A decent monitor is a must-have if you’re a professional graphic designer. It will go a long way to improve your productivity helping you satisfy your client’s requirements without having any adverse effects on your health.
In 2023, there are more monitors in the market than before with reasonable prices to help you perform your best in graphic design. They come with more features, various sizes and importantly they are more affordable than before. This article will guide you in buying the Best Monitor for Graphic Design in 2023.
Here are our Top 4 Picks for the Best Monitors for Graphic Design
| Top Pick | Best for 1080p | Best for 4K | Best Ultrawide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell UP2716D | EIZO ColorEdge CG2420 | LG 27UK850-W | ASUS ProArt PA329Q |
 |  |  |  |
| ➕ Best for 1440p Resolution | ➕ Best for 1080p Resolution | ➕ Best for 4K Resolution | ➕ Best Ultrawide Monitor |
| ➕ Excellent Image Quality | ➕ Easy to Calibrate | ➕ Ergonomic Stand | ➕ Strong Build Quality |
| ➕ Ergonomic Design | ➕ 16:10 Aspect Ratio | ➕ HDR Support | ➕ Good Value for Money |
| Check the Latest Price on Amazon | Check the Latest Price on Amazon | Check the Latest Price on Amazon | Check the Latest Price on Amazon |
Here is the complete list of the Best Monitors for Graphic Design
| Preview | Model Name | Screen Size | Resolution | Color Accuracy | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Dell UP2716D | 27 inches | 2560 x 1440 | 100% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB | Check Price on Amazon |
 | EIZO ColorEdge CG2420 | 24.1 inches | 1920 x 1200 | 99% Adobe RGB | Check Price on Amazon |
 | ASUS ProArt PA329Q | 32 inches | 3840 x 2160 | 99.5% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB | Check Price on Amazon |
 | LG 27UK850-W | 27 inches | 3840 x 2160 | 99% sRGB | Check Price on Amazon |
 | BenQ SW270C PhotoVue | 27 inches | 2560 x 1440 | 99% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB | Check Price on Amazon |
Dell UP2716D - Best Monitor for Graphic Design In 2023
Screen Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Color Accuracy: 100% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB
Panel Type: AH-IPS
Color Depth: 10 bit
Input Connectors: 1x DisplayPort, 1x mini DisplayPort, 2x HDMI
What’s Good
- Excellent image quality
- Ergonomic design
- Low input lag
What’s Bad
- IPS glow
- Color Uniformity
The Dell UP2716D is a QHD 27-inch IPS monitor having an aspect ratio of 16:9. Thanks to its IPS panel, its colors are accurate and precise. It covers 100% sRGB and 100% Adobe RGB color spaces. This means you’ll be able to see vivid and highly detailed images. The overall brightness and contrast levels are satisfactory.
Just like all IPS panels, this monitor also suffers from IPS glow which sometimes leads to uneven colors. It won’t be a problem if you’re viewing the monitor under a well-lit condition.
In terms of design, the Dell UP2716D looks professional. The bezels are also thin allowing you to connect multiple displays without any issues. The screen is an anti-glare one is also flicker-free so there won’t be any distractions while working. You can adjust the height, tilt the monitor, swivel it, and even pivot it at 90 degrees. You can also wall-mount it using the VESA bracket.
It has a refresh rate of 60Hz and a response time of 6ms (GtG). So, you can also use this monitor for casual gaming. Watching movies will also be a pleasant experience.
There are a lot of connectivity options. You get 2xHDMI,1x DisplayPort,1x Mini DisplayPort. There is also a UDB hub containing 4 USB 3.0 ports. There is also an Audio line-out. It has no built-in speakers.
Overall, the is a great monitor if you’re working at 1440p resolution. It is also good for watching movies and playing games. It has all the features a graphic designer would want in a monitor and comes at a reasonable price.
EIZO ColorEdge CG2420 - Best Graphic Design Monitor for 1080p
Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1200
Color Accuracy: 99% Adobe RGB
Panel Type: IPS
Color Depth: 10 bit
Input Connectors: 1x DisplayPort, 1 x DVI-D, 1x HDMI
What’s Good
- Very easy to calibrate
- Perfect for 1080p
- Color reproduction
What’s Bad
- Nothing
The EIZO ColorEdge CG2420 is a 24-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS monitor. It has an aspect ratio of 16:10. It uses an IPS panel which is responsible for the stunning image quality. The colors have great homogeneity. It also supports 10-bit colors. The screen used is an anti-glare one with a matte finish so you’ll have no distractions while working. The monitor is also flicker-free.
The overall design is professional and the build quality is strong. The bezels on all sides are thin so you can run a multi-monitor setup seamlessly. The monitor also comes with a hood that will allow reducing glare and reflections in a bright environment. It will also have an effect on perceived color accuracy. This means the colors of the images you design will be accurate. This is very important for professionals working on serious projects.
This monitor also comes with a built-in sensor to calibrate colors as per your requirement. You will not be needing a third-party calibration tool.
The EIZO ColorEdge CG2420 is also fully ergonomic. You can adjust the height, tilt the monitor, swivel it, and also pivot it at 90 degrees. The viewing angles are comfortable. You can also wall-mount the monitor using the VESA mount. It also has a lot of connectivity options like 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, 1x DVD-D. You also get a USB hub containing USB 3.0 Slots.
Overall, this is the monitor you should be getting if you’re working at 1080p resolution. Know that this is a complete professional monitor and you’ll not have the best gaming experience even though it has a response time of 10ms.
The 16:10 monitors are popular among graphic designers and there are very few monitors in the market today. The is one among them and is perfect for graphic designers.
ASUS ProArt PA329Q - Best Ultrawide Monitor for Graphic Design
Screen Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Color Accuracy: 99.5% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB
Panel Type: IPS
Color Depth: 10 bit
Input Connectors: HDMI 2.0 x4, Mini DisplayPort 1.2 x1, DisplayPort 1.2 x1
What’s Good
- 32-inch display
- Great color accuracy
- Superb Build quality
- Good Value
What’s Bad
- Poor screen uniformity
The ASUS ProArt PA329Q is a 4K 32-inch monitor having an aspect ratio of 16:9. It uses an IPS panel and the colors are absolutely vivid with a good amount of detail in them. The brightness and contrast levels are also good with the former being a bit higher than the latter.
The higher resolution and screen size will leave you with a lot of screen real estate. You don’t even have to think about a multi-monitor setup. The screen is also anti-glare and flicker-free hence you will have no distractions while working.
The design of the monitor is professional. It comes in a black matte finish. The bezels are thin and you will be able to adjust the height, tilt, and swivel the monitor. You can also pivot it at 90 degrees. The viewing angles are comfortable. It is also VESA compatible so you can easily wall-mount it. The IPS glow is also imperceptible.
The ASUS ProArt PA329Q a refresh rate of 60Hz and a response time of 5ms. This monitor can be used for gaming as well. It has no variable refresh rate but that won’t be a problem if you’re a casual gamer. You can also watch 4K movies without breaking a sweat. It will be quite an experience. Just connect a decent speaker and you’re golden.
It also comes with features like Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Picture-by-Picture (PbP) which will allow you to view multiple 4K contents side-by-side with the ability to easily switch from one source to another. The ASUS Eye Care technology will help filter blue light and let you work for long hours.
Its connectivity options include: HDMI x4, Mini DisplayPort 1.2 x1, DisplayPort 1.2 x1. It also has a USB hub containing USB 3.0 ports and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. It also has an in-built card reader slot. It also has in-built speakers that get the job done.
The is an all-rounder performing exceptionally in graphic design. It can also be used for gaming and watching movies. You will be satisfied with its performance.
LG 27UK850-W - Best 4K Monitor for Graphic Design
Screen Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Color Accuracy: 99% sRGB
Panel Type: IPS
Color Depth: 10 bit
Input Connectors: DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 2.0, USB Type-C
What’s Good
- Great image quality
- Ergonomic stand
- USB-C type connectivity
- HDR support
What’s Bad
- No swivel option
The LG 27UK850-W is a 27-inch 4K monitor having an aspect ratio of 16:9. The color accuracy and overall detail of the images displayed are top-notch thanks to the IPS panel. Working at 4K resolution will be a breeze. The brightness also boosts a bit when you turn to HDR. It has a massive pixel density of 163 PPI. This will make the pictures look sharper and the fonts better. There is very minimal IPS glow and backlight bleeding.
The overall design of the monitor is simple but professional. The stand is also sturdy. You will be able to adjust the height, tilt your monitor, rotate it, and even pivot it at 90 degrees. You cannot swivel the monitor. The viewing angles are comfortable. You won’t have any issues with viewing angles. It is also VESA compatible using which you can wall-mount the monitor.
The LG 27UK850-W has a refresh rate of 60Hz and a response time of 5ms. It also supports the FreeSync technology which will sync frame rates with the refresh rate of the monitor. The low response times and the FreeSync technology makes this monitor a solid choice for 4K. It will be a visual feast when you watch movies or play games.
It also has a good amount of connectivity options. You get 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 2.0 slots. There is also a USB hub present containing two USB 3.0 ports, a USB Type-C port, and a headphone jack. It also as 2x5W built-in speakers. They are not the loudest but will get the job done.
Overall, the is a great choice for graphic designers as well as gamers. The colors, performance, and viewing angles are all first class. This monitor is a complete package and you should definitely consider buying it.
BenQ SW270C PhotoVue - Best Graphic Design Monitor for 1440p
Screen Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Color Accuracy: 99% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB
Panel Type: IPS
Color Depth: 10 bit
Input Connectors: 1x DisplayPort, 2x HDMI 2.0
What’s Good
- Affordable price
- Great color uniformity
- Hotkey Puck Controller
What’s Bad
- Nothing
The BenQ SW270C is a 27-inch QHD IPS monitor having an aspect ratio of 16:19. The color accuracy of images is on point and they have good amounts of detail in them. The brightness and color uniformity of the images are worthy of a mention. The screen used is anti-glare. It has a PPI of 109 which is decent.
The design and the build quality are first class. The monitor comes with a hood that will allow you to work even in bright environments without having to compromise on the color accuracy.
It also has Hotkey Puck Controller using which you can change between different color modes and also navigate through the monitor’s menu. The monitor is ergonomic so you will be able to adjust the height, swivel the monitor, tilt it and even pivot it at 90 degrees. You can also wall-mount the monitor since its VESA compatible.
The Ergonomic design and IPS panel aid the viewing angles. You will be able to work comfortably without having to restrict your position. This monitor is flicker-free with little IPS glow. The bezels are also thin allowing you to have work with multiple monitors without any distractions.
The BenQ SW270C has a refresh rate of 60Hz and a response time of 5ms making it good for casual gaming as well. The 27-inch monitor will also be good for watching movies.
When it comes to connectivity options there is a wide range of ports present. It has 2x HDMI,1x DisplayPort v1.4 and 1x USB Type-C port. You can connect your headphones using the headphone jack. It has a USB hub containing USB 3.0 ports. It also has an SD card reader.
Overall, the is a well-rounded QHD monitor for professionals with great colors and features. It has almost everything a graphic designer needs with no major drawbacks. It is also affordable. Give it a shot if you’re working at QHD. You’ll definitely appreciate it.
How to Pick the Right Monitor for Graphic Design
Best Resolution for Graphic Design
The resolution of a monitor is the number of pixels it can display. It is measured in horizontal pixels by vertical pixels. A higher resolution is always beneficial to graphic designers.
The 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) the highest resolution you can find in the monitors right now. It is also called as UHD (Ultra-High-Definition) resolution. There is also 1440p resolution (2560 x 1440) which is also known as WQHD (Wide-Quad HD) or 2K resolution and there is the 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080) which is also known as Full HD resolution.
Higher-resolution offers you better picture quality. This means a 4K monitor can display 4 times the number of pixels as a 1080p display. This will also increase your screen real estate and will help you run more applications side by side without affecting their individual spaces.
Best Screen Size for Graphic Design
Though you may be tempted to go all out on your screen size, it is better to keep the pixel density in mind. When it comes to 1080p resolution stick to 25-inches screen size or lower. Go with a 27-inch monitor or less if you’re using a 1440p display. You can go up to 32-inches if you own a 4K display.
This way you’ll have an optimal screen size without affecting the pixel density of your monitor. A higher pixel density will result in sharper-looking images, better-looking fonts, and overall improved image quality.
Colour Accuracy of the Monitor
This is the most important aspect a graphic designer should look into when purchasing a monitor. The more colors a monitor can display, the higher is its color accuracy.
A color gamut is used to describe the spectrum of colors that are visible to human eyes. The “sRGB” and “Adobe RGB” are the most commonly rated color areas present within the color gamut that are available in monitors sold today. The Adobe RGB covers more area than the sRGB.
The monitors will support different percentages of both sRGB and Adobe RGB areas. Most monitors will have at least 80% sRGB coverage and 70% Adobe RGB coverage. The monitor with the maximum percentage of both sRGB and Adobe RGB areas will have the highest color accuracy and hence the best image quality.
Best Panel Type for Graphic Design
The panels used in computers can be broadly divided into three types
IPS panel
These panels have the best color accuracy and viewing angles than the rest of the panels. The images are sharper with good detail in them. They have slower response times and refresh rates than TN panels but graphic designers shouldn’t have a problem with these.
TN panel
They are mainly used by gamers because they support higher refresh rates and faster response times. They also offer the least motion blur and input lag. The color accuracy and viewing angles are not at all practical for a graphic designer. You should avoid getting a TN panel monitor for graphic design.
VA panel
The VA panels can be placed in between the IPS and TN panels. They offer better colors and viewing angles than a TN monitor but not on par with the IPS displays. These are mostly used in monitors bought for general purposes. They are known for their strong contrast and best image depth.
For a graphic designer, the obvious choice is IPS panels.
Should you go with a Flat or a Curved or an Ultra-wide Monitor for Graphic Design?
The Curved and Ultra-wide monitors are now common among graphic designers. They usually come at higher resolutions and also have wider aspect ratios like 21:9 or 16:10 which offer you more screen real estate. This improves your productivity. You will not have to worry about a multi-monitor setup.
The flat screens are also still popular and the go-to choice of many newbie graphic designers because you will be able to use monitors with different specifications like resolution, panel, etc. This will help them to work on one monitor and use the other one for gaming, watching movies, etc.
If you want to buy a flat-screen for graphic design, make sure it has enough connectivity ports and also that the bezels are thin enough to eliminate distractions when you use a multi-monitor setup.
Refresh rate, Response time, and Input lag of the Monitor
The refresh rate of a monitor is the number of times per second it updates itself with new images. The response time is the time taken by the monitor to shift for one color to another. The input lag is the time difference between the input you give to the computer and the response of it you see on the monitor.
PC gamers are the only people who should be concerned with these features. If you’re buying a monitor only for graphic design, these features will not affect your work in any way.
Most monitors have a refresh rate of 60 Hz and response time and input lag of less than 10ms. These will be enough for most graphic designers.
Connectivity Ports of the Monitor for Graphic Design
This is something most people neglect while buying a monitor. Make sure you have at least a spare port in case you need to connect an extra monitor. Most monitors will have at least one HDMI port, one DisplayPort and one dual-link DVI port.
Many monitors will also contain a USB hub containing many USB 3.0 slots for increased accessibility.
Ergonomics of the Monitor for Graphic Design
Most monitors will let you adjust the height, tilt it, swivel it and even pivot it at 90 degrees. This will help you view the monitor from comfortable positions instead of a restricted one. The stand will help you perform these operations on the monitor.
Also, if you’re trying to wall-mount a monitor you’ll need one which is VESA compatible. Most of the monitors in our list will have no problems in terms of ergonomics.
Price of the Monitor
The price of the monitor will increase depending on its panels, resolution, color accuracy, and screen sizes. Most 1080p monitors are reasonably priced with prices increasing as you increase the screen resolution.
4K monitors are the most expensive ones out of all the resolutions. A 27-inch monitor of the same resolution will cost slightly more than a 24-inch monitor of the same resolution.
Same in the case of color accuracy, the 100% Adobe RGB monitor is more expensive than the 70% ones. Also, the IPS panels are the most expensive out of the three. This is due to increased manufacturing costs etc.
The price you pay is something only you can decide. But keep this in mind, the premium you pay will be reflecting in brilliant colors and vivid visuals you see on the monitor. It will be worth the money if you absolutely need the best.
This is so very helpful! I am wondering what your take on a comparison between the 27″ QHD Asus ProArt and the 27″ LG UL500-W would be. I’m so torn between these two, and am wondering basically whether there are occasions I would need to go up to a higher resolution for fine work. The LG doesn’t have an easily adjusted stand, while for the ASUS I’m worried about the resolution (looked at a 24″ and the resolution there, Full HD, was not enough for fine work). And how do they compare for color?
The ProArt beats the LG Monitor in terms of Color accuracy. If Color is of most importance to you, the ASUS ProArt monitor is the best choice.
Yes. I do agree with you about the resolution. This is something you have to decide on your own.
If you want a high-resolution monitor, go with the LG one.
If you prefer excellent color accuracy, go with the ASUS ProArt monitor.