Top 12 best monitors for graphic design in 2025, all based on real-world feedback from designers, forums, and hands-on experience with zero brand loyalty.
If you’re reading this, you’re a graphic designer staring at your screen for hours a day, and you already know how much your monitor matters, especially things like color accuracy, resolution, and panel type. And yet, it’s very hard to pick the right monitor, considering some monitors are quite overrated and overpriced, while there are equally decent ones that are much more affordable. Sometimes specs don’t tell the whole story, and half the “best of” lists out there (at least the ones I keep finding) look like sponsored ads pretending to be advice.
So, here’s the deal. I haven’t personally tested every single monitor on this list (let’s be real, who has?), but I’ve done a very deep dive. I’ve combed through real reviews, Reddit threads, forums, YouTube teardowns, posts from working designers, and a few trusted opinions from my own team. And I also leaned on my own experience (which isn’t that diverse, but it’s honest work).
For full transparency, I do tend to favor Apple gear in my personal setup, but I also get that Apple isn’t for everyone (or why there are people who find them overhyped). This is why I specifically made a point to include zero brand loyalty and focus on genuine, research-backed picks that cover different criteria such as budget, how good the monitor is for color-critical print work, 3D animation, and even gaming-adjacent workflows. And here there are:
1. ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV
Best for: Budget-conscious designers who still need accurate color
This monitor pops up a lot in design communities because it delivers 100% sRGB and factory calibration without blowing your budget. It has a reliable, color-accurate 27″ display that handles web, UI, and basic print design work really well. No HDR or wide-gamut AdobeRGB support here, so it’s not ideal for ultra-high-end print work but for the majority of designers, it’s more than enough.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 27″ WQHD (2560 x 1440), IPS |
| Color | 100% sRGB and Rec. 709, Calman Verified factory calibration |
| Ports | USB-C (65W PD), DisplayPort, HDMI, USB hub |
| Stand | Fully ergonomic (tilt, swivel, pivot, height) |
| Price Range | $285-$350 |
2. Apple Studio Display (5K Retina)
Best for: Mac users working in print, photography, or editorial design
Apple’s 5K Retina panel is razor-sharp and color-accurate out of the box. Designers praise it for being an extension of their Mac workflow, especially for print, where that 218 PPI pixel density really helps. On the downside, it’s pricey, and it’s less flexible if you’re not in the Apple ecosystem.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 27″ 5K Retina (5120 x 2880), IPS |
| Color | P3 wide color gamut, True Tone, factory-calibrated |
| Ports | Thunderbolt + 3 USB-C |
| Built-in | 12MP camera, Spatial Audio speakers, Center Stage |
| Stand | Tilt adjustable (height adjustment costs extra) |
| Price Range | $1,599-$2,299 |
3. ASUS ProArt Display PA348CGV (Ultrawide)
Best for: Designers who juggle multiple apps or timelines at once
If you’re doing layout, motion graphics, or multitasking between Illustrator, Figma, and reference docs, this ultrawide 34” display gives you space to breathe. It has 120Hz refresh (nice bonus for animators), USB-C, and ProArt’s signature factory-calibrated colors. It’s mostly flat with barely any curve.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 34″ UWQHD (3440 x 1440), IPS, 120Hz |
| Color | 98% DCI-P3, Calman Verified, HDR-400 |
| Ports | USB-C (90W PD), DisplayPort, HDMI, USB hub |
| Stand | Height, tilt, swivel adjustable |
| Price Range | $729-$899 |
4. BenQ PD3225U (32″)
Best for: Color-critical work in 4K, including UI/UX and post-production
This is one of BenQ’s most recent top-tier DesignVue monitors, and it’s aimed squarely at creative professionals. It offers 95% DCI-P3, great factory calibration, and USB-C/Thunderbolt-style connectivity. It’s a step up from the PD2706UA if you want more screen real estate and better HDR performance.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 32″ 4K UHD (3840 x 2160), IPS |
| Color | 95% DCI-P3, DisplayHDR 400, Calman Verified |
| Ports | Thunderbolt 3, USB-C (85W), HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort |
| Stand | Height, tilt, swivel |
| Price Range | $1,099–$1,299 (sometimes promoted below $1,000) |
5. BenQ PD2706UA (27”)
Best for: Designers who want 4K on a budget with solid ergonomics
This is a favorite among freelancers and studios alike for offering full 4K resolution, USB-C, and strong factory calibration, under $600. You get 100% sRGB and Rec.709, making it good for digital, web, and light print work. It’s not wide-gamut like the SW or PD32 line, but still very capable.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 27″ 4K UHD (3840 x 2160), IPS |
| Color | 100% sRGB and Rec.709, HDR10, factory calibrated |
| Ports | USB-C (65W), HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, USB hub |
| Stand | Height, tilt, swivel, pivot |
| Price Range | $449–$599 |
6. Samsung ViewFinity S9 (27″ 5K)
Best for: Mac users who want a Studio Display alternative with a matte finish and included stand
The 27″ ViewFinity S9 is meant to be Samsung’s answer to Apple’s Studio Display, and it nails a lot of the basics like 5K resolution, wide DCI-P3 color, factory calibration, and a matte screen that’s great for bright studios. You also get a height-adjustable stand and a magnetically attached 4K webcam in the box. On the downside, the brightness control doesn’t work on macOS, and some users say it runs dimmer than Apple’s version. Still, if you’re looking for a 5K display without the Apple tax, this is one of the few real options.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 27″ 5K (5120 x 2880), IPS, 218 PPI |
| Color | 99% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, factory calibrated |
| Brightness | 600 nits (peak), matte anti-glare finish |
| Ports | Thunderbolt 4 (90W PD), 3x USB-C downstream, Mini DisplayPort |
| Extras | 4K SlimFit webcam (removable), height-adjustable stand included, SmartThings mobile color calibration |
| Price Range | $1,399-$1,599 (often discounted to $1,099 or less) |
7. Dell UltraSharp U2723QE (27”)
Best for: Designers who need true-to-life colors and USB-C connectivity
This Dell UltraSharp is a pro tech for print and digital work. It’s one of the first monitors with an IPS Black panel, which gives deeper contrast and richer blacks than traditional IPS displays. Also, the USB-C hub with Ethernet makes it super handy for a clean desk setup. Not wide gamut, though, so it’s not meant for AdobeRGB-critical workflows. No HDMI 2.1 or VRR support; slower response time (60 Hz), and users report reflections can be reflective in bright environments.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 27″ 4K UHD (3840 x 2160), IPS Black |
| Color | 100% sRGB, DisplayHDR 400, factory calibrated |
| Ports | USB-C (90W), DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-A hub, Ethernet |
| Stand | Height, tilt, swivel, pivot |
| Price Range | $500–$700 |
8. Samsung Odyssey OLED G95SC (49″, LS49CG954SNXZA)
Best for: Motion designers and 3D artists who live in After Effects, Blender, or Unreal
This one’s a beast. A 49” OLED ultrawide panel with true blacks, 240Hz refresh, and DCI-P3 coverage makes it perfect for motion, VFX, and high-end 3D work. The sheer width (32:9 aspect ratio) means you can timeline-edit, storyboard, and preview all in one view. However, it’s definitely overkill for pure print or UI designers and the curve may distort fine layout lines if you’re grid-obsessed. Also, I came across a couple of reviews by people who received bad units (for example, by Type-C Tech Reviews), and although these are exceptions, keep in mind that in mind.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 49″ Dual QHD (5120 x 1440), OLED, 240Hz |
| Color | 99% DCI-P3, HDR True Black 400, factory calibrated |
| Ports | DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, USB-C |
| Extras | G-Sync/FreeSync, Smart Hub, Ambient Mode |
| Price Range | $1,799-$2,199 |
9. HP Z34c G3 (34″ Curved WQHD)
Best for: Designers who want a clean, ultra-wide curved setup for multitasking
The HP Z34c G3 is a professional-grade 34” curved monitor that hits a nice balance between immersive workspace and accurate color. It’s not a wide-gamut panel, but its factory calibration and WQHD resolution make it excellent for UI, web design, and presentation-heavy workflows. Curved layout may not be everyone’s favorite for detailed alignment work, but it’s a dream for productivity.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 34″ WQHD (3440 x 1440), IPS |
| Color | 99% sRGB, factory calibrated |
| Ports | USB-C (65W), HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A |
| Stand | Height, tilt, swivel |
| Extras | Built-in 5MP webcam, dual speakers, low-blue light tech |
| Price Range | $1,099 |
10. BenQ SW242Q (24.1”)
Best for: Print designers and photographers needing AdobeRGB on a budget
The SW242Q is part of BenQ’s photo-focused SW line and is ideal for serious print or photo work. You get full 99% AdobeRGB coverage and hardware calibration support in a more compact 24” form. The 16:10 aspect ratio gives you extra vertical space for toolbars, and the built-in shading hood helps with glare. Just note: it’s not 4K, resolution is WQXGA, which may feel a bit tight for video or UI work.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 24.1″ WQXGA (1920 x 1200), IPS, 16:10 aspect |
| Color | 99% AdobeRGB, 100% sRGB, Delta E <2, HDR10 |
| Ports | USB-C (90W), HDMI, DisplayPort, SD card reader |
| Extras | Shading hood, Hotkey Puck, hardware calibration support |
| Price Range | $479-$549 |
11. ViewSonic ColorPro VP2768A-4K (27″)
Best for: Color-managed studio teams needing consistency across setups
The VP2768A-4K has 100% sRGB, factory calibration, and color uniformity built in so it’s making it perfect for design teams or remote studios that need consistency. It’s not wide-gamut (AdobeRGB folks may want to look elsewhere), but for UI/UX, branding, and presentations, it nails the essentials.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 27″ 4K UHD (3840 x 2160), IPS |
| Color | 100% sRGB, Delta E <2, Calman Verified |
| Ports | USB-C (90W), HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, USB hub |
| Stand | Full ergonomic adjustment |
| Price Range | $510-$520 |
12. Eizo ColorEdge CG319X (31.1″)
Best for: High-end print, film, and animation studios
This is the gold standard for color perfection. The CG319X is used in film grading suites, top-tier design studios, and photography labs for its built-in hardware calibrator and near-flawless AdobeRGB and DCI-P3 coverage. It’s not cheap, and definitely not necessary for most freelance or web designers, but if you need pixel-perfect proofing and deep bit-depth rendering, or you just want to be extra and can afford it, it doesn’t get better than this.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 31.1″ DCI-4K (4096 x 2160), IPS |
| Color | 99% AdobeRGB, 98% DCI-P3, 16-bit LUT, built-in calibrator |
| Ports | DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-A hub |
| Extras | Shading hood, automatic self-calibration |
| Price Range | $5,800- 6,100 |
And there you have it!
I hope these monitors cover just about everything for retouching high-res photos, modeling in Blender, laying out magazine spreads, or juggling a little bit of everything. If you’re on the fence between a couple of models, feel free to dig into Reddit, r/photography, r/graphic_design, or even product manuals (I sure did). And of course, your own workflow and budget will guide the final pick.
And if you’re curious about more design tools or need inspiration, we’ve got plenty of other guides worth checking out, just like the following: