Who this is for

Colour-conscious home photographers

If you make colour decisions for web images or prints, the relevant colour space and dependable accuracy matter more to your editing workflow than gaming features. RTINGS distinguishes colour-space coverage from colour accuracy in its monitor guidance.

Laptop-based photo and video editors

If a laptop is your editing computer, check that the monitor connection carries video and, if you want laptop charging through the same cable, that both devices support the required USB-C functions.

Home creators sharing a work desk

If the screen also serves for everyday work, its footprint and available adjustments affect where it can sit. Which? identifies screen size, ports and ergonomic adjustments as practical monitor-selection considerations.

What to check before buying

Start with your editing output and computer connection, then check how the monitor’s size and adjustments will work at your desk. For colour-sensitive work, RTINGS treats gamut coverage and out-of-box accuracy as separate questions.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Colour for your output Match the stated sRGB, Adobe RGB or P3 coverage to your work. Check independent out-of-box accuracy evidence or the exact model’s calibration options separately. If my edits are going to print or a colour-managed workflow, I need to trust the colours I am judging on screen. Roughly 33% of consumers put colour fidelity first.
Detail and desk fit Compare native resolution, screen size and stand footprint against the space and viewing position available. When I inspect fine detail, I want enough room to edit without crowding my desk. For roughly 27% of consumers, that balance is the primary concern.
Computer connections Match the monitor inputs to your computer. For a one-cable setup, confirm USB-C video support and suitable charging power on both devices. I edit on a laptop and want a straightforward connection rather than relying on extra adapters. Compatible connections come first for roughly 20% of consumers.
Screen positioning Check the stand’s height, tilt, swivel or pivot movements you need; confirm VESA compatibility if you plan to use an arm. If I switch between editing and other desk work, I need to position the screen comfortably for both. Roughly 20% of consumers prioritise adjustability.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a wide gamut means accurate colour

    A coverage figure describes the range of colours a monitor claims to display; it does not establish how accurately it displays them. RTINGS tests colour accuracy separately, including before and after calibration.

    Choose the colour space your output requires, then look for out-of-box accuracy evidence or a suitable calibration path for the exact model.

    That path may require a separate calibration device.

  • Expecting every USB-C port to run the display and charge a laptop

    A one-cable arrangement depends on the computer’s video-output capability and the functions and power delivery documented for the monitor.

    Check both devices’ specifications and the cable supplied before ordering, including any DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt requirement.

    A different cable, adapter, dock or laptop charger may still be needed.

  • Choosing a diagonal size without measuring the desk

    The screen, stand and viewing position all need space. Which? also identifies ergonomic adjustments as a consideration when selecting a monitor.

    Measure the usable desk width and depth, then check the exact stand footprint, adjustment range and mounting options.

    Using an arm requires a compatible mount and a suitable place to attach it; do not assume an arm comes with the monitor.

  • Overlooking the exact model and its accessories

    Ports, charging capability, stand movements and supplied items can differ between similarly named monitors. Dell, for example, marks the specific UP2720QA model discussed in its UK product information as unavailable.

    Match the full model number on the seller listing to the manufacturer’s specification, and check the supplied cables and the seller’s return process.

Relevant monitor brands to consider

BenQ AQCOLOR / PhotoVue

The SW321C is a specialist photography-display example for buyers considering colour-sensitive or print-oriented work.

  • BenQ specifies 99% Adobe RGB, 95% P3 and 100% sRGB coverage for the SW321C, alongside a 32-inch 4K panel.
  • Those figures and BenQ’s Delta E ≤ 2 claim are manufacturer specifications for the SW321C, not independent measurements of an individual unit or claims about every BenQ monitor.

ASUS ProArt

The PA24ACRV illustrates a compact creator-display option for an editing desk that also needs laptop connectivity.

  • ASUS specifies a 23.8-inch QHD display, 100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 coverage, USB-C DisplayPort support with 96W power delivery, and an adjustable stand for the PA24ACRV.
  • Its QHD format is a different choice from a 4K screen if viewing higher-resolution material at native detail is important. ASUS’s colour and calibration specifications are not independent unit measurements.

Dell UltraSharp / PremierColor

The UP2720QA is an example of a workstation-oriented display combining colour specifications, connections and stand adjustment.

  • Dell specifies 4K resolution, 100% Adobe RGB and 98% DCI-P3 coverage, Thunderbolt 3/USB-C and a calibration sensor for the UP2720QA.
  • Dell’s UK page marks this exact model unavailable, so its specifications should not be taken as an indication that it can currently be purchased.

LG UltraFine

The 27UP85ZK-W is a 4K USB-C example for someone combining creative tasks with general laptop use.

  • LG specifies a 27-inch 4K IPS panel, typical 95% DCI-P3 coverage, up to 90W charging through USB-C, and height, pivot and tilt adjustment for this model.
  • LG says its Calibration Studio software is not included with the 27UP85ZK-W; calibration readiness does not mean the equipment or service is supplied.

Joybuy monitor choices for home editing

These monitors cover different home photo- and video-editing desk needs, from compact QHD layouts to larger 4K screens. Compare the exact variant, its colour information and your computer connection before choosing.

ASUS ProArt PA278CV IPS WQHD monitor

ASUS ProArt PA278CV IPS WQHD

Consider this model if an IPS WQHD screen fits the detail and desk space you need for home editing.

If colour-critical work or laptop charging is essential, check independent accuracy evidence and the exact USB-C power specification before buying.

Joybuy
BenQ MA320UP 32-inch 4K USB-C monitor

BenQ MA320UP Nano Glossy 32-inch 4K USB-C

Its 32-inch 4K format is worth considering if you want a larger editing view and have room for it on your desk.

The product title identifies a USB-C connection and a height-adjustable stand. Check compatibility with your particular computer and seek accuracy evidence if your colour decisions depend on it.

Joybuy
ASUS ProArt Display PA32UCG-K 32-inch 4K HDR monitor

ASUS ProArt Display PA32UCG-K 32-inch 4K HDR

Consider this larger 4K model when screen space and detail are priorities for photo or video editing.

Confirm the PA32UCG-K’s exact panel and brightness specification before relying on those characteristics, and check its laptop-charging capability separately.

Joybuy
ASUS ProArt PA24ACRV IPS QHD monitor

ASUS ProArt PA24ACRV IPS QHD

The 23.8-inch QHD format is an option for a more compact editing desk.

ASUS specifies 100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 coverage, USB-C DisplayPort support with 96W power delivery, and an adjustable stand for this exact model. Confirm that your computer supports USB-C video and suitable charging; the colour figures do not establish the accuracy of an individual unit.

Joybuy
iiyama ProLite XUB2792UHSU-B6 27-inch 4K UHD monitor

iiyama ProLite XUB2792UHSU-B6 27-inch 4K UHD

This 27-inch 4K UHD model is an option if viewing editing detail at that screen size is your priority.

Its title specifies a 16:9 display. Check the connections and colour accuracy needed for your workflow, particularly if you plan to charge a laptop through the monitor.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Should I look for sRGB, Adobe RGB or DCI-P3?

Choose the colour space that matches your output: RTINGS associates sRGB with most web content and Adobe RGB with print-oriented photography, while a wider-gamut video workflow may call for P3. Coverage alone does not establish accuracy, so check the monitor’s colour controls and accuracy evidence too.

Can one USB-C cable carry video and charge my laptop?

Yes, if both the laptop and monitor support the necessary functions. For example, LG specifies display, data and up to 90W charging over USB-C for the 27UP85ZK-W, while ASUS specifies USB-C DisplayPort and 96W power delivery for the PA24ACRV. Check your laptop’s video-output support and charging requirement before relying on one cable.

Do I need a separate calibration device for home editing?

Not for every home workflow, but dependable out-of-box accuracy matters more if you do not plan to calibrate; RTINGS assesses accuracy before and after calibration separately. For colour-critical decisions, check what the exact monitor supports and what comes with it: LG says its Calibration Studio software is not included with the 27UP85ZK-W.

How should I dispose of an old monitor?

Use an appropriate electrical-waste collection or retailer take-back route rather than putting a monitor in ordinary household waste. GOV.UK describes the UK waste electrical and electronic equipment system as a way to encourage recovery, reuse and recycling.