Best Monitors for Video Editing

Overall Winner: Dell P3424WE

The Dell P3424WE is an excellent ultrawide monitor for video editing. Its 34-inch screen gives you extra space to work – perfect for seeing more of your timeline while keeping effects panels and preview windows open.

Dell P3424WE USB-C 34″ WQHD (3440×1440) 21:9 3800R Curved Monitor, 60Hz, IPS, 5ms, 99% sRGB, USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, 5x USB, RJ45

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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The 21:9 aspect ratio might feel different at first, but most editors find it more useful than standard 16:9 displays.

The USB-C port with 90W charging means you can connect your laptop with just one cable. There’s also a built-in KVM switch, so you can control two computers with one keyboard and mouse. The curved screen is a nice touch (though not vital) and it has no fan to disturb you while you work.

While it’s not 4K, the ultrawide format often proves more valuable for video editing than higher resolution alone.

For Professional Editors: Dell U4025QW

For editors who need more screen space, the Dell U4025QW delivers with its ultrawide design. The extra width lets you see more of your timeline at once, which can speed up your editing workflow significantly.

What makes this monitor special is its excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, perfect for collaborative editing sessions.

Best Value for Money: ASUS ProArt PA279CRV

If you want professional features without breaking the bank, the ASUS ProArt PA279CRV offers incredible value. It comes factory-calibrated and includes multiple color space modes for different editing needs.

The dual USB-C ports and Picture-in-Picture capability make this monitor especially versatile for editors who work with multiple sources or need to connect various devices simultaneously.

Budget Video Editing Monitors

When you’re starting out in video editing or working with a tight budget, you don’t need to spend thousands to get a quality monitor. Here are two excellent budget-friendly options that deliver great value for their price point.

Best Value: AOC Q27G3XMN

The AOC Q27G3XMN offers exceptional value with its Mini LED backlighting—a feature rarely found in this price range. This technology delivers deep blacks and bright highlights, making it perfect for editing in darker environments.

What makes this monitor stand out is its HDR performance and color accuracy. Despite its budget-friendly price, it offers a wide color gamut and gets bright enough to handle glare in well-lit rooms. The only real compromise is the 1440p resolution instead of 4K, but for most editing tasks, this resolution is more than adequate.

Most Affordable: Dell P2425H

The Dell P2425H is an ideal entry-level monitor for those just starting their video editing journey or needing a reliable secondary display.

While it doesn’t support HDR, this monitor offers decent color accuracy out of the box. Its standout feature is the inclusion of a USB hub with USB-C connectivity—unusual at this price point. The smaller 24-inch screen makes it perfect for dual-monitor setups, and its IPS panel ensures consistent colors when viewing from different angles.

Consider this monitor if you’re on a strict budget or need a secondary display for your editing workspace. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive options, it provides reliable performance for basic editing tasks and general productivity work.

High End Video Editing Monitors

When budget isn’t a constraint, professional video editors can access monitors that offer exceptional quality and features. Let’s look at two premium options that stand out in 2024.

Premium Choice: Apple Studio Display

The Apple Studio Display represents the pinnacle of Apple’s display technology. It’s designed specifically for creative professionals who work in the Mac ecosystem.

While it comes with a premium price tag, this monitor offers exceptional color accuracy and brightness. The built-in 12MP webcam and six-speaker sound system make it a complete solution for content creators. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t support HDR, which might be a dealbreaker for some professional workflows.

Professional Grade: LG 40WP95C-W

The LG 40WP95C-W is a professional-grade ultrawide monitor that gives you massive screen real estate for complex editing timelines.

This monitor’s curved ultrawide design is perfect for editors who work with multiple tracks or need to see more of their timeline at once. It features Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and can deliver up to 96W of power to your laptop. The Nano IPS panel ensures excellent color accuracy and viewing angles, though its HDR performance isn’t quite as impressive as some other high-end options.

Both these monitors represent significant investments, but they’re designed for professionals who need the extra screen real estate, superior color accuracy, and premium build quality. If you’re running a professional editing studio or work on high-budget productions, these monitors are worth considering despite their higher price points.

Monitor Specifications Comparison Table

You’ll notice that most professional-grade monitors use IPS panels, which typically offer better color accuracy and viewing angles. The resolution ranges from Full HD to 5K, with 4K being the sweet spot for most video editing needs. While refresh rates vary significantly, anything above 60 Hz is more than adequate for video editing purposes.

What Makes a Good Video Editing Monitor

When you’re picking a monitor for video editing, you need to focus on the features that truly matter for your work. Let’s break down what’s essential and what you can skip.

Understanding Monitor Resolution for Video Work

Resolution is one of the most important aspects of a video editing monitor. For most editors, a 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution is the sweet spot. It gives you enough detail to work with and lets you view 1080p footage at full resolution while still having room for your editing tools. Remember, you don’t need an 8K monitor to edit 8K footage – you can always check details by viewing at 100% zoom on specific frames.

Essential Connectivity Features for Editors

Modern video editing requires robust connectivity. USB-C ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode and power delivery of at least 90W are crucial if you’re using a laptop. This lets you connect and charge your device with just one cable. HDMI 2.1 is also important for connecting to various devices. Look for monitors with multiple ports to connect external drives and other peripherals easily.

Display Panel Types and Their Impact

While panel type matters, it’s not crucial if you’re not doing color grading. IPS panels typically offer better viewing angles and color accuracy, but VA panels can provide better contrast ratios. If you’re creating content where precise colors aren’t critical (like tutorial videos or screencasts), you can be more flexible with panel choice.

Brightness and HDR Capabilities

Good brightness is essential for comfortable editing, especially in well-lit rooms. Look for monitors with at least 400 nits of brightness. HDR support is beneficial but not mandatory unless you’re creating HDR content. For standard editing, a monitor with good SDR performance is sufficient.