Many graphic design monitors have 4K or higher resolutions, which means you’ll get better detailing than a 1080p or 1440p screen. They also usually have some sort of HDR support for better color saturation, contrast, and detailing than without it. Some screens, like the Asus ProArt, are factory calibrated for Delta E<2 accuracy or Calman Verified so you can create with confidence. Others are compatible with aftermarket calibration tools like the SpyderX Pro so you can ensure color accuracy. If you’re treating yourself or a loved one this holiday season, I’ve rounded up some of the best graphic design monitors available and have broken down their features, connectivity, and price points to help you find the best fit for your needs and budget. Also: These 4K monitors are an easy way to upgrade your PC or Mac setup Bar none, the Apple Pro Display XDR is the gold standard when it comes to displays for graphic designers and other creative professionals. The 32-inch screen produces absolutely stunning 6K resolution, not only giving you tons of vivid colors and lifelike detailing, but also allowing you to future-proof your work setup as the industry comes to embrace ultra-high definition graphics beyond 4K. It also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10, so video editors can take advantage of smoother playback and detail rendering. It also has a peak brightness of 1600 nits and you can choose a nano-textured glass panel to help improve visibility in even very bright rooms; the nano-textured glass isn’t as glossy as a regular screen, reducing glare from overhead lights and windows. You can either wall mount the Pro Display XDR or you can pair it with the Pro Stand for tilt, height, and swivel adjustments to suit your work style and reduce strain. The Asus ProArt 32-inch monitor is the best of the best when it comes to color accuracy. It can produce up to 100% of the sRGB and Adobe RGB color gamuts as well as 98% DCI-PE; it’s even Calman Verified for Delta E<2 accuracy right out of the box, so you can get started painting, editing, and drawing incredibly vivid and lifelike images right away. It has Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes, making it perfect for multitasking in different programs or pulling up reference photos for drawings and paintings. There is also a built-in blue light filter to help reduce eye strain during long days in front of the screen. The Dell UltraSharp 40 is a great option for those who need more screen real estate for their work. The curved design of the screen means less glare from ambient light as well as a more comfortable viewing experience. It produces up to 100% of the sRGB color palette as well as 98% DCI-P3 for accuracy without the need for professional calibration. It also has dual integrated speakers, which are perfect for animators and video editors to sync audio and video without the need for a headset. This monitor features Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for file transfers, device charging, and chaining displays for multitasking. And with a Picture-by-Picture mode, you can get the benefit of a dual-screen setup on a single monitor. LG has managed to shrink its OLED technology used in TVs into a 32-inch monitor for a true powerhouse for creative professionals. The OLED panel has 8 million individually lit pixels, which means deeper blacks, brighter colors, and enhanced detailing without the need for HDR, though it does support both VESA DisplayHDR 400 and HDR10. As if that wasn’t already impressive, it can produce up to 99% of both DCI-P3 and AdobeRGB color ranges and a 1 million to 1 contrast ratio. This monitor also acts as a connectivity hub with USB-C, USB 3.0, DisplayPort, and HDMI inputs for connecting peripherals, storage devices, and even extra displays when you need more space for work. And unlike the other displays on this list, the LG UltraFine OLED monitor features a Dynamic Action Sync mode for matching variable refresh rates from different sources to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. If you’re a freelance or remote creative professional, it’s a must to have a display that can go with you wherever you need to be. The Asus ProArt portable monitor is a near-perfect solution for working on the go. The 22-inch screen connects to your laptop or tablet with micro HDMI or USB-C cables, and the OLED panel produces 4K resolution as well as 100% sRGB and 99% Adobe RGB color gamuts. It supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 for even better detailing, and the 400-nit peak brightness means you can see your work no matter where you are. The only complaint I have is that it doesn’t support touch inputs, so you’ll have to bring your tablet or 2-in-1 laptop with you when you use this screen. This buying tree can help you determine the best fit for your needs: It also doesn’t ever have HDR support, which is important when dealing with finely detailed images. Meanwhile, if you’re editing photos or working with digital paintings and drawings, a curved monitor is a great choice. They reduce glare and make it more comfortable to view the entire piece. And while it isn’t a hindrance for most kinds of creative work, it may be worth it to spend the extra money on a 4K monitor with HDR support if edit photos, videos, or finely detailed digital art.
