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10 Best Monitors for Color Grading in 2023

Article By: Faheem Hussain Published On: November 9, 2023 , Last updated on : November 25, 2023 | Reviewed by : Editorial Board

Whether you are a filmmaker crafting a cinematic masterpiece, a photographer fine-tuning every pixel in Adobe Premiere Pro, or a graphic designer creating aesthetic design with accurate colors, your artistry solely depends on color grading. Therefore, a monitor with precise color grading is the most fundamental tool every professional creator needs. So, why exactly do you need the best monitors for color grading? Monitors with accurate color grading provide consistent color accuracy, higher resolution, a wide color gamut, and adequate hardware calibration that are essential to achieving the desired outlook of your creation.

Finding a monitor for color grading is often challenging because of the diversity in today’s market. But no worries! We’ve got you covered. Our research team has gone through hundreds of monitor tests and has come up with a top shortlist. Now, read it through from beginning to end without skipping a page, and choose the best monitor according to your needs. Now, let’s get started without further ado.

BenQ PD2706UA

We selected the BenQ PD2706UA in our shortlist because of its 100% sRGB coverage and ergonomic design. For creators, this is very effective because the sRGB coverage reproduces true-to-life colors across the sRGB space. BenQ concentrated on the ergonomics of this monitor to give professionals a relaxing and effective work…

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BenQ SW321C

Arguably the best Benq monitor for photo editing, the SW321C is also a great option for graphic designers and photographers. The large color gamut of the 32-inch 4K UHD display, which spans 99% Adobe RGB, 95% DCI-P3, and 100% sRGB, is essential for creators who require consistent color accuracy.

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Dell UltraSharp U2723QE

The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is a highly-rated professional monitor due to its price and performance. The high-resolution 4K IPS display with deeper blacks enhances the contrast ratio, which is vital in most creative work. Its pre-calibrated colors are consistently accurate and sharp.

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LG 32UN650-W

When compared to other models on the market, the LG 32UN650-W is a reasonably priced 4K monitor. A large variety of colors are displayed across 95% of the color space on the monitor, which covers the DCI-P3 95% color gamut. Video editors benefit from the darkened black screen because of…

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SAMSUNG ViewFinity S80PB

VESA-certified DisplayHDR 400 support and a USB Type C port make the Samsung ViewFinity S80PB LS27B800PXEXXY the ideal 4K monitor for creators, especially photographers and video editors. The wide range of DCI-P3 colors ensures vivid and true-tone color accuracy and is highly effective in the post-processing of the image.

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Apple Studio Display

The main characteristics of the Apple Studio Display are its breathtaking 5K resolution, professional-grade color grading, and MacOS-focused features. This is the recommended monitor if you want to take full advantage of the 5K resolution and maximize your display output within the Apple ecosystem.

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ASUS ProArt PA329CV

The ASUS ProArt PA329CV is primarily notable for its superb peak brightness, ergonomics, and factory-calibrated color accuracy. With 100% sRGB, 100% Adobe RGB, 100% Rec. 709, and 98% DCI-P3 color spaces, it offers professional creators high-quality colors. For users who put in a lot of overtime, the ergonomic stand is…

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ASUS ProArt PA32DC

The ASUS ProArt PA32DC is a monitor for industrialists. It is fully equipped with everything you need to complete complex creative tasks. Drawings in CAD and 3D The 4K IPS OLED display’s high resolution provides clear and detailed images, making it ideal for professionals, architects, and filmmakers. Suitable for both…

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AOC U32P2CA

A cost-effective 4K monitor for photo editing, graphic design, and content creation is the AOC U32P2CA. Video editing benefits from the VA panel’s exceptional contrast ratio, which creates deep blacks and bright whites. Additionally, it generates good color accuracy, which is necessary for editing photos and designing graphics.

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ViewSonic VP2786

Ergonomic build and color grading features like ColorPro Wheel are the key features of the ViewSonic VP2786. The specially crafted monitor has all the components you require for a cozy workstation. High-quality content is produced by its wide color gamut, consistent color accuracy, superior HDR brightness, and color calibration.

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Best Monitors for Color Grading | Buying Guide

Selecting the best monitor for color grading depends on your specific needs, budget, and the level of color accuracy required. Check out the buying guide to make sure which monitor matches the prerequisites of your work and make a precise decision.

Resolution

In terms of color grading, a monitor’s resolution is its most important feature. The quantity of pixels that make up a monitor’s display is referred to as resolution. This means that at a higher resolution, there will be more pixels per inch (PPI) available, resulting in images that are crisp and detailed. Professional color grading requires a 4K (3840 x 2160) or even 5K (5120 x 2880) monitor for optimal results. A 2K (QHD) monitor would be ideal for beginning creators.

Display Quality

Display quality refers to the panel used on a monitor for precise color accuracy. The most widely recognized panel for a monitor that offers excellent color grading is IPS (In-Plane Switching) LED. The majority of office monitors available today have IPS panels. They offer broad viewing angles and consistent color accuracy, which are very helpful for creative work.

OLED panels are a great option for industrial designers, creators, or architects because of their amazing display quality and a few other benefits over LED panels.

Color Technology

In most of their creations, professional artists and designers rely only on color accuracy. Thus, before making a purchase, it’s crucial to look into the color technology a monitor offers.

Excellent peak brightness, contrast, SDR coverage, HDR performance, white balancing, a wide color gamut, and pre-calibrated colors are all features of a professional-grade monitor. Since these are necessary for your creativity, be sure to check them out.

HDR Support

Support for HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is essential for post-processing photos and videos. HDR enhances the viewing experience overall by increasing brightness and offering a sufficient contrast ratio. As a result, a brighter screen can be distinguished from a black screen, which facilitates the creation of content.

Thus, ensure that the monitor you choose supports HDR10 before making your purchase.

Screen Size

Screen size is important, as content creation requires a ton of multitasking. We found that a 32-inch display is the perfect screen size for the majority of creative work after testing a ton of monitors. It is more based on personal taste, though, so we advise choosing a display that is at least 27 inches wide. Besides, a bigger screen helps reduce screen scrolling and zooming, which protects a user from neck and eye strain.

Industry-level graphic designers and video editors will prefer ultrawide displays to get the benefit of a larger canvas while creating and editing content.

Design

Given that a creator will spend hours on a professional-grade monitor, design is crucial. A monitor stand with an ergonomic design offers flexibility with the inclusion of height, pivot, tilt, and swivel adjustability for the users to suit their preferences. A premium monitor will also include a vertical mount option to ensure maximum comfort during extended work sessions and prevent eye and neck strain.

A well-built monitor will also provide a cable management area for a clutter-free setup. Therefore, before making a choice, be sure to look at a monitor’s ergonomics.

Connectivity

For professional creators, having a monitor with multiple connectivity ports is a blessing. It ensures a hassle-free workflow by providing you with the flexibility and compatibility to connect multiple devices for quick data transmission. Therefore, confirm that the display, USB, HDMI, and Thunderbolt ports on your selected monitor are present.

Price to Performance

Our take on professional-grade monitors is often misleading when it comes to the expense. Many think all the top-tier monitors are super expensive and that they are going to fulfill all the requirements. It is true to some extent, yes, but not entirely.

The purpose of an office monitor is determined by the kind of work you plan to perform on it. There are plenty of inexpensive monitors available if you are a photographer who regularly uses Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or any other program that calls for accurate color grading. Thus, it’s critical to assess your workspace and choose the best monitor that fits your budget.

10 Best Monitors for Color Grading in 2023

Choosing the appropriate monitor for content creation can significantly impact how unique your work is in comparison to that of other creators or designers. To help with that, we’ve evaluated, ranked, and tested the top ten monitors for color grading. Without further ado, let’s examine what makes each unique at the corresponding pricing points.

Here is the list of the best monitors for color grading

BenQ PD2706UA
BenQ SW321C
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE
LG 32UN650-W
SAMSUNG ViewFinity S80PB
Apple Studio Display
ASUS ProArt PA329CV
ASUS ProArt PA32DC
AOC U32P2CA
ViewSonic VP2786

To help with understanding and simplify the process of choosing the ideal monitor, we have provided a side-by-side comparison table for each of the mentioned monitors. Take a quick look at it.

Model	Size	Resolution	Panel	HDR	Contrast Ratio
BenQ PD2706UA	27″	3840 x 2160	IPS	HDR10	1200:1
BenQ SW321C	32″	3840 x 2160	IPS	HDR10	1000:1
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE	27″	3840 x 2160	IPS	HDR10	2000:1
LG 32UN650-W	32″	3840 x 2160	IPS	HDR10	1000:1
SAMSUNG ViewFinity S80PB	27″	3840 x 2160	IPS	DisplayHDR 400	1000:1
Apple Studio Display	27″	5120 x 2880	OLED	N/A	1,000,000:1
ASUS ProArt PA329CV	32″	3840 x 2160	IPS	HDR400	1000:1
ASUS ProArt PA32DC	32″	3840 x 2160	IPS	HDR10	100M:1
AOC U32P2CA	32″	3840 x 2160	VA	HDR10	3000:1
ViewSonic VP2786	27″	3840 x 2160	IPS	HDR10	1300:1

BenQ PD2706UA 

Screen size: 27 inches

Display Panel: IPS

Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels

The BenQ PD2706UA is a high-quality 4K monitor with excellent color grading and a wide range of features. The 27-inch 4K UHD display with an IPS panel enables high resolution and a color-accurate screen, making it a stand-out choice for professional creators. There are also some other variants available in terms of size and design.

The key selling point of this monitor is its 100% sRGB support, which reproduces accurate colors across the sRGB space. Besides, it covers 95% P3 and offers an extensive fidelity of colors compared to the regular sRGB, enhancing the consistency in color accuracy. This feature enables a wide gamut display, which is very useful for graphic design and video editing.

The ergonomic design is one of the most likable features of the BenQ PD2706UA. The monitor stand takes up limited space, offering height, pivot, tilt, and swivel adjustments that comfort viewing and positioning for long-term work. It also has cable management options for a clutter-free setup. Overall, BenQ did an excellent job with the design and build quality of the monitor.

Pros

A high-quality 4K resolution display delivers crisp and detailed images
The ergonomic stand offers height, pivot, tilt, and swivel adjustability
100% sRGB brings out excellent true-to-life color accuracy
USB Type-C connectivity is useful for quick data transfer
Hardware calibration support for consistent color accuracy
The built-in KVM switch streamlines workflow
Multiple connectivity ports provide compatibility

Cons

27-inch may feel inconvenient for multitasking
Average contrast ratio
Too pricey for the performance

If you are into entry-level graphic design, content creation, or video editing and want exposure to excellent color grading, the BenQ PD2706UA will be an excellent choice. Besides, the ergonomics the monitor offers will come in handy for long periods of work, saving you from neck and back strain. Highly recommended when searching for the best monitor for color grading.

Quantitative Measurement

Design: 9/10 

Material: 9/10 

Performance: 9/10

Uniqueness: 9/10

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BenQ SW321C

Screen size: 32 inches
Display Panel: IPS
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels

The BenQ SW321C is a premium professional-grade monitor dedicated to graphic designers, photographers, and other content creators. The monitor comes with a large 32-inch 4K UHD display that is ideal for most content creators and designers. There is also another 27-inch variant with similar features that costs much less.

The monitor delivers pro-level color grading with 100% sRGB color coverage, 95% p3 color gamut, and 99% Adobe RGB. BenQ designed a top-notch IPS panel with the SW321C model compared to regular IPS monitors that reproduce accurate colors and provide wider viewing angles without any distortion. On top of that, the hardware calibration and uniformity technology help the monitor maintain consistent brightness and color accuracy across the screen.

Ergonomics is essential for every professional creator, and the BneQ SW321C certainly does not disappoint. The build quality, cable management, connectivity ports, and flexibility the monitor provides for consumers make it arguably one of the best monitors for color grading.

Pros

Excellent color grading and a wide range of color gamuts are suitable for professionals
4K resolution produces crisp and detailed images
IPS panel features wide viewing angles
Hardware calibration support for consistent color accuracy
Uniformity technology features a feature to maintain consistent brightness and color.
USB Type-C connectivity is useful for quick data transfer
A built-in SD card reader is beneficial for photographers
The hotkey puck to access the monitor setting and various color modes
The ergonomic stand offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustability

Cons

Very expensive and overkill for entry-level creators
Woobly monitor stand

The BenQ SW321C is a monitor designated for industry-level designers and studio artists. This is one of the rarest professional-grade monitors that barely has any flaws. If you are into advanced creative production that requires designs and other stuff according to industry standards, spend money on it.

Quantitative Measurement

Design: 9/10 

Material: 9/10 

Performance: 10/10

Uniqueness: 9/10

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Dell UltraSharp U2723QE

Screen size: 27 inches
Display Panel: IPS
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels

The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is one of the best monitors for color grading. The workstation monitor comes with a 27-inch 4K UHD display. The solid build quality and ergonomic design are the focal points of the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE. The silver body with thin black bezels provides an aesthetically pleasing outlook.

Photographers and video editors will benefit from its splendid IPS panel, which is highly efficient in delivering deeper blacks compared to regular IPS panels. It has impressive gray uniformity for tasks that require high color accuracy. There is also a 31.5-inch variant from the Ultrasharp lineup with similar performance.

The 101% sRGB mode covers the sRGB space well, making it an excellent choice for professional designing and video editing. Besides, its splendid contrast ratio, peak brightness, wide color gamut, and 88% Adobe RGB coverage leave no room for nitpicking.

The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE has standard connectivity ports along with USB hubs that support both Type-C and Type-A, which are effective for fast data transmission. There is also a dedicated control button to customize color modes and KVM switch support.

Pros

Sturdy build quality and aesthetic design

Out-of-the-box crispness and consistent color accuracy
Anti-glare screen coating improves the viewing experience
A high-quality IPS panel with deeper blacks enhances the contrast ratio
400 nits peak brightness elevates photo and video editing
An ergonomic monitor stand provides height, tilt, and pivot adjustability

Vertically mountable
Efficient performer for the price

Cons

The reds are over-saturated
the greens are less saturated

The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is featured in our shortlist of the best monitors for color grading because of its price and performance. Our research team was overwhelmed with the test results after running it for a while. Well below 600 dollars, this monitor is a bargain. Highly recommended.

Quantitative Measurement

Design: 9/10 

Material: 10/10 

Performance: 9/10

Uniqueness: 9/10

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LG 32UN650-W

Screen size: 32 inches
Display Panel: IPS
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels

The LG 32UN650-W is one of the best affordable 4K monitors for color grading. The huge 32-inch 3-side borderless UHD display offers a high pixel density for sharp and detailed images with good viewing angles. This is very advantageous, particularly if you create visual content or are interested in graphic design.

Given the price range, the monitor features an IPS panel that is surprisingly color-accurate without any black light bleeding. The 1000:1 contrast ratio darkens the black screen, making a clear separation from the brighter screen space that benefits video editing.

While resting the monitor, we found the figures to be great in terms of color accuracy. LG did a splendid job with the HDR10 support, enabling a peak brightness of up to 1000 nits. Speaking about the figures, the monitor has DCI-P3 95% Color Gamut, 82% Adobe RGB, and 98% sRGB support, which is way above the standard for photography and video editing.

LG focused more on this monitor’s color grading and performance sectors while cost-cutting with the material side and design. The fully plastic build is a mere drawback for the premium segment monitor but not much of a concern.

Pros

Affordable 4K monitor with accurate color grading
32-inch large screen size provides an advantage in multitasking
Excellent color calibration and peak brightness
A joystick controller to toggle the on-screen menu customization
Multiple connectivity options to accommodate multiple devices
An ergonomic stand provides height, tilt, and swivel adjustments

Cons

No USB port support
Vertically unmountable

Overall, the LG 32UN650-W monitor is a bargain, considering the 4K resolution and other features it offers within an affordable budget. We recommend the monitor to users who are into entry-level content creation on a tight budget. So, if you are looking for an office monitor with a wide fidelity of colors that elevate the workflow, the LG 32UN650-W is an excellent option.

Quantitative Measurement

Design: 8/10 

Material: 7/10 

Performance: 8/10

Uniqueness: 8/10

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SAMSUNG ViewFinity S80PB

Screen size: 27 inches
Display Panel: IPS
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels

Not so long ago, Samsung released the 27-inch 4K UHD IPS display monitor, the Samsung ViewFinity S80PB. It was extensively promoted as a high-end color-grading studio monitor. A 32-inch model from the ViewFinity series is also available, and it has comparable features and functionality.

Design-wise, the Samsung ViewFinity S80PB is incredibly intuitive for its modern outlook. Photo and video editors who frequently require data transmission for their work will find the Samsung ViewFinity S80PB very effective because of its Type C support. In terms of ergonomics, the users will appreciate the inclusion of an ergonomic stand that provides height, pivot, tilt, and swivel adjustability to solidify a comfy working space for them.

Besides, its DCI-P3 98% allows a wide range of sRGB and Adobe RGB color support. Editors and content creators will appreciate the VESA-certified DisplayHDR 400, which delivers detailed and crisp images by differentiating between whites and blacks on the screen.

The Samsung ViewFinity S80PB has standard connectivity, including a DisplayPort, a USB Type-C port, additional LAN ports, and audio outputs. There is another 32-inch variant(LS32B806PXNXGO) from the Samsung ViewFinity S80PB that you may consider.

Pros

Gorgeous 4K IPS display with thin bezels
Excellent reflection handling
HDR brings a true tone to the natural hue
Type-C support allows speedy data transmission
A fully adjustable ergonomic stand

Cons

Limited viewing angles
Average calibrated color accuracy

The Samsung ViewFinity S80PB LS27B800PXEXXY is a downright top-tier office monitor for color grading. We consistently observed accurate colors throughout the monitor test, which says a lot about the display quality. Consider purchasing this monitor if you’re a photographer searching for a top-notch 4K display that supports USB Type-C.

Quantitative Measurement

Design: 8/10

  Material: 8/10 

Performance: 9/10

Uniqueness: 8/10

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Apple Studio Display

Screen size: 27 inches
Display Panel: LED-backlit panel
Resolution: 5120 x 2880 pixels

Regarding the best monitors for color grading, the list would be incomplete without an Apple product. Apple launched the 27-inch Apple Studio Display, which is aimed at creative professionals and those who need a high-quality display for tasks such as graphic design, video editing, and content creation.

The Apple Studio Display offers a visually stunning 5K retina display, which is very useful for precise and detailed color accuracy when editing photos and videos. The monitor has excellent peak SDR brightness. Besides, the one billion colors and P3-wide color fine-tuning the images and bringing out a true tone of natural hues are highly efficient for filmmakers and editors.

The ergonomics of this monitor are a downside for long-session work, as the stand only provides tilt adjustments. So, if you want the full height, pivot, and swivel adjustment features, you need to pay extra bucks for an additional Vesa mount option, which is a gimmick considering the price point.

The Apple Studio Display is a great feature-rich external monitor, especially for Mac users. But it limits its performance when it is connected to a Windows PC. That’s classic Apple for you.

Pros

5K resolution offers a crystal-clear display beneficial to creative work
Outstanding peak brightness with 600 nits default
Superb white balance adjustment enables true tone for more organic hues
USB-C ports offer fast data transfer and versatile device connectivity
Excellent built-in speakers offer a high-quality audio experience

Cons

Overkill for beginners in creative work
Limited features for non-Mac users
No HDR support
Less ergonomic stand

Moreover, it is a premium product with exceptional display quality and Apple ecosystem integration; however, certain users may find it limited in terms of compatibility and adjustability. Thus, your decision will be based on your spending limit and individual needs.

Quantitative Measurement

Design: 7/10 

Material: 9/10 

Performance: 10/10

Uniqueness: 9/10

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ASUS ProArt PA329CV

Screen size: 32 inches
Display Panel: IPS
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels

The ASUS ProArt PA329CV is a top-tier professional monitor for color grading. Excellently accurate colors and a broad color gamut are the key features of the high-resolution 4K IPS display, which makes it a great option for creative work. The Calman verification already guarantees the color accuracy and quality of the material.

When we tested the monitor, the results were impressive. Photo and video editors, graphic designers, and 3D artists will enjoy their creative work with this monitor, as it supports 100% sRGB, 100% Adobe RGB, 100% Rec. 709, and 98% DCI-P3 color spaces. HDR10 support elevates the peak brightness that is required for photography, video editing, graphic design, and other content creation.

Besides, Asus included a standard port selection, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C with power delivery. It features some speakers of respectable caliber, which is always nice. An adequate ergonomic stand with tilt, pivot, and height adjustments is provided with the monitor.

Additionally, there are two 32-inch and one 34-inch ASUS ProArt display variants with enhanced features for professional creators and filmmakers in the industry. You can also choose the low-tier 27-inch variants if they match your preference.

Pros

Massive 4K resolution offers crisp and detailed image quality
Excellent factory-calibrated color accuracy and peak brightness
Adaptive-Sync technology reduces screen tear and stutters for highly intensive graphics work
USB Type-C offers fast data, audio, and video transmission
Asus ProArt Presets allows switching between multiple color profiles
90° screen rotation is efficient for creative and productive work

Cons

Woobly monitor stand with no pivot adjustment
No magnetic hood provided

Professional users who need precise color accuracy and a high-quality 4K display for their work are the target audience for the ASUS ProArt PA329CV. With its enormous performance, a good color-grading A monitor with a few small issues is not a deal-breaker. This monitor is highly recommended for professional creators looking for the best monitor for color grading.

Quantitative Measurement

Design: 8/10 

Material: 9/10

Performance: 10/10

Uniqueness: 8/10

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ASUS ProArt PA32DC

Screen size: 32 inches
Display Panel: OLED
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels

ASUS unveiled the highest-end industry monitor in the ProArt series, the PA32DC, for designers, creators, architects, and other professionals. Featuring an immersive 32-inch 4K OLED display for the sharpest visual experience and pitch-perfect color accuracy, this professional-grade monitor looks amazing.

With the ASUS ProArt PA32DC model, ASUS left no room for criticism in terms of specifications. The Calman Verified and factory pre-calibrated for precise color accuracy ASUS ProArt Calibration technology has a built-in colorimeter for on-the-fly color calibration.

The monitor combines a built-in colorimeter and factory calibration, ensuring precise color grading for professionals who require accurate colors. It has a wide color gamut with support for 99.5% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB, and 95% DCI-P3 color spaces that are highly efficient in industrial work, post-production houses, and other software agencies.

Pros

Exceptional factory-calibrated color accuracy
The stunning contrast ratio differentiates the deepest blacks and accurate highlights
10-bit color depth increases visibility to create visually stunning and appealing content
USB-C allows clutter-free and speedy data transmission
Multiple USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and USB hubs provide connection flexibility
The ergonomic stand offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustability

Cons

Overkill for beginner to moderate creative work
High power consumption
Complex color calibration

For professional graphic work, photo and video editing, and content creation in corporate and creative agencies that demand accurate colors and high resolution, ASUS offers the ProArt PA32DC, a high-end display. It provides a variety of features and modes to assist creators in getting the most out of their work. Therefore, this is not the monitor you should pursue if you are not into advanced creative jobs.

Quantitative Measurement

Design: 9/10 

Material: 10/10 

Performance: 10/10

Uniqueness: 9/10

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AOC U32P2CA

Screen size: 32 inches
Display Panel: VA
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels

It may surprise you to learn that a VA panel monitor made the shortlist of the top 10 monitors for color grading. Well, the AOC U32P2CA is the most affordable 4K monitor, boasting a superb VA panel.

The monitor comes with a massive 32-inch high-resolution 4K display with some astonishing clarity and detailed visuals. The three-sided bezel-less design looks stunning, which allows users to seamlessly use a multi-monitor setup.

Photographers will have an added advantage with the USB-C support for frequent data transfers. The graphics designers will enjoy working with this monitor’s precise colors and peak brightness.

The AOC U32P2CA provides eye care flick-free support, which is very beneficial for long-term creative work. Additionally, the monitor provides decent built-in speakers. It has a standard port selection that includes 4 HDMI 2.0, 1 DisplayPort 1.2, 1 USB-C 3.2, 2 USB-B 3.2 (upstream), and 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1, making it highly compatible for users.

There are some minor gimmicks, like limited viewing angles and average HDR performance, which are not a deal-breaker considering its price point.

Pros

An affordable high-definition 4K monitor for sharp and detailed visuals
USB-C allows high-speed data transmission
Built-in KVM switch to streamline workstation
Bluelight filter mode and Flicker-free technology minimize eye strain
The ergonomic stand allows height, tilt, pivot, and swivel adjustments

Cons

Screen blurring issue
Limited USB-C watt

For professional use, the AOC U32P2CA is a high-quality monitor with precise color reproduction and other useful features. During our testing, we did not expect such unexpected color-grading results from a budget-range monitor. This is a wise option for beginner creators, graphic designers, or photo editors.

Quantitative Measurement

Design: 8/10

  Material: 9/10

Performance: 8/10

Uniqueness: 9/10

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ViewSonic VP2786

Screen size: 27
Display Panel: IPS
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels

The ViewSonic VP2786 is a uniquely designed professional 4K monitor with Pantone validation, and the iF design award puts it on our shortlist of the best monitors for color grading.

The ultra-high-resolution 4K IPS display provides ultimate precision when working on creative projects with 100% Adobe RGB and 98% DCI-P3. Enhancing photo and video editing is made easier with HDR10 compatibility, which adds vibrancy to lights and depth of darkness. It comes with an additional ColorPro Wheel for convenient fine-tuning of colors and calibration.

The ViewSonic VP2786 uses a blue light filter to help lessen eye strain during extended workdays. For effortless customization of the monitor settings, an additional, newly designed color pro wheel is included. On top of that, ViewSonic included a detachable magnetic hood that reduces glare and reflections on the screen to produce extremely accurate colors without distortion.

If you want a bigger screen, there is a 32-inch variant of the ViewSonic VP series with a less ergonomic design for cost-cutting. Also, if you’re looking for a 27-inch 4K display, consider the cheaper option, the ViewSonic VP2768a-4K.

Pros

A sleek monitor stand with a thin bezel screen provides a stunning outlook
The ColorPro Wheel is beneficial for precisely altering calibration and fine-tuning colors.
USB-C Support enables clutter-free, fast data transmission
Multiple USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, and micro DP ports provide connection flexibility
The ergonomic stand allows for complete rotation access and height, tilt, and swivel adjustments

Cons

Expensive
The monitor stand is too thin
Lack of availability

In the creative field, the ViewSonic VP2786 monitor is highly favored for its ability to provide accurate colors in photography, design, and illustration. However, for beginning artists on a tight budget, this pricey monitor can be overkill. Thus, when selecting this monitor, be sure to check all the boxes according to your preferences before purchasing.

Quantitative Measurement

Design: 10/10 

Material: 9/10 

Performance: 9/10

Uniqueness: 10/10

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Does the refresh rate affect color grading?

Not really. A monitor’s color grading usually does not follow the refresh rate. Therefore, whether the monitor is operating at 60 Hz or 360 Hz makes no difference. The most important variables in color grading are other elements like resolution, panel, brightness, contrast, and high dynamic range.

Is OLED good for color grading?

Absolutely. OLED panels produce the most natural and vibrant colors that look appealing. When compared to LCD panels, OLED screens offer superior image quality, contrast ratio, and fast responsive pixels, making them highly useful in the creative industry. OLED panels, however, have a shorter lifespan than LED or LCD panels.

Is IPS better than OLED for graphic design?

Both IPS and OLED panels have their strengths and weaknesses. The IPS panel offers consistent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, whereas the OLED panel has more deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. So, it entirely depends on your requirements and preferences since both are efficient for graphic design.

Conclusion

Taking into account your unique workflow, the kind of content you work on, and the degree of precision needed is crucial when selecting the best monitor for color grading. Make sure to check for reviews and recommendations specific to the latest and most upgraded monitors on the market.

Determining the perfect monitor size for your work can be challenging. To help, we’ve compared 24 vs. 27 vs. 32-inch monitors. Alternatively, check out our take on the best budget monitors for graphic design.