Best Monitor For Graphic Design: Top Picks for Color Accuracy & Clarity
We tested the best monitors for graphic design—here are the top recommendations, from budget-friendly options to high-end professional displays.
When selecting a monitor for creative work, color accuracy, resolution, and connectivity are key. Our team tested a range of options, considering sRGB coverage, panel quality, and build design to ensure you get the best performance.
For professionals, the Apple Pro Display XDR and Apple Studio Display deliver unparalleled 6K and 5K resolutions with extreme color fidelity, making them ideal for high-end editing. The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE and Asus PA279CV ProArt stand out with excellent 4K clarity and factory-calibrated color accuracy for precise design work.
If you’re after a budget-friendly pick, the HP 24″ IPS LED FreeSync Monitor and Dell S2721hn offer solid color reproduction without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, the MSI MAG 345CQR is a fantastic ultra-wide choice, providing extra screen real estate for multitasking.
For those needing 5K resolution, the Samsung ViewFinity S90PC is a sharp, vibrant display. The LG 32UP550N-W and Asus PA329CV ProArt also deliver excellent HDR support and USB-C connectivity for seamless workflows.
Whatever your budget, there’s a monitor here that fits your needs.
Best Monitor For Graphic Design
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 27″ 4K LCD Monitor
Specifications:
Panel: 27-inch IPS
Resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160 pixels)
Brightness: 400 cd/m²
Pixel Response: 5 ms
Color Coverage: 100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Inputs: 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode, 90W power delivery), 4x USB-A 3.2, 1x RJ45 Ethernet
Reasons to Buy
✅ UltraSharp 4K resolution with factory-calibrated color accuracy
✅ PremierColor technology with wide color gamut support for creative work
✅ USB-C with 90W power delivery and Ethernet for a single-cable workstation
Reasons to Avoid
❌ No high refresh rate for gaming
The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is a top-tier 4K monitor designed for creative professionals. With IPS Black technology, this monitor delivers deeper blacks and superior contrast for detailed color work. 100% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 color coverage ensure industry-standard color accuracy, making it perfect for video editors and designers. The USB-C hub with 90W power delivery allows for a clean and efficient workspace, eliminating cable clutter.
Dell’s PremierColor technology further refines color precision, while its anti-glare coating and ergonomic stand make long editing sessions comfortable. This monitor is ideal for professionals seeking a high-quality display with advanced connectivity.
Asus PA279CV ProArt 27″ 4K UHD LCD Monitor
Specifications:
Panel: 27-inch IPS
Resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160 pixels)
Brightness: 350 cd/m²
Pixel Response: 5 ms
Color Coverage: 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Inputs: 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode, 65W power delivery), 4x USB-A 3.1
Reasons to Buy
✅ Factory-calibrated color accuracy for professional work
✅ Full sRGB and Rec. 709 coverage with Delta E <2
✅ USB-C with 65W power delivery for streamlined connectivity
Reasons to Avoid
❌ No HDR support for enhanced dynamic range
The Asus PA279CV ProArt is a professional 4K monitor built for designers, video editors, and content creators. With 100% sRGB and Rec. 709 color coverage, it delivers lifelike accuracy with factory calibration ensuring Delta E <2 color precision. The ProArt Preset and ProArt Palette features allow for fine-tuned adjustments, making it a great option for color-sensitive workflows.
A USB-C port with 65W power delivery enables easy laptop connections, reducing desktop clutter. Asus Eye Care technology minimizes blue light and flicker for comfortable long-hour editing. If you need a color-accurate, budget-friendly 4K monitor, this is a solid choice.
Apple Pro Display XDR
Specifications
Panel: 32-inch IPS with Retina 6K resolution
Resolution: 6K (6016×3384 pixels)
Brightness: 1000 nits sustained, 1600 nits peak HDR
Pixel Response: 8 ms
Color Coverage: P3 wide color gamut, 10-bit depth
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Inputs: 1x Thunderbolt 3, 3x USB-C
Reasons to Buy
✅ Unparalleled 6K Retina resolution for extreme detail
✅ True HDR mastering with 1600 nits peak brightness
✅ Superb color accuracy with P3 wide color gamut
Reasons to Avoid
❌ Expensive, plus stand sold separately
The Apple Pro Display XDR is one of the best monitors for video editing and design. With its 6K Retina resolution, ultra-high brightness, and Extreme Dynamic Range (XDR), this display is built for color-critical work. The P3 wide color gamut and 10-bit depth provide smooth gradients and vibrant, accurate colors.
The nano-texture glass option helps reduce glare without compromising color precision. However, the price is steep, and Apple sells the stand separately. But if you need true reference-level display quality, this is an investment worth considering.
MSI MAG 345CQR Monitor
Specifications
Panel: 34-inch VA, curved (1500R)
Resolution: UWQHD (3440×1440 pixels)
Brightness: 300 cd/m²
Pixel Response: 1 ms
Color Coverage: 90% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB
Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
Inputs: 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB-C (DP Alt Mode, 15W power delivery), 2x USB-A 3.1
Reasons to Buy
✅ Ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio enhances workspace efficiency
✅ 144Hz refresh rate provides smooth visuals for motion graphics
✅ High contrast VA panel delivers deep blacks and rich colors
Reasons to Avoid
❌ VA panel has slightly slower color transitions than IPS
The MSI MAG 345CQR is a curved ultrawide monitor designed for creatives who need extra screen real estate. The 3440×1440 resolution provides a wide workspace, perfect for video timelines, multi-layered designs, and immersive editing. With a 144Hz refresh rate, it offers fluid motion for animation and motion graphics work.
The high-contrast VA panel enhances depth, making it ideal for dark scenes and cinematic editing. A USB-C input ensures seamless laptop connectivity. If you want an ultrawide monitor with high performance, this is a great pick.
HP 24″ IPS LED FHD FreeSync Monitor
Specifications
Panel: 24-inch IPS
Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080 pixels)
Brightness: 250 cd/m²
Pixel Response: 5 ms
Color Coverage: 99% sRGB
Refresh Rate: 75 Hz
Inputs: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x VGA
Reasons to Buy
✅ Budget-friendly IPS monitor with good color accuracy
✅ 75Hz refresh rate for slightly smoother visuals
✅ Slim, modern design for an aesthetic workspace
Reasons to Avoid
❌ No USB-C or DisplayPort connectivity
The HP 24″ IPS LED FreeSync Monitor is a great budget option for designers and video editors starting out. Its IPS panel with 99% sRGB coverage ensures accurate colors, making it suitable for photo editing and general design work. The 75Hz refresh rate adds a touch of smoothness over standard 60Hz panels.
While it lacks USB-C and DisplayPort, it remains a solid entry-level display for those who need good color accuracy without breaking the bank. Ideal for students or secondary monitor setups.
Samsung ViewFinity S90PC 27″ 5K Monitor
Specifications:
Panel: 27-inch IPS panel
Resolution: 5K (5120×2880 pixels)
Brightness: 600 nits (HDR600)
Pixel response: 5 ms
Color coverage: 99% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB
Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Inputs: x1 Thunderbolt 4, x1 HDMI 2.0, x1 DisplayPort 1.4, x1 USB-C, x3 USB-A 3.0, x1 headphone jack
Reasons to buy
✅ Stunning 5K resolution with accurate color reproduction
✅ High brightness and HDR600 support for enhanced visuals
✅ Wide range of ports including Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C
Reasons to avoid
❌ Expensive compared to 4K alternatives
The Samsung ViewFinity S90PC is a premium 5K monitor designed for professionals who need exceptional color accuracy and sharpness. With 99% DCI-P3 and HDR600, it delivers deep contrast and vibrant colors, making it an excellent choice for graphic designers and video editors. The Thunderbolt 4 support allows for a single-cable connection to compatible devices, ensuring fast data transfer and power delivery.
Additionally, Samsung includes features like Adaptive Picture and Eye Saver Mode, which automatically adjust brightness and color temperature based on ambient lighting. Whether you’re editing high-resolution videos or creating detailed illustrations, the ViewFinity S90PC provides the clarity and precision required for professional work.
Asus PA329CV ProArt 32″ 4K UHD LCD Monitor
Specifications:
Panel: 32-inch IPS panel
Resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160 pixels)
Brightness: 400 nits
Pixel response: 5 ms
Color coverage: 100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3
Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Inputs: x1 DisplayPort 1.4, x2 HDMI 2.0, x1 USB-C (65W PD), x4 USB-A 3.1, x1 headphone jack
Reasons to buy
✅ Factory-calibrated color accuracy (ΔE < 2)
✅ USB-C with 65W power delivery
✅ HDR10 support for enhanced dynamic range
Reasons to avoid
❌ No Thunderbolt support
The Asus PA329CV ProArt is a professional-grade 4K monitor built for creators who demand precision. With 100% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 coverage, it ensures lifelike colors straight out of the box. Asus includes ProArt Preset and Palette software, allowing users to fine-tune color settings with precision.
The USB-C port with 65W power delivery makes it easy to connect laptops and other devices, reducing cable clutter. HDR10 support enhances contrast and brightness, making this monitor a great choice for video editing and content creation. Whether you’re working on high-resolution photography or 3D modeling, the PA329CV offers a seamless creative experience.
Apple Studio Display
Specifications
Panel: 27-inch Retina 5K IPS panel
Resolution: 5K (5120×2880 pixels)
Brightness: 600 nits
Pixel response: 8 ms
Color coverage: 100% DCI-P3, True Tone
Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Inputs: x1 Thunderbolt 3, x3 USB-C
Reasons to buy
✅ Incredible 5K Retina display with True Tone
✅ P3 wide color gamut and professional-grade color accuracy
✅ Premium design with built-in 6-speaker system
Reasons to avoid
❌ Limited connectivity options
Apple’s Studio Display is the ultimate companion for Mac users, featuring a stunning 5K Retina display with 600 nits of brightness and True Tone technology. The 100% DCI-P3 color gamut ensures precise color accuracy, making it a solid choice for video editing and graphic design.
Apple integrates a powerful 6-speaker audio system with spatial audio, ensuring top-tier sound quality. The aluminum build and ultra-thin bezels contribute to an elegant, minimalist aesthetic. While it lacks HDR support, its native macOS integration and optimized performance make it a go-to monitor for creative professionals.
Dell S2721HN 27″ Full HD IPS Monitor
Specifications:
Panel: 27-inch IPS panel
Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080 pixels)
Brightness: 300 nits
Pixel response: 4 ms
Color coverage: 99% sRGB
Refresh rate: 75 Hz
Inputs: x2 HDMI 1.4, x1 audio line-out
Reasons to buy
✅ Affordable price for a 27-inch IPS display
✅ 99% sRGB ensures decent color accuracy
✅ AMD FreeSync support for smoother visuals
Reasons to avoid
❌ No USB-C or DisplayPort connectivity
The Dell S2721HN is a budget-friendly 27-inch monitor with a Full HD resolution and 99% sRGB color coverage. While it lacks the pixel density of 4K displays, it offers good color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making it a viable option for entry-level graphic design work.
With AMD FreeSync and a 75Hz refresh rate, it delivers smoother visuals for casual gaming and video playback. The minimalist ultra-thin bezel design adds to its appeal, making it a solid pick for dual-monitor setups. However, the absence of USB-C or DisplayPort limits its versatility for professional workflows.
LG 32UP550N-W UHD HDR Monitor with USB Type-C
Specifications:
Panel: 32-inch VA panel
Resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160 pixels)
Brightness: 350 nits
Pixel response: 4 ms
Color coverage: 95% DCI-P3
Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Inputs: x1 DisplayPort 1.4, x2 HDMI 2.0, x1 USB-C (PD 60W), x2 USB-A 3.0, x1 headphone jack
Reasons to buy
✅ 4K resolution with HDR10 support
✅ USB-C with 60W power delivery
✅ Excellent color accuracy (95% DCI-P3)
Reasons to avoid
❌ VA panel has slightly slower response times compared to IPS
The LG 32UP550N-W is a versatile 4K monitor offering HDR10 and 95% DCI-P3 color coverage, making it ideal for photo and video editing. The USB-C port with 60W power delivery allows easy single-cable connectivity, perfect for MacBook and ultrabook users.
The high contrast ratio of the VA panel delivers deep blacks, which enhances visual depth in creative projects. AMD FreeSync support ensures smooth playback, making it a great choice for video editing and motion graphics work. Despite its VA panel limitations, the LG 32UP550N-W is a strong competitor for professionals looking for a budget-friendly 4K HDR monitor.
How to Choose the Best Monitor for Graphic Design
When choosing the best monitor for graphic design, there are several key factors to consider. A good design monitor needs to offer accurate color reproduction, high resolution, and convenient connectivity options to make your workflow smooth and efficient. Here’s a breakdown of what you should look for:
Resolution is one of the most important aspects of any monitor for graphic design. The higher the resolution, the more pixels are available, which means more detail and clarity in your designs. For professional work, you’ll want a monitor with at least 4K resolution (3840×2160 pixels). While 1080p is acceptable for basic tasks, 4K resolution is becoming the standard and is essential for working with high-resolution images, video, or complex design work.
When shopping, keep an eye on the pixel density (measured in DPI). Higher DPI results in sharper text and more detailed images, which is crucial for design work where precision matters. Monitors with 27-inch or 32-inch displays often provide a sweet spot for high pixel density, balancing screen size and clarity.
Color accuracy is a non-negotiable factor for graphic designers, especially when working on branding, digital art, or anything that requires exact color matching. Look for a monitor that offers at least 95% AdobeRGB or DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. These gamuts are the gold standard for professional-level color accuracy and will ensure your designs look as intended, whether on-screen or in print.
Many design monitors come factory calibrated for color accuracy, but if you want the most precise control, look for options that allow you to calibrate the color settings yourself. A monitor with wide color coverage will help ensure that the colors you see are consistent across devices and platforms.
Connectivity is an essential factor that can’t be overlooked. The best monitors for graphic design provide a range of ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C. USB-C with power delivery is becoming the standard for modern workflows, especially for laptop users. This single-cable solution can drive the display, charge your laptop, and connect peripherals such as a keyboard and mouse, making your workspace cleaner and more efficient.
Ensure the monitor supports the necessary ports to match your computer’s outputs. For instance, if you’re working with 4K at 60Hz, you’ll need HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 or higher. If you’re using a laptop, look for USB-C ports that also support power delivery, so you don’t need multiple cables cluttering your workspace.
The size of your monitor largely depends on personal preference and available space. Monitors in the 27-inch to 32-inch range are ideal for most design work, offering ample screen real estate without taking up too much desk space. Larger monitors, such as 40-inch or 42-inch displays, provide even more screen space for multitasking, but be mindful that these sizes often come with lower pixel density, which can affect sharpness and clarity.
Aspect ratio is another consideration. Most monitors are 16:9, which is a great all-around ratio for general work. However, ultrawide monitors (21:9 or 32:9) are gaining popularity, especially among graphic designers who like to have multiple windows open side by side without the need for dual monitors. Ultrawide monitors can provide the extra screen space for more efficient multitasking or large projects.
Ergonomics are critical when selecting a monitor for graphic design. Long hours at the desk require a monitor that can be adjusted for comfort and optimal viewing. At a minimum, look for a monitor that allows height and tilt adjustments. If you want more flexibility, consider one with swivel and portrait mode rotation features. This can be particularly useful when working on vertical designs or large images, as it provides a better view of the entire canvas.
Also, consider the monitor’s build quality. A sturdy stand and adjustable arm can help you create an ergonomic setup that minimizes strain on your neck and eyes. Some high-end monitors even come with VESA compatibility, allowing you to mount them to a wall or on an adjustable arm for a cleaner, more customizable setup.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) is becoming more common in graphic design monitors, but it’s not always necessary for every designer. If your design work involves video editing or high-quality image manipulation, HDR can offer an enhanced visual experience with greater contrast and color depth. Look for monitors that support HDR10 if you’re in need of better highlights and shadows for more dynamic visual work.
Brightness levels are important, too. A good graphic design monitor should offer a brightness of at least 300 nits for optimal visibility. This is especially important if you’re working in a bright environment or need the monitor to perform well under varying lighting conditions. Many professional-grade monitors can achieve even higher brightness levels, which can be an advantage when editing HDR content.
While it’s tempting to go for the most expensive monitor with all the features, it’s important to balance price with the features that matter most to your work. You don’t necessarily need to buy the priciest 5K or HDR monitor if you’re not working with media that requires these features. Instead, focus on getting the best resolution, color accuracy, and connectivity that fit your budget.
That said, if you’re a professional designer or photographer, investing in a higher-end monitor could make a significant difference in your workflow and the quality of your output. Always consider the long-term benefits before making a final decision.
