- 8.80/10 1. Premium pick: Apple Pro Display XDR
- 9.00/10 2. Editors choice: Samsung Odyssey G9
- 7.80/10 3. Best value: ASUS ProArt Display PA148CTV
- 9.20/10 4. Dell UltraSharp U2720Q
- 8.80/10 5. LG Class UltraFine 32UL950-W
- 8.80/10 6. Dell UltraSharp U4919DW
- 8.00/10 7. HP U28 4K HDR
If you're a professional graphic artist, ordinary monitors won't fit well with your work.
You can't just pick any display on the market as you have many considerations. Aside from looking at its screen size, you also have to consider the display's panel type, color accuracy, resolution, adjustability, connections, and more.
Here are the best monitors for graphic design available today.
Premium pick1. Apple Pro Display XDR
8.80 / 10 Read ReviewsApple's hardware is known for being preferred by serious professionals. They provide high-performing devices that suit the work of artists and designers, even though these things usually command a premium. The Apple Pro Display XDR is no different from this. This monitor offers an industry-leading 6K resolution of 6016x3884 pixels.
They have gone above and beyond HDR with their Extreme Dynamic Range (XDR) technology that provides a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Aside from that, this display has true 10-bit color, allowing it to show more than a billion colors.
You also get 1,600 nits of peak brightness, ensuring that you can see your work even under the brightest conditions. And if you want to avoid all reflections, you can opt for the nano-textured etched glass finish on the display, ensuring you won't get any glare while maintaining high contrast.
Key Features- Equipped with Extreme Dynamic Range (XDR) Technology that provides 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio
- Can reach up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness
- Offers true 10-bit color, allowing it to display more than a billion colors
- Brand: Apple
- Resolution: 6016x3384
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Screen Size: 32-inch
- Ports: USB-C, Thunderbolt 3
- Display Technology: IPS-Type LCD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Ultrawide 178-degree viewing angle
- Premium aluminum and glass construction
- Optional nano-textured etched glass greatly reduces glare while maintaining contrast
- Costly
1. Samsung Odyssey G9
9.00 / 10 Read ReviewsAlthough the Samsung Odyssey G9 is designed for gaming, its features make it suitable for professional graphic design work. Its main advantage is its 49-inch ultrawide 32:9 aspect ratio display, which offers the same space as two 27-inch QHD monitors placed side by side. It also has a wide color gamut support, providing 125% sRGB, 92% Adobe RGB, and 0.95 DCI coverage.
The Samsung Odyssey G9 offers 10-bit support, ensuring the display can show 1.07 billion unique colors. And if you need to see your work clearly, you can get up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness on the G9.
As a bonus, you also get a 1000R screen curvature with this monitor. Although it may not be suitable for some applications, like architecture, it will allow you to be immersed in your work. This is perfect for video editors, color graders, and more.
Key Features- Ultrawide 32:9 aspect ratio offers the desktop real estate of two 27-inch QHD monitors
- Wide color gamut, with 125% sRGB, 92% Adobe RGB, and 0.95 DCI Coverage
- 10-bit support, capable of displaying over one billion colors
- Brand: Samsung
- Resolution: 5120x1440
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Screen Size: 49-inch
- Ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x USB-A 3.0, 1x 3.5mm Jack
- Display Technology: QLED
- Aspect Ratio: 32:9
- Also suitable for gaming
- Up to 1000 nits of peak brightness
- 1000R screen curvature immerses you in your work
- Curved panel might not be suitable for some users
1. ASUS ProArt Display PA148CTV
7.80 / 10 Read ReviewsIf you're a digital nomad or prefer to work outside the office, you will appreciate the Asus ProArt Display. It's a compact and portable 14-inch touch screen monitor designed for artists, editors, and designers. Aside from offering 100% sRGB coverage, it's also factory calibrated to achieve a Delta E of less than two. That way, you can use it straight out of the box; no additional calibration is necessary.
This device has a built-in metal kickstand and tripod socket, so you can use it or mount it as you please. It also has a built-in ASUS Dial that you can use with your tools as an additional control.
Best of all, its 10-point multitouch screen can give you more creative possibilities and can also let you work more efficiently.
Key Features- Factory calibrated to achieve Delta E < 2
- Wide color gamut with 100% sRGB coverage
- Built-in ASUS Dial allows you to work more efficiently
- Brand: ASUS
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Screen Size: 14-inch
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x Micro HDMI
- Display Technology: IPS
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Easy to pack and carry around
- Uses a 10-point multitouch screen
- Built-in metal kickstand and tripod socket allow multiple mounting options
- 14-inch display may be too small for some users
1. Dell UltraSharp U2720Q
9.20 / 10 Read ReviewsThe Dell UltraSharp U2720Q is designed for professional use. This monitor is factory calibrated to have 99% sRGB coverage and a Delta E < 2 to ensure you get the most accurate colors. Its 4K UHD resolution also allows it to have 163 PPI pixel density, ensuring you get excellent sharpness.
It also comes with several USB ports, allowing your peripherals to be within easy reach. Furthermore, you can connect your laptop to the monitor via its USB-C port with 90W power delivery. That way, you can transfer video and data to the screen while simultaneously charging your device.
This monitor comes with a compact stand that doesn't consume much space on your desk. This stand also gives you height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments, ensuring you can set your screen ergonomically.
Key Features- Factory calibrated at 99% sRGB and a Delta E < 2
- Has 10-bit support, offering more than a billion colors
- 163 ppi pixel density offers excellent sharpness
- Brand: Dell
- Resolution: 3840x2160
- Refresh Rate: 60hz
- Screen Size: 27-inch
- Ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x USB-C, 3x USB-A 3.0, 1x Audio Out
- Display Technology: IPS
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Offers up to 90W USB-C power delivery
- With side-mounted USB ports
- Compact base allows tilt, swivel, and pivot movements to fit your needs
- Limited brightness compared to other pro-grade displays
1. LG Class UltraFine 32UL950-W
8.80 / 10 Read ReviewsLaptops typically let you have a maximum of one or two external displays. But if you want to have more than that, you will have to purchase a desktop computer. Fortunately, the LG Class UltraFine 32UL950-W lets you get the best of both worlds with its 4K Daisy Chain capability via Thunderbolt 3.
You can connect up to two 4K monitors on a single Thunderbolt 3 port on your computer or to more monitors but with a lower resolution. It also has a four-side borderless display, making it the perfect screen for multimonitor setups.
Aside from the productivity aspect, you also get accurate color accuracy and outstanding contrast. This monitor has 98% DCI-P3 color coverage and is VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified. It also delivers 600 nits at peak brightness, making it suitable for most applications.
Key Features- Supports 4K Daisy Chain via Thunderbolt 3 connectivity
- VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified for outstanding contrast and color accuracy
- Has 98% DCI-P3 coverage precise color control
- Brand: LG
- Resolution: 3840x2160
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Screen Size: 32-inch
- Ports: 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 2x USB-A 3.0, 2x USB-C, 1x Headphone Out
- Display Technology: IPS
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Delivers peak brightness of 600 nits
- Four-side borderless display
- Can charge your laptop via 60W USB-C power delivery while transferring video, audio, and data
- Doesn't offer a refresh rate faster than 60Hz
1. Dell UltraSharp U4919DW
8.80 / 10 Read ReviewsAn expansive desktop can help you get more things done. Instead of switching between multiple windows, you can have all the apps you need open in different sections of your monitor. If you find this useful, then you will like the Dell UltraSharp U4919DW. This 49-inch monitor is equal to two 27-inch QHD monitors placed side by side but without distracting borders.
Its picture-by-picture feature lets you use it as if you have two independent displays, so it's easier to manage multiple apps. And if you have multiple computers, the monitor can act as a KVM, allowing you to switch between devices seamlessly.
You will also get accurate colors with its 99% sRGB coverage and factory calibration, ensuring a Delta E of less than two when you get it.
Key Features- 99% sRGB coverage ensures accurate colors
- Picture-by-picture feature splits your display into two sides like a dual monitor setup
- Factory calibrated right out of the box with Delta E < 2
- Brand: Dell
- Resolution: 5120x1440
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Screen Size: 49-inch
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C, 5x USB-A 3.0
- Display Technology: IPS
- Aspect Ratio: 32:9
- Uses one 90W USB-C Power Delivery port to transmit video, data, and power
- Includes height adjustable base with tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustment
- Easily switch between devices with built-in KVM feature
- Expensive
1. HP U28 4K HDR
8.00 / 10 Read ReviewsThe HP U28 4K HDR is a 28-inch display with UHD resolution. This is one of the more affordable pro-grade monitors available on the market, letting you get accurate colors, high resolution, and excellent contrast at a great price.
You can also choose between various color space presets, like sRGB or DCI-P3, allowing the monitor to adjust to your workflow. Its VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification ensures that you get industry-standard luminance, color gamut, and bit depth standards on your screen.
And if you're environmentally conscious, you'll be glad to know that this display contains around 16oz of recycled materials, ensuring that you reuse plastic instead of letting it go into our oceans.
Key Features- Factory color calibrated for accuracy right out of the box
- Choose color space presets like sRGB and DCI-P3 to suit your workflow
- Comes with VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification
- Brand: HP
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Screen Size: 28-inch
- Ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x HDMI 2.0, 3x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1, 1x USB-C, 1x Headphone Jack
- Display Technology: LED
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Wide 178-degree viewing angle
- Made with 16oz of recycled materials
- Uses a USB-C port with 65W power delivery to charge your laptop while transferring video and data
- 65W USB-C power delivery might be too low for some devices
FAQ
Q: What Should a Graphic Designer Look For in a Monitor?
If you're a professional looking to get a monitor, these are some specifications you should consider:
- IPS panels for color accuracy.
- Matte surface to avoid reflections.
- Wide color gamut with high sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 coverage.
- High contrast ratio of at least 500:1, but preferably should be at least 1000:1.
- High brightness of at least 300 nits.
- At least Full HD 1080p resolution, but preferably higher, especially for 27-inch monitors and up.
- A large display of at least 24 inches.
Q: Do Graphic Designers Need Two Monitors?
While it's not a need per se, professionals with many windows open will appreciate two or more monitors. This allows you to have your most-used apps readily available—so you don't have to browse around your open windows to look for the software you need.
It can also allow you to arrange your apps via drag and drop more easily. Large ultrawide displays may require an additional button press to activate their virtual monitors, and some apps don't cooperate with that feature at all.
Q: Are Gaming Monitors Good For Graphic Design?
While gaming monitors are not designed with the professional in mind, some of their features are useful for productivity. Since gaming monitors take pride in delivering the best experience for gamers, they typically have excellent brightness, accurate colors, and high-quality HDR.
They also offer additional features like fast response rates and high refresh rates, allowing smooth motion. However, just because a monitor is labeled for gaming doesn't mean it's also suitable for professional use. You still have to check its specifications, so you're sure you're getting what you need.
