What should I look for when picking a monitor for video editing?

When picking a monitor for video editing, consider the following key factors to ensure optimal performance and accurate visuals:

1. Resolution

Opt for at least 4K resolution for sharp and detailed images, especially if you're editing high-resolution content.

2. Color Accuracy

Look for a monitor with a high color gamut (e.g., 100% sRGB, AdobeRGB, or DCI-P3).

Ensure it supports 10-bit color depth for smooth color gradients.

Monitors with HDR (High Dynamic Range) capability provide more realistic contrast and brightness.

3. Size and Screen Real Estate

A larger screen (27" or more) offers more space for timelines and toolbars, making editing more comfortable.

Ultrawide monitors can be excellent for multitasking and timeline work.

4. Panel Type

Choose IPS panels for consistent color and viewing angles. Avoid TN panels as they lack color accuracy.

5. Brightness and Contrast

Look for a monitor with at least 300-500 nits of brightness for well-lit environments.

A higher contrast ratio ensures better detail in dark and bright areas of your footage.

6. Connectivity

Ensure it has the necessary ports (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C) to connect with your editing setup.

Thunderbolt support is a bonus for faster data transfers.

7. Calibration

A monitor that supports hardware calibration is ideal for maintaining consistent color accuracy.

Some monitors come pre-calibrated out of the box.

8. Refresh Rate and Response Time

A 60Hz refresh rate is generally sufficient for video editing. Higher refresh rates are beneficial for motion graphics.

Response time isn't a major factor for editing but can affect playback smoothness.

9. Budget Consideration

While high-end monitors like those from Eizo or Apple are premium, brands like Dell UltraSharp, BenQ PD/MOBIUZ series, and LG UltraFine offer excellent mid-range options.

Choosing the right monitor depends on your specific needs, whether it's color-critical work or budget constraints. Always prioritize features that enhance your workflow and output quality.

When choosing a monitor for video editing, prioritize features that support accurate visuals and a smooth workflow. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Resolution: A 4K monitor is best for sharp details and extra workspace, especially for modern projects.

2. Color Accuracy: Go for a monitor with great color reproduction (look for sRGB, AdobeRGB, or DCI-P3 coverage) and factory calibration.

3. HDR Support: Handy for realistic lighting and contrast, especially for HDR content.

4. Panel Type: IPS panels are the top choice for vibrant colors and wide viewing angles.

5. Connectivity: Ensure it has HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C for your setup.

6. Size: A 27–32 inch screen offers ample space without overwhelming your desk.

7. Extras: Anti-glare coating, good brightness (300+ nits), and a solid contrast ratio make a big difference.

Make sure to watch some comparison videos to buy the best monitor!

I would suggest to get a 4k IPS monitor most of them are have 100 percent color accuracy and sRGB , avoid TN fillm monitors and about OLED they do have great results but they do end up with screen burns and I have suffered from this with one of my OLED monitors.

Just for video editing, you don't need a lot of specifications. I would aim for monitors with higher resolution than 1080p and color accuracy of 100% Adobe RGB (sRGB).

If we are talking about color grading, than make sure to prioritize color accuracy over resolution. And also, make sure to color calibrate your monitor before doing color grading work.

Also - be aware that no device is the same, so color grading must be done in a controlled environment under the correct settings to be displayed in the color-accurate environments properly. For devices like phones, laptops, etc. - every single person will view it a bit differently, so don't stress too much on the details.