Best Monitors for Color Grading – The Top 9 Monitors You Need
Color grading is a crucial step in professional video editing, and having the right monitor can make all the difference in your work. When it comes to selecting the best monitor for color grading, you need one that offers accurate color reproduction, high resolution, and wide color gamut. In this guide, we’ll explore three of the best monitors for color grading, breaking down their specifications, features, and how they can improve your workflow.
1. EIZO ColorEdge CG319X – Best Professional Color Grading Monitor
The EIZO ColorEdge CG319X is a top-of-the-line monitor for color grading that offers exceptional color accuracy and is a popular choice among professional videographers and photographers. With its built-in hardware calibration and support for HDR, this monitor ensures that you’re always working with the best possible color representation.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 31.1 inches
- Resolution: 4096×2160 (DCI 4K)
- Panel Type: IPS (In-Plane Switching)
- Color Gamut: 98% DCI-P3, 99% AdobeRGB
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- HDR: Yes (DisplayHDR 400)
- Connectivity: 2x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0 hub
- Special Features: Built-in hardware calibration, Auto Color Calibration, Uniformity Equalizer
Why It’s Great for Color Grading:
The EIZO ColorEdge CG319X stands out for its precision in color reproduction. It covers 98% of DCI-P3, which is the standard color space for digital cinema, and 99% of AdobeRGB, ensuring that your colors remain true to life across different viewing platforms. The 4096×2160 resolution provides DCI 4K for a more detailed and expansive workspace, which is essential for professional video editors and colorists.
In addition to its hardware calibration system, the Auto Color Calibration ensures your monitor is always correctly calibrated for accurate color work, without requiring manual intervention. This feature is a significant time-saver for professionals working on tight deadlines.
At around $5,000, this monitor is a premium investment for those serious about their color grading work.
2. BenQ PD3200U – Best Budget Monitor for Color Grading
The BenQ PD3200U is a 32-inch 4K monitor that provides excellent color accuracy at a more affordable price point than most professional monitors. It’s an ideal option for beginner to intermediate color graders or anyone who wants a 4K monitor without the high-end price.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 32 inches
- Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K UHD)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Color Gamut: 100% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- HDR: No
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI, USB-C
- Special Features: CAD/CAM mode, Darkroom mode, Low Blue Light technology
Why It’s Great for Color Grading:
The BenQ PD3200U offers a wide color gamut (100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3), which ensures excellent color accuracy in editing and color grading tasks. The 4K resolution provides a sharp and clear display, giving you a detailed view of your projects. Additionally, the IPS panel ensures consistent colors from all angles, which is crucial when working in a collaborative environment.
Though it lacks HDR support, it more than makes up for it in terms of color reproduction and user-friendly features like CAD/CAM mode for precise color editing and Darkroom mode for low-light environments. The Low Blue Light technology helps reduce eye strain, making it ideal for long editing sessions.
For around $700, the BenQ PD3200U is one of the best budget 4K monitors for color grading, offering excellent performance at a price point that’s accessible to a broader audience.
3. ASUS ProArt PA32UCX – Best 4K HDR Monitor for Color Grading
The ASUS ProArt PA32UCX is a 32-inch 4K HDR monitor designed specifically for color-sensitive tasks like color grading. This monitor delivers superior color accuracy with support for HDR, making it an excellent choice for professionals in video editing, photography, and graphic design.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 32 inches
- Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K UHD)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Color Gamut: 99% AdobeRGB, 98% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB
- Brightness: 1000 cd/m² (Peak)
- HDR: Yes (DisplayHDR 1000)
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C
- Special Features: Calman verified, Factory calibrated, ProArt Preset and ProArt Palette
4. LG UltraWide 34WN80C-B – Best Ultrawide Monitor for Color Grading
If you prefer a wider workspace for multitasking during your color grading or video editing sessions, the LG UltraWide 34WN80C-B is one of the best ultrawide monitors for color accuracy. This monitor offers a 21:9 aspect ratio, giving you ample screen real estate for comparing different color grades and working with multiple timelines simultaneously. The IPS panel and 100% sRGB color coverage make it an excellent choice for those who need a wide and color-accurate display without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 34 inches
- Resolution: 3440×1440 (UltraWide QHD)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Color Gamut: 100% sRGB
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- HDR: No
- Connectivity: USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI
- Special Features: Picture-by-Picture mode, OnScreen Control, Ergonomic Stand
Why It’s Great for Color Grading:
The LG UltraWide 34WN80C-B provides a wide 21:9 screen that’s perfect for professionals working on long timelines or multiple projects. While it lacks HDR, the 100% sRGB color coverage ensures that colors are represented accurately. The IPS panel ensures vibrant and consistent colors from any angle, making it a great choice for collaborative work or side-by-side comparison of color-graded footage.
Additionally, the USB-C connectivity offers quick and easy connection to laptops and devices, adding convenience for users who want to switch between devices with ease. Its ergonomic stand and OnScreen Control allow for easy adjustments for comfort during long editing sessions.
Priced at around $400, the LG UltraWide 34WN80C-B offers excellent value for an ultrawide monitor, especially when considering its color accuracy and versatility for color grading and multitasking.
5. Dell UltraSharp U2720Q – Best 27-inch Monitor for Color Grading
The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q is a 27-inch 4K monitor designed for professionals who demand precise color accuracy and wide color gamut coverage. It’s an ideal choice for colorists who need a reliable monitor that offers consistent color performance and accurate visuals throughout their workday. With a wide color gamut and USB-C connectivity, this monitor is perfect for color grading in video editing, photo editing, and graphic design.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 27 inches
- Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K UHD)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Color Gamut: 95% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- HDR: No
- Connectivity: USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI
- Special Features: Factory Calibrated, 99% AdobeRGB, ComfortView
Why It’s Great for Color Grading:
The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q offers excellent color precision with 95% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB coverage. The IPS panel ensures vibrant and accurate colors that remain consistent across wide viewing angles. The 4K resolution provides stunning detail and clarity, essential for precise color grading tasks.
It’s also factory calibrated for out-of-the-box accuracy, ensuring that your color work is always as precise as possible. The ComfortView feature reduces blue light emission, minimizing eye strain during long hours of color grading.
At around $650, the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q is a reliable 27-inch 4K monitor for color grading, offering a great balance of color accuracy, screen real estate, and price for professionals.
6. Samsung Odyssey G7 – Best Curved Monitor for Color Grading
If you prefer a curved monitor that immerses you into your work, the Samsung Odyssey G7 is one of the best options for color grading. This 32-inch monitor features a 1000R curve, which provides a more immersive viewing experience, ideal for video editors and colorists who need to focus for long periods. With QHD resolution, HDR support, and super-fast refresh rates, this monitor delivers excellent performance for video editing as well as color grading tasks.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 32 inches
- Resolution: 2560×1440 (QHD)
- Panel Type: VA (Vertical Alignment)
- Color Gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Brightness: 600 cd/m² (Peak)
- HDR: Yes (DisplayHDR 600)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort, HDMI, USB
- Special Features: 1000R curvature, NVIDIA G-SYNC support, 1ms response time
7. ViewSonic VP3268-4K – Best 32-inch 4K Monitor for Color Grading
The ViewSonic VP3268-4K is an impressive 32-inch 4K monitor that provides exceptional color accuracy for video editors, photographers, and graphic designers. Known for its factory calibration, it’s ideal for those who need precise color grading in their workflow. With its IPS panel, wide color gamut, and HDR capabilities, the ViewSonic VP3268-4K ensures that your colors are reproduced with the utmost fidelity.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 32 inches
- Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K UHD)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Color Gamut: 100% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- HDR: Yes (DisplayHDR 400)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C
- Special Features: Factory calibrated, Hardware calibration support, Slim bezel
Why It’s Great for Color Grading:
The ViewSonic VP3268-4K offers excellent color reproduction with 100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 coverage, making it a reliable choice for professional color grading. The IPS panel ensures wide viewing angles, so colors remain accurate whether you’re working from the center or off to the side. The HDR support enhances contrast and vibrancy, although the DisplayHDR 400 level is relatively basic compared to higher-end HDR standards.
What sets this monitor apart is its factory calibration, which guarantees accurate color reproduction right out of the box, saving you time and ensuring your edits are precise. With hardware calibration support, you can further fine-tune the monitor for your specific needs, ensuring the best color accuracy for your professional projects.
Priced around $600, the ViewSonic VP3268-4K offers great value for those looking for an affordable 4K monitor with exceptional color accuracy.
8. Acer Predator XB271HU – Best Monitor for Color Grading and Gaming
The Acer Predator XB271HU is a 27-inch monitor that offers excellent color accuracy, a high refresh rate, and NVIDIA G-SYNC support, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and color grading. Although gaming monitors may not always be the go-to choice for color grading, this one strikes the right balance with its IPS panel and high-quality colors, making it ideal for those who want a fast and color-accurate display.
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 3.0
- Special Features: NVIDIA G-SYNC, 144Hz refresh rate, ZeroFrame design
Why It’s Great for Color Grading:
The Acer Predator XB271HU may primarily be a gaming monitor, but its IPS panel and 100% sRGB coverage make it a solid option for color grading as well. The QHD resolution offers a detailed, sharp image, and the 350 cd/m² brightness ensures that colors are vivid and clear. Although it lacks HDR support, the color accuracy from the IPS panel ensures that your editing remains precise and reliable.
The 144Hz refresh rate and NVIDIA G-SYNC support make it a fantastic option for those who also enjoy gaming in their downtime, offering smooth, tear-free gameplay. The ZeroFrame design ensures minimal bezel distraction, creating a more immersive experience.
Priced at around $500, the Acer Predator XB271HU is a great option for those who need both color accuracy and fast refresh rates for multifunctional use.
9. Philips 276E8VJSB – Best Budget 4K Monitor for Color Grading
If you’re on a budget but still need a 4K monitor with decent color accuracy for color grading, the Philips 276E8VJSB offers an excellent affordable solution. This 27-inch 4K monitor provides vibrant colors and sharp detail, making it ideal for entry-level professionals and hobbyists looking to work on high-resolution projects without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 27 inches
- Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K UHD)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Color Gamut: 109% sRGB, 90% NTSC
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- HDR: No
- Connectivity: DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA
- Special Features: Ultra-narrow border, SmartContrast, Flicker-free technology
Why It’s Great for Color Grading:
The Philips 276E8VJSB offers 109% sRGB color coverage, which means that it displays a wide range of colors, providing accurate and vibrant visuals for color grading tasks. The IPS panel ensures wide viewing angles and consistent colors, while the 4K resolution allows you to work with fine detail in your projects.
Although this monitor lacks HDR support, it still provides reliable color performance for those who are starting in the color grading field or those on a budget. The ultra-narrow border and Flicker-free technology make it a comfortable option for long editing sessions.
At an affordable price of around $300, the Philips 276E8VJSB is an excellent entry-level choice for those looking for budget-friendly 4K color grading without sacrificing too much in terms of color accuracy and resolution.