12 Best Monitors For Photo Editing In 2022 | Reviews And Buying Guide

Whether you edit photos on a PC or Mac, having the right monitor is crucial. 

Photo editing requires a high level of color accuracy, which is greatly dependent upon the monitor you use. A good quality monitor ensures that the colors visible on the screen are the same as seen in real life. 

Such monitors also provide good brightness and contrast for working with graphics. However, the problem is that there are many different options available from various brands when you go out to purchase a monitor. Every brand offers different features, and each product has its advantages, making the selection process difficult. 

Therefore, selecting the right monitor requires a significant amount of time and effort to go through numerous online reviews. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the 12 best monitors for photo editing purposes and added a buyer’s guide to make things easier. 

Best Monitors For Photo Editing Reviews

1. BenQ PD2700Q

Many of you must be familiar with BenQ, one of the leading brands based in Taiwan that manufactures a wide range of technology products, consumer electronics, computing devices, and more. And the PD2700Q is one of its most impressive products, offering optimal color precision and customizable features for an amazing experience.

Why Did We Like It?

The BenQ PD2700Q is one of the best monitors for photo editing purposes that we came across. This 27 inches monitor has a QHD resolution that guarantees excellent image quality and offers crisp viewing angles, suitable for all graphics-related work.

Moreover, for color accuracy, this monitor has 100% Rec. 709 and sRGB color space, enabling it to display colors with a high level of precision. Whether you are editing photos in Photoshop or creating artwork in Illustrator, it’s bound to be a great choice. 

The PD2700Q is also not short on other useful features like its DualView Function for splitting the screen into two windows (side-by-side) in different display modes. Furthermore, this BenQ monitor comes with all the standard connectivity ports for a hassle-free setup experience. These include display ports, mini display ports, USB ports, and even a built-in speaker and headphone jack as well.

Naturally, it can be used with software such as Darkroom, CAD/CAM, and others.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Offering unmatched performance and a contemporary design, the BenQ PD2700Q makes for an excellent choice among photo editing monitors. We only wish that there was an option to scale images and texts to larger fonts, as sometimes the default resolution makes them too small, which hinders visibility. 

2. LG 34WN80C-B

Our next item comes from LG, and with the 34WN80C-B, the South Korean multinational has developed an amazing product capable of delivering great picture quality at a reasonable price. It has a 21:9 aspect ratio offering excellent screen real estate for all graphics-related work. 

Why Did We Like It?

The LG 24WN80C-B is another excellent option if you are looking for a photo editing monitor from a well-known brand. This 34-inch curved monitor has a Wide Quad HD resolution display that offers excellent image quality, which makes it one of the best options for photo and video editing. 

It is also a great choice if you are looking for an ultrawide monitor. We found working on this monitor to be a very enjoyable experience, due to the large size and sharp display. Plus, it comes with over 99% sRGB color space accuracy and hdr support, making it great for graphic designing. 

Coming to the design, this LG monitor has a Virtually Borderless design with minimal bezels that maximize your viewing space and ensure minimum distraction. Besides this ergonomic design, you get USB Type C connectivity that allows data transfer and power delivery up to 60W.

What Could’ve Been Better?

We found the LG 24WN80C-B to be one of the most impressive curved monitors on the market. The only downside to it was that the software to split the screens did not perform as well as advertised. However, this issue can easily be resolved with a software update from the manufacturer.

3. Asus

Next, we bring you a photo editing monitor from Asus, one of Fortune magazine’s Most Admired Companies. Asus is known for creating high-quality products that deliver unparalleled performance, and the PA329CV is no exception. It is a 4K UHD monitor with a range of innovative features that you’re going to love. 

Why Did We Like It?

There are several things to like about the Asus PA329CV. First and foremost, the 32-inch LED-backlit display makes working on this 4K monitor a joy. The screen can get very bright and has excellent contrast, making it a perfect choice for photo editing purposes.

Then, there is a wide viewing angle panel, letting you observe minute details without straining your eyes. Furthermore, to ensure the highest levels of color accuracy, this monitor from Asus is Calman Verified, which means it produces 100% accurate and vibrant colors. 

Adjusting the monitor is also simple due to the C-clamp design, which allows you to tilt, swivel, pivot, and easily alter the height. Similarly, there is no shortage of connectivity options, with the USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB hub available. 

Additionally, Asus has included ÜV Rheinland-certified Flicker-free and Low Blue Light technologies for a comfortable viewing experience.

What Could’ve Been Better?

While testing this model, we occasionally faced an issue where the monitor would not sleep even after enabling the function. There might be a compatibility issue causing the problem, which can be fixed with a software update. Otherwise, this is among the best monitors for photo editing.

4. HP

Another brand that needs no introduction, HP, has been one of the leading American manufacturers of computing devices and peripherals since the very beginning. Naturally, the VH240A is the best photo editing monitor, according to many people, thanks to its modern design and several useful features that can improve your workflow. 

Why Did We Like It?

The VH240A is a 23.8-inch Full HD 1080p LED monitor that comes with a sleek, modern design for an incredible viewing experience. You’ll find that its 16:9 aspect ratio is complemented with an anti-glare, matte finish that reduces reflections and minimizes distractions.

What’s more, the user experience is further enhanced due to the fast response time of 5ms. You get smooth image quality that looks fluid and crisp without having to deal with issues such as motion blur. 

Being one of the most affordable options on our list, the VH240A is worth considering if you are looking for the best monitor for photo editing on a budget. Yet, despite being a budget monitor, it does not skimp on features, as you get in-built speakers, a borderless and ultra-slim design, and more.

Furthermore, for a hassle-free mounting experience, you get a VESA Mount Adapter with this monitor that improves the overall user experience. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

We had no complaints regarding the display and build quality of the HP VH240A. However, it was disappointing to see that the manufacturer has only provided HDMI and VGA options for connectivity. Seeing as this is a budget monitor, this is understandable though USB C connectivity would have been great.

5. AOC

With a frameless and sleek design, the U2790VQ is among the top models that come with a host of exciting features. Whether it is the 4k Ultra HD resolution or the wide viewing angles, you get an exceptional user experience with this photo editing monitor from AOC. 

Why Did We Like It?

If you are looking for the best monitor for photo editing that offers 4k resolution without costing an arm and a leg, the AOC U2790VQ can be a compelling choice. The 3840 x 2160 UHD LED monitor is capable of producing over one billion colors that ensure the richest details.

What’s more, you get over 99% sRGB & 90% NTSC color gamut coverage that provides the highest level of color accuracy for excellent photo editing and graphic design purposes. In other words, whether creating artwork or retouching photos, this monitor offers a fantastic experience.  

It is complemented by the 20, 000, 000: 1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, which provides clear details and reduces strain. The U2790VQ also supports VESA Mounts, enabling greater adjustability and flexibility in your workspace. 

Speaking of the workspace, this AOC monitor has a sleek and frameless design that maximizes the screen space and helps you save space on your desk. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

We only faced a minor ghosting issue that occasionally occurred when white objects were moving across a black background due to the higher response cycles of the monitor. However, it is not a common issue and does not affect the overall performance of the unit.

6. BenQ SW321C

Moving on to the next product, we bring you another excellent option from BenQ. The SW321C has a 4K screen with 99% Adobe RGB color space and 10-bit color depth for an enjoyable experience. It also comes bundled with software that ensures screen to paper color accuracy, delivering the best results. 

Why Did We Like It?

To begin with, the BenQ SW321C is the perfect choice for those who want a good quality screen with high color accuracy and superior calibration. It comes with the Aqcolor technology that ensures you get vivid colors that are 100% true and accurate. 

To make your job easier, it has Paper Color Sync software. This, combined with the Advanced Reflectionless Technology from BenQ, provides photo previews that represent how they will appear in real life. So, you no longer need to worry about your photos looking different from those that appear on the screen.

Moreover, it supports HDR10 and SLG formats and allows you to preview the HDR effects during the editing process. Hence, it can help streamline the workflow and speed up the photo and video editing process. 

Furthermore, you get USB C connectivity for faster data transfer and reduced lag. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

The BenQ SW321C is one of the best monitors if you are looking for an option with good color accuracy and superb calibration. However, it may not be ideal for those with a humble budget as it is one of the more expensive options on our list. 

7. ViewSonic

ViewSonic is an American manufacturer that focuses on providing quality products that guarantee the best user experience. With a premium quality build, unparalleled color accuracy, and sharp image quality, the ViewSonic VP2468_H2 is one of the best monitors for photo editing that you can get right now. 

Why Did We Like It?

Coming from the house of ViewSonic, we had high expectations from the VP2468_H2 and are delighted to say that it does not disappoint. It is a Full HD monitor that comes with professional color processing capability and supports upto 4.39 trillion colors that ensure accurate reproduction of vibrant images with excellent color accuracy. 

Moving on, one of the unique features of this monitor is the 6-Axis Color Enhancement feature that lets you individually adjust the six primary colors as per your preferences. We tested this feature and realized that it could be quite handy while editing photos and videos.

What’s more impressive is that ViewSonic has paid attention to connectivity options. Its multi-stream technology makes connecting multiple monitors easy using a single cable, while you get several USB hubs for attaching peripherals and accessories.

Moreover, the four-sided thin-bezel design helps save space and provides a greater viewing area.

What Could’ve Been Better?

While we had no issue with the performance of this ViewSonic monitor itself, the placement of the buttons did put us off. The power button is placed on the back of the monitor, which makes it very inconvenient to reach, especially if the monitor is placed against the wall. 

8. Samsung

We won’t be wasting any time trying to introduce you to Samsung, the technological giant known for making a wide range of consumer electronics as well as products. The LC49G95TSSNXZA is one of the most beautiful monitors you will ever lay your eyes on, with some excellent features to match.

Why Did We Like It?

First off, we loved the immense size of this monitor right from the start. This 49-inch curved monitor matches the curve of your eye, ensuring you get an enjoyable and immersive experience without causing any strain. 

Then there is the fact that this monitor comes with the latest QLED technology that provides the perfect image quality, while the Quantum Dot technology ensures more vivid colors. You get 125% more color space when compared to sRGB for better color accuracy. 

Another impressive feature that we’re sure you’ll love is the 240hz refresh rate, enabling upto four times more frames per second compared to the competition. It ensures a fluid and smooth viewing experience while working, gaming, or binge-watching.

Finally, we’d like to mention the 32:9 aspect ratio that allows you to view all your content easily, thanks to the large viewing area. With this photo editing monitor, using a dual monitor setup becomes redundant. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

There isn’t anything wrong with this monitor, except for the dimming zones that allow illuminating only specific parts of the screen. The ones on this monitor do not work properly, so keep this in mind when going with this option. Other than that, we have no complaints against this excellent product.

9. Dell

Dell is one of the biggest American manufacturers of computing products for homes and offices, having built its reputation by offering quality products at great prices. The S3221QS from the brand is a 4K UHD monitor that comes loaded with innovative features while offering a solid build and a contemporary design. 

Why Did We Like It?

One of the best options on the market, the Dell S3221QS, offers a 4K UHD resolution for complete immersion, whether you are editing photos or working on graphic design projects. You can view even the tiniest details with unmatched clarity.

This excellent screen is complimented by the 1800R curvature, which lets you view objects comfortably without causing any strain. It can be the perfect alternative to using a multi-monitor setup, reducing hassle and providing greater convenience. 

One thing that is essential to a good monitor is proper eye protection. The S3221QS comes with TUV certification that prevents the screen from flickering, while the ComfortView technology reduces harmful blue light emissions for comfortable use.

Other than that, this Dell monitor offers a high level of adjustability, allowing you to pivot, swivel, tilt, and adjust the monitor easily. It is also compatible with a wide range of mounts, including VESA ones, for greater flexibility. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

During our testing period, we found that there is high-pitched coil whine noise that comes from the in-built speakers in Dell S3221QS. Other buyers of this product have also experienced the same issue. The manufacturer should look into fixing this defect.

10. Sceptre

Sceptre is a company that specializes in the manufacture of a wide selection of monitors for different purposes. Anyone looking for a premium quality monitor with a high refresh rate cannot go wrong with the Sceptre E275B-QPN168. This QHD monitor offers excellent color reproduction and sharp visibility, making it a worthwhile option.

Why Did We Like It?

Offering the perfect combination of superior construction, bright and vivid display, and great viewing angles, the Sceptre E275B-QPN168 delivers one of the best experiences you can get. The IPS panel is perfect for getting the most vivid colors, which is essential when using any photo editing software.

Similarly, the viewing angles ensure sharp visibility and crisp picture quality, so you no longer need to compromise with washed-out colors and blurry pictures. Add to this the 144hz refresh rate, which is more than double the industry standard, and you get one of the most impressive monitors in this segment.

While there are several useful features on offer, the highlight of this product is the 450 nits brightness that allows the screen to become incredibly bright. It makes the colors pop out and illuminates all the areas of the screen uniformly. 

Plus, the 1ms fast response time eliminates ghosting and flickering issues. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

Whether you are getting this monitor for photo or video editing or gaming purposes, this is an excellent buy that meets both purposes well. However, we would like to point out that the onscreen control options are spaced too far apart, making them cumbersome and inconvenient to use. 

11. BenQ SW270C

Since we’ve already included two excellent products from BenQ on our list, we don’t need to say much about the company. As for the monitor, the SW270C maintains the brand standard you expect, offering an impressive display, accurate color representation, and hardware-based calibration, among other features, for an enjoyable experience. 

Why Did We Like It?

We were fortunate to have discovered the BenQ SW270C while conducting our research for this guide. Similar to other BenQ monitors, the SW270C comes with the Aqcolor technology that ensures color accuracy while working. If any product offers the perfect blend of performance and style, this is it.

The user experience is further enhanced by the IPS technology that provides exceptional clarity so you can notice the fine details without straining your eyes. The SW270C has a 10-bit color depth that provides more than one billion colors, along with smooth gradations and natural shading. Bringing your photos and digital artwork to life can be the most enjoyable experience with this monitor.

Another point worth mentioning is that this monitor from BenQ is Calman verified and Pantone validated, ensuring that the printed colors will match the ones you see on screen. Faded colors will no longer be an issue.

What Could’ve Been Better?

While we were not able to discover any major downside to this amazing monitor, we did face a bug with the USB C that prevented it from connecting to the PC. However, rebooting the PC helped solve the problem, but a software update is required to fix the bug permanently.

12. LG 27UN850-W

We conclude our list with the 27UN850-W from LG, a UHD monitor that has been specially designed for video and photo editing. This monitor has an IPS display that offers an amazing viewing experience, and coupled with an attractive price; it secures a spot on our list. 

Why Did We Like It?

If you’ve previously used LG products, then you know about the level of dedication that the brand puts into ensuring the satisfaction of its customers. The 27UN850-W is a testament to this fact, offering a 27-inch UHD display that has one of the best picture qualities in the segment.

This LG monitor is an incredibly versatile option with USB C connectivity that offers 60W power delivery. It eliminates the need for an additional power source, providing a clutter-free and hassle-free experience.

The design of this monitor is equally impressive, with a three-sided borderless display that maximizes the viewing area for better immersion. This design also guarantees adjustability, making it easy to pivot, tilt, or swivel the monitor as needed.

Additionally, it comes with in-built speakers, and you can easily control the audio settings, such as the volume, using the on-screen functions.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Setting up this monitor for use can be quite a hassle since there are a lot of settings that need to be adjusted for proper functioning. It can be quite challenging, especially for first-time users, but it’s a pleasure to use once set up. 

Monitors For Photo Editing Guide

Knowing about the best monitors for photo editing purposes is only the first step towards ensuring that you select the right option. The next step is to know about the factors that should be considered when looking to buy such products. 

In this section, we’ve listed some of these factors that should be taken into account before deciding which option to go with. Keeping these factors in mind will ensure that the monitor you purchase is best suited for such purposes. 

1. LCD Vs. LED Monitors

Most modern monitors that are available for purchase have either LCD or LED screens. The term LCD has a wider scope, and all LED monitors are LCD monitors. Both LED, and LCD are different types of lighting technologies used to display objects such as text and images on the screen. 

LED monitors provide better contrast and have a thinner design, while LCDs are easier on the eyes, besides being more affordable.

While both LED and LCD monitors use liquid crystal display technology, LCDs use fluorescent lamps for lighting, whereas LED ones use Light Emitting Diodes. Generally, the picture quality of LED monitors is better, but they are costlier when compared to regular LCD ones. If price is not a concern, going with an LED monitor is always recommended. 

2. Panel Type

When selecting the best monitor for photo editing, you need to take into account the type of panel of the monitor. The type of panel affects both the performance of the monitor as well as its design. There are different types of panels, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. 

The Twisted Nematic or TN panel is the most common, offering excellent image quality and fast response times. The downside to these panels is that the colors can appear washed out, and the viewing angles are not the best. That is why these panels are the most affordable ones.

VA panels, also called PVA or MVA panels, offer better colors and viewing angles, but they suffer from slower response times. Then, IPS panels are costlier than both VA and TN panels but offer richer colors and excellent viewing angles. The problem with IPS panels is that they have higher power consumption, which can lead to a rise in energy costs. 

Besides these, there are newer technologies that include OLED and AMOLED panels. OLED panels do not require backlights as they depend upon organic material for producing light. These panels offer superior viewing angles and are energy efficient. However, they have a shorter lifespan and can be quite costly.

Similarly, AMOLED panels are a recent invention and offer brighter displays with great viewing angles and faster response times. However, they are less energy-efficient than OLED ones and are prone to burn-in, besides being expensive.

Depending upon your requirements, select the panel carefully to ensure a smooth workflow and an enjoyable user experience.

3. Resolution

The resolution of a monitor means the product of its length and breadth in terms of pixels. Images on monitors are made up of tiny dots called pixels, with each pixel comprising three sub-pixels. Each sub-pixel produces one primary color, which combines with other pixels to produce other colors and create images and text. 

The greater the number of pixels in each square inch of the monitor, the higher the pixel density and the better the picture quality. For larger monitors, it is recommended to go with higher resolutions. However, keep in mind that the higher the resolution of the monitor, the more processing power it will require.

Full HD 1080p monitors are the standard resolution, while 4K Ultra HD or 2160p monitors are now the gold standards. As the resolution of the monitor increases, so does its price, so make sure to keep this factor in consideration when purchasing a monitor for photo editing.

4. Aspect Ratio And Screen Size

One of the most important considerations when buying a monitor is the screen size. It determines whether it will fit comfortably on your desk or working area. A decent-sized monitor will provide you with adequate space for your multitasking, whether it is opening multiple tabs on chrome or making side-by-side comparisons in Photoshop.

Ultrawide monitors are a great option if you are willing to spend that much and have the required amount of space for keeping such monitors. 

Equally important is the aspect ratio is the relationship between the width and the height of the monitor. Aspect ratios can determine how much working area you have on the monitor. Common aspect ratios for computer monitors include 5:4. 4:3. 16:10, and 16:9. Modern monitors even offer aspect ratios such as 32:9, though the standard is 16:9. 

5. Curved Vs. Straight Displays

Curved monitors are becoming very popular these days, offering the same resolution as straight ones but providing a more immersive experience. It is because the curve of the monitor changes your visual perception, making images appear multi-dimensional. Due to how they project light, such monitors can reduce image distortion, thereby reducing eye strain. 

However, depending upon certain factors such as ambient light, glare, and reflections, you can experience even worse glare with the wrong kind of setup when using curved monitors. Additionally, they cannot be mounted on walls, and you need to have at least a 30-inch monitor for the best experience. 

On the other hand, straight screen displays are more affordable and can be mounted on walls easily. 

6. Design And Mounting

Modern monitor designs utilize thin bezels on the side to maximize the viewing area while also creating visually pleasing aesthetics. 

If you are planning on creating a working setup with multiple monitors, it is highly advisable to get a monitor with an easy to set up and use design. Such a monitor should be compatible with different types of mounts and stands, allowing you to tilt or rotate it easily as required.

Additionally, the built-in controls should be easy to navigate through and select without feeling clunky and inconvenient. Similarly, pay attention to the placement of the ports and cable management features so that you can have a clean and tidy setup on your workspace.

Monitors For Photo Editing Frequently Asked Questions

Best Monitors For Photo Editing Verdict

While there are several excellent options when it comes to photo editing monitors, selecting the right monitor that is best suited for your needs requires careful consideration of several factors. We hope our review-based guide has been helpful in providing you with some of the best options, as well as the essential factors when making a decision. 

On that note, we’ve now come to the end of this guide but before signing off, let’s recap some of the noteworthy products on the list. The BenQ PD2700Q offers excellent picture quality with a high level of adjustability, while the LG 34WN80C-B comes with an ergonomic design and a curved screen display. 

Finally, the Asus is one of the best 4K monitors that has multiple connectivity options. 

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