good monitor for graphic design

Top 10 Monitors for Graphic Designers in 2021

The choice of a monitor is especially important for graphic designers — we need the right size, resolution and color accuracy in order to produce great work.

As a graphic designer, if you want to provide your clients with the best possible work that you can produce, the monitor you use can really make a difference.

What is the best monitor for graphic design?

You should definitely look for a monitor that can give you the best combination of great performance, high resolution, and broad color coverage.

As a designer you should get at least 4k monitor.

Fortunately for us designers, the improvement in technology have made 4k monitors better and more affordable than ever, so we can't complain.

In 2021 there is no so many options available on the market that is hard to decide which one is best for your graphic design needs.

That's why I reviewed them all — Here's my list of top 10 best monitors for graphic designers to buy in 2021.

How to choose a graphic design monitor

When you work on the right monitor, with large bright screen, accurate colors and great resolution, you can do better work as a designer.

Getting the right monitor for your graphic design business is as important as the job itself.

First, you need to think about what kind of graphic design work you will use this monitor for.

The monitor you choose needs to have certain features to be considered the right choice for handling your specific graphic design tasks.

How to choose a monitor for graphic design. — 5 factors for choosing a monitor.

I advise all designers to consider these 5 important factors when choosing the right monitor.

Here's my checklist:

Screen size
Resolution
Color accuracy
Connections
Price

Now let's briefly talk about each of them how they relate to your job as a graphic designer.

1. Screen size

Screen size may not be the number one factor for some designers but believe me, the size actually matters.

The screen size really matters especially when you work on big, complex artworks with lots of details.

Generally, I'd advise most designers to get a screen size between 27 to 32", but if you're a pro who multitasks a lot, you might want to get something around 40".

2. Resolution

Similarly as with screen size, the higher pixel resolution, the better and I wouldn't recommend buying a monitor below 4k resolution.

As a designer you need the highest resolution possible to see clearly the tiniest details without any pixelation.

Preferably you should opt for 4k (3,840 by 2,160 pixels), but of course you can go even higher, for example Apple Pro Display XDR is 6k (6016 by 3384 pixels).

3. Color accuracy

Another very important factor to consider for designers is how well a monitor can reproduce colors, often referred to as "color gamut".

Accurate color reproduction is important to every designer, whether it be for print or digital — you need the widest gamut possible.

Choose for a monitor that allows you to make frequent calibrations and one that also covers at least 99% of the Adobe RGB color space.

4. I/O Connections

It is recommended to get a monitor with multiple connections or ports so that you can plug in all your devices.

Make sure your monitor have I/O connections compatible with your workstation, either your laptop or computer.

The monitor you choose should have at least HDMI, dual-link DVI ports, and DisplayPort to be able to plug to most computers and laptops.

5. Price

And of course price can be an important factor when it comes to choosing the right monitor, because who likes to overspend?

Price will often reflect the quality you get, but not always — so it's your job to choose wisely.

My list includes monitors for designers with different budgets: from very affordable like Samsung U28E590D ($333.23) to best value like BenQ PD3200U ($699.99) to high end like Eizo ColorEdge CG319X ($5,739.00) or Apple Pro Display XDR ($4,793.95) and everything in-between like for example Asus ROG Strix XG438Q ($1,099.00).

So let's dive right into it.

1. Dell UltraSharp U3818DW

This monitor is the #1 on my list for a reason, this 4k display monitor is packed with great value at an affordable price.

The best overall 4k monitor for graphic design to buy in 2021.

This high-end monitor is perfect for design, because it has a wide display and a high Adobe Coverage of a whooping 99%

Price: $1,076.05

Dell UltraSharp U3818DW has a 37.5-inch curved screen that creates a near-complete field view.

What it means in reality is that this monitor provides an almost uniform visual focus that reduces your eye movement across the screen.

So that you'll be able to work more comfortably with fewer distractions and more productivity.

It's also good for your eyes as this monitor has a flicker-free screen with ComfortView, a feature that filters harmful blue light emissions.

With Dell UltraSharp U3818DW you can also expect outstanding detail and consistent color across a wide viewing angle.

You'll be able to multitask like a pro, you will get enough screen space, and the tools and the features you need the most as a designer.

I connect this monitor to my Macbook Pro using Thunderbolt/USB-C cable and it works flawlessly!

Multitasking becomes very easy with such a wide screen (and as a designer you have to!)

So if you're looking for the best monitor at around $1k — Look no further.

Specs

Screen Size: 38 Inches
Resolution: 4K UHD Ultra Wide 1600p
Display Technology: LCD
Brand: Dell
Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Pros

4K Curved screen.
Blue-light filter.

Cons

Noticeable motion smearing.

2. Eizo ColorEdge CG319X

When it comes to performance monitors, Enzo is the definitely most popular brand among professional graphic designers and artists.

The best performance monitor for professional designers (print & 3d).

This monitor is the ideal tool for 2D and 3D CGI or visual effects, everything from compositing to color grading.

Price: $5,739.00

https://amzn.to/383lhm7
Eizo ColorEdge CG319X — Best performance

This is absolutely the best 4k monitor you can buy as of now and with a price tag that reflects that as well.

It is the most expensive monitor on my list for a reason: Einzo is the connoisseur's choice when it comes to high-quality displays.

Eizo ColorEdge CG319X features DCI 4K display with maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160, an excellent contrast ratio of 1500:1, and brightness of 350 cd/m2.

All of which combined will allow you to edit your graphics and images to the tiniest pixel.

On this monitor, the text contours are going to be clear and precise and the photos are going to look as real as it gets.

This LCD display also provides 178 viewing angles, meaning that you can see colors and contrasts as stable.

The CG319X covers 99% of the Adobe RGB color space and the color reproduction is extremely precise, the black are truly black and the colors are as real as they get.

This monitor also offers significant advantages for printing: It covers almost the entire CMYK color space as well.

An absolute must for professional graphic designers, whether it be for print, 3d or video editing.

Specs

Screen Size: 31.1 Inches
Resolution: 4K DCI 2160p
Brand: Eizo
Hardware Interface: DisplayPort, HDMI
Response Time: 9 Milliseconds

Pros

Self-calibration
Many ports
Anti-glare coating

Cons

Very expensive

3. LG 27UL850

Many of the quality 4K monitors can be quite expensive, but the LG 27UL850 gives you great value for a good price.

The best budget (4k) monitor for graphic design.

If you are looking for a 27" monitor that has a good color quality, you won't be disappointed with this one.

Price: $496.99

LG 27UL850—The most affordable (4k) monitor for graphic design. — https://amzn.to/307oz3p
LG 27UL850 — Most affordable.

This 27" monitor from LG provides superior color control covering 99% of RGB color gamut.

It is a flat display (no curve) with maximum resolution of 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels).

To help you more fully realize your vision as a designer, this monitor is compatible with VESA DisplayHDR 400 high dynamic range (up to 400-nit peak luminance).

What it means in reality is that it supports specific levels of color and brightness that exceed the capabilities of other ordinary monitors.

LG 27UL850 is a great choice for photographers, graphic designers or anyone looking for a quality color reproduction at a decent price point.

I've presented you with other more expensive options, but if you don't do super advanced CGI's, this monitor will definitely do the job.

If you're a designer with the budget set at around $500, you won't find a better deal.

Specs

Screen Size: 27 Inches
Resolution: 4K UHD 2160p
Display Technology: LCD
Brand: LG
Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Pros

Very affordable
Good color gamut

Cons

Bad speakers
No camera

4. BenQ PD3200U

If you didn't like the previously mentioned affordable monitor from LG, then check out this one from BenQ — a next in line when it comes to value/price ratio.

The best value monitor for video editing and 3D work.

The best thing about this monitor is that it comes in 3 different configurations, so that you choose something that suits you best.

Price: $699.99

http://BenQ PD3200U
BenQ PD3200U — Best value.

BenQ PD3200U offers you 4K UHD (3840x2160) resolution that will provide extraordinary clarity of fine details.

Creative professionals often demand color accuracy as the most important factor when it comes to monitors and BenQ delivers here really well.

Exclusive AQColor technology covers a wide variety of color spaces such as Adobe RGB, sRGB and Rec. 709

This simply ensures that the colors on your screen are the brightest, boldest and most accurate.

BenQ PD3200U is a great choice if you want your animations, visual effects, graphics, and photos look at their best.

This BenQ monitor also offers curated display modes to deliver professional results: Darkroom mode, Animation mode and CAD/CAM mode.

You'll be able able to adjust the height, tilt, swivel, and pivot to get the perfect fit for your workstation.

You can tilt it 90 degrees when working on web design, or keep in horizontal orientation for regular graphic design work or gaming.

For a professional monitor that offers this variety of features, it is relatively affordable.

Great monitor for any designer who values quality stuff, definitely recommended!

Specs

Screen Size: 32 Inches
Resolution: 4K UHD 2160p
Display Technology: LED
Brand: BenQ

Pros

Good value for price.
Ergonomic design.
Color accuracy.

Cons

Edge shadow effect.

5. Samsung U28E590D

As I mentioned at the very beginning, as a designer you wouldn't like to buy a monitor with lower resolution than 4k.

The most affordable good quality (4k) monitor for designers.

So if you're on a budget, this 28" monitor from Samsung is definitely the best deal you can get as a designer (without compromising quality).

Price: $333.23

Samsung U28E590D—The most affordable good quality (4k) monitor for designers. — https://amzn.to/387VucA
Samsung U28E590D — Most affordable.

This monitor is a solid choice that delivers beautiful 4K Ultra HD view of everything you design, watch or read.

With Samsung U28E590D you'll enjoy pretty smooth images, even during fast moving scenes (only 1ms response).

The fast response time provides a steady visual allowing you to work on animations, play games, or just watch movies.

Plus you'll have the advanced power and performance you need to multitask more efficiently.

So if you're a beginner designer or on a tight budget this is a monitor for you.

Remember that the cheaper the monitor the lower resolution, lesser color accuracy and more motion blur, judder, and ghosting.

But that's not the case when we talk about Samsung U28E590D — this is truly the best deal you can get as a designer.

Anything cheaper than that won't be 4k and it certainly wouldn't be recommended for graphic design work.

Specs

Screen Size: 28 Inches
Resolution: 4K UHD 2160p
Display Technology: LCD
Brand: SAMSUNG
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1

Pros

Only 1ms refresh time.
Crisp and bright image.

Cons

Bad viewing angle.
Weak stand.