With so many manufacturers and models out there, choosing the best monitor for photo editing can be daunting. While it may be tempting to go for the largest display or the monitor with the biggest discount, photographers have to be a bit more discriminating when selecting a display.
In creating our list of the best monitors for photo editing on the market today, we made sure they included the following features:
- Larger screen size (at least 27 inches)
- Plenty of connectivity and ports
- High resolution (at least FHD)
- Incredibly accurate color reproduction and precision
With those specs in mind, let’s check out these incredible displays that are ready for your next project in Adobe Photoshop or your other best photo editing software.
Best Monitors for Photo Editing
BenQ SW321C 32″ 4K Photo and Video Editing Monitor
The BenQ SW321C 32” 4K photo and video editing monitor is a creator’s dream. It has Uniformity Technology to ensure complete color accuracy and fidelity across the entire screen. In fact, each display ships with its unique factory calibration report. It can display an impressive 99% of Adobe RGB, 100% of sRGB/Rec. 709, and 95% DCI-P3/Display P3 color spaces. The SW321C is compatible with HDR10 and HLG formats, which will allow you to preview HDR effects directly during the video editing process.
Key Features:
- Paper Color Sync Technology Simulates Photo Print Effect on Screen
- Uniformity Technology for Screen-Wide Color Accuracy
- Paper Color Sync Software Simulates Photo Print Effect on Screen
- Consistent colors when working on dual monitors.
Asus ProArt Display PA329CV 32″ 16:9 4K Ultra HD HDR IPS LED Monitor
The Asus ProArt PA329CV is a 32” 16:9 format 4K Ultra HD HDR ISP LED monitor with built-in speakers. It covers 100% of sRGB and Rec.709 color spaces and is Calman-verified from the factory to achieve an impressive DE < 2 to produce incredibly accurate colors on screen. The PA329CV has an integrated USB-C port that supports 90W power delivery, data transfer, and DisplayPort via a single cable.
Key Features:
- International color standard 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 wide color gamut
- Calman Verified with factory calibrated for excellent DE < 2 color accuracy
- ProArt Preset and ProArt Palette allows for numerous adjustable color parameters
LG UltraFine 32UN880-B 31.5″ 16:9 4K Ultra HD Freesync IPS HDR Monitor
The LG UltraFine 32UN880-B is a 31.5” 16:9 4K Ultra HD freesync IPS HDR monitor with built-in speakers and comes with an ergonomic stand. Desktop setup is a breeze with its ergo design. The monitor, cables, and stand can be quickly secured with a once-click mount, C-Clamp, and simple cable management system. Because it is amazingly easy to adjust the height, tilt and pivot, both your productivity and posture will be improved.
Key Features:
- HDR10 UHD IPS display
- P3 (D65) 95% color space
- 350nits of brightness
- Ergonomic Stand with C-Clamp for improved posture and productivity
- Extend/Retract, Swivel, Pivot, Height, Tilt
- USB Type-C™
Dell UltraSharp U3219Q 32″ 4K IPS LED Monitor
The Dell UltraSharp U3219Q is a 32” IPS LED monitor with VESA certified DisplayHDR 400 featuring HDR content playback support. Enjoy maximum dynamic range from the darkest shadows to the brightest whites with a peak brightness of 400 nits. It is factory-calibrated at 99% sRBG/Rec. 709 and 95% DCI-P3 coverage and color accurate to DE < 2. The included USB-C cable is used to provide 90W of power while simultaneously transmitting video, audio, and data. Picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture features are included, allowing you to simultaneously see content from two different sources.
Key Features:
- VESA certified DisplayHDR 400
- Picture-In-Picture (PIP) and Picture-By-Picture (PBP)
- 99% sRBG/Rec. 709 and 95% DCI-P3 coverage and color accurate to DE < 2
- edge-to-edge viewing experience on this virtually borderless display
Eizo ColorEdge CG2730 27″ (68cm) 16:9 IPS Hardware Calibration LCD Monitor
The Eizo ColorEdge CG2730 is a 27” 16:9 IPS LCD monitor with an in-built hardware calibration tool. It is located within the front bezel and swings onto the screen only when calibrating. Say goodbye to third-part calibration tools. The CG2730 can display almost the entire Adobe RBG color space and reproduces 98% of the DCI-PC color space. The Delta E is very low at less than three across the entire screen. The monitor is also portable, weighing just 8.9 kg, about 30% lighter than the prior model. It also sports a carrying handle on the back.
Key Features:
- Built in hardware calibration tool
- Very quick chromaticity, brightness, and tone characteristic stabilization (less than 3 minutes)
- Equipped with 3 USB 3.0 ports, including one port for charging portable devices such as a smartphone.
- IPS non-glare panel for increased visibility
Apple Studio Display 27″ 5K Retina Monitor
The Apple Studio Display sports a brilliant 27” 5K Retina display, three mic array, 12MP ultra-wide camera with center state, and a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio. At 600 nits of brightness and over 13.7 million pixels, the Studio Display is able to showcase over one billion colors. Using True Tone technology, the display automatically adjusts to changing light conditions. The monitor also has three USB-C ports and one Thunderbolt port. The included 96W cable can fast charge the latest MacBook Pro models while keeping the device connected.
Key Features:
- 27-inch 5K Retina display
- 12MP Ultra-Wide camera with Center Stage
- Three mics and six speakers with Spatial Audio
- 14.7 million pixels
- 600 nits of brightness
- P3 wide color
BenQ PD3205U 31.5″ 16:9 4K Ultra HD USB-C HDR IPS LED Monitor
The BenQ PD3205U is a 31.5” 16:9 4K Ultra HD USB-C IPS LED monitor with built-in speakers. It covers 99% sRGB and Rec.709 color spaces. It also has a low Delta E <= 3 ensuring superb accuracy and absolute color confidence. The PD3205U is Calman-verified and Pantone SkinTone Validated ensuring all colors — including skin tones — are presented accurately. Its HDR10 capability allows for better previewing of HDR content while video editing. Its built-in USB-C port provides 90W of power and allows for fast video/audio/data transmission.
Key Features:
- 31.5″ 3840×2160 UHD 16:9 HDR IPS 4K Monitor
- 99% sRGB and Rec.709 color spaces
- USB-C One-Cable Connectivity
Asus ProArt PA278CV 27″ 16:9 WQHD LED Monitor
The Asus ProArt PA278CV is a 27” 16:9 WQHD LED monitor with built in speakers. It covers 100% of sRBG and Rec. 709 color gamuts. It demonstrates extreme color accuracy as it is Calman Verified with factory calibration for a Delta E of less than 2. Connectivity abounds with a USB hub, display port, HDMI, and DP over USB-C with 65 W power delivery. Screen-tearing is minimized thanks to its 75 Hz refresh rate and adaptive-sync technology. The ProArt can also be daisy-chained with three additional monitors via the display port.
Key Features
- 27″ WQHD (2560 x 1440) LED backlight display
- Calman Verified with factory calibrated for excellent Delta E < 2 color accuracy
- Extensive connectivity including DP over USB-C with 65W Power Delivery, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB hub
Is a curved monitor better for photo editing?
Many gamers prefer curved monitors for reduced eye strain and an improved field of view, but do curved monitors make sense for editing photos? Absolutely.
If you’re a creative who works long hours at your computer station, a curved monitor makes your workflow more comfortable and more efficient. Imagine being able to see everything you’re doing more clearly and comfortably on an ultrawide monitor.
With the increased screen space and improved image quality of a curved monitor, you’ll be able to keep multiple panels open at once instead of constantly toggling between windows. It’s like having two monitors for your photo editing setup in one.
If you’re new to using a curved monitor for photo and video editing, it may take some getting used to. You might have to tweak your desk setup for the best configuration. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll love the benefits of working in a much more eye-friendly environment compared to other monitors.
Do you need an HDR monitor for photo editing?
Simply put, HDR monitors make your photos look better. With improved detail in shadows, highlights, and everything in between, an HDR monitor will make your creations feel more lifelike. If you’re shooting HDR images and editing them on a standard dynamic range monitor, you’re not getting the full benefit of your hard work.
Be forewarned that when you edit your images with the improved range of an HDR monitor, people who view your photography or visit your website won’t necessarily have an HDR monitor. So the look you appreciate and work toward may not translate for viewers who access your work in standard dynamic range.
More and more monitors and TVs are incorporating HDR technology. So while it may take some time for everyone to see your photos how you want them seen, an HDR monitor is still worth the investment.
Is it worth it to use a 4K monitor for photo editing?
Even if you’re not doing 4K video editing, a 4K monitor is always worth the cost of admission. As camera sensors increase in resolution, the only way to get the full benefit of your images is to use an ultra-high-resolution monitor. And consider a dual monitor setup, which will give you more screen space on which to work and edit.
When editing intricate, detail-rich images, a 4K may be the best monitor for you, allowing you to see the full depth of detail and sharpness. With the decreasing cost of 4K technology, these best-in-breed monitors are now in easy reach. When choosing a monitor for photo editing, definitely take a look at 4K options.
Still not sure which monitor for photo editing is right for you?
Whether you’re looking for a top-of-the-line display or a budget photo editing monitor, our customer service team is here to help you find the perfect monitor for your workspace and price range. Give us a call or try out our live chat today!
Feature image via Shutterstock
