8 Best Photo Editing Monitors in 2024
When it comes to editing your photos, the monitor you use plays a big role in how your images turn out.
There are a lot of new monitor options that can help make your editing process easier and more accurate.
Here are the latest monitor technologies and important features to consider when choosing a monitor for editing photos:
Cutting-Edge Monitor Technologies for Photo Editing
This year has ushered in groundbreaking advancements that are revolutionizing the world of photo editing monitors:
Mini LED Displays: Offering unparalleled contrast and brightness, these displays ensure that even the subtlest details in your photos are accurately represented.
Thunderbolt Connectivity: Lightning-fast data transfer speeds make your editing workflow smoother and more efficient than ever before.
Models like the Dell U3224KB UltraSharp and BenQ PD3220U are leading the charge, showcasing these innovative features.
Key Features to Prioritize for Photo Editing
When it comes to choosing the best monitor for photo editing, accuracy should be your top priority.
Here are the key features to consider:
Color Accuracy
Aim for monitors that guarantee precise color representation, ensuring that your edits translate flawlessly to print or digital media.
💡For more tips on getting accurate colors in your photos, check out my guide on camera white balance.
Screen Size and Resolution
A larger screen size and higher resolution —aim for 4K or above—will provide you with a broader canvas to work on, making it easier to spot even the tiniest details in your images.
💡If you're also looking for a camera that pairs well with high-resolution monitors, see my guide on the best cameras for beginners.
Color Space Coverage
Look for monitors that cover a wide color gamut, like Adobe RGB or DCI-P3, to ensure your images display a rich and vibrant range of colors.
Panel Types and Bit Depth
IPS or OLED panels with high bit depth will deliver deep blacks, rich colors, and exceptional viewing angles, super important for accurate color grading.
Brightness and Contrast
Prioritize monitors with high brightness levels and excellent contrast ratios to ensure your images pop with depth and clarity.
💡Proper monitor settings are key for editing low-light photos. For more tips, check out my guide to low-light photography.
Why Choose a 4K Monitor for Photo Editing?
4K monitors are a game-changer for photo editing, offering:
Crystal Clear Images: The high pixel density brings out the minutest details in your photos, ensuring you don't miss a thing during the editing process.
Efficient Editing: More screen real estate allows for easier multitasking and a better overview of your work, streamlining your editing workflow.
💡If you're considering upgrading your camera to match your new 4K monitor, see my guide on choosing between DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Monitor Selection Guide:
Think about how much space you have for your monitor.
Choose a resolution that fits your editing needs.
Pick an aspect ratio that works best for you.
Additional Resources:
Learn how to calibrate your monitor
Check out popular photo editing apps
Get recommendations for noise reduction software
Tips on getting the most out of your camera
Improve your photography skills with composition techniques
Understand the benefits of shooting in RAW format
Find laptops that are good for editing photos on-the-go
💡For more advanced editing techniques to use with your new monitor, check out my guide to HDR photography.
Top Picks: 8 Best Photo Editing Monitors in 2024
After extensive research, here are my top recommendations for the best photo editing monitors in 2024, suitable to different budgets and needs:
1. Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 27"
A 16:9 widescreen resolution, sharp, crisp, and color-accurate display.
Ideal for high-resolution photo editing.
2. ASUS ProArt Display 27”
A top content creation monitor with a high refresh rate and an attached glare-blocking hood.
Perfect for all professionals and enthusiasts.
3. ViewSonic VP2786-4K 27”
It’s a UHD (3840x2160p) monitor with thin bezels (the border between the screen and frame) and a 60Hz refresh rate.
Bright panel and excellent color accuracy.
Perfect for professional photo editing.
4. LG DualUp 28MQ780-B
This one is a standout choice for photo editing with its unique 16:18 aspect ratio, which is perfect to work in portrait mode.
A 28-inch monitor with a resolution of 2560×2880 and provides excellent color accuracy.
It also features a USB-C port with DisplayPort and 90 watts of Power Delivery, making it an adaptable option for connectivity.
Highly recommended for photographers and video editors.
CURVED
5. Alienware AW3423DW
The best of the best.
While this monitor is primarily designed for gaming, its impressive features make it perfect for creative work.
It comes with a 34-inch curved display, a 3440 x 1440 resolution, and a 175Hz refresh rate.
An immersive and responsive experience is guaranteed!
Moreover, its 1000-nit brightness and selectable color spaces make it a top professional choice.
6. Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
7. Dell U2723QE
A 4K monitor designed with content creators in mind.
It offers excellent color accuracy and a dedicated sRGB mode.
8. BenQ PD3205U
Another great option.
It features a big screen with a strong focus on color accuracy and crisp, images like in real life.
More Expert Recommendations:
Dell UltraSharp U3821DW and Asus PA32DC OLED are great choices for color accuracy and resolution.
Monitors Made Specifically for Professional Photo Editing
For professional photographers and editors who need colors to look exactly right, dedicated photo editing monitors like the BenQ PhotoVue SW272U and Dell UltraSharp U2723QE are top choices.
BenQ PhotoVue SW272U
27-inch 4K screen with very high pixel density
Colors are calibrated at the factory to be super accurate
Covers 100% of the sRGB color space and nearly 100% of Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color spaces
10-bit color depth for smooth color gradients and over 1 billion colors
Very bright at 400 nits and excellent 1000:1 contrast ratio
Special features like hardware calibration, shading hood, and wireless control puck
Expensive at around $1,600, but unbeatable color accuracy
The BenQ SW272U is a top-of-the-line monitor made specifically for photo editing and printing.
Its exceptional color accuracy, wide range of colors, and special features like hardware calibration make it a favorite among professional photographers and photo editors.
While very pricey, it delivers stunning image quality and precise colors.
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE
27-inch 4K screen with very high pixel density
Excellent color accuracy with an average color error of 0.74
Covers 98% of the DCI-P3 and 89% of the Adobe RGB color spaces
USB-C connectivity with power delivery
Bright at 400 nits and 1300:1 contrast ratio
More affordable than the BenQ SW272U at around $500
The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers impressive color accuracy and a wide range of colors for photo editing.
While not quite at the level of the BenQ SW272U, it provides excellent value and performance for professional and enthusiast photographers.
Both the BenQ SW272U and Dell U2723QE are highly praised for their precise colors, making them top choices for professional photo editing and retouching work.
The BenQ offers unbeatable accuracy at a premium price, while the Dell provides great value without sacrificing too much performance.
Versatile Monitors for Both Photo Editing and Gaming
While monitors made just for photo editing focus on giving you accurate and consistent colors, some gaming monitors have impressive features that can work well for both photo editing and gaming.
These versatile monitors can be a good choice for hobbyists or those who want to balance creative work and gaming.
However, it's important to remember that while these monitors have impressive specs for both photo editing and gaming, they may not match the color accuracy and consistency of dedicated professional photo editing monitors like the BenQ PhotoVue SW272U or Dell UltraSharp U2723QE.
If getting colors exactly right is your top priority, choose dedicated photo editing monitors from well-known brands.
Here are some versatile options for both photo editing and gaming:
Acer Nitro XV282K
Size & Resolution: 28 inches, 4K (3840x2160)
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Pros:
High 4K resolution gives excellent detail for photo editing
144Hz refresh rate is good for gaming
Good color accuracy and range of colors
Cons:
Slightly larger than the typical 27-inch size
More expensive compared to some other options
LG 27GP950-B
Size & Resolution: 27 inches, 4K (3840x2160)
Refresh Rate: 160Hz
Pros:
4K resolution gives excellent detail for photo editing
160Hz refresh rate is great for gaming
Excellent color accuracy and wide range of colors
Cons:
Higher price tag
Alienware AW2724DM
Size & Resolution: 27 inches, 1440p (2560x1440)
Refresh Rate: 180Hz (overclocked)
Pros:
High 180Hz refresh rate is excellent for gaming
Good color accuracy and wide range of colors
More affordable
Cons:
1440p resolution may not be as detailed as 4K for photo editing
Some issues with color fringing around text, which could affect precise photo editing
And That’s It
Prioritize color accuracy, resolution, and overall display quality and you’re good to go.
Keep up with the latest monitor technologies and focus on important features for photo editing in 2024.
Choose wisely, invest in quality, and watch your images come to life on a monitor that suits your needs perfectly.
I hope that helps,
-Hakan.