The best video editing monitors in 2024

Looking for the best video editing monitor? With video resolution, color fidelity, bit rate, and dynamic range constantly evolving, you need to make sure you're viewing and editing your footage on a monitor that can keep up with the recording quality of your camera.

But what are key things to look out for when picking the best monitor for video editing?

Resolution – with 4K now the resolution standard for cameras and even camera phones, the time has come when a 4K monitor is all but essential. Color accuracy is also paramount - look for a display that has an advertised color accuracy, preferably a factory-calibrated model with an accuracy tolerance of less than Delta E 2. Built-in hardware color calibration is also desirable for ensuring that accuracy is maintained throughout the life of the monitor.

High-definition digital video is now recorded in two main color standards: Rec.  709, and DCI-P3. Ensure your chosen monitor can display as close to 100% of the colors in these recording standards as possible. DCI-P3 has a wider color gamut (more colors) and therefore you'll need to splash out on a higher-quality display if you want near-full reproduction of this color space.

Retina-searing brightness isn't actually that desirable for prolonged editing stints - around 150cd/m2 is usually enough for most viewing environments. However, if you need to edit HDR footage, a monitor needs to be capable of displaying localized highlights very brightly. A minimum brightness rating of 400cd/m2 is required for basic HDR compatibility, and to be fully HDR-capable, a monitor needs to be as bright as 1000cd/m2.

Ben Andrews
Ben Andrews

Ben is the Imaging Labs Manager, responsible for all the lab testing of cameras and lenses on Digital Camera World. Whether he's in the lab testing the sharpness of new lenses, the resolution of the latest image sensors, the zoom range of monster bridge cameras or even the latest camera phones, Ben is our go-to guy for technical insight. His expertise also extends to computing, with extensive knowledge of the latest laptop and desktop computers, as well as monitors, external storage and memory cards.

The Quick List

The best video-editing monitors in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Best all rounder

(Image credit: Future)
This 27" screen has almost everything you could want for video editing

Specifications

Screen Size: 27-inch
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 4K (3840x2160)
Brightness: 400cd/m2
Contrast ratio: 2000:1
Color space coverage: 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709, 98% DCI-P3

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent color accuracy
+
Great connectivity
+
Fair price

Reasons to avoid

-
AdobeRGB coverage could be better
-
No extras like a hood or remote dial

This may not be a cheap monitor, but the value it offers is excellent. Cheap monitors have limited color space coverage, but the Dell UltraSharp U2723E can display 100% Rec. 709 and an impressive 98% DCI-P3 coverage - great for color-critical grading.

10-bit color depth and a super-hight 2000:1 contrast ratio improve image quality even further, and the U2723E even looks the part thanks to its svelte case and super-thin ‘InfinityEdge’ bezels. Video ports include HDMI and DisplayPort, and you also get a built-in USB 3.0 hub and a pair of USB-C ports, with one able to supply up to 90w of power to a connected laptop.

During our time reviewing the U2723QE we were impressed by its excellent color vibrancy and contrast, which thanks to IPS LCD screen tech doesn't shift if you change your viewing angle. We also found Dell's color space coverage claims to be spot-on, and we also successfully verified the factory-calibrated Delta E <2 color accuracy. Even color and brightness uniformity were first class.

If you've decided that 27-inches is the right monitor size for you, the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is a stellar performer for the money.

Read our full Dell UltraSharp U2723QE full review for more details

Best large screen

(Image credit: Dell)

2. Dell UltraSharp U3223QE

The ultimate monitor for video editing

Specifications

Screen Size: 31.5-inch
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 4K (3840x2160)
Brightness: 400cd/m2
Contrast ratio: 2000:1
Color space coverage: 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709, 98% DCI-P3

Reasons to buy

+
Generous screen size & res
+
Excellent color space coverage
+
USB-C with Power Delivery

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite pricey
-
No extras like a hood or remote dial

If you're after am extra-large display to make video editing more comfortable, this is screen for you. It's 4K, which is better suited to a screen this size, with only minimal display scaling required to make icons and toolbars comfortably sized. Image quality is ensured by 100% of the sRGB color coverage, but more importantly for video, there's 100% Rec. 709 coverage and a superb 98% DCI-P3 coverage.

Dell supplies the monitor pre-calibrated to a Delta-E accuracy of less than 2, plus the U3223QE can display HDR content, as it meets the 400cd/m2 brightness required for playback of HDR footage.

Dell doesn't skimp on the monitor's stand, either, as it's highly adjustable and well made. Extras like a USB 3 hub further serve to sweeten this great big-screen deal.

Read more: What are aspect ratios?

Best for budget

(Image credit: BenQ)

3. BenQ EW3270U

The best budget monitor for video editing

Specifications

Size: 31.5-inch
Ratio: 16x9
Resolution: 3840x2160
Brightness: 300cd/m2
Contrast ratio: 3000:1
Color space coverage: Rec.709 100%, DCI-P3 95%

Reasons to buy

+
Bargain price
+
Great video color space coverage
+
4K res, large screen size

Reasons to avoid

-
Not IPS
-
Max brightness not great

Here's proof that the best monitors for video editing don't have to cost mega bucks. This BenQ display comes out swinging with its huge 31.5-inch screen size, 4K (3850x2160) resolution, and excellent 3000:1 contrast ratio.

But where this monitor really shines for video editing is its top-notch color space coverage. 100% Rec.709 and 95% DCI-P3 coverage are on par with screens costing considerably more, and the same is true of the EW3270U's HDR 10 support.

The only compromise here is the screen's core LCD technology, which uses VA rather than the the more premium IPS screen tech. This means color and contrast won't be quite as consistent if viewed from different angles, but live with that and this BenQ screen is really quite a bargain.

Best for Mac users

Apple Studio Display

(Image credit: Paul Reiffer)
The best video editing monitor for Mac users

Specifications

Screen size: 27 inches
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 5120×2880 (5K)
Brightness: 600cd/m2
Contrast ratio: 1200:1
USB-C: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
5K resolution
+
Wide viewing angle
+
Glare reduction

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Fixed height with the default stand
-
Cleaning nano-texture coating a challenge

The 27”, 5K Apple Studio Display is the perfect partner to a Mac mini or Mac Studio, and it makes an excellent big-screen secondary monitor to attach to a MacBook Pro. It can also be used with a Windows PC, providing it has a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port, although you won't be able to use extra features like the webcam's Center Stage function, Spatial Audio, and naturally Siri won't work with Windows.

Built-in reference modes match most of those on Apple's Pro Display XDR monitor, to the point where it’s possible to run both monitors side-by-side with little noticeable difference between the two when producing non-HDR content. 

When we reviewed the Studio Display we were pleased to see plenty of fine-tuning options to customize each screen mode, enabling precise calibration with other monitors. The Studio Display’s 600-nit brightness is very high - higher than many competing monitors. We also found brightness to be very consistent across the screen, and viewing angles to be excellent. Glare is also significantly reduced thanks to the nano-textured glass option on our review sample. Three USB-C ports and one Thunderbolt port make up the connectivity selection.

Read our full Apple Studio Display review for more details

Best for 4K

(Image credit: Future)
A 4K monitor tailor-made for video editing

Specifications

Screen size: 27 inches
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K)
Brightness: 350cd/m2
Contrast ratio: 1300:1
USB-C: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent color space coverage
+
Superb color accuracy
+
USB-C with Power Delivery
+
Lots of useful features

Reasons to avoid

-
Brightness & color uniformity not great

The ViewSonic ColorPro VP2786-4K is a great option for video editing. First-class screen specs include 100% Rec 709 and 98% DCI-P3 color space coverage, a super-sharp 4K resolution, high color accuracy and factory color calibration. Of course lots of other high-end monitors can match all that, but ViewSonic hasn't stopped there.  The VP2786 stands out from even its fiercest rivals thanks to extras like its versatile ColorPro wheel remote controller, a rear-facing backlight designed to reduce eye strain, and there's also a cleverly designed shading hood included - something usually reserved for pro-level monitors costing big money.

During our time testing the ColorPro VP2786-4K, we found image quality to be simply superb. We measured the display's color space coverage and color accuracy to actually be slightly better than advertised, although lab testing did reveal brightness and color uniformity to be a little underwhelming. But in real-world use this is hardly noticeable.

Read our full ViewSonic ColorPro VP2786-4K review for more details

Best for color accuracy

(Image credit: Future)
A 27-inch, 4K monitor with stunning color accuracy and great build quality

Specifications

Size: 27-inch
Ratio: 16x9
Resolution: 3840x2160
Brightness: 300cd/m2
Contrast ratio: 1000:1
sRGB gamut (claimed): 100%
Adobe RGB gamut (claimed): 99%

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent color accuracy
+
Hardware calibration
+
Overall high build quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Price is hard to justify
-
Few compelling upgrades over old model
-
Hotkey Puck of arguable usefulness

BenQ has produced a long line of top-notch monitors designed for video editing, and the SW272U is its latest flagship. This 4K display comes complete with factory color calibration to an high accuracy of Delta E ≤1.5, plus it's able to display a whopping 99% of the very wide DCI-P3 video color gamut.

To further help justify the premium price, there's USB-C connectivity with 90W Power Delivery, ass well as BenQ's third-generation color Uniformity Technology. Hardware color calibration is a pro-grade feature you won't find in budget or mid-range monitors, and there's also a nifty 'Hotkey Puck' remote control that can be used to quickly switch between screen modes and adjust display settings.

When we reviewed the SW272U we found it performed brilliantly in our lab testing. However, we've seen scores almost as high from monitors costing far less cash: for example, the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE (see number 1 on this list) performs almost as well as the BenQ for a fraction of the price.

Read our full BenQ PhotoVue SW272U review for more details

Best ultrawide

(Image credit: Future)
A great, non-curved ultrawide display for video editing

Specifications

Screen size: 34-inch
Aspect ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440
Brightness: 350 cd/m2
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Response time: 5ms
Viewing angle: 178/178
Contrast ratio: 1,000:1
Color support: 100% Rec.709,100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3
Weight: 9.3kg

Reasons to buy

+
Huge display
+
Excellent color space coverage
+
HDR

Reasons to avoid

-
Below 4K native res

The PD3420Q is relatively unusual in the ultrawide sector as it's a flat (rather than curved) display, this ensures lines displayed on the screen don't bend or skew as they would on a curved ultrawide.

Another advantage with this flat ultrawide display is that it uses IPS LCD screen tech, where most curved ultrawide displays make do with lesser VA technology. IPS displays boast superior color and contrast consistency, regardless of your viewing angle - vital for accurate color grading. The PD3420Q also boasts a 5ms GtG response time, and it can display 1.07 billion colors. Its 3,440 x 1,440 resolution equates to a 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio, making it ideal for multitasking where once a dual-screen set-up would have been your only option. 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709 and an impressive 98% DCI-P3 color space coverage ensures excellent grading versatility. Extras like USB-C connectivity with Power Delivery are handy, and so to is factory color calibration and the included remote control, called the 'Hotkey puck'.

The only gripe we had when we tested the PD3420Q was its 3440 x 1440 resolution, which isn't 'Retina'-sharp. But given this monitor costs less than $1,000, we reckon it's a fair compromise.

BenQ PD3420Q full review

Best for professionals

(Image credit: Angela Nicholson/Digital Camera World)
The best photo-editing monitor for professional photographers

Specifications

Size: 27in
Ratio: 16x9
Resolution: 3840x2160
Brightness: 500cd/m2
Contrast ratio: 1450:1
DCI-P3 gamut (claimed): 98%
Adobe RGB gamut (claimed): 99%

Reasons to buy

+
Built-in calibration system
+
Rotates between landscape and portrait orientation
+
Easy connection

Reasons to avoid

-
High price
-
Single USB-C port
-
Orientation switching not seamless

Eizo could be considered the 'Rolls Royce' of computer monitor manufacturers, and it's built a venerable reputation amongst pro creatives thanks to its no-compromise approach to image quality (and pricing!).

As you'd expect from a monitor of this calibre, the CG2700X is capable of displaying 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and to ensure that color accuracy is always maintained, there's even a built-in calibration system. The hardware for this is concealed in the edge of the screen until required, and it works in conjunction with Eizo’s free ColorNavigator 7 software. This also contains functions like being able to control a network of color-match monitors.

When we reviewed the ColorEdge CG2700X we were impressed by its high 4K resolution, ensuring bags of detail is revealed in your projects. The panel's 10-bit colour also results in super-sooth color gradations, while that hardware calibration system is also easy to use.

Of course that hefty price will always be a bitter pill to swallow, especially considering how many other 27-inch, 4K are available which perform almost as well, but at a fraction of the Eizo's cost.

Read our full review of the Eizo ColorEdge CG2700X

Best curved monitor

(Image credit: Dell)

9. Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved U4021QW

The best curved monitor for video editing

Specifications

Screen Size: 40-inch
Aspect Ratio: 21:9
Resolution: 5120 x 2160
Viewing Angle: 178/178
Brightness: 300cd/m2
Color space coverage: 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.70, 98% DC-P3

Reasons to buy

+
Above 5K res
+
Superb color space coverage
+
Practical 21:9 aspect ratio

Reasons to avoid

-
Not cheap, but price is fair

The Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved WUHD Monitor (U4021QW) is a gargantuan 40-inch 21:9 curved ultrawide display with an equally huge 5120 x 2160 resolution. The 2500R screen curvature radius (2,500mm) means that even though the U4021QW has an immense 929mm viewable screen width, the corners of the display will still be comfortably visible.

Curved monitors often use VA (Vertical Alignment) LCD tech, which can't provide the color, contrast and viewing angle consistency of an IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCD display. But Dell has pulled out all the stops and equipped the U4021QW with a 10-bit curved IPS LCD panel with 178/178-degree viewing angles.

Dell has also paid particular attention to color accuracy, as the U4021QW can display 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709 and a very respectable 98% of the DC-P3 color space. What's more, Dell claims a Delta-E <2 color accuracy right out of the box thanks to factory color calibration.

How to choose the best video editing monitor

A range of considerations must be made before deciding which monitor is best for you. One of the first things to think about is the overall size of the monitor. Do you want one massive one or multiple smaller ones? Make sure whatever you get will fit comfortably on your desk.

Then it's time to consider whether you want a flat or curved monitor. This will largely be a personal choice, but curved options are great for larger monitors as they make the periphery parts much more natural to look at.

The final thing to think about is the resolution of the monitor. With an increasing number of 4K and even 8K options, you'll want to get something that not only suits your current workflow but future-proofs you enough for a few years to come.  

Do I need an 8K monitor?

For most video editors, a 4K monitor will be more than sufficient. As most videos are watched on mobile phones, televisions, and HD monitors there is little need to push up to 8K at the moment. Taking the step towards 8K will take a huge amount og investment not least in the area of file storage so don't just get a flashy 8K monitor because it's the latest thing to have..

What docking station do I need for my monitor?

Different docking stations support different interfaces and monitor resolutions. It's vital to get a docking station that matches or beats your desired resolution. The newer and more expensive docks can support a single 8K monitor or two 4K monitors.

How we test video editing monitors

We evaluate a monitor with particular attention given to its core image quality, including brightness, contrast, color vibrancy, and accuracy. While this can - and will - be assessed by the experienced eye of our professional reviewer, some manufacturer screen specs can only be definitively judged by an 'electronic eye' - a monitor calibrator. 

Where possible, a calibration device will be placed on the screen to verify its advertised color space coverage, brightness output and consistency, and factory color calibration accuracy. Beyond image quality, we'll also scrutinize the monitor's display and data ports to ensure acceptable connectivity, and will give a thorough assessment of build quality, including the range of ergonomic adjustments in its stand. Only then will we determine if a screen is worthy of use by a discerning imaging or video enthusiast.

Ben Andrews

Ben is the Imaging Labs manager, responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. Whether he's in the lab testing the sharpness of new lenses, the resolution of the latest image sensors, the zoom range of monster bridge cameras or even the latest camera phones, Ben is our go-to guy for technical insight. He's also the team's man-at-arms when it comes to camera bags, filters, memory cards, and all manner of camera accessories – his lab is a bit like the Batcave of photography! With years of experience trialling and testing kit, he's a human encyclopedia of benchmarks when it comes to recommending the best buys. 

With contributions from