5 Best Monitors for Digital Painting (Tested) 2023

Are you a digital artist looking for the perfect monitor to bring your creations to life? Look no further! Choosing the right monitor for digital painting can be a game-changer for your work.

Not only does it enhance your colors and detail, but it also helps to minimize eye strain during long painting sessions. So, let’s dive into the monitor’s world and explore the best options to take your digital art to the next level.

From color accuracy to screen size, we’ll cover all the key features to look out for when choosing the perfect monitor for your digital painting needs.

At a Glance:

5 Best Monitors for Digital Painting

DesignBest MonitorRetailer
Best Pick1. BenQ PD2700U 27-inch 4K Monitor for Designers and Digital Artists
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2. Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q 27-Inch 4K IPS Monitor for Digital Art
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Staff Pick3. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27" Monitor for Digital Artists
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4. HP DreamColor Z27x G2 27-Inch IPS Monitor for Digital Art and Design
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Budget Pick5. LG 27GL83A-B 27 Inch  NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible Gaming Monitor
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1. BenQ PD2700U 27-inch 4K Monitor for Designers and Digital Artists

Best Pick
SpecificationsDescription
Screen size27 inches
Resolution4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
Panel typeIPS
Refresh rate60Hz
Response time5ms
Viewing angles178°/178°
Brightness350 cd/m²
Contrast ratio1000:1
Color gamutsRGB 100%, Rec. 709 100%, DCI-P3 95%
Color accuracyCalMan verified and Pantone validated

Finding the right monitor for your work can be challenging as a digital artist. But with the BenQ PD2700U, your search is over!

This 27-inch 4K UHD IPS anti-glare monitor is designed with professional work in mind and is the perfect fit for digital artists who require color accuracy, eye-care technology, and an ergonomic design.

One of the standout features of the BenQ PD2700U is its AQCOLOR technology. Developed by BenQ, this technology ensures the monitor reproduces accurate colors you can trust. This is especially important for digital artists who need to work with colors that are true to life.

In addition to AQCOLOR technology, the BenQ PD2700U also features CalMan-verified and Pantone-validated color accuracy, making it an ideal monitor for digital painting.

As a digital artist, you’ll likely spend hours in front of your monitor. The exclusive Eye-Care technology of the BenQ PD2700U is designed to reduce eye fatigue for optimal comfort and productivity. This allows you to work for extended periods without experiencing eye strain.

The BenQ PD2700U also features a KVM switch that allows you to control two systems with one monitor. Expanding your workspace and switching between devices is easy without swapping out monitors.

Another great feature of the BenQ PD2700U is its daisy chain connectivity capabilities. This allows you to connect your computer or laptop to create a multi-monitor setup, freeing up your desk space and reducing clutter.

The ergonomic design of the BenQ PD2700U is another plus. You can easily customize your workspace to fit your needs with the ability to tilt, pivot, swivel, and adjust the monitor’s height.

Overall, the BenQ PD2700U is a top contender for the best monitor for digital painting. Its color accuracy, eye-care technology, and ergonomic design make it a great choice for digital artists. However, its 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time may not be suitable for gaming or other high-speed activities.

Pros

  • AQCOLOR technology ensures accurate color reproduction
  • Eye-Care technology reduces eye strain during long work sessions
  • KVM switch allows control of two systems with one monitor
  • Daisy chain connectivity capabilities reduce clutter and free up desk space
  • Ergonomic design allows for customization of workspace

Cons

  • 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time may not be suitable for gaming or other high-speed activities

2. Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q 27-Inch 4K IPS Monitor for Digital Art

Screen size27 inches
Resolution4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
Panel TypeIPS
Refresh Rate60Hz
Response Time5ms (gray to gray)
Viewing Angles178°/178°
Color Support1.07 billion colors
Brightness350 cd/m²
Contrast Ratio1300:1
Aspect Ratio16:9
ConnectivityHDMI, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0, Audio line-out
FeaturesDell HDR, Easy Arrange, Dell Display Manager, Universal Pairing
Dimensions (with stand)24.07 x 21.27 x 7.89 inches
Weight (with stand)16.87 lbs

The Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q is a 27-inch 4K monitor with incredibly thin bezels, making it ideal for multiple monitor setups. The screen is capable of displaying exceptional details with ultimate efficiency.

The monitor is perfect for digital art professionals who require high color accuracy and precision.

The thin bezels are among the best things about the Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q. The virtually seamless view allows for a multi-monitor setup that feels like one large, cohesive screen. This is great for digital artists who need multiple programs open simultaneously and want to see them all easily.

The Dell HDR technology is another standout feature. It combines a greater depth of colors, remarkable clarity, and a high contrast range of shades to create strikingly realistic images.

With support for 1.07 billion colors, this monitor ensures that colors are displayed accurately and consistently.

The monitor is also compatible with Dell Universal Pairing, which allows you to connect up to six compatible RF devices or Bluetooth 4.0.

The Dell Display Manager Compatibility lets you tackle multiple tasks simultaneously and stay organized thanks to Easy Arrange. This feature lets you tile and view applications side by side.

In terms of specifications, the Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q has a brightness of 350 cd/m² and a pixel pitch of 0.1554 mm x 0.1554 mm. It also supports Windows 10, 8.1, and 7.

Overall, the Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q is an excellent choice for digital artists who require a high level of color accuracy and precision.

Its thin bezels, Dell HDR technology, and compatibility with multiple devices make it a versatile monitor that can handle various tasks.

Pros

  • Thin bezels for a virtually seamless view
  • Dell HDR technology for strikingly realistic images
  • Compatibility with multiple devices

Cons

  • The refresh rate is only 60Hz
  • Some users may find the monitor to be too bright

3. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27″ Monitor for Digital Artists

Staff Pick
Screen Size27 inches
ResolutionWQHD (2560 x 1440)
Panel TypeIPS
Color Gamut100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709
Delta E<2
Calman VerifiedYes
ProArt PresetYes
ProArt PaletteYes
ConnectivityMini DisplayPort, DisplayPort, HDMI, dual-link DVI-D, audio in and earphone jack, 4 USB 3.0 ports
Stand AdjustabilityTilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments
VESA Wall-MountableYes

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is an excellent choice for digital artists looking for a high-quality monitor. With its 27-inch WQHD IPS screen and frameless design, this monitor offers an immersive viewing experience.

It also boasts an international color standard of 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 wide color gamut, providing accurate and vibrant colors.

One of the highlights of this monitor is its factory calibration with Calman verification, resulting in a Delta E of less than 2 for excellent color accuracy.

The ASUS-exclusive ProArt Preset and ProArt Palette also provide numerous adjustable color parameters, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences.

The PA278QV offers extensive connectivity options, including Mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort, HDMI, dual-link DVI-D, audio in and earphone jack, and four USB 3.0 ports for maximum flexibility.

The ergonomic stand allows for tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments, providing a comfortable viewing experience and VESA wall-mountable.

Pros

  • High color accuracy with Calman verification
  • Wide color gamut for vibrant colors
  • Multiple connectivity options
  • Adjustable color parameters with ProArt Palette
  • Ergonomic stand with VESA wall-mountability

Cons

  • Limited resolution compared to some other monitors in its price range
  • No HDR support

4. HP DreamColor Z27x G2 27-Inch IPS Monitor for Digital Art and Design

SpecificationDescription
Screen size27 inches
Resolution2560 x 1440 (WQHD)
Panel typeIPS
Color gamut100% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB, BT.709, and DCI-P3
Color depth10-bit
Brightness300 nits
Contrast ratio1,000:1
Response time8ms (gray-to-gray)
Viewing angles178°/178°
CalibrationBuilt-in DreamColor engine and hardware calibration
ConnectivityHDMI, DisplayPort, USB Type-C, USB hub
Energy efficiencyENERGY STAR® certified
Ergonomic designYes
Warranty3 years

The HP DreamColor Z27x G2 is an excellent monitor for digital artists and designers who require accurate colors and high-quality displays.

The monitor has a 27-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 pixels resolution, which provides sharp and detailed images.

The monitor’s color gamut is impressive, with 99% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB, and BT.709. This allows for a wide range of colors that are accurate and true to life.

The monitor is also calibrated with Delta E < 2, ensuring the colors you see on the screen are precise and consistent. This feature is especially important for digital artists who must ensure their artwork matches the colors they see on their screens.

The HP DreamColor Z27x G2 has a brightness of 300 nits and a contrast ratio of 1000:1, which makes it suitable for use in different lighting conditions.

One of the most significant advantages of this monitor is its connectivity options. The HP DreamColor Z27x G2 has HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports, allowing easy connectivity with different devices.

The monitor is also Energy Star certified, which means it meets the energy efficiency standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency.

The HP DreamColor Z27x G2 also has an adjustable display angle, which allows you to adjust the monitor to your desired viewing position.

The monitor can be tilted, swiveled, and pivoted, providing a comfortable viewing experience. The monitor is also VESA wall-mountable, which means you can mount it on the wall and free up your desk space.

Overall, the HP DreamColor Z27x G2 is an outstanding monitor for digital artists and designers who require high-quality displays with accurate colors.

The monitor has excellent features and provides an impressive viewing experience. While it may be relatively expensive compared to other monitors in the same category, it is undoubtedly worth the investment for those who require the best.

Pros

  • Excellent color accuracy and wide color gamut
  • Calibrated with Delta E < 2 for precise and consistent colors
  • Multiple connectivity options
  • Adjustable display angle and VESA wall-mountable
  • Energy Star certified

Cons

  • Relatively expensive compared to other monitors in the same category

5. LG 27GL83A-B 27 Inch  NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible Gaming Monitor

Budget Pick
SpecificationDetails
Display size27 inches
Display typeIPS
Resolution2560 x 1440
Aspect ratio16:9
Response time1ms (GtG)
Refresh rate144Hz
Color accuracysRGB 99%
Viewing angles178° horizontal / 178° vertical
Adaptive syncNVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium
FeaturesDynamic Action Sync, Black Stabilizer, Crosshair
ConnectivityHDMI, DisplayPort, headphone jack

As a digital artist, I was looking for a monitor that would provide color accuracy and fast response times, making the LG 27GL83A-B 27 Inch Gaming Monitor an appealing choice. Overall, I found it to be a great monitor for digital art, with a few small caveats.

One of the standout features of this monitor is its fast response time. With a 1ms (GtG) response time and a high native 144Hz refresh rate, this monitor is designed to keep up with even the most fast-paced games.

As a digital artist, I appreciated this fast response time when using brushes and other tools in my creative software.

The IPS display also provides excellent color accuracy, with sRGB 99% and wide viewing angles of up to 178°. This means that colors are reproduced with high fidelity and remain vivid no matter what angle you view the monitor from.

Another great feature is the NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible technology and AMD FreeSync Premium. These virtually eliminate screen tearing and stutter in high-resolution and fast-paced games for a fast and fluid gaming experience.

While I didn’t use this feature extensively, it’s nice to know it’s there when I want to play games.

The Dynamic Action Sync feature helps reduce input lag, which is useful for gaming and digital art. The Black Stabilizer function brightens dark scenes, making spotting enemies or details in shadows easier.

The Crosshair feature also enhances firefighter accuracy, though as a digital artist, I didn’t use this feature.

One downside of the LG 27GL83A-B 27 Inch Gaming Monitor is that it doesn’t have the highest resolution for its size, coming in at 2560 x 1440. While this is still a decent resolution, it’s not as high as some other monitors in its price range.

Overall, the LG 27GL83A-B 27 Inch Gaming Monitor is a great option for digital artists looking for a monitor that can keep up with their creative needs while providing excellent gaming performance.

Pros

  • Fast response time
  • Excellent color accuracy
  • NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium
  • Dynamic Action Sync, Black Stabilizer, and Crosshair features

Cons

  • Lower resolution compared to some other monitors in its price range

Buying Guide – How to Choose Monitor for Painting

As a digital artist, a high-quality monitor is one of the most important tools you need. A great monitor can make all the difference in your workflow, allowing you to see your work in the greatest possible detail, with accurate color reproduction and a wide viewing angle.

However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which monitor is the best for your needs.

In this buying guide, we will discuss the essential factors to consider when selecting the best monitor for digital painting, along with our top picks from the above list of monitors.

Resolution and Screen Size:

Screen size and resolution are critical when choosing a monitor for digital painting.

A larger screen size with a higher resolution allows you to see more details of your artwork. A 27-inch screen with a 4K resolution is an excellent option for digital artists.

However, a 24-inch or 25-inch screen with a 1080p resolution will suffice if you prefer a smaller screen size.

Color Accuracy:

Digital artists need a monitor that reproduces colors accurately to ensure their artwork looks as intended. Look for a monitor with a high percentage of sRGB coverage, representing the color gamut for most digital artwork.

A monitor with 100% sRGB coverage is an ideal option. The above list features a monitor with sRGB coverage ranging from 99% to 100%.

Viewing Angle:

A wide viewing angle is crucial for digital artists because it ensures that colors and details remain consistent, regardless of your viewing position.

An IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel technology provides the best viewing angle, allowing you to see the same color and detail from almost any angle.

Refresh Rate and Response Time:

A monitor’s refresh rate and response time are critical if you plan on using it for gaming and digital painting.

A higher refresh rate of 120Hz or 144Hz ensures smooth gameplay, while a 1ms response time minimizes motion blur and ghosting. Monitors with G-Sync or FreeSync technology can also improve your gaming experience.

Connectivity:

Ensure your monitor has the necessary ports to connect to your computer, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB. Also, check if the monitor has built-in speakers, audio jacks, or USB hubs that could be beneficial.

Based on the above factors, our top picks from the list are the Dell Ultrasharp U2718Q 27-Inch 4K IPS Monitor and the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27″ Monitor.

These monitors offer excellent color accuracy, a wide viewing angle, and a high resolution suitable for digital painting. They also have multiple connectivity options and ergonomic stands for comfortable viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sRGB and Adobe RGB color spaces?

 sRGB is a standard color space used for web and consumer-grade devices, while Adobe RGB is a larger color space used primarily in professional photography and printing. Adobe RGB has a wider gamut, meaning it can reproduce more colors, but not all devices can display this wider range of colors.

What is Delta E, and why is it important in monitoring calibration?

 Delta E measures the difference between the color displayed on a monitor and the actual color that should be displayed. A Delta E value of 1 or less is considered invisible to the human eye. A lower Delta E means better color accuracy and consistency, which is important for professional digital painting.

Can I use a gaming monitor for digital painting?

Yes, many gaming monitors have high refresh rates and low response times that can benefit digital painting. However, ensuring that the monitor has accurate color reproduction and a wide color gamut is essential for professional-level work.

What are NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync, and do I need them for digital painting?

NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync are technologies that synchronize a monitor’s refresh rate with a compatible graphics card output, reducing screen tearing and stuttering. While they are unnecessary for digital painting, they can provide a smoother and more responsive experience, especially when using high-resolution displays.

Is a 4K monitor necessary for digital painting?

Not necessarily, but a higher resolution can provide more detail and clarity, making it easier to work on fine details. However, ensuring the monitor has accurate color reproduction and a wide color gamut is important, as resolution alone does not guarantee better image quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best monitor for digital painting is crucial for artists who want to create high-quality and accurate work. Color accuracy, resolution, size, and connectivity should be considered when selecting a monitor.

While many options are available in the market, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget.

By thoroughly researching and understanding your specific needs as an artist, you can find the perfect monitor to enhance your creative process and bring your digital artwork to life.


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Jeremy Morgan
By Jeremy Morgan

Jeremy Morgan, a professional gamer with expertise in PC and console gaming. Passionate about pushing boundaries, mastering strategies, and delivering exhilarating gameplay. Ready to take on new challenges and dominate the virtual world.


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