Best 4K Monitors for Photo and Video Editing to Buy in October 2025
Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor - S2725QS - 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) 120Hz 16:9 Display, IPS Panel, AMD FreeSync Premium, sRGB 99%, Integrated Speakers, 1500:1 Contrast Ratio, Comfortview Plus - Ash White
- ALL-DAY COMFORT: ENJOY REDUCED BLUE LIGHT FOR EYE COMFORT WITHOUT COLOR LOSS.
- SMOOTH PERFORMANCE: EXPERIENCE TEAR-FREE VISUALS WITH 120HZ REFRESH RATE.
- VIBRANT 4K COLORS: IMMERSE IN STUNNING VISUALS WITH 99% SRGB COLOR COVERAGE.
Sceptre New IPS 27-inch 4K Monitor 3840 x 2160 up to 70Hz Build-in Speakers 2025
- STUNNING 4K UHD RESOLUTION FOR CRYSTAL-CLEAR VISUALS.
- 99% SRGB COLOR ACCURACY FOR VIBRANT AND TRUE-TO-LIFE IMAGES.
- SLEEK EDGELESS DESIGN ENHANCES ANY WORKSPACE WITH STYLE.
LG 27US500-W Ultrafine Monitor 27-Inch 4K UHD (3840x2160) HDR10 IPS Borderless Design Reader Mode Flicker Safe Switch App HDMI DisplayPort - White
- STUNNING 4K UHD CLARITY WITH 1000:1 CONTRAST FOR VIVID IMAGERY.
- EXPERIENCE HDR10 CONTENT WITH 90% DCI-P3 FOR BRILLIANT COLORS.
- CUSTOMIZABLE ONSCREEN CONTROLS AND ERGONOMIC STAND FOR COMFORT.
SAMSUNG 32" UJ59 Series 4K UHD (3840x2160) Computer Monitor,VA Panel, HDMI, Display Port, Eye Saver/Flicker Free Mode, FreeSync, LU32J590UQNXZA, Black
-
STUNNING UHD CLARITY: EXPERIENCE 4K VISUALS WITH 4X THE DETAIL OF FULL HD.
-
VIVID COLOR ACCURACY: ENJOY TRUE-TO-LIFE IMAGES WITH A BILLION COLOR SHADES.
-
SEAMLESS GAMING EXPERIENCE: REDUCE LAG AND STUTTER WITH AMD FREESYNC.
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
- EXPERIENCE ULTRA-SMOOTH GAMING WITH 240 HZ REFRESH RATE & 0.03 MS RESPONSE!
- ADVANCED HEAT MANAGEMENT PREVENTS BURN-IN FOR LASTING PERFORMANCE.
- STUNNING TRUE BLACK HDR & 99% DCI-P3 FOR VIBRANT, LIFELIKE COLORS!
ASUS 27” 4K Business Monitor (VA27UQSB) - UHD (3840 x 2160), IPS, Frameless, HDR10, DisplayPort, Dual HDMI, Speakers, Eye Care, Ergonomic, pivot, swivel, height adjustable, DisplayWidget, 3yr warranty
- ENJOY STUNNING 4K UHD VISUALS WITH WIDE 178° IPS VIEWING ANGLE.
- CONNECT EFFORTLESSLY WITH DUAL HDMI, DISPLAYPORT, AND USB HUB.
- ELEVATE COMFORT WITH ERGONOMIC ADJUSTMENTS AND RECEIVE ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD!
ASUS ROG Strix 27” 4K HDR400 USB-C Gaming Monitor(XG27UCS)–UHD (3840 x 2160), 160Hz, 1ms, Fast IPS,130% sRGB,Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync, G-Sync Compatible, DisplayWidget, Tripod socket, 3yr warranty
- ULTRA-FAST 160HZ REFRESH RATE FOR SEAMLESS, IMMERSIVE GAMEPLAY.
- 1MS RESPONSE TIME FOR CRYSTAL-CLEAR VISUALS IN FAST-PACED ACTION.
- ELMB SYNC ELIMINATES GHOSTING, ENSURING SHARP, VIVID GAMING SCENES.
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.
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.