The modern designer has an arsenal of tools to choose from. But some things are hard to scale like a monitor. A good monitor is an important cog in the graphic design workflow. It’s the screen on which designers create, view and manipulate their artwork. So it’s really important that you get the best budget monitor for graphic design that matches your needs.
As a graphic designer, you know that having a high-quality monitor is essential for your work. But what if you’re on a budget? Worry not there are some great monitors in the market even under budget. In this blog post, we’ll round up the best budget monitors for graphic design, so you can find the perfect one for your needs and your budget. So whether you’re looking for a 4K monitor or something more modest, read on for our top picks.
Top 10 Best budget monitors for graphic design 2022
After thorough research, we came up with a list of the best monitors for graphic designers which fit our requirements and are pocket friendly at the same time.
PRODUCT | SCREEN SIZE | REFRESH RATE | RATING | PRICE |
BenQ PD3200U | 32 Inches | 60 Hz | ||
Acer Predator XB271H | 27 Inches | 144 Hz | ||
Dell UltraSharp U2518D | 25 Inches | 60 Hz | ||
LG 32GP850-B | 32 Inches | 165 Hz | ||
ASUS VG279Q | 27 Inches | 144 Hz | ||
ASUS Designo MX27UC | 27 Inches | 50 Hz | ||
ViewSonic VP3481a | 34 Inches | 100 Hz | ||
LG 27UK850-W | 27 Inches | 60 Hz | ||
BenQ SW271 | 27 Inches | 60 Hz | ||
Asus VG245H | 24 Inches | 75 Hz |
Editor’s Choice
The Editor’s choice for the best monitors for graphic design is the well-known BenQ PD3200U. The large 32-inch screen, 4k topnotch resolution, great color accuracy and advanced technology make it the perfect budget-friendly monitor for Graphic designers.
1. BenQ PD3200U 4k Computer Monitor For Designers
BenQ PD3200U is one of the best budget monitors for graphic design. It has a large 32-inch screen with 4K resolution, making it great for working with high-resolution images and videos. It has great color accuracy, which makes it ideal for color-critical work. Additionally, it has a good range of ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB Type-C, making it easy to connect to all your devices.
The BenQ 32 Inch 4K UHD IPS Professional Factory Calibrated AQCOLOR Computer Monitor is perfect for designers who want accurate colors and a seamless user experience. With Calman-verified and Pantone-validated technology, this monitor is sure to meet your color accuracy needs.
The built-in KVM switch and HotKey Puck G2 make it easy to access content from multiple devices, while the ergonomic design allows you to customize the workspace to fit your needs. The Eye-Care technology reduces eye fatigue for optimal comfort, productivity and extended use.
2. Acer Predator XB271H 27 Inch Monitor
If you’re looking for a budget monitor for graphic design that won’t break the bank, the Acer Predator XB271H is a great option. It features a Full HD resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for fast-paced action or detailed design work. Plus, its 1ms response time ensures that you won’t miss a beat when working on time-sensitive projects.
The Acer Predator XB271HU Abmiprz 27-inch WQHD Monitor is the perfect choice for gamers and graphic designers alike. It features a 144Hz refresh rate and NVIDIA G-SYNC technology for smooth, responsive gameplay.
The WQHD resolution also delivers stunning detail and clarity, while the TN panel ensures fast response times. Plus, with VESA Standard Mount Interface support, you can easily mount the monitor on most compatible stands or walls.
3. Dell UltraSharp U2518D LED 25″ Monitor
Dell UltraSharp U2518D has an excellent 2560×1440 resolution, and its IPS panel ensures great color accuracy and viewing angles. Additionally, it comes with a USB-C port that supports power delivery, making it a great option for laptop users.
The Dell UltraSharp LED-Lit Monitor is perfect for those who want a large viewing experience with a high level of detail. The 25″ monitor has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 and a response time of 5 ms, making it perfect for gaming, watching movies, or working on graphics-intensive projects. The VESA mount compatibility means you can easily attach it to a monitor stand or mount it on the wall for even more convenience.
There are a few things to consider before buying this monitor, though. Firstly, its price tag is a bit higher than other budget options. Secondly, its stand only offers tilt adjustment, so you’ll need to buy a separate stand or mount if you want to use it at eye level. Overall, the Dell UltraSharp U2518D is a great choice for budget-minded graphic designers.
4. LG 32GP850-B IPS Gaming Monitor
The LG 32GK850F-B is a 32-inch QHD monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for graphic designers who want a large and responsive display. Plus, it has FreeSync technology to reduce screen tearing and input lag.
The LG 32GP850-B QHD Gaming Monitor with 144hz refresh rate delivers an immersive experience unlike any other. Whether you’re playing the latest first-person shooter or enjoying a new open-world adventure, this monitor’s large 32″ display and 2560 x 1440 resolution will let you see every detail of the action.
With NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium support, you can be sure that your games will look their best. And for even more immersion, the monitor’s three-sided virtually borderless display surrounds you with lifelike visuals. Plus, its height/pivot/tilt adjustable stand lets you find the perfect viewing angle for your gaming session.
Also recommended: Are gaming monitors good for graphic design?
5. ASUS VG279Q 1080P Eye Care Monitor
ASUS VG279Q is a budget-friendly option for graphic designers that offers great value for the money. It features a 27″ IPS panel with a resolution of 2560 x 1440, making it large enough for most design work. The display also has excellent color accuracy and gamma control, making it ideal for color-sensitive work. Plus, the 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make it a great choice for gaming and other demanding applications.
This 27” Full HD IPS panel display has a 1ms MPRT response time and 144Hz refresh rate, giving you smooth visuals and responsive gameplay. AMD FreeSync/Adaptive Sync technology eliminates screen tearing and choppy frame rates for even more immersive gaming.
With the exclusive GameVisual function, you can select from seven different modes to optimize visuals for different types of games. The GAME plus function gives you on-screen crosshairs and a timer, so you can keep track of your game progress. And with ASUS Eye Care technology, you can game for hours without eye fatigue.
6. ASUS Designo MX27UC Monitor
The ASUS Designo MX27UC 27” Eye Care Monitor with Adaptive Sync is the best budget 4k monitor for graphic design. Its large,178° viewing angle allows you to see clearly from anywhere in the room, and its frameless design makes it a chic addition to any decor.
The ASUS Eye Care technology with TUV Rhineland-certified flicker-free backlighting and blue light filter protect your eyes from fatigue, while the 3W x 2 stereo speakers provide rich, spacious sound. This award-winning monitor also comes with a single USB Type-C port that supports 4K video/data transmission and power delivery, making it the perfect match for devices such as the ASUS Transformer 3 Pro (T303).
7. ViewSonic VP3481a 34 Inch Curved Monitor
The ViewSonic VP3481a 34″ Curved Ultrawide Monitor is the perfect display for office work, graphic design, photography, and more. The 21:9 aspect ratio and stunning 3440x1440p resolution provide an immersive panoramic viewing experience, while the advanced color accuracy ensures lifelike colors and uniformity.
The AMD Freesync with a 100Hz refresh rate provides smooth, tear-free playback for video editors and gamers alike. The HDR10 content support delivers deeper colors and richer details for an exceptional viewing experience. Additionally, the flexible connectivity options allow you to connect to laptops, PCs, and other devices with ease.
With a sleek and modern design, the VP3481a features a modern USB Type-C port that supports 90W charging. It also has DisplayPort technology and HDMI. And in addition, HDCP 2.2 content protection is standard across all ports to provide secure 4K content playback, streaming and gaming.
8. LG 27UK850-W 4K UHD Monitor
The LG 27UK850-W 27″ 4K Monitor with HDR10 is the perfect budget display for work and play. Its 27-inch 4k UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) IPS display provides stunning image quality, while the HDR 10 compatibility ensures you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite content in stunning detail.
The USB Type-C connectivity and sRGB 99% color gamut make it easy to connect to your devices, while the AMD Free sync technology ensures smooth visuals. The 3-Side, virtually borderless design completes the package, making this an essential addition to any home setup.
It also features On-Screen Control, which puts a number of crucial monitor settings into a handy, reachable window for quick, hassle-free access while you’re working on your projects. Instead of hard buttons on the monitor, which have a habit of breaking now and then, Volume, brightness, picture mode presets, Screen Split 2.0 and Dual Controller and more can now be adjusted manually by the mouse.
9. BenQ SW271 Photo & Video Editing Monitor
BenQ SW271C 27 Inch Monitor is the perfect tool for photographers and videographers who demand the highest color accuracy from their monitor. With 99% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB/Rec. 709, DCI-P3/Display P3 and 10-bit Color, this monitor can reproduce accurate colors, so you can trust what you see on screen. The 16 bit 3D lookup table (LUT) improves color blending for precise color reproduction, while AQCOLOR Technology reproduced accurate colors on professional monitors.
The USB Type-C connectivity port offers future-proof optimal convenience and efficiency for seamless audiovisual and data transmission. It also supports power delivery of up to 60 W! This monitor by BenQ saves you the hassle of repetitive checking and resetting, as it has the Paper color sync, which is a BenQ proprietary technology to simulate the photo printing results.
10. Asus VG245H 24 Inch Monitor
The ASUS VG245HE 24″ Monitor is the best budget monitor for gamers and designers who want a smooth and immersive experience. With a 1ms response time, GameFast Input Technology, and dual HDMI ports, this monitor provides a lag-free gaming experience. The Eye Care technology with a flicker-free and blue light filter protect your eyes from fatigue during long gaming sessions.
The built-in stereo speakers provide clear and engaging sound without the need for external speakers. Plus, the exclusive GameVisual & GamePlus functions enhance color performance and control.
The FreeSync technology of this monitor produces an output of 75 Hz refresh rate for a tear-free experience while you’re working on your design projects, staring for long hours at the screen. This Adaptive-Sync technology is a must-have nowadays if you’re looking for a monitor designed for graphic designers.
Buying guide for the best budget monitor for graphic designers
When it comes to monitors for graphic design, there are a few things you need to take into account. Some factors include resolution, the size of the monitor, the type of panel, and the features offered.
Resolution
The most important is the resolution, as this will determine how clear and detailed your work will appear. Resolution is key when choosing a graphic design monitor. You’ll want to make sure that the monitor has a high enough resolution to display your work clearly and in detail.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a monitor with at least Full HD (1920×1080) resolution. However, if you can afford it, we recommend opting for a 4K (3840×2160) monitor. Not only will this provide you with an incredibly clear image, but it will also future-proof your purchase.
Monitor size
The size of the monitor is another thing to consider as a graphic designer. If you’re working on smaller projects or don’t have a lot of desk space, then a smaller monitor might be more suitable for you. However, if you’re working on larger projects or need more screen real estate, then a larger monitor is probably what you need. In general, we recommend opting for at least a 27-inch monitor.
Panel type
Most monitors use either an IPS or TN panel. IPS panels provide better color accuracy and viewing angles than TN panels, but they’re also more expensive. If color accuracy is important to you, then an IPS panel is worth the extra cost. Otherwise, a TN panel should be sufficient.
Response time
Response time measures how quickly your monitor can change from one color to another. For graphics design, you’ll want a low response time so that there’s no ghosting or blurring when you edit photos or create new designs.
Monitor design
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all monitor design. Think about how you use your monitor now – do you need something that can rotate between horizontal and vertical positions? What about a design with very little surrounding frame, so you can take full advantage of the screen?
Connectivity options
The best budget monitors for graphic design have plenty of connection points for your other tools. A few must-have connectivity options are HDMI, USB, and even a headphone jack. Consider how many extra peripherals you’ll need to attach to your monitor when making your purchase to ensure that it will work with all the tools you already own.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best budget monitors for graphic design?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best budget monitor for graphic design will vary depending on your specific needs and budget. However, we’ve compiled a list of some great budget monitors that should be suitable for most graphic designers.
What are the main things to look for in a monitor for graphic design?
When choosing a monitor for graphic design, there are several key factors to consider. Resolution and size are important considerations, as you’ll want a monitor that can display your designs in high resolution. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure the monitor has good color reproduction and viewing angles.
How do I know what resolution I need for graphic designing?
The resolution you need depends on the types of projects you’ll be working on. If you’ll be working with high-resolution images or video, you’ll need a monitor with a high resolution. However, if you’re just starting out or working on smaller projects, a lower resolution will suffice.
What is the difference between an IPS and TN panel?
IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels offer better color reproduction and wider viewing angles than TN (Twisted Nematic) panels. However, TN panels have faster response times, which can be important for gamers or designers who work with fast-moving images.
What is the importance of viewing angles with a monitor?
Viewing angles are important for monitors because they affect how easily you can see the screen. If you are working on a detailed graphic design project, you will need to be able to see the screen clearly from all angles in order to make sure that your work is accurate. budget monitors usually have wider viewing angles than more expensive models, so they are a good option for graphic designers who want to save money.
Why are curved monitors better for graphic design?
There are a few reasons why curved monitors tend to be better for the graphic design than flat monitors. First, the curved display helps to eliminate distractions and glare from the sides of the screen. Second, the curve also provides a wider field of view, which can be helpful when working with large files or multiple monitors. Finally, the curve can help to reduce eye strain, which is important when working for long periods of time.
Check More: LCD Vs LED Monitor For Graphic Design
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best budget monitors for graphic design, there are a few things you need to take into account. Make sure to consider the resolution, size, and Refresh rate that you need before making your final decision.
With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to look for a good monitor. We hope our list of the best monitors for graphic designers has given you a good place to start your search.
