4 best monitor calibrations

Monitor calibration is a crucial aspect of maintaining accurate and consistent colors in digital imaging workflows. It's particularly important for professionals working in fields like photography, graphic design, video editing, and other visual arts.

Here are some key points about monitor calibration:

Purpose:
- The primary goal of monitor calibration is to ensure that the colors displayed on your monitor accurately represent the colors in your digital files. This is vital for achieving accurate and reliable results in any kind of visual work.
Equipment:
- Calibration is typically done using a hardware device called a colorimeter or spectrophotometer. These devices measure the actual colors displayed on the screen and create a profile that helps adjust the monitor settings to produce accurate colors.
Color Profiles:
- After calibration, a color profile is generated. This profile contains information about how your monitor reproduces colors. It's used by the operating system and software applications to accurately display colors.
Software:
- Calibration is usually performed with specialized software that guides you through the process. This software works in conjunction with the hardware device to create the necessary adjustments.
Settings Adjusted:
- During calibration, various settings on the monitor are adjusted, including brightness, contrast, gamma, and color balance. These adjustments are made based on the measurements taken by the colorimeter.
Calibration Frequency:
- Monitors can drift over time, which means that their color accuracy may change. It's recommended to calibrate your monitor regularly, especially if you rely on accurate color representation for your work.
Print Matching:
- A calibrated monitor helps to ensure that the colors you see on screen are as close as possible to what will be produced in print. This is important for photographers and designers who need their digital work to look consistent in print.
Consistency Across Devices:
- Calibrating monitors is important if you want to ensure consistency in color across multiple devices, such as different computers, tablets, or mobile devices.
Types of Calibration:
- There are different methods of calibration, including basic software-based calibration and more advanced hardware-based calibration. Hardware-based calibration is generally more accurate and reliable.
Monitor Quality:
- The quality of the monitor itself can affect the effectiveness of calibration. High-quality monitors with better color reproduction capabilities tend to yield more accurate results.

Remember, accurate monitor calibration is essential for producing professional-quality visual work, and it's recommended for anyone working in fields that rely heavily on accurate color representation.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best monitor calibrations on the market

Datacolor SpyderX Pro – Monitor Calibration Designed for Serious Photographers and Designers SXP100

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

SpyderX is the best Spyder ever. SpyderX Pro is designed for serious photographers and designers seeking a fast, accurate and easy-to-use monitor calibration solution in order to set up their color management workflow easily. The SpyderX Pro display calibrator offers the first lens-based color engine of any Spyder product. Years of research and development at Datacolor resulted in a display calibration tool with significantly increased precision, color accuracy, and low light capabilities. With SpyderX Pro, photographers can be sure that what they see on screen is the most accurate representation of the shot they took. When they start editing and they know the color on their monitor is accurate, they can confidently control every aspect of their image. SpyderX Pro has extensive color calibration options, as well as options for matching and tuning multiple displays. The SpyderX is the fastest, most accurate, easiest-to-use monitor calibration tool ever created by Datacolor. The SpyderX Pro gives photographers more confidence and advanced control of their creative vision.

THE FASTEST SPYDER EVER: Calibrating your monitor to achieve color precision now takes just a minute or two – several times faster than previous models.
THE MOST ACCURATE SPYDER EVER: Groundbreaking lens-based color engine provides a higher level of color accuracy for multiple monitors. SpyderX Pro features room-light monitoring, automatic profile changing and significantly more precise screen color, shadow detail and white balance.
.THE EASIEST-TO-USE SPYDER EVER: SpyderX Pro is so intuitive, you don’t have to be a color expert. It features quick and easy single-click calibration and wizard workflow with 12 predefined calibration targets for advanced color accuracy.
SEE THE DIFFERENCE INSTANTLY: SpyderProof functionality provides before-and-after evaluation of your display and allows you to see the difference using your own images.
MONITOR TECHNOLOGIES CHANGE AND IMPROVE OVER TIME: SpyderX Pro assures you support for the latest screen types, recent resolutions and gamuts.

User questions & answers

Question:	When it does the scan will it automatically update the color changes
Answer:
Question:	Can you use this if your monitor has a plastic screen protector on it
Answer:
Question:	I have an integrated graphics card in an all-in-one (hp envy 34c, w/intel hd graphics 530-8 bit)will this work? min says
Answer:
Question:	Is this device for 220v or 120v ? i have only 220v in russia
Answer:

Product features

Superior Colorimeter Technology

Based on years of research, SpyderX is a completely new, more accurate way of measuring color. Our groundbreaking lens-based color engine technology features higher light sensitivity and more advanced sensors, so you can experience significantly more precise screen color, white balance and shadow detail.

Intuitive Software

Whether you are looking for a quick calibration or a customized color profile, SpyderX gives you easy-to-use solutions. SpyderX Pro offers One-click Calibration and Step-by-step Assistant modes, along with interactive help every step of the way.

Calibrate All Of Your Monitors

SpyderX allows you to calibrate multiple laptops and desktop monitors and supports the latest display technologies, so you can be confident that your colors are always accurate no matter which of your computers or displays you are working on.

Spyderproof: Before & After

With our SpyderProof feature, you’ll see the difference right before your eyes. Just one click allows you to compare your monitor colors before and after calibration and see the nuances that matter most. Try it with a Datacolor composite image or upload your own favorite photos.

Room Light Monitoring

SpyderX features an integrated ambient light sensor that can measure your room light throughout the day allowing you to adjust your display brightness and contrast to ideal levels. The software can either warn you to recalibrate or do it automatically using custom profiles based on light level. SpyderX Pro features 5 ambient light settings.

Monitor Performance Analysis

It’s important to know how your monitors perform during color-critical work. With the SpyderX Pro basic Display Analysis feature, you can better understand the color, brightness, contrast, gamut, tone response and white point of your monitors.

EIZO CS2420-BK-CNX ColorEdge Professional Color Graphics Monitor with Calibration Sensor 24.1" Black

Eizo

Check latest price

Product description

Let your creativity blossom with this monitor for hobbyists and prosumers. Featuring a sleek, user-friendly design and many of the advanced features of EIZO's ColorEdge lineup, you can enjoy creating and editing digital photography, illustration, and more.

Wide-Gamut LED IPS display with accurate color calibration for hobbyist or prosumers. Includes a bundled calibration sensor.
24.1", 1920 x 1200 (16:10), 350 cd/m2 Brightness, 1000:1 Contrast Ratio, 99% Adobe RGB Coverage, 15 ms Response Time, DVI-D, DisplayPort, HDMI
Five-year warranty and built to last and remain color accurate.
24/7 Tech Support Desk in North America
Mounting type: Hole Spacing (VESA Standard) 100 x 100 mm
60 hertz

ViewSonic VP2785-2K 27 Inch WQHD Monitor with USB C, 99% Adobe RGB, 96% DCI-P3, 100% Rec.709, 14-Bit 3D LUT and Color Calibration for Photography and Graphic Design

ViewSonic

Based on 16 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Covering 99% of the Adobe RGB color space and 96% DCI-P3 the ViewSonic VP2785-2K QHD monitor Meets the high Color standards of photographers graphic designers video editors print departments and other design professionals With a sleek and modern design the VP2785-2K features Future-Proof USB 3 1 Type-C ports as well as DisplayPort and HDMI To ensure precise uniform color each of our monitors is factory calibrated to deliver an amazing Delta e<2 value for incredible color accuracy An integrated color uniformity function ensures consistent chromaticity across the screen while a 14-bit 3D look-up table generates a stunningly smooth palette of 4 39 trillion colors What's more productivity-boosting features include an advanced ergonomic design A built-in ambient light and presence sensor and a KVM switch Hardware calibration is also available with the optional ViewSonic Coloration kit which allows you to quickly and easily calibrate the monitor for photography graphic design content creation and other color-critical applications

PROFESSIONAL MONITOR: WQHD (2560x1440p) 60Hz IPS monitor deliver lifelike colors perfect for graphic designers, photographers, video editors and more
COLOR ACCURACY Screen wide 99% Adobe RGB 96% DCI-P3 EBU SMPTE-C Rec 709 and DICOM-SIM color spaces Delta E<2 accuracy and a smooth palette of 4 39 trillion colors deliver precise lifelike images
HARDWARE CALIBRATION Quick and easy calibration ensures that the color displayed perfectly matches the original file (Calibration kit sold separately)
PRODUCTIVITY BOOSTING FEATURES Advanced ergonomic design a built-in ambient light sensor and a KVM switch for ultimate productivity
LOSE THE DOCK: Connect video, audio, data and power with a single USB-C cable and plug in peripherals like USB drives and mice with the USB hub
FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY The VP2785-4K supports laptops PCs and Apple/Mac operating systems with USB 3 1 Type C HDMI 1 4 and DisplayPort inputs
INDUSTRY-LEADING WARRANTY: 3-year coverage with access to our US-based customer service team
INCLUDED IN THE BOX: VP2785-2K Monitor, Power Cable, AC/DC Adapter, DP to DP Cable, and Factory Color Calibration Report

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this monitor have speakers
Answer:	Hi Todd M., No, we don't recommend wall-mounting this type of product. Thanks! ^Ron
Question:	Does the 1440p adobe rgb model do picture-in-picture
Answer:	Hi Robert, Yes it can play Blu-ray discs and DVD's. -Anthony
Question:	Does the monitor offer color calibration when connected with hdmi calbe
Answer:	Hi Koki, This player support Resume Point. Where when you press the STOP button it will stops the playback and remembers the stop point. The resume point for a title/track is the last point you played or the last photo for a photo folder. Dave
Question:	What is the minimum height with stand? One answer says 17", another 21.5". (Without stand is 14.3"). Hope someone measures
Answer:	Dennis,This is not a region free player. It will only play discs from region 1.Eric C

Product features

Quad HD Resolution

At four times the resolution of a traditional 720p panel, and almost double that of a traditional 1080p display, QHD results in a much sharper image, with no distortion or stretching, all while maintaining the same 16:9 aspect ratio.

Amazing Color Accuracy

Each of our monitors is factory calibrated to deliver an amazing Delta E<2 value and includes a detailed calibration report for sRGB, EBU, SMPTE-C, Rec. 709, and DICOM-SIM color spaces.

Frameless Design

A premium panel delivers accurate colors and vivid images, while a frameless design provides for a nearly seamless viewing experience in multi-monitor setups. And with ultra-wide viewing angles, you’ll enjoy stunningly detailed images, unbound and without borders, no matter your vantage point.

Excellent Screen Uniformity

Uniformity of color across the screen is critical to achieving accurate viewing and editing of images – without it, any work performed on a less-than-accurate monitor may cause incorrect color adjustments.*

*Color uniformity function works within the following color spaces: sRGB, EBU, SMPTE-C, Rec. 709

Professional Color Processing Capability

The 14-bit LUT & 3D LUT (Look-Up Tables) generate a stunningly smooth palette of 4.39 trillion colors for amazingly accurate image reproduction crucial in professional applications.

Loaded with Connectivity

In addition to future-proof DisplayPort and HDMI inputs, a powerful USB 3.1 Type-C input delivers charging power, video, and audio over a single connector.

X-Rite i1Display Studio (EODISSTU)

Based on 284 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Advanced Display Calibration for Photographers - For Creative Perfectionists who demand professional quality coupled with an easy, wizard-driven interface, the i1Display Studio offers everything you need to get to a brilliantly-calibrated monitor, laptop, mobile device or projector while helping you stay focused on doing what you love. Includes i1Display Studio colorimeter, i1Studio profiling software for displays and projectors, and Quick Start Guide

For Color Perfectionists seeking simplicity, i1Display Studio delivers incredibly consistent color with zero stress, letting you stay more focused on doing what you love.
Easy to use wizard driven software makes calibrating and profiling monitors and projectors a snap.
Allows multiple monitor profiling and flare correct option for glossy screens.
Profile validation and evaluation tools and adjustable reminder ensures your monitor calibration and profile is always up to date.
This product is NOT for use with 3rd party software - BenQ, View Sonic, Eizo, Dell, etc. Review i1Display Pro EODIS3.

User questions & answers

Question:	Can i manually set luminance to 100 cd/m2 and white point to cie illuminant d55 with the x-rite i1display studio software
Answer:	I own the photo version only. I use it for white balance generally, and color adjustment for shooting jpegs (rather than raw) that I don’t want to post process in photoshop or Lightroom much or not at all. But you could certainly use it for video too. The description of the video version talks a lot about multi-camera setups, where you’re shooting video with 2 or 3 cameras at the same time and want to make sure the colors are being recorded the same in all the cameras so you don’t have to do as much color correction in post production. If you’re shooting video with only one camera, there’s no reason why the photo version of this device wouldn’t be all you need.
Question:	Is the idisplay studio compatible with dispcal
Answer:	Hello, the x-Rite color checker comes with its own software which you need to install so that Lightroom and photoshop can recognize it and calibrate the colors accordingly. On the other hand, photoshop and Lightroom will cover 99.99% of your needs; being a beginner or a pro.
Question:	Will this also create profiles for paper
Answer:	Yes you can.
Question:	I have a passport color checker. does/can this product utilize it
Answer:	The SpyderCHECKR SCK100 comes with a tripod mont that allows you to attach the SpyderCHECKR on a tripod stand. If you need help or have additional questions, please contact our support team at: https://support.datacolor.com/submitticket This is the fastest way to answer your questions. Your Datacolor Team

Product features

X-Rite i1Display Studio (EODISSTU)

For creative perfectionists seeking simplicity, i1Display Studio delivers incredibly consistent color with zero stress so you can focus on doing what you love.

Calibrating your displays allows you to spend more time focusing on your creativity and edit and share your work with confidence. It is one of the most important steps to ensure your images remain color consistent across various displays and printers. i1Display Studio includes an i1 colorimeter and i1Studio software, everything you need to calibrate and profile your monitors and laptops. It can match up to four separate displays for color accuracy to ensure the color you see on your display is the color you can expect from your printer. The wizard-driven interface walks you through the entire process and then reminds you when it is time to re-profile to maintain consistency.

Offers Intelligent Iterative Profiling, an adaptive technology that produces optimized results for maximum color accuracy on each unique display, every time you profile.
Measures and adjusts your display profile for reduced contrast ratios caused by flare light (glare) falling on the surface of the display.
Automatically determines the optimum display luminance for comparing prints to your display, based on a measurement of the lighting conditions where prints will be viewed.
Controls white point, luminance, contrast ratio, and gamma through extended user controls.
Offers before and after results with included images or your own, plus a 3D profile gamut viewer.