Besides a high-quality camera, a well-performing monitor is an indispensable tool that helps you create lifelike images through the use of photo editing.

One of the main concerns for photographers, whether amateur or professional, is how the colors on the screen reproduce when printed out.

Color accuracy is a top priority when looking for the best monitor for photo editing, and rightly so. That's why most of the LCD panels available that target the graphics and photography market use IPS technology.

Here are the best monitors for photo editing available today.

Premium pick

1. Apple Pro Display XDR

9.00 / 10
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Here’s a premium photo monitor designed with color accuracy and productivity in mind. This Apple Pro Display XDR comes with a P3 wide color gamut, displaying vibrant and lifelike colors for a smooth workflow. There’s also a 10-bit color depth that gives you more colors to work with while allowing smooth transitions. The 32-inch display comes with polarizer sensors for increasing image contrast and providing a clear vision, even in bright light.

An outstanding feature in this monitor is the 6K resolution, which displays accurate and sharp images, making it easy to make correct adjustments on raw photos. Working with intensive photo editing apps is seamless since the monitor has enough cooling vents on the back to dissipate heat. The display hits a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, which is sufficient for editing photos in almost any lighting condition.

The sturdy aluminum stand holds the monitor in place and offers tilt, height, rotate adjustments to help you find the ideal editing position. While it is an expensive investment, this is hands down one of the best monitors for photo editing, offering longevity, durability, and accuracy.

Key Features
  • 10-bit color depth
  • VESA mount compatible
  • P3 wide color gamut
  • Glossy screen surface
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • Screen Size: 32-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS-Type LCD
  • Resolution: 6016x3384
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Ports: USB-C, Thunderbolt 3
Pros
  • Exceptional color accuracy
  • Sturdy build quality
  • High contrast ratio
  • Bright display
Cons
  • Only USB-C input
Buy This Product
Apple Pro Display XDR
Editors choice

2. ASUS ProArt PA278QV

9.40 / 10
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If you want a budget-friendly monitor that offers professional-grade color accuracy, you can’t go wrong with the ASUS ProArt PA278QV. It has rich connectivity options, a premium design, and various additional features to enhance productivity. The 27-inch in-plane switching (IPS) display comes with a resolution of 2560x1440 for delivering sharp details. It’s also large enough to provide you with sufficient room to manipulate your images.

There are various output ports like dual-link DVI-D, HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB 3.0 for seamless connectivity with other peripherals. The monitor has a 178-degree viewing angle, ensuring your photos remain vibrant regardless of your sitting position. Consequently, you don’t need to worry that your images will lose their uniformity or contrast during the editing process.

The anti-glare matte coating minimizes direct and ambient light that hits your monitor without making the images grainy. Whatever you’re working with pops with fine details and rich colors as the monitor delivers 100 percent of Rec. 709 color gamut and 100 percent of sRGB.

Key Features
  • Frameless design
  • Eyecare technology
  • Various adjustable color perimeters
  • VESA wall-mountable
Specifications
  • Brand: ASUS
  • Screen Size: 27-inch
  • Display Technology: LCD
  • Resolution: 2560x1440
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 75Hz
  • Ports: DisplayPort, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio jack, dual-link DVI-D
Pros
  • Rich connectivity options
  • Delivers accurate and consistent colors
  • Fully ergonomic stand
Cons
  • FreeSync range could be more
Buy This Product
ASUS ProArt PA278QV
Best value

3. Lenovo L28u-30

8.80 / 10
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For a photo editing monitor that delivers excellent color accuracy and uniform bright levels across the screen, consider the Lenovo L28u-30. This 28-inch monitor has a 3840x2160 resolution which lets you notice more photo details when zooming out. The big screen also allows you to view edited photos in full beauty while being easy on the eyes.

The viewing angles are near effortless with the IPS panel, enabling you to edit photos from almost any angle without experiencing distortion. It also delivers incredible color accuracy, making it easy to study your work in detail. The Lenovo L28u-30 covers 90 percent of DCI-P3 and 99 percent of sRGB color gamut, enabling you to see your content in rich colors.

You won’t complain about eye strain or fatigue as the monitor comes with an Eyesafe Display technology which reduces harmful blue light. The 10-bit color depth displays 1.07 billion hues, delivering smooth gradations and improved realism in your photos.

Key Features
  • Displays 1.07 billion colors
  • Eyesafe Display certification
  • 178 degrees viewing angle
  • 4ms response time
Specifications
  • Brand: Lenovo
  • Screen Size: 28-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 75Hz
  • Ports: HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2 video input
Pros
  • Sharp and colorful images
  • Ultra-thin bezels
  • Excellent brightness level
  • VESA mountable
Cons
  • Stand not quite strong enough
Buy This Product
Lenovo L28u-30

The BenQ PD3200U gives professional photographers an excellent combination of performance and value, making it a suitable pick as one of the best monitors for photo editing. It packs many features that allow you to see a proper rendition of details, contrast, and color in all your photos. The BenQ PD3200U has a 100 percent coverage of the sRGB, enabling you to process and perceive stunning images even on other devices.

An exciting feature in this monitor is the dual view function, which lets you split the screen into two to work in different color spaces. The monitor has height, pivot, and tilt adjustments, so you can quickly find your ideal position. In addition, you can rotate the display into a vertical position, which comes in handy when editing portrait photos.

There are various curated display modes that let you work with crisp and vibrant images to enhance productivity. The Eyecare technology and low light blue filter do an excellent job of preventing eye irritation and fatigue during extended photo editing sessions.

Key Features
  • Comes with CAD and CAM modes
  • Eyecare technology
  • Keyboard video mouse (KVM) switch
  • AQCOLOR technology
Specifications
  • Brand: BenQ
  • Screen Size: 32-inch
  • Display Technology: LED
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Ports: HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, USB Type-B, USB Type-A, 3.5 mm Output/ Input
Pros
  • Robust feature set
  • Solid grayscale performance
  • Low input lag
  • Excellent factory calibration
Cons
  • Narrow AdobeRGB color gamut
Buy This Product
BenQ PD3200U

The LG 32UL500-W is a budget-friendly photo editing monitor that gives you plenty of screen space for editing photos. It comes with HDR10 mode for expanding the dynamic range of your images, plus you don’t have to interfere with the contrast as it retains your photos’ natural look. Photographers with cramped space will appreciate the semi-circle ArcLine, which takes less desk space. It’s also sturdy to keep the entire unit in place despite frequent vibrations in your room.

This monitor is wall mountable, which is an excellent way to reduce neck strain, especially if you edit photos for extended periods. The LG 32UL500-W comes with a VA panel for offering high contrast levels and image depth. Its 32-inch 4K display covers 95 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which combines with 300 nits of brightness to offer a comfortable viewing experience when editing photos.

This monitor for photo editing also gives you access to some advanced gaming features, so you can have some time to cool off after long editing hours.

Key Features
  • On-screen control
  • HDR10 compatible
  • Screen split functionality
Specifications
  • Brand: ‎LG
  • Screen Size: 32-inch
  • Display Technology: VA LCD
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Ports: HDMI, DisplayPort Input, 3.5mm Output
Pros
  • Delivers deep blacks
  • Large screen with high resolution
  • Great for light gaming
  • Excellent color reproduction
Cons
  • Offers tilt adjustment only
Buy This Product
LG 32UL500-W

The ViewSonic VP2785-4K has state-of-the-art features designed for photographers in need of a wide color palette. The monitor boasts HDR10 mode, which uses its metadata to ensure in-line and accurate reproduction of all colors. Its 4K IPS panel delivers even brightness and consistent colors from almost any viewing angle, so you can have an easy time editing photos.

The screen covers 99 percent of Adobe RGB, which is significantly higher than its predecessor and displays 100 percent of sRGB. These features come in handy when working in large color spaces. You can raise or rotate the monitor vertically, making it easy to retouch a portrait-orientated image. The sturdy base lets you swivel the display up to 120 degrees, enabling you to show edited photos to people around you.

The monitor includes a blue light filter that cuts 94 percent of harmful blue light to lessen eye strain even after extended use.

Key Features
  • Ultra-thin bezels
  • Built-in KVM switch
  • Delta E<2 accuracy
  • Ergonomic design
Specifications
  • Brand: ViewSonic
  • Screen Size: 27-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS-Type LCD
  • Resolution: ‎3840x2160
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Ports: USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI
Pros
  • Delivers precise and consistent colors across the screen
  • Anti-glare display
  • Sturdy stand ensures maximum stability
  • Flexible connectivity
Cons
  • No built-in speakers
Buy This Product
ViewSonic VP2785-4K

Anyone who wants a decent-performing monitor that fits easily on a workstation with limited space will love the Dell-U2419H. It features IPS technology that uses liquid crystals to produce vibrant colors. The viewing angles are also wide, making it easy to go through minor details of your work, and the images remain accurate when viewing them from the sides.

The ergonomic stand offers swivel, pivot, tilt, and height adjustments, allowing you to achieve a comfortable viewing angle for all-day editing. The monitor comes with a great selection of inputs for easy connection when transferring edited photos to various devices. There are five controls on the right edge that help you adjust the brightness, aspect ratio, input source, and more.

Besides fitting nicely in compact spaces, the Dell-U2419H has an improved cable management design for hiding clutter for maximum concentration. Editing photos for long periods isn’t irritating since the monitor features a flicker-free technology that reduces eye strain.

Key Features
  • Flicker-free technology
  • Includes five tiny controls
  • TUV certified monitor
Specifications
  • Brand: Dell
  • Screen Size: 24-inch
  • Display Technology: LED
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Ports: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 1.4, USB 3.0 Type-A, USB 3.0 Type-B
Pros
  • Compact enough to fit in tight spaces
  • Wide viewing angle
  • Useful cable management design
Cons
  • Low maximum brightness
Buy This Product
Dell-U2419H

FAQ

Q: How Do I Take Care of My Monitor?

Maintaining your monitor is one of the simplest and most important things. Avoid blocking the vents to ensure maximum heat dissipation. When removing the monitor base, always lay the screen facing down on a soft cloth to prevent it from scratching or breaking.

Using the appropriate power source and connection as indicated on the back ensures the monitor doesn’t experience any electric blows. Turning off your monitor when not in use also increases its lifespan.

Q: Is Repairing a Damaged Monitor Worth It?

Yes, it is, but it depends on the level of damage. Performance issues may occur after the screen fails to display any picture or appears black. In such instances, consider restarting your monitor as this helps solve such problems and other underlying issues.

You can also inspect the cables to ensure there aren’t loose fittings or cuts. If your monitor doesn’t turn on, check whether the cable, power supply unit and wall power socket are faulty.

A monitor may also experience random shutoffs, which could be because of insufficient power or overheating of the external power converter, so ensure the cable is plugged in correctly. However, a broken screen may not be worth repairing as the cost exceeds or is close to buying a new monitor.

Q: What Should I Consider When Buying a Monitor for Photo Editing?

Photography requires excellent color accuracy, so the color display should be your priority. The best monitor for photo editing should cover at least 70 percent of the Adobe RGB spectrum and 90 percent of sRGB for an accurate representation of colors.

Monitors with big screens allow you to see your images in full beauty, so aim for a 23-inch and above.

A monitor with high resolution enables more content to fit on the screen and lets you view more details when zooming out. Rotate, swivel, tilt, and height adjustments also come in handy since they allow you to find your ideal photo editing position.