10 Best Monitors for Photo Editing Under $500 – NEW 2023

If you’re a photographer or designer, you’re going to need a good monitor. Unfortunately, the best monitors for photo editing aren’t necessarily cheap.

Fortunately, there are still some excellent options under $500 that will help your photos look their best without breaking the bank.

We’ve gathered 10 of the best monitors for photo editing under $500 including both 1440p and 4K options, so you can make an informed decision about what’s right for your workflow.

Choosing a monitor for photo editing can be overwhelming. There are so many options, and it is hard to know which one will work best for you.

Is it worth buying a monitor for photo editing under $500?

Yes. Even if you are just starting out with photo editing, it is worth buying a relatively cheap monitor for photo editing, as it will help you be more productive when working on photos or videos.

You can always upgrade later down the road to get higher quality features, but having a good enough photo editing monitor, in the beginning, will help save money in the long run. We hope this buying guide has helped you in making a decision on which monitor to buy for your photo editing needs.

What can we expect from a monitor for photo editing under $500?

We expect a monitor for photo editing under $500 to have a good resolution, along with features such as IPS panels and a fast response time. It is also important to check the compatibility of the monitor with your current system. A monitor for photo editing under $500 is usually compatible with most systems, so there should be no problems there.

A final thing to consider is the brand of the monitor. Some brands are better than others when it comes to photo editing monitors.

If you have a preferred brand when it comes to photo editing, then you can start your search from there. Otherwise, look at the features of the monitor and compare them against your price range to determine which one will be the best for your needs.

In a Hurry? Quick Buy

Editor’s Pick

HP 24mh FHD Monitor

  • Outstanding Visuals
  • More Screen, Less Space
  • Micro-edge Display
  • Built-in Speakers
  • Low Blue Light

The HP ‎24mh is a budget-friendly 23.8-inch IPS monitor that is perfect for photo editing and other general uses. It features a Full HD 1920 by 1080 display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and anti-glare coating.

Best Monitors For Photo Editing Under $500 – Our Top 10 Picks for 2022

ImageProductResolutionPrice
HP 24mh FHD Monitor

HP 24mh FHD Monitor

  • 1920×1080
Price
Philips Brilliance 279P1 27"

Philips Brilliance 279P1 27″

  • 3840×2160
Price
BenQ 24 Inch IPS Monitor

BenQ 24 Inch IPS Monitor

  • 1920×1080
Price
Philips 276E9QDSB 27"

Philips 276E9QDSB 27″

  • 1920×1080
Price
LG 27UL500-W 27-Inch UHD

LG 27UL500-W 27-Inch UHD

  • 3840×2160
Price
ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q 28”

ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q 28”

  • 3840×2160
Price
LG 27UL650-W Monitor 27"

LG 27UL650-W Monitor 27″

  • 3840×2160
Price
BenQ PD2700Q 27 inch

BenQ PD2700Q 27 inch

  • 2560×1440
Price
ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27”

ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27”

  • 2560×1440
Price
LG 27UK850-W 27"

LG 27UK850-W 27″

  • 3840×2160
Price

We have tested the top 10 monitors on the market and come up with this list of recommendations based on our findings. In this article, we will review each product individually so that you can find the right monitor for your needs.

HP 24mh FHD Monitor

23.8-Inch IPS Display

  • Outstanding Visuals
  • More Screen, Less Space
  • Micro-edge Display
  • Built-in Speakers
  • Low Blue Light

The HP ‎24mh is a budget-friendly 23.8-inch IPS monitor that is perfect for photo editing and other general uses. It features a Full HD 1920 by 1080 display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and anti-glare coating.

It has an adjustable stand that allows you to easily position the monitor for optimal viewing. The HP ‎24mh has built-in speakers, which are great if you don’t have your own.

We love the VGA and HDMI connectivity options, which make it easy to connect to a variety of devices. The HP ‎24mh also has a 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angle, so you can easily share your screen with others.

During testing, we noticed that the HP 24Mh provides good color accuracy and good viewing angles.

Micro-edge display is another feature that we particularly like about this monitor, which helps you to focus on your work by providing a minimal frame around the display.

All in all, the HP ‎24mh is a great budget-friendly option for photo editing and other general uses.

Pros

  • Built-in speakers
  • Full HD display with anti-glare coating
  • VGA and HDMI connectivity
  • Adjustable stand
  • 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles

Cons

  • No USB ports

Philips Brilliance 279P1 27″

71d543KGAZL. AC SL1181

Frameless Monitor, 4K UHD IPS

  • Philips Brilliance P-Line 27″ LCD monitor with UltraClear 4K UHD 3840×2160 resolution and IPS panel for wide-viewing angles and full colors.
  • Power Efficient
  • Multiple Outputs
  • True-to-life Colors

We love the Philips Brilliance 272P7VUBNB because it delivers great 4K image quality without breaking the bank. It has an UltraClear 3840 x 2160 resolution that is great for photo editing and other uses. The monitor has a sleek, modern design and comes with a smart ergonomic stand that makes it easy to adjust the monitor to your liking.

We also like that this monitor has VESA mount compatibility, which is great if you want to use your own stand or mount. The model also has a USB-C port, which is great because you can charge your laptop and other devices through the monitor.

Moreover, color accuracy is great on this monitor, which is an essential feature for photo editing. Viewing angles are also solid and the monitor produces vivid colors that look good when viewing both photos and videos.

The monitor is easy to set up and it has a power-saving mode that reduces blue light, flicker-free technology, and also has an auto-brightness feature. The only downside to this monitor is that it doesn’t have built-in speakers, but if you’re looking for a monitor that delivers great image quality at an affordable price, then this is definitely the monitor for you.

Pros

  • Great 4K image quality
  • Sleek and modern design
  • Smart ergonomic stand
  • VESA mount compatible

Cons

  • No built-in speakers

BenQ 24 Inch IPS Monitor

71BuyRgSzdL. AC SL1280

Proprietary Eye-Care Tech

  • Wide viewing angle
  • Edge to edge slim bezel design
  • Integrated cable management system
  • Connectivity technology

The BenQ 24 Inch IPS Monitor is perfect for photo editing. With its wide viewing angle, you can see the image clearly from any angle. The edge-to-edge slim bezel design makes the monitor look sleek and elegant, while the patented Eye-Care technology ensures that your eyes will be fatigue-free after extended use.

The integrated cable management system keeps all of your cables tidy and organized. And with connectivity technology, you can easily connect to all of your devices.

Our favorite feature of the BenQ 24 Inch IPS Monitor is its superior image quality, which makes it great for photo editing. Displaying crisp images and accurate colors is possible with the monitor’s Full HD 1080P IPS panel. Additionally, the monitor has an anti-glare coating, making it ideal for photo editing in a wide range of lighting conditions.

So if you’re looking for a monitor with a large screen, superior image quality, and sleek design, then the BenQ 24 Inch IPS Monitor is a great option.

Pros

  • Full HD 1080P display
  • Ultra-thin bezel design
  • Integrated cable management
  • Wide viewing angle
  • Certified by TUV for Low Blue Light

Cons

  • No 4K resolution

Philips 276E9QDSB 27″

81Hs YIseFL. AC SL1500

Frameless Monitor

  • IPS panel for wide-viewing angles and full colors
  • Philip Ultra Wide-Color technology with 124% sRGB & 93% NTSC color gamut coverage
  • Free Sync technology provides fluid, artifact-free gaming performance

The Philips 276E9QDSB 27-inch monitor is perfect for photo editing. With its large 27-inch display, you can see the photo more clearly. The IPS panel is great for color accuracy and it has an anti-glare coating that makes it great for use in a wide range of lighting conditions.

Having a high pixel density means you won’t have to worry about fuzzy images with this Philips monitor. Plus, the monitor has great color accuracy, so your photos will look amazing when you’re done editing them.

The monitor also has a 4-year advance replacement warranty, so you can rest assured that your monitor will be protected. And with FreeSync 75Hz, you can play games without experiencing any choppy images and jumpy motions.

Thus, if you’re looking for a monitor that’s great for photo editing, then this monitor is a great option.

Pros

  • IPS panel for great image quality
  • 75Hz refresh rate
  • Comes with the 4-year advance replacement warranty

Cons

  • No 4K resolution
  • Some users have reported image flickering issues.

LG 27UL500-W 27-Inch UHD

61pI7loWpZS. AC SL1339

Radeon Freesync Technology and HDR10

  • 27 inches UHD (3840 X 2160) IPS display
  • SRGB 98 percent color gamut.Viewing Angle:178º(R/L), 178º(U/D)
  • Radeon free sync technology
  • HDR10 Compatible. Dimensions without stand (WxHxD)-24.5 x 14.6 x 2.9 inches
  • On Screen Control; Brightness:300cd (typ) 240cd (Min)

This product is a great monitor for photo editing. It has a fast response time and the colors are very accurate. The on-screen controls are easy to use and navigate, making it simple to adjust settings without having to go into the menu system. The design is modern-looking and sleek, and it takes up very little space on your desk.

The viewing angle is good, but it’s not as good as some of the other products on the list. The brightness level is very impressive and it’s easy to see the image in any lighting condition.

The product provides you with a variety of different ports, so you can connect your laptop, phone, etc. The product is user-friendly and easy to use.

The product is a TN panel, so the viewing angle isn’t as good as other products on this list. The product doesn’t have USB ports or speakers either.

Overall, this is a great product for photo editing. It has an excellent response time and the picture quality is amazing. And with AMD free sync, you won’t have to deal with any choppy images or jumpy motions.

Pros

  • 4K UHD
  • HDR10 compatibility
  • Advanced VRB tech
  • Affordable
  • Good quality

Cons

  • No DisplayPort
  • Some users have reported image flickering issues.

ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q 28”

81QGVpQeouL. AC SL1500

HDR Gaming Monitor 4K

  • 28-inch 4K (3840×2160) IPS DCI-P3 grade gaming monitor for stunning crisp and detailed visuals
  • Compatible with industry-standard HDR10 high dynamic range
  • AMD FreeSync technology to eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates

This product is a great monitor for photo editing. It has a fast response time and the colors are very accurate. The on-screen controls are easy to use and navigate, making it simple to adjust settings without having to go into the menu system. The design is modern-looking and sleek, and it takes up very little space on your desk.

In comparison with some of the other products on this list, this one has a good viewing angle. The brightness level is very impressive and it’s easy to see the image in any lighting condition.

You can connect a variety of devices to the product, including your laptop, phone, etc. The product is user-friendly and easy to use.

The product is a TN panel, so the viewing angle isn’t as good as other products on this list. The product doesn’t have USB ports or speakers either.

Photo editing is made easier with this monitor. It has a great response time and the picture quality is amazing. And with AMD free sync, you won’t have to deal with any choppy images or jumpy motions.

We loved using this monitor for photo editing. It has bright, vibrant colors and it’s one of the best monitors for gaming too. The price is very affordable and you won’t have to break the bank.

Therefore we love to suggest this monitor for photo editing and gaming because we know you will love it too.

Pros

  • Portrait mode for creative workflows
  • Ergonomic design
  • Flicker-free technology
  • Flexible connectivity options

Cons

  • Some users have reported image flickering issues

LG 27UL650-W Monitor 27″

51JMV4RZgtL. AC SL1500

4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Display

  • 27 inch UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS display
  • VESA DisplayHDR 400
  • sRGB 99 percent Color Gamut
  • 3 Side Virtually Borderless Display
  • Radeon FreeSync
  • Stand Height Max. 110.0 mm
  • 60 hertz

The LG 27UL650-W is a 27-inch 4k UHD monitor that’s ideal for both entertainment and productivity. It features an IPS panel that delivers great picture quality with vibrant colors and wide 178º viewing angles. The UHD resolution is four times higher than Full HD displays, so you can enjoy crisp detail and vivid textures in all your applications, movies, and games.

The monitor is also equipped with a 5ms GTG response time and a 60Hz refresh rate, so you can enjoy smooth visuals without any motion blur. AMD Radeon FreeSync technology helps to eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates, while HDR10 compatibility delivers brighter colors and deeper contrast. On-Screen Control puts all the settings at your fingertips, and the sleek design with ultra-slim bezels is perfect for any desktop.

The LG 27UL650-W is a great 4K UHD monitor that comes with all the features you need to enjoy your entertainment, work, and play. It’s designed with IPS technology for great picture quality and color accuracy, and it has a 5ms GTG response time and 60Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.

AMD Radeon FreeSync technology ensures smooth gameplay, and HDR10 compatibility delivers brighter colors and deeper contrast. Plus, On-Screen Control puts all the settings at your fingertips. We highly recommend this monitor to anyone in the market for a versatile and affordable 27-inch UHD display.

Pros

  • IPS panel for great picture quality
  • 178º viewing angles
  • Affordable in price
  • 4k monitor

Cons

  • No built-in speakers
  • Only HDMI Input

BenQ PD2700Q 27 inch

81rXILFON+L. AC SL1500

AQCOLOR Technology for Accurate Reproduction

  • DualView Function
  • Display Pilot Software for Customized Monitor Settings.
  • Eye Care Technology with Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free

The BenQ PD2700Q monitor is designed for photo editing and other creative work. It features a 27-inch IPS panel with 2560×1440 resolution that delivers high-quality images with sharp details.

The 100% sRGB color gamut allows you to edit photos and design images according to industry standards, while the 178° viewing angles provide a clear image from all sides.

The monitor features an 8-bit + A-FRC panel for accurate color reproduction, and the AQCOLOR technology ensures consistent color accuracy from all viewing angles.

We loved using this monitor for photo editing, design work, and watching movies. The sleek modern design is easy on the eyes, and the picture quality is excellent. We also liked the dual view functionality that lets you display two different inputs at once, which is great for productivity.

Another great feature of this monitor is the Display Pilot Software. This software allows you to customize all your monitor settings, including color calibration and LED backlight adjustments.

If we talk about its built-in speaker, it is well designed, the right size, and good enough for day-to-day activities. For music lovers, there are other better options available but this will do the job for them.

The BenQ is a 27-inch QHD monitor that delivers great color accuracy and viewing angles. It features 100% sRGB coverage for accurate colors and reproductions, and AQCOLOR technology ensures consistent and accurate colors across different applications and media. The monitor also has a 6ms GTG response time and a 60Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.

In addition to its features that shield your eyes during prolonged viewing, this monitor is designed specifically for people who spend a lot of time in front of their computers. The monitor has flicker-free technology and a blue light filter for less eye strain, and its height-adjustable stand provides optimal comfort and ergonomics.

The PD2700Q also comes with Display Pilot software for customized settings and a dual view function that lets you split the screen into two different viewing areas.

If you are looking for an IPS monitor for photo editing or if you work with color, this will be a good option.

Pros

  • QHD Resolution
  • IPS Panel
  • 100% sRGB coverage
  • Built-in speakers

Cons

  • No USB ports
  • The monitor stand is not adjustable

ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27”

811u1mXz8EL. AC SL1500

Calman Verified, Eye Care, Anti-glare, Tilt Pivot Swivel Height Adjustable

  • Calman Verified with factory calibration for excellent Delta E < 2 color accuracy
  • ASUS-exclusive ProArt Preset and ProArt Palette provide numerous adjustable color parameters
  • Extensive connectivity for maximum flexibility, including Mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort, HDMI, dual-link DVI-D, audio in and earphone jack, plus four USB 3.0 ports

ASUS ProArt PA248Q delivers exquisite color accuracy and crystal-clear images thanks to its 100% sRGB coverage, a wide color gamut backlight IPS panel with low blue light technology. It also has ergonomics that reduce eye strain during long hours of operation.

For the serious photographer or professional graphic artist who needs a display for photo editing, ProArt PA248Q is the ideal choice. It’s built around an advanced IPS panel that provides accurate colors and consistent contrast at all viewing angles — ideal for photographers retouching their own photos.

The monitor is well designed, its stand provides good ergonomics, and the overall feel is very solid. The Asus ProArt PA248Q monitor is compatible with three-monitor setups.

The heavy-duty stand has no problems supporting the heaviest of equipment, and it’s adjustable to fit any viewing angle or height. The monitor also comes with a Kensington Lock to secure it to your desk.

There are plenty of connectivity options on the ProArt PA248Q, including DisplayPort, Mini DP, HDMI, and DVI. There are also four USB 3.0 ports and an SD card reader.

This monitor is perfect for professional use and delivers great color accuracy.

Pros

  • 100% sRGB coverage
  • IPS monitor with low blue light technology
  • Extremely accurate colors
  • Solid design and ergonomics

Cons

  • No USB

LG 27UK850-W 27″

718ICn8vZTL. AC SL1000

4K UHD IPS Monitor with HDR10

  • 27 inch 4k UHD resolution (3840 X 2160) IPS display
  • HDR 10 Compatibility
  • Response time 5ms / Refresh rate 60Hz / Contrast ratio 1000:1
  • USB Type-C connectivity and sRGB 99% color gamut
  • AMD Free sync technology
  • 3-Side Virtually borderless design

The LG 27UK850-W is an excellent monitor for photo editing. This 4k UHD IPS Monitor with HDR10 provides a wide range of color accuracy, making it easy to edit photos on the screen. It comes with USB Type-C Connectivity and AMD FreeSync technology that allows you to connect your computer or laptop easily.

Its response time is 5ms, allowing you to enjoy smooth motion without any blur. The 3-Side Virtually borderless design makes it look good on any desk or tabletop while the sRGB color gamut provides a rich set of colors.

It also comes with a lot of connectivity options, which include Display Port 1.4 and 2 USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI 2.0b port, so you can connect your monitor to different devices easily.

There are different angles from which you can view the display, thanks to the height-adjustable stand and 178° wide viewing angle of the IPS panel, so you can get the best viewing angle.

LG 27UK850-W is a monitor with a great design and a 4k UHD IPS screen that makes it easy to edit photos on the go. With HDR10 and AMD Free Sync, you can enjoy a smooth gaming experience with no lag or image tearing. It also comes with a USB Type-C port and a great design.

Furthermore, LG provides a 1-year warranty and 24/7 customer service for this product.

Pros

  • 4k UHD IPS Monitor
  • USB Type-C Connectivity
  • AMD Free Sync technology
  • Great design
  • HDR10

Cons

  • No G-Sync

How To Choose Best Monitors For Photo Editing Under $500?

There are many best monitors for photo editing under $500 available in the market. But to get the right one is somewhat difficult because there are so many features and specifications to consider.

Type of Panel

One of the most important factors to look for is the type of panel that the monitor has. Monitors with IPS panels tend to have better viewing angles and color accuracy than those with TN panels.

Resolution

Another factor to consider is the resolution of the monitor. A higher resolution means you can view more details on the screen, allowing you to edit photos with ease.

Response time

The response time of the monitor is also important, as it determines how smooth the motion will be on the screen. Monitors with a response time of 5ms or less are best if you want to play games on them.

Compatibility

Lastly, make sure the connectivity of the monitor is compatible with your computer or laptop’s graphics card. Most good monitors for photo editing come with multiple ports that you can use to connect to other devices.

The above are some of the factors to consider when buying a monitor for photo editing. It’s best to look at the key features of each monitor to determine which one will suit your needs.

Final Thoughts

Conclusion paragraph: With so many monitors available for under $500, it can be difficult to find the perfect one.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best monitors that will work well with photo editing projects. Keep in mind that what works best for someone else may not be the best for you, so be sure to consider the factors we mentioned before making your purchase.

Thank you for reading! We hope this article has helped you in finding the best monitor for your photo editing needs. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section below.

FAQs

  1. What kind of monitor is best for photo editing?

    The best monitor for photo editing is one that has an IPS panel with a native resolution of at least 1080p for its screen size. It should also have a response time of 5ms or less for smooth motion. The monitor should also come with multiple ports for connectivity.

  2. Do I need 4K for photo editing?

    No. You do not need a 4k monitor for photo editing, as higher resolutions are mainly useful when working on videos and motion graphics.

  3. What is the best monitor for photo editing software?

    There aren’t any specific monitors that are recommended if you use Photoshop or Lightroom. However, keep in mind that most photo editing software requires high color accuracy and a wide viewing angle.

  4. Is a curved monitor better for photo editing?

    Curved monitors are great for photo editing because they provide an immersive viewing experience. Their curved design also makes it easier to track your subject when editing photos. However, they can be more expensive than regular flat monitors.

  5. What kind of monitor is best for photo editing?

    The best monitor for photo editing is one that has a high resolution and color accuracy. It should also have an IPS panel for better viewing angles, and a response time of less than 5ms for smooth motion. In addition, it should come with multiple ports for connectivity.

  6. Is 1080p enough for photo editing?

    No, 1080p is not enough for photo editing. A higher resolution such as 1440p or 4k is better because it allows you to view more details such as textures and shadows.

Sayan Dutta
Sayan Dutta

I am glad you came over here. So, you want to know a little bit about me. I am a passionate digital marketer, blogger, and engineer. I have knowledge & experience in search engine optimization, digital analytics, google algorithms, and many other things.

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