5 Best 1080p FHD Monitors for Photo Editing Under $500

For photo editing, 4K monitors are the popular solution. These 4K monitors offer better resolution and allow more content to fill the screen. However, 4K monitors are expensive. If you are looking for a budget option, the next best thing is 1080p FHD monitors for photo editing.

Unlike their 4K counterparts, FHD monitors are inexpensive, and you can get them for less than $500. These monitors cover the full sRGB color gamut and have respectable color accuracy. At the same time, these monitors let you go about your work with ease.

So if are just starting in the world of photo editing and want to save some bucks, here are our recommendations for the best 1080p FHD monitor for photo editing under $500. But first,

• Take a look at these cool monitor arms
• Protect your eyes with these blue-light filter for monitors

1. HP M24fw FHD Monitor

• Refresh rate: 75Hz | Panel type: IPS
• Size: 24-inch
• Ports: 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA

When it comes to color reproduction, it does a decent job of bringing accurate colors to the foyer, especially considering the price point. It’s an 8-bit color panel. As you may already know, a 10-bit panel can reproduce more color shades. So if an 8-bit panel can produce 256 shades of a single color, the 10-bit color can produce 1024 shades of a single color.

Plus, the 24-inch screen gives you enough space to run your photo editing software with ease. It’s worth noting that the HP M24fw has a 75Hz refresh rate which means smoother scrolling and navigation.

The inexpensive price tag means that HP has cut some corners. The connectivity options in the HP M24fw are limited. It comes with just one HDMI and VGA connector. Secondly, it doesn’t have VESA support. That said, it sports a thin and sleek look and looks every bit modern.

2. ASUS ProArt Display PA248QV

• Refresh rate: 75Hz | Panel type: IPS
• Size: 24-inch
• Ports: 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, 1 x 1 x 3.5mm audio, 4x USB 3.0

At the same time, the 1080p display is apt for the 24-inch frame. This new-age monitor features an almost bezel-less frame with thin borders, which gives the monitor a premium look. At the same time, the 16:10 aspect ratio ensures extra vertical screen space.

The ASUS ProArt PA248QV has some advantages compared to the HP monitor above. For example, it bundles a USB hub and a DisplayPort connector along with the HDMI port and the VGA connector. Furthermore, the VESA holes at the back let you prop the monitor in a monitor arm, thereby saving space on your desk.

Lastly, the ProArt PA248QV is flexible and ergonomic. You will be able to adjust the height and rotate and swivel the monitor.

This ASUS ProArt monitor is costlier than its counterpart above. Nevertheless, it offers plenty of advantages, making it an effective option for the price. It’s a popular monitor on Amazon and has around 900 reviews to its credit. Users have praised its bright panel and the picture quality.

3. ViewSonic VP2468 Premium IPS Monitor

• Refresh rate: 60Hz | Panel type: IPS
• Size: 24-inch
• Ports: 2 x HDMI, 2 x DisplayPort, 1 x DisplayPort Out, 1 x USB 3.0 (upstream), 4 x USB 3.0 (downstream), 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack

The color reproduction is top-notch, and several users have noted it in their reviews. If we talk numbers, it covers 99% of the sRGB collar gamut and has a Delta E < 2 level. More importantly, this Viewsonic monitor has excellent ergonomics and allows you to adjust the height or swivel as per your preference. And if the need arises, you can rotate it to portrait mode.

The connectivity options are ample, and you get access to both DisplayPort and HDMI connectors. It has a USB 3.0 hub that lets you connect low-power peripherals directly. The good thing is that all the ports are easily accessible.

However, the ViewSonic VP2468 monitor is not perfect. Though it ranks high up in the color performance ladder, it’s not durable and doesn’t last nearly as long as some of the monitors in this list.

It’s a good pick as before you upgrade to a 4K monitor. But if you want one for the long haul, it might not be the best option.

4. DELL UltraSharp U2419H

• Refresh rate: 60Hz | Panel type: IPS
• Size: 24-inch
• Ports: 1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort, 1 x USB-B port, 2 x USB-A, 1 x a 3.5mm audio

Aside from the above, it bundles pretty good features, such as the option for both DisplayPort and HDMI connectors. The best part is the 5 USB 3.0 slots. Interestingly, two of these are capable of fast charging.

It looks great, all thanks to the dual colors. Plus, the bezel-less look makes it great to team it up in a dual-monitor rig. At the same time, the build quality is solid. Do note that, like the ones above, the UltraSharp U2419H is also an 8-bit panel.

But as we noted earlier, the color performance is not up to the UltraSharp standard. It covers 99% of the sRGB color gamut, but the Delta E value is a little above 2. If you must know, monitors with Delta E values should be less than 2 for color-sensitive work. At the same time, the color temperature is a little on the cooler side.

On the upside, the panel displays uniform color, and there are a couple of color modes that you can try.

5. BenQ SW240 PhotoVue

• Refresh rate: 60Hz | Panel type: IPS
• Size: 24-inch
• Ports: 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x DVI, 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x 3.5 audio, 1 x SD card reader

It can display 100% of the sRGB color spectrum and 99% of the Adobe RGB color space. And like most of the monitors above, it has a Delta E < 2, needed for color-sensitive work.

What makes the deal better is that BenQ has included the Palette Master Element color calibration tool. Another highlight of this BenQ monitor is that it comes with a hotkey that lets you switch between sRGB, Adobe RGB, and Black & White presets.

Color of the Rainbow

While the world is shifting towards 4K monitors for photo editing, there are enough 1080p FHD monitors out there that let you go about your job seamlessly. If you are just starting out in the photo editing world, then picking a Full HD panel is better than splurging money on an expensive 4K panels.