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Best Monitor for Photo Editing [2023 Review]

In: 
Published: 07/03/2023

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Even if you install an advanced photo editing application, there are high chances of making wrong adjustments if your computer monitor doesn’t reproduce the images as captured by the camera sensor. The best monitor for photo editing allows you to view the true image color and resolution when editing.

My Top Photo Editing Monitor Recommendations

The best monitor for photo editing is versatile, and you can use it with older CPUs using the VGA port or the newer computers using the HDMI or DisplayPort. The following monitors use low blue-light technology to prevent eye straining even if you edit your photos for an extended time.

 
Brand:
HP 24mh FHD Monitor
 
Brand:
LG 24MD4KL-B
 
Brand:
ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV
Screen Size:
23.8 Inches
Screen Size:
24 Inches
Screen Size:
27 Inches
Item Weight:
9.94 Pounds
Item Weight:
15.4 Pounds
Item Weight:
18.92 Pounds
4.7
4.3
4.2
Brand:
HP 24mh FHD Monitor
Screen Size:
23.8 Inches
Item Weight:
9.94 Pounds
4.7
Brand:
LG 24MD4KL-B
Screen Size:
24 Inches
Item Weight:
15.4 Pounds
4.3
Brand:
ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV
Screen Size:
27 Inches
Item Weight:
18.92 Pounds
4.2

Best Overall Monitor for Photo Editing: HP 24mh FHD Monitor

HP 24mh FHD Monitor

If you are looking for a photo editing monitor that puts less strain on your eyes, you can’t go wrong with the HP 24mh FHD Monitor.

Like the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV, the monitor comes with a low blue light mode that shifts your colors to a warmer spectrum, making whites natural for enhanced eye comfort.

The position and height of your monitor greatly affect your sitting position, how hard your eyes work, or how high your head is, which might cause neck and back complaints. Fortunately, this monitor features an adjustable height and tilt that allows you to lower or raise the screen, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

The monitor has two built-in 2W speakers, giving clear alerts from the photo editing application even if the popup is not visible. Unlike the ViewSonic VP3881A, the monitor features a 23.8 screen size, making it ideal for photo editors with limited space, especially if working from a home office.

However, the monitor lacks a USB-C port connection, making powering your display through a laptop difficult.

HP 24mh FHD Monitor
4.7
Pros:
  • The adjustable height and tilt allow you to adjust your working posture, reducing the risks of suffering from musculoskeletal disorders
  • The 23.8 inches size makes it suitable for photo editors with limited space
Cons:
  • The monitor lacks USB-C port connections, making it challenging to extend the display to another monitor
  • Without the anti-glare panel coating, this monitor is unsuitable for use in bright lighting due to reflections
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Best Photo Editing Monitor With a USB-C Port: LG 24MD4KL-B

LG 24MD4KL-B

The LG 24MD4KL-B is a high-quality monitor equipped with advanced Nano In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology that helps expand the color gamut, allowing it to reproduce significantly vibrant colors and appealing image quality overall.

Like the HP 24mh FHD Monitor, this monitor features an adjustable height and tilt that allows you to improve your body posture by adjusting the angle and height of the screen, reducing fatigue.

The monitor features a 24 inches screen size, allowing you to view the finer details of the photo you are editing without zooming in. Like the BenQ Anti-Glare Display, the monitor features a maximum display resolution of 3840 x 2160, making it ideal for editing high-resolution images.

The monitor comes with three USB-C ports, helping you cut down cord clutter by powering it through a USB connection. However, the monitor lacks a way to swivel its arm clockwise or anticlockwise, and you might be unable to showcase your edits to other team members.

LG 24MD4KL-B
4.3
Pros:
  • The three USB-C ports allow you to power your monitor through a USB connection and reduce cord clutter on your working desk
  • The Nano IPS technology allows you to produce vibrant colors and impressive image quality
Cons:
  • Without a way to swivel the monitor’s arm, showcasing your edits to your colleagues might be challenging
  • The monitor’s glossy screen might irritate your eyes if editing images in places with bright lighting
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Best Photo Editing Monitor for Color Accuracy: ASUS ProArt PA279CV

ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV

The ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV is a premium monitor with a maximum refresh rate of 60 hertz, updating your edits almost instantly after moving the sliders. Like the HP 24mh FHD Monitor, this monitor features low blue light and TÃœV Rheinland-certified Flicker-free technology for enhanced eye comfort when editing your images.

The monitor offers up to 4K ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution, providing detailed and superb image clarity for easier identification of image noise.

This monitor maintains International color standards with 100% sRGB and 100% Rec standards with a 709 wide color gamut, allowing you to create color specifications on the editing application without fearing color inaccuracies.

Like the BenQ Anti-Glare Display, the monitor can reach a brightness of up to 350 candelas per square meter, allowing you to view images shot in low light with a more enhanced detailed contrast. However, the USB-C ports sometimes fail to connect with Macs, and you might need to use adapters instead.

ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV
4.2
Pros:
  • The 4K ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution in this monitor provides you with excellent image quality for easier identification of image noise
  • The monitor reproduces true colors, allowing you to come up with your color specifications without fear of inaccuracies
Cons:
  • The USB-C ports occasionally fail to connect with Macs, forcing you to use adapters instead
  • With a contrast ratio of 1000:1, this monitor is unsuitable for use when editing low-contrast images captured in poor lighting
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Best 4K Resolution Monitor for Photo Editing: Dell UltraSharp U2723QE

Dell UltraSharp U2723QE

If you are looking for a monitor with a flexible and versatile stand, the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE might be the best option.

Like the HP 24mh FHD Monitor, the monitor features an adjustable height and tilt, allowing you to customize it to your desired height, swivel, and tilt, reducing the chances of back pains and aches due to bad posture.

Unlike the others on my list, the monitor features a convenient joystick control that allows you to navigate to the menu and adjust your monitor's settings easily, making it ideal for beginner photo editors.

The monitor features a contrast ratio of 2000:1 that provides you with incredible color and black performance for enhanced picture clarity, especially when editing images captured in darker environments, such as real estate interior photos shot in poor lighting.

However, the 60-hertz refresh rate might drop to 30 hertz when connected to a MacBook Pro, reducing the visual smoothness of your edits.

Dell UltraSharp U2723QE
4.3
Pros:
  • The monitor supports daisy chaining, allowing you to extend the display without affecting the image quality
  • The joystick control makes this monitor ideal for beginner photo editors who might find it challenging to adjust the settings manually
Cons:
  • The 60-hertz refresh rate might reduce to 30 hertz when connected to a MacBook Pro, reducing the visual smoothness of your edits
  • Unlike the HP 24mh FHD Monitor, this monitor lacks built-in speakers, and you can’t hear any alerts from the photo editing application
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Best Widescreen Monitor for Photo Editing: ViewSonic VP3881A

ViewSonic VP3881A

With a High Dynamic Range (HDR)10 content support, the ViewSonic VP3881A provides you with brighter and more vivid colors, making your images appear more natural and vibrant.

 Like the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE, you can mount this monitor on the wall, allowing you to benefit from the 178 degrees vertical and horizontal viewing angles.

Unlike the HP 24mh FHD Monitor, the monitor comes equipped with USB 3.1 Type-C, Displayport, and HDMI inputs that provide flexible connections for laptops, MacBooks, and PCs, offering you connection flexibility depending on the computer brand and model you are using.

The monitor provides you with EBU, sRGB, Rec. 709, SMPTE-C, and DICOM-SIM color spaces, allowing you to view the colors on the monitor precisely as they are on your photo-editing workspace.

With a screen size of 38 inches, this monitor allows you to view the details of the photo you are editing with minimal strain on the eyes, even without zooming in on the images. However, the monitor is large and might be unsuitable for offices with limited space.

ViewSonic VP3881A
4.6
Pros:
  • The USB 3.1 Type-C connections in this monitor provide you with connection flexibility depending on the computer model you are using
  • The HDR 10 content support ensures higher color accuracy, making your photos appear natural and vibrant
Cons:
  • The monitor is generally large, making it unsuitable for offices with a limited space
  • You can’t use the keyboard video mouse switch (KVM) unless one of your computers is a USB-C type
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Best Photo Editing Monitor With Eye-Care Technology: BenQ Anti-Glare Display

BenQ PD2700U

The BenQ Anti-Glare Display comes equipped with the Keyboard Video Mouse (KVM) switch that allows you to display and control two different systems on one monitor using one set of mouse and keyboard, boosting your work efficiency and saving on space.

Unlike the others on my list, this monitor features an anti-glare panel coating, allowing you to edit your images outdoors or sitting near an open window without a noticeable reflection.

Like the ASUS ProArt PA279CV, this monitor boosts an eye-care Brightness Intelligence Technology that helps minimize eye fatigue and irritation, making it a good option when editing images for an extended period.

The monitor provides you with a 4K resolution, making even the finer details of your images visible. With dual integrated 2W speakers, this monitor allows you to monitor your audio and hear alerts from your photo editing application even if the pop-up windows are not visible.

However, the monitor’s color accuracy is rated at Delta E < 3, which means color differences are perceptible at a glance.

BenQ PD2700U
4.5
Pros:
  • The anti-glare panel coating allows you to use the monitor to edit images even in bright lighting
  • The flicker-free and Brightness Intelligence technology protects you from eye fatigue and irritations
Cons:
  • With a color accuracy rating of Delta E <3, the color differences are noticeable at a glance
  • The monitor doesn’t have a high maximum brightness, making it unsuitable when wearing black goggles
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Features to Consider in the Best Monitor for Photo Editing

Computer monitors come in varying sizes and resolutions depending on the brand and model, and you might be confused about the best monitor for photo editing jobs.

The following features can help you identify a monitor that suits your working space, the condition of your eyes, and the peripheral devices you might need to connect to your computer. The following table further highlights the size and key features of my monitors.

Comparing Features for Photo Editing Monitors

Product Resolution (Pixels) Refresh Rate (Hertz) USB-C Port
HP 24mh FHD Monitor 1920 x 1080 75 No
LG 24MD4KL-B 3840 x 2160 60 Yes
ASUS ProArt PA279CV 3840 x 2160 60 Yes
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 3840 x 2160 75 Yes
ViewSonic VP3881A 3840 x 1600 60 Yes
BenQ Anti-Glare Display 3840 x 2160 60 Yes

Size

Computer monitors come in a wide range of sizes, some being as big as 40 inches and others as small as 17 inches, almost the size of a typical 15-inch laptop screen. However, the common monitor sizes in most workplaces are 22 to 24 inches.

Keeping in mind that most photo editing applications are designed with a resizable window, a bigger screen is preferable as you can resize the application to fill the entire display, revealing the details of the photo you are editing better. Typically, this allows you to edit the photo without zooming in and out.

For instance, when using the 38-inch ViewSonic VP3881A monitor, the application's workspace is large enough to allow you to see the final details when making image selections, even without zooming. However, the larger size takes up much space and requires a bigger room, such as a dedicated office.

Flat screen computer monitor and keyboard with smartphones and stuffed toys placed on a brown wooden table

Resolution

refers to the number of pixels a monitor displays at a given time when displaying the image. Usually, the monitor's resolution is indicated in two numbers, horizontal and vertical. For instance, a monitor with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 means it can display 1080 pixels vertically and 1920 pixels horizontally.

Considering that the photo you are editing is made of pixels, a higher resolution monitor reproduces and displays the pixels of the image better. Although the resolution doesn't directly relate to size, since the resolution is in pixels per inch, a larger monitor needs a higher resolution to display the images better.

For instance, images appear sharper and more detailed on a 24-inch monitor than on a 38-inch monitor when using the same resolution of 1920 x 1080. For crystal clear and detailed images, consider going for a monitor with an ultra-high definition resolution of 4K, such as the BenQ Anti-Glare Display.

Refresh Rate

Refresh rate generally refers to the number of times per second the computer monitor will update your edits on the screen. Generally, the refresh rate helps to determine how smooth motion appears on the monitor. Refresh rate is measured as a frequency in cycles per second or hertz.

For instance, a monitor with a 60Hz refresh rate means it updates the image on the screen 60 times per second. Most photo editing applications come with sliders that help you to adjust effects such as contrast, saturation, and vibrance.

The monitor's refresh rate is a key factor to consider as it determines how long it will take for the changes to reflect on your display. Generally, a monitor with a higher refresh rate, such as the HP 24mh FHD Monitor display, is preferable as it displays the edits almost instantly as you move the slider.

Display Technology

Computer monitors use different technologies to reproduce and display the images on the screen. The following are some of the common display technologies in order of advancement and performance.

  • Cathode ray tube (CRT): Cathode ray tube is a technology used on analog monitors where the cathode ray tube device directs electron beams through stripes of alternating blue, green, and red phosphor dots to create a visible image. Usually, these monitors are bulky and have high power consumption
  • Liquid crystal display (LCD): LCD monitors are flat screens and use a reflector or backlight to reproduce the images using the light-modulating properties of polarizers and liquid crystals. Usually, LCD monitors use fluorescent lights as backlight 
  • Light emitting diode (LED): LED monitors work the same as LCD monitors, only that they use light-emitting diodes for the backlight inside instead of fluorescent lights. In most cases, monitors that use LED to illuminate the pixels, such as the ASUS ProArt PA279CV display, are clearer and more power efficient than standard LCD monitors
  • Organic light-emitting diode (OLED): OLED is the latest technology in computer monitors. Instead of using the backlight to illuminate the pixels, the pixels of the OLED monitors emit light

Stand Movement

It's common to edit real estate photos as a team. That means you might want to swivel the monitor clockwise or anticlockwise so the rest of the team can have a good visual view of the edits. If you are editing the photos for a long time, you might need to adjust the height of your chair to reduce fatigue.

As a result, you might need to adjust the monitor's height or tilt it to retain a good working posture. Although most monitors come with a stand that helps to hold the monitor in place, the pivoting of the stand varies across brands and models.

A monitor with a flexible stand movement, such as the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE, allows you to swivel and tilt the display for the best posture. Getting a wall-mountable monitor can also be an added advantage if you want to shoot the photos tethered and showcase them to a group of people in real time.

Color Accuracy

Advanced photo editing applications such as Photoshop give you an option for color space such as CMYK, RGB, and sRGB. Usually, Adobe RGB and CMYK are the best color spaces if you edit the images for printing, while sRGB is the best if the images are for posting on websites, blogs, or social media.

Generally, sRGB, an abbreviation for standard Red, Green, and Blue, is based on how the human eye perceives the colors. Since most real estate photos are for posting on multiple listing services, you might consider editing your images based on the sRGB color space.

As a result, it’s advisable to go for a monitor specifically designed to support the sRGB color space, such as the ViewSonic VP3881A. This allows you to view the colors on the monitor accurately as they are on the Photoshop workspace.

A man and woman looking at a monitor used for editing pictures at the studio

Eye Fatigue

Eye fatigue, commonly known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, is a vision-related issue and discomfort resulting from looking at the computer monitor for too long. In most cases, this results from the blue light from the display that tends to reduce contrast, forcing the eyes to strain.

Since you need to check the finer details when editing the photos, there are high chances of developing computer vision syndrome, especially if editing for a prolonged time. It’s therefore advisable to go for a monitor with low blue light technology, such as the LG 24MD4KL-B display.

Connectivity

Like the display technology, there is advancement in the computer to monitor connectivity from the analog VGA to modern HDMI and DisplayPort. Unlike VGA, HDMI can transmit high video and image quality and sound signals. On the other hand, DisplayPort cables can transmit higher bandwidth than their HDMI counterparts.

This allows you to have a smooth and seamless experience even after connecting multiple monitors to the same computer. Although DisplayPort cables carry up to 8 digital audio channels at 192kHz and 24-bit, it doesn’t have an audio return channel. 

Although HDMI and DisplayPort are advanced, older CPUs might not have these ports. As a result, it’s advisable to go for a monitor that features VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort, such as the HP 24mh FHD Monitor display. This gives you flexibility depending on the generation of the computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Computer Monitor Affect the Image Quality?

The computer monitor doesn’t affect the image quality as it doesn’t interfere with the actual data in the storage. However, it can affect the image quality indirectly by falsely reproducing the image colors or resolution, causing you to misjudge the adjustments when editing.

Can I Use the USB-C on My Monitor?

You can use the USB-C on the monitor to charge devices such as the camera or mobile device, reducing the clutter and saving desk space. Using an adapter, you can also use the port to extend your monitor connections to HDMI and DisplayPort monitors.

Does the Graphics Affect the Monitor Performance During Editing?

Yes, even if you are using a high graphics computer for editing, it will be limited to using the maximum resolution of the monitor. For instance, if your computer graphics gives a resolution of 1920 x 1080 while the monitor's limit is 1366 x 768, then the highest resolution the monitor will display is 1366 x 768.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of your photo-editing skills, there are chances of misjudging the image colors and contrast if you don’t have the best monitor for photo editing. The above monitors reproduce accurate colors and are large enough to allow you to view the finer image details without zooming.

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