10 best monitors for a designer

Updating the assortment of monitors for graphic work happens quite rarely, and the release of ASUS ProArt PA24AC immediately attracted the attention of designers. It is especially appreciated by the owners of the Apple MacBook, who can combine their PC into a convenient workstation via the Thunderbolt 3 hardware interface. In addition to it, many more useful ports are hidden in the niche with connectors: HDMI 2.0a, HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort, mini-jack, USB hub with USB 3.0 and USB Type-C.

An extensive set of connectors and excellent image quality ensures high functionality of the monitor. It is convenient to use in various fields of activity - from image processing in Photoshop or office work to graphic design and video editing. However, the reviews criticize the color reproduction, limited to the sRGB palette. The uniformity, brightness and color balance in the PA24AC model is set using the Asus ProArt Calibration proprietary program.This is enough for home design for personal use or training for novice designers, but hardly for a professional level.

The Korean monitor with an updated 34.1-inch SVA-matrix, a resolution of 3440x1440 (21:9) and a pixel density of 109 ppi has an anti-glare coating and Flicker-Free backlight without flicker. Thanks to high-quality color reproduction, it is perfect for designers for graphic work in Photoshop, allowing you to create highly detailed projects. Not bad equipped technologically, including a picture-in-picture option and a DisplayPort connector.

It was rated by users in the reviews as a well-balanced tool, devoid of any serious shortcomings. The build quality is top notch, there is a wide choice of interfaces, testing showed a uniform backlight with deep blacks and a contrast ratio of 5150:1, which is higher than stated by the manufacturer.

Widescreen monitor for designers who prefer to work on a 29-inch diagonal. The frameless screen provides a resolution of 2560x1080 pixels with an aspect ratio of 21:9 and a density of 95 ppi. We note right away that the matrix was not chosen ideally, it supports only 6bit + FRC color depth, so the model is suitable only for those who begin to master the design and graphics processing in Photoshop. As some compensation, the Koreans offer HDR10 support, a Mega DCR option for contrast correction, 100% sRGB color reproduction and a stylish modern design.

As the reviews show, the graphic content on the monitor is displayed quite correctly, you can comfortably work not only with photos, but also with videos. An important point, there may be problems with support on video cards with Nvidia chips, since the software is not updated as quickly as AMD.

A well-designed monitor with improved color reproduction compared to previous models in the series. The diagonal of the TFT-VA screen is 31.5 inches with a resolution of 4K 3840x2160 (16:9), it has decent anti-glare properties, having a modern semi-matte surface. The model has a number of technologies that improve and simplify the work. Among them are Magic Bright, Flicker Free, Mega DCR, Eco Saving and Picture in Picture.

The advantages of VA matrices were fully appreciated by customers for deep blacks, excellent color reproduction and a high brightness limit. In the reviews for the monitor, the optimal size was also noted, which creates room for graphics processing, allowing you to place several working windows at the same time without “breaking” your eyes. As a result, we get an almost perfect price / quality balance, a small fly in the ointment brings only the need for mandatory adjustment of the factory settings.

An extremely curious monitor from the mid-budget segment, but with very good features at the level of much more expensive counterparts. Based on an AH-IPS matrix with a pixel density of 109 ppi and a color depth of 10 bits. The resolution is comfortable - 2560x1440, and the sRGB color gamut is a full 100%, which is extremely important for graphic design.Picture-in-picture option is supported for quick switching between applications, as well as screen rotation by 90 degrees, which will facilitate the processing of vertical graphics for smartphones.

Reviews on the model do not contain significant criticism. Yes, many would like to see more uniform illumination in the corners, increased energy efficiency and narrow frames, but, alas, such realities of today's market will have to be paid extra for these "goodies".

The model is designed to equip the workplace of a professional designer. The monitor is equipped with a 27" IPS panel with a 178° viewing angle and a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. These indicators, together with Local Dimming technology, which provides for individual control of LED backlighting in 384 zones, allow you to get the most realistic images. A similar solution is still provided only by Eizo, and in devices about twice as expensive.

In addition, the monitor covers 100% sRGB, Adobe RGB and Rec. 709, as well as 97.8% DCI-P3, displaying up to 1.1 billion colors. Color accuracy can be adjusted by users with a 6-axis calibration system. Since the processing of graphic files is a rather stressful process for the eyes, the model has several functions to create comfortable conditions. These include adaptive brightness adjustment depending on the ambient light, reduction of the blue spectrum in the BlueLightShield emission, elimination of flicker-less flicker.

The best affordability option for those who are just starting to take their first steps in the field of graphic design, mastering Photoshop. Accordingly, you should not expect maximum color quality (72% NTSC) and ultra-clear detail, but at the initial stage, this monitor will allow you to master the basics of processing graphics of any type, and then you can think about investing in a more expensive model. Directly Dell S2721HS has an IPS-matrix with a classic resolution of 1920x1080, a pixel density of 82 ppi and a color depth of 8 bits. There are all the necessary options for eye protection, dynamic picture updating and the ability to rotate to portrait mode, which would make it more comfortable to mount content for smartphones.

Let us remind you once again that this is an inexpensive monitor that is suitable only for a novice designer. This is also evidenced by user reviews, confirming acceptable image quality, effective operation of eye protection functions and good ergonomics.

At first glance, the MultiSync PA243W cannot impress either with a 24" diagonal or a WUXGA matrix with a resolution of 1920x1200. Why is NEC presenting this model to graphics professionals? It's simple - it has practically no equal in terms of color accuracy and color spectrum gamut in different The model recognizes 112% Adobe RGB, 151% sRGB, 107% NTSC, etc. The proper color depth is also provided - the design uses a 10-bit AH-IPS panel, which means that there will be no problems with graphics processing absolutely any format, no matter how detailed it is.

The device is optionally supplied with a colorimeter and professional calibration software SpectraView Color Engin from NEC. By using them and the built-in 3D LUT, the designer can ensure the most accurate display of shades and reduce the loss of color information. An adjustable stand is responsible for the ergonomics of working with the monitor: the screen can be adjusted in height within 150 mm, tilted from -5 to +30 ° and rotated 90 ° to switch from landscape to portrait orientation and vice versa. The main cons: a very biting price, lack of HDR support and not the most attractive design.

With the redesigned 31.5-inch monitor from Philips, there's plenty of scope for creative design ideas. The installed 10-bit IPS matrix with a resolution of 3840x2160 (16:9) transmits a crystal clear image, and the Smart Uniformity function provides uniform brightness across the entire screen surface, which is very important for working with graphics in Photoshop. For complex work, it is possible to combine two signal sources and simultaneously display them in different windows using MultiView technology.

Users in their reviews noted excellent color reproduction, a pleasant design with ergonomically located connectors and controls, a multi-position stand and built-in technologies that improve image transmission as the main advantages of the model. Thanks to the wide functionality and modern solutions, the monitor from Philips will meet the wildest expectations.The only thing frankly lacking is HDR support.

In the segment of 31.5 inch WQHD monitors, this model can be considered a reference. IPS type ADS matrix with a resolution of 2560x1440 (16:9) pixels guarantees perfect color reproduction and wide viewing angles, meeting the requirements of graphic design. Blue Light Reducer and X-Res Technology improve performance and uptime. Due to the adaptive reduction of the blue level, the load on the eyes is reduced, and in non-standard resolutions, the monitor is able to transform the picture by increasing the contour sharpness.

Based on feedback from professional photographers and designers, the monitor's decent color reproduction is second to none given its size and price. Matte anti-reflective coating with no crystallization effect, uniform illumination with a wide brightness limit, ergonomic no-frills design, are not a complete list of the advantages of this model. If there are restrictions in the budget, then according to the available parameters, the best option for professional work simply cannot be found.