Does your main job involve you to edit photos in front of a monitor? If so, this guide will help you find out the best monitor for photo editing in 2021.
The decision to buy a new monitor to use in your photo editing process can be overwhelming.
However, seeking the best monitor you can afford is always a good investment, especially if you are a professional editor or photographer. Here we are going to help you to choose from the top 10 best monitors on the market.
How can you differentiate between monitors? If you want to summarize the process in two simple words “Color accuracy”.
Color accuracy is how well your screen display colors from images displayed on it. The closer your monitor to the real world, the more color accurate is it.
This may not sound so important, but for professional creatives, it is crucial.
10 Best Monitor for Photo Editing
<img alt=”BenQ SW2700PT” width=”1000″ height=”879″ title=”BenQ SW2700PT” data-id=”488″ style=”” data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/BenQ-SW2700PT.jpg” src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==”><noscript><img data-lazyloaded=”1″ src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=” alt=”BenQ SW2700PT” width=”1000″ height=”879″ title=”BenQ SW2700PT” data-id=”488″ data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/BenQ-SW2700PT.jpg” style=””>
<img alt=”ASUS ProArt PA329Q” width=”1000″ height=”1000″ title=”ASUS ProArt PA329Q” data-id=”490″ style=”” data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ASUS-ProArt-PA329Q.jpg” src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==”><noscript><img data-lazyloaded=”1″ src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=” alt=”ASUS ProArt PA329Q” width=”1000″ height=”1000″ title=”ASUS ProArt PA329Q” data-id=”490″ data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ASUS-ProArt-PA329Q.jpg” style=””>
<img alt=”Eizo ColorEdge CG319X” width=”1200″ height=”1200″ title=”Eizo ColorEdge CG319X” data-id=”493″ style=”” data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Eizo-ColorEdge-CG319X.jpg” src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==”><noscript><img data-lazyloaded=”1″ src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=” alt=”Eizo ColorEdge CG319X” width=”1200″ height=”1200″ title=”Eizo ColorEdge CG319X” data-id=”493″ data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Eizo-ColorEdge-CG319X.jpg” style=””>
<img alt=”Dell UltraSharp U2518D” width=”425″ height=”425″ title=”Dell UltraSharp U2518D” data-id=”497″ style=”” data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Dell-UltraSharp-U2518D.jpg” src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==”><noscript><img data-lazyloaded=”1″ src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=” alt=”Dell UltraSharp U2518D” width=”425″ height=”425″ title=”Dell UltraSharp U2518D” data-id=”497″ data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Dell-UltraSharp-U2518D.jpg” style=””>
<img alt=”Viewsonic VP3881″ width=”1500″ height=”1035″ title=”Viewsonic VP3881″ data-id=”516″ style=”” data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Viewsonic-VP3881.jpg” src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==”><noscript><img data-lazyloaded=”1″ src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=” alt=”Viewsonic VP3881″ width=”1500″ height=”1035″ title=”Viewsonic VP3881″ data-id=”516″ data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Viewsonic-VP3881.jpg” style=””>
<img alt=”Acer ProDesigner PE320QK” width=”1410″ height=”803″ title=”Acer ProDesigner PE320QK” data-id=”518″ style=”” data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Acer-ProDesigner-PE320QK.jpg” src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==”><noscript><img data-lazyloaded=”1″ src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=” alt=”Acer ProDesigner PE320QK” width=”1410″ height=”803″ title=”Acer ProDesigner PE320QK” data-id=”518″ data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Acer-ProDesigner-PE320QK.jpg” style=””>
<img alt=”Eizo ColorEdge CG318-4K” width=”1000″ height=”764″ title=”Eizo ColorEdge CG318-4K” data-id=”521″ style=”” data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Eizo-ColorEdge-CG318-4K.jpg” src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==”><noscript><img data-lazyloaded=”1″ src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=” alt=”Eizo ColorEdge CG318-4K” width=”1000″ height=”764″ title=”Eizo ColorEdge CG318-4K” data-id=”521″ data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Eizo-ColorEdge-CG318-4K.jpg” style=””>
<img alt=”BenQ EX3501R” width=”1500″ height=”925″ title=”BenQ EX3501R” data-id=”522″ style=”” data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/BenQ-EX3501R.jpg” src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==”><noscript><img data-lazyloaded=”1″ src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=” alt=”BenQ EX3501R” width=”1500″ height=”925″ title=”BenQ EX3501R” data-id=”522″ data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/BenQ-EX3501R.jpg” style=””>
<img alt=”BenQ PD3200U” width=”1096″ height=”950″ title=”BenQ PD3200U” data-id=”523″ style=”” data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/BenQ-PD3200U.jpg” src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==”><noscript><img data-lazyloaded=”1″ src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=” alt=”BenQ PD3200U” width=”1096″ height=”950″ title=”BenQ PD3200U” data-id=”523″ data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/BenQ-PD3200U.jpg” style=””>
<img alt=”Alienware AW3418DW” width=”1500″ height=”886″ title=”Alienware AW3418DW” data-id=”524″ style=”” data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Alienware-AW3418DW.jpg” src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==”><noscript><img data-lazyloaded=”1″ src=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=” alt=”Alienware AW3418DW” width=”1500″ height=”886″ title=”Alienware AW3418DW” data-id=”524″ data-src=”https://woahtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Alienware-AW3418DW.jpg” style=””>Table of Contents
1. BenQ SW2700PT
If you are looking for an affordable monitor, then look no more. The BenQ 27 inch SW2700PT monitor is your answer.
It has more accuracy than most of the 32 inch screen monitors on market. Due to its compact size, it requires less space on your desktop. Image quality is outstanding.
Quality is so good on this monitor that it was chosen by PC Gadgets magazine to be the best budget monitor.
It comes featuring a resolution of 2560 x 1440 with 99% AdobeRGB coverage.
It has hardware calibration support, in addition to a shading hood that eliminates glare from ambient light.
It does not support 4K; however, its color accuracy is perfect for digital photography.
The BenQ SW2700PT display is the best choice for photographers that are on a budget.
Pros
- Affordable price
- 14-bit look up table
- 99% Adobe RGB coverage
Cons
- 4K resolution is not supported
- Screen size is small
2. ASUS ProArt PA329Q
Need 4K support for your projects? Search no more. The Asus PA329Q is a 4K display.
Yes, it is on the pricey size but the value you get from this monitor makes it worth the few extra bucks.
It has 99.5% AdobeRGB coverage. In addition, it supports Rec.709 and sRGB.
It has a dedicated 10 bit color depth with a 14 bit color look up table.
Unlike its cheaper alternatives that use 8 bit color depth and use a trick called frame reference to simulate the 10 bit effect.
The Asus PA329Q features three USB 3 ports, four HDMI inputs, two DisplayPort inputs and a full tilt, swivel, rotate capability.
The most astonishing feature here is the presence of a joystick that allows you to navigate through the on screen menus to choose your preset colors, gamma, contrast, or simply adjust display’s brightness.
Pros
- Wide selection of USB ports and input options
- Joystick for OSD navigation
Cons
- No USB type C port
3. Eizo ColorEdge CG319X
Eizo is one of the companies that has a reputation for producing professional displays. the clarity, vivacity, and brightness of an Eizo display is simply spectacular.
Once you see it, it becomes clear why this brand is more expensive than other brands.
The Eizo ColorEdge CG319X monitor is build based on its predecessor.
It features a 24 bit look up table for 10 bit color depth, which is something unmatched on the market.
Moreover, the monitor supports 99% AdobeRGB, 100% Rec.709 and 98% DCI-P3 color spaces.
In addition to all that, the Eizo ColorEdge CG319X display supports a slightly bigger “wider” 4096 x 2160 4K resolution, which conforms to the professional DCI 4K standard used by some professional studios.
The Eizo ColorEdge CG319X comes with a built in hardware calibration tool that can pop down with a click every single time the monitor is power cycled. That ensures the colors remain in sync without the need to use a third-party colorimeter.
The new Eizo ColorEdge CG319X generation offers a hybrid-log gamma and perceptual quantization for working with HDR video. Which is a feature that is important for professionals, studios and freelancers working with high-end imagery like National Geographic photographers.
Although this monitor is not for everyone, due to its hefty price, you should remember that this display is on a completely another level from other displays. It targets professional audience where business demands the best possible color accuracy that is present.
Pros
- Outstanding image quality
- High end specifications
- HDR videos support
Cons
- Price is very expensive
4. Dell UltraSharp U2518D
For a more budget friendly solution. The Dell UltraSharp U2518D is a great monitor if you are looking for great display while on a budget.
The 25 inch monitor delivers great images and videos. For under $400 this monitor sure delivers spectacular results.
It supports of full sRGB coverage with a quality IPS panel that is accurate to a delta E of less than three.
Not only that, but moreover, the Dell UltraSharp U2518D has contrast levels of 1000:1 which are amongst the best in this affordable price range.
With its 350 nits of brightness, it produces crystal clear images. It has a response time of as low as 5 ms, which makes this monitor great for gaming too.
To summarize, the Dell UltraSharp U2518D is a good all rounder display for whatever your needs are. This is by far one of the best budget monitors you can get on market in 2021.
Pros
- Full sRGB coverage
- Small slim bezels
- Budget price
Cons
- For QHD resolution screen size is quite small
5. Viewsonic VP3881
This massive 37.5 inch ultra wide display is a treat for the eyes. The Viewsonic VP3881 is a pleasant surprise from Viewsonic Company.
While most of the ultra wide monitors are aimed for gaming purposes, this one is designed for artists.
The Viewsonic VP3881 features a 21:9 aspect ratio display.
This is like having two smaller monitors side by side.
It makes multitasking a simple thing to do, due to the space on it.
It has some downsides, like the image quality, which is not on bar with the other displays listed here.
However, it offers 100% sRGB coverage with a slightly narrower AdobeRGB conformity, and the 10-bit color depth is compensated by frame reference counting.
Its complete set of image customization settings that are present in the on screen menus make the Viewsonic VP3881 display one of the best ultra wide displays for creatives.
Pros
- Huge desktop space
- Comprehensive color options
Cons
- Image quality is not so good compared to other same level monitors
- Does not support 4K resolution
6. Acer ProDesigner PE320QK
The Acer ProDesigner PE320QK features a 32 inch color accurate 4K display.
This display specifically targets people who works with professional grade graphics, and needs color accuracy for their photo editing.
It features an anti glare hood to eliminate ambient light, which may affect color accuracy.
Moreover, it features 550 nits brightness, supports 10 bit color and cover 100% Rec.709 and 90% DCI-P3 color spaces.
The Acer ProDesigner PE320QK is not designed for only professional artists, but gamers as well. The 4 ms response time makes it, a gamer’s favorite.
With a few gaming presets in the menus and the support for FreeSync adaptive-sync technology. If you are a gamer, you will have a very satisfying experience.
The only downside to this monitor is that it has a higher price tag over its competitors.
Pros
- You can game on this screen as well as photo editing
- Great image quality
Cons
- Higher price range
7. Eizo ColorEdge CG318-4K
The Eizo ColorEdge CG318-4K is a 31 inch display that became one of the top picks on the market.
This is due to the fact it is one of the most color accurate displays there is.
This has made it the best monitor for photo editing and imaging processing.
The Eizo ColorEdge CG318-4K monitor features a full sRGB coverage, 99% of the Adobe RGB spectrum and 98% DCI-P3.
Moreover it supports full 10 bit color taken from a 16 bit look up table.
The Eizo ColorEdge CG318-4K monitor comes with a 4096 x 2160 resolution, which is a valuable upgrade over the standard 3840 x 2160 resolution that is used in most 4K displays.
All these features makes Eizo ColorEdge CG318-4K display produces spectacular images with great color accuracy.
Moreover, there is a built in calibration tool that constantly keeps the monitor’s colors are accurate as possible.
Pros
- Superb color accuracy
- Hardware calibration tool is included
- Monitor hood is included
Cons
- A very expensive monitor
8. BenQ EX3501R
If you are looking for a display that is big enough to contain all of your work, then the BenQ EX3501R is your answer.
The BenQ EX3501R display is large enough to be able to edit multiple photos at once.
According to PC advisor, the BenQ EX3501R is the 2019 best ultra wide display for image editing and studios.
The display comes with a 3440 x 1440 resolution, which gives you a huge desktop to work on.
It has a 2500:1 contrast ratio, which makes your images sharp, vibrant, and very bright. The BenQ EX3501R is perfect for High Dynamic Range scenarios (HDR) as it fully supports it.
In addition, the BenQ EX3501R has 100% sRGB support, which makes it a great choice for photographers and photo editors who are looking for the best monitor for photo editing thanks to its excellent color science.
Pros
- Big display
- HDR fully support
- 100Hz refresh rate monitor
- 4ms response time
- Relatively lightweight
Cons
- The monitor needs some tweaking when installed the first time
- Does not include hardware calibration tool
9. BenQ PD3200U
Another addition from BenQ Company. The BenQ PD3200U monitor offers a big 32 inches Ultra High Definition display.
This monitor is perfect for creators, video editors and videographers, photo editors and photographers.
Not only that, but this display includes CAD/CAM mode built in, which makes it perfect for 3D designers and Engineers.
The BenQ PD3200U is factory calibrated, which makes color science, and color accuracy on another level.
Moreover, it supports 4K resolution with a viewing angle of 178/178. Not only that, but it has a contrast ratio of 1000:1, which makes images more vibrant and brighter.
It also has an aspect ratio of 16:9, which makes it perfect for modern web pages and applications.
Pros
- 4K screen resolution
- Big screen
- 4ms response time
- Colors are factory calibrated
- Great for editing nature photos and portraits
Cons
- Design is a bit outdated
- Some of the features have no valuable importance
10. Alienware AW3420DW
Looking for a 120 Hz display. Well, look no more, the Alienware AW3420DW monitor offer one of the best 120Hz displays on market.
This ultra wide display is perfect for gamers and professional photo editors.
It has an elongated 21:9 aspect ratio which makes it perfect with video and photo editing application like the Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premier.
The 21:9 aspect ratio the Alienware AW3420DW offers means that the display is a lot wider on the horizontal plane.
Which makes it a super productive display. If you want to edit more than one image at once, or if you stress on multitasking, then this is the perfect game for you.
The 120 Hz refresh rate, makes this monitor on of the most accurate displays in terms of editing videos.
Not only that, but according to PC Advisor, the Alienware AW3420DW is the recommended image for professional videographers that works with Hollywood in film making and editing.
However, it is not a cheap display. Since it targets professional gamers and creators, it does not come cheap. But, when you compare the value you get for the amount of money you pay, you would find it worth the extra dollars.
Pros
- 120Hz refresh rate display
- Wide angle view
- Elegant Design
Cons
- Expensive
- Takes a lot of space
Best Monitor for Photo Editing Buying Guide: List of Features to Look for When Buying in 2021
One-way to ensure you are seeing colors accurately is to invest in a monitor calibration tool; however owning one of the best monitors for photo editing will put you ahead, since they are already calibrated for high color accuracy.
While color accuracy is crucial, there are other factors, such as display’s brightness, which should be high enough to see every detail in the photo and video. Also, contrast levels is an important factor, the higher it is the brighter, more vivid your images and videos are.
Support for 4K resolutions, the ultra wide aspect ratios, the higher refresh rates, all these things are to look for when buying a new monitor. In 2021, the market offers a wide range of these options that you can choose from and be satisfied with your choice.
It comes down to personal preference at the end, whether you want a display with a higher refresh rate or not, if you want an ultra wide screen, or simply ultra wide screens are not your thing. Do you need the extra space of a big screen or do you need it to be compact?
Of the things to look for when buying a photo-editing monitor is the following:
Screen Size
Which is measured diagonally in inches, while resolution measures the number of pixels that make up the display. However, a bigger monitor does not necessarily mean greater resolution.
Pixel Density
A more useful measure for the crispness of a given display. It is measured in a unit called pixels per inch (ppi).
Included Features
Monitors increasingly offer more than just a simple display for your computer, with built-in speakers, USB hubs, card readers and multiple inputs, such as HDMI, for use with a variety of devices.
Types of Backlighting
LED backlighting monitors allows thinner displays, while IPS allows for greater viewing angles.
Support Ports
We would always recommend using a digital interface like DVI or HDMI; however, it depends on what ports your computer has