Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for Video Editing
Five monitors compared, from the ViewFinity S7 32 to the Odyssey OLED G9, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
4K footage looks right on a 4K panel, and IPS or OLED keeps colour consistent from any angle. Every pick is 4K or higher on IPS or OLED, ordered by size.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; a missing refresh rate is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Screen Size
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G91SD) 49-inch
The largest screen size here (49 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G91SD) 49-inch (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED
An HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
OLED Panel
LG UltraGear 32GX850A-B
An OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an OLED panel.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 32GX850A-B (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH) 32-inch
The highest refresh rate here (240Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH) 32-inch (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Screen Size1 of 5
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G91SD) 49-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's Odyssey OLED G9 is a 49-inch 5120x1440 QD-OLED at 144Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
It replaces two 27-inch 1440p screens with one curved panel. Its 144Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH leads at 240Hz. Nothing else here matches its 49 inches screen size; the ViewFinity S7 32 comes closest at 32 inches.
It is the only pick here with a 5120x1440 resolution; the ViewFinity S7 32 has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution instead. Like the MAG 321UP and Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the ViewFinity S7 32 uses an IPS panel. You also get a height-adjustable stand.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 5120x1440
- Size: 49 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 49-inch Dual QHD panel
- 110 pixels per inch
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate trails the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH (240Hz)
- Costs more than the ViewFinity S7 32 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 of 5
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 32-inch ViewFinity S7 gives 4K on a larger IPS panel for spreadsheets and video.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certificatio is a problem.
Why we like it
TÜV-certified Eye Saver mode cuts blue light and flicker, and Game Mode adjusts colour and contrast. On screen size it ties with the MAG 321UP, the 32GX850A and the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH at 32 inches. It is the only pick here with an IPS panel; the Odyssey OLED G9 has a QD-OLED panel instead.
It is the only pick here with an HDR10; the 32GX850A has a DisplayHDR True Black 400 instead. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the MAG 321UP was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed refresh rate should compare it with the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH, which offers 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: IPS
- HDR: HDR10
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 32-inch 4K IPS panel
- HDR10, the only one here
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- No published refresh rate
Also Consider3 of 5
MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MSI MAG 321UP is a 32-inch QD-OLED that stops at 165Hz, which keeps its price below the 240Hz models.
Best for
- Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
Its HDMI 2.1 port carries full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz from a console or PC. On refresh rate it ties with the 32GX850A at 165Hz. It matches the ViewFinity S7 32, the 32GX850A and the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH on screen size (32 inches).
You also get an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. Reaching 165Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. It was priced above the ViewFinity S7 32 and below the 32GX850A at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the ViewFinity S7 32 at the time of writing
OLED Panel4 of 5
LG UltraGear 32GX850A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LG's 32GX850A runs 4K at 165Hz or switches to 1080p at 330Hz for fast shooters.
Best for
- Buyers who want an OLED panel.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
Its glossy OLED finish looks punchy in a dim room but reflects more in a bright one. On refresh rate it ties with the MAG 321UP at 165Hz. It matches the ViewFinity S7 32, the MAG 321UP and the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH on screen size (32 inches).
You get an OLED panel here, which sets it apart from the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH and its a QD-OLED panel. You get a DisplayHDR True Black 400 here, which sets it apart from the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH and its a DisplayHDR True Black 500. Reaching 165Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. It was priced above the MAG 321UP and below the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the ViewFinity S7 32 at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh5 of 5
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH) 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's G80SH is a 32-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with DisplayHDR True Black 500, USB-C and a three-year warranty.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its stand adjusts for height, pivot, tilt and swivel. Its 240Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the MAG 321UP comes next at 165Hz. On screen size it ties with the ViewFinity S7 32, the MAG 321UP and the 32GX850A at 32 inches.
Like the Odyssey OLED G9 and MAG 321UP, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the ViewFinity S7 32 uses an IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers a DisplayHDR True Black 500; compare the ViewFinity S7 32, which has an HDR10. It also comes with OLED Safeguard+ burn-in protection.
Reaching 240Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper 32GX850A and the pricier Odyssey OLED G9, at the time of writing. The trade-off is screen size; for more, the Odyssey OLED G9 comes in at 49 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 500
- Stand: height, pivot, tilt and swivel
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Screen size trails the Odyssey OLED G9 (49 inches)
- Costs more than the ViewFinity S7 32 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Monitors for Video Editing
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
What to Look for in a Monitor for Video Editing
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Decide on screen size first
Among these picks, screen size runs from 32 inches on the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH to 49 inches on the Odyssey OLED G9. Pick the lowest figure that covers your use; the extra usually costs more than it returns.
Match resolution to your graphics card
1080p suits entry and mid-range cards and high refresh rates. 1440p is the balance for most gaming PCs. 4K needs a high-end card to hold high frame rates.
Pick the resolution your card can drive before looking at refresh rate.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
Read HDR labels carefully
HDR10 means the monitor accepts an HDR signal, not that it displays it well. DisplayHDR 600 or True Black 400 certifications say more about real HDR performance.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
How to Choose a Monitor for Video Editing
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put screen size first | Odyssey OLED G9 | The largest screen size here (49 inches) |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | ViewFinity S7 32 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz | MAG 321UP | An HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz |
| Buyers who want an OLED panel | 32GX850A | An OLED panel |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH | The highest refresh rate here (240Hz) |
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Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey OLED G9 | 144Hz | 5120x1440 | 49 inches | QD-OLED |
| ViewFinity S7 32 | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | IPS |
| MAG 321UP | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| 32GX850A | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | OLED |
| Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | ViewFinity S7 32 |
| About $500 to $1000 | MAG 321UP, 32GX850A |
| About $1000 to $1500 | Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH, Odyssey OLED G9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these monitors has the highest refresh rate?
The Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH leads at 240Hz, ahead of the MAG 321UP at 165Hz; the Odyssey OLED G9 sits at the other end with 144Hz.
What is the least I can spend on one of these monitors?
The ViewFinity S7 32. It undercut the MAG 321UP when we checked, while the Odyssey OLED G9 cost the most of the group.
Is 1080p fine on a 27-inch monitor?
It works, but text and detail look softer. 1440p is sharper at 27 inches; 1080p is best at 24 to 25 inches.
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort?
On a PC, DisplayPort usually supports the highest refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 is equivalent and needed for consoles.
Is OLED burn-in still a problem?
It is a risk with static elements over many hours. Current OLED monitors use pixel-refresh routines to reduce it; check the maker's warranty for burn-in coverage.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Odyssey OLED G9, chosen for the largest screen size here (49 inches). Look at the ViewFinity S7 32 for the lowest price of the group at our last check, the MAG 321UP for an HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz and the 32GX850A for an OLED panel if those matter more to you.
Leave room on screen for the timeline; a 32-inch 4K panel shows more of it.