5 Best Budget Monitors for Photo and Video Editing under $300 in 2024

If you’re a photographer or video editor, then a good monitor will go a long way and overturn the colors in your stills and videos accurately. Unfortunately, high-end monitors can be quite expensive and out of reach for budding photographers who are just starting. Luckily, the market is flush with affordable monitors available for under $300. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best budget monitors for photo and video editing, read on.

In today’s article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best budget monitors for photo and video editing that are currently available on the market. We shall be highlighting all the necessary aspects such as color accuracy, resolution, connectivity, and other features, to help you make an informed purchase decision.

But first, you might want to check out the following:

• Make use of the wider FOV with these ultrawide gaming monitors.
• Game on without breaking the bank with these budget gaming monitors.
• Boost your productivity by getting two of these monitors for a dual-monitor setup.

1. BenQ BL2420PT

• Screen Size: 23.8-inch | Panel: IPS
• Resolution: 2560×1440 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz
• sRGB Coverage: 100%
• Connectivity: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x VGA, 1x DVI-DL, 2x USB 2.0 Hub

Even though the monitor was announced almost a decade ago, it still reigns supreme as one of the rare yet great budget monitors for creative uses. The 23.8-inch monitor combined with a 1440p resolution offers a stunning pixel density of 123 PPI, which results in crisp detailing.

In terms of design, this monitor offers a sleek and minimalist look that can effortlessly blend into any workspace. The adjustable stand provides flexibility, allowing you to customize the height and tilt to find the perfect viewing angle.

For creative use cases, a monitor needs to hit the nail on the head in terms of color accuracy. The BenQ BL2420PT is factory-calibrated to cover 100% of the sRGB and Rec. 709 color spaces, which makes it ideal for professionals who depend on accurate color representation in their line of work. Additionally, it also makes use of BenQ’s AQCOLOR technology, which is the industry standard for creative professionals.

2. PHILIPS 278E1A

• Screen Size: 27-inch | Panel: IPS
• Resolution: 3840×2160 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz
• sRGB Coverage: 109%
• Connectivity: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2

One of the standout features of the 278E1A is its wide color gamut. It covers 109% of the sRGB color space, which means that it can display a wider range of colors than many other monitors. Add to that, the monitor also boasts 91% NTSC coverage. This results in more accurate and vibrant colors that are closer to what you would see in real life.

However, as pointed out by the folks at TomsHardware, the black levels could be better, and there are visible inaccuracies, especially at high brightness levels.

As far as the design is concerned, the Philips 278E1A has a sleek and modern design with a slim bezel. As such, the monitor provides an edge-to-edge display, and its stand can be adjusted for tilt and height. Additionally, the monitor features built-in speakers that deliver decent sound quality, eliminating the need for external speakers or headphones for minimal tasks. That said, if you have a creative workflow, you can benefit from investing in these low-impedance open-back headphones.

3. ASUS ProArt PA278QV

• Screen Size: 27-inch | Panel: IPS
• Resolution: 2560×1440 | Refresh Rate: 75Hz
• sRGB Coverage: 100%
• Connectivity: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x MiniDisplayPort 1.2, 1x Dual-Link DVI, 4x USB 3.2 Hub

One of the standout features of the PA278QV is its color accuracy. It covers 100% of the sRGB and Rec. 709 color spaces, ensuring that colors are displayed accurately and consistently. Add to that, the ProArt PA278QV is also Calman Verified.

It also features the ASUS ProArt Palette that paves the way for precise color calibration and ensures that colors are displayed exactly as intended. What’s more is that the stand allows for easy adjustability too, including height, swivel, pivot, and tilt.

As far as connectivity is concerned, this monitor has it all. You also get a handful of creator-centric features with the device to boost your productivity. To that end, the monitor comes with an on-screen overlay via the ASUS QuickFit Virtual Scale.

The utility allows users to align and preview documents in their actual sizes before printing too. Other than that, the 75Hz refresh rate coupled with Adaptive-Sync technology should come in handy for casual gamers too.

4. Acer CB272K

• Screen Size: 27-inch | Panel: IPS
• Resolution: 3840×2160 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz
• sRGB Coverage: 99%
• Connectivity: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x USB-C (with DisplayPort and 90W output)

With a resolution of 3840 x 2160, the CB272K ensures that every detail of your photos and videos is portrayed with clarity and precision. This makes it an attractive option for content creators who demand high-quality visuals on a budget.

Additionally, there’s support for AMD FreeSync too so you can use it for some 60FPS gaming without any screen tearing. Add to that, it boasts 99% sRGB coverage and a Delta E variance of less than 1. However, that does seem to be a little too good to be true, so take that with a pinch of salt.

Speaking of which, if you prefer a more reliable option, you can opt for the LG UltraFine 27UN850-W. It’s slightly more expensive, but you can get it under $300 on the occasional deals. Not only does it offer a far more reliable service, but it also has a better HDR performance with support for VESA DisplayHDR 400. However, some users don’t find it that ergonomic in terms of adjustability, so you might have to fork out extra for a VESA arm mount.

5. ViewSonic VX3211

• Screen Size: 32-inch | Panel: VA
• Resolution: 3840x2160p | Refresh Rate: 60Hz
• sRGB Coverage: 99%
• Connectivity: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2

Contrary to other monitors on this list, the ViewSonic VX3211 comes with a VA panel. But, thanks to its factory calibration, you get a 99% sRGB coverage, 95% NTSC size, and Delta E<2 value. However, you do miss out on the comfort of great viewing angles brought about by an IPS panel. With a resolution of 3840 x 2160, this monitor provides a large canvas for photo and video editing, allowing you to see every detail in stunning clarity.

The monitor’s HDR10 support adds another layer of visual enhancement, providing improved contrast and brightness for your videos. However, it is worth highlighting that this isn’t a native 10-bit screen. Instead, you get a combination of an 8-bit panel with Hi-FRC. Of course, there are compromises, but as reviews highlight, it still comes out as one of the best budget 32-inch 4K monitors for photo and video editing.

Unleash Your Creativity with Maximum Productivity

Well, that was our list of the best budget monitors for photo and video editing that you can buy. Each of these monitors brings unique features to the table, catering to different preferences and requirements. Whether you prioritize resolution, color accuracy, or ergonomic adjustments, there’s a budget-friendly option waiting to enhance your editing experience. With one of the aforementioned budget-friendly monitors in your arsenal, you’ll be able to take your photo and video editing game to the next level.