Graphic design, video editing, and photo editing require the right amount of horsepower with well-balanced specs. If you work in these fields, you need a monitor that gets the job done well. You have to be observant while choosing such a monitor. You can also find some useful gaming monitors here.
When it comes to gaming, you have to look for a monitor with adaptive sync, good refresh and response time ratings, and a resolution that you’d like. And that’s pretty much it. In this case, however, we are dealing with heavy graphics work and long system durations. With that kind of requirement, choosing can become difficult as you can go and swipe your card to get a monitor that is a ‘professional’s choice’ by marketing standards, but if you observe carefully, you can find monitors better suited for your tasks at much lower prices. Many displays in the market can compete with expensive monitors like the NEC monitors.
In editing, we need excellent color accuracy and sharpness, a good speed behind it, a panel type that supports the best features, and something to reduce eye strain. We need a good screen size that shows colors as they would appear in real life. Let’s talk about some of these things first. We will follow that up with three choices that you can go for: at entry level, at an intermediate level, and as a professional.
What Panel Type to Choose?
This is probably the first thing to look for if your purpose is editing and graphics work. This is because the most commonly used panel nowadays is the TN panel, but it has a lot of disadvantages for this kind of work. The advantage of this panel is a low 1ms response time at cheap rates, which makes it a boon for competitive gamers. On the other hand, TN panels have the least amount of color accuracy as compared to IPS and VA panels, and this is made worse by a limited range of viewing angles. If you watch the images on the TN panel at wide angles, colors tend to wash out and distort – not precisely what you would want in editing. They operate with 6-bit color reproduction instead of true 8-bit color reproduction (like the IPS panels), and that lowers the shade spectrum per color. If your GPU has a 24-bit color range, the TN panel is far from good enough to be used for this kind of work.
What you should be looking for is an IPS panel (or its variants like S-IPS, E-IPS, H-IPS, and more, and AHVA panels). Most IPS panels have 8-bit or 10-bit support with FRC (frame rate control). This makes them able to produce 16.7 million to 1.07 billion colors. On top of that, they have wide viewing angles, with most IPS panel monitors having 178 degrees by 178 degrees (horizontal and vertical).
After this, you need to have a look at the panel coating, which could either be matte or glossy. A glossy one often comes with a layer of protective glass. These leave a terrific impact on you if you are watching media, as the colors on glossily finished panels appear to be somewhat more vivid and profound. However, a glossy finished panel has one significant disadvantage, that is its reflective nature. It will reflect the image of whoever is in front of it, along with the output. This can get distracting and cause more eye fatigue. If you are planning on working in a bright room, it is better to get a matte finished screen, which absorbs this light instead of reflecting it and works better in that way. Less glare, less eye fatigue.
Update 2024:
OLED panels have become more attractive and prevalent now since they are starting to flood the market. The technology is capable of richer color and contrast, making it instantly better than most of the panel types listed above. They are quite expensive and are prone to burn-in, but everyone is inclined to get them as upgrades for better overall performance.
Size and Resolution
Size is a significant factor, mainly because you need things to be big and nice. A size of more than 24 inches is recommended. A larger size means that you can multitask quickly, maybe apply a screen split, keep an eye on different things, and do not have to be glued to the screen at all times to pay attention to details (or keep on zooming into things). An aspect ratio that is 16:9 (most commonly used) or more will serve you well.
Resolution is the number of pixels mounted on the screen, and it is recommended that you have a minimum of 1920 x 1080p resolution for a 24-inch display for this kind of work. The minimum requirements increase to 2560 x 1440 p for a 27-inch and 3840 x 2160p (or 4K) for a 32-inch display. The more resolution you have, the more sharpness you have to the images. It is also recommended that you use LCDs at their ‘native resolution,’ as it is where they work best.
Gamut and Calibration
Color gamut is the complete spectrum or range of available colors on display. In simple terms, you should be able to see the same number of colors on a monitor that your camera can see during shooting/photography. The sRGB color gamut, which is very widely used in monitors, has less range than the Adobe sRGB gamut. For professional editing purposes, you need to go with a monitor that supports a wide gamut RGB (also known as extended gamut). These might be more expensive than the rest, but these get the job done. And for every other editing purpose, you can still make things work with a 99% or more sRGB color gamut coverage.
While most displays already come pre-calibrated for photographic use, opting for one that has calibration options is always a good idea. You can tweak things around and achieve the amount of perfection that you need. In this way, a monitor becomes task-specific, and you can be as creative as you want. Datacolor S5X100 Spyder5EXPRESS with Argyll and DispcalGUI is an excellent idea.
Now, let’s have a look at the three categories of several monitors we would recommend. You have entry-level, intermediate-level, and high-end options to choose from, depending on your budget and needs. We will be briefly looking into the key specifications of these displays to see how each one compares when considering their price points.
Great Entry Level Budget Professional Monitors (Below $500)
If you are on the verge of opening your very own start-up studio, a work-at-home freelancer, or a hobbyist, consider getting an entry-level offering that provides you with specific capabilities at a wallet-friendly price. The products listed in this category do have compromises, but their price tags make it easy to look away from the feature cuts manufacturers had to make to bring you the best they can offer at a low price.
Asus ProArt PA279CRV
The Asus ProArt PA279CRV presents fantastic value with its performance and specifications. You get a full gamut coverage IPS panel with superb accuracy from the factory, so it is ready for editing and content creation right away. It’s also one of the few budget prosumer models that have a 96-watt USB-C port, which lets you connect workstation laptops via a single cable.
BenQ PD2506q
The BenQ PD2506q delivers sought-after characteristics in a functional package. The monitor uses a 25-inch 1440p display that’s extra sharp and crisp, and it’s very affordable for its class. You get great color accuracy and consistency with it, making it suitable for compact workstation builds or as a portable display for people on the go.
Philips 27E2F7901
IPS Black panels usually belong to the upper tiers, but the Philips 27E2F7901 already offers it at the $500 price point. It is tuned to be a creator monitor, so it offers fantastic accuracy that goes well with its extended contrast ratio. It also has extensive connectivity, which makes it more functional and flexible for a myriad of setups.
BenQ PD2705U
The BenQ PD2705U is an upsized version of the 2nd pick above, but it features a 4K IPS panel instead. You can expect full sRGB and DCI-P3 coverage with impeccable accuracy, especially when it’s calibrated with a colorimeter. It is built to last and equipped with USB-C and the brand’s Hotkey Puck for superb user experiences while on the job.
Best Intermediate Professional Monitors
These monitors offer a wider variety of features at a middling cost, so you get the best performance per dollar ratio from these models. There are a few missing gems in each model’s spec sheet, but that makes their specializations shine even brighter for the meticulous but budget-conscious professional.
Asus ProArt PA329CV
The Asus ProArt PA329CV is one of our favorite intermediate monitors because of its accurate IPS black panel and unique package. You get top-notch accuracy and clarity, plus a lot more value when it comes to its features. It has extensive connectivity options, along with an alternate desk clamp mount if you want to do away with the regular base and save space.
Lenovo P32p-30
The Lenovo P32p-30 is a sophisticated piece of kit that should belong to the higher tier of this guide. This Thunderbolt 4-equipped photo editing monitor offers crisp imagery and accuracy, along with a future-proof nature that makes it a good investment. It’s built tough, just like most ThinkVision products, which have long been associated with hardy workstations and businesses.
ViewSonic VP2786-4K
The viewSonic VP2786-4K offers a crisp and clear IPS panel with excellent fidelity out of the box. However, ViewSonic was not satisfied with the value they delivered to consumers, so they opted to add a colorimeter designed for this monitor. It is not cheap at around $950, but we think this combination offers incomparable value based on what you get from the purchase.
Dell U3223QE
The Dell U32223QE has been one of our favorites during the year it was released for its excellent overall design and capabilities. The monitor offers a 32-inch IPS Black panel with fantastic accuracy and contrast, making viewing images more pleasing. It is built like a true premium monitor and includes extensive connectivity
Best High-End Professional Monitors
If you are looking for the best the market has to offer without having to ask for two grand or more; these products are your best bet to upgrade your flourishing business or career in the photo and video editing. These three models are some of the most sophisticated monitors you can buy for your hard-earned cash, and looking elsewhere might hurt your budget even more.
Lenovo ThinkVision Creator Extreme
The Lenovo Creator Extreme is a sophisticated prosumer monitor that utilizes mini-LED for brilliant HDR imagery. It features fantastic accuracy that’s enhanced by the 1152-zone FALD backlight that provides excellent lighting control. It also carries professional-oriented features like daisy-chaining ports and a 100-watt USB-C port which allows you to maximize it for your studio or workstation.
Alienware AW3225QF
We reviewed the Alienware AW3225QF recently and quickly found out that it is highly suitable for photo editing due to its accuracy. The monitor features a glossy OLED panel with rich colors and contrast. It’s also a 4K 240Hz gaming monitor, so it will impress further once you’re done with the job and are set to play your favorite games.
Dell U3224KB
The Dell U3224KB is unique since it incorporates almost every prosumer-related feature, like a 4K webcam with its ultra-sharp 6K IPS panel. It’s the most expensive photo editing monitor in this lineup, but it’s a more practical alternative to Apple’s Pro Display XDR. It comes fully featured out of the box, so you get full value out of your investment.
LG OLED Pro
The LG OLED Pro is available in 27-inch or 32-inch formats to satisfy varying setup or studio requirements. It’s limited to 60Hz to help it produce the best possible color accuracy and fidelity, so it’s strictly intended for photo and video editing. It’s expensive, but it’s the current leader in the OLED market for professionals.
About the Author: 
Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
benq monitor pro photography says
Buenisima pagina… Muchas gracias Saludos
Paolo Reva says
Gracias por sus amables palabras! Salud!
Marco says
I’m getting a little crazy about the choice stress. Do you think the Viewsonic VP3268-4 k a good choice that can compete with LG, BenQ, HP etc. etc.?
Thank you for your answer.
Best regards,
Marco
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Marco! ViewSonic’s monitors are one of the most underrated products in this category. The VP3268-4K is just as good as its closest competitor, so you won’t be disappointed. Cheers!
ROSHAN says
EXCELLENT REVIEW.. THANK YOU GUYS.
Paolo Reva says
You are welcome, ROSHAN! We’re very glad you like our work. Cheers!
QittaMachita says
Hi. What a presciuos review! Have added it to my favs in browser. I have Acer Predator XB271HU and i am so happy with it. I enjoy retouching photos by myself, though i have lately made some progress, every new picture is a challenge for me, coz they are never the same. Some are poorly lit, some need skin retouching, etc.
Clint says
Absolutely brilliant article. Narrowing it down like this definitely makes research much easier.
You’ve listed many interesting and amazing monitors, but I think there’s one monitor that’s been missed from this list. The Asus PA329Q. It doesn’t just hit the 32″ / 2160p / 99.5% Adobe RGB / 90% DCI-P3 / 10bit (14bit LUT) mark. It’s very thin bezel makes it quite a bit more attractive than others, and it’s also slightly better priced than others in that same top-tier bracket.
Awesome bunch of reviews though. Definitely one of the better summaries that I’ve come across for professional grade monitor recommendations!
Paolo Reva says
Hey Clint! Thank you for your suggestions and kind words. The Asus PA329Q is definitely up there with these monitors, so we will consider adding it via an update. Cheers!