Being a photo editor or graphic designer, you need to have a high-quality display, aka monitor, so you can see every detail, color, and nuance in your work. However, there are plenty of monitors available in the market, and finding the best monitor for photo editing can be quite a hassle. You may get confused by the technical specifications, brand options, and varying prices. But there’s nothing to worry about.
This article is your complete guide to the best monitors for photo editing and what factors you should consider when choosing one. Let’s dig in!
Key takeaways
- XPPen Artist 24 Pro (Gen2) 4K is perfect for detailed photo editing with exceptional color accuracy and incredible stylus support featuring 16k pressure sensitivity levels.
- The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is a versatile and reliable monitor with a wide color gamut and USB-C hub, ideal for business editing tasks.
- For Mac users, BenQ MA320U is a treat providing ultra-sharp images and offering multiple color modes along with Flicker-Free technology and Blue Light Reduction.
- If you are always on the go and a beginner photo editor, the espressoDisplay Portable Monitor, with its slim and lightweight design and USB-C plug-and-play capability, is the best option.
Best Monitors for Photo Editing
Here are some stunning monitors for photo editing that you can rely on:
Artist Pro 24 (Gen2) 4K – Best Design and Colour Accuracy
Price: $1,104.99
The Artist Pro 24 (Gen2）4K by XPPen is an ultimate treat when it comes to the best monitor for photo editing options. It features a 4K Ultra High Definition display that provides you with impressive color accuracy. We like the full-laminated, anti-glare Nano Etched Glass screen of this monitor that minimizes reflection and doesn’t stress your eyes when you work for long hours.
The XPPen Artist 24 Pro embodies a design language where ergonomics and aesthetics are seamlessly integrated, a quality recognized by the prestigious Red Dot Award. There’s an advanced Dual X3 Pro Series Stylus that takes your drawing and designing experience to the whole next level.
It’s equipped with an X3 Pro smart chip that has 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity. The best part is that this monitor is capable of showing a massive 1.07 billion colors and also allows transition between sRGB, Adobe RGB, and Display P3 color spaces.
Pros
- Dynamic and realistic images and drawings
- Ergonomic build that reduces strain on your body during extensive usage
- High-pressure sensitivity levels of 16k offering exceptional line accuracy
- No reflection or glare to impact your vision
- Compatible with colorimeters like Portrait C6 HDR2000, HDR5000, and several Calibrite ColorChecker and X-Rite models
Cons
- A little expensive
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE – Best for Photo Editing Businesses
Price: $579.99
The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is another best monitor for photo editing for businesses that require something reliable with excellent visuals. Available in 24 inches to 49 inches, it features an IPS panel with Black Technology that enhances contrast and gives your professional art projects deeper details.
It has a built-in USB 3.2 Gen 2/USB-C hub that simplifies connectivity and eliminates clutter. The display supports a wide color gamut covering 100% Rec 709, 100% sRGB, and 98% DCI-P3, so your colors are on point.
We really like the ComfortView Plus feature of this monitor that minimizes exposure to harmful blue light and reduces eye strain. Overall, it’s an LED-backlit LCD monitor with TFT active matrix technology that offers clear and crisp images.
Pros
- The premium platinum silver finish gives it an elegant look
- USB 3.2 Gen 2/USB-C hub that simplifies connectivity and enhances versatility
- Available in sizes ranging from 24 inches to 49 inches, catering to diverse workspace needs
- Low blue light setting enable long-lasting working without any eye issues
Cons
- Backlighting isn’t that good
- Display panel had a faint shadow
BenQ MA320U – Best for Mac Users
Price: $599.99
If you are a Mac user and looking for something high-quality to bring life to your artistic visions, the BenQ MA320U is one of the best monitors. It’s a 31.5-inch monitor with an IPS panel and an amazing resolution of 3840×2160, providing ultra-sharp images and color accuracy.
With a typical brightness of 550 nits, it ensures you work smoothly even in low light conditions. To add to its overall functionality, there’s a built-in 15W hub that is perfect for charging your iPad® and iPhone® devices while you go on to complete your artistic projects.
The monitor supports multiple color modes, including Display P3, sRGB, HDR, and a specialized M-Book mode, along with options like ePaper, Coding, and Cinema.
Pros
- Stunning display and resolution that deliver crystal clear images and vibrant colors, ideal for photo and video editing as well as designing
- Eye care features including Flicker-Free and Blue Light Reduction
- Comes with an adjustable stand that allows height and tilt adjustments
- Two speakers of 5W offer a unique audio experience
Cons
- VA panels are prone to backlit bleed, which affects the overall viewing experience
- 5ms speed times may not be fast enough
espressoDisplay Portable Monitor – Best for Beginner Editors
Price: $660.48
We also have the espressoDisplay Portable Monitor on our list, which is perfect for beginner editors and people who are always on the go. This 15.6-inch HD touchscreen offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080, offering clear visuals for basic editing tasks.
Its ultra-portable design easily slides inside the bag, making it suitable for work in different locations. Connecting this device with your system is a breeze, as it has a USB-C plug-and-play capability.
It has a 60Hz refresh rate and an 11ms response time for a smooth experience. The best thing is the contrast ratio of 1000:1, giving a decent balance between dark and light areas and maintaining details in your visuals.
Pros
- Touch-sensitive display for smooth and efficient workflow
- Ultra-thin frame with an elegant enclosure design that easily fits in your bag
- USB-C plug-and-play capability that allows for quick setup
Cons
- Considerably dim brightness
- Doesn’t come with a stand or cover
Buying Guide
If you are struggling with finding the best monitor for photo editing, here are some factors that you must consider to make a wise decision:
- Size: The first thing you should look at when finding the best monitor for photo editing is the size of the device. For instance, if you have complex editing tasks that require more space than usual, look for larger monitors with curved and ultra-wide displays.
- Resolution: High resolution is crucial for clarity and detail. Therefore, opt for monitors with 4K resolution, which provides sharp images and fine details.
- Color Space: Another thing you should consider when opting for the best monitor for photo editing is the color space. Make sure the model covers a wide color range and supports 100% sRGB, Adobe RGB, or DCI-P3 color spaces so you achieve realistic colors.
Also, pay attention to the refresh rate and choose monitors with a rate of 60Hz for smooth movement. Don’t forget to look at the cost and find monitors that fit your budget and also offer the desired features.
Conclusion
Finding the best monitor for editing can be quite challenging if you are unaware of the key factors to consider. However, we suggest the XPPen Artist Pro 24 Gen2 (4K) due to its brilliant color accuracy, ergonomic design, and incredible pressure sensitivity levels.
If you are on the go, then espressoDisplay Portable Monitor is ideal. It can handle basic editing tasks and has USB-C plug-and-play capability that allows quick setups. Large businesses, nonetheless, can rely on Dell UltraSharp U2723QE, which comes in varying sizes and has a built-in USB 3.2 Gen 2/USB-C hub for smooth connectivity.
