As a graphic designer or who does any creative work, you should focus more on choosing a monitor as it will significantly affect the efficiency of your work.
Graphic design monitors are displays that are built for creative professionals.
They have ultra-high definition resolutions and ultra-high color accuracy, which is essential when dealing with works of art.
I’ve waded through hundreds of products to narrow your choice to ten models. Now, read my review of the top 10 monitors for graphic design carefully.
1. LG Ultrafine 5K Display – Best For Overall
Key Features
This fantastic 27-inch monitor shows everything perfectly thanks to its 5K resolution, which features a 1200:1 contrast ratio and 99% DCI-P3 color support.
It comes with one USB-C port and three USB-C downstream ports, allowing you to transmit data and 5K video while also charging the MacBook.
Through testing, I think it is the best monitor for artists, creatives, and designers, especially for Macbook users.
If you favor a larger screen size, I recommend the LG 34BK95U-W UltraFine, which is also included in this list.
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What I Like
- Easy to use.
- 500 cd/m² brightness.
- Good microphone quality.
- The image is sharp and defined.
- Pair well with Apple products.
Things to Consider
- Pricey
- Wobbly at full height
2. Acer Predator X34 – Best for Gaming
Key Features
The Predator X34 from Acer, which features a 21:9 aspect ratio, is an excellent example of ultra-wide monitors’ potential and what they can do to make your design work more efficient and smoother.
This 34-inch monitor applies the G-sync technology of Nvidia, allowing you to avoid using V-Sync and putting so much on the graphics card.
With an aluminum bezel and impressive polygonal stand, the Predator monitor performs amazingly and also looks fantastic.
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What I Like
- USB hub.
- Cool design.
- Gamer-centric settings.
- Excellent performance in testing.
- Supports G-Sync anti-tearing technology.
Things to Consider
- Expensive.
- Only two video inputs.
3. Samsung Odyssey G9 – Best for Curved Monitor
Key Features
The Samsung Odyssey G9 is a massive 49-inch screen and delivers a stunning 5K resolution and 240Hz refresh rate, making it an incredible model for graphic designs.
Getting lost in the G9’s technical splendor might be easy, but you must be aware that this model is not lightweight. And if you don’t favor placing a vast screen on your desk, this monitor is probably not for you.
This monitor weighs 31 pounds, making it heavier than some TVs. But for those with the budget, you will be wowed at your chosen monitor, especially once you see your artwork on the large screen.
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What I Like
- Excellent HDR
- Dramatic 1000R curve
- Fantastic widescreen design
- Include HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB hub cables
- The most immersive monitor you can buy
Things to Consider
- Very big and heavy.
- Underwhelming lights.
- It needs some more ports.
4. Eizo ColorEdge CG319X – Best for Professional Designers
Key Features
Products from Eizo are the favorite choice of many professional graphic designers in terms of performance. In addition, they are often the preferred option of connoisseurs regarding high-quality monitors.
This monitor is great for everything from compositing to 2D and 3D CGI color grading. It is the best 4K monitor among all the models I tested. That is why it’s the most expensive model on my list.
This monitor features a DCI 4K (maximum resolution: 4096 x 2160 pixels) display with 350 cd/m2 brightness and 1500:1 contrast ratio. As a result, it enables you to fine-tune your images and graphics at the pixel level.
In addition, this fantastic LCD monitor comes with a viewing angle of 178, allowing you to perceive contrasts and colors consistently.
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What I Like
- 4K HDR support.
- Swivel/tilt function.
- Excellent viewing angles.
- Supreme color accuracy.
Things to Consider
- Price.
- Utilitarian design.
5. ASUS ProArt PA278QV – Best For Video and Photo Editing
Key Features
This model has a 27-inch WQHD IPS display, which is frameless and great for editing photos and videos.
It features a high color accuracy display, making it great for creatives and designers. Also, it is especially effective for those who work in the video and photo editing field.
This great monitor also comes with an ergonomic stand, enabling you to adjust its pivot, tilt, and height quickly to get a more pleasant experience.
So whether you are a photo & video editor or a graphic designer, I bet the ASUS ProArt PA278QV will be good for you.
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What I Like
- High pixel density.
- Incredibly flexible stand.
- Rich connectivity options.
- Excellent value for the price.
- Peak brightness exceeds estimates.
Things to Consider
- Low contrast ratio.
- Mediocre black uniformity.
6. Dell UltraSharp U2720Q – Best For Every Digital Artist
Key Features
The UltraSharp U2720Q from Dell is also an excellent display for digital art and graphic design. It features a 27-inch 4K UHD IPS display which has a 3840 x 2160 resolution.
This model is also highly compatible, enabling you to experience convenient and easy connectivity. It works well with mostly all graphic design products with HDMI, USB, DisplayPort, and Audio Line-out interfaces.
This monitor includes everything designers need to work in a modern workstation, allowing them to get the job done at a higher level of productivity.
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What I Like
- Flexible stand
- Good viewing angles.
- Excellent ergonomics.
- Accurate color reproduction
Things to Consider
- No speakers.
- No Ethernet port.
7. LG 34BK95U-W UltraFine – Best for 5K Ultra-Wide Monitor
Key Features
The LG Ultrafine monitor defines minimalism with the design with an aspect ratio of 21:9. Regardless of where you sit, you will find that its image quality is not affected because of the 178-degree viewing angle.
This model can handle all of your favorite peripherals with two USB and HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt 3 port.
Where this monitor really shines is its 5K2K resolution. Plus, it features HDR support to make your artwork look absolutely fantastic. Although this product is costly, it is still value for money for all of its tech.
What are the differences between 5k2k and 5k? Simply put, 5k2k monitors come with the horizontal resolution of 5K monitors and the vertical resolution of 4K ones due to the 21:9 aspect ratio.
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What I Like
- Large size.
- High resolution.
- 5K resolution with 5K2K support.
- 3 USB-C ports plus a Thunderbolt port.
- The image remains accurate at an angle.
Things to Consider
- Bad ergonomics.
- Poor dark scene performance.
8. BenQ PD3200U – Best For Value
Key Features
More and more manufacturers are adopting 4K resolution into their products, bringing 4K closer to becoming the standard for all monitors. Among the 4K monitors available, the BenQ PD3200U 4K UHD display is one of the best.
It is a good friend of many designers thanks to the CAD/CAM mode with factory-calibrated color accuracy.
Designed for creatives and professionals, the BenQ PD3200U is one of the best displays for graphic designers. Yet, even many of my colleagues like this model.
The Benq PD3220U, a newer version, has a built-in Thunderbolt 3. However, it costs twice as much while its specs are almost identical to the BenQ PD3200U.
So I recommend the 3200U unless money is not an issue for you.
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What I Like
- Good price.
- Large screen.
- 4K resolution.
- Accurate colors.
- Robust feature set.
- Solid grayscale performance.
Things to Consider
- Request a big desk.
- Some pro features are a bit too niche.
- The design may seem dull to some people.
9. Samsung U-E590D – Best for Performance
Key Features
If you are one of those graphic designers who favor the best overall display, I recommend considering the U-E590D model from Samsung. It has a remarkable 4K Ultra HD vision of everything you play, read, and watch.
This model’s improvement in performance and power will enable you to multitask more efficiently. Also, it can display 64 times more color than standard monitors, making your artworks more natural, detailed, and lifelike.
If you favor gaming while taking a break from working, you will also be satisfied with this display. Its crisp image quality and fast response time will significantly enhance your gaming experience.
The Samsung U-E590D is ideal for those looking for the best graphic design monitor at an affordable price.
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What I Like
- Great performance.
- Freesync support.
- Exception gaming performance.
- Great price for a 4K display.
Things to Consider
- Requires calibration
10. LG 27UL850 – Best for Budget
Key Features
Looking for great 4K, 5K, or even 8K displays can be something that many graphic designers might want, but many options available do not come cheap.
So if you want to get a decent 4k monitor without breaking the bank, the LG 27UL850 is a good choice. It is one of the best displays for graphic designs, especially those called “starving artists.”
It is one of the best cheap monitors out there for graphic design. With a stunning 27-inch 4K display, all your works will look amazing.
With excellent color quality and an incredible price tag, few options on the market are better than the 27UL850.
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What I Like
- USB-C Monitor
- Good Default Color Quality
- Responds Well to Calibration
- Attractive and Functional Design
Things to Consider
- Low Contrast
- USB-C Limited to 60 Watts
Buying Guide
Factors you need to consider when buying a monitor for graphic design.
Screen size
Screen size may not be the most critical factor for some designers. Believe me, it matters, especially when you work with complex artworks with lots of details.
I believe screen sizes from 27 to 32 inches suit all designers. But if you are a pro who designs multitasks, something approximately 40 inches work well for you.
Color accuracy
When considering a monitor, you should also consider how well it can reproduce colors, typically called the “color gamut.”
The key is to choose the widest gamut possible. You should choose a model that enables you to make frequent calibrations and also covers at least 99% of the Adobe RGB color space.
Resolution
The higher the pixel resolution of the screen, the better with graphic designs.
As a designer, you need the highest resolution screen to see the minor details. Therefore, you should not choose something that has a resolution below 4k.
Ideally, choose a 4k resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels). You can go even higher, such as 6k (6016 x 3384 pixels), if you are willing to spend more money.
Connections
A monitor with multiple ports or connections is essential for designers who constantly have to plug in other devices. Your chosen monitor should have I/O connections compatible with your laptop, computer, and workstation.
Also, it should have at least dual-link DVI ports, DisplayPort and HDMI, allowing you to plug into most laptops and computers.
Price
The price of a model often reflects its quality, but not always. So your job is to choose wisely. Picking something that’s best within your budget is ideal.
Conclusion
As a designer, you must buy a good computer, monitor, and software. It will definitely pay off in the long term.
After many hours of research, my pick for the best monitor for graphic design goes to the LG Ultrafine 5K Display for good reasons.
The rest of the products on my list are excellent in their own way. So consider carefully to choose the one that best suits your needs, preferences, and budget.
Thanks for reading!