Top 12 Best Monitors Under $500 For Photo Editing In 2022

When it comes to photos, nobody compromises because they have captured their memories.

A real photographer knows the actual value of photography, colors, and editing.😊

For this purpose, a photographer needs a good monitor with perfect color accuracy.

In this review article, you’ll come to know about the best monitor for photo editing under $500.

These monitors are not only budget-friendly but have so many unique features.

Our Top 4 Picks For Best Monitors For Photo Editing Don’t Miss Them

If you can’t read the complete review this section is written for you. Read it and choose a suitable monitor for your work.

1. Acer SB220Q bi Full HD IPS Ultra-Thin Monitor – Under Budget

A high-quality and affordable monitor for everyone.

Now, you can buy an inexpensive device without hitting your budget and start editing your pictures perfectly.

2. BenQ GW2480 Proprietary IPS Monitor – Best for Eyes

If you are facing eye problems BenQ is made for you.

It is comfortable for the eyes and prevents eye strain and fatigue.

This is the best monitor you can buy for under $300 for eye care.

3. Lepow 15.6 Inch Full HD Portable Monitor – Portable

A portable and small-sized monitor that you can carry everywhere easily.

Its high-quality display will give you magical feelings while working.

4. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV Adjustable Monitor – Top Pick

ASUS ProArt is the best monitor among all others because of its perfect size and WQHD resolution.

The best monitor you can buy for under $500.

A-List of Must Buy Best Monitors Under $500 for Photo Editing

In this complete guide, you’ll see various monitors with different features.

You have to make a list of features you need in your device and then buy the perfect device for yourself.

Let’s Get Started.😃

Comparison Of Top 12 Best Monitors Under $500 for Photo Editing In 2021

Image	Product Name	Features	Latest Price
	Acer SB220Q bi Full HD IPS Ultra-Thin Monitor	21.5 inches Full HD Refresh rate: 75 hertz  Ports: 1 x HDMI & 1 x VGA 16.7 million colors.	Check Latest Price
	HP VH240a 23.8-Inch Full HD 1080p IPS LED Monitor	VGA and HDMI with HDCP support  Integrated audio speakers   anti-glare matte  AC power cord and HDMI cable	Check Latest Price
	BenQ GW2480 Proprietary Eye-Care Tech IPS Monitor	24 inch full HD 1080P IPS panel: 178° wide viewing angle Eye-Care for extended use: VESA wall mount:	Check Latest Price
	Lepow 15.6 Inch Full HD Portable Monitor	[FHD 1080P IPS Screen] make a simple setup pow 15.6 inch portable 15.6 inch Full HD IPS screen	Check Latest Price
	ASUS VS239H-P IPS HDMI Back-lit LED MonitorASUS VS239H-P IPS HDMI Back-lit LED Monitor	Slim Design 23-inch display 1 ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio Technology automatically optimize 5ms Response Time	Check Latest Price
	Dell Ultrasharp U2415 24.0-Inch LED Monitor	Height-Adjustable Stand Built-in Cable Management 16.78 Million Colors 6ms Response Time.	Check Latest Price
	Philips 276E8VJSB 27″ 4K Monitor with 1 Billion Colors	Philips e-line 27″ Led monitor Displayport 1.2, HDMI 2.0  flicker-free technology narrow Border Display	Check Latest Price
	ASUS PB278Q 27″ WQHD IPS Eye Care Monitor	Audio features stereo speakers  visuals with 27” 16:9 2560 x 1440 ,Height adjustment sRGB and 178° wide-viewing angle	Check Latest Price
	ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV Adjustable Monitor	ASUS-exclusive ProArt Preset  IPS monitor with frameless design ASUS-exclusive ProArt   height adjustments for a comfortable	Check Latest Price
	BenQ SW240 PhotoVue 24 inch Color Accuracy IPS Monitor	24.1 inch 1920×1200 WUXGA   99% Adobe RGB, 100%  Monitor for Photo and Video Editing  USB Type B (upstream),	Check Latest Price
	Samsung SD850 32″ WQHD LED-LitMonitor	Power Consumption (Max):100 W Response Time : 5 (GTG)ms Active Display Size (H x V) 2560×1440 WQHD	Check Latest Price
	ViewSonic VP2458 24 Inch Frameless 60hz IPS 1080p Monitor	Full HD (1920x1080p) 60Hz IPS monitor Screen wide 100%  The VP2458 supports laptops,  Factory Color Calibration Report	Check Latest Price

 

1. Acer SB220Q bi Full HD IPS Ultra-Thin Monitor

Acer SB220Q bi is the best under-budget monitor for photo editors.

It is one of the best-selling monitors for under $150.

A 21 inches screen with 1920 x 1080p resolution is suitable for newbies in the editing field.

You can start your photo editing career with Acer SB220Q bi. There is no problem with ghosting or blurring, and you can easily do your editing work.

It covers 93% sRGB spectrum, which is low as compared to other monitors.

That’s why it is suggested for immature editors to learn from it. If you are a professional, it isn’t made for you.

On the other hand, it lacks VESA compatibility and is a perfect choice to keep it on the table.

Acer SB220Q bi has a good refresh rate of 75Hz and response time.

If you want an affordable and under-budget monitor for photo editing, you can give it a try.

The ultra-thin IPS panel with Freesync technology gives you amazing results.

Specifications:

 

2. HP VH240a 23.8-Inch Full HD 1080p IPS LED Monitor

HP is a well-known brand in the tech field, and people from all around the globe use its products.

HP VH240a is famous because of its adjustment options with a bezel-free frame.

There is no USB port, and you can’t connect your mobile and other devices with it.

If you want to connect your storage and mobile device, you can check out any other monitor.

You can only connect your computer with it.

You can fully adjust your IPS panel; for example, tilt it or rotate it 90 degrees.

You can buy this monitor for vertical use or horizontal use because of its rotation feature.

Both of these rotations will help you a lot while editing.

The best thing is its 5ms response time and blur-free technology. At full speed, there will not be any blur or flickers.

If we talk about colors, it covers a 72% sRGB spectrum that shows perfect color accuracy on the screen. All the colors appear well saturated and uniform.

There are also built-in speakers, but I suggest you use external speakers.

Specifications:

 

3. BenQ GW2480 Proprietary Eye-Care Tech IPS Monitor

BenQ GW2480 is a good choice because of eye-care technology. The screen is the perfect choice for everyone, whether you are a photo editor, gamer, or content creator.

The light blue light with flick-free and blur-free technology prevents headache and eye fatigue.

The users of the BenQ GW2480 declared it as the Best Monitor For Eye Strain.

If you are facing eye issues you can buy it.🙂

Except for eye-care technology, these are some other features you need to know before buying.

• 24 inches big screen (a perfect choice for photo editors)
• HD IPS panel (1920 x 1080p)
• Built-in speakers
• Ultra-slim bezel
• Cable management system (hides cables inside the monitor)
• Brightness intelligence
• VGA and HDMI connectivity

Specifications:

 

4. Lepow 15.6 Inch Full HD Portable Monitor

One of my favorite monitors because of its slim and sleek design.

If you are looking for a portable yet affordable monitor, give it a try.

Design:

A 15.6 inches device with HD resolution is the perfect choice for photo editing.

It can change your mobile into a laptop with a type-C cable.

On the other hand, show everything clear and HD from your computer.

There is a mini HDMI and Type-C port to attach your mobile or laptop with it.

Although there are built-in speakers, you can also use your external speakers or headphones. For this purpose, there is a 3.5mm port.

The panel itself is sleek and attached with a leather cover case that holds it.

The company also added a protector on the screen to prevent damage.

In short, Lepow 15.6 Inch Full HD Portable Monitor is designed so well, and you can carry it anywhere.

Performance:

Lepow portable HD monitor works excellent as compared to other devices at the same price. But, it can not save settings.

If your monitor turns off while working, you will lose your data.

The best thing that you’ll love is its auto-rotate option. You can easily rotate it from portrait to landscape and vice versa.

Whether you are working from home or doing school work now, it is easy to do all these tasks.

As far as we talk about picture quality and crispness, this is perfect. It becomes easy to edit your pictures and videos on this monitor.

A good, under-budget, and best monitor for photo editing under $500.

Specifications:

 

5. ASUS VS239H-P IPS HDMI Back-lit LED Monitor

ASUS has manufactured a perfect monitor with the exact features a photo editor needs.

The colors, resolution, size, and saturation is the best. But, the stand is flimsy. You have to change it before setting it.

The screen, the panel, and its working everything is manufactured perfectly except for the stand. You can give it a try because it is one of the best monitors for under $500.

If you are a graphic designer or content creator, the color saturation and its warmth will give excellent results.

Furthermore, the users love it because of its high brightness and picture quality.

In short, if you want the best monitor for photo editing without any issue, you can choose the ASUS IPS monitor.

Specifications:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzLKfMYcgqo

 

6. Dell Ultrasharp U2415 24.0-Inch LED Monitor

It’s not only for computers or laptops it’s also well known for its monitors.

You can do your work as well as use it to watch movies. The best thing is its bezel-free display with 16.7 million colors.

 

If you want to connect your various devices with a monitor, you can try the Dell Ultrasharp monitor.

DELL has so many ports like:

• HDMI
• DP
• MINI DP
• Audio Line Out
• USB 3.0
• USB 3.0 Upstream Port

These various options make it popular among people, and they love using it. You don’t need to buy a computer separately.

Furthermore, you are allowed to tilt, swivel, or rotate it according to your need.

As you know, a 24 inches screen is the best option for an editor, and Dell also has a 24 inches screen.

Specifications:

 

7. Philips 276E8VJSB 27″ 4K Monitor with 1 Billion Colors

If you are looking for a 4K monitor with perfect colors, this is made for you.

Philips has manufactured a great device that has hundreds of features. All of them are perfectly made for you.

Let me tell you the features:

• It has 3840 x 2160 pixels that show every picture and video crystal clear on the screen.
• A 10-bit IPS panel that produces more color gamut with no dithering.
• 1.074 billion colors are available for editors to work with colors without any problem. These colors show every detail of the picture on display.
• Elegant design with narrow borders that help you to link it with other monitors.
• You are allowed to connect various devices simultaneously to view different screens at the same time on the Philips.
• There are various ports to connect external devices such as speakers and your mobile phones.
• You will not face flicker or blurring problems. Furthermore, say goodbye to eye fatigue and eye strain.
• The best thing is a 4-years warranty that will give you peace of mind. If you face any problem contact the company and let them resolve it.
• The stand is sturdy and well made so that you can tilt it according to your need.

The only thing that I don’t like is the lack of VESA accountability. You can’t mount it to the wall, but you can give it a try if you have not planned to mount it.

Please keep it on your table and add beauty to your setup.

Specifications:

 

8. ASUS PB278Q 27″ WQHD IPS Eye Care Monitor

A multi-talented ASUS PB278Q eye care monitor that can solve all your problems.

It is suitable for everyone whether you are a designer, editor, gamer, or student.

ASUS has resolved all your problems by making their eye care monitor for you.

First of all, its resolution is fantastic that you need while doing your work. 2560 x 1440 pixels bring a fantastic change to your work.

If you have recently changed your monitor you must have an idea how better it works.

Secondly; it is ergonomic which means you can easily tilt, swivel, and pivot it.

The best thing is while working, rotate and do your work without any hesitation on a portrait screen.

But, you can only rotate it from one direction and you have to remember the side. If you forget about its side and rotate with full power you will face a problem.

So, be careful in this matter and pivot it from one side mentioned in the manual.

ASUS PB278Q eye care monitors have some advanced features to protect your eyes.

On the other hand, they have introduced a few advanced controls. For example:

• It is easy to navigate
• Input switching controls
• QuickFit feature to preview documents in their original size.

The last thing you need to know is 100% sRGB color reproduction.

Other monitors have less than 98% color spectrum and ASUS wins in this race.

Specifications:

 

9. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV Adjustable Monitor

If you are looking for a monitor with perfect color gamut ASUS ProArt is made for you.

It is one of the best choices for editors because of its color accuracy and 100% sRGB feature.

From picture quality to brightness everything works great.

Sometimes blacklight bleeds on the display but that doesn’t matter because it happens rarely.

The refresh rate is 75Hz, which makes it suitable for gamers also.

It means if you are an editor and a gamer you can give it a try and let your monitor fulfill your needs.

People are crazy about it because of the color’s features. ASUS has made this monitor so colorful and amazing that everyone loves it.

The display is sharp, everything appears on it smooth, flicker-free, and comfortable for the eyes.

In short, ASUS ProArt is the best choice for colorful monitor lovers.

Specifications:

 

10. BenQ SW240 PhotoVue 24 inch Color Accuracy IPS Monitor

This is an excellent color accuracy monitor for photo editing or just for those who prefer picture quality over other features.

Manufacturing:

The BenQ IPS monitor is a 27 inches big screen with 1920 x 1200 pixels.😊

There is cable management from where you can set your wires. On the other hand, the stand is sturdy and made with high-quality material.

All the ports are attached on the backside which is a little bit difficult to connect.

The cables are included in the box. Furthermore, the monitor arrived in a hard box to prevent breakage.

In short; from packaging to design everything looks great.

Working Ability:

For a photographer that needs color and color accuracy around him, it’s a good choice. The Adobe RGB and sRGB color palettes give you millions of colors to work with.

There is a color mode hotkey that gives you three options to customize your images.

• Adobe RGB
• sRGB
• Black and White

The BenQ SW271 monitor is well-known because of its durability and working power.

This monitor requires a graphics card that is capable of outputting 10-bit color.

You will not face ghosting or flicker because the company has made it cons-free.

Sometimes blacklight may appear but it is common in an IPS monitor under $500. But, it happens rarely, that’s why do not worry about it.

The shading hood option makes it more useful because you can do more focus on your work.

A hood will show your more accurate colors that’s why professional photographers use it. An optional accessory but the most useful one.

Specifications:

 

11. Samsung SD850 32″ WQHD LED-LitMonitor

Do you want to buy a big monitor with the best picture quality?😀

Samsung SD850 32″ WQHD LED-LitMonitor is the best choice for you.

One of the simple devices that you can control and use easily.

Some of its specifications that I got are mentioned below:

• Tons of real estate
• Great colors
• DisplayPort
• Lots of adjustment built into the stand
• Plenty of room to go up and down
• easy to swap between portrait and landscape
• 4 USB 3 ports on the back
• The frame is ‘industrial sturdy’
• Multi-axis swivel/tilt/height adjustments
• No eye strain

The only problem that you will face is restarting the monitor. You have to wait for it because it takes a while to turn on.

Except for this issue, I have found nothing to tell you before buying.

You can buy it without any problem because Samsung is a trustworthy brand.

Specifications:

12. ViewSonic VP2458 24 Inch Frameless 60hz IPS 1080p Monitor

A device that fulfills the needs of photographers with its 100% sRGB color coverage and Delta E<2 color accuracy.

 

But, the company describes it as factory calibrated and that’s not true beware of false advertisements.

Except for calibration, all other features in the monitor are good.

A budget-friendly device that can give you imaging results at this price range.

27 Inches Monitor:

A large screen is the need of the photo editors because a big screen shows everything big and clear.

The best screen size for editing varies from 24 inches to 32 inches.

If you want to buy the Best Monitor for Photo Editing always remember this point.

1920 x 1080 Pixels Resolution:

This resolution is known as HD resolution shows detail of the pictures on the display.

Most of the time monitors are HD, 2K, or 4K and a 24 inches screen works great at 1920 x 1080 pixels.

The Stand & VESA Mountable:

ViewSonic VP2458 has both options whether you want to set it on your table or hang it on your wall.

The stand is also versatile which means you can control it according to your need.

You are allowed to tilt, swivel, or rotate everything at a touch away.

Specifications

 

How To Buy The Best Monitor For Photo Editing

There are some important points that you need to know before buying a monitor for editing.

The companies design various models for different fields with some specific features.

Do you want to know about those features?

Don’t miss it.😃

1. The Size of the Monitor:

For any photographer, the screen size matters because a big screen can display everything in detail. On the other hand, a small screen can’t fulfill your needs.

A screen smaller than 20 inches is so small that you can’t edit your pictures easily.

It is suggested to use a screen 24 inches smaller and 32 inches big. These are the best screen sizes for work.

2. The Monitor Must-Have HDR Function:

The very important point is why HDR monitors are good for editing. An HDR monitor has billions of colors that show every color more vibrant and clear.

This is an HDR option that allows the editors to fill various colors with thousands of shades in a picture.

sRGB and Adobe RGB color spectrums are also the main part of a colorful device.

So, you have to check out the color accuracy and color palette before buying it.

3. IPS Panel is the Best Choice for Editors

An IPS panel is a must for editing your photos because it shows outstanding color accuracy.

A panel rich with colors defines all the minor details of every picture.

The best choice for everyone needs perfect color consistency.

IPS Panel can support Adobe RGB on a monitor for professional editing. That’s why these types of panels are used in the photography field.

4. High-Resolution Works Great in an Editing Monitor

The resolution is the heart of the monitors. Every monitor that has a high resolution with a high contrast ratio will give you outstanding results.

When it comes to photography you need more resolution than an average device.

The least resolution that a photo editor needs to buy is 1920 x 1080 pixels. If you can buy a monitor with more than HD resolution you must try them.

People use 4k HD devices for their editing because the higher the resolution the better results you will get.

FAQs That You Don’t Want To Miss

1. What kind of monitor do I need for photography?

You need a 24 inches IPS monitor with a higher resolution for photography.

Secondly; it must have high color accuracy because then you can perfectly edit everything.

2. Is a curved monitor better for photo editing?

A curved monitor for photo editing gives you immersive viewing and less distortion.

The professional editors use both kinds of monitors depending on their priorities.

But, a curved monitor is a right choice because it has more features and specifications than a flat screen.

3. Do you need HDR for photo editing?

Yes, an HDR monitor is a must for editing because of the colors.

An HDR monitor is a device that can give you billions of colors and shades for editing. It is a big yes to buy an HDR monitor for photo editing.

4. What is the best cheap monitor for photo editing?

Acer SB220Q bi Ultra-Thin Monitor is an affordable and best option for photo editors.

You can buy it without hitting your budget and it will also give you fantastic results.

My Verdict On This Detailed Review

You don’t need to buy an expensive monitor for your work when you have other options.

The company has manufactured the Best Monitor for Photo Editing Under $500.

All of these under $500 monitors are made with high-quality material and work fantastically.

Now you need to choose the best device for yourself according to your need and enjoy editing.

In the end, expensive and inexpensive monitors will give you the same results.

So, I suggest you buy a high-quality monitor for photo editing for under $500 for your ease.

Always remember your monitor must have HDR features with high resolution so you can finely edit your pictures and videos.