Best Budget Monitor For Photo Editing And Gaming (How To Buy The Best 2020)

If you’re currently searching for a decent monitor for photo editing and gaming then you might get surprised that you can actually get a decent one at budget price.

The good thing about having a monitor even if you already have your own laptop with a stunning display is that you’ll become more productive by simply connecting to monitor. Regardless, if you want to use one on your office or home, surely you’ll get better photo editing results with the best monitor we will share you today.

But keep in mind that photo editing is actually a highly professional field and it needs specialized monitors. In other words, before we start diving into the list, keep in mind that there are obvious significant differences between a monitor that only costs less than $200 than a monitor that is worth $500 price and beyond.

So, without further ado, let’s examine the best monitor for photo editing and gaming in 2020!

Quick Summary

If you’re an experienced professional in photo editing then the ViewSonic VP2458 monitor is perfect for your needs. The ViewSonic VP2458 is a high-grade 24 inch Full HD monitor that is particularly made for enterprise professionals out there.

Furthermore, it gives precise color performance due to its Delta E < 3 color accuracy as well as its 100% sRGB color coverage. In addition to that, the ViewSonic VP2458 is incorporated with SuperClear IPS panel technology that provides amazing vibrant colors as well as wide-angle.

Now, if you’re looking for the best monitor that features an ultra-wide color technology then the Philips 246E9QDSB is the perfect candidate for that. It provides a wider range of colors for better image quality output. It comes with additional features such as an ultra-narrow border, AMD FreeSync Technology, IPS Technology, Low Blue Mode, and Flicker-free technology.

If you want to enjoy some high-quality gaming and movies aside from photo editing then what you want to get is the LG 22LJ4540. This particular monitor is integrated with a durable stand that provides solid stability even if it’s handled poorly. Furthermore, the LG 22LJ4540 is incorporated with a smart energy saving mode so you can save a lot on your electricity bills.

Who Should Get This?

If your job involves photo editing but doesn’t have yet the budget to buy a specialized and high-end monitor, then the list we will share below is definitely a lifesaver.

Moreover, the best monitor for photo editing is also for those people who understand the necessary specs they really need. And those people who don’t want to waste their hard-earned money on some monitor that costs a lot but only provide small advantages.

On the other hand, if you’re a gamer then remember that not all monitors in our list can suffice your gaming needs. Make sure to read the specs so you know which one is also applicable for gaming aside for photo editing.

What To Consider?

Let’s see what to consider when looking for the best monitor for photo editing or gaming.

Color Gamut

This particular term is used to describe the number of different colors that the monitor can display as well as how precise it can display these certain colors. SRGB is the standard color format that most monitors operate on. ProPhoto RGB and Adobe RGB are the levels that are above sRGB.

Now, this factor is important for photo editing because an image that seems good on an inaccurate monitor will not really have a decent output if you display it on another good-quality monitor.

Refresh Rate

When it comes to refresh rate, the unit used is hertz or simply Hz. Hertz is equivalent to the quantity of frames the monitor can display every second. Even though it is not really necessary to have a high refresh rate for photo editing, it can still provide you a better overall editing experience.

However, if you plan on gaming and photo editing on the monitor, then a high refresh rate is important because it will give you much more fluid gaming experience and can also provide lower input lag.

Resolution

Resolution is definitely one of the most crucial factors when it comes to choosing monitors. You see, resolution will most likely depend on what kind of photo editing you’ll do as well as the size of the images you want to work on.

If you are going to work with large images, then acquiring a 4K monitor is a smart decision. On the other hand, if your work mostly deals with smaller images then a 1440 or even a 1080 will suffice.

Size

Size on monitors means the diagonal measurement of the screen. Nowadays, it’s pretty normal to see a lot of LCD monitors with 24”, 27”, and even 30” screen size. But what you really want to do when it comes to monitor size is get one that suits your budget as well as your space where you will place your equipment.

Generally, with a larger screen, you’ll be able to scan more data without getting too close to the screen, which can also strain your eyes. Again, make sure that you consider the size of your workspace to guarantee that the monitor you’ll choose will fit in.

Aspect Ratio

This factor means the ratio between the display area’s width and height. The standard aspect ratios nowadays are either a 16:9 or a 16:10. First of all, the 16:9 screen is suitable for playing high-definition and widescreen content. On the other hand, the 16:10 features more vertical pixels that make it perfect for scanning at large spreadsheets. (Source)

Backlighting

When you talk about LED backlighting, it’s actually a pretty common aspect with monitors nowadays. Compared to CCFLs or Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps, LED monitors tend to warm up much faster, produce less heat, and much thinner. Also, unlike CCFLs, LED doesn’t use mercury. And it only consumes minimal power.

Best Monitor For Photo Editing In 2020 – Review & Tips

1. ViewSonic VP2458 Professional 24 Inch 1080p Monitor

Professional Grade Monitor

This monitor from ViewSonic is a professional-grade 24 inch Full HD monitor that is engineered for enterprise professionals. It provides accurate color performance with its Delta E <2 color accuracy and 100% sRGB color coverage. Moreover, it features SuperClear IPS panel technology that gives stunning vivid colors and wide-angle viewing.

Design and Extra Features

Furthermore, it is incorporated with a four-sided frameless design in order to give its users a fluid viewing experience for multi-monitor setups. Also, thanks to its height adjustment, pivot, swivel, and tilt features, the ViewSonic VP2458 can give you vivid images and comfortable viewing experience regardless of how what angle you’re looking at.

Aside from that, it is incorporated with extensive connectivity features such as Display Port, HDMI, and VGA so you can link to various analog and HD devices.

Less Eye Strain

It also has Blue Light Filter and Flicker-Free technology in order to reduce eye fatigue from long period of usage. With a Full HD 1920p by 1080p resolution, you’ll surely experience an incredible detail and clarity regardless if it’s about gaming or your work.

What We Like:

• Features SuperClear IPS panel technology for ultra-wide viewing angles
• Has a frameless design for a smooth viewing experience in multi-monitor setups
• Not hard on the eyes because of its Blue Light Filter and Flicker-Free technology
• Designed to give a greater range of adjustment for better comfort and productivity
• Incorporated with inputs such as VGA, HDMI, and Display Port

What We Don’t Like:

• It would be good enough for gaming if it features FreeSync
• Doesn’t come with any manual to explain the menu settings

2. Philips 246E9QDSB 24″ Frameless Monitor

Pixel Density and AMD FreeSync

In terms of pixel density, this monitor features and impressive density of 92 pixels per inch that provides sharper picture and text quality. The Philips 246E9QDSB is compatible with both NVIDIA and AMD graphics card because it supports AMD FreeSync.

Moreover, it comes with a VESA mount. It has great viewing angles and provides excellent colors and contrast compared to TN panels. In terms of average response rate, this monitor has a rating of 14ms, which can generate motion blurring because of the ineffective synchronization with higher refresh rate.

Graphics Color Quality

Also, because its graphics color quality has only an average color depth of six-bi, it gives less precise colors and dithered gradients. Sometimes, it will also produce some ghosting effects because its minimum response rate is 5ms.

When it comes to brightness, it has lower one compared to most monitors out there. In particular, it offers a maximum refresh rate of 76 Hertz, which could be a little too low for gaming.

Extra Features

Overall, we like that fact that it features an ultra-wide color technology that provides a wider spectrum of colors for better image quality.  We also like that it has ultra-narrow border, features AMD FreeSync Technology, IPS Technology, Low Blue Mode, as well as Flicker-free technology.

What We Like

• Brilliant images due to its ultra-wide color technology
• Optimal viewing size because it has ultra-narrow border
• Has smooth and quick refresh rate as well as ultra-fast response time
• Extra wide viewing angles due to its IPS Technology
• Eye-friendly because of the Low Blue Mode and the Flicker-free technology

What We Don’t Like:

• It would be great if it comes with some built-in speakers

3. LG Electronics 22LJ4540 22-Inch 1080p IPS LED TV

Basic Features

The LG 22LJ4540 will allow you to enjoy some high-quality gaming images and movie. It features a solid stand to provide great stability even if it’s exposed to poor handling and extreme conditions.

Moreover, this monitor allows you to adjust the brightness to your eye’s comfort. But aside from that, it is also integrated with a smart energy saving mode so you don’t pay too much on your electricity bills.

Fast Refresh Rate and High Resolution

Also, with its triple XD engine, you’ll be able to do photo editing for long period of time. In addition, its fast refresh rate and high resolution enables you to watch high-speed motions with the best quality and clarity possible.

Immersive Viewing

All in all, this monitor is especially made to provide its users an immersive viewing. Its impressive response time makes it an ideal buy. Not to mention that it can last long because of its ultra-grade construction. This monitor also sports some helpful features like LED backlighting for better photo editing experience.

What We Like:

• Improved color reproduction and shortened response times
• Smooth and seamless displays because of its Full HD IPS display
• Deeper contrast and better natural color expression due to Triple XD Engine
• Incorporated with an HDMI input for linking to a high-definition source
• Its LED backlighting provides impressive image clarity and brightness

What We Don’t Like:

• Its HDMI doesn’t support CEC for Amazon Fire TV
• The default picture setting looks too sharp

Useful Tips Or Tricks

Other Purposes

Aside from photo editing, try to determine what will be the other purposes of the monitor you’re going to purchase. Will it be for just general use as well, professional, or gaming? When it comes to gaming, you must highly consider low response times and fast refresh rates.

On the other hand, professional purposes must highly consider the color accuracy aspect. Now, if you want to use it on general purposes, then having a monitor with a high-contrast VA panel is just enough.

Higher Resolution the Better

Get higher resolution for better picture. Resolution means how many pixels a monitor has in terms of length by width format. The 1920 by 1080 or simply Full HD 1080p is the most reasonable resolution you can get for photo editing. But if you want sharper images then nothing can beat 4K.

Size Matters

Always consider the size. When it comes to monitor quality, the pixel density is a big factor. Most of the time, 109 pixels per inch is the ideal choice.

Keep in mind that a larger monitor will feature low pixel density if it has lower resolution. For a standard viewing and distance, 32 inches is more than enough especially for photo editing.

Higher Refresh Rate

Bigger is better in terms of refresh rates. Refresh rate, which is measured in Hertz, means the number of times your monitor updates with new data every second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother and less choppy the images are.

If you’re going to use the monitor for gaming aside from photo editing, then keep in mind that refresh rate is very crucial. What you want to get is a monitor with at least 75 Hertz of refresh rates. If you’re just going to use it for photo editing then a 60 Hertz refresh rate is good enough. ( Source)

Closing Words

The best monitors for photo editing in 2020 can be one of the most valuable purchases you can make. It doesn’t matter what your skill level is, acquiring a good monitor will guarantee that you’ll be able to edit images in the highest possible quality.

Also, when looking for the best unit for you, just make sure that you remember the tips and things to consider so you can get the most value out of your purchase. Well, you don’t really need to worry about these things because we already shared to you the best monitor for photo editing and gaming that you can get.

How about you? Do you agree that monitor can meet the requirements in photo editing or gaming? What monitor are you currently using? Any feedback or thoughts will be helpful to us to improve our content. So, please leave your comment below!