10 Best HP Monitors for Video Editing
Choosing the best monitor for video editing isn’t a decision to take lightly. Comfort and style are major considerations, but they’re dwarfed by the product quality of your finished product and ergonomics while you work. The wrong monitor choice can lead to eye strain, Ed Wood-level work, and a damaged reputation.
On the upside, the right video editing monitor can set you up with comfort, improved eye health, and a clear view into details other editors miss. HP® has a full complement of Ken Burns-worthy selections, including a monitor that received the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Scientific and Engineering Award.
Oh and let’s not forget budget, because bang-for-the-buck is vital in the log and cut-in world.
Spoiler alert for those in a hurry
The heavy hitter here is the HP Z43 monitor, HP’s biggest and best 4K video editing monitor that zaps the workplace clutter with a single USB-C cable, though it’s got plenty of ports if you like flexibility. You’ll find more details under #1 in our countdown below.
What to look for in a video editing monitor
Before we list the 10 best monitors for video editing from HP, let’s equip you with the most important features to consider. We all know size and resolution matter, but what about the type of backlighting, connectivity, and ease of calibration should you look for?
Size
To see the big picture, you need a big screen. While the best monitor size for video editing depends on your workflow, budget, and workspace, you should also think about whether you want a side-by-side setup. Common monitor sizes come in at 19, 24, 27, 32, and 43 inches to ensure you can zoom in tight without butting up against a pixel wall.
Resolution
Video editing monitors start at a low end of 1280 x 1024 SXGA pixels, and span all the way up to 3840 x 2160 pixels for 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) clarity. That gap is wider than it seems, since the low end has 1,310,720 pixels and 4K monitors pack in over 6x more with 8,294,400. We recommend FHD at the very least for video editors, but for the best results, opt for QHD or UHD if you can afford it.
- 1280 x 1024 Super-eXtended Graphics Array (SXGA)
- 1366 x 768 High Definition (HD)
- 1600 x 900 High Definition Plus (HD+)
- 1920 x 1080 Full High Definition (FHD)
- 1920 x 1200 Wide Ultra Extended Graphics Array (WUXGA)
- 2560 x 1440 Quad High Definition (QHD)
- 3440 x 1440 Wide Quad High Definition (WQHD)
- 3840 x 2160 4K or Ultra High Definition (UHD)
Supported resolutions
The ability to change resolution at will is a nice feature of most monitors for video editing, and it comes in handy when working with different video formats. You may find yourself working with Full High Definition (FHD) video, HD, or legacy SD projects. It’s nice to have the power to toggle when you watch your finished work in full-screen mode.
Lighting type
What’s behind your monitor’s front panel? Some video editors swear by LED backlights, while others like a slightly softer fluorescent light behind the screen. The newer OLED panels have no backlight, because each pixel lights up in its own color when supplied with current for crisper contrast ratios and sharper colors.
Connectivity & ports
Will you dock your video editing monitor to a laptop, or connect it to a desktop workstation? Today’s video ports include HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, Optical, and the all-encompassing USB-C port that carries signal and power in one shot.
Setup
A dual-monitor setup can cut down on mousing and clicking for a better ergonomic workflow. Putting your timeline and tools on one monitor and using the other for full-size playback is convenient, but it changes your monitor size choice. Your desktop space and the type of stand also figure into your choice for the best monitor setup for video editing. Ultrawide monitors add yet another notch of flexibility.
Ease of calibration
There’s no one-size-fits-all calibration when it comes to video editing monitors. Some screens come with scheduled or auto-calibration options. Look for a monitor that calibrates fast, so you can get on to stacking tracks.
1. HP Z43 display - HP’s biggest & best 4K monitor for video editing at 43 inches
The HP Z43 is the best monitor for video editing on the market for two reasons: a whole lot of real estate and exceptional clarity. Powered by an LED backlight with in-plane switching (IPS) for richer color, the anti-glare screen is a joy to edit with. The native 4K (UHD) resolution shows the full mise en scene, and the display’s deep list of supported resolutions makes it a versatile pick for any visual editor.
Additional features:
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1
- Gray-to-gray response time: 8 ms
- 4K resolution: 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz
- Ports: USB-C, 5 USB 3.0, HDMI, DisplayPort
2. HP Z32 monitor - best 32-inch monitor for video editing
Big enough to work on Tarantino-class projects with minimal scrolling and mousing, the HP Z32 monitor is a fan-favorite for its sharp contrast and full suite of ports. Plus, with the HP Zero Bright Dot guarantee, HP® will replace your display if you ever run into a full pixel defect. You’ll also get the same great 4K resolution, a bevy of supported resolutions, and anti-static, anti-glare IPS technology you’ll find in the larger HP Z43.
Additional features:
- Contrast ratio: 1300:1
- Gray-to-gray response time: 14 ms
- 4K resolution: 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz
- Adjustability: 90-degree swivel and 25-degree tilt
Read more: 3 Best HP Large Computer Monitors
3. HP Z27 monitor - best 27-inch monitor for video editing
Editors with smaller workspaces, slimmer budgets, or dual-monitor aspirations will flip for the HP Z27n G2 monitor. This feature-packed display is set up for plug-and-play multi-screen connectivity with DisplayPort, USB-C, USB-3, HDMI, and even VGA to integrate with legacy equipment. A Quad HD (QHD) resolution of 2560 x 1440 produces a sharper image quality than FHD panels, and it comes in at a lower price point than 4K screens.
Additional features:
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1
- Gray-to-gray response time: 14 ms adjustable to 5.4 ms
- Format: 16 x 9 aspect ratio
- Display type: IPS w/LED backlight
4. HP 27FW monitor - slim & stylish 27-inch video editing monitor on a budget
The crowd-pleasing HP 27FW FHD monitor delivers 1920 x 1080 resolution (FHD) with crisp colors and a zippy gray-to-gray response time of just 5 ms (with overdrive). The standout thin aluminum design and IPS micro-edge display provide ultra-wide viewing angles and a modern look without a premium price tag. The fully integrated audio is another nice perk for keeping your desktop free of messy cords and speakers.
Additional features:
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1
- Perfect for dual-monitor displays
- Virtual edge-to-edge image area
- Low blue light
Read more: 8 Best HP PC Monitors
5. HP ENVY 27 monitor - great 27-inch, 4K budget option
If you must have UHD 4K resolution for your projects but your budget’s in the QHD zone, don’t miss the HP ENVY 27 monitor. This is one of the best budget monitors for video editing because of its 3840 x 2160 resolution and affordability. This is also an MGM-worthy dual-monitor option that can power your PC with up to 60 watts through its USB 3.0 ports. Plus, the AMD® FreeSync™ technology delivers smoother images and mind-blowing color.
Additional features:
- Contrast ratio: 1300:1
- Display type: Anti-glare with LED backlights and IPS technology
- 4K resolution: 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz
- Ports: USB-C, 2 HDMI, DisplayPort
6. HP DreamColor Z31X 31-inch display - award-winning design for video editors
The HP DreamColor Z31X display is a different animal in video editing monitors. Designed in collaboration with artists and studios, this display received the coveted Scientific and Engineering Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. That’s the same organization that runs the Oscars. Awards aside, you’ll love the scheduled calibration and the host of built-in video editing tools that let you streamline your workflow.
Additional features:
- Contrast ratio: 1500:1
- Adjustability: 90-degree swivel, 35-degree tilt, 117 mm display height change
- 4K cinema resolution: 4096 x 2160
- Ports: USB-C, 5 USB 3.0, DisplayPort
Read More: 3 Best HP 32-inch Monitors
7. HP Pavilion 27 Quantum Dot monitor - best 27-inch QHD monitor for video editing
If you’re not quite ready for a 4K price point but you still want theater-quality visuals, the HP Pavilion 27 Quantum Dot could be your happy place. This monitor serves up clear, stunning colors and resolution thanks to nanotech-produced quantum mechanics. At a beautifully thin 6.5 mm, the HP Pavilion 27 can fit into just about any space with its sleek (and stylish) design. Great for multiple monitor setups, too.
Additional features:
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Brightness: 400 cd/m2
- Ports: USB-C, 2 USB 3.0, HDMI, DisplayPort
8. HP E38C UWQHD ultrawide curved monitor - great curved monitor solution at 37.5 inches
If you’ve got the budget to turn the dual-monitor setup idea on its head, take a look at the 37.5-inch HP Z38 monitor. This screen has the type of viewing area that allows for a completely immersive experience. Plus, the curved edges give you panoramic, ergonomic views for an edge-to-edge sweet spot with minimal cables.
Additional features:
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1
- Display type: Anti-glare screen with LED backlights and IPS
- Resolution: UWQHD+ at 3840 x 1600
- Ports: USB-C, 3 USB 3.0, HDMI, DisplayPort
Read More: 7 Best HP 24-inch Monitors
9. HP 27er monitor - gold standard 27-inch LCD
For the budget-conscious who still want premiere 1920 x 1280 resolution, the HP27er LCD monitor is a dollar-stretching choice. It sports the color-boosting IPS-and-LED combo found in many of its higher-priced cousins for the price of a more traditional monitor. Also, the edge-to-edge display lends itself nicely to dual-monitor setups.
Additional features:
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1
- Super thin screen at 1.4 inches.
- Ports: 2 HDMI, VGA
- Adjustability: 30-degree tilt
10. HP EliteDisplay E273 monitor - best 27-inch HD monitor for video editing
For max ergonomics at a shoestring price, scope out the HP EliteDisplay E273 monitor. This video editing monitor serves up 4-way adjustability for max ergonomics. You’ll also love how the 1920 x 1080 FHD display provides a 25-degree tilt, 45-degree swivel, and 90-degree pivot. The micro-edge bezel makes it a clear choice for dual-monitor setups, too.
Additional features:
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1
- Display type: Anti-glare IPS w/LED backlight
- Resolution: FHD 1920 x 1080
- Ports: 3 USB 3.0, DisplayPort, VGA
Read More: 5 Best HP 27-inch Monitors
Conclusion
There’s our 10 HP best monitor for video editing list, whether you’re on an indie budget or have more cash on hand than Disney Studios. Though our fan-favorite is the HP Z43 monitor, the best monitor setup for video editing depends on your workspace, workflow, preference, and cash position.
