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 Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Largest Screen Size
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G91SD) 49-inchThe largest screen size here (49 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Check price for Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G91SD) 49-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inchThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MAG 321UP.
Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLEDAn 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.
Check price for MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLEDA 1700R curve.
Best for: Buyers who want 1700R curve.
Check price for MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
OLED Panel
LG UltraGear 32GX850A-BAn OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an OLED panel.
Check price for LG UltraGear 32GX850A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Screen Size1 of 5
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G91SD) 49-inch
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 elements 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 MAG 321UP leads at 165Hz. 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 MAG 321CUP, 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 32GX850A.
Key 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 MAG 321UP (165Hz)
- Costs more than the ViewFinity S7 32 at the time of writing
The catch
If refresh rate is your priority, the MAG 321UP (165Hz) is the stronger choice.
Lowest Price Here2 of 5
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch
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 than into the MAG 321UP.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification 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 MAG 321CUP and the 32GX850A 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 MAG 321CUP 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 MAG 321UP, which offers 165Hz.
Key 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
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 MAG 321CUP and the 32GX850A at 165Hz. It matches the ViewFinity S7 32, the MAG 321CUP and the 32GX850A on screen size (32 inches).
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the Odyssey OLED G9 and MAG 321CUP; the 32GX850A goes with an OLED panel. It is the only pick here with a FreeSync Premium Pro; the MAG 321CUP has a G-SYNC Compatible instead. 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 MAG 321CUP at the time of writing.
Key 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
Strong Alternative4 of 5
MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED
What the MAG 321CUP brings to the table is a 1700R curve, plus HDMI 2.1 and a 15W USB-C port.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1700R curve.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements is a problem.
Why we like it
It also offers a 165Hz refresh rate and offers a 32 inches screen size. On refresh rate it ties with the MAG 321UP and the 32GX850A at 165Hz. It matches the ViewFinity S7 32, the MAG 321UP and the 32GX850A on screen size (32 inches).
It shares a QD-OLED panel with the Odyssey OLED G9 and MAG 321UP; the 32GX850A goes with an OLED panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the 32GX850A; the ViewFinity S7 32 goes with an HDR10. No other pick in this guide offers a G-SYNC Compatible; compare the MAG 321UP, which has a FreeSync Premium Pro.
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. When we checked, only the MAG 321UP and cheaper picks cost less, and the 32GX850A cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 165Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 32 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C
- Yes
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
- 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
OLED Panel5 of 5
LG UltraGear 32GX850A-B
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 elements 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 and the MAG 321CUP at 165Hz. It matches the ViewFinity S7 32, the MAG 321UP and the MAG 321CUP on screen size (32 inches).
You get an OLED panel here, which sets it apart from the MAG 321CUP and its a QD-OLED panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the MAG 321CUP; the ViewFinity S7 32 goes with an HDR10. 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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was priced above the MAG 321CUP and below the Odyssey OLED G9 at the time of writing.
Key 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
- Screen size trails the Odyssey OLED G9 (49 inches)
- Costs more than the ViewFinity S7 32 at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on screen size, where the Odyssey OLED G9 comes in at 49 inches.
How We Chose These Monitors for Video Editing
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 7 fields compared are stated for every pick, while refresh rate and response have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Odyssey OLED G9 to the 32GX850A, state resolution, screen size and panel.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ViewFinity S7 32 gives no refresh rate; the ViewFinity S7 32 gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ViewFinity S7 32 ($250 to $500) to the Odyssey OLED G9 ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Monitor for Video Editing
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size
The Odyssey OLED G9 tops screen size at 49 inches and the 32GX850A sits lowest at 32 inches. The Odyssey OLED G9 is the pick for screen size.
How much refresh rate you need
Across these 4 picks refresh rate spans 144Hz (the Odyssey OLED G9) to 165Hz (the MAG 321UP). If refresh rate is your first filter, the MAG 321UP sets the ceiling at 165Hz. The ViewFinity S7 32 gives no refresh rate figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop Panel
The Odyssey OLED G9, the MAG 321UP and the MAG 321CUP list QD-OLED; the ViewFinity S7 32 lists IPS; the 32GX850A lists OLED. Sort out panel before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 3, 1 and 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The MAG 321UP: a console mode. The MAG 321CUP: HDMI 2.1 and a 15W USB-C port. The 32GX850A: a glossy screen finish.
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop Where your budget lands
$250 to $500 buys the ViewFinity S7 32; $500 to $1000 buys the MAG 321UP, the MAG 321CUP, the 32GX850A and the Odyssey OLED G9 at our last check.
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 than into the MAG 321UP | 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 1700R curve | MAG 321CUP | A 1700R curve |
| Buyers who want an OLED panel | 32GX850A | An OLED panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Odyssey OLED G9 leads on screen size at 49 inches, ahead of the ViewFinity S7 32 at 32 inches. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the ViewFinity S7 32 leaves the figure out.
| 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 |
| MAG 321CUP | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| 32GX850A | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the ViewFinity S7 32, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Odyssey OLED G9 at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | ViewFinity S7 32 |
| About $500 to $1000 | MAG 321UP, MAG 321CUP, 32GX850A, Odyssey OLED G9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ViewFinity S7 32 compare with the Odyssey OLED G9 on screen size?
Between the top two, it is 49 inches on the Odyssey OLED G9 against 32 inches on the ViewFinity S7 32, a 53% difference.
Is the Odyssey OLED G9 worth paying more than the ViewFinity S7 32?
The spec sheets show screen size (49 inches against 32 inches) in its favour. The ViewFinity S7 32 sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the Odyssey OLED G9 in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size decides your purchase.
What makes the Odyssey OLED G9 the Largest Screen Size?
The label rests on the largest screen size here (49 inches). The ViewFinity S7 32 is next on screen size at 32 inches, so this pick's 49 inches is 53% further out. The ViewFinity S7 32, the cheapest pick, sat in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at anyone who puts screen size first.
Do the Odyssey OLED G9 and the ViewFinity S7 32 differ on resolution?
The Odyssey OLED G9 uses 5120x1440; the ViewFinity S7 32, the MAG 321UP, the MAG 321CUP and the 32GX850A use 3840x2160 (4K).
Beyond the specs, what sets the Odyssey OLED G9 and the ViewFinity S7 32 apart?
The Odyssey OLED G9: a 49-inch Dual QHD panel. The ViewFinity S7 32: a 32-inch 4K IPS panel. The MAG 321UP: an HDMI 2.1 input with full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K at 165Hz.
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 MAG 321CUP for a 1700R curve if those matter more to you.
Leave room on screen for the timeline; a 32-inch 4K panel shows more of it.
Related Guides
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- Related guideThe Best 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Monitors Under $80
- Similar guideThe Best Monitors for Photo Editing
- ExplainerHow to choose a monitor for your PC
- Explainer24 vs 27 vs 32-Inch Monitor
- Also see: monitor arms and accessoriesThe Best Ergonomic Monitor Stand
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- Topic hubAll monitors for work and everyday use guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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