Image: Matt Smith
Photo editors demand a lot from a monitor. It’s a critical tool, falling just behind a photographer’s camera in importance. A great editor can sometimes salvage a mediocre shot, but that’s only possible when an editor has a sharp, color-accurate monitor to rely on.
Below are our picks for the best monitors for photo editing in 2023. To learn more about what specs and features make a good monitor for photo editing, scroll down past our recommendations.
For even more monitor recommendations, check out our roundup of the best monitors across all categories.
Updated 06/05/2023: To include the Asus ProArt PA279CRV as our new pick for best midrange monitor for photo editing. Read the summary below for more info on this affordable 4K display.
Asus ProArt OLED PA32DC – Best monitor for photo editing
Pros
- The best SDR image quality yet
- Good HDR performance
- Long list of image quality features
- Exceptionally sturdy
- Numerous inputs, plus USB hub
Cons
- HDR brightness could be better
- Glare can be an issue in bright rooms
- Only 60Hz, no adaptive sync
Price When Reviewed:
3,499
Asus’ ProArt PA32DC is a pricey flagship display with amazing image quality and tons of features. It might be overkill for some photo editors but, if you want the best, this is it.
The Asus ProArt PA32DC has a 4K OLED panel. It’s among the few 4K OLED monitors on the market and, unlike less expensive OLED monitors, has a type of OLED panel with a standard RGB subpixel layout that will not cause image-quality quirks on Windows machines.
Going OLED leads to an excellent contrast ratio, but photo editors are more likely to be drawn to its color performance. This monitor can display 100 percent of sRGB, 99 percent of DCI-P3, and 98 percent of Adobe RGB. There are a few monitors that can outperform it in either DCI-P3 or Adobe RGB, but we’ve yet to test a monitor that beats it in both.
In an unusual move, this monitor has a built-in carrying handle, and the height-adjustable stand can be replaced with screw-on legs that fold flat for travel. It’s perfect for professional photographers who need to edit on-site. This is a USB-C monitor, as well, with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 65 watts of Power Delivery for charging connected devices.
Priced at $3,499, the Asus ProArt PA32DC is expensive. Most photo editors don’t need this level of performance—but this monitor is ideal if you need nearly perfect color.
Read our full
Asus ProArt OLED PA32DC review
Dell U3223QE – Best 4K monitor for photo editing
Pros
- IPS Black panel fulfills its promise
- Accurate color with wide gamut
- High brightness in SDR
- USB-C hub with 90 watts of power
Cons
- Edges of display are noticeably bright
- HDR performance disappoints
- Only a 60Hz panel
Price When Reviewed:
$1,149.99
The Dell U3223QE is a premium monitor with accurate color and many useful features.
This is a 32-inch 4K monitor with an IPS Black panel. IPS Black is a new type of panel with roughly double the contrast ratio of older IPS panels. The result is a richer, more lifelike image with a better sense of depth.
It’s an extremely accurate monitor with a wide color gamut that spans 100 percent of sRGB and 99 percent of DCI-P3, as well as 89 percent of Adobe RGB. Color temperature and gamma results are also on-target at default settings and can be adjusted to your preferences in the on-screen menu system.
This monitor has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and up to 95 watts of Power Delivery, which makes it ideal for use with a USB-C compatible laptop. The USB-C port connects to a built-in hub with several USB-A ports, ethernet, and DisplayPort-out.
Want a smaller monitor? Consider the Dell U2723QE. It’s a 27-inch 4K monitor with the same features as the U3223QE. Its smaller size also cuts a couple hundred dollars off the price.
Read our full
Dell U3223QE review
Asus ProArt PA279CRV – Best midrange monitor for photo editing
Pros
- Plenty of connectivity
- Numerous image-quality options
- Extremely wide color-gamut
- Good value for money
Cons
- Medicore contrast and brightness
- Subpar HDR performance
- Unimpressive motion clarity
The Asus ProArt PA279CRV is an ideal pick for photographers who need a 27-inch 4K monitor with a wide color gamut on a modest budget.
The PA279CRV delivers brilliant color that spans 100 percent of sRGB, 99 percent of DCI-P3, and 98 percent AdobeRGB. It also achieves great color accuracy, a key trait for photographers who need to know how a photo will look on other devices or when it goes to print. The monitor’s solid out-of-box image quality is aided by a comprehensive menu with plentiful options to fine-tune image quality for specific needs.
Connectivity is another highlight. The monitor has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 96 watts Power Delivery, providing an easy single-cable connection for a USB-C capable laptop. The USB-C port drives a USB hub with three USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports.
Video inputs include one DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0, and the USB-C port, for a total of four. There’s even a single DisplayPort 1.4-out that can be used to connect a second monitor directly to the PA279CRV.
The monitor does have a couple of weaknesses. It provides mediocre contrast and lacks the brightness for a convincing HDR experience. However, these shortcomings can be overlooked by most photo editing professionals, as color gamut and accuracy often take priority.
Pricing also sets the PA279CRV apart. It retails for just $469, a highly competitive price for a monitor with its image quality and feature set. Photographers can find better performance in alternatives like the Dell U2723QE, but the PA279CRV performs so well that many photographers will find spending $100 to $200 on a slightly better alternative difficult to justify.
Read our full
ProArt PA279CRV review
NZXT Canvas 27Q – Best budget monitor for photo editing
Pros
- Attractive and robust design
- Four video inputs including USB-C
- Great color performance
- High motion clarity at 144Hz and 165Hz
Cons
- Limited image quality adjustment
- Speakers not included
- HDR mode is barebones
Price When Reviewed:
$319.99
Most monitors sold for less than $300 are a bad fit for photo editing. The NZXT Canvas 27Q is a rare exception.
This is a 27-inch 1440p monitor with an IPS panel. The monitor’s resolution is its key weakness, as 2560×1440 can feel tight when editing modern photos. However, it’s fine if you often crop down your work.
Color performance is astounding for the price. We recorded better color accuracy from this monitor than from the Dell U3223QE or Asus ProArt PA279CV. Color gamut is good, as well, supporting 100 percent of sRGB, 97 percent of DCI-P3, and 87 percent of Adobe RGB. Its overall image quality doesn’t match these more expensive alternatives, but it’s close.
The monitor even packs a few extras. It has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate mode, and it works as a USB-C hub for two downstream USB-A ports. Power Delivery isn’t supported, however, so the USB-C port won’t charge a connected device. The monitor has an enhanced maximum refresh rate of 165Hz, making it a good choice for gaming.
This monitor has an MSRP of just $319.99 (and frequently retails for $249.99 from NZXT). That price doesn’t include a stand, which is a $40 extra. It’s a remarkable value and a good pick for photo editors on a tight budget.
Read our full
NZXT Canvas 27Q review
LG DualUp 28MQ780-B – Best photo-editing monitor for portraits
Pros
- Unique aspect ratio is useful for photo, video editing
- Makes an awesome second monitor
- Highly adjustable stand
- Vivid, accurate color
Cons
- Difficult to fit in a small home office
- USB-C port offers limited downstream connectivity
- Can lack immersion in some content
Price When Reviewed:
699.99
Most monitors have a widescreen (16:9) aspect ratio—and that’s not always ideal for photo editing. Many photos are at least as tall as they are wide, and portrait photos are much taller than they are wide.
Enter the LG DualUp 28MQ780-B. This is a 28-inch monitor with a resolution of 2560×2880 and a 16:18 aspect ratio. It also has a monitor arm that supports turning the monitor 90 degrees for an 18:16 aspect ratio. This is a better fit for portrait photos, as it provides more vertical pixels than a 5K or 4K widescreen monitor.
The LG DualUp 28MQ780-B also delivers on color performance. It has great color accuracy and a color gamut that spans 100 percent of sRGB, 96 percent of DCI-P3, and 90 percent of Adobe RGB.
LG throws in a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 90 watts of Power Delivery for charging a connected laptop or device. The USB-C port connects to two downstream USB-A ports, providing USB-C hub functionality.
Priced at $699.99, the LG DualUp 28MQ780-B is not inexpensive but feels reasonably priced for what it offers. As for the competition, well, there isn’t any—this is the only 16:18 monitor on the market right now.
Read our full
LG DualUp 28MQ780-B review
Viewsonic ColorPro VP16 OLED – Best portable monitor for photo editing
Pros
- Versatile, useful stands
- Good connectivity, cables included
- Numerous image quality customization options
- Top-tier image quality even at default settings
Cons
- Speakers are included, but weak
- Pricey for a portable monitor
- No HDR
Price When Reviewed:
$399.99
The Viewsonic VP16-OLED is an exceptional portable OLED monitor with class-leading image quality and versatile stand design.
Photographers and photo editors will fall in love with the monitor’s 15.6-inch 1080p panel. It delivers unrivaled color accuracy and boasts 100 percent of the sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamut, as well as 97 percent of AdobeRGB. These figures are superior to many full-sized OLED monitors and nearly all portable competitors.
The VP16-OLED’s stand is another key feature. It can be used as a kickstand or expanded to hold the monitor upright, making it easier to use alongside a full-sized monitor and improving ergonomics. The stand includes two USB-C ports, either of which can provide power and video input to the monitor, and a micro-HDMI port for use with devices that lack USB-C. Viewsonic includes all the necessary cables and a USB-C power brick.
Photographers will appreciate the monitor’s tripod screw mount, which makes it easy to use alongside a camera. The VP16-OLED is ideal for previewing or reviewing photos when paired with a camera that supports external display connections over HDMI or USB-C. Viewsonic bundles a display hood that reduces glare when using the monitor in a studio or outdoors.
The only downside is the VP16-OLED’s MSRP of $399.99, which is more than double the price of a budget 1080p portable monitor. Still, the VP16-OLED a sensible investment for photographers and photo editors who need excellent color gamut support and great color accuracy in a portable display.
Read our full
Viewsonic ColorPro VP16-OLED review
What to look for in a monitor for photo editing
The best photo editing monitors have excellent color accuracy, a wide color gamut, and a high resolution. Other aspects of image quality, such as contrast or black levels, can also be important but are less critical for accurate editing.
Great color performance is a must-have
Color accuracy and color gamut are key traits for any photo editing monitor. Accuracy is important because it allows a photographer to see a lifelike, realistic representation of their work. Color gamut, meanwhile, determines the range of colors that are displayed.
Most modern monitors are reasonably accurate, but a large gap seperates the best and worst monitors on the market. Color gamut is more of a challenge, as budget monitors usually fall short of displaying 100 percent of sRGB, and are well short of full DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB coverage.
All the monitors on this list, however, excel in both color accuracy and gamut. They have superb default color accuracy and support at least 100 percent of the sRGB color gamut.
4K is a must-have
A high resolution is always preferable for photo editing, as photos are often captured in high resolutions. This is true even when snapping photos on a modern smartphone. The iPhone 14 Pro can capture 48MP photos in RAW format.
Most monitors on this list have 4K resolution. The NZXT Canvas 27Q, which is our budget pick, is the exception.
Image quality settings should be extensive
Photo editors need a wide range of image quality settings that can be used to dial in a monitor’s look. Ideally, a monitor should be good enough out of the box, but experienced photo editors often have needs that differ from the default.
All the monitors on this list provide some level of color accuracy, color gamut, color temperature, and gamma adjustment. The level of customization tends to go up with pricing: the Asus ProArt PA32DC has gobs of adjustments. Even experienced photo editors will need to reference the manual.
USB-C is a useful perk
Photo editors are the perfect audience for a USB-C monitor.
Photo editors are more likely to travel for work than video editors or graphics designers, and may even split between doing some edits at the shoot and some at the office. This more mobile workflow makes an easy docking solution, like USB-C, useful.
All the monitors on this list have a USB-C port that can handle video input over DisplayPort Alternate Mode, and all except for the NZXT Canvas 27Q support USB Power Delivery.
How we test monitors
PC World’s monitor reviews are the result of in-depth testing by staff and freelance writers. We test monitors with a SpyderXElite color calibration tool that provides objective measurements of key metrics like brightness, contrast, color accuracy, color gamut, color temperature, and gamma. These objective metrics help us compare dozens of monitors at once.
FAQ
1.
What makes a monitor good for photo editing?
The three key traits are resolution, color accuracy, and color gamut. Color temperature and gamma performance have a supporting role, as well. All the monitors on this list score well in these areas, with more expensive models outperforming budget options.
2.
What is the best resolution for photo editing?
The best resolution for photo editing is the highest you can afford, which is why Apple leapt to 5K and 6K resolution for its best displays.
If you’re on a Windows computer, however, it’s often preferable to stick with 4K. Very few 5K (and higher) monitors exist for Windows computers, and Windows software often fails to make good use of extreme resolutions.
3.
Do I need HDR for photo editing?
HDR is only sometimes required. While HDR photos are not uncommon, its use is less frequent than it is for video, and most photos are not ultimately viewed in HDR. Whether you need HDR will depend on whether you intend your photos to be viewed in HDR. There are stylistic considerations, too. HDR has a certain “look” that may or may not be desirable.
All the monitors on this list support HDR, and the quality of HDR goes up drastically as price increases. If you happen to do all your work in HDR, then look no further than the Asus ProArt PA32DC: It’s a top-notch HDR performer.
4.
Is an ultrawide monitor good for photo editing?
Ultrawide monitors aren’t the best choice for photo editing.
It all comes down to aspect ratio. Ultrawide monitors have a 21:9 aspect ratio, while most photographers work in aspect ratios somewhere between 16:9 (widescreen) and 3:2 (portrait). In general, photographers need vertical pixels more than other monitor shoppers, and that’s where ultrawide falls short.
Author: Matthew S. Smith
Matthew S. Smith is a freelance technology journalist with 15 years of experience reviewing consumer electronics. In addition to PCWorld, his work can be found on Wired, Ars Technica, Digital Trends, Reviewed, IGN, and Lifewire. Matthew also covers AI and the metaverse for IEEE Spectrum and runs Computer Gaming Yesterday, a YouTube channel devoted to PC gaming history.