Are you in search of the best monitors for photo editing under 500 for your studio? Let us help you choose the best of the best from the market’s top 10 photos editing screens.
General-purpose monitors are normally designed with fast response time, frame syncing technologies and higher refresh rates. Whereas getting a photo editing screen with a higher-resolution display, a great viewing angle and the ability to represent true colors is a must for all professional photographers.
Through the list of the 10 best budget monitor for photo editing under $500, we have tried to bring you the affordable yet perfect experience of photography.
Check our post on the best scanners to get a top-rated one to digitalize your print photos. And then head-on with the best photo editing monitors to get a step closer to the groomed you on screens.
Some Important FAQs about Monitors for Photo Editing
Comparison Tables
If you don’t have enough time to read the whole article then you can check the comparison table to choose the best photo editing monitor from the below table.
Our Research experts choose the best affordable monitors for photo editing from the following greatest monitors from some of the top brands in the world.
| Image | Product | Detail | Check Price |
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Dell Ultrasharp 4K IPS Monitor |
Brightness: 350 cd/m², Pixel Pitch: 0.1554 mm x 0.1554 mm. Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 2560 x 1440p Response Time: 5ms Adjustment options: Pivot adjustable Technology: IPS |
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HP 23.8-inch FHD IPS Monitor |
Brightness: 250 cd/m², Pixels: 1080p Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: Full HD 1920x1080 Response Time: 5ms Refresh rate: 60 Hz Adjustments:5 to +30 degrees Technology: Micro Edge IPS |
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ASUS PB278Q 27" Monitor |
Brightness: Standard Pixels: 1440p Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 2560 x 1440 Response Time: Standard Refresh rate: Standard Adjustment: 178° wide-viewing angle Technology: Eye-care technology, Video Intelligence Technology |
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BenQ 1440p IPS Monitor |
Brightness: Standard Pixels: 1440p Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 2560x1440 QHD Response Time: Standard Refresh rate: Standard Technology: IPS technology, Eye Care Technology |
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Dell LED Monitor |
Brightness: Standard Pixels: 1200p Aspect ratio: 16:10 Resolution: 1920x1200 Response Time: 6ms Refresh rate: 60 Hz Adjustment options: 178/178 viewing angles, Height-Adjustable Stand (115mm) Title, Pivot, and Swivel Technology: Powernap |
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Acer SB220Q Full HD Monitor |
Brightness: 250 nit Pixels: 1080p Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080) Response Time: 4ms Refresh rate: 75 Hz Adjustment options: 178/178 viewing angles, -5/+15 degrees tilt Technology: IPS, Radeon free Sync technology |
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Portable Monitor |
Brightness: Standard Pixels: 1080P Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080) Response Time: 4ms Refresh rate: Standard Adjustment options: Portable Technology: IPS |
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LG IPS Monitor with FreeSync |
Brightness: 250 cd/m2 Pixels: 2160P Aspect ratio: Standard Resolution: UHD (3840 x 2160) Response Time: Fast Refresh rate: Higher Adjustment options: Wall mount supported Technology: IPS Technology |
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BenQ Monitor |
Brightness: 250 cd/m2 Pixels: 1080P Aspect ratio: Standard Resolution: 1920x1080 Response Time: Standard Refresh rate: Standard Adjustment: 178/178 degrees tilt Technology: Zero-flicker technology |
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ASUS Back-lit LED Monitor |
Weight: 152g Button: 11 Sensor: PMW3366 |
1- Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q 27-Inch 4K IPS Monitor: Best 4K Photo-Editing Monitor
Picture Quality:
Dell HDR is one of the best monitors under 500 in an affordable price range. It generates remarkably realistic images with deep colors, incredible precision and a high contrast range of shades. Contrast levels of 1000:1 with full sRGB coverage & 350 cd/m² brightness produces a crisp, crystal clear image.
Monitor Size & Structure:
Ultra-thin bezels & pivot adjustable screens make them ideal for multiple monitor setup. Stay organized & tackle multiple tasks at once through easy arrange feature that allows you to tile and view applications side by side. Dell slim case monitors when cascaded produce a virtually seamless view on 27” 4K screens. This is one of the best graphic design monitor under $500 for designers.
Connectivity Design:
1 USB 3.0 port upstream and 5 USB 3.0 ports downstream with 1 audio line out, 1 mini display (port each for in and out and 2 HDMI connectors), Dell offers flexible connectivity, except for old graphics cards as it lacks a DVI output.
Viewing Angles:
This is the best affordable monitors for video editing. The IPS technology incorporated as anti-glare technology is accurately tuned at 99% to a delta E of less than three. It gives you better contrast and better viewing angle, even if you’re using it in a bright room.
Response Time:
The response time can go as low as 5ms, making it great for gaming too.
2- HP 23.8-inch FHD IPS Monitor: Best on-budget Full HD monitor
Picture Quality:
HP FHD monitor comes with crystal clear visuals and vibrant image quality. Get a smooth picture that looks crisp and fluid without motion blur through thousands of pixels, 250 cd/m² brightness & 60 Hz refresh rate.
Monitor Size & Structure:
23.8-inch monitor supports 100-millimeter standard VESA pattern mount with four function buttons, including the power and settings buttons on the lower side of the monitor’s back.
An ultra-wide viewing experience provides for seamless multi-monitor setups. Great audio is featured through integrated speakers. Additionally, its Mercury-free LED backlighting, Arsenic-free monitor glass, and the low voltage energy-efficient halogen design makes it quite environment-friendly. Tilt flexibility is up to 5 to +30 degrees.
Connectivity Design:
HDMI, VGA, and HDCP ports help you stay coupled but due to the absence of USB ports, it gets difficult to connect to mobile storage devices.
Viewing Angles:
A micro edge IPS integrated panel leaves no details unannounced. IPS illuminates even the subtlest details and colors.
Response Time:
The response time can go as low as 5ms, making it great for gaming too.
3- ASUS PB278Q 27″: Best monitors for photo editing under 500
Picture Quality:
Get impeccable lifelike visuals with 2560 x 1440 resolution, 100% sRGB and ASUS-exclusive Quick Fit Virtual Scale and Splendid Video Intelligence Technology.
Monitor Size & Structure:
These 27” screen with 19.4 pounds & aspect ratio of 16:9 comes with plane-to line switching panel (PLS) and a white LED backlight & supports stand of measurements 11” X 8.6”.The audio and video connectors on the monitor’s back & a 3.5mm headphone jack with 3.5mm line input add to your entertainment experience.
Connectivity Design:
HDMI, DVI, dual-link, or the DisplayPort with VGA backup is also there for Vlogging camera support.
Viewing Angles:
ASUS Eyecare Flicker-free technology & ergonomically-designed stand, with 90 degrees pivot,20 degrees tilt, both ways swivel, 4.5 inches height adjustment along with wall-mount capability for comfortable 178° wide-viewing angle prevents eye fatigue & sore neck.
4- BenQ PD2700Q Connectivity:
Picture Quality:
BenQ monitor comes with 100% Rec. 709 and sRGB for optimal color precision. Get a sharp static picture through thousands of pixels, 250 cd/m² brightness & 60 Hz refresh rate.
Monitor Size & Structure:
The non-reflective monitor with its 27” IPS panel &0.75” bezel edges provides a maximum (WQHD) resolution of 2560×1440.Dual View function in darkroom, CAD/CAM, and animation modes split the screen into two windows side-by-side.
Connectivity Design:
HDMI, display port,3 USB 2.0 Hub connectivity with two built-in speakers for light-duty sound & Power saving mode is compatible with various versions of Windows & MAC.
Viewing Angles:
Display Pilot Software enables Customized Monitor Settings. Eye Care Technology with Low Blue Light gives Flicker-Free view with improved performance.
5- Dell Computer Ultrasharp U2415 Led Monitor: Best Photo-editing monitor under $300
Picture Quality:
Dell ultra-sharp produces outstandingly precise images with 1920×1200 resolution,60Hz refresh rate,1000:1 Contrast Ratio, 16.78 Million Colors, 6ms Response Time and Horizontal Refresh Rate of 30 – 83 kHz.
Monitor Size & Structure:
24-inch WUXGA monitor with 16:10 aspect ratio is compliant with Industry Standards & is plug and play in nature. It comes with an Enhanced power management system. Powernap enables the display manager to adjust the brightness to sleep mode when not in use. Height-adjustable stand (115mm) with pivot, and swivel & built-in cable management system makes working organized. It is compatible with all OS.
Connectivity Design:
It comes with a security lock slot, HDMI, Mini DP and audio line out. Additionally 1 USB 3.0 port upstream and 5 USB 3.0 ports downstream with 1 audio line out, 1 mini display (port each for in and out and 2 HDMI connectors), Dell offers flexible connectivity, except for old graphics cards as it lacks a DVI output.
Viewing Angles:
Viewing angles are adjustable up to 178/178 degrees with tilt, swivel, pivot & height adjustments. Widescreen anti-glare display feature illuminates the precise details with exact colors from any directions without any eyestrain.
6- Acer SB220Q bi 21.5″ Full HD: Best photo-editing monitor under $200
Picture Quality:
Get flawlessly realistic visuals with full HD (1920 x 1080), 75Hz refresh rate, 16. 7 million colors support and 250 nit brightness. With Free-Sync enabled the picture is smooth with no screen tearing.
Monitor Size & Structure:
21. 5 inches widescreen comes with zero-frame design & no compatibility with VESA Mount. Tilt angle -5/15 degrees make it flexible in use, but there is no pivot, swivel and height adjustment, so there are certain limitations to it when used in diverse situations.
Viewing Angles:
IPS display and Radeon free Sync technology give breathtaking images from any possible dimension.
Response Time:
The monitor offers an advanced lag time of 26 milliseconds for gaming. However, it isn’t meant for this purpose but is just a preliminary monitor for professional photo editors.
7- Portable Monitor: Best mobile photo-editing monitor
Picture Quality:
Lepow portable monitor delivers a truly immersive viewing experience through the resolution of 1920*1080 & lets you enjoy High-Definition entertainment and gaming on the go.
Monitor Size & Structure:
With a slim 0.3-inch profile and just 1.76 pounds weight, it can be used as a simple setup for a full-screen experience with a laptop and a smartphone. With a screen protector, your monitor will now stay away from scratches & physical damages.
The cover case made of PU leather provides exceptional protection for the entire monitor and it is foldable into different positions to create a stand. Dual speakers play music files & enhance the experience of listening to music/watching movies/playing games. Auto-brightness adjustments make it quite energy-efficient.
Connectivity Design:
The left side of the monitor has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port, and a mini HDMI port with a speaker outlet, a PD USB-C port, and a power button on the other side. This gives easy pairing of the screen with other computing & gaming devices.
Viewing Angles:
IPS display feature protect your eyes from eyestrain during prolonged use.
8- LG 27UD58-B 27-Inch 4K UHD IPS Monitor: Wall mount support
Picture Quality:
This is one of the best monitors for photo editing under 500. It generates remarkably realistic images with 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution, 250 cd/m2 brightness & 10bits color depth. AMD’s FreeSync eliminates all the blurs.
Monitor Size & Structure:
An aesthetically appealing monitor comes with optional support to wall mounts of 100-millimeter x 100-millimeter. The stand also provides tilt and height adjustments, but no pivot or swivel.
Connectivity Design:
This monitor offers free sync OS compatibility with windows 10, on-screen control with screen split 2.0game mode & black stabilizer, HDMI 2.0 and display port but the monitor does not feature a USB port, which is a patent design fault. However, it has on-screen adjustment control settings.
Viewing Angles:
IPS integrated panel with anti-glare technology illuminates even the subtlest details and colors from all possible directions.
9- BenQ proprietary Eye Care 24 inch:
Picture Quality:
BenQ monitor delivers a truly immersive viewing experience through Full HD IPS widescreen with 1920×1080 resolution, 60HZ refresh rate, 1000:1 contrast ratio & 250 nits brightness.
Monitor Size & Structure:
24-inch screens come with wall mount 100- millimeter x 100- millimeter & integrated cable management system. Edge to edge slim bezel design provides virtually seamless multi-panel configurations to offer an extended view, space-saving base & elegant design for home or office.
Connectivity Design:
Built-in speakers, Free sync OS compatibility, on-screen control with screen split 2.0 game mode, black stabilizer, HDMI 2.0 and display port.
Viewing Angles:
The monitor gives you unquestionable eye care for extended use with proprietary brightness Intelligence, adaptive technology & comfortable viewing.
Low blue-light and zero-flicker technology prevent headaches and eyestrain. This eye technology delivers optimized images that are easy on your eyes.178° wide viewing angle offers clarity from any viewing angle.
10- ASUS VS239H-P 23″ Full HD 1920×1080:
Picture Quality:
ASUS 1920 x1080 resolution, splendid Video Intelligence Technology, 50,000,000:1 Smart Contrast Ratio by design optimizes image quality with intelligent colors, brightness, contrast and sharpness, thereby dynamically enhancing the display of realistic images.
Monitor Size & Structure:
23-inch slim display with single inputs of HDMI offers ultra-thin bezels & pivot adjustable screens making them ideal for multiple monitor setup. Stay organized & tackle multiple tasks at once.
Connectivity Design:
The connectivity design options comprise of the usual VGA, DVI-D, HDMI, and D-Sub interfaces.
Viewing Angles:
AH-IPS technology with 25° ERGONOMICS feature provides limited relief to tired eyes during prolonged use.
Photo Editing Monitors Buying Guide:
Monitors come with diverse price range. You normally pay a little more than standard to get the most of the overall picture through better resolution, faster response time & higher refresh rate.
A monitor integrated with IPS panel makes more scroll-free content on the document available to you with anti-glare feature protecting your eyes from strain. Let’s look at the basic requirements of a good photo-editing monitor.
Resolution:
2560 x 1440p resolution photo-editing monitors come with additional workspace & cost you few more bucks than regular monitors.
Response Time:
Faster response time of 4ms or more is simply important in situations where blurred motion can be a problem.
Refresh Rate:
Standard monitors come with a 60Hz refresh rate while monitors for photo & video editing should have a refresh rate of 75, 120, 144Hz, or even more.
Overall there’s a lot to like about the direction that monitor price and quality are going in. Advances in technology mean that even at lower prices consumers get color accurate options with wide viewing angles and more responsiveness.
If you’re a beginning photo editor, you shouldn’t need anything beyond what’s on the sRGB scale. If you’re an expert that needs additional color accuracy, you’ll need to dive into monitors that cover the Adobe RGB space.
Photo-editing panel:
IPS or In-plane switching panels are known for wide viewing angles & color accuracy. Standard categories are as follows:
e-IPS
This is a cheaper IPS panel with color gamut not as good as Pro-IPS or H-IPS panels but still much better than what we see on a typical monitor. Usually, monitors in this category are advertised as 8 bit with 16.7 million colors. However, in the case of some of the least expensive models, 6 bit with A-FRC are used.
h-IPS
Most modern IPS panel models in this format come with horizontal IPS pixels arranged in vertical lines.
p-IPS
The p-IPS is for professionals & it comes with color gamut wider than e-IPS color gamut. They come in 10-bit & 8-bit color palette with AFRC simulation. True 10-bit monitors are higher in price than the 8-bit+AFRC module monitors.
Final Thoughts:
A robust camera is not the only must for a professional cinematographer. Improve your credibility & give your studio a cool look with our compiled list of best photo editing screens & best screen mounts. And if you think, we have missed one, then you can share in the comment box below.
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