The best video editing monitor can make sure you get every frame pixel-perfect. As long as you've got the skills to make that a reality, video editing can become seamless with any of these displays.
In terms of specs, you're going to need something akin to one of the best graphic design monitors. That means high contrast ratios, sterling HDR, and immense colour accuracy are all integral in making sure that any edited video looks as accurate and sharp as possible.
Unlike with gaming monitors, you don't need to worry about things like refresh rate and response time. However, while 4K isn't strictly necessary, we think it's a bit of a bonus to showcase your work in the best quality possible.
Along with specs, size matters here, as a larger screen is going to help you find every imperfection and sort it, which is why a lot of the best budget video editing monitors tend to be 32 inches or more. Some of the best 32-inch displays, therefore, double up as great picks for editing.
With these factors in mind, let's dive into our top picks...
Best video editing monitors
- MSI Prestige PS341WU
- Eizo ColorEdge CG319X
- HP DreamColor Z31x
- Dell Ultrasharp U3219Q
- BenQ PhotoVue SW271C
1. MSI Prestige PS341WU
Best MSI video editing monitor
The MSI Prestige PS341WU looks like an immense choice for video editing, especially as an ultrawide choice, which also makes it one of the best ultrawide monitors out there, too.
You'll find some sleek looks with a slim, silver frame, as well as some great colour space coverage with 100% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 to ensure that colours displayed are rather accurate indeed.
Display HDR600 will also ensure that colours are not only accurate but also sharp and vibrant, which means that this monitor is up there with some of the best HDR monitors out there, too. Having high brightness is also key If you want to edit HDR content.
Where the MSI Prestige PS341WU stands out especially though is with its 5K2K panel, or a resolution of 5120x2160, with its 34-inch screen size. This will allow you to edit 4K content at its proper resolution without any modifications and as an ultrawide monitor, there's some extra width if you do need it.
The port offering is also pretty good with DP 1.4, USB-C and a host of high-speed USB-As if you need to attach any peripherals or other devices, which is useful.
Read More: Best vertical monitors
2. Eizo ColourEdge CG319X
Best Eizo video editing monitor
The Eizo ColorEdge CG319X is an amazing monitor for video editing, especially if you're doing it professionally.
This becomes especially apparent with its rather high colour space coverage with 98% DCI-P3 and 99% Adobe RGB. There is also a clever self-calibration function that automatically ensures colours are at their most accurate.
The likes of DCI-P3 are more specialist-driven colour gamuts than the more standard sRGB and reflect the professional nature of this particular monitor. DCI-P3 is used specifically for cinematic video work.
Its 4096x2160 resolution is above standard 4K UHD and is more akin to the DCI resolution, hence why it's referred to as 4K Cinema. This means you'll be able to watch and edit footage at the cinema 4K resolution without any resizing or adjustment needed, which is mighty convenient.
350 nits of brightness will also mean the Eizo ColorEdge CG319X is bright enough for editing most content, and 2x DisplayPort and 2x HDMI out ensures there are great options for connectivity too.
Read More: Best 43-inch monitors
3. HP DreamColor Z31x
Best HP video editing monitor
HP makes some great monitors for all sorts of use cases and the HP DreamColor Z31x definitely looks like a brilliant monitor for video editing.
Where this display excels especially is with its incredible colour space coverage with 100% sRGB and 100% AdobeRGB, as well as 100% Rec. 709 and 99% DCI-P3. This will ensure that practically any shades can be displayed in the most accurate fashion.
It also features a Cinema standard 4K resolution with 4096x2160 which is not only useful for editing more commercial footage but also for providing you with a bit extra screen width if you do need it.
250 nits of brightness also means the HP DreamColor Z31x is a good all-round panel for more general use and it also features what looks to be a pretty sturdy frame and some sharp looks, too.
Read More: Best budget portable monitor
4. Dell Ultrasharp U3219Q
Best Dell video editing monitor
The Dell Ultrasharp U3219Q looks like a grand choice for video editing, be it if you're a professional or just someone looking to get started.
400 nits of brightness means images will be sharp and that you'll also be able to edit HDR footage properly if you want to, and a 4K resolution will also mean that any images should be rather sharp indeed, especially in conjunction with HDR.
There's also some great colour space coverage with 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3, and 99% Rec. 709 which should be excellent for video editing as well as any other colour-intensive work you may need to do.
The Dell Ultrasharp U3219Q also has a pretty good port selection with HDMI and DisplayPort as well as USB-C, which can be handy if you want to connect up to a laptop or connect two PCs at once.
Read More: Best 75hz monitors
5. BenQ PhotoVue SW271C
Best BenQ video editing monitor
If you're looking for more of a compact panel for video editing, then the BenQ PhotoVue SW271C should serve you immensely well.
It's a 27-inch 4K display which should work well for those editors who are working in more of a tight space but still want the power of a professional panel to edit their content. There are also some pretty decent viewing angles on offer, with 178 degrees on either side.
You'll find it also had 300 nits of brightness which should ensure images remain sharp, even if you aren't editing HDR content, and a claimed 99% AdobeRGB and 100% sRGB gamut coverage also should ensure some incredible accuracy.
It's also Pantone and CalMAN verified to ensure that colours feature professional-grade accuracy, too, which is integral for creative workflows such as video editing.
CalMAN is a software suite designed to aid users in achieving high levels of detail and colour accuracy, and for a monitor to be CalMAN verified, it must be rigorously tested according to a list of monitor quality specifications.
The BenQ PhotoVue SW271C also features a convenient USB-C port, complete with 60W power delivery if you need to charge up any devices you have.
Read More: Best budget 240hz monitors
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Buying a video editing monitor can often lead to a ton of questions. Don't worry though, we've answered some of the most frequently asked queries below.
Do I need a 4K monitor for video editing?
We'd say that having a 4K monitor is pretty useful for video editing, even if you aren't editing specifically 4K content.
This is because of the additional gains in resolution compared to 1080p, and also because 4K is now the de facto standard for video output on both cameras and phones. It just ensures maximum compatibility, essentially.
It also gives you more pixel density, which means you can get a bigger screen without losing definition.
Is 60Hz good for video editing?
In a word...yes. Most monitors usually have refresh rates of 60hz and above, but at 4K you'll typically find 60hz.
The higher the refresh rate, the smoother motion will look when viewed on a monitor, which is why with gaming you'll find that 144hz monitors, 240hz monitors and 360hz monitors are in high demand.
Is a curved monitor good for editing?
Curved monitors can certainly be good for editing if you're looking to get immersed within your work more so than with a standard, non-curved display.
In addition, you may also get some extra screen real estate from a curved monitor, as some can also be ultrawide with a 21:9 aspect ratio so you can have more full-size windows on a screen, or better organise your work environment, if needs be.
Is an IPS monitor good for video editing?
IPS monitors should be good for video editing, given their wider viewing angles and great colour reproduction, compared to other panel types.
They may not offer the contrast and vibrancy of an OLED, but for more standard monitor options, it's arguably the best panel type to go for.
How many monitors should I have for video editing?
This all depends on personal preference and what kind of space you've got to work with. If you've only got limited space, then opting for a single monitor will send you just fine, as you'll still be able to fit all of the relevant windows on your screen.
If you've got more space to play with though, getting an extra monitor may be pretty useful so everything isn't as cramped on one panel, or if you want to use a second monitor for another purpose as opposed to editing.
Luckily, video editing applications such as Adobe Premiere Pro are compatible with dual monitor setups.
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