to offer a large space for your work. Its resolution of 3840x1600 is one thing I like about this ASUS monitor. This means that you will have a great visual experience and there will be no backlight bleed.
ASUS Designo Curve MX38VC Monitor Specifications
Resolution | 3840 x 1600 |
Viewing angle | 178° |
Brand | ASUS |
Aspect ratio | 21:9 |
Screen size | 37.5 inches |
Ports/Connectivity | HDMI, Display Port, and USB |
Refresh Rate | 75Hz |
Other useful features
You can enjoy music while working as this monitor comes with built in speakers. It also features a great design that will complement your desk space. Its base is attractive with hidden inputs and a 5-way navigation key.
Eye Protection Technology
We tend to spend our time gazing at our monitors. However, if your monitor does not come with measures to protect your eyes, the light emitted causes eye fatigue.
Luckily for this brilliant monitor for photo editing, it has been engineered with eye protection technologies such as flicker-free technology and low blue light mode.
ASUS Designo Curve MX38VC Monitor Pros
ASUS Designo Curve MX38VC Monitor Cons
4.6/5
Main Features:
- It comes with eye protection technology such as flicker-free technology and a blue filter to protect your eyes from fatigue
- It is factory-pre-calibrated to give color more accuracy
- It’s compatible with major hardware calibrators like data color Spyder 5 and X-Rite i1 Display Pro series
- It features a 32-inch high end display to offer a large area to work on
- Its resolution is 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) to deliver sharper images
- The stand can tilt and swing and has an adjustable height
- The IPS professional display technology gives you a wide viewing angle
- Comes with various connectivity options such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB
- It has 4 color temperature selection modes
Ideal for photographers
When it comes to photographers and video editors, the ASUS PA329Q eye care monitor by ASUS will benefit them a lot.
It has a 4K UHD resolution to offer sharper images.
This professional monitor comes factory pre-calibrated for color precision.
This ensures that you have a true-to-life representation.
ASUS PA329Q Eye Care Monitor Specifications
Resolution | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) |
Viewing angle | 178 °(H)/178 °(V) |
Brand | ASUS |
Display Colors | 1073.7M (10-bit) |
Screen size | 32 inches |
Ports/Connectivity | Mini-DisplayPort, DisplayPort, HDMI |
Panel Type | IPS |
Approved ASUS Eye Care Technology
The ASUS ProArt Eye Care Monitor has passed through strict performance tests and is approved by the TUV Rheinland laboratories, worldwide security, technical, and certification services.
ASUS Eye Care such as blue light filter and flicker-free technology will lessen eye exhaustion when you’re working on projects over time.
Thanks to the slender profile and the ergonomic adjustments stand with swivel and height adjustment, you’ll always get a comfortable viewing position.
Complete Connectivity
The PA329Q offers a range of connectivity choices and backs up 4K UHD content at 60 Hz through the DisplayPort, its four HDMI ports, and a mini DisplayPort 1.2. Besides, you also get five 3.0 USB ports, and for your memory cards, there’s a nine-in-one card reader.
ASUS PA329Q Eye Care Monitor Pros
ASUS PA329Q Eye Care Monitor Cons
4.5/5
Main Features:
- It has a 25-inch screen to offer a large area to work on
- It supports HDR content-its goal is to maintain as much of the original image quality as possible when image editing
- It features attractive colors and amazing clarity on its display
- Has a high resolution of 2560 x 1440 to offer clear photos
- It comes with various connectivity options such as USB, HDMI, and DisplayPort to connect to your various devices
- It has superb color consistency and a wide viewing angle to allow you to work effortlessly
- It has a greater depth of colors making it ideal for photographers for their work
- The screen has eye protection technology such as a blue light filter and flicker-free technology, as well as anti glare coating, to enhance eye comfort
Life-like Visuals
The Dell UltraSharp LED-Lit monitor by Dell supports HDR content. It also has excellent color depth, noticeable clarity, and a high contrast ratio of colors delivering great picture quality.
It has Standard Color Consistency
The Dell monitor has a factory calibration to improve its contrast, color, reproduction, and brightness. Therefore, you can be sure that your projects show the true intensity of the colors.
Dell UltraSharp LED-Lit Monitor Specifications
Resolution | 2560 X 1440 |
Panel Type | IPS |
Brand | DELL |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
Screen size | 25 inches |
Ports/Connectivity | HDMI, USB, and Display Port |
Aspect Ratio | 16: 9 |
It has a great Performance
This is a monitor with best features for your work. Use it for video editing and photo editing. I was impressed by its performance as it produced great-looking images.
Dell UltraSharp LED-Lit Monitor Pros
Dell UltraSharp LED-Lit Monitor Cons
4.5/5
Main Features:
- It comes with 4 color spaces and they are 100% Adobe RGB, 87% DCI-P3 coverage, 100% Rec709, and 99. 5% Adobe RGB color space, as well as great and great pixel density, making this monitor suitable for photographers
- Has a high resolution of 3840 x 2160 Ultra HD 4K. With a high resolution like this, more image data will fit on your monitor
- It also comes factory calibrated so you can have precise colors
- The 32 inch screen offers a lot of space to work on
- With a wide viewing angle of 178/178 degrees, you get a consistent and clear view of non-distorted images
- The monitor can tilt, swivel and gives you the option of adjusting its height for maximum comfort when working
- It is energy star qualified
- It comes with various connectivity options such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and media card reader
- The monitor has a Custom Color mode that you can use to fine-tune your colors. You can also carry out additional adjustments using a hardware look-up table
Unrivaled Reliability
Dell Ultrasharp UP3216Q Monitor by Dell is one of the best products that offer great color coverage, wide viewing angles, and great brightness levels making it suitable for professionals.
Remarkable Viewing Experience
Thanks to the 3840 by 2160 Ultra HD 4K resolution, you can relish each small detail.
This is four times Full HD resolution.
Dell UltraSharp LED-Lit Monitor Specifications
Resolution | 4k 3840 x 2160 |
Panel Type | IPS |
Brand | DELL |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
Screen size | 32 inches |
Ports/Connectivity | HDMI 2.0, 6 in 1 media card reader, and 2 DisplayPorts |
Aspect Ratio | 16: 9 |
Precise, Consistent Color
The monitor comes with four color spaces, consisting of 100% Rec709, 99.5% Adobe RGB color space, 87% DCI-P3 coverage, and 100% Adobe RGB – making it one of the best monitors on the market for professional photographers and graphic designers.
High-Quality Materials
This screen is made of premium quality materials and it’s PVC/BFR –free. It has a mercury-free LED panel, arsenic-free glass, quick response time and a chassis manufactured with 25% and recycled plastics.
Dell UltraSharp LED-Lit Monitor Pros
Dell UltraSharp LED-Lit Monitor Cons
What Should You Look for in a Monitor as a Photographer or Photo Editor?
As a photo editor or a photographer, you should have a monitor suitable for photo and video editing. These are monitors that have been engineered to offer great color coverage and give wide viewing angles. For editing portraits vertical monitors are of great help.
There are several things that you need to consider when buying a photography monitor. They include resolution, image quality, price, flexible connectivity, screen real estate, panel type, just to name a few.
Great Color coverage
When shopping for a screen for photography, color is the king. A good computer should have the highest possible color quality for editing photos. Why spend a lot of time taking cute photos if your monitor cannot edit or display them the way they are?
It should also provide a wide range of colors to work with.
Price
Many monitors that I have reviewed above are best budget monitors. Until recently, many professional monitors for photo editing came with a high price tag. Fortunately, now they are affordable with all the features you would require for your work.
High resolution
Look for a monitor with high resolution. The higher the resolution, the more your photos will look clear plus beautiful. Screens with high resolution also deliver sharper images hence photo editors will be able to see well what they are working on.
Screen size
The bigger the screen, the better it will be. You will have a lot of space to work on and you will be able to fully see your work. The popular screen size for photo editing is 19, 21.5. 24, 34, etc.
Panel Type
Screens use TN, VA, or IPS technology. Choose a monitor that has an IPS panel because it delivers faster response time, a much wider viewing angle, and better color and contrast ratio.
How Does Your Choice of Monitor Influence Your Work?
It goes without saying that a good monitor provides excellent quality and performance. Having a monitor that has excellent color accuracy is important because it will produce the results that you want.
A screen that offers a wide range of colors also results in more beautiful on-screen image quality. A screen with fewer colors will limit you on what you can work with.
If you choose a large monitor, you will have enough space to work on your photos. The goal is to be able to fully see your work.
Accuracy of Color Reproduction
The best monitors for photo editing are calibrated for superb color accuracy and brightness. Screens intended for photo editing should reproduce colors and shades as intended, so these monitors would also make a good gaming monitor.
This results in high-quality image quality and is crucial for video and photo editors. If the color in the photograph is not matching what is on the monitor, this becomes a big problem. Inaccurate colors will ruin your work so have your PC monitor calibrated to maintain a consistent look in your images and accurate color reproduction.
Dimensions of the Monitor
When purchasing the best monitors for photo editing, another factor to consider is size. The minimal size of 24 inches is recommended to offer enough space and be able to fully see your work.
A 24-inch monitor should have a higher resolution for image clarity.
What Kind of Finish Should I Get in a Photo Editing Monitor?
Matte displays have an anti-glare coating. They can be calibrated more accurately, and they tend to show a truer image versus the more popular high-gloss displays, which give colors an oversaturated look. Plus, you won't have to deal with as many reflections. Fortunately, you can find many monitors with anti-glare screens to choose from.
Ergonomic Features to Look For
Most professional monitors have stands that support some combination of the standard ergonomic comfort features: height, tilt, swivel, and pivot control.
Pivot control lets you rotate a monitor 90 degrees on its stand joint, from landscape up into portrait mode, and back. It's handy if you tend to work with photos in this kind of vertical orientation.
Which Monitor Should I Buy for Photo Editing?
You'll want to read some reviews in detail before investing in a display for your personal photography work or business. Just consider how often you print and how demanding your clients are—these are good guidelines to figure out how much you want to spend on a display.
If you are a hobbyist who prints occasionally and shares many photos online, or a student learning the ropes, you won't need to spend for a top-end model that a high-end wedding photographer needs, who counts on perfect prints to put food on the table.
FAQs
1. Which are the best monitors for photo editing?
Here are the best monitors for photo editing that we can recommend.
1. BenQ IPS Photo Editing Monitor - If you are thinking of printing your photos, choose BenQ photo Editing Monitor by BenQ.
It gives more color accuracy than other monitors that I have tested out there. This is the feature that I really loved about this product.
2. LG 27UL500 IPS Monitor - Enjoy breathtaking clarity with LG 27UL500 IPS Monitor by LG Brand.
This is achieved by its high resolution of 3840 x 2160 which provides extraordinary image sharpness when working on your photos.
It is calibrated to offer stunning color accuracy. Also, it comes with a game mode making this monitor suitable for professional gamers.
3. ViewSonic VP3881 UltraWide Curved Monitor - ViewSonic VP3881 UltraWide Curved Monitor by ViewSonic has 6-Axis Color Enhancement, professional color processing capability, ultimate color accuracy, and DICOM-SIM color spaces. I reviewed more ultra wide monitors for more screen real estate. These are features that make it almost the best photo editing monitor.
2. Do you need 4K monitor for photo editing?
No, you don't need a 4K monitor for photo editing. In fact, most people don't need a 4K monitor at all.
4K monitors are great for watching movies and gaming, but they're not really necessary for most tasks. Photo editing is one of those tasks.
A good 1080p monitor will do just fine for most people. If you're looking to upgrade your monitor, I would recommend spending your money on something else.
3. Do you need HDR for photo editing?
If you are a content creator or editor who wishes to edit high dynamic range content on your own, it is critical that your monitor supports HDR. Due to the wide color space supported and the high brightness, your photos and videos will appear exactly as they do on any other HDR device.
4. How bright should your monitor be for photo editing?
For photo editing, you'll want a monitor that is as bright as possible. This will allow you to see the details in your photos more clearly. A brightness of at least 250 cd/m2 is ideal.
5. How do I calibrate my monitor for photo editing?
To calibrate your monitor for photo editing, follow these steps.
Right-click the desktop in Windows 10 and select Display Settings from the drop-down menu. Once the pop-up window appears, scroll down to the Related Settings menu and select Color Calibration. Once opened, the calibration tool will walk you through each step.
6. What is Adobe RGB used for?
Adobe RGB was developed by Adobe to be compatible with CMYK printers. As mentioned earlier, Adobe RGB encompasses the same number of colors as sRGB, but those colors are more spaced out. Therefore Adobe RGB gives you a more comprehensive range of saturated color to work with if you want to print your work professionally.
