Are you a budding photographer looking to take your skills to the next level? If so, you are likely in the market for the best monitor for photo editing for under 500 bucks.
LG 27UN850-W Monitor – Editor’s Choice
The good news is that there are several great monitors available for photo editing on a budget. However, a good monitor should be a combination of excellent resolution, wide visual spectrums, precise color replication, and rapid response. On top of that, size, luminosity, contrast ratio, and ergonomic adjustments (like height and tilt) all factor into your decision.
Besides that, to guarantee the best performance and quality of images, ViewSonic states that a high-quality monitor must possess peak color accuracy, optimized color calibration, and reliable panel technology. Without these features, editors will not be able to achieve the desired results.
Reviews Of 5 Best Monitors For Photo Editing Under 500 dollars
We will take a look at the key features of each monitor, its specifications, as well as its compatibility and performance. So, read on and get ready to find the perfect monitor for your editing needs.
1. LG 27UN850-W Monitor – Editor’s Choice
Key Features:
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Screen size:
27-inch - Flicker-Free: Yes
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Display Type: IPS
For graphic designers, the LG 27UN850-W offers a truly exceptional editing experience. With its VESA DisplayHDR 400 compatibility, the monitor is capable of accurately reproducing dark and bright areas in snapshots, resulting in a higher level of detail and a more accurate representation of true-to-life colors. Its wide color gamut and superior color accuracy also ensure that the picture is as faithful to the original as possible when it is printed or shared online.
The good news for you is that now gone are the days of blurry, distorted editing. Thanks to its fast refresh rate of 60 Hz, snap modifying can now be done with clarity, precision, and accuracy. No longer do you have to worry about ghosting or tearing when making adjustments, as the high refresh rate eliminates lag and ensures the final product looks great.
Additionally, creating beautiful, flawless shots is made easier with AMD FreeSync technology! With FreeSync, your editing experience will be smooth and responsive, eliminating screen tearing and stutter. You’ll also get rid of annoying image ghosting and reduce screen flicker, so you can focus solely on perfecting your project.
Our team of experts has tested its sRGB spectrum coverage of 99%, which the manufacturer claims to be a real game changer, through various portrait modifying sessions. We are proud to say that the results have been incredible! Our tests have proven that this coverage provides you with complete accuracy when it comes to adjusting the color, saturation, brightness, and contrast in your photos.
LG 27UN850-W is a graphic designer’s dream! It’s 3840 x 2160 pixels display resolution gives you the clarity you need to make any editing dream come true. No more squinting to see the finer details as the higher resolution permits you to zoom in and make sure your work is perfect. And with more information visible on screen at once, you can work quickly and efficiently.
2. LG 27UL500-W Monitor
Key Features:
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Screen size:
27-inch - Flicker-Free: Yes
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Display Type: LED
Editing photos just got a whole lot smoother with the help of AMD FreeSync technology of the LG 27UL500-W monitor. This cutting-edge tech prevents tearing and stuttering that can arise when the refresh rate of the monitor and the graphics card are mismatched. It’s a must-have for large file rendering, ensuring that images are rendered accurately and without any delays.
Picture amending demands a lightning-fast response time, and this gadget provides just that. Its 5ms response rate guarantees a smooth transition of each image, without any lag or blurring. This is a must-have for professionals who require precise retouching. No more worrying about a delay in producing an undesired result as you can be confident in your work!
Moreover, its HDR10 compatibility is a major boon for snap amenders and photographers alike. This technology allows this model to display a much wider array of colors and brightness levels than conventional monitors, providing a far more realistic depiction of the hues and illuminance found in photography. With HDR10 at their disposal, editors can be more confident in their adjustments and tweaks, knowing that the results are faithful to the original image.
When it comes to photo editing, a higher refresh rate is essential. Our experts confirm that its Refresh Rate of 60Hz delivers sharp, accurate images with no blur or ghosting. This makes it easier to make precise adjustments, as well as makes redrawing much faster for quick editing changes.
LG 27UL500-W is a photographer’s dream. With its advanced color calibration and sRGB 98% coverage, colors remain accurate and consistent no matter the viewing angle. So whether you’re amending images for print or the web, you can be sure that the colors you see are the colors your viewers will too. And with its precise rectifying capabilities, you can make any adjustments you need with confidence.
3. Philips 276E8VJSB Monitor
Key Features:
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Screen size:
27-inch - Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Display Type: LED
- Viewing Angle:178°
Philips 276E8VJSB e-line 27 inches Led offers a jaw-dropping 4K UHD (3840×2160) resolution ideal for the most meticulous editing. With a level of detail that surpasses standard HD resolutions, all your snapshots, no matter the size, can be edited with extreme precision. This high pixel density makes it possible to zoom in on portraits to the finest detail without compromising quality.
You will like its 16:9 aspect ratio which provides a wide field of view in which to accurately assess colors, tones, and other components of a photograph. It also permits a more realistic view of the picture, as it is closer to the natural aspect ratio of the human eye. As a result, this monitor is perfect for making precise adjustments to images to achieve the desired outcome.
When it comes to crafting the perfect shot, the refresh rate of this product is essential to discuss. Boasting a crisp 60 Hz refresh rate, you can rest assured that your images will appear smooth and clear, while motion blur and smearing will be kept to a minimum. Not to mention, it also helps to reduce uncomfortable eye strain when you’re spending hours rectifying pictures.
Moreover, with its 178° (H) / 178° (V) viewing angle, users can trust that their image edits will remain consistent and true-to-life from any angle. This expansive viewing angle ensures that the smallest details, from subtle shifts in color to varying tones and contrast, will not be lost in the process of editing.
Philips 276E8VJSB delivers a powerful 20M:1 contrast ratio, granting editors the accuracy they need to create stunning images. This contrast ratio helps to prevent the common issues of lightening and darkening that can occur when manipulating colors, ensuring a consistently vibrant and accurate final product.
4. BenQ GW2780 Monitor – Best in the Low Budget
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1920×1080
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Screen size:
27-inches - Blue Light Filter: Yes
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Display Type: LED
The BenQ GW2780 monitor is specifically designed to reduce eye strain and fatigue thanks to its exclusive Eye-Care technology. That means you can work for longer periods on picture-rectifying projects without worrying about the health of your eyes.
One of the best things about this device is its Brightness Intelligence (B.I.) technology that ensures the images on the screen remain bright and vibrant even in the most challenging lighting conditions. This allows graphic designers to make accurate and subtle adjustments to the brightness and contrast levels of their images, perfecting them to the desired effect.
In addition to that, the versatility of this device’s HDMI, DP, and VGA ports make it a must-have for any editing enthusiast. With swift content access from multiple sources, you can quickly transition between different media, ensuring that your editing job is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Customers who are serious about rectifying editing will find that this purchase offers the optimal combination of refresh rate, low latency, and clarity. With a 60 Hz refresh rate, ghosting and input lag are greatly reduced, giving users the power to accurately and quickly edit snaps. Crisp and clear images also make it simple to spot any small details that may require editing.
BenQ GW2780 has a 27 inches large IPS display that is precise, true-to-life colors for detailed editing. The high resolution and wide viewing angles of the IPS display make it easier to accurately see the details of an image or video, so users can make minor adjustments with greater accuracy and confidence.
5. AOC CQ32G1 Monitor
Key Features:
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Screen size:
32-inch - Flicker-Free: Yes
- Display Type: LED
- Response Time: 4ms
AMD FreeSync Premium in the AOC CQ32G1 delivers the smoothest, fastest, and most visually stunning editing experience possible as it perfectly synchronizes your AMD PC’s display and GPU. No more screen tearing, stuttering, or input lag, just an incredible image quality that makes picture modification a breeze.
You will be glad to know that it offers an impressive 31.5” display with Quad HD (2560×1440) resolution, that provides ample workspace for editing, and the Quad HD resolution ensures details are clear and vibrant. With the high resolution, modifying snaps is more precise, allowing for finer adjustments during post-processing. Colors will be accurately reproduced, providing a more realistic representation of the image.
For photographers needing to make quick, precise adjustments to their shots, a monitor with a 1ms response time is a must-have. This rapid response time allows for lightning-fast editing, allowing graphic designers to quickly and accurately make the changes they need. No more dealing with ghosting or motion blur caused by slow refresh rates; the 1ms response time ensures that every edit is displayed clearly and accurately.
Customers can enjoy the advantage of its 144Hz refresh rate when making their purchase, which enables the monitor to update the image faster. This translates to a much higher accuracy when modifying pictures and provides a more responsive experience when manipulating images. Graphics and images are smoother and more fluid with a higher refresh rate, allowing for more accurate observation of image changes.
AOC CQ32G1 is the ideal choice for creative minds. Outfitted with DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4 connections, it offers maximum bandwidths of 10.8 Gbps and 10.2 Gbps respectively. Plus, both support HDR technology that allows for improved color accuracy and contrasts while emending. With such capabilities, this monitor ensures optimal results with every project you take on.
Closing Thoughts!
At the end of the day, the best monitor for photo editing under $500 depends on your budget and needs. If you have a limited budget, an IPS panel monitor with wide viewing angles, accurate colors, and adjustable settings is the way to go. For a mid-range budget, a wide-gamut monitor with a good response time is the way to go. And for those who want the best of the best, a 4K Hi-Density monitor is a must.
This article has showcased a range of top-notch products, but the LG 27UN850-W Monitor takes the crown. Not only does it boast superb resolution and color accuracy, but it also comes with ergonomic features.
However, for those on a tighter budget, we suggest the BenQ GW2780 Monitor, which still offers good resolution and color accuracy, all at a much lower price.
With the right monitor, photographers, and photo editors can get their projects done with ease and still get results to be proud of.
Karan is a professional computer writer who has worked in the technology industry for over 10 years. I have a degree in computer science from the University of California, Berkeley, and have written several articles on technology products. Meet our team