Editing is an important part of being a photographer. You want your photos to look their best; so you need to choose one of the best 4k monitors for photo editing.
Enhancement at the editing stage can be done properly, or half-heartedly. If you want to create masterpieces, a high-quality monitor is essential.
I speak from experience. I’ve spent hours toiling over Lightroom, altering minute details to turn my RAW images into gorgeous end-products.
Furthermore, the difference between a standard computer monitor and the best monitors for photo editing is vast.
I have used both basic monitors and high-quality monitors built specifically for graphic design work and photography. There is no comparison:
- Your photos look better;
- The colors are accurate and realistic; and
- Details and textures are sharp.
In short, using a high-quality monitor will ensure your post-processing creates the best version of your photos possible.
Using my experience as both a photographer and a graphic designer, I have gathered a list of the 10 best 4k monitors for photo editing in 2023. So let’s have a look at what is available.
Top 10 Best 4k Monitor for Photo Editing
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Name
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Image
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Details
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Price
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|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ SW271 27-inch 4K HDR Professional IPS Monitor |  |
– 99% AdobeRGD color scale for realistic colors – Factory calibrated after manufacturing – Detachable monitor hood to reduce glare |
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| ASUS PA329Q 32-inch 4K/UHD |  |
– Full tilt and swivel capability, with 360-degree rotation – Quantum dot technology displays a vast color spectrum – 1.07 billion color display |
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| Dell Ultrasharp UP3218K 31.5-inch 8K Monitor |  |
– 8K resolution with a maximum display of 7,680 x 4,320 – Infinity Edge technology and borderless monitor design – Full set of adjustable features, including height adjustment |
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| BenQ EX3501R 35-inch 21:9 Ultrawide Curved QHD Monitor |  |
– Ultrawide angle display, perfect for panoramas – Curved design for comfort and quality viewing – Height and tilt adjustable |
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| BenQ GW2270H 21.5-Inch Monitor |  |
– TUV Rheinland certification for improved viewing comfort – High color depth with 3000:1 contrast – -5 to -20 degree tilt capability |
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| Dell UltraSharp UP3216Q 32-Inch Monitor |  |
– Factory calibrated with deltaE less than 2 – Capable of displaying 1.07 billion colors – Great range of input connections |
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| Eizo ColorEdge CG319X 32-Inch Monitor |  |
– Detachable shading hood – Wide color gamut for the vivid color representation – Includes a range of input terminals and ports |
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| Eizo ColorEdge CG248-4K 23.8-Inch Monitor |  |
– Self-calibration for quick and efficient editing – 4K display with superb color accuracy – High contrast ratio |
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| LG 27UD88-W 27-Inch Monitor |  |
– Split-screen functionality with a variety of display settings – Full-screen pivot and adjustable stand – USB 3.0 connectivity |
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| ViewSonic VP3268-4K Pro 32-Inch 4K Monitor |  |
– High-quality, 32-inch display – ViewSonic Calibration Kit – Capable of displaying over 1.07 billion colors |
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Screen size: 27 inches | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels (p) | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: 99% AdobeRGB, 100% sRGB | Panel technology: IPS
The BenQ SW271 monitor offers 27 inches of quality.
With a 4K resolution, a superb response time of 5 milliseconds (ms), and a high contrast ratio of 1000:1, the display is exceptional.
Furthermore, one of the main selling points is the 99% color support for AdobeRGB–this means edited photos have vibrant and realistic colors.
To take realism and quality further, this BenQ monitor features advanced calibration software called Palette Master. This allows users to calibrate monitor colors to ensure accuracy.
Finally, this monitor also has a detachable shading hood, which shelters it from glare in a bright workspace.
The combination of excellent color recreation, high resolution, and calibration features make the BenQ SW271 a fantastic choice.
Screen size: 32 inches | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 2160p | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 100000000:1 | Color support: 99.5% AdobeRGB, 100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, 90% DCI-P3 | Panel technology: IPS
This ASUS monitor is a beast at 32 inches. It is the first monitor of this size featured in our list of the best monitors for photo editing.
Alongside the 32-inch display and full 4K resolution, the PA329Q has 99.5% color support for AdobeRGB, and 100% support for both Rec.709, and sRGB.
In addition to this, the quantum dot color technology provides a huge range of colors spanning into the billions. This means gradients, shading, and other high-detail colors look smooth and realistic.
For color calibration, users benefit from ASUS ProArt technology. This software provides detailed calibration tools that are also compatible with third-party calibration software such as X-rite.
Furthermore, the display is well made and incorporates a full 360-degree, tilt, and swivel rotation for excellent ergonomics.
Screen size: 31.5 inches | Aspect ratio: 0.672916667 | Resolution: 7680 x 4320p | Response time: 8ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 54.16736111 | Color support: 100% AdobeRGD, sRGB & Rec.709, 98% DCI-P3 | Panel technology: IPS
Dell has produced the world’s first 8K monitor.
This is obviously the main selling point of the Dell Ultrasharp UP3218K. It boasts a staggering resolution of 7,680 x 4,320, which is complemented by a borderless screen design.
Moreover, if you want maximum visibility, the resolution, design, and adjustment features should be reason enough alone to purchase this monitor.
Despite its large size, color support and quality remain superb. The UP3218K has 100% support for AdobeRGB and displays over 1.07 billion colors. In addition to this, post-processing will yield amazing results thanks to the monitor’s dazzling depth of tone and color.
Moreover, a full calibration report is included upon receipt which assures the monitor’s quality.
This monitor also has excellent adjustable features and connectivity – users benefit from a myriad of display ports and custom color modes for calibration.
Screen size: 35 inches | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3440 x 1440p | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 2500:1 | Color support: 100% sRGB | Panel technology: VA
Our second BenQ monitor is a little different. The EX3501R 21:9 Ultrawide Curved QHD Monitor is perfect for both photography and gaming.
Furthermore, it features a 35-inch screen with a panoramic aspect ratio of 21:9. Moreover, combined with 100% sRBG color support, this monitor is well suited to editing panoramas and wide-angle landscape photography.
In addition to this, the panoramic size is complemented by the curved design and Brightness Intelligence technology. This ensures that colors and brightness remain the same regardless of where you sit, or which part of the monitor you look at.
The only downside to this monitor is the lack of support for AdobeRGB, but it still provides excellent color clarity with 100% support for sRGB.
The EX3501R is best suited to landscape photography and specialist work, as opposed to portrait photography.
Screen size: 24 inches | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080p | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: 72% NTSC | Panel technology: VA
If you cannot afford a 32-inch monitor, the BenQ GW2270H is a superb alternative.
This 21.5-inch display has a great contrast ratio of 3000:1, shows over 16.7 million colors, and has a quick response time of 5ms.
This monitor does not boast the same quality as the BenQ SW271, but it is still a brilliant model for photo editing. It could be perfect as a second monitor.
In addition, the tilt function and display stand ensure comfort for the user. Plus the monitor is certified by TUW, which is globally recognized for safety testing.
If you value ergonomics and aesthetics, the BenQ GW2270H is a perfect choice. This is one of the best monitors for photo editing for beginners, thanks to its affordable cost. If you are just starting out in the world of photo editing, this could be a great option for you.
Screen size: 32 inches | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 2160p | Response time: 8ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: 99.5% AdobeRGB, 100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, 87% DCI-P3 | Panel technology: IPS
If you don’t want to pay the associated price tag for Dell’s 8K monitor, their UltraSharp UP3216Q 32-inch monitor is the next model down.
With a 4k resolution, a quick response time of 8ms, and a contrast ratio of 1000:1, this monitor still offers magnificent display quality.
Moreover, it has a 178-degree viewing angle, boasts color support for 99.5% AdobeRGB, plus 100% sRGB, and has a pixel pitch of 0.182mm.
In addition to this, if your photos require perfect colors, the UP3216Q has a myriad of calibration tools, such as a custom color mode and color calibration software.
Furthermore, the screen has an anti-glare coating, and the stand is capable of tilt, swivel, and height adjustments.
Screen size: 32 inches | Aspect ratio: 17:9 | Resolution: 4096 x 2160p | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1500:1 | Color support: 100% sRGB | Panel technology: IPS
Our first Eizo monitor is the ColorEdge CG319X.
This fantastic display has a 32-inch screen size, a resolution of 4096 x 2160p, and a full viewing angle of 178/178 degrees.
Furthermore, the aspect ratio is slightly wider than the standard 16:9, plus it offers high-quality color recreation and can display over 1.07 billion colors.
In addition to this, the CG319X boasts automatic calibration settings; to ensure colors remain accurate and vivid during photo editing.
Moreover, it has a handy detachable shading hood and an adjustable stand.
The CG319X is certainly one of the 10 best monitors for photo editing–it offers a superb combination of display quality and functionality.
Screen size: 24 inches | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 2160p | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: 99.5% AdobeRGB, 100% sRGB, 100% REC.709 | Panel technology: IPS
Our second Eizo monitor is the superb ColorEdge CG248-4K.
This monitor is specifically designed for advanced image editing and features a 16:9 aspect ratio together with a 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution.
Moreover, although the screen is only 23.8 inches, the display is consistent and is not affected by sunlight or shadows.
As with other Eizo monitors, the CG248-4K has a self-calibration feature; it is pre-calibrated before delivery but also has a built-in calibration sensor that ensures optimum color accuracy.
Furthermore, to ensure excellent image quality, the monitor has a pixel density of 185ppi and can display 1.07 billion colors. In addition to this, post-processing using this monitor is a dream; photos look realistic and burst with color.
The CG248-4K also has an extendable stand, and the trademark Eizo detachable shading hood.
Screen size: 27 inches | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 2160p | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 5M:1 | Color support: 99% sRGB | Panel technology: IPS
The LG 27UD88-W boasts an immaculate 27-inch display with 4K resolution and brilliant color support of 99% sRGB.
Furthermore, the viewing angle of 178/178, a response time of 5ms, 10-bit color depth, and a high contrast ratio of 5 million to 1 ensure consistent colors and a responsive display. As a result, this is a top contender in the 10 best monitors for photo editing.
Aside from the display info, users also make use of the advanced split-screen functionality.
Moreover, LG provides calibration hardware, and Color Calibration Pro software; giving users the ability to calibrate themselves.
In addition, this monitor also has a stand complete with tilt, swivel, and height adjustment features.
Screen size: 32 inches | Aspect ratio: 16-9 | Resolution: 3840 x 2160p | Response time: 14ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1300:1 | Color support: 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709, Delta e<2 accuracy | Panel technology: IPS
ViewSonic has one of the most accurate monitors for color in this list.
The screen uses SuperIPS technology and is capable of displaying 1.07 billion colors.
In addition to this, each monitor is pre-calibrated to a deltaE value of E<2 and has an integrated color uniformity feature. Moreover, color clarity and accuracy when editing photos in programs such as Lightroom will look perfect.
This monitor has a superb design; it has an adjustable stand complete with swivel and height adjustment capabilities. Furthermore, the ergonomic design ensures viewing comfort.
The VP3268-4K is supplied with a ViewSonic calibration kit, allowing calibration for different processes including graphic design and photo editing.
How to Choose the Best Monitor for Photo Editing
Choosing between monitors for photo editing should not be difficult.
Each of the monitors listed offers exceptional display quality and functionality.
However, you should consider the following factors before you buy:
- Size and resolution;
- Color calibration capabilities; and
- Functionality.
So let’s take a look at each factor.
Size and Resolution
Choosing the correct size and resolution of a monitor will depend largely on what you photograph.
If, for example, you shoot predominantly landscapes or panoramas, the BenQ EX3501R 35-inch 21:9 Ultrawide Curved QHD monitor would be ideal.
However, if you shoot portraits or macro photography, the width of the screen will not be as important, but you’ll need a display with a high resolution.
Color Calibration Capabilities
The method of color calibration should also be given consideration.
Some monitors such as the Eizo ColorEdge CG319X have automatic calibration. While others have to be calibrated manually.
Furthermore, consider how comfortable you are calibrating a monitor; it is an important process to ensure your monitor display works as intended.
Think Display Functionality
Finally, look at the actual functionality of the monitor. Does it have tilt and swivel capabilities? Does it have a detachable shading hood to prevent glare from bright working environments?
Moreover, can you position it in an ergonomic way? I can easily spend hours editing photos, so comfort is hugely important.
In addition, the monitor should not strain your back, neck, or eyes in any way.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are some great options when it comes to the best monitors for photo editing. Each one has exceptional features, so it’s down to you to choose the best for your needs.
Do you have a favorite monitor? Have we listed it here, or missed any? Let us know in the comments below.