Photographers need to have the best equipment for photo editing. These monitors will help make their photos look great.
The best monitors for photo editing will provide exceptional image quality and have been professionally calibrated to ensure accurate colors. A photo editing monitor must also have high resolutions and a wide color gamut.
There are many monitors on the market, but not all of them are suitable for photo editing. We’ve collected the top monitors for photo editing from the best 4K monitor down to the more affordable and lower resolution options. To help you make an informed decision, we have compared key factors such as resolution, screen size and connectivity.
Although many of these monitors can be expensive, there are also affordable options that offer photographers with different budgets options.
- Are you looking to print and store your edits. Our best guide is here.
- These are the top laptops for photo editing
- What about a smaller setup? These are the best portable Monitors
The 2022 best monitor for photo editing
1. BenQ SW321C PhotoVue
Pro-level best for 4k
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 32-inch
Aspect ratio 16:9
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
Brightness: 250 cd/m2
Response time: 5 minutes
Viewing angle: 178/178
Contrast ratio: 1,000:1
Color support: 99% AdobeRGB, 95% P3, 100% sRGB
Weight: 25.6kg
REASONS to BUY
+Improved brightness and colour uniformity+USB-C connectivity+Hardware calibration with 16-bit LUT precision
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Main connection bay difficult to reach -‘Paper Color Sync’ needs refinement to be truly useful
Pro-level displays no longer seem like the expensive, difficult-to-reach purchase they were once. The BenQ SW321C PhotoVue has it all. The 32-inch 4K monitor has a remarkable color gamut that covers 99% of the Adobe RGB space and 95% DCI-P3.
This monitor boasts an innovative anti-reflection coating which ensures exceptional color accuracy and contrast.
This is the monitor you will need if you are in the film or photography industry. This is on top of the many other features that this monitor offers. This monitor is one of the best for photo editing, and it’s also a great deal.
2. LG UltraFine 24MD4KL-B
Ideal for those who have less desk space
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 24-inch
Aspect ratio 16:9
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
Brightness: 500nits
Response time: 14ms
Viewing angle: 178/178
Contrast ratio: 2,000:1
Color support: P3 Wide Color Gamut
Weight: 15.4 lbs
REASONS to BUY
+Incredible color accuracy+Bright, vivid+USB C and Thunderbolt 3 compatibility
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Expensive, thick bezels
If you’re looking for the best photo editing monitor that doesn’t cost a fortune, the LG UltraFine24MD4KL–B is a great choice for you. The 4K display’s excellent resolution and color accuracy make it easy to use. Apple fans will love its USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 capabilities. Its buttonless design and lightweight construction makes it ideal for Macs and Ultrabooks.
Even for daily users, it’s still quite expensive. It’s still a good deal for content creators, particularly if you’re used t higher-end models. You will have to compromise on a smaller screen and thicker bezels. They are 13.9mm on each side and 15.5mm at the top and bottom. This is a good size for today’s standards.
This is a great option if you have a small desk.
3. Eizo ColorEdge CG318-4K
The best choice for photo editing
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 31.3-inch
Resolution: 4096 x 2160
Refresh rate 60Hz
Panel technology: IPS
Inputs: 1x DisplayPort and 1x Mini DisplayPort. 2x HDMI, 1x VGA.
USB: 4x USB 3.0
REASONS to BUY
+Outstanding color accuracy +Includes hardware calibration tool+Includes a monitor hood
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
A new car is the same price
Our current choice for the best monitor to do photo editing is the ColorEdge CG318-4K 31 inch. Its color accuracy is what makes it so popular among professional photographers who edit photos. It supports full sRGB coverage and 99% of Adobe RGB spectrum. It supports full 10-bit color, when taken from a 16 bit look-up table.
The CG318-4K displays 4096 x 2160 pixels, compared to the 3840 x 22160 resolution found in other 4K computers.
These features combine to create stunning images that will make your photos stand out. A built-in calibration tool ensures that colors are as exact as possible.
The device is also rich in connectivity options with one DisplayPort and one Mini DisplayPort as well as one VGA, four USB 3.0 slots, and two HDMI ports.
4. Dell UltraSharp QUP3216Q
This is the ideal choice if you are looking for professional-level color accuracy
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 31.5-inch
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh rate 60Hz
Panel technology: IPS
Inputs: 1x DisplayPort and 1x Mini DisplayPort. 1x HDMI
USB: 4x USB 3.0
REASONS to BUY
+High colour accuracy+10-bit panel with 16-bit look up table
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Pricey
The Dell 31.5-inch 4K monitor is the top-of-the-line model. It boasts a number of professional-grade features that ensure excellent color accuracy. Although it is expensive, this 4K monitor is worth every penny.
Contrary to other monitors in our top picks for photo editing, the ports on this monitor are located at the back and not available from the site. This, combined with the restrictive pivot, doesn’t make it easy to access.
The UP3214Q’s matte-black and metallic trim design will be familiar to you, as well as the chunky three-quarter inch bezels. The UHD colour performance is where Dell has really made a difference. It supports the DCI-P3 colour spectrum. It boasts a specification almost as impressive as Eizo’s monster CG318-4K. It covers 99% Adobe RGB and 87% DCI–P3, delivering excellent picture quality.
5. BenQ PD3200U
Ideal for creators
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 32-inch
Aspect ratio 16:9
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
Brightness: 350 cd/m2
Response time: 4ms
Viewing angle: 178/178
Contrast ratio: 1,000:1
Color support: sRGB 100%
Weight: 8.5kg
REASONS to BUY
+4K resolution+Large screen
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
Design may seem boring to some.
BenQ has now added the PD3200U to its Designer Monitor line. It features a 32-inch Ultra HD display. The PD3200U is ideal for creators. For instance, 3D designers will appreciate the inclusion of aCAD/CAM mode. Photographers and editors will also love the factory-calibrated color accuracy. 709 adherence.
The BenQ PD3200U is simple and elegant in design. Work and productivity are clearly the priorities. You shouldn’t expect flashy design features like you might see on gaming displays. The company describes the monitor as a simple, functional design that increases efficiency.
The KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse), which allows you to connect a second computer and switch between them using one monitor, keyboard, and mouse, is a great example of this focus on pragmaticity over panache. This is a great option for those who frequently use multiple computers for their photo editing.
6. MSI Prestige PS341WU
Above the 4K norm
SPECIFICATIONS
USB-C: Yes
Screen size: 34 inches
Resolution: 5,120 x 2,160
Aspect ratio 21:9
HDMI inputs: HDMI 2.0 x 2
Display ports: DisplayPort v1.4 x 1
REASONS to BUY
+Glorious 5K2K resolution+Superb nano IPS panel+Great features
REASONS TO GET AWAY
-Patchy build quality – Medium HDR performance
The MSI Prestige PS341WU is a superior monitor than the standard 4K. It’s not easy to show off a 4K monitor, but this monitor does it with its stunning 5K2K native resolution and 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio.
This is 5,120 by 2,160 pixels, and three times more than standard UHD or 4K monitors. This gives you a 163DPI pixel density.
Although it isn’t cheap, the Nano IPS panel has DCI-P3 color gamut, HDR support, and extensive connectivity. You get a monitor that is capable of photo editing at its best.
7. BenQ EX3501R
Ultrawide monitors for photo editing
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 35-inch
Aspect ratio 21:9
Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440
Brightness: : 300 cd/m2
Refresh rate: 100Hz
Response time: 4ms
Viewing angle: 178/178
Contrast ratio: 2,500:1
Color support: sRGB 100%
Weight: 23 pounds
REASONS to BUY
+Huge display+HDR
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Requires some tweaking
The BenQ EX3501R ultrawide monitor is the best for photo editing. The 3,440 x 1,440 resolution gives you a large desktop and the 2,500:1 contrast allows for bright, vibrant images.
It also supports 100% sRGB, which is a major advantage for photographers looking for the best monitor to edit photos.
The BenQ EX3501R is not the typical gaming monitor. It’s a video enjoyment monitor. This means that the large screen and content on it grab attention before any fancy aesthetics.
8. BenQ GW2270H
The top pick for minimalists
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 21.5-inch
Aspect ratio 16:9
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
Brightness: 250 cd/m2
Response time: 5ms
Viewing angle: 178/178
Contrast ratio: 20mM:1 (DFC)
SRGB 91% Colour Support
Weight: 7.5 pounds
REASONS to BUY
+Two HDMI ports+Affordable
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
No speakers-No USB hub
BenQ’s full HD monitor is the most affordable with an HDMI connector. It also doesn’t look bad. To promote a minimalist lifestyle, the company adopted the Bauhaus philosophy of “less is more”. These are their words, not mine.
There are some notable features, however. BenQ’s exclusive “eye-care technology” is designed to reduce flicker (PWM) and reduce eye strain. BenQ claims this technology prevents headaches and sleep disorders from prolonged exposure to a screen.
It has a 3000:1 native contrast, 178deg/178deg viewing angles and 1080p resolution. Although it isn’t as expensive as some other monitors, it will allow you to edit your photos without spending a lot on a new one. It is also one of the most lightweight monitors for photo editing.
9. Dell UltraSharp U3218K
This is a great tool for photo editors who prioritize resolution
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 32-inch
Aspect ratio 16:9
Resolution: 7,680 x 4,320
Brightness: 400 cd/m2
Response time: 6ms
Viewing angle: 178/178
Contrast ratio: 1300:1
Colour support: 100% AdobeRGB, 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709, 98% DCI-P3
Weight: 23.14 pounds
REASONS to BUY
+Huge 8K resolution+Amazing image quality
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Very expensive-8K may not prove useful for many people
The Dell UltraSharp UP3218K monitor is a great choice for photo editing. It has a 32-inch screen with 8K resolution, which equates to 7,680×4,320 pixels. This makes it ideal for video editors and photographers. The screen is also large, making it a great productivity tool.
Professionally calibrated, the screen looks great straight out of the box. The assembly is quick and painless. The monitor’s base and neck are made from durable, brushed aluminum.
The 32-inch screen isn’t as big as you would expect. This monitor is very expensive. This monitor will be either a great buy or a costly folly depending on your needs.
Do you recommend a curved monitor to do photo editing?
We spoke with Brett Barbour (VP, US monitor vendor Viotek) to determine if it is a good business decision to choose a non-flat monitor to do photo editing.
Three types of people are likely to come to mind when you think about the people who love and use curved monitors: gamers, gamers, and gamers. Why should gamers be denied all the fun? For office workers, curved monitors can bring some ergonomic benefits. Our eyes are naturally curving. It’s worth getting a monitor with a curve that matches our eyes. This is especially important if you use them for at least 6-8 hours per day. Curved monitors aren’t just ergonomic.
We spend a lot of our time looking at screens, whether it’s for work or play. This poses additional health risks to our eyes. Headaches. Eye strain. Eye strain. Research has shown (opens in new tab), that curved panels are less likely to cause eye strain or fatigue than flat panels. They are also easier on the eyes, especially if you spend most your time in front of a computer monitor or expect your employees to.
Software integrated into monitors can further enhance this benefit. Software integrated into the monitor can further enhance this benefit. For instance, ASUS offers their Eye Care technology, Viotek offers their Viotek Protect, and Samsung has its own “Eye Saving Mode.” This is especially useful when you are looking at the screen for long periods of time.
A curved monitor will produce less distortion and glare. The corners of the curved monitor are closer to your eyes, mimicking the natural curvature the human eye. The curved monitor will not reflect light in most workplace setups. This reduces glare from light sources. Only exception is if there’s a window directly behind you. Although rare, it is possible.
However, that’s not all. Normally, the quality of a monitor’s appearance is entirely a matter of personal preference. It doesn’t matter what monitor you prefer. A curved monitor may take up less space than a flat one, but that’s not the truth. The actual size of the stand will vary, but the extra space you have at your desk from pen holders, phone chargers, and pen holders, it is likely to be minimal.
It is worthwhile to consider the possible issues that they could cause. A curved monitor will still cost a little more than a flat-screen one in most cases. The LG 34WK650W flat-screen IPS monitor is 34 inches in size and has a 2560x1080p resolution. It costs $396.99. You can also get a 34-inch LG 34GL750-B curved monitor for $449.99. It has the same resolution as the flat-screen IPS monitor and a faster refresh rate.
It could be as low as $50-75 per screen. However, this can quickly add up if you are trying to fill an entire office.
But is it really a con? It is, at least for the moment. However, the cost gap is closing fast as manufacturing costs drop quickly and certain brands (Samsung ASUS, Viotek, etc.) are able to offer more features without increasing their prices. There are ways to include a lot of features into quality monitors without raising the price.
Talks have also been made about how curved monitors might affect straight-line perception. Another potential drawback of curved monitors is their ability to blur straight-line perception. This won’t be an issue for every office. The curvature of a monitor can cause a slight distortion in the straight line perception of professionals in engineering, drafting and drawing. Although software exists that can correct this problem, it is best to stick with flat-screen monitors for now.
How do you choose the right monitor for your photo editing?
When choosing a panel for photo editor, it is important to prioritize the correct features and specifications. IPS is the most popular screen technology for photo editing. It is more accurate than VA and TN panel tech. OLED screens are still niche in terms of PC monitor technology.
Next, avoid being distracted by gaming-centric features such as high refresh rates or extremely slow response times. These features will not aid in editing images. You do need to be careful about color accuracy. An important metric is the coverage of several important gamuts such as sRGB and Adobe RGB.
A screen that covers at least 100 percent of sRGB, and more than 90 percent for Adobe RGB and DCI–P3 is recommended for any serious image editing. The higher these numbers are, the better. High 90s will have the best screens. HDR support is something you should be aware of if you don’t already know.
Native resolution is a more complicated topic. Editing images doesn’t require a panel with a high resolution. Higher resolution panels will allow for more precise editing. They also make it easier to judge details like focus and zoom in and out of images. While 1440p is an acceptable baseline, full 4K resolution is more desirable and is now affordable.
Connectivity is the last major concern. DisplayPort and HDMI are essential. This is especially true for laptops that lack DisplayPort. Also, we recommend USB-C with power delivery, especially if your laptop supports it. It is truly a joy to have single-cable connectivity that can be used for all your needs.
The Best Monitor for Photo Editing: How We Test
We first need to compare the best monitors for photo editing. The screen size is measured in diagonal inches. Resolution measures the number pixels on the display. However, a larger monitor does not necessarily mean a greater resolution. For example, the Eizo 24-inch has a higher resolution than NEC 27-inch.
A better measure of the display’s ‘crispness is pixel density. This is measured in pixels per inch. The NEC is 82ppi and the Eizo is 94ppi. Samsung and Dell are 109ppi.
Monitors offer more than a display for your computer. We’ve looked into additional features such as built-in speakers and USB hubs, card readers, and multiple inputs like HDMI for use with various devices.
True-to-life color reproduction is important for image editing. However, it may be necessary to compromise in order to get all features within your budget. LED backlighting is thinner, while IPS (or Samsung’s PLS), allows for wider viewing angles.
Although we recommend DVI or HDMI as digital interfaces, it all depends on the computer you have. Are you looking to connect multiple devices? You should ensure that your new monitor has the same input and output as your computer!
Many of these displays allow you to rotate the monitor side-to-side and change the orientation of the screen to portrait.
Many monitors can now display Full HD resolution (1920×1080), but many more can handle higher resolutions, such as 2560×1440.
A USB hub is a must-have for all the devices that are plugged into computers today.
Many monitors, including many of these, are just plain ugly. You can also see the opinions of others about the buttons and menu system. It should be easy to use.
