4K monitors are generally considered excellent for professional photo and video editing due to their high resolution, which provides greater detail and clarity. The increased pixel density allows for more accurate representation of images and videos, enabling editors to see finer details that might be missed on lower-resolution displays. This is particularly important for tasks that require precision, such as retouching photos or editing high-definition video content. Additionally, 4K monitors often come with better color accuracy and wider color gamuts, essential features for professionals who need to ensure their work will look its best across different platforms and media. The large screen real estate provided by 4K monitors also allows for more efficient multitasking, as editors can view multiple applications or larger timelines simultaneously. However, it is essential to ensure that your computer's hardware can support a 4K display effectively, as the high resolution requires more processing power and a compatible graphics card. Overall, while they may come with a higher price tag, the benefits 4K monitors offer make them a worthwhile investment for professionals in photo and video editing.
Best 4K Monitors of February 2025
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Rating is 5 out of 5
LG 32UR500K-B Ultrafine 32-inch 4K UHD (3840x2160) Computer Monitor HDR10 Built-in Speaker x2 OnScreen Control Reader Mode Flicker Safe Borderless Design HDMIx2 DisplayPort Black
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32-inch 4K UHD Display - The 32-inch UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) display reproduces clear images and vibrant colors with up to 90% DCI-P3 color gamut expression . Experience dramatic visual immersion with all your favorite shows, movies, sports and games.
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4K HDR10 DCI-P3 - Explore HDR10 content the way it was meant to be seen with up to 90% DCI-P3 color gamut expression—an elevated color spectrum that brings brilliant color to life.
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MaxxAudio - Make some noise with built-in stereo speakers equipped with Waves MaxxAudio, and make your games and movies come to life with bigger and bolder sound.
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OnScreen Control - You can customize the workspace by splitting the display or adjusting basic monitor options with just a few mouse clicks.
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Ergonomic Stand - The ergonomic stand makes it easy to flexibly adjust the tilt of the screen in the optimal position for you.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
SAMSUNG 32" UJ59 Series 4K UHD (3840x2160) Computer Monitor, HDMI, Display Port, Eye Saver/Flicker Free Mode, FreeSync, LU32J590UQNXZA, Black
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WIDESCREEN UHD: With 4x the pixels of Full HD, get more screen space (vs 16:9 screen) and UHD images; View documents & webpages w/ less scrolling, work more comfortably w/ multiple windows & toolbars, and enjoy photos, videos & games in stunning 4K
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A BILLION COLOR SHADES: Supporting a billion shades of color, the UJ59 delivers incredibly vivid and realistic images; Its color accuracy means colors appear true to life, making the UJ59 ideal for photo, video and graphics applications
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SEAMLESS UPSCALING: Samsung’s UHD upscaling technology includes signal analysis and detail enhancement that seamlessly upconverts SD, HD and Full HD content to near UHD-level picture quality
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WIDESCREEN 4K GAMING: With 8.3 million pixels supporting a wide range of colors and resolving every image with astonishing clarity, UHD gives you a wider view for a truly thrilling and immersive gaming experience
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SMOOTHER GAMEPLAY: AMD FreeSync synchronizes the refresh rate of your graphics card & monitor to reduce image tear & stutter; Low Input Lag Mode minimizes the delay between mouse, keyboard or joystick input and onscreen response for smooth gaming
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Rating is 4.8 out of 5
CRUA 32" 4K Gaming Monitor, IPS UHD(3840 * 2160P) 144Hz Monitors, Computer Monitor Support FreeSync, HDR, DCI-P3 97%, 1.07B Color Depth, with HDMI 2.1/DP 1.4 and Built-in Speaker, Support Wall- Black
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CRUA 4K Monitor: CRUA 32-inch monitor IPS panel with a 4K image quality, HDR(You need to turn on HDR in the menu and HDR in the display settings at the same time for the HDR to work properly.), DCI-P3 97% wide color gamut, 1.07B (8-bit + Hi-FRC) color depth, 360 cd/m² brightness, and 1000:1 contrast allow you to enjoy the beauty of colors on the big screen for more accurate, lifelike color gradients
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144Hz Rapid Gaming Experience: 32inch pc monitor combines a refresh rate of 144Hz, and FreeSync technology synchronization, so gamers enjoy smooth video and seamless on-the-spot movement through their fast-moving games. Effectively prevent tearing (image shift) and freezing (screen capture) for clear video playback and provide incredible image quality. Tip: HDMI cable supports up to 100Hz refresh rate, and DP cable supports up to 144Hz refresh rate
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Flexible Connectivity: 32 inch monitor offers a range of connectivity options to suit your needs. With 2xHDMI 2.1 ports, 2xDisplayPort 1.4 ports, and a 3.5mm audio port, and equipped with built-in speakers, it effortlessly connects to laptops, computers, and gaming consoles. for an immersive gaming experience. Enjoy the convenience of flexible connectivity and dive into endless gaming fun
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Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Sceptre 34-Inch Curved Ultrawide WQHD Monitor 3440 x 1440 R1500 up to 165Hz DisplayPort x2 99% sRGB 1ms Picture by Picture, Machine Black 2023 (C345B-QUT168)
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1ms MPRT: Colors fade and illuminate instantly with a 1ms response time, eliminating ghosting and piecing together precise imagery during action-packed scenes and gaming.
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Luminous Backcover Lights: A colorful LED light illuminates the back cover of the monitor, delivering a uniquely modern design.
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WQHD Resolution: At 5 million pixels, Wide Quad HD Resolution (3440 x 1440) display resolution provides you with the next level of refined, and detailed picture over the current 1080P standard.
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Rating is 4.6 out of 5
LG 27US500-W Ultrafine Monitor 27-Inch 4K UHD (3840x2160) HDR10 IPS Borderless Design Reader Mode Flicker Safe Switch App HDMI DisplayPort - White
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4K UHD with 1000:1 Contrast Ratio - This UltraFine display with a 1000:1 contrast ratio displays deeper blacks and vivid colors in UHD clarity. With wide viewing angles, it gives creative professionals the ability to view and work with highly-detailed, digital imagery.
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4K HDR10 DCI-P3 - Explore HDR10 content the way it was meant to be seen with up to 90% DCI-P3 color gamut expression—an elevated color spectrum that brings brilliant color to life.
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Onscreen Control - You can customize the workspace by splitting the display or adjusting basic monitor options with just a few mouse clicks.
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Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Sceptre 4K IPS 27" 3840 x 2160 UHD Monitor up to 70Hz DisplayPort HDMI 99% sRGB Build-in Speakers, Black 2021 (U275W-UPT)
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Superior 4K Picture: Delivering 4x the pixels (8 million) of FHD, 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution offers an extraordinary landscape of color variation, contrast, and clarity that mirrors the real world.Mounting Type: Wall Mount
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Viewing Angle is 178° (H) / 178° (V); Aspect Ratio is 16:9
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IPS Panel: The IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel cannot be beat when it comes to consistently delivering top color performance & sharp visibility from multiple viewing angles.
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up to 70Hz Refresh Rate: With 75Hz refresh rate, images change faster and smoother than the standard, reducing screen tearing
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350 Brightness: Detect impressively subtle & robust color variations with 350 cd/m² brightness.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
ASUS ROG Swift 32” 4K OLED Gaming Monitor (PG32UCDM) - UHD (3840 x 2160), QD-OLED, 240Hz, 0.03ms, G-SYNC Compatible, Custom Heatsink, Graphene Film, 99% DCI-P3, True 10-bit, 90W USB-C
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32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) QD-OLED gaming monitor with 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.03 ms (GTG) response time for immersive gaming
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Highly efficient custom heatsink, advanced airflow design, and graphene film for better heat management to reduce the risk of burn-in
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VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black compliance, 99% DCI-P3 gamut, true 10-bit, and Delta E < 2 color difference for astonishing HDR performance
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Optional uniform brightness setting ensures consistent luminance levels
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Rating is 4.3 out of 5
ViewSonic VX3276-4K-MHD 32 Inch 4K UHD Monitor with Ultra-Thin Bezels, HDR10 HDMI and DisplayPort for Home and Office
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VERSATILE MONITOR: 32 Inch 4K UHD (3840x2160p) MVA monitor with thin bezels and 60Hz refresh rate
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HDR10 CONTENT SUPPORT: For deep contrast, rich color, and vibrant details
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ENHANCED VIEWING COMFORT: Flicker-Free technology and Blue Light Filter for reduced eye fatigue
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Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Dell S2721QS Monitor 27 Inch, 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Display, Ultra-Thin Bezel, AMD FreeSync, HDMI, DisplayPort, VESA Certified - Silver
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IMMERSIVE DISPLAY: Experience stunning 4K UHD with a three-sided ultrathin bezel design, providing immersive viewing with 4 times the resolution of Full HD. Supports HDR content playback for a lifelike visual experience.Specific uses for product - Gaming.Pixel Per Inch : 163. Brightness : 350 cd/m².Horizontal Viewing Angle : 178°. Vertical Viewing Angle : 178°
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ELEGENT DESIGN: The back side of this monitor features a subtle textured pattern that gives it a unique look. It brings the feeling of a harmonious blend of great style and quality into every living space.
What is the best 4K monitor for video editing?
Choosing the best 4K monitor for video editing depends on several factors, including color accuracy, size, panel type, and budget. As of my last update, here are some top contenders often recommended by professionals for video editing:
- Dell UltraSharp U2720Q: This 27-inch monitor features excellent color accuracy with 99% sRGB coverage and 95% DCI-P3, making it a solid choice for video editing. Its factory calibration ensures that you get accurate colors right out of the box.
- LG 27UK850-W: Offering a 27-inch screen with USB-C connectivity, this monitor is praised for its vibrant colors and good HDR performance. The IPS panel provides wide viewing angles, which is crucial for editing work.
- ASUS ProArt PA32UCX: This is a high-end option, featuring a mini-LED backlight and excellent HDR support with its wide color gamut and high brightness. It's aimed at professionals who need top-tier color accuracy.
- BenQ PD3220U: Known for its factory-calibrated color accuracy and Thunderbolt 3 support, this large 32-inch monitor is perfect for professionals who require precision in their video editing projects.
- EIZO ColorEdge CG319X: This model is more expensive but provides top-notch color accuracy, a wide color gamut, and features like built-in calibration for maintaining precise color settings over time.
When choosing a monitor, consider the types of video editing projects you work on, whether HDR support is crucial, the importance of connectivity options like Thunderbolt or USB-C, and your budget. Always check the latest reviews and consumer feedback, as model specifications and availability can evolve.
How does ambient lighting affect monitor use?
Ambient lighting can significantly impact monitor use and the overall viewing experience. Here are several ways in which it affects monitor use:
- Glare and Reflections: Strong ambient lighting, especially from windows or overhead lights, can cause glare on the monitor screen. This can make it difficult to see the display clearly and can lead to eye strain as users try to distinguish the content on the screen.
- Contrast and Brightness Perception: The level of ambient light can alter the perceived contrast and brightness of a monitor. In a brightly lit environment, the monitor can appear dimmer, prompting users to increase the monitor's brightness, which can lead to increased energy consumption and potential eye strain over long periods.
- Color Accuracy: Ambient light affects how colors are perceived on a screen. Professional work that requires color accuracy—such as graphic design, photography, or video editing—might require controlled lighting conditions to ensure that colors are represented as intended.
- Eye Comfort: Proper ambient lighting can reduce the strain on the eyes while using a monitor. Lowering the contrast between the screen brightness and the surrounding environment can help prevent eye fatigue. Optimal ambient lighting involves balanced lighting that’s neither too dim nor too bright.
- Automatic Adjustments: Some monitors come with sensors that automatically adjust brightness and color temperature based on ambient light levels. This feature helps to maintain optimal viewing conditions as ambient lighting changes throughout the day.
- Circadian Rhythm: The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt circadian rhythms, particularly if used in dim lighting conditions at night. Ambient lighting can help mitigate this by reducing the contrast between the screen and surrounding environment, although many devices now offer features that reduce blue light emissions in the evenings.
- Productivity and Mood: Pleasant and well-balanced ambient lighting can improve mood and productivity, creating a comfortable environment for longer work or gaming sessions.
To optimize ambient lighting for monitor use, it's generally recommended to position monitors away from direct light sources, use blinds or curtains to control natural light, and incorporate adjustable artificial lighting to maintain consistent conditions.
What is the ideal brightness level for editing?
The ideal brightness level for editing can vary depending on several factors, including the type of editing you're doing (such as photo, video, or graphic design), the ambient lighting of your workspace, and your personal preferences. However, here are some general recommendations:
- Monitor Calibration: Ensure your monitor is calibrated. Proper calibration will display colors correctly and allow you to make accurate adjustments. Calibration devices such as the X-Rite i1Display or Datacolor Spyder can help achieve this.
- Brightness Setting: A common recommendation is to set your monitor's brightness between 80 and 120 cd/m² (candelas per square meter) for photo and video editing. This range helps balance the display brightness with typical ambient lighting conditions, reducing eye strain and providing a more accurate view of your content.
- Ambient Lighting: Ideally, your workspace should have controlled, neutral lighting. Try to avoid direct sunlight or harsh artificial lights hitting your screen, as these can cause glare and color distortion. A dimmer, consistently lit environment with daylight-balanced bulbs is often preferred.
- Consistency: Ensure you edit under the same lighting conditions each time. Variations in ambient light can affect your perception of brightness and color on the screen.
- Personal Comfort: While an objective brightness setting can enhance accuracy, your personal comfort is also important. If a certain brightness level causes eye strain or discomfort over long periods, adjust accordingly.
- Check Outputs: Finally, it's always a good idea to check your work on multiple devices or in print to ensure it looks good across different platforms and lighting conditions.
Adjustments should always be made in context with your specific environment and editing goals.
