Graphic designers face a lot of challenges. Some of these include working under tough deadlines, staying creative yet true to the fundamentals of design work, and many others. Apart from those, they also have to overcome the challenge of finding the best equipment for graphic design work, including monitors. (Yes, finding the best monitor is just as important as investing in a suitable laptop, desktop, or tablet.)
Ideally, the best monitor is one with qualities such as:
a) Accuracy between color and gray-scale
b) Resolution
c) Screen size
d) I/O connections
e) Ergonomics
f) Price
Below is a review of the best monitor you should buy for your graphic design needs.
Philips 276E8VJSB 27″ Monitor, 4K UHD IPS, 1 Billion+ Colors (Best Overall)
This list would not have been complete without a Phillips monitor. Thus, we also recommend the Phillips 276E8VJSB monitor as an excellent solution for your entertainment needs. The 4K UHD ultra-wide screen provides the same exceptional clarity and lifelike visuals from almost any angle. More so, the screen is also flicker-free and will reduce any eye fatigue issues even after long use. It’s also an HDMI ready device, with all the required hardware for ease of setup and installation. As a graphics designer, you want a screen, which is not only fully functional, but also sleek and stylish.
With this monitor, you will enjoy a sleek and stylish addition to your workspace. Even more, the screen has a minimalist design, which takes up a small footprint. Carrying it around is also easy and it sits stable on most desktop surfaces.
The Philips 276E8VJSB also lets you enjoy a host of cutting-edge features, which deliver impeccable quality. Thus, the monitor is ideal for various types of digital work, including graphic design. Furthermore, the screen features the latest high-performance panels to ensure Ultra clear resolution images each time. Whether you are a novice or an advanced graphic designer, this screen will deliver the graphics that will make your content come alive.
The Good
- Multiview function makes it perform dual connections
- Less eye fatigue thanks to flicker-free technology
- Magnificent View in an Elegant Design
- Heavy-duty tablet Is durable
The Bad
- N/A
Sceptre 27″ Curved 75Hz LED Monitor (Editor’s Choice)
Discover the excellence of the Spectre 27-inch curved monitor, that comes with inbuilt speakers. This unit is the perfect way to take the results of your graphic design projects to the next level. It comes with a 1800R curved screen design, that matches the contours of the human field of vision. Thus, you will enjoy optimal visibility and immersion, especially when working in intense graphic design projects. With an exceptional 75Hz refresh rate, the images transition faster and can guarantee a commanding lead in gaming performance.
The screen is also available with a tiltable stand, which reduces the effects of glare and clarifies image quality. Plus, the monitor even comes with both HDMI and VGA ports, which will serve your diverse and changing graphic design preferences. The sleek matte finish delivers rich content, and it’s also equipped with anti-glare as well. This way, you have a heavy duty screen, which has useful design features to take your performance to the next level.
The Good
- Edgeless screen design with a sleek and modern appearance
- Available with tiltable stand for installation convenience
- Edgeless design provides more room for the screen
- At 75Hz, images seamlessly transition faster
The Bad
- It takes a few seconds to boot up
- Could use improved placing of power buttons
Sceptre 75Hz Ultra Thin Frameless LED Monitor (Best Budget Option)
The display unit you use for your graphic design projects is crucial for the quality of your results. Thus, we highly recommend the Sceptre E205W-16003R Frameless LED monitor, which is both powerful and reliable. This 20-inch LED HD monitor offers fast response times to make it ideal for viewing graphic content. With quick response times, ghosting and blurring are reduced so that you can have a display with optimal clarity.
While this monitor is compact in size, the durable design offers many years of reliable graphic performance. Connectivity to other devices such as laptops and desktop units is also convenient, thanks to the well positioned ports.
On top of that, the monitor features inbuilt speakers, which delivers high-quality audio surround quality. Thus, you will enjoy engaging audio while listening to your favourite tunes. The inclusion of Adaptive-Sync Technology also reduces the gap between the graphics card, and the monitor refresh rates. Thus, this helps eliminate any issues such as image tearing and stuttering in the process.
The Good
- Fast response times reduces ghosting and blurring
- Inbuilt speakers deliver surround sound
- 20-inch LED monitor with high resolution
- 75Hz rate and adaptive sync functionality
The Bad
- The monitor is somewhat heavy
- The ports are not well-positioned for some users
HP VH240a Full HD IPS LED Monitor
Get the best productivity when you have the HP VH240a Full HD led Monitor. This 23 inches Full HD Monitor has an anti-glare matte backlit panel, which is perfect for your graphic design projects. The Monitor has a 5ms response time, and overdrive to deliver smooth pictures. The pictures are not only smooth but also look crisp and fluid, without motion blur issues.
If you need a screen with the ultimate collection of convenient features, then the HP VH240a monitor is a good example. For instance, the inclusion of inbuilt speakers, ensure great sound for your content each time. Thanks to the thin bezel-less frame, you have a monitor that delivers seamless multi-monitor convenience. You will even appreciate the four-way ergonomic viewing structure, which makes it easy to rotate the screen for your needs. Plus, you can also mount the display on walls on brackets, by using the 100m VESA mounting pattern.
The Good
- Anti-glare IPS LED-backlit screen panel
- 5ms with overdrive to deliver smooth pictures
- Inbuilt speakers ensure great sound results
- Thin bezel-less frame with ultra-widescreen
The Bad
- The screen is delicate and needs a protector
- Could use an improved Bluetooth range
Samsung 27 inch FHD Curved Desktop Monitor
Designed to be ready for work, the Samsung CF390 Series Desktop monitor is an excellent solution for your graphic design projects. The ultra-curved screen provides an immersive and natural viewing experience, for optimal productivity and reduced eye fatigue. It even has a full HD 1920 X 1080 resolution to make it ideal for viewing various types of image content. The screen also delivers vivid colours and a wide viewing angle.
The Samsung brand is popular for adding benevolent features to its products, and you should expect this with the CF390 monitor. Thanks to the Unique Eye Save Mode, you will experience less eye strain, during intensive work hours. The screen even makes connectivity convenient, all thanks to the HDMI input, which is suitable for high-speed devices. The slim VESA mountable panel is ideal for multi-screen workstations. On top of that, the tilt-adjustable stand has a small footprint, which makes it suitable for any desktop.
The Good
- 27-inch monitor 1800R ultra curved screen
- Samsung VA panel delivers deep blacks and vivid colours
- Easy connectivity with HDMI input for high-speed devices
- Slim and VESA mountable panel is ideal for multi workstations
The Bad
- N/A
BenQ 27 Inch IPS Monitor
With the BenQ 27 Inch IPS monitor, you have a sleek and minimalist addition to your home office. The 27-inch FHD 1080P IPS panel delivers high-quality graphics and is ideal for most modern-day desktop settings. The wide viewing angle of 178 degrees wide, ensures clarity from almost any angle. More so, the edge to edge slim bezel design, means that the screen is both small and powerful at the same time. It even has an ultra-slim bezel for virtuality and a space-saving base for convenience.
Even more, the BenQ brand has done well to incorporate this unit with various useful additional features. For instance, the screen comes with Patented Eye Care to provide extended use. Also, zero flicker technology helps prevent headaches and eye strain complications. Thus, you have a high-quality entertainment tech, that will deliver optimized images which are easy on the eyes.
The Good
- 27-inch Full HD IPS widescreen with 1920 x 1080 resolution
- Wide viewing angle of 178 degrees
- Edge to edge viewing and slim bezel design
- Integrated cable management system
The Bad
- N/A
ViewSonic 32 Inch Frameless Widescreen IPS Monitor
Amazing from any angle. This is what you can expect when using the Viewsonic VX3276 frameless widescreen monitor. This unit has an ultra-slim frameless design, and a premium IPS panel, which looks as good as it performs. Furthermore, the IPS panel ensures stunning views regardless of your vantage point. For enhanced viewing comfort, the screen even comes with Flicker-Free Technology and a Blue Light Filter for all-day viewing.
The VX3276 also comes with ViewSplit Software, which will boost your productivity, by dividing the screen into several viewing windows. Plus, the monitor features a Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution for exceptional pixel by pixel image delivery. This way, you will enjoy the most amazing clarity and detail, regardless of the way you use the screen. You will enjoy accurate and vivid colours, with consistent levels of brightness, irrespective of your vantage point. Also, the SuperClear IPS panel technology means that this monitor delivers the same image quality, regardless of your viewing point.
The Good
- Ultra-slim frameless design and IPS panel
- Amazing screen to view from any angle
- ViewSplit software improves your productivity
- Flexible connectivity and flicker-free technology
The Bad
- The connectivity ports are not well positioned
- Could use improved anti-glare functions
Viotek 24-Inch Ultra-Thin Gaming Monitor
Made for performers, the Viotek GFV24C ultra-thin gaming monitor delivers vivid clarity on a low bezel and flat VA panel. As a result, you will enjoy vibrant and crisp content with each session you work on graphic design projects. Developed for action, this 144 Hz gaming monitor delivers flicker-free video and lighting fast gaming speeds. You can use it to kick things into high gear, all thanks to the 4ms GTG automatic overdrive function. This function improves the quality of graphics and also ensures the screen is compatible with any of your devices.
Connecting the screen to your other device such as laptops is also easy and convenient. The screen even has specific custom features, which you can adjust to suit your viewing preferences. As a graphic designer, you will also benefit from a monitor that has a heavy-duty design. Thus, this unit is made using durable plastic, which is also stain and dust resistant.
The screen is also built for winners, and it lets you take the lead based on various unique hardware features. Functions such as AMD Free Sync eliminates choppy graphics and is also easy on the eyes. A full 1920 x 1080p resolution delivers rich content, and the fast 4ms response time ensures you get quality graphics. Fast-paced action is not a challenge when using this monitor. Thanks to its low lag, you will have the upper hand when working on intensive graphic design projects.
The Good
- Colour vibrant widescreen monitor with 3000:1 contrast ratio
- 144 Hz gaming monitor delivers flicker-free video
- AMD Free-Sync Technology creates a silky-smooth gameplay experience
- RGBs are lust and vibrant for quality content
The Bad
- Could use an ergonomic carry handle
- The buttons are small for some users
AOC 27″ Curved Frameless Gaming Monitor
You need a powerful monitor to improve the results of your graphic design projects. Thus, consider the AOC CQ27G1 27 Inch curved monitor as an excellent recommendation. The screen is rated 1800R curved, thus giving you an immersive experience when working. Even more, the CQ27G1 gaming monitor has a rapid 1ms response and refresh rate, to make it ideal for DIY graphic design projects.
There is nothing better than when you have a screen which can deliver vibrant graphics regardless of the nature of your projects. Therefore, this is why the AOC CQ27G1 Curved Frameless monitor is ideal for use on your laptop or desktop computer. It even comes with a durable stand structure, which sits stable on most desktop surfaces.
It even comes with an AMD Freesync, that provides smooth and competitive gameplay results. To make things better, the 3-sided frameless design, with ultra-narrow borders makes up for the perfect multi-monitor setup. Thanks to the height-adjustable stand, you are sure of optimal ergonomics. The monitor is also wall-mountable and suitable for use in various entertainment settings.
The Good
- 1800R curved monitor delivers an immersive experience
- AMD Free Sync for smooth graphics
- Rapid 1ms response and 144Hz refresh rate
- Height adjustable stand for ergonomic
The Bad
- N/A
Samsung 27 Inch Curved LED Monitor
The Samsung LC27F398FWNXZA is an industry-leading entertainment technology, which is both simple to use and durable. The screen has a slim design with a high gloss black finish and an innovative stand structure. Even more, the rapid 4ms response time delivers a clear picture, even through fast-moving scenes. The exceptional colour gamut of the screen makes it ideal for viewing colours in high quality.
The screen also lets you experience vibrant and stunningly vivid colours, all thanks to the Samsung Active Crystal Color Technology. Such a function delivers a 3000:1 contrast ratio, such that you get deep black and bright whites. This way, you can see even in the darkest or brightest scenes.
Thanks to the ultra-slim and sleek profile, the CF398 monitor measures less than 0.5 inches thick. Thus, the monitor makes for a stylish addition while also boosting your productivity levels. Plus, the simple circular stand will also provide a modern appeal to your space.
The Good
- Slim design with high glossy black finish
- Rapid 4ms response for clear pictures
- Extra-wide colour gamut and high-quality brightness
The Bad
- 60 Hz refresh rate is not an industry standard
- The screen could use non skid surface
Finally
As a digital professional, there is no room for poor decision making, especially when it comes to the quality of your results. You need the right resources if you want optimal productivity levels. Thus, this is why we recommend the best monitor for graphic design, as an excellent place for you to start. These are powerful machines, which make it convenient to produce quality work for clients, consumers or even for personal purposes.
A good monitor delivers vibrant and crisp content, which will instantly make a good impression on your audience. Thus, get a good monitor and take your projects to the next level.
Therefore, choose the best monitor for graphic design carefully. With the information provided above, you should be in a better position to do just that. Your choice of the monitor could depend on any number of factors. You could opt for price or size. Despite what you consider the most important factor, your choice should also depend on the kind of work you wish to do. Acquire a monitor that will bring the best aspects of your graphic design work and skills to the fore. Shun the kind of monitors that will negate or downplay your skills.
Addendum – What to Look for in a Graphic Design Monitor
If you are still wondering what exactly to look for, take a look at this handy guide below.
If you are serious about graphic design, you need to have the right equipment. One vital piece of equipment is your monitor and you need to know what specs to look for. While knowing what specs to look for is important, you also need to understand why you need them. Each item in your monitor will impact your designing ability.
The Colour Accuracy
Graphic designers need monitors with the best possible color accuracy. There are a few specs that affect this and you need to look at each of them. You do not want a monitor that oversaturates colours because you are not going to be consistent in designs. Additionally, if you are going to print out designs, you need what you see on the screen to match the paper (for that you’ll want a monitor calibrator, or built-in calibrating functions, see below).
One of the features to look for in new moniotrs is a built-in blue light filter. Blue light comes from LED and fluorescent lights and has been classed as the worst type of light for your eyes. Having a blue light filter is important because it protects your eyes in the long-term. It also makes it easier for you to stay on your computer for prolonged periods.
You should also look for a monitor with the AH-IPS panel. This is an Advanced High-Performance In-Plane Switching panel. This panel helps the monitor perform regular calibrations. You monitor should also have a 10- to 14-bit lookup table for the calibrations to be done with greater ease. It should also cover at least 99% of the Adobe RGB color area.
It is possible to get a third-party calibration solution instead of this top IPS panel. However, you need to have a good IPS panel regardless of the solution you choose because this affects the color consistency and display of light and dark shades. Good IPS technology also provides wide viewing angles.
While the AH-IPS panel is the best to get in terms of price versus performance, there are other panel options available. A Super IPS panel is a good option that is cost-effective while providing the fast response times you need for great color rendition. TN or Twisted Nematic panels are the most widely available, but you should avoid them. They are affordable and have good response times, but the color offered by the panel is not the best.
The Size Of The Screen
This is a spec that is more about personal preference. There are some graphic designers who do not care about the size of the screen. The inner working is what these designers are more focused on because it has a bigger effect on their work. However, size is something you have to consider.
When considering the size you need, you have to think about how you are going to work. If you are working on several projects at once, you need to maximize your screen space. Those who need to view multiple projects at a glance should look for a 29-inch HD monitor. Ultra-wide monitors will be the best for these people.
Smaller monitors can also be used if you are not going to be viewing multiple projects at a time. In these instances, it is recommended that you look at a monitor of at least 20-inches. Some designers use smaller monitors, but a larger screen will be better for the eyes.
The only issue that you need to consider with screen sizes is the display performance. You should not sacrifice the performance for the bigger screen. Some large monitors are not made with graphic design in mind and will not have the specs you want.
The Screen Resolution
After color consistency, the screen resolution is the most important spec to consider. Good resolution is a must for designers because of the detailed nature of the job. The higher the resolution of the monitor the better it will be for this job.
A full HD monitor can work for graphic design, but a high-resolution graphic design monitor will be better. These monitors do cost more, but their resolution is much better. If you cannot find these monitors, you should look for UHD or Ultra-High-Definition monitors.
Some of these monitors will have resolutions of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. This is the highest possible resolution available. You can also look at WQHD or Wide-Quad HD monitors. These monitors will have a resolution of 2,560 x 2,160 which is considered the second best.
The I/O Connections
A lot of people forget about the connections their monitor has, but this is important for graphic designers. The monitor you look at should have dual-link DVI ports, HDMI and DisplayPort 1.2. if you are going to connect multiple monitors together, you need to have a Thunderbolt-in and -out port. You can replace this port with a DisplayPort 1.2 if you cannot find any monitors with it.
The Adjustability
As a graphic designer, you are going to spend a lot of time working at your computer and looking into your monitor. This is why you need to have a monitor that can easily be adjusted. There are different adjustment specs that you need to look at.
The first is the height and rotation adjustments. These adjustments are important for ergonomics and to ensure you are always comfortable when working. To adjust the height, the monitor should come with an ergonomic stand. You also need to have a rotating panel to find the best viewing angle.
The screen should also offer a good 90-degree rotation. This is necessary for the times you have to work on extensive websites or long documents. In these cases, you do not want to be scrolling constantly.
The monitor you use for graphic design will have a serious impact on the ease of designing and the final result. There are a lot of specs that you need to consider, but the monitor panel is the most important. This affects the color and viewing angles which are vital for good designs. Screen size and I/O connections are also important, but are secondary concerns after the panels.