The best photo editing experience can rely on factors such as better skills, pro-level editing tools, powerful hardware, etc. However, having the best monitor is also necessary for better color accuracy, high-quality images, better viewing angles, and sharp detailing for excellent output. So, if you’re also looking for the best monitor for photo editing under $1000, this guide can help you choose the perfect one.
This specific price bracket should be enough to get additional features on monitors like 4K resolution, HDR support, wide color gamut, factory-calibrated accuracy levels, plenty of connectivity ports, and more. Whether you’re a photographer, content creator, graphic designer, or hobbyist, these monitors will cater to you better for creative projects like image editing.
How We Chose the Best Monitors on This List
When choosing the right monitor for photo editing, you should consider the following key factors to ensure a better price-to-performance ratio:
- Display Resolution: A higher display resolution is always better for monitors so that you can get crisp and sharper images in image editing tasks. To get better results and a smoother experience, we recommend a 4K (3840 × 2160 pixels) display resolution.
- Panel Type: Monitors with IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels are superior in color accuracy and offer a 178° wide viewing angle, making them the first choice for professional photo editors. Some monitors have IPS Black technology for enhanced contrast ratios and higher black levels.
- Size and Ergonomics: A larger screen size of around 27 inches or more (16:9 aspect ratio) can allow users to edit and retouch images more precisely. In addition, better ergonomic design, tilt, swivel, better height adjustments, and sturdy stand quality can help to improve comfortable usage.
- Color Accuracy: A wide color gamut is always useful to get vivid, true-to-life colors. It refers to a 100% sRGB color gamut, 99% Adobe RGB color gamut, or 98% DCI-P3 color gamut. Higher is better.
- Calibration: A hardware-calibrated or factory-calibrated monitor displays better color contrast and accuracy. It’s an adjusting process for accurate and consistent color reproduction.
- Connectivity: We’ve also tried to select the monitors with the necessary connectivity ports that can be useful for you. You’ll require USB Type-C, HDMI, and a DisplayPort on your monitor. Meanwhile, having a USB HUB or KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch can also be helpful for multi-device configurations.
- Price: Your budget limit will help you to decide which monitor you can afford for your needs. We’ve provided this list with multiple budget options under the $1000 segment to help you. Sometimes, product prices on Amazon may fluctuate. So, you may get your favorite monitor even at a discounted price.
- User Reviews and Feedback: Finally, we’ve thoroughly checked the real-life user reviews on Amazon to provide you with the actual user experience, including the pros & cons of each monitor.
By carefully considering these factors, you can easily choose a photo editing monitor to get the ultimate experience for your budget and preference. So, let’s get into the recommendations below:
1. ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV – 27” 4K HDR
Best Overall 4K Monitor for Professionals
The ASUS ProArt PA279CRV is an excellent value-for-money monitor that you can get under the $500 price range. It offers a 4K IPS display and HDR10 support for enhanced creative photo editing tasks. Meanwhile, the higher levels of sRGB, DCI-P3, and Adobe RGB wide color gamut deliver exceptional color-accurate images.
It also includes USB-C ports, DisplayPort, etc., for multi-device and multi-monitor connectivity. Those who prefer better ergonomic design on their monitors for longer hours of image editing can consider this model. The VESA MediaSync certification ensures smoother media playback with minimal jitters or flickers.
Specifications:
| Product | ASUS ProArt Display 27” 4K HDR (PA279CRV) |
|---|---|
| Price | $434 |
| Display and Resolution | 27-inches, IPS LCD, 4K UHD (3840 × 2160), 163 PPI, 99% DCI-P3, 99% Adobe RGB, Color Accuracy ΔE < 2, Calman Verified, HDR10, VESA DisplayHDR 400, 178° wide-view IPS panel |
| Brightness and Contrast | Brightness: 400 cd/m2 (HDR, peak) Contrast Ratio: 3000:1 (max) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Connectivity Ports | 1x USB Type-C (Power Delivery 96W), 3x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C, 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI v2.0, Earphone Jack |
| Additional Features | 5ms response time, VESA MediaSync, ProArt Preset, ProArt Palette, Ergonomic Stand, Slim profile, wall-mountable design, tilt/swivel/pivot/height adjustments, Kensington Lock, multi-monitor setup, ASUS Ultra-Low Blue Light technology, ASUS Flicker-Free technology, Easy access OSD buttons, 2x 2W speakers |
| Weight | 5.78 kg |
Pros
- Excellent monitor for the price
- A great choice for image editing professionals
- Stunning 4K HDR IPS display
- Great ergonomics
- Color gamut accuracy is remarkable
- Good brightness level
- Outstanding factory calibration
- Plenty of connectivity options
Cons
- Decent contrast ratio at the price
- Average local dimming feature
- HDR support is limited
What Users Say About This Product?
Customers are satisfied with the monitor’s color accuracy, display quality, and functionality. Most users find it balanced for professional photo editing purposes. Due to its matte finish screen, the light reflections are minimal and increase a better visibility. The solid build quality and enough USB ports are also useful in everyday use.
2. Dell S2722QC Monitor – 27 inch
Best Budget-Friendly 4K Monitor for Photo Editing
The Dell S2722QC is a great, affordable 4K monitor for image editors and content creators for the price it offers. You’ll get sharper and crisp visual quality with wide viewing angles for optimal usage experience. This monitor needs to be calibrated manually for better color accuracy. Meanwhile, the great ergonomic design is also helpful to use this monitor for longer image editing sessions.
This specific monitor also includes a USB Type-C port and multiple USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports so that users can get maximum connectivity benefits. You’ll also get integrated speakers to increase your audio listening experience and productivity level to the next level. It’s stylish enough to create aesthetically pleasing desk setups. You can get an overall value-for-money monitor under the $300 price bracket.
Specifications:
| Product | Dell S2722QC Monitor |
|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 |
| Display and Resolution | 27-inches, IPS LCD, 4K UHD (3840 × 2160), 163 PPI, 99% sRGB, 178° viewing angle, WLED edge light backlight |
| Brightness and Contrast | Brightness: 350 cd/m2 Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Connectivity Ports | 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB-C upstream/DisplayPort 1.4 (Power Delivery up to 65W), 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A with Battery Charging 1.2, Audio line-out port |
| Additional Features | AMD FreeSync, 4ms Grey-to-Grey Response Time, Built-in Dual 3W Speakers, Dell Display Manager, Dell Easy Arrange, ComfortView Plus, Low Blue Light technology, Height/pivot/swivel/tilt adjustments, VESA interface support, Security-lock slot |
| Weight | 4.7 kg |
Pros
- Affordable 4K UHD monitor
- Good ergonomics
- Better viewing angles
- Sharp, vivid image quality
- USB-C PD port is a bonus
- Higher brightness level
- Integrated dual 3W speakers
Cons
- Manual calibration for the price
- Average contrast ratio
- Decent color gamut
What Users Say About This Product?
Existing users appreciate the monitor’s display quality and its experience for the price. They find the color accuracy, software support, and ergonomics quite good.
3. BenQ PD2706UA 27-inch Ergo Arm 4K
Best Ergonomic Monitor for Photo Editing
The BenQ PD2706UA is a slightly expensive 4K UHD monitor, offering wide viewing angles and a full sRGB color space for an excellent color-accurate viewing experience. Its 27-inch display size and wide viewing angles are useful for increased productivity. Due to its better ergonomics with a C-Clamp stand, this monitor is helpful for longer hours of usage.
The included KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch allows you to use multiple computers with a single set of peripherals like a keyboard, monitor, and mouse to save space & money too. The factory-calibrated color accuracy is suitable for image editing or other media creation works. Another great addition is the easy switch between systems using hotkey puck G2 for enhanced efficiency.
Specifications:
| Product | BenQ DesignVue PD2706UA | 27-inch |
|---|---|
| Price | $862.33 |
| Display and Resolution | 27-inches, IPS LED, 4K UHD (3840 × 2160), 163 PPI, 99% sRGB, 99% Rec.709, 95% P3, 178° viewing angle, HDR10, VESA DisplayHDR 400, Calman verified, Pantone validated, Factory Calibration |
| Brightness and Contrast | Brightness: 400 nits (HDR, peak) Contrast Ratio: 1200:1 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Connectivity Ports | 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C (Power Delivery 90W, DisplayPort Alt Mode, Data), 1x USB-C (Downstream), 1x USB Type-B (Upstream), 3x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (Downstream), 1x headphone jack |
| Additional Features | KVM switch, Picture in Picture (PiP), Picture by Picture (PbP), Display ColorTalk support, Auto Power Off, Display Pilot 2 support, Palette Master Ultimate, Display Quickit, Uniformity Technology, DualView mode, Animation color mode, ePaper color mode, BenQ Eye-Care technology, Flicker-Free mode, Low Blue Light technology, 5 ms response times, built-in 2x 2.5W speakers, VESA mount compatible, Hotkey Puck G2 |
| Weight | 9.1 kg |
Pros
- Professional level 4K monitor for the price
- Exceptional display quality
- sRGB color accuracy is top-notch
- Better ergonomics with a C-clamp stand
- Comes with a virtual KVM switch
- Plenty of display modes to match productivity
- Premium and sturdy build quality
- Useful Puck G2 hotkey control
- USB-C port with power delivery
Cons
- Decent brightness and contrast at this price
- Average sound from integrated speakers
What Users Say About This Product?
Customers are quite happy with this monitor due to its good color accuracy and 4K ultra-HD resolution. Some users are also satisfied with its USB-C power delivery port for multiple connectivity options. Meanwhile, a few users appreciate the Puck G2 hotkey control and KVM switch that helped them to increase productivity.
4. ASUS ProArt Display PA32UCR-K 32” 4K HDR
The ASUS ProArt PA32UCR-K is the best-in-class 4K HDR monitor that uses a bigger 32-inch IPS LCD for a price under the $1,000 range. It has quantum-dot technology that uses quantum dots to enhance the overall color and brightness levels. The sRGB, Display P3, and Adobe RGB color gamut have excellent color accuracy levels for professional-grade image editing.
It comes with an integrated colorimeter and hardware calibration for stunning color quality. This monitor is the high-end 4K monitor model in the list, designed for pro-level photo editing & content creation with multiple HDR modes. Talking about aesthetics, this monitor has a sleek design and thin bezels that will look good on any desk.
Specifications:
| Product | ASUS ProArt (PA32UCR-K) |
|---|---|
| Price | $999 |
| Display and Resolution | 32-inch, IPS, 4K UHD (3840 x 2160), Mini-LED backlight, 138 PPI, HDR-10, HLG, ΔE<1, 98% DCI-P3, 99.5% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB/Rec. 709, VESA DisplayHDR 1000, Calman Ready, ColourSpace Integration, 178° viewing angle |
| Brightness and Contrast | Brightness: 1,000 cd/m2 (HDR, peak) Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1 (HDR, max) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Connectivity Ports | 1x USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode), 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 3x HDMI 2.0, 3x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 1x Headphone Jack, USB-C Power Delivery 80W |
| Additional Features | Quantum-dot technology, ASUS ProArt Hardware Calibration, 5ms response time, Flicker-free, ProArt Preset, 6-axis color adjustment, ProArt Palette, PIP/PBP technology, Motion Sync, Low Blue Light, inbuilt 2x 2W speakers, Kensington Lock, VESA Wall Mounting, height/pivot/tilt/swivel adjustment, X-rite i1 Calibrator |
| Weight | 12.3 kg |
Pros
- Excellent pricing for what it offers
- Outstanding peak brightness in HDR
- Bigger display with 32-inch 4K UHD
- Uses Quantum-dot technology
- The integrated colorimeter is a plus
- Exceptional color accuracy
Cons
- Standard viewing angles for this price
- Basic uniformity in its competition
- KVM switch could be added
What Users Say About This Product?
According to customers on Amazon USA, this monitor has a professional design that suits most work environments. They’ve experienced top-quality brightness levels and color accuracy in daily usage. Some users also find the 6-axis color adjustment useful that matches their different creativity tasks.
5. Dell U3223QE 31.5″ 4K Hub Monitor
Best IPS Black 4K Monitor for Image Editing
If you prefer deep black levels and a rich contrast ratio on a monitor for image and video editing tasks, the Dell UltraSharp U3223QE can be the best pick. It uses LG’s IPS Black technology for professional-level darker contrast (up to 35% deeper black) than conventional IPS panels. This monitor has a bigger 31.5-inch 4K UHD display for superior visual clarity.
It uses an auto-restore feature to resume where you left off even though you’ve unplugged and reconnected the monitor to a computer. Its built-in USB-C hub can be used for multiple devices or multi-display connectivity. The Dell U3223QE monitor offers a premium design, suitable for most desk setups. Meanwhile, the excellent color accuracy with a 100% sRGB color gamut can help you edit images or design creative projects more precisely.
The wide viewing angles on the monitor also ensure that images and texts look so sharp. You’ll also get the Wake-up-on LAN feature as it has a LAN port that is suitable for direct wired ethernet connection. On top of that, the ‘Power Sync’ feature allows you to power your connected laptop quite easily. Some shortcut keys can save you time.
Specifications:
| Product | Dell UltraSharp U3223QE | 31.5″ 4K Hub Monitor |
|---|---|
| Price | $780.11 |
| Display and Resolution | 31.5-inch, IPS Black LCD, 4K UHD (3840 x 2160), 137.68 PPI, 100% Rec 709, 100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3, 178° viewing angle, Delta E<2 calibration |
| Brightness and Contrast | Brightness: 400 cd/m² Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 / 2000:1 (dynamic) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Connectivity Ports | 1x HDMI (HDCP 2.2), 1x DisplayPort 1.4 in, 1x USB-C, 1x DP port (out), 1x Audio line-out port (mini-jack), 1x USB-C upstream port, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports downstream, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 downstream with Battery Charging 1.2, 1x RJ45 ethernet port, 1x USB-C downstream port |
| Additional Features | 8ms response time (grey-to-grey, normal), Height/pivot/swivel/tilt adjustment, Picture-in-Picture (PiP), Picture-by-Picture (PbP), VESA Mounting Interface, Security lock slot, anti-theft protection, Wake-on-LAN, Power Sync, Low Blue Light Screen, 3-Year Advanced Exchange Service & Premium Panel Exchange |
| Weight | 10.36 kg |
Pros
- Best-in-class IPS Black 4K monitor
- Bigger 32″ display with crisp quality
- Screen bezels are so slim
- Excellent USB-C Hub connectivity, 90W PD
- Great aesthetics and sturdy build quality
- Wider color gamut for higher accuracy
- Higher brightness level in SDR
- Plenty of USB-A ports, RJ45 port
- Integrated KVM switch
Cons
- A little pricier than the competition.
- Average local dimming
- Decent HDR support for the price
What Users Say About This Product?
Customers are quite satisfied with the screen quality and monitor’s appearance, which makes it feel premium considering its price. The 4K resolution and IPS Black panel work well. Users appreciate the great image quality and color accuracy levels that help them edit or retouch media files. Meanwhile, the USB-C connection with power delivery provides power to laptops quite easily.
Choosing the Right Monitor for Photo Editing under $1000
You need to consider your budget and specific requirements to identify the best suitable monitor for photo editing under $1,000. Some factors include brand preference, color accuracy, display quality, connectivity ports, and pricing. If your primary focus is to get the best ergonomic monitor for media editing, you can select BenQ DesignVue PD2706UA.
To get an affordable 4K monitor with all the necessary features, you can consider the ASUS ProArt PA279CRV or Dell S2722QC. However, if you want the best 4K HDR monitor in the segment, consider choosing the ASUS ProArt PA32UCR-K. To get rich and true-to-life IPS Black technology, you can pick Dell UltraSharp U3223QE for a more refined user experience. These monitors are tailored for professional-level image editing that can serve you well for many years.
