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Budget Monitors for Creators: Which Should You Buy?

2/2/2026 · Monitors · 8 min

Budget Monitors for Creators: Which Should You Buy?

TL;DR

  • For editing photos and video on a budget choose an IPS 24 to 27 inch monitor with good sRGB coverage and at least 100 nits of uniform brightness.
  • 1440p improves workspace and sharpness for timelines and detailed retouching, but 1080p is fine on 24 inch screens if color and calibration matter more than pixel count.
  • Prioritize panel type and factory color accuracy over refresh rate. 60 to 75 Hz is acceptable for creators; higher refresh helps scrolling but is not essential.
  • Look for a monitor that includes factory calibration reports or supports hardware calibration via a colorimeter.

Resolution and clarity

  • 1080p (1920x1080): Works well at 24 inch for most photo editing tasks and is easier on your GPU when editing high resolution video.
  • 1440p (2560x1440): Provides more screen real estate and sharper detail on 27 inch displays. Ideal for timeline work and fine adjustments.

Size and pixel density

  • 24 inch 1080p approx 92 PPI: crisp and common.
  • 27 inch 1080p approx 82 PPI: can appear soft for text and UI elements.
  • 27 inch 1440p approx 108 PPI: sweet spot for creators who need both space and clarity.

Color accuracy and panels

  • IPS: Best choice for creators on a budget due to color and viewing angle performance.
  • VA: Higher contrast and deeper blacks but usually slower and with less accurate color out of the box.
  • TN: Not recommended for color work.
  • Target at least 95 percent sRGB for general photo work. If you need wide gamut for print or video, look for DCI-P3 coverage notes and be realistic about budget.

Refresh rate and response

  • For creators refresh rate is lower priority. 60 to 75 Hz is fine and lets you get better color and uniformity at a lower price.
  • High refresh monitors often compromise on color accuracy in the budget segment.

Ports and connectivity

  • HDMI 2.0 or newer and DisplayPort 1.2 or newer cover 1080p and 1440p at common refresh rates.
  • USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode simplifies laptop connections and can carry power and data with supported hubs.
  • Built in USB hubs, SD card readers, and easy pivot stands are useful time savers.

Calibration and color management

  • Factory calibration reports are a big plus. If none are provided budget colorimeters like the X Rite or Datacolor models still work well.
  • Choose a monitor that supports hardware calibration if you can spend slightly more.
  • Use your editing software color settings and an ICC profile for the display to ensure consistency.

Ports and ergonomics checklist

  • Size and desk space: 24 inch fits small desks; 27 inch offers more workspace.
  • Panel: IPS for color accuracy.
  • Resolution: 1440p on 27 inch for clarity, 1080p on 24 inch to save money.
  • Connectivity: DP or HDMI 2.0, USB-C if you use a laptop.
  • Calibration: factory report or support for hardware calibrators.

Which should you buy

  • Photo editing and color work on a budget: 24 to 27 inch IPS with 95 percent sRGB and a factory calibration report.
  • Video editing and timelines: 27 inch 1440p gives more timeline space and sharper thumbnails if you can find one near your budget.
  • General creator who also plays games casually: 27 inch IPS 1440p at 75 to 100 Hz balances both worlds.

Bottom line

  • Prioritize panel quality and color accuracy over raw pixel count or refresh rate. A well calibrated IPS monitor at 24 to 27 inch will be the most useful tool for creators working on a budget.

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