Color grading is an important part of photo and video production and each monitor displays colors uniquely. It’s crucial to find the right monitor if you’re using it for color-sensitive work such as photography, graphic design and video editing. The better the color accuracy of your monitor is, the better photos and videos you can expect to produce on that monitor.
If you’re looking for a good monitor for color grading programs like DaVinci Resolve, Red Giant, Premiere Lumetri, Final Cut, and more, you need to find a monitor that reproduces the colors you envision. Here are some of the best monitors you can invest in for professional color grading.
Best Ultrawide Monitor for Color Grading
ViewSonic VP3881
For some people, having a larger monitor is great for things like color grading, gaming and editing video. Not only do larger monitors give you more space to work with, they make it easier to see what you’re looking at when you’re doing image editing work. The ViewSonic VP3881 38″ monitor is a top option if you’re looking for a big monitor that provides a large, clear picture. Not only does this monitor feature a 1600p IPS display, but it’s also curved which makes it easier to see the entire horizontal picture without having to turn your head.
Perhaps the best part about the ViewSonic VP3881 38″ monitor is the fact that it offers good color accuracy. This monitor features screen-wide sRGB, EBU, SMPTE-C, Rec. 709 and DICOM-SIM color spaces. 4.39 trillion colors mean you get the most accurate picture no matter what you’re looking at, which is precisely what’s needed for quality color grading. You’re getting Delta E<2 accuracy, which puts it on par with top monitors. If you’re looking for the best ultrawide monitor for color grading, the ViewSonic VP3881 38″ monitor is the right choice.
What We Love
- Factory profile settings require minimal tweaking for optimal colors.
- A heavy stand prevents this monitor from tipping over.
Things to Consider
- Controls are somewhat difficult to access.
- May have connection issues with Apple Macs.
Best 32 Inch Monitor for Color Grading
ASUS PA32UCX-PK
While large monitors may work well for some people, they’re a pain in the neck for others. If you want to take advantage of the benefits of a larger monitor without getting anything too big, a 32″ monitor like the ASUS ProArt Display PA32UCX-PK 32″ monitor is a nice fit. One of the nice things about this monitor is that it offers support for resolutions up to 4K, which makes for a stunningly clear image quality. Plus, a Thunderbolt 3 connection makes it easy to connect this monitor to your Apple devices.
As far as color grading goes, the ASUS ProArt Display PA32UCX-PK 32″ is top of the line. 99.5% Adobe RGB, 99% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB color coverage result in stunning picture quality that’s perfect for professionals who do color grading and other photo editing work. ASUS Off-Axis Contrast Optimization means you can tweak your monitor settings to make sure you have the very best view no matter what angle you’re looking at your monitor from. If you’re looking for a 32″ monitor that offers all the bells and whistles coupled with quality design, you can’t beat the ASUS.
What We Love
- Incredible color accuracy at low light.
Things to Consider
- Requires tuning to achieve the best color.
Runner Up: 32 Inch Monitor for Color Grading
BenQ SW321C
If you’re in the market for a 32″ monitor for color grading, you can never count out BenQ when it comes to quality. The BenQ SW321C may not be an incredibly flashy monitor, but it’s one of the better options on the market if you’re looking for a 32″ IPS panel that supports a 4K resolution. If you want to get the most out of photo editing software like DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut, you can count on this monitor to provide the color accuracy it takes to achieve professional quality.
One of the best parts about investing in a BenQ monitor is knowing you’re getting a quality product. While some monitors are cheaply made to cut corners and save money, BenQ is known for crafting quality monitors both in terms of picture and overall build quality. The BenQ SW321C offers 99% Adobe RGB color coverage to make sure you’re getting the most accurate colors in every picture. You can even further calibrate your monitor to make sure all your settings are right where they need to be to get the best quality for color grading.
What We Love
- A combination of affordability and quality makes this monitor an excellent choice for office use.
- 99% Adobe RGB color coverage helps improve color accuracy.
Things to Consider
- Factory calibration does not provide the best picture quality.
Best 27 Inch Monitor for Color Grading
BenQ SW270C
Finding a monitor that offers the right combination of screen size and resolution is crucial. This is important for photography and color grading work because you want to make sure you’re getting the most accurate picture. If you’re looking for a 27″ monitor that features color grading features like AQcolor technology and a shading hood, the BenQ SW270C is hard to beat. While this monitor may look simple on the outside, it’s the picture quality that really makes it shine.
The BenQ SW270C features AQcolor technology, which means you get accurate color reproduction that’s great for color grading. This monitor is also factory calibrated for the best color accuracy, but BenQ provides monitor calibration tips if you want to change any of the settings. The shade hood included on this monitor makes it easier for you to keep your focus on the picture in front of you while also reducing glare. If you’re looking to pick up some smaller, more affordable monitors for color grading, make sure you check out the BenQ SW270C.
What We Love
- Hood makes it easy to focus on the image you're editing.
- AQcolor technology offers accurate color reproduction, even across different background colors.
Things to Consider
- There may be some variance in picture from monitor to monitor due to quality control.
Best 24 Inch Monitor for Color Grading
ViewSonic VP2458
As important as large monitors are to some people, there are some who can’t stand them and would prefer something smaller that saves space. A 24″ monitor is one solution if you’re looking for a monitor with excellent picture quality that won’t take up too much space. Whether you’re trying to save a little bit of money or make the most of the space you’ve got, the ViewSonic VP2458 24″ monitor offers excellent picture quality and color accuracy in a compact package. Despite only supporting resolutions up to 1080p, this monitor still packs quite the punch when it comes to color accuracy.
The accurate color reproduction of the ViewSonic VP2458 24″ monitor begins with the SuperClear IPS panel. Not only does this deliver lifelike color accuracy, it also helps make your monitor more responsive and creates better viewing angles, all of which are essential to color grading. Thanks to 100% sRGB coverage with Delta E<2 color accuracy, you can count on this display to deliver the very best in terms of accurate colors, which makes it a great choice for any kind of color grading and photography. And while 27″ and 32″ monitors may start to look a little chunky and aliased at 1080p, this 24″ monitor looks sharp and clear.
What We Love
- USB-C is great for single cable charging and video signal transmission.
Things to Consider
- Problems with MST (multi-stream transport) may make daisy chaining multiple displays difficult.
Best Budget Monitor for Color Grading
ASUS ProArt PA248QV
When you’re shopping for a monitor for color grading, you’ll find plenty of monitors that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. While there may be some professionals and firms that can afford these monitos, the ASUS PA248QV is a considerably more reasonable option for most consumers. This monitor offers excellent value that you won’t find in many other products, but you don’t have to sacrifice stellar color accuracy because of the price. Plus, you get to take advantage of the excellent build quality of ASUS.
From the fact that this monitor features an IPS display to the 100% sRGB color coverage it offers, there’s nothing quite like the ASUS ProArt monitor when it comes to affordable options. Since this is a part of the ProArt lineup that’s designed for creative use, your display comes pre-calibrated to make sure you have access to high-end color accuracy and picture quality right out of the box. Still, you have the option to take your time to carefully calibrate your monitor to make sure it looks exactly the way you want it. A combination of affordability, customization and color accuracy make the ASUS ProArt monitor a smart choice for budget-conscious consumers.
What We Love
- Excellent factory color calibration.
- An affordable price tag makes this the perfect monitor if you're buying multiple screens.
Things to Consider
- The stand is a bit wobbly.
Best External Monitor for Mac Color Grading
LG 27MD5KL-B
For those who use a laptop for the majority of their color grading work, there are two options: suffering with a laptop monitor or deciding to invest in a second external monitor. If you can’t imagine putting your laptop down when it comes to your daily work routine but you can’t deal with the size of the monitor, you can get the upgrade you need with the LG display. This monitor is specifically designed to provide you with the best picture when you’re using a MacBook or some other mobile device, which means it’s perfect for professional work such as color grading.
While most of the monitors on our list support resolutions up to 4K, the LG is interesting in that it supports a 5K resolution. This might not be a huge deal for everybody, but a slightly higher resolution can make a big difference when it comes to the picture quality of the product you’re creating. Plus, you get DCI-P3 99% color coverage that helps you achieve even more realistic picture quality on your MacBook. If you’re looking for the perfect companion to your MacBook, there aren’t a lot of better choices than the 27MD5KL-B.
What We Love
- Mac OS compatibility makes this the perfect monitor for MacBook and iMac devices.
- 99% DCI-P3 color coverage satisfies color graders.
Things to Consider
- Better options are available if you're looking for a Windows-only monitor for color grading.
Best HDR Monitor for Color Grading
BenQ PD2700U
No matter what kind of photo editing or photography work you’re doing on your PC, it’s important to see the clearest version of the photo you’re dealing with. If picture quality is the most important part of the equation for you, it’s hard to beat the BenQ PD2700U 27″ 4K monitor for designers. While this monitor may not be the largest at just 27″, it certainly offers some of the best picture quality thanks to its 4K resolution support. Plus, you can quickly switch over to HDR mode to view your photo in a completely new light, which helps you get a different perspective so you can make the most out of every picture you take.
The custom view modes the BenQ offers are also a huge help. For example, there are CAD/CAM Darkroom Animation and DualView custom view modes that allow you to step up your workflow. Thanks to 100% sRGB color, you can see all the work you’re doing in brilliant color that gives you an accurate representation of how things are going to look in the real world. If you’re doing print work, this is an especially important part of the process. If HDR and 4K are the primary concerns, you’ll have a hard time finding a better monitor than the PD2700U.
What We Love
- Mac OS compatibility makes this the perfect monitor for MacBook and iMac devices.
- 99% DCI-P3 color coverage satisfies color graders.
Things to Consider
- Better options are available if you're looking for a Windows-only monitor for color grading.
Best Monitor for Broadcast Color Grading
EIZO CG279X
Broadcasting is a different beast altogether when it comes to color grading. Not only do you need to make sure you have things done on time, but you also need to take the time to do quality work since you’re going to put it on display for so many people to see. If you’re in need of a monitor or a few monitors for broadcast color grading, the EIZO CG279X-BK is the tool of choice. While this monitor maybe a little more expensive than some of the other similarly sized monitors, simple color management and workflow control make this the best choice if you’re looking for a monitor for broadcast work.
The EIZO features ColorNavigator 7 color management software, which means you can easily adjust the colors of your monitor to make sure things look just right. In addition to that, you get access to ColorNavigator Network color management software, so you can manage your monitor as long as you’re using a computer that’s connected to the same network. The 2560 x 1440 resolution may seem a little lackluster if you’re used to 4K, but the color accuracy and features of this monitor more than makeup for its size and resolution.
What We Love
- Monitors stays quiet and cool during production.
- Best color accuracy on the market.
Things to Consider
- The 2560 x 1440 resolution can easily be beat with other monitors. You are buying this one for the color it produces.
- This monitor is pricy for its size.
Best Monitor for Davinci Resolve
EIZO EV2785
If you’re looking for the best monitor for color grading with DaVinci Resolve, you have to look outside of some of the typical brands and take a look at specialty monitors. The EIZO FlexScan is specifically designed to provide the very best color accuracy and picture quality for professionals, making it our favorite option for use with DaVinci Resolve. The 27″ IPS panel of this monitor may not seem like much at first, but impressive 4K resolution support means you can still achieve professional picture quality on this fairly small screen. Plus, the IPS panel is perfect for wider viewing angles which makes collaboration a breeze.
The ports on the EV2785LCD are another big selling point. This monitor features all the ports you need to connect to your favorite devices, including USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort. Whether you’re planning on using this monitor with a Mac or Windows device, you’re good to go. And while the price tag may seem a bit high at first, it’s well worth it when you consider the quality and the fact that you get a five-year warranty with this monitor. If your main concern is finding the best quality monitor for use with DaVinci Resolve, the EIZO FlexScan EV2785 is our recommendation.
What We Love
- Side ports provide easy access.
- Integrated speakers are great as a backup audio source.
Things to Consider
- The FlexStand is bulky, so it may not be ideal for some setups.
What is the best monitor for color grading?
At the end of the day, choosing the best monitor for professional photo editing and color grading depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a large monitor and don’t mind spending a lot of money, the ViewSonic VP3881 38″ monitor is about the most extravagant option you can find. Not only is this a massive 38″ ultrawide monitor, it also offers color accuracy and picture quality features that are hard to beat or even match.
For some, however, the ASUS ProArt Display PA248QV 24.1” monitor may be a better choice due to its combination of affordability and quality. Here’s what you should keep in mind when you’re choosing a monitor for color grading:
- How large do you want your monitor to be?
- How much money are you willing to spend?
- What features do you need in a color grading monitor?
- Do you prefer a specific brand?
- What port(s) do you prefer to use?
- Are you planning on using this monitor with an iMac or MacBook?
As important as the size of the monitor you’re investing in is, color accuracy is the most important thing when it comes to finding a monitor for professional color grading. The bottom line is, you should make sure you’re investing in a monitor with quality color coverage such as 99% DCI-P3 or 100% sRGB, since this helps ensure you’re getting the most accurate colors on your screen. As long as you look for features that boost color accuracy and picture quality and buy a monitor from a reputable brand, you should be good to go.