The 7 Best Monitors for Photo Editing
You're staring at your photos on a monitor lying to you.
Did you spend hours editing that perfect shot? It won't look the same anywhere else. The colours are off. The contrast is wrong. And that subtle gradient you obsessed over? No one else can see it.
I know because I've been there. I've watched $5,000 photoshoots get butchered by bad displays, seen professionals deliver embarrassing results to clients, and witnessed countless photographers blame their cameras when the real culprit was sitting right in front of them the whole time.
Your monitor is the final gatekeeper between your vision and what the world sees. Get this wrong, and nothing else matters.
But in 2025, with dozens of displays claiming to be “perfect for photographers,” how do you cut through the noise and find the ones that deliver? After testing 12 monitors across every price point, I've identified the seven that deliver on their promises—and the specific reasons why they outperform everything else on the market.
Whether you're a working professional or a serious enthusiast, these displays will transform your editing process and ensure that what you see is exactly what you get.
- Colour accuracy is crucial for photo editing, ensuring images reflect true colours across devices and print.
- The BenQ SW321C is highly praised for its excellent colour accuracy and hardware calibration capabilities, making it ideal for professionals.
- High-resolution monitors like the Dell UltraSharp UP3218K enhance image sharpness, essential for detailed editing tasks.
- Investment in a quality monitor, such as the Eizo ColorEdge CG319X, ensures consistent and reliable colour reproduction for professional-quality edits.
Importance of Colour Accuracy in Photo Editing
Colour accuracy is paramount in photo editing as it directly impacts the accurate representation of colours in an image. Several challenges can arise when editing photos on monitors with poor colour accuracy.
One common issue is inaccurate colour reproduction, where colours appear different on the monitor compared to other devices or when printed. This can lead to inconsistencies and frustration for photographers and graphic designers.
Another challenge is colour shifts, where the colours on the monitor change depending on the viewing angle. This can make accurately evaluating and adjusting an image's colours challenging. Monitors with good colour accuracy minimise these challenges and provide consistent and reliable colour representation.
For example, the Dell U2723QE is affordable, with excellent colour coverage and brightness. It is known for its accurate colour reproduction, making it a suitable choice for photo editing.
This monitor ensures that the colours you see on the screen closely match the intended colours, allowing for precise editing and vibrant, true-to-life images.
[lasso asin=”B09TQZP9CL” box=”B09TQZP9CL” classname=” lasso-ll-do-not-delete-20923″ description_items=”3″ id=”312343″ link_id=”20923″ look=”box” ref=”amzn-dell-u2723qe-gwarancja-5-lat”]Regarding the best overall monitor for photo editing, the BenQ SW321C is highly regarded. It excels in colour accuracy and offers hardware calibration capabilities.
This means the monitor can be calibrated to industry standards, ensuring accurate and consistent colour reproduction. With its excellent colour accuracy and hardware calibration, the BenQ SW321C is a top choice for professional photographers and graphic designers.
[lasso asin=”B08412P2GB” box=”B08412P2GB” classname=” lasso-ll-do-not-delete-20924″ description_items=”3″ id=”312093″ link_id=”20924″ look=”box” ref=”amzn-benq-sw321c-32-4k-ips-photo-video-editing-monitor-w-aqcolor-tech-99-adobergb-100-srgb-rec-709-95-dci-p3-display-p3-hardware-calibration-paper-color-sync-uniformity-tech-hdr-usb-c-w-p”]The Eizo ColorEdge CG319X is the best monitor for professional photo editing. It offers unmatched colour accuracy and hardware calibration, providing the most precise and reliable colour reproduction.
While this monitor comes at a higher price point, its exceptional performance makes it a worthwhile investment for those who require the absolute best colour accuracy.
For Apple product users, the Apple Studio Display is a suitable choice. It is known for its clarity, consistent colour, and brightness, making it a reliable option for photo editing on Apple devices.
High-Resolution Monitors for Detailed Editing
High resolution is crucial in photo editing as it enhances image sharpness and detail. Monitors with higher resolutions allow for more precise editing, especially when working on fine points in an image. The increased pixel density ensures that every detail is displayed, accurately representing the edited image.
An example of a high-resolution monitor is the Dell UltraSharp UP3218K. This monitor boasts an impressive 8K resolution, providing exceptional colour support and detail. Its high pixel density allows for precise editing and ensures that even the smallest details are visible on the screen.
[lasso asin=”B0727ZQ21F” box=”B0727ZQ21F” classname=” lasso-ll-do-not-delete-20927″ description_items=”3″ id=”312347″ link_id=”20927″ look=”box” ref=”amzn-dell-ultrasharp-32-premiercolor-ultrahd-8k-monitor-up3218k-80-1cm-31-5-black-uk-same-as-210-amfj”]By using a high-resolution monitor, photographers and graphic designers can have greater control over their edits and ensure that every detail is precisely adjusted to their liking.
Professional Monitors with a Wide Colour Gamut
A wide colour gamut is another essential factor when choosing a monitor for professional photo editing. It refers to the monitor's ability to accurately reproduce various colours outside the standard sRGB colour space.
Monitors with a wide colour gamut can display more vibrant and saturated colours, resulting in more visually appealing and lifelike images.
One example of a professional monitor with a wide colour gamut is the ASUS PA279CV. This mid-range monitor is known for its certified colour accuracy and reasonable price. It offers a wide colour gamut that covers a significant portion of the Adobe RGB colour space, allowing for accurate and vivid colour reproduction.
[lasso asin=”B08K2GFDKM” box=”B08K2GFDKM” description_items=”3″ id=”312042″ link_id=”20928″ look=”box” ref=”amzn-asus-proart-display-pa279cv-27-4k-hdr-uhd-3840-x-2160-monitor-ips-100-srgb-rec-709-%ce%b4e-2-usb-c-displayport-hdmi-usb-hub-calman-verified-eye-care-tilt-pivot-swivel-height-ad”]Monitors with a wide colour gamut are particularly beneficial for photographers and graphic designers working with projects that require a wide range of colours, such as product photography or landscape images. They ensure that the colours in the final edited images are rich, vibrant, and faithful to the original subject.
Monitor Technologies Explained
Modern monitors utilise various panel technologies, each offering distinct benefits for photo editing.
IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels are praised for their excellent colour accuracy and wide viewing angles. These features make them a popular choice among photographers.
In contrast, TN (Twisted Nematic) panels provide quicker response times. However, they may fall short in colour fidelity and angle consistency.
VA (Vertical Alignment) panels offer deeper blacks and more substantial contrast ratios, positioned as a middle ground between IPS and TN regarding colour performance.
Understanding these technologies helps professionals balance their need for colour accuracy with other performance attributes.
Monitor Calibration for Accurate Colour Representation
Calibration is essential to achieve accurate colour representation on a monitor. Monitor calibration ensures that the displayed colours match the intended colours, allowing for consistent and reliable colour reproduction.
It involves adjusting various colour settings on the monitor to achieve accurate colour representation across different devices and print media.
Calibrating a monitor typically involves using a colour calibration device or software to measure and adjust the monitor's colour output. This ensures that the monitor's colour profile is aligned with industry standards, resulting in accurate colour reproduction.
[lasso asin=”B07M6KPJ9K” box=”B07M6KPJ9K” classname=” lasso-ll-do-not-delete-20929″ description_items=”3″ id=”312338″ link_id=”20929″ look=”box” ref=”amzn-datacolor-spyderx-pro-monitor-calibration-designed-for-serious-photographers-and-designers”]Monitors like the BenQ SW321C and Eizo ColorEdge CG319X offer hardware calibration capabilities. With hardware calibration, the monitor has built-in sensors and calibration software for precise and reliable colour calibration. This eliminates the need for external calibration devices and simplifies the calibration process.
By calibrating the monitor, photographers and graphic designers can have confidence in the accuracy of the colours they see on the screen. This is crucial for producing consistent, high-quality edits that meet the intended colour specifications.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Monitor for Photo Editing
When selecting a monitor for photo editing, several factors must be considered to ensure the best possible editing experience. These factors include size, resolution, colour accuracy, connectivity options, and calibration tools.
Size is an essential consideration as it determines the amount of screen real estate available for editing. Choosing a monitor size that suits your workspace and editing preferences is crucial for comfortable and efficient editing sessions.
Resolution plays a significant role in determining the level of detail visible on the screen. Higher resolutions, such as 4K or even 8K, offer more precise editing capabilities by displaying finer details. However, it's essential to consider the hardware requirements and graphics processing capabilities needed to support higher resolutions.
Connectivity options are also essential, as they determine the monitor's compatibility with various devices and peripherals.
Standard connectivity options include HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports. Multiple connectivity options ensure the monitor can be easily connected to devices such as cameras, laptops, and external storage devices.
It's essential to consider the connectivity options available with monitors. Many current models support HDMI and DisplayPort connections, which are widely used in modern computing setups. Some monitors also offer USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports, which provide video output, power delivery, and data transfer capabilities.
Choosing the right connectivity options can simplify the setup process and ensure compatibility with various devices.
Choosing a monitor with good colour coverage and brightness levels is essential for colour accuracy. Monitors with broader colour gamut and higher brightness levels offer more vibrant and true-to-life colours, enhancing the editing experience and the final output.
For example, the Viewsonic VP3881 is an ultra-wide monitor suitable for multi-window productivity. It offers good image quality and provides an immersive editing experience. This monitor is an excellent choice for photographers and graphic designers requiring an expansive workspace to multitask and edit large images.
- SWEEPING VISUALS: With a 38” WQHD+ 3840 x 1600 resolution panel, the VP3881a takes stunning detail and extends it horizontally. 21:9 is the standard aspect ratio for cinematic video, meaning that videos can be played in full screen, free from letterboxing.
- THE ULTIMATE COLOUR GAMUT: ColoUr accuracy means everything, whether you're a designer, video editor, or just doing business. With a coloUr gamut 26% greater than 100% sRGB and Rec.709, the VP3881a covers 95% of DCI-P3 – the international cinematic standard, the same gamut as Mac. Users are guaranteed consistent coloUr reproduction for any demand. See the realist, most vivid, and accurate colour results possible.
- FLAWLESS COLOUR REPRODUCTION: With Delta E<2 colour accuracy, the VP3881a delivers stunning colour reproduction that ensures colours in your videos and photos are true-to-life and nearly indistinguishable from the colour seen by the naked eye.
To ensure the best editing experience, it is also essential to consider the availability of calibration tools. Monitors with built-in calibration capabilities or compatibility with external calibration devices simplify achieving accurate colour representation.
Ergonomics significantly affect user comfort and productivity during long editing sessions. Monitors with adjustable stands allow users to modify height, tilt, and swivel, enabling them to maintain a comfortable posture.
Features like flicker-free technology and blue light filters can reduce eye strain, an essential consideration for those editing for extended periods.
These ergonomic factors can lead to a healthier, more sustainable working environment.
Budget considerations are inevitably part of the decision-making process when purchasing a monitor for photo editing. It is possible to find monitors that provide excellent colour accuracy without breaking the bank.
Entry-level IPS panels often deliver reliable performance, while higher-end models may offer advanced features like hardware calibration.
Assessing which features are necessary versus desirable can help photographers balance costs against potential benefits.
Best Monitors for Photo Editing
Based on the research, several monitors stand out as the best options for photo editing. These monitors excel in colour accuracy, high resolution, wide colour gamut, and other essential features for professional-quality edits. Here are some of the recommended monitors:
- Dell U2723QE: An affordable option with excellent colour coverage and brightness levels, making it suitable for general digital displays.
- BenQ SW321C: Rated as the best overall monitor for photo editing, known for its excellent colour accuracy and hardware calibration.
- Eizo ColorEdge CG319X: Considered the best monitor for professional photo editing, offering unmatched colour accuracy and hardware calibration.
- Apple Studio Display: A suitable choice for Apple product users, known for its clarity, consistent colour, and brightness.
- Dell UltraSharp UP3218K: An 8K monitor with excellent colour support and detail, providing an exceptional editing experience.
- ASUS PA279CV: A mid-range monitor with certified colour accuracy and a reasonable price, ideal for professional photo editing.
- Viewsonic VP3881: An ultra-wide monitor suitable for multi-window productivity, offering good image quality and an immersive editing experience.
Each recommended monitor has strengths and features catering to different needs and preferences. Choosing the best monitor depends on budget, specific requirements, and the desired editing experience.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Monitor for Photo Editing
Choosing the right monitor is crucial for achieving accurate colour representation and high-resolution editing capabilities in photo editing.
Monitors that prioritise colour accuracy, high resolution, wide colour gamut, and calibration options ensure that the final edited images are vibrant, authentic to life, and of professional quality.
By considering factors such as size, resolution, colour accuracy, connectivity options, and calibration tools, photographers and graphic designers can make an informed decision when selecting a monitor for their editing needs.
The recommended monitors, including the Dell U2723QE, BenQ SW321C, Eizo ColorEdge CG319X, Apple Studio Display, Dell UltraSharp UP3218K, ASUS PA279CV, and Viewsonic VP3881, offer a range of options to suit different editing scenarios.
Ultimately, the best monitor for photo editing depends on individual preferences, budget, and specific requirements. Photographers and graphic designers can enhance their editing workflow by investing in a high-quality monitor and producing professional edits.
Considering the warranty and customer support provided by a manufacturer can be as important as the technical specifications of the monitor itself.
A firm warranty policy can offer peace of mind, safeguarding against hardware faults that may arise over time. Reliable customer support ensures that assistance is available if technical issues occur, facilitating quick resolutions and minimising downtime.
Seeking brands recognised for their customer service reputation can be advantageous in the long run.
Additional considerations should include the availability of extended warranty packages, which can offer superior coverage beyond standard terms.
Extended warranties may cover accidental damage and provide quicker service or replacements. Opting for monitors from companies with reliable service networks can reduce downtime, ensuring quick support access when needed.
Last update on 2025-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
