Best Budget Monitors for Design: Top 9 Picks for Designers in 2024
Choosing the right monitor for design work is crucial to ensure color accuracy, crisp resolution, and comfortable viewing. Whether you’re a graphic designer, digital artist, or web designer, finding the best budget monitor for design will enhance your productivity and give you the tools you need to produce high-quality work. In this guide, we’ve handpicked the top 3 budget monitors for design in 2024 that deliver excellent color accuracy, sharpness, and affordability.
1. BenQ PD2700Q – Best Affordable Monitor for Design
When it comes to professional-grade design work, BenQ PD2700Q stands out as one of the best budget monitors for design. Designed with creative professionals in mind, this 27-inch QHD display provides accurate color reproduction, ensuring that your designs are true to life. With an IPS panel, 100% sRGB, and a resolution of 2560×1440, the PD2700Q offers a perfect balance between affordability and performance.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 27 inches
- Resolution: 2560×1440 (QHD)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Color Gamut: 100% sRGB
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- HDR: No
- Connectivity: DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.1
- Special Features: DualView Mode, CAD/CAM Mode, Animation Mode, Ergonomic stand
Why It’s Great for Design Work:
The BenQ PD2700Q delivers excellent color accuracy with its 100% sRGB coverage and IPS technology, which is perfect for graphic design, web design, and video editing. The 2560×1440 resolution gives you a crisp and detailed image, perfect for working on high-resolution design files. Additionally, the DualView mode lets you work on two different projects side-by-side with distinct modes, such as sRGB for one and CAD/CAM for the other.
The ergonomic stand ensures you can easily adjust the monitor’s position for comfortable and long design sessions, reducing strain on your neck and eyes. For around $300, the BenQ PD2700Q is an excellent budget-friendly choice for those who want high-quality color accuracy and a larger workspace without overspending.
2. ASUS ProArt PA278CV – Best Color Accuracy Budget Monitor for Design
The ASUS ProArt PA278CV is one of the best budget monitors for design if you prioritize color accuracy and professional features. This 27-inch monitor offers 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709, and Factory Calibrated color accuracy. With a 2560×1440 resolution, this monitor is perfect for any designer looking for an affordable yet professional-grade display.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 27 inches
- Resolution: 2560×1440 (QHD)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Color Gamut: 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- HDR: No
- Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.0
- Special Features: Factory Calibrated, Ergonomic stand, Height adjustment, Blue light reduction
Why It’s Great for Design Work:
The ASUS ProArt PA278CV is factory calibrated to deliver precise color accuracy right out of the box. The 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 color coverage make it ideal for graphic designers, video editors, and other professionals who work with colors regularly. The IPS panel ensures consistent color reproduction and wide viewing angles, making it perfect for collaborative design sessions.
Its USB-C port offers easy connectivity to laptops, reducing cable clutter. The ergonomic design, including height adjustments and tilt functionality, allows you to work for extended periods without compromising comfort. For designers on a budget, the ASUS ProArt PA278CV offers excellent value with its high-quality color accuracy, sharp resolution, and professional features, all for approximately $300.
3. LG 27UL500-W – Best 4K Budget Monitor for Design
For designers looking for a 4K monitor that doesn’t break the bank, the LG 27UL500-W is an excellent option. This 27-inch 4K display comes with an IPS panel and 99% sRGB color coverage, offering incredible clarity and color accuracy. The 3840×2160 resolution makes it a fantastic choice for graphic design, video editing, and 3D modeling, where pixel-perfect detail is critical.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 27 inches
- Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K UHD)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Color Gamut: 99% sRGB
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- HDR: Yes (HDR10)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort, HDMI
- Special Features: AMD FreeSync, Flicker Safe, OnScreen Control
4. Dell UltraSharp U2720Q – Best Professional Budget Monitor for Design
The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q is a 27-inch 4K monitor that offers an exceptional IPS panel with 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 color coverage. Ideal for designers who require high color accuracy, this monitor is perfect for graphic design, web design, and photo editing. With its 4K resolution and factory calibration, it offers remarkable image clarity and true-to-life colors. The Dell U2720Q is a premium budget choice for those who want to invest in a reliable monitor for professional creative work without overspending.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 27 inches
- Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K UHD)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Color Gamut: 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- HDR: Yes (HDR10)
- Connectivity: USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI
- Special Features: Factory Calibrated, Height Adjustable Stand, USB-C Power Delivery
Why It’s Great for Design Work:
The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q stands out for its accurate colors and 4K resolution, which are essential for any creative professional working with detailed graphics or high-resolution images. The IPS panel ensures that colors remain consistent and vibrant from any angle, making it an excellent choice for collaborative design projects. With 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 coverage, the monitor delivers true-to-life colors, making it ideal for color-critical work such as photo editing and graphic design.
Additionally, the USB-C connectivity offers fast data transfer and power delivery, simplifying workspace management by reducing the need for multiple cables. Priced at around $600, it is a bit higher on the budget scale but offers a premium experience at an affordable price, making it a perfect choice for professional designers.
5. Acer R240HY – Best Budget IPS Monitor for Designers
The Acer R240HY is an ultra-affordable 24-inch IPS monitor that provides full HD resolution and color accuracy suitable for entry-level designers. With its thin bezel design and IPS technology, the Acer R240HY delivers wide viewing angles and vibrant colors for those working on design projects that don’t require a high-end display. If you’re on a tight budget but need a reliable display for design work, this is a fantastic option.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 24 inches
- Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Color Gamut: 72% NTSC
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- HDR: No
- Connectivity: HDMI, VGA
- Special Features: ZeroFrame design, Blue Light Shield, Flicker-Free Technology
Why It’s Great for Design Work:
Despite being an entry-level monitor, the Acer R240HY offers excellent color consistency with its IPS panel and delivers vibrant colors with 72% NTSC coverage. While the Full HD resolution is not as high as 4K or QHD monitors, it is still sharp enough for everyday graphic design and web design tasks. The ZeroFrame design reduces bezel distractions, creating an immersive workspace, and the Blue Light Shield and Flicker-Free technology protect your eyes during long design sessions.
This budget-friendly monitor is ideal for students, hobbyists, or anyone who needs a dependable IPS display without a hefty price tag. At around $150, the Acer R240HY provides great value for those starting in the design field or on a budget.
6. HP 27f – Best Affordable Monitor for Graphic Design and Editing
The HP 27f is a 27-inch monitor that offers excellent color accuracy for an affordable price. With an IPS panel, Full HD resolution, and thin bezel design, the HP 27f is perfect for designers who need a reliable, budget-friendly monitor for photo editing, graphic design, or video production. The monitor offers great performance for those who want accurate colors and a large workspace but do not need a 4K or ultra-high-end display.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 27 inches
- Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Color Gamut: 72% NTSC
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- HDR: No
- Connectivity: HDMI, VGA
- Special Features: Slim profile, Ultra-thin bezel
7. Samsung LC27F398FWNXZA – Best Curved Budget Monitor for Design
The Samsung LC27F398FWNXZA is a 27-inch curved monitor that offers a 1920×1080 Full HD resolution with an 1800R curve, providing a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience, especially for long design sessions. With an IPS panel, it ensures consistent color reproduction and wide viewing angles, making it a good choice for designers who work on detailed projects and need a comfortable screen that minimizes distortion and offers great clarity.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 27 inches
- Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Color Gamut: 72% NTSC
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- HDR: No
- Connectivity: HDMI, VGA
- Special Features: 1800R Curvature, Flicker-Free Technology, Eco-friendly
Why It’s Great for Design Work:
The Samsung LC27F398FWNXZA features a curved design, which offers a more immersive experience and reduces eye strain during long hours of design work. The IPS panel ensures accurate colors and great consistency, while the 1800R curve improves focus by reducing peripheral distortion. The monitor also has Flicker-Free technology, which helps prevent eye fatigue, making it an excellent choice for designers who work for hours at a time. At around $180, this is one of the best budget curved monitors for those who want to experience the benefits of a curved screen without the high cost.
8. ViewSonic VP2458 – Best Affordable Professional Monitor for Designers
The ViewSonic VP2458 is a 24-inch monitor that is perfect for professionals seeking color accuracy on a budget. The IPS panel offers vibrant, consistent colors, making it great for designers working on graphics, web designs, and photo editing. The monitor features factory calibration for accurate color and offers a wide color gamut, including 100% sRGB and 98% AdobeRGB coverage.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 24 inches
- Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Color Gamut: 100% sRGB, 98% AdobeRGB
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- HDR: No
- Connectivity: DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.0
- Special Features: Factory Calibrated, Height Adjustability, Blue Light Filter, Flicker-Free Technology
Why It’s Great for Design Work:
The ViewSonic VP2458 stands out for its color accuracy, with 100% sRGB and 98% AdobeRGB coverage, making it ideal for color-sensitive work. Its IPS panel ensures that your colors remain consistent and vibrant from any angle, a key factor for graphic designers and photographers. The height adjustable stand allows you to maintain a comfortable working position, and the Blue Light Filter and Flicker-Free technologies help to reduce eye strain during long sessions.
The ViewSonic VP2458 is priced around $200, making it one of the best budget monitors for designers looking for a reliable, color-accurate display without spending a fortune on high-end professional monitors.
9. Gigabyte G32QC – Best Curved Monitor for Creative Professionals on a Budget
The Gigabyte G32QC is a 32-inch curved monitor with a 2560×1440 (QHD) resolution. With its VA panel and 165Hz refresh rate, the Gigabyte G32QC offers excellent image clarity and smooth visuals for a range of design tasks, from photo editing to motion graphics. This monitor is designed for those who need a large display to view multiple projects at once or want a more immersive design experience.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 32 inches
- Resolution: 2560×1440 (QHD)
- Panel Type: VA
- Color Gamut: 92% DCI-P3
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- HDR: Yes (HDR400)
- Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C
- Special Features: Curved 1500R screen, 165Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync
Why It’s Great for Design Work:
The Gigabyte G32QC boasts a 32-inch curved screen, offering an expansive view perfect for design professionals who work with large files or multiple windows simultaneously. The 2560×1440 (QHD) resolution ensures sharp details for detailed design work, while the 92% DCI-P3 color coverage offers better color performance than many budget monitors. The 1500R curvature provides a more immersive experience, while the HDR400 support improves contrast, making it a good option for graphic designers who require vibrant, high-quality visuals.
This monitor’s large screen size, fast refresh rate, and curved design are excellent for professionals who need an affordable, large monitor for their creative tasks. At around $250, the Gigabyte G32QC provides fantastic value for designers looking for a larger screen and better immersive experience.