Can I really find the best monitors for photo editing under 200 dollars? Yes, of course, you can. Granted, the price point can limit the monitor’s specifications, and you may not get all the extra features and software. Nevertheless, you can find something that will sufficiently meet your photo and video editing needs.
Great quality monitors are just as important as high-end cameras. Some would argue that they are actually more important than the camera itself because they help create the finished product. Regardless of the debate, we can all agree that great quality photography and videography cannot be achieved without a good monitor. So if you can only spend $200 at best, here are our top picks for the best photo editing monitor under $200 to consider.
Best Monitors for Photo Editing Under 200
1. Best Overall: Acer R240HY bidx
Specifications
- Screen Size: 23.8”
- Panel type: IPS
- Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- Contrast ratio: 1,000:1
Our choice for the best photo editing monitor under $200 is the Acer R240HY bidx. This 23.8” IPS Full HD display offers sharp images, rich colors, and solid grayscale at wide 178° viewing angles. Further, the zero frame design allows for a ‘borderless’ experience when using a multi-monitor approach. Its non-reflective coating helps control glare and reflections from ambient light, while its LED backlight, 250 nit brightness, and 1000:1 contrast ratio enhance image clarity for quality editing work.
This Acer monitor comes with presets optimized for various activities, including User, ECO, Standard, Graphics, and Movie mode. The ECO preset helps this already power-efficient monitor consume even less power, i.e., from 19W down to 12W. While it may lack USB ports and Display Ports, it still has diverse connectivity features such as VGA, DVI, and HDMI ports, plus a headphone jack. Regarding ergonomics, the monitor can be tilted on its stand up to 5° forward and 15° backward.
2. Best Budget: Sceptre E248W-1920R
Specifications
- Screen Size: 23.8”
- Panel type: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- Color gamut: 95% sRGB, 76% DCI-P3
The Sceptre E248W-1920R is a great quality monitor that you can get for less than $200.It has a VA, full HD panel with a high contrast ratio of 3000:1. This contrast ratio and the matte anti-glare coating give richer, darker blacks than other panels. It also has a relatively high pixel density of 92.56 PPI, giving you sharp, clear images, further enhanced by the 250 nit brightness and LED display.
The Sceptre monitor has decent ergonomics featuring tilt adjustments of 5° forward and 15° backward. A flicker-free backlight and low blue light filter protect your eyes while providing a comfortable working experience. The screen can also be mounted using a 100×100 pattern. It has two HDMI ports, one VGA port, and a headphone jack for enhanced connectivity.
3. Best Runner Up: Philips 246E9QDSB/89
Specifications
- Screen Size: 23.8”
- Panel type: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- Color gamut: 129% sRGB, 108% NTSC
The Philips 246E9QDSB/89 is the best IPS monitor under $200, and over 7000 reviewers on Amazon agree. One of its highlights is its ultra wide-color technology that gives brilliant color-rich pictures, facilitated by its 129% sRGB color gamut. Combined with the wide viewing angles of the IPS panel and LED backlight, all these give you accurate, vivid colors and sharp, clear images. Full HD resolution adds to quality images as it gives about 93 PPI on the 23.8” screen.
This Philips monitor is an excellent option if you want to work with multiple monitors due to its super narrow borders. Ergonomics are taken care of by the LowBlue mode that reduces harmful blue light, flicker-free technology, and the anti-glare screen coating. You can also tilt the stand 5° forward and 20° backward. Connectivity features include HDMI 1.4, VGA analog, and DVI-D ports, and there is plug-and-play compatibility with both Mac and Windows OS.
4. Best Monitor with TN Panel: Asus VS248H-P
Specifications
- Screen Size: 24”
- Panel type: Twisted Nematic (TN)
- Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- Dynamic contrast ratio: 50,000,000:1
If you are searching for a monitor with a twisted nematic (TN) panel, your best bet is the Asus VS248H-P. This reliable monitor is part of the Slim Line VS series that is energy efficient and fitted with Splendid Video Intelligence technology. This technology comes with 6 preset modes, 4 color temperature modes, and 3 skintone selections. Combined with the full HD 24” screen and high dynamic contrast ratio, these give rich color depth and impressive image quality.
This Asus monitor has an aspect control function that allows either 4:3 or full aspect ratio without image distortion. It also comes with smart view technology that adjusts color parameters to deliver excellent color quality. Connectivity features VGA, DVI-D, and HDMI ports while ergonomics are limited to a -5°/+20° tilt range and a VESA mount connector. There is also a detachable base and standard VESA wall mount for ease of use.
5. Best For Eye Care: BenQ 24” GW2480
Specifications
- Screen Size: 23.8”
- Panel type: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- Color gamut: 72% NTSC
Healthy eyes are as important to a professional photo editor as strong fists are to a boxer. As such, they need to be protected, and the BenQ 24” GL2480 is the best monitor for that purpose. It has exclusive eye-care technology, including brightness intelligence that automatically optimizes display by perfecting intensity and adjusting for ambient light. The monitor features four different low blue light settings and flicker-free technology to protect your eyes from strain and damage.
Aesthetically appealing, the BenQ 24” monitor has a premium textured finish and a concealed cable management system. It also has internal speakers to keep your workspace clean and organized. Ergonomics are covered by the VESA mount capability and a tilting range of -5° to +20°. Connectivity features include VGA, DisplayPort 1.2, and HDMI 1.4, and calibration can be easily done using the OSD and pre-calibrated picture presets.
6. Best Curved: AOC C24G1A 24”
Specifications
- Screen Size: 23.6”
- Panel type: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- Color gamut: 114% sRGB, 98% AdobeRGB, 72% NTSC
Just as a single monitor can be the best monitor for programming and gaming, another can be one of the best PC monitors for photo editing and gaming as well. One such multifunctional monitor is the AOC C24G1A 24” monitor. This 1500R curved monitor offers an immersive experience that is excellent for gaming and photo/video editing. Its 93 PPI pixel density, VA technology, and 3,000:1 contrast ratio give deep blacks and sharper images.
Viewing angles are at 178° both horizontally and vertically, while the color gamut is wide at about 114% sRGB, facilitating great photo editing. This monitor has a VESA wall mount fixture and a removable stand that can allow for height adjustment for your comfort. Its low blue light filter option and a flicker-free backlight help protect against eye fatigue. For security, the monitor comes with a Kensington lock.
7. Best Portable: Lepow 15.6” Portable Monitor
Specifications
- Screen Size: 15.6”
- Panel type: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- Color gamut: 65.4% sRGB
The best laptop monitor for photo editing that’s also portable is the Lepow 15.6” Portable Monitor. This large screen mobile display is lightweight, weighing less than a kilogram and measuring 0.3” by 14.4” by 8.7”. It comes with a protective cover covering both the front and back of the monitor and can also be used as a foldable monitor stand. However, the stand only supports landscape mode, although the screen can rotate between portrait and landscape views.
Connectivity is a key highlight, with the monitor having two USB-C ports for video input and one HDMI port for charging it. Its on-screen display (OSD) allows you to adjust brightness, picture modes, aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3), and color temperature. You can also use OSD to enable low-blue light mode to protect your eyes and enable or disable high dynamic range (HDR) mode. The monitor has built-in speakers and a 3-year warranty.
What to Check While buying the Best Monitors for Photo Editing Under $200
As clearly demonstrated above, you can find plenty of good quality monitors at less than $200. And that too without skimping on essential features and good performance that will give you the best output. Now, depending on your specific photo and video editing needs, you will need to choose certain features over others for your monitor. Below are some specifications to consider, whatever your specific needs.
1. Brightness
How bright your monitor directly affects the quality of your photography and videography work. For photographs, brightness makes the pictures ‘come to life, as it were. For videos, brightness significantly determines your HDR quality. So you could have the best images and a monitor that is color accurate, but failure to adjust the brightness of your screen will vastly affect your final product.
Note that this doesn’t mean that the highest brightness setting will necessarily give you the best picture quality. According to the Adobe RGB standard, a brightness level of about 160 nits is recommended to give accurate images on screen and in print. As screens and printers display images differently, you should aim to match them as closely as possible. The brightness level of your screen is an important way of ensuring harmony between screen images and printed ones.
2. Your primary editing room
This may not be a direct specification for your computer, but it will certainly affect the quality of your work. You see how you change the setting of your white balance on your camera depending on your environment? It would be best to consider your environment when editing your work on your monitor. This is because the color and brightness of the walls will affect how your screen looks.
For instance, if your editing room has green walls, it will cast a magenta color on your screen and cause you to adjust the color incorrectly. Similarly, bright white walls will trick your eyes and affect how your screen looks. As such, you should look for a neutral-colored room with good lighting to ensure your work isn’t affected by your environment.
Best Monitor for Photo Editing Under $200 FAQ
1. Should I get a curved or flat monitor?
This entirely depends on your photo and video editing needs. Flat screens have some of the best IPS monitors under $200 and offer wide viewing angles necessary while editing. On the other hand, curved monitors give you an immersive experience and have been shown to be easier on the eyes than flat monitors. However, curved monitors tend to have some flaring, and since they are wider, they tend to cost more. Both options are great, so the choice is yours.
2. Which is the best panel for photo editing?
First off, LCD panels are the best for any computer monitor. They provide excellent displays of images and colors that are important for photo and video editing.There are a variety of LCD panels, including twisted nematic (TN), vertical alignment (VA), and in-plane switching (IPS) panels. Of these three, professionals prefer IPS panels for their wide viewing angles (178°) and high color coverage (99% AdobeRGB).
3. Native contrast ratio vs Dynamic contrast ratio: What’s the difference?
The contrast ratio measures how bright the brightest white is displayed on a monitor contrasts with the darkest black displayed. Native contrast ratio is determined by the type of panel used in manufacturing. Dynamic contrast ratio uses the monitor’s integrated circuit to control screen settings and enhance contrast depending on what’s displayed. Higher contrast ratios make for more natural and consistent images. As such, both types of contrast ratios should be taken into account when choosing your best monitor for photo editing under $200.
4. Is a glossy monitor surface better than a matte surface?
Aesthetically, glossy monitors look much better than matte monitors. However, they cause glares from light sources and show fingerprints and dust particles that can affect your image perception and work efficiency. On the other hand, matte monitors are made of crystal silicon that effectively deals with glare and reflection from ambient light. As such, matte surface monitors are the best option for professionals.
