Here's the 2017 updated list of budget monitors for artists and graphic designers.
I've previously written all the factors to consider when getting a monitor for graphics work so I am not going to repeat myself too much.
In short, I'm looking at monitors that have the following features:
- IPS panel for good viewing angles and colour reproduction
- Matte screen because reflections are distracting
- 1920 by1200 resolution
- Full adjustment for height, tilt and swivel
The monitors listed are all below USD $300. If you want high-end, check out the best high-end monitors list.
The list will only have two models from each brand so as not to confuse you with too many choices. When in doubt, go for the bigger screen if you can afford it.
Recommended monitors
As usual, my personal favourites are the Dell monitors so I'll start with them first.
Dell
The UZ2215H 21.5-inch and U2415 24-inch are the two models from 2015 and they continue to be what I think are the best bargain monitors under $300.
| Product | UZ2215H 21.5-inch | U2415 24-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1200 |
| Contrast | 1000:1 | 1000:1 |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m2 | 300 cd/m2 |
| Colour Support | 16.77m colours | 16.77m colours |
| Connection | HDMI, DisplayPort, USB3 | HDMI, DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, USB3 |
| Price |
While we wait for Dell to release new budget IPS budget monitors, these are the two current workhorse.
I would recommend the Dell U2415 for the larger screen and extra 120 rows of vertical pixels. Reviews on Amazon are almost all favourable.
Dell offers 3 years warranty for their monitors. You have the option to increase the warranty period if you buy from their website.
ASUS
Once again, the two monitors I featured last here are recommended here again. They are VS24AHL 24.1-inch and PA248Q 24.1-inch.
Note that there's the PA249Q which is the newer model of the PA248Q. I don't think it's worth the extra money to get the newer model.
| Product | VS24AHL 24.1-inch | PA248Q 24.1-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 1920 x 1200 |
| Dynamic Contrast | 80,000,000:1 | 80,000,000:1 |
| Brightness | 300 cd/m2 | 300 cd/m2 |
| Colour Support | 16.77m colours | 16.77m colours |
| Connection | HDMI , D-Sub, DVI-D | HDMI , D-Sub, DisplayPort, DVI-D, USB 3 |
| Price |
I would go with PA248Q because of the very useful inbuilt USB3 ports. PA248Q supports more connection with HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI-D and D-Sub.
Both come with full adjustability for height, tilt and swivel.
ASUS provides 3 years warranty for their monitor. Overall, they are quite price competitive with Dell.
Samsung
The only one I think is good from Samsung is the S24E650BW. However, it's more expensive compared to the competitors so going by price, I would not pick this.
| Product | S24E650BW |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 |
| Contrast | 1,000:1 |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m2 |
| Colour Support | 16.7m colours |
| Connection | DVI, VGA, USB2 |
| Price |
Conclusion
I'll continue to update this list as new monitors come out in 2016.
Meanwhile, my recommendation are, and still are, the Dell U2415 24-inch and ASUS PA248Q 24.1-inch.
Happy shopping.
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