Best Monitor for Photo Editing Under $500

If you are on a budget and looking for the best photo editing monitor under 500, you must check out our handpicked list of monitors dedicated to photo editing works. Also, we have mentioned the aspects to check in the buyer's guide.

See my recommendation for Best Monitor For Watching Movies 

BEST MONITOR FOR PHOTO EDITING UNDER 500 REVIEW

1. PHILIPS 278E1A 27" - BEST 27 INCH MONITOR FOR PHOTO EDITING

FEATURES

The best monitor for photo editing must have good color depth, excellent resolution, and a good panel to support all your photo editing works. That said, we recommend this monitor for photo editing.

Some of the unique features of this monitor include an ultrawide screen, blue light filter, tilt adjustment, and flicker-free technology, which are ideal for photo editing works. Now let's talk about the design and picture quality of this monitor.

DESIGN

"Philips 27inches curved frameless LED monitor", a long phrase indeed, tells you that this monitor has the optimal size not just for photo editing but you can also use as a TV monitor. This curved frameless LED monitor has IPS panels. So this means you get extra-wide viewing angles of 178/178 degrees.

The best part is when compared to TN panels, with this IPS panel technology, you get crisp images with vivid colors that are ideal for professional applications like photo editing that demand consistent brightness and color accuracy at all times. It has a DisplayPort and 2 HDMI ports that allow universal connectivity.

PICTURE QUALITY

The IPS technology itself provides sufficient features for editing but still, in terms of photo editing, some features must be given attention.

First, the 4k UHD 3840X2160 resolution has the potential to deliver ultra-clear 4k images, and thus these Philip displays make your images and graphics come alive.

Having a wide color gamut is crucial for content designers and digital photographers; that being said, this monitor has an amazing 91% of NTSC and 109% of sRGB. This means you can view 91% and 109% of the respective color ranges. So this feature will greatly help professionals who demand high color accuracy and spread.

Also, Philips uses a smart software technology called LowBlue Mode to reduce the harmful blue light rays that come from LED displays.  Apart from having appropriate features for photo editing, this monitor comes with concealed cables. So no more bundling up cables. If you have a small desk space, you are going to love this feature. Grab it NOW!

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR:

2. DELL S2721QS - BEST DELL 4K MONITOR FOR PHOTO EDITING UNDER 500

FEATURES

Coming up next is the Dell monitor that is a bit pricey than the previous pick but for a reason. We love to call it a beast because it is an excellent design and is equipped with multiple features that ease your photo editing works. This is a TUV-certified monitor which means it has a ComfortView feature that prevents blue light emissions and optimizes eye comfort. 

DESIGN

This three-sided ultrathin bezel design will not fail to amaze you. With this elegant design, this 27-inch monitor gives you the feeling of having a high-quality product. This monitor is adjustable, so you can easily adjust it according to your comfort.

Dell always specializes in designing the best monitors that fit a particular lifestyle. So you can easily set up this monitor on your photo editing workspace. 

PICTURE QUALITY

The resolution of this monitor is 4k UHD which means you are promised an excellent resolution and you get an immersive viewing experience with impressive clarity and details. It also supports HDR content playback for a more lifelike visual experience.

The IPS panel technology makes your photo editing works a breeze. It has 99% sRGB color coverage and allows you to see extraordinary colors on the wide-angle screen. So we think that these features packed in one monitor at an affordable price are jackpot kind. So buy this Dell monitor now. 

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR:

3. BENQ PD2700Q - BEST BUDGET PHOTO EDITING MONITOR

FEATURES

If you are a creative designer or professional photographer looking for the best monitor for photo editing under 500, this can be your ideal pick. Compared to the other two previous monitors for photo editing under 500, this one has QHD, which provides a decent picture quality. 

DESIGN

This is a 27 inch IPS panel monitor known for delivering absolute color precision with its 2k UHD. The monitor offers a broader viewing angle (178° in both horizontal and vertical planes) to improve exceptional clarity and vivid image quality at all angles.

BenQ's industry-leading eye care technology gives you comfort while working for a long time. It also has low blue light technology and flicker-free technology, which all help you reduce the fatigue you get while working for a long time. 

PICTURE QUALITY

Talking about the picture quality of this photo editing monitor, you can't go wrong with a Pantone validated monitor.  You can preserve the colors you capture with its 100% sRGB color space, providing you with brighter, accurate, and consistent colors, whether you're working on digital images.  

The Darkroom mode adjusts the contrast and brightness of images giving clarity and sharpness to details. The revolutionary CAD/CAM Mode provides superior contrast on 3D color lines. You can easily distinguish details in complicated object wireframes and alter monitor color.

You can enhance your workflow by switching on DualView to showcase designs in various display modes side-by-side. For example, you can fix sRGB in one part of the screen and CAD/CAM on the other part and do comparative editing. So overall, these features are ideal for any kind of photo editing works. 

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR:

4. ASUS PROART - BEST MONITOR FOR LIGHTROOM

FEATURES

If you are looking for a monitor for photo editing in Lightroom and Photoshop, then Asus is an investment you should consider making. You don't need to do much calibration once it is out of the box. It can support 100% sRGB and some intriguing features that will make your photo editing works easy.

Some users have complained that the stand is a bit wobbly, but it doesn't cause any trouble while working. Now let's talk about why this monitor is best for photo editing purposes.

DESIGN

Another 27-inch monitor in the list has an IPS panel, but this one has a frameless design, and so you can utilize most of the display. It provides extensive connectivity with its mini display port, HDMI, and four USB 3.0 ports. Also, it is VESA wall-mountable, and so you can easily mount it on the wall and work. Thanks to the ASUS quick fit virtual scale, you can now preview documents in their actual sizes before printing them.

PICTURE QUALITY

This monitor itself boasts that it has an international color standard of 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 wide color gamut. And when we tested it, it really worked wonders for photo editing works.

The basic reason why we recommend this monitor is it has an exclusive ProArt Preset and ProArt Palette that gives multiple adjustable color parameters, and you get to witness how accurately the colors are reproduced on the screen. Using these features, you can switch and match the needs accordingly.

It has a 75 refresh rate which is ideal for content creation and editing works. Also, this monitor has plenty of customizability in terms of colors and brightness. So you can adjust it according to your requirement. Give it a shot!

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR:

5. BENQ BL2420PT - BEST COLOR ACCURATE MONITOR

This 24-inch QHD monitor has some dedicated features for photo editing, and we highly recommend it for its advanced features. The 2k/QHD resolution gives you the working space FHD displays and the most precise editing details. This IPS technology offers a wider viewing angle, and you will love it for its vivid image clarity and quality.

This monitor perfectly works with 100% sRGB and Rec.709 color space, so the monitor can reproduce 1 billion vibrant colors accurately on the screen. This feature is essential for photo editing and image viewing.

As if these features are not enough, this monitor is tailor-made for the most delicate details and supports photo editing and CAD/CAM, animation, video editing, and graphic art.

Aside from this, the stand is very sturdy, and you get different options in terms of orientation. Out-of-the-box calibration is required, and colors are the same as how the camera is captured. If you are a photographer, then give this monitor a try.

This monitor supports comprehensive connectivity with its ports. Last but not least, this monitor beats the competitors with its price point and features. 

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR:

6. ASUS VA24DQLB 23.8” 1080P FULL HD MONITOR

Look no further if you are on a budget and looking for the best monitor for photo editing under 300. This monitor has its way to amaze you. With its expanded vision with a 178 degree IPS wide-viewing-angle panel, you get the opportunity to view the accurate color at any viewing angle. The frameless design seems almost perfect for multi-display setups, and you even get a greater degree of immersion.

This is a 23.8 inch IPS panel which is decent enough for doing small photo editing works. So if you are a beginner, this monitor works best for you. Also, the resolution is full HD, so you can't expect crisp images, but its refresh rate is 75Hz which is best for carrying out editing works.

The best selling of this monitor for photo editing is the multiple technologies it is equipped with. The flicker-free technology and ultra-low blue light technology works in improving your eye's health while working for a longer duration.

Also, space-saving cable management helps you to organize the desk area better. Lastly, the robust connectivity ensures wide connectivity, and ergonomic tilt gives you the right viewing angle while working. 

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR:

7. VIEWSONIC VP2468A PHOTOGRAPHY EDITING MONITOR

Coming up next is another dedicated monitor for photography editing. It features a full HD 1080p IPS screen that delivers stunning 1920 x 1080 resolution visuals with excellent color reproduction.

Equipped with the most advanced ergonomics, you will find it easy to work for a long time without any problem. This 60Hz IPS monitor can simply deliver accurate colors perfect for office, design, graphics works, and especially for photographers.

This monitor possesses exceptional color accuracy. So you get to enjoy 100% sRGB and multiple other features that give you the required color accuracy. And the best part is the 14-bit LUT and 3D LUT display can generate up to 4.39 trillion colors which are beasty for a monitor at this price.

However, it might be some essential calibration to reproduce the color as the original file. You can also daisy-chain multiple monitors with one single cable using its DisplayPort connectivity. It also has a built-in KVM switch using which you can connect multiple PCs with a single mouse, keyboard, and VP monitor.

With its VESA-compatible mount design, you can easily fit the monitor on the wall. Overall, this is the best monitor which you will not regret buying for this price. 

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR:

8. ASUS PB287Q ULTRAWIDE MONITOR

The ASUS PB287Q offers a 4K ultra-high definition (4K UHD) 28-inch display. It has a 16:9 aspect ratio WLED display with a resolution of up to 3840x2160. Featuring a pixel density of 157 pixels-per-inch (PPI), the monitor offers over 8 million pixels.

The monitor has an impressive 1ms GTG fast response time and a 60Hz refresh rate. It comes with 300% more on-screen space than standard Full HD displays and is capable of displaying 1.07 billion colors. It delivers outstanding color reproduction and saturation due to its 330cd/m² brightness and its 100,000,000:1 ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio (ASCR).

Also, it is equipped with 10-bit colors and provides smooth color gradations for a more natural-looking transition between hues. It also features the new SplendidPlus Video Intelligence Technology that optimizes videos and images by enhancing color brightness, contrast, and sharpness. The Low-blue Light and Flicker-free technologies also reduce the strain on your eyes after long-time usage.

The monitor also features connectivity options that feature extensive connectivity options that include DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI ports and this monitor also placed in the best monitor for photo editing under 500 list. 

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR:

10. ASUS VP28UQG 28" MONITOR

If you are looking for a monitor with perfect screen size, then look no further. The ASUS VP28UQG features the best monitor for photo editing under 500 list with a 28-inch 4K/UHD display with a response time of 1ms and Adaptive-Sync technology for smooth visuals.

It gives you stunning 3840 x 2160 resolution visuals with a pixel density of 157PPI for incredible photo-realistic visuals and sharp, crisp text.

It provides four times the pixels of similar-sized Full HD 1080p displays. Its 1ms response time eliminates smearing and motion blur. Besides, Adaptive-Sync/Free Sync eliminates screen tearing and choppy frame rates for even more seamlessly smooth gameplay.

Flicker-Free technology minimizes flicker to give you a better viewing experience. So, this will reduce instances of eyestrain and from other potentially damaging eye ailments during prolonged periods of use.

The monitor provides a smooth 4K UHD content playback, due to its 60Hz refresh rate and native 4K UHD support via DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI(v 2.0).

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR:

WHAT TO LOOK FOR BEFORE BUYING THE BEST PHOTO EDITING MONITOR UNDER 500?

Panel type

Picking a monitor with the right type of panel is also essential. There are three types of panels, they are

Twisted Nematic panels: If you are looking for an economical option, choose this panel type. Being one of the most frequent LCD panels, it includes a quick response time and higher refresh rates. However, this type is not recommended for photo editing works, as they lack color accuracy and color reproduction and the viewing angle is relatively narrow.

Vertical alignment panels: This panel type has a better color precision than the TN panel and so you can consider buying this type for photo editing works. This LCD monitor can also be seen as a fantastic mid-range selection.

In-plane switching panels: The IPS panels are quite expensive than the other two panel types for a reason. These panels have greater viewing angles and better color precision and are best recommended for photo editing works. Compared to the TN panels response time, this one has a considerably slow response time, but it is fast enough for editing works. If you are a professional with a good budget, then IPS monitors are the best.

Plane-line shifting(PLS) panels: This one is similar to IPS panels, but they are more expensive, and in terms of functionality, this is the best. Most industry experts and bigger brands opt for these panels for photo editing purposes for their excellent color accuracy. 

Color Gamut

sRGB is the base level standard for any kind of display and device. So every device supports this color gamut. Higher commercial publishing companies use larger Adobe RGB color space. Also, high-end photographic monitors nearly display all of the Adobe RGB gamuts. 

Color depth

The color depth refers to the number of different colors a monitor can display. That said, you can find monitors with specifications like 

• 10-bit colors
• 8-bit colors
• 6-bit colors + FRC(2bits)

The price of the monitors varies based on the color depth. The monitors with 10-bit colors are expensive as they can show 1.07 billion colors. But mind you, if you are planning to go for a 10-bit monitor, then first check whether your software, graphics processor, and video connection can support it. 

Resolution

If your resolution is not on point, then the photo editing process will suffer a bit. That said, a full HD 1920X1080 is the minimum benchmark for photo editing works so that you get top-quality visuals on screen. Grabbing a monitor for this full HD resolution is easy-peasy. Besides, pixel density is an important factor to consider to measure how good your monitor's crispness is. This can be measured by pixels per inch or PPI—the higher the PPI, the better image sharpness. 

Aspect ratio

The aspect ratio must be at least a 16: 9 aspect ratio or a widescreen aspect ratio for the photo editing process. This is best suitable for editing works as you get extra space on the side to keep your virtual editing tools.  

Screen size

Who doesn't want a bigger screen to view the pictures? The bigger the monitor size, the more feasible it would be for photo editing. But for this reason, don't shed too much cash on buying a bigger size; check if your budget is sufficient. Apart from this, large screens also need high resolution so that the pictures look clear. So you must also check the resolution the monitor supports.  

Anti-glare filters

Almost all desktop monitors have anti-glaring filters, and they avoid unnecessary reflections. Also, these filters give a matte finish to the screen surface. However, this matte finish affects the image's sharpness in many ways. We aren't pointing out that an anti-reflection filter is something to be avoided, but we advise you to check how it affects the image on your screen. If you are making an online purchase, then do check the negative reviews for the monitor. 

Ports

The more ports your monitor has, the more versatile it would become for work. So look whether your monitor has ports like HDMI, display port, VGA, and much more.

CONCLUSION

These are the top ten best monitor for photo editing under 500 currently available in the market. Along with the products, I have also mentioned all the essential features of each product so you can make an informed decision.

I hope you have found what you were looking for. Happy editing 🙂 

FAQ

1. Are IPS monitor suitable for photography?

Yes, when compared to the other panel types, the IPS monitor is suitable for photo editing. But we ought to mention the drawback of IPS technology. This technology has a glowing effect called IPS glow, and it glows across the panel when viewing dark screens in subdued light.

2. Is a gaming monitor good for photo editing?

Yes, gaming monitors are also good for photo editing and video editing. But it is optimal to check whether the features like resolution and color depth of the monitor are feasible enough to support photo editing.

3. Can you do photo editing on a curved monitor?

Unlike regular monitors, curved monitors give you an immersive experience with the space of an ultrawide. These curved monitors are designed with the human eye in mind, so they have an expanded field of view by curving the edges of the screen towards the user. Thus it brings the images into peripheral vision and reduces the eye strain.