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8-bit vs 10-bit: Which Display Color Depth Should You Choose?

2/1/2026 · Displays · 7 min

8-bit vs 10-bit: Which Display Color Depth Should You Choose?

TL;DR

  • 8-bit panels are the mainstream standard and are fine for general use, web browsing, office work, and casual gaming.
  • 10-bit displays show smoother gradients and less banding, which matters for photo and video editing and for HDR content.
  • Best picks by use case:
  • Photo and video editing: 27" 10-bit IPS or 10-bit OLED with hardware calibration.
  • HDR content and creative work: 10-bit with good color gamut and HDR certification.
  • Gaming and budget productivity: 8-bit IPS or 8-bit with 10-bit emulation using dithering.

What is color depth

  • Color depth is the number of bits used to represent each color channel. 8-bit means 256 levels per channel, 10-bit means 1024 levels per channel.
  • In practical terms, 8-bit gives about 16.7 million colors, while true 10-bit gives about 1.07 billion colors.

Why it matters

  • More bits reduce visible banding in gradients like skies or skin tones.
  • For HDR, 10-bit is often required to represent highlights smoothly.
  • Many consumer uses will not notice the difference, but it is important for professional color work.

HDR, gamut, and real-world impact

  • HDR needs a combination of color depth, peak brightness, and wide color gamut to look correct.
  • A 10-bit panel with a narrow gamut or low brightness may not outperform a good 8-bit panel with wider gamut and higher brightness for casual viewing.

Panel tech and 10-bit support

  • IPS: Commonly offers good color accuracy and native 10-bit on higher-end models.
  • VA: High contrast, some models support 10-bit but may have more motion smear.
  • OLED: Typically offers true 10-bit and excellent contrast, but be mindful of burn-in risk.
  • Many midrange monitors use 8-bit panels with 2-bit FRC to emulate 10-bit. That is fine for most users.

GPU, OS, and software support

  • To use true 10-bit, your GPU, cable, OS, and applications must support it. Professional apps like Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve, and Premiere can handle 10-bit workflows.
  • For Windows, 10-bit may need specific drivers and color profiles. macOS has broad color management for many displays.

Ports and bandwidth

  • Use DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 for high-resolution 10-bit at high refresh rates. Older HDMI and DP versions may limit color depth or refresh.
  • For 4K 10-bit HDR at high refresh, ensure your cable and port support the required bandwidth.

Calibration and color accuracy

  • True benefit of 10-bit shows up when the display is calibrated and paired with accurate color profiles.
  • Consider a hardware calibrator for content creation. Cheap 10-bit panels out of the box can still need calibration.

Which should you buy?

  • Choose 8-bit if you want the best value, gaming performance, and you do general productivity.
  • Choose 10-bit if you do photo or video editing, work with HDR, or need the smoothest gradients for visual work.
  • If you are undecided, an 8-bit panel with good gamut and brightness plus proper calibration can be an excellent compromise.

Buying checklist

  • Confirm true 10-bit or 8-bit plus FRC. Marketing can be vague.
  • Check GPU and software support for 10-bit workflows.
  • Consider gamut and brightness along with bit depth.
  • Ports: DP 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 for high bandwidth needs.
  • Calibration: Look for factory calibration reports or plan to calibrate yourself.

Bottom line

10-bit matter most for creators and HDR enthusiasts. For most users and gamers on a budget, a well calibrated 8-bit panel provides excellent results. If your work demands color fidelity and smooth gradients, invest in a real 10-bit display and the supporting hardware and software.

Found this helpful? Check our curated picks on the home page.