Most of us look for the best monitor based on its use case. And particularly when it comes to color grading, it's crucial to pick the perfect monitor! Color grading is the process of enhancing the appearance of an image or video based on several aspects across different environments.
Color grading (aka) Color correction involves editing various attributes such as contrast, color, saturation, detail, brightness, effects, black level, white point and more. Mostly color grading monitors should be useful for the peoples who are editing motion pictures, professional videos and still images.
Choosing the best color grading monitor can be a very difficult challenge for any user. It's because there are variety of monitors in different patterns available in the market. To help you with this, here I have hand picked the best monitor for color grading available in the market. I am sure you will never regret the color accurate monitor we suggest. So go ahead and choose the best color grading monitors now!
You can check out our buying guide to know the factors which you must look for while you are making a purchase.
WHAT IS COLOR GRADING?
Color grading is the process of improving the visual appearance of photos and videos. It can change the image saturation, detail, contrast, hue, white and black balance. Professional color grading allows you to change the complete life of your photos and videos. It is the way of correcting the images in stylistic effect.
There will be one question in many people's minds: Are color grading and color correction the same? Are you thinking the same, right? But it is not. Color correction is the process of balancing the color levels in your videos/photos to make sure which needs to be appropriately exposed.
On the other hand, color grading is another creative process where you can stylize your footage, manipulate the image colors, add colorful tints, and add the emotions for your photo/videos with color.
I hope now you got an idea about color grading. Still, are you looking for the answer for "best monitors for color grading"? Let's scroll down the page and find your favorite 4k color accurate monitor.
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REVIEW OF THE 8 BEST MONITOR FOR COLOR GRADING
Before getting into the review, let me make one thing clear. There is a wide misconception that your color grading monitors are pretty expensive. The actual truth is these color grading monitors are available in various price ranges. So you don't have to put a hole in the pocket to get a color grading monitor. But the problem is it is not that easy to pick the best of the best out of multiple options available in the market.
To help you out, we have split this article into two. We have got you covered with both budget picks and a bit pricey ones. So based on your budget and preferences, choose the best color grading monitor.
best budget monitor for color grading
1. LG 27UD68-P 27" - BEST 10 BIT MONITOR FOR COLOR GRADING
Product Information
As far as I have researched, LG 27UD68 monitor model comes with two different SKU numbers, and it is denoted as LG 27UD68-W and LG 27UD68-P. There is no functional difference between these two, but the only difference is P - represents the black model, while W- represents the white model.
The LG 27UD68-P is quite a good IPS monitor with 4K/UHD resolution with a wide viewing angle. This best budget monitor for color grading offers decent picture quality and graphics settings. It delivers an excellent 99.5% sRGB color spectrum and manages to work with pseudo-10-bit 8bit + A-FRC.
The monitor has color support of 1.07 billion colors (8bit + A-FRC) and comes with an aspect ratio: 16:9, these strongly support color grading.
LG 27UD68-P monitor color gamut is over 99% (sRGB) at a 16:9 aspect ratio and has 10-bit color depth. There are 8.3 million pixels on the screen, making the UHD four times sharper and better than an HD monitor.
It features a narrow bezel, which makes it the best for multiple monitor setup. LG OLED for color grading is quite versatile and has a quite well-rounded set of features. You can find the power chords, HDMI cord, base stand, and a display board cable within the box, along with the monitor.
The monitor has a pretty stylish look and is very practical. The stand’s ergonomic adjustment is quite good, and it is possible to mount it on a stand with a VESA 100 Fitting. It offers a new ArcLine stand where the curve base provides stability with assuring performance and elegance.
Overall, LG 27UD68 -P is the best budget color grading monitor, and amazon reviewers given it four stars because of its excellent quality.
Features:
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR
2. DELL ULTRASHARP U2718Q - BEST MONITOR FOR VIDEO EDITING AND COLOR CORRECTION
Product Information
The Dell UltraSharp U2718Q monitor is mainly intended for content creators. Its quick response time speed and low input lag, also an extraordinary option for gaming.
Dell’s U2718Q is a heavy-duty color calibrated 4k monitor that spreads its 3840 x 2160 resolution. The hefty pixel count makes the perfect pair with corporate features like card readers, USB ports, industry-standard color gamuts, and many versatile features.
Dell U2718Q met my most expected and imaginable expectations for sheer and top-line PC display connectivity. Its performance is in excellent standards, as it provides ultra-sharp monitor resolution compared with a majority of High-end PC displays on the market.
This dell color correction monitor has a broad 178-degree viewing angle. Its stunning display performance with a wide color gamut and some extra fine display calibration specs makes my works too cool. This monitor has complete Rec 709, sRGB, Adobe RGB. and 95% coverage of DCI-P professional digital color space, which delivers stunning editing results of all types.
The monitor is calibrated using Dell UltraSharp, Color Calibration Solution software with the optional X-Rite i1Display Pro colorimeter. And talking about the monitor's adjustment options supports tilt, swivel, pivot, rotations, and height.
Also, you get a Stand, mDP-DP Cable, USB 3.0 Upstream Cable, HDMI (MHL) cable, Quick Setup Guide, Safety and Regulatory Information, Factory Calibration Report, Divers and Documentation Media (CD) within the box.
This is a great choice for those who look for a compact package that manages to get some refined display specifications with highly versatile display functions. So grab this best budget color grading monitor now!
Features:
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR
3. LG 27UK650-W - BEST 4K COLOR GRADING MONITOR
Product Information
My next review is about LG 27UK650-W, which is the best monitor capable of handling games, HDR content, or other multimedia use. The LG 27UK650 is a brand new mixed-use 4K monitor with brilliant HDR compatibility. I got a fairly ergonomic stat with -5°/15° tilt, 90° pivot, up to 110mm height adjustment, and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility. This is also an excellent option for HDR console gaming or any high-end PC requirement.
When it comes to performance and value, it’s tough to find an alternative for this monitor. So I listed LG 27UK650 4k color accurate monitor here. It has the perfect IPS display that suits professionals. The IPS panel has a 10-bit color depth, 1000:1 static contrast ratio, 99% sRGB color gamut, and 350-nit peak brightness.
This IPS panel offers 178 degrees wide viewing angle with 5 ms quick time response, which is sufficient to eliminate the fast-moving object trails at 60 Hz.
Its connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, headphones jack and DisplayPort 1.2. FreeSync and HDR will support both HDMI and DP. From this point, you note that you can use FreeSync and HDR simultaneously.
It also has advanced gaming features like a black stabilizer that helps in revealing clear details in dark scenes. So other than color grading purposes, this monitor is also ideal for gaming. From my list of color grading monitors, I highly recommended this affordable color grading monitor LG 27UK650.!
Features:
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR
4. ACER PRODESIGNER PE320QK BMIIPRUZX - BEST HDR MONITOR FOR COLOR GRADING
Product Information
Acer is known best for its gaming monitors, especially for the predator series. But now I am here with the best “ProDesigner” monitor. Based on my research, I think the Acer PE320QK monitor is suitable for content creators because it comes with a wide range of features and specifications accordingly.
They offer features like UHD 3840 x 2160 resolution, a sleek 4-side borderless design, wide color gamut support, factory calibration, and plenty of calibration settings and controls, including AMD Freesync support with ultra-low input lag technology to minimize delays.
The ProDesigner PE320QK monitor supports HDR10 without any lag. The color gamut support covers almost all the DCI-P3 standards. The monitor includes the factory calibration for Rec 709, DCI, and sRGB. So, this monitor is named as Prodesigner Monitor.
Features:
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR
best monitor for color grading (Premium Picks)
5. BENQ SW271 27 - BEST MONITOR FOR FINAL CUT PRO
Product Information
I have tested the BenQ SW271 monitor for the last few months and it became a solid choice for my video editing. Let's take a deeper look on what features impressed me a lot.
First of all, its performance is really excellent, and its price is quite affordable. This benq colour grading monitor has multiple ports for easy connectivity.
As I noticed, the specifications of SW271 are quite similar to SW320, but there are few important differences worth pointing out. The benq grading monitor has more PPI when compared with its twin SW320. Its IPS display panel with LED backlight enhances the off-axis image performance with a 178/178-degree viewing angle.
BenQ SW271 is featured with a thin bezel and offers 100% sRGB, 99% AdobeRGB, Rec.709 along with an HDR mode. It is compatible with many calibration devices, and also you can configure with the help of BenQ Palette Master Element Software.
It has an Aqcolor technology which means it has 99% Adobe RGB coverage and hardware calibration support that helps in producing accurate colors for photography.
It supports multiple monitor calibration devices including X-Rite i1 Display Pro / i1 Pro 2 & Datacolor Spyder 4 and Spyder 5.
Also, I have used this monitor to edit photos and videos with Adobe after effects, Photoshop, Lightroom, Premier Pro and Final cut pro and it worked perfectly smooth. It has a Gamut Duo mode that allows me to view content in different color spaces side-by-side simultaneously.
Most importantly, the HDR mode increases the overall dynamic range of images that gave me the most satisfying view. This monitor also comes with a detachable shading hood which effectively reduces the monitor screen glare and can be used in both landscape and portrait orientations.
SW271 monitor is designed with a full range of ergonomic adjusting options, which includes various swivel, tilts, height and pivot controls. Considering all these features, I would personally rate BenQ SW271 as the best color monitor. I am glad that I picked this benq color grading monitor and I am sure you would pick as well!
Features:
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR
6. ASUS PROART PA329C 32" - BEST COLOR CORRECTION MONITOR
Product Information
If you have a budget of over a 1000$, you can consider this amazing monitor. Why did I mention the word "amazing." Please keep reading to know about it.
ASUS ProArt PA329C is another best 4k monitor for color accuracy that will fit any professionals. It has 4K Ultra HD resolution, which is good enough for professional graphics-oriented users. It offers a 32" massive display with full-powered 4K resolution, so you will find it more convenient to edit the images more precisely.
Its high-end screen comes with an IPS screen with a solid 10-bit color coverage which is ideal for the color grading process. The IPS panel is built with high tolerance to anti-glare, which promotes clarity and brightness.
Like most of the monitors I have tested, this one also includes developments like Eye Care technology for minimal ocular issues and Flicker-free Rheinland Certified display capacity. Thereby it maximizes the long-term screen viewing comfort for professionals.
It has an impressive design where I experienced a comfy viewing position. It comes with an ergonomically designed stand that can be easily tilted, pivoted, swivel, and heightened. So you can use this monitor per your convenience.
Apart from this, what makes this monitor ideal for color grading is the ProArt preset can simply set the HDR curves and color gamut. And the best part is this model gives 9 modes and HDR technology that gives multiple PQ curves to fit your needs.
So this means you can view the same image in different color modes and adjust the color according to your need. You can also take advantage of its advanced setup with 5 different color spaces for color accuracy optimization.
ASUS ProArt PA329C is suitable for those who need a UHD monitor that offers 100% sRGB color. There is no need to calibrate as this is one of the most certain pro color grading monitors you can rely on. Overall, this is an ideal and best 4k monitor for color grading available at the standard price.
Features:
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR
7. DELL ULTRASHARP (UP2718Q) - BEST PROFESSIONAL MONITOR FOR COLOR GRADING
Product Information
DELL UP2718Q is an incredible option for designing and color grading tasks. This best color accurate 4k monitor meets HDR10 standards with natural colors, striking details, exceptional clarity, and superior color performance.
The premium color offers a wide range of colors that meets the professional color standards. It offers a crisp, clear image and is compatible with up to 1.07 billion colors.
With its enhanced resolution, this ultra-sharp monitor provides a 6ms response time and 1000:1 Contrast ratio. It has brilliant spectrum board with 100% sRGB, 100% AdobeRGB, 97.7% DCI-P3, 100% Rec. 709, and 76.9% Rec for displaying immaculate colors. These features greatly support the color grading process.
I liked the keyboard, video and mouse feature that allows me to view applications simultaneously between two PCs on your screen using only one keyboard and mouse.
The ports and slots found in this monitor are AC power connector, HDMI 1 connector, HDMI 2 connector, DP connector (in), mDP connector (in), Audio line-out port6, USB upstream ports, USB downstream port, USB 3.0 downstream port with BC1.2 charging capability, and Stand lock.
It also has dual USB 3.0 upstream ports and a KVM switch embedded. Those who look for an Ultra HD video process and creative works should give a serious look to this best monitor for color grading.
Features:
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR
8. EIZO COLOREDGE CG319X LCD MONITOR
Product Information
Next comes the Eizo monitor is a successor of the CG3178-4K model is a high-end monitor. It has a display size of 31.1" that offers a DCI-4K HDR display with 4096 x 2160 resolution, 98% DCI-P3 coverage, and an inbuilt calibration sensor ideal for the color grading process.
The company states that Eizo ColorEdge CG319X's monitor brings you the image that appears to be more realistic. They target pro-tier post-production by providing a variety of features.
The image displays can vary in LCD panels, so this monitor is accurately measured and calibrated following it. So this monitor can produce exact color reproduction. It has an integrated sensor for self-calibration, which helps in attaining the maximum color accuracy.
The monitor's inbuilt sensors directly utilize the lookup table and produce an ICC profile quickly. The sensor is placed in the bezel, which can be extended while performing measurements, so no external calibration device is needed.
Color accuracy is the first and foremost criterion to be considered for any multimedia graphics field like photo rating, color grading, post-production, designing, and printing.
And this best screen for color grading has certification from TUV Rheinland's color accuracy. Also, it is recognized by Fogra. Overall, it is one of the ideal monitors for color grading.
Features:
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS MONITOR
Most probably, by now, you would be thinking which would be the best monitor for color accuracy? But before selecting the monitor, there are certain features and specifications you need to consider. So I suggest you to go through the guide which I have given below.
IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING COLOR GRADING MONITOR
Don't forget that there are some important points to consider before purchasing a color gradation monitor. Otherwise, you may not be able to choose the right product for the money invested. Be it a budget pick or premium pick, the monitor must have these below given factors. So make sure that you check these while buying monitors for color grading. The good news here is the monitors which we have listed in this article Now let's move on to the important factors to consider when choosing a monitor.
Black Levels:
No matter if you are a beginner or a professional in color grading, you should need black details while working on Graphics and don't need any muddy greys on your screen. So when the muddy greys appear on the screen, it can be quite annoying for you.
Color grading monitors are designed with settings that can handle the muddy greys. So when you decide to buy a monitor for color grading, check whether it has the required settings to adjust the black levels. Therefore, the monitor's black levels play a vital role in color grading monitors.
Gamut and Gamma:
Gamut and Gamma are the two crucial elements that can deal with different colors and Luma capabilities and also ensure that the monitor gives a clear display. Nowadays, most of the popular monitors are designed with Adobe RGB. You can also find monitors with DCI-P3 and Rec 709 or 2020 ratings.
Calibration:
When it comes to professional color grading monitor tasks, you usually need to calibrate the monitor to use it with different applications. To handle the monitor with different apps, your monitor must have dedicated tools and software for calibration.
While buying one, you should check for the customization calibration options. Also, check for the in-built tools and software, or else you need to use an external probe.
Display Screen Size:
You must choose a reliable screen size which suits your needs. From my experience, I will recommend that the monitor size for color grading are 19 inches and 32 inches.
Also, a more vibrant display is essential as it gives the required efficiency to work. So choose a monitor that has a glassy screen. If it has an HD quality, then it enhances your comfort zone for editing pictures. So while considering the display screen, check whether the monitor has a glassy and classy display screen.
Resolution:
The color accuracy of a monitor is important. If your monitor has good color accuracy, then the professionals can easily do their editing work. If you wish to slip into the most advanced resolution that the modern world is getting used to, consider the displays with 4k resolution. Choosing 4k resolution over the others is highly recommended.
Panel types:
IPS (in-plane switching) panels give you a better viewing angle for the professionals who work on the color grading process and support their pro color spaces. So I will suggest you choose IPS LCD panels for your work.
Apart from the IPS panel type, some monitors come with an OLED panel type. This type provides good brightness levels along with a high contrast ratio.
HDR:
HDR is the high dynamic range that helps in increasing the color intensity of the graphics. If you expect a high contrast for your images, this feature must not be overlooked.
I hope you got some idea of what to look for while buying a color grading monitor. Keep these points on your mind when you are choosing the best display for color grading. If you fail to consider these points, then you are allowing yourself to fall for the scammers.
CONCLUSION
Picking up a good monitor for creative professional projects or gaming is quite essential. To maintain and improve your steady work progress, as a professional you need to ensure buy proper tools for the best results. We have provided you with the best monitors for color grading, that will suit you professional and other entertainment purposes.
Choose the best one! and make sure you equip your desk with one the takes your performance to the next level. Also, feel free to share this article with your friends and make sure you comment your favorite monitor from the above given list. Thanks for reading through!
FAQ
1. Are color correction and color grading the same thing?
Both are very similar in terms of the kind of software that is used to implement them. The only difference is the approach that is taken. Color correction is more about removing dust and spots from an image. It also involves the removal of blemishes and cropping of images to get a clean and nice look, whereas color grading is all about balancing the colors of the image to get a consistent look. This is mainly done by color balancing the various images that are shot at different angles and then embedding them to find a consistent color tone.
2. Does monitor brightness affect color accuracy?
Yes, the brightness does play a part in making your images look more vivid than they are. It means that companies today intentionally offer monitors that have high brightness levels to showcase the better quality of their screens, which is not the reality. If you want to match the printed outcome with the displayed image on your screen, you need to calibrate your monitor and set it to 160 nits of brightness as guided by the Adobe RGB standard.
3. How do I calibrate my monitor for color grading?
Most of the online calibration tools and ones provided with windows or macs won’t do the job for you as they calibrate based on your perception of the screen and, your eyes are subjective. To calibrate your screen objectively, you’ll need a colorimeter that fastens up on your screen and, through software, helps calibrate your screen based on your room’s lighting conditions.
Before performing the calibration process, set the brightness of your monitor at a level at which you generally edit your photos and avoid shining direct light at the monitor.
