As a graphic designer, you’ll soon find that any old monitor won’t do your precise project work. You’ll need a powerful and accurate monitor with vivid colors. But that doesn’t mean you can afford to break the bank for a new computer monitor.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best budget monitor for graphic design. As a graphic designer, I understand why it’s essential to get the right monitor for design work. And I know what to look for!
So, I did the hard work for you and put together this list of the best monitors. The best part is that each of these monitors is affordable. There’s something here for everyone, from beginners to graphic design students.
Read on to find the best monitor for designers – at an affordable price!
Buying Guide to the Best Monitor for Graphic Design
Screen Size
For graphic design work, you need to see little details up close. So the general rule is, that the bigger the screen, the better!
You can find affordable monitors that range from 17 inches right up to 30+ inches. But most budget monitors will fall somewhere between 22 to 27 inches.
You also want to consider how much space you have. If you have a compact desk, you need a monitor that will fit it. But if space is no limit, then you can go as big as you can afford!
But don’t forget to check these other specs and features to make sure the monitor ticks all the right boxes.
Resolution
It’s not just about the display size, though. You also want a great resolution that works well on the monitor. And the larger the monitor, the higher the resolution you’ll need!
If you go for a monitor that comes in at 24 inches or less, then the standard 1920 x 1080 pixels is fine.
But if you can afford to splash out a bit more, it’s worth going for a QHD or even a 4K monitor. The difference in sharpness and detail is incredible! It’s well worth your money as a graphic designer who relies on accurate images for your work.
So, if you find a monitor that has 2560 x 1440 pixels in your budget, go for it! Even better if it has 3840 x 2180 pixels. You won’t beat that crystal-clear display!
Color Range & Accuracy
The next factor to look out for is the color range, i.e., how many colors the monitor can produce.
I would recommend going for a monitor with at least 75% sRGB gamut so that your images will look true to life. But some monitors go beyond this with 100% SRGB or even higher. (Yes, it’s possible!)
Refresh Rate
A faster refresh rate can improve your experience. That’s especially true when you’re working on finicky design projects.
Regular monitors tend to refresh at 60 Hz, but you can find some models with a 120 Hz refresh rate. Although they tend to be more costly, it’s well worth it, especially if you work in animation.
A quick response time will also allow you to get more precise in your work.
Type of Display
There are two main types of displays on computer monitors, and each one has its pros and cons.
First of all, and my preference, are monitors that use IPS technology. These are better for design work as they appear more vivid and have a better wide viewing angle. But they do cost more, so make sure to factor that into your budget!
Your other option is a monitor with TN technology. TN monitors tend to cost less and have faster response times.
But you lose out on that wide viewing angle. The colors aren’t as accurate, either – an essential factor for graphic designers.
Top 3 Products Quick Comparison
If you’re short on time, then check out the Philips monitor reviewed below! It comes out on top as the best overall budget monitor!
But if you’re working on a very tight budget, the Dell monitor wins as the cheapest model on the list.
Ready to spend a bit more? The 4K UHD LG monitor doesn’t disappoint! It’s hard to beat that intense 4K clarity and image quality.
| Product Name & Category | Philips 276E9QDSB 27 | Dell S2421HGF | LG 4K UHD 27UD88-W 27 |
| Screen size | 27 inches | 24 inches | 27 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 FHD | 1920 x 1080 FHD | 3840 x 2160 4K UHD |
| Refresh rate | 75 Hz | 144 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Color support | 124% sRGB & 93% NTSC | 100% sRGB & 72% NTSC | 99% sRGB |
The Best Monitor for Graphic Design
Philips 276E9QDSB 27
Best Overall Monitor
(Image credit: Philips)
This amazing IPS monitor provides everything you need for graphic design. It has impressive specs and features set it apart from other monitors in this price range.
These include wide-angle viewing, so your designs look superb from any angle. That’s backed up by the outstanding color range of 124% sRGB gamut.
Images look realistic, vivid, and true to life on this monitor. That should make your work easier and reduce any color discrepancies in your projects.
It’s also an excellent size at 27 inches. At this size, it’s one of the largest budget monitors on the list. It’s hard to find something better than this Philips monitor for such a cheap price!
With 27 inches of display, you’ll have plenty of space to zoom in or open several windows simultaneously. It’s ideal for working up close on intricate projects or displaying them in all their vibrancy!
This Philips monitor also has a fast refresh rate of 75 Hz, which beats the standard 60 Hz on most monitors.
These factors combine to make it the best monitor for 3D modeling or graphic design! It can also double up as an excellent monitor for gaming during your downtime from work.
The only downside is that the resolution could be higher. But even though it’s not a UHD monitor, it gets the job done, and very well too!
- Screen size: 27 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD
- Refresh rate: 75 Hz
- Color support: 124% sRGB & 93% NTSC
Pros:
- Amazing visuals with realistic and vivid colors
- The fast refresh rate makes it ideal for animation, graphic design, and gaming
- The huge screen makes it easy to work on small details
- It’s very affordable for what you get
- An outstanding budget monitor
Cons:
- The FHD resolution isn’t as high as some other monitors
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AmazonBenQ PD2500Q 25 inch
Best High-Resolution Budget Monitor
(Image credit: BenQ)
If the resolution is a priority for you, check out this 25-inch monitor. It’s perfect for graphic design thanks to the high 2K QHD resolution that makes images look vivid and clear.
The BenQ monitor is also factory-calibrated to have a wide and accurate color gamut. Everything about it makes it one of the best budget monitors for artists and designers. It’s even Pantone certified, so you can feel confident in the colors you use in your designs.
You can select from various display modes, such as darkroom and animation. This versatility makes it the best monitor for digital art and animation.
Plus, it automatically adjusts the brightness to the perfect setting at any time of day.
But it’s not just the display quality that’s worth the cost here. This monitor is also super adjustable, so you can sit comfortably, no matter how many hours you put in!
You can set the tilt, height, and display angle to your perfect setup. That allows you to have an ergonomic position and prevents aches and pains as you work.
The BenQ monitor has a 60 Hz refresh rate. So, if you’re used to a 120 Hz monitor, you will likely notice a difference. But otherwise, the refresh rate shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.
Overall, it’s an excellent affordable monitor for graphic designers.
- Screen size: 25 inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 2K QHD
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
- Color support: 100% sRGB
Pros:
- A fantastic Comment end monitor on a budget
- It has an excellent 2K QHD display
- You can customize the angle and height to an ergonomic position
- It has automatic
Cons:
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AmazonDell S2421HGF 24 Inch
Best Budget Monitor
(Image credit: Dell)
It’s hard to believe it with this Dell’s specs, but this monitor is the cheapest on the list. And when it comes to a list of budget monitors, this one is extremely affordable!
But despite that, this Dell monitor doesn’t disappoint. It has an insane refresh rate of 144 Hz and a 1 ms response time. That far outstrips the other options on my list and is the fastest refresh time you’ll get for this price!
It’s ideal for precise design work, allowing you to work on the most intricate projects easily. Plus, it can also double up as an excellent monitor for gaming during your free time.
Although it’s not the biggest monitor, 24 inches is a reasonable size for almost all uses. Unless you specifically want a huge monitor, this one will fit the bill. It should fit snugly on even the most compact desk in a small home office or corner of your bedroom.
You can also personalize this monitor in many ways to make it serve you better! It’s easy to adjust the brightness and frame rates. And you can set the height and tilt to your specific needs.
Moreover, it comes with a Premium Panel Guarantee and Limited Hardware Warranty. Dell will replace this panel if as little as one pixel isn’t up to standard. That level of customer service gives you greater peace of mind and confidence in what you’re buying!
This monitor has a standard FHD resolution, which is fine on this screen size. You won’t have any fuzziness or blurring on this display.
If you need a great monitor but you’re on a tight budget, snap us this bargain now!
- Screen size: 24 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz
- Color support: 100% sRGB & 72% NTSC
Pros:
- Amazing value for money at a very low cost
- The super-fast refresh rate and response time beat other models
- The FHD resolution looks great on this 24-inch display
- It comes with a warranty, and Dell provides fantastic customer support
Cons:
- It doesn’t have UHD or 4K resolution
- The screen isn’t the largest out there
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AmazonHP VH240a 23.8-Inch Full HD
Best Budget Monitor with Integrated Speakers
(Image credit: HP)
This stylish monitor from HP looks striking with its large 23.8-inch screen and tiny bezels. It’s another great choice if you’re looking for the best monitor for architects or graphic designers.
This HP monitor is a good size at 23.8 inches. That gives you a large space to work on design projects and see them closely and in detail. But it’s also suitable for smaller workspaces if you don’t have room for a wider monitor.
This monitor has many helpful features, from VESA compliance to built-in speakers.
Images look stunning on this monitor, too. The FHD resolution is perfect for the screen size, and the details look crisp and precise. The anti-glare display is gentle on your eyes, even on a long workday.
Despite it being an IPS monitor, it has the most limited color gamut on this list. That doesn’t have to put you off! But note that the colors may not look as vibrant or realistic as in other models.
If color accuracy is a priority, I would choose another monitor from this list. But other than that, this HP monitor is a great low-cost monitor.
- Screen size: 23.8 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
- Color support: 72% sRGB
Pros:
- A great monitor at a very low price
- Images look bright, but the colors aren’t 100% accurate
- It’s very adjustable so that you can get the perfect positioning
- It has a fast response time
Cons:
- The refresh rate is standard but not as impressive as a 120-Hz monitor
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AmazonLG 4K UHD 27UD88-W 27
Best Premium Monitor for Design (on a budget)
(Image credit: LG)
Looking for a premium monitor on a low budget may sound like an impossible search. But this LG monitor offers just that!
If you go for this outstanding monitor, you get a premium product but at a fraction of the price. First, it’s a huge 27-inch display, ideal for graphic design and other intensive work.
Plus, you get that jaw-dropping 4K UHD resolution. It will make your graphic designs look amazing, and the color accuracy is also superb.
This monitor comes with ready-to-use color presets as well as color calibration software. So, you can adjust it to get the exact settings you’d like. It’s also easy to fine-tune the contrast.
Although the resolution is exceptional, the refresh rate is quite disappointing. At 60 Hz, it’s fair, but a faster refresh would be even more impressive.
It’s also a multi-purpose monitor. You can use it both for design work and photo editing, as well as 4K gaming.
But the downside of this LG monitor is the cost. It’s undeniably the most expensive monitor on this list. But despite that, it’s still very affordable and provides great value. You won’t regret investing in a little more for a quality monitor that will set you up for years.
It’s true that not every graphic designer will need a 4K display. So if this monitor is out of your budget, go for one of the cheaper options. But you won’t look back if your budget stretches to the LG 4K monitor.
- Screen size: 27 inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 4K UHD
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
- Color support: 99% sRGB
Pros:
- A superb versatile monitor for work and gaming
- The adjustability, color range, and accuracy make it ideal for creative work
- It has a massive 27-inch screen
- It’s the only 4K UHD monitor on this list
- Outstanding value for money – it rivals more expensive models
Cons:
- The refresh rate isn’t very fast
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The Wrap Up
These products won’t let you down if you’ve been looking for the best monitor. I hand-picked them for the specific features that make them ideal for graphic design.
The right monitor will take your graphic design work to the next level. You need high color accuracy and resolution to make your work look and feel professional.
Plus, it will streamline your work. You won’t need to zoom in so much to see those tiny details or color-correct your designs.
So, take your pick and let me know which one you went for in the comments. If you’ve got any questions, drop them below too – I’m happy to help!
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