If you need a high-resolution display, look to the best 4K monitors. Although 5K and 8K monitors already exist, they are still incredibly expensive. And, with very little 5K and 8K content out there to fully utilize it, what's the point?
That makes 4K monitors the perfect screen for photographers and video editors today, delivering sharper, more detailed visuals than 1440p and 1080p displays. Just bear in mind that a 4K display does require considerable processing and graphical power, especially when you’re running UHD content and rendering UHD videos.
Below, we've carefully curated the best 4K monitors for photographers, video editors, content creators, graphic designers, and other creative professionals, keeping in mind a range of factors including color gamuts, brightness level, contrast, screen size, features and price.
Our top picks
Best for photographers
From the inclusion of a USB-C port or the fact it's pre-calibrated at the factory, this display is made with photographers and other content creators in mind. It even comes with additional calibration settings so you can fine-tune it the way you want.
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Best value
From the inclusion of a USB-C port or the fact it's pre-calibrated at the factory, this display is made with photographers and other content creators in mind. It even comes with additional calibration settings so you can fine-tune it the way you want.
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Best budget
From the inclusion of a USB-C port or the fact it's pre-calibrated at the factory, this display is made with photographers and other content creators in mind. It even comes with additional calibration settings so you can fine-tune it the way you want.
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Best color accuracy
This 4K display boasts factory color calibration to an accuracy of Delta E ≤1.5 and is capable of displaying 100% sRGB and 99% AdobeRGB coverage. We found it performed brilliantly in our comprehensive testing, although be aware that it's expensive.
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In-built calibration
The CG2700X can reproduce 99% of the Adobe RGB photo color space, and 98% of the DCI-P3 digital cinema standard. Another attractive feature for photo and video editors is that this monitor has a calibration system built in.
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All-rounder
This 27-inch display boasts 98% DCI-P3 color space coverage, 4K resolution, USB-C connectivity with Power Delivery, and even IPS Black technology. In our testing we found this translates to excellent image quality results across the board.
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Best 4K monitor
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Best 4K monitor for photographers
Whether it’s the inclusion of a USB-C port or the fact the BenQ SW321C PhotoVue is pre-calibrated at the factory, it’s clear that this display is made with photographers and other content creators in mind. In fact, it even comes with additional hardware calibration settings so you can fine-tune it the way you want. And, though there are minor flaws such as the port placement, this is such a great monitor for creating content that it's easy to overlook.
After all, it has such a uniformly bright screen with impeccable color coverage – 99% Adobe RGB and 95% DCI-P3, to be exact – that any small issues are quickly forgotten. For more details, read our BenQ SW321C review.
Best value 4K monitor
The PD3205U delivers 4K and a 32-inch screen at a very affordable price. Its 4K 3840x2160 resolution gives a pixel density (ppi) of 140, so fine detail is still easy to see at a comfortable viewing distance.
In our testing colour uniformity, colour accuracy, luminance uniformity, white point uniformity, tone response and contrast were all very good. Color space coverage of gamuts like AdobeRGB and DCI-P3 could be better, but otherwise this huge 4K monitor is superb value. For more details, read our BenQ DesignVue PD3205U review.
Best budget 4K monitor
The thing about displays made for creators is they don’t come cheap, especially when you want that Ultra HD goodness as well. Luckily for economizing photographers and designers, the Asus ProArt Display PA279CV exists, touting 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 color gamut and Delta E < 2 out of the box.
It has a great selection of ports as well, alongside a USB hub and Asus’ ProArt Palette that allows you to really customize it to your own specifications. That’s all without costing you a fortune.
As expected, there are sacrifices to be made. That 250-nit brightness, for example, won’t even let you come close to getting proper HDR. But, if you’re on a budget, there’s much value to be had in this. For more details, read our Asus ProArt Display PA279CV review.
Best 4K monitor for color accuracy
BenQ has a history of making some of the best monitors for photo editing, and the SW272U is its latest flagship offering for discerning photo and video editors. The new 4K display boasts factory color calibration to an accuracy of Delta E ≤1.5 and is capable of displaying 100% sRGB and 99% AdobeRGB coverage - impressive stuff.
Elsewhere, you get USB-C connectivity with 90W Power Delivery, plus BenQ's third-generation color Uniformity Technology, hardware color calibration, and a separate 'Hotkey Puck' remote control for easy settings adjustment and color mode switching.
We found the SW272U performed brilliantly in our comprehensive testing. In fact, the only drawback here is the price, which is significantly more than some rivals. For more details, read our BenQ PhotoVue SW272U review.
Best 4K monitor with in-built calibration
Eizo is one of the best-known names in computer monitor production and it has strong reputation amongst photographers and videographers thanks to producing no-compromise screens that command no-compromise prices.
The CG2700X can reproduce 99% of the Adobe RGB photo color space, and 98% of the DCI-P3 digital cinema standard. Another attractive feature for photographers and videographers is that this monitor has a calibration system built in. The hardware is recessed into the edge of the screen ready for deployment and it operates with Eizo’s free ColorNavigator 7 software which also enables features such as the ability to control a network of screens with colour matching.
The ColorEdge CG2700X’s 4K resolution ensures there is plenty of detail visible, while the 10-bit colour means that gradations look great. Meanwhile, the calibration system is easy to use and ensures that the colors are always accurate.
Inevitably, the main drawback here is the screen's hefty price. There are plenty of other 27-inch, 4K monitors that'll perform almost as well but for a lot less cash. But if only the very best will do, then it's got to be an Eizo. For more details, read our Eizo ColorEdge CG2700X review.
Great all-rounder
The U2723QE is a 27-inch display with headline specs like 98% DCI-P3 color space coverage, 4K resolution, USB-C connectivity with Power Delivery, and even IPS Black technology to boost contrast and give deeper black depth.
In our testing we found Dell's headline specs translate to excellent image quality results across the board. If you need extensive DCI-P3 color space coverage and USB-C connectivity with Power Delivery, this display is certainly worth the money and is definitely worthy of serious consideration if you're in the market for a high-performing display for image or video editing. For more details, read our Dell UltraSharp U2723QE full review.
FAQs
What is a 4K monitor?
A 4K monitor is a computer display with a super high resolution of 3840 pixels by 2160 pixels. To break that down, it has almost 4,000 pixels across the width (hence the "4K") and 2160 pixels running down the height. This is four times the number of pixels in a traditional Full HD (1080p) monitor. The result? A sharper, more detailed picture than a 1080p or 1440p display.
Is a 4K monitor worth it?
This depends on your needs and budget. 4K offers sharper visuals, but it may be overkill for basic tasks. If you plan on gaming, video editing, or enjoying/working on high-resolution content, a 4K monitor can be a great upgrade. However, consider whether your computer can handle the higher resolution for a smooth experience.
What size 4K monitor should I get?
For most users, a 27-inch to 32-inch 4K monitor offers a good balance of screen real estate and detail clarity. Larger sizes can be immersive, but sitting too close can cause eye strain. Think about how far you typically sit from your monitor and the kind of work you'll be doing.
How to choose the best 4K monitor
Choosing the best 4K monitor depends on what you'll be using it for. For size, consider viewing distance and tasks. Gamers prioritize lightning-fast refresh rates (think 144Hz and above) for seamless motion, while designers crave accurate colors (IPS panels are your friend).
Next, explore panel technology: IPS offers a good balance of color and viewing angles, VA boasts high contrast, and TN prioritizes speed over viewing angles. All 4K monitors will have a sharp resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), but features like HDR (for a wider color range) depend on your needs and graphics card compatibility.
Make sure your computer's ports match the monitor's (DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.0 for full 4K goodness). Finally, set a budget and prioritize the features that matter most. If you're a creative professional, factor in calibration tools for ultimate color accuracy. With a little research, you'll find the perfect 4K monitor to elevate your viewing experience.
How we test monitors
Our review process focuses on assessing the core image quality aspects that matter most, such as brightness, contrast, color vibrancy, and accuracy. While our experienced reviewers rely on their trained eyes, we also employ specialized monitor calibration tools to objectively verify claims about color space coverage, brightness consistency, and factory color calibration.
In addition to image quality, we scrutinize the monitor's connectivity options through its display and data ports to ensure ample flexibility. We also thoroughly evaluate the build quality, including the range of ergonomic adjustments offered by the stand. Only after this comprehensive analysis do we determine if a monitor meets the high standards of discerning imaging and video enthusiasts.
For monitors that haven't undergone our full testing regimen, we carefully examine their specs to ensure they likely satisfy the demands of professional photo editors. Our goal is to recommend the best-specified monitors across various budget ranges.
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