5+ Best Monitor for AutoCAD & SolidWorks
Having a monitor instead of relying on your laptop’s small screen could significantly boost your productivity and reduce eye fatigue.
However, choosing the best monitor for CAD is quite difficult, especially for AutoCAD. You’d need a crisp screen, wide viewing angles, and high display resolution without spending a fortune. That’s a balance that’s hard to achieve.
Quick Summary
- Our #1 Pick is BenQ PD2700Q. It is a beast with awesome screen and comes with a dedicated CAD mode.
- Our Runner up is Philips 276E8VJSB. It is an extremely value for money product for all the CAD users out there.
- Our #3 Pick is LG 29WK600. It is one of the best Ultrawide monitor one can get if you are into an Ultrawide setup.
- Our #4 Pick is BenQ PD3200U. It is a Premium monitor and is considered a designer’s dream monitor.
- Our #5 Pick is LG 27UK850-W. It is the best choice if you are a macOS user.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I’ve tailored this list of the best monitors for AutoCAD that you can get.
So, allow me to walk you through my top five picks and provide you with a simple guide that you follow so you can find the best monitor for your own personal needs.
So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know.
Top 5 Best Monitor for AutoCAD
5 Best Monitor for AutoCAD: Our Picks for 2021
1. BenQ PD2700Q : Best Overall Monitor
Kicking off this best monitor for autocad list strongly with the BenQ PD2700Q. My favorite features about this monitor are its eye-care technologies that ensure your eyes’ comfort even through long days of designing. Not to mention, its 2K display is optimum for AutoCAD.
The monitor is 27 inch in screen size, the perfect size that can fit into this kind of setup. With its slim design and adjustable stand, the monitor can fit on any desk with no issues.
Speaking of the adjustable stand, it has -5 to 20-degree tilt, 45 degrees of swivel in both directions, and 90 degrees of pivot.
Moving on to what you’re really here for: the screen. The PD2700Q has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. Calculating that resolution with the monitor’s size, you’ll get 108 pixels per inch(PPI), quite good for a 27-inch monitor.
The monitor has an IPS panel, which makes for wide viewing angles of 178/178 degrees so you can look at your monitor from any viewpoint without the image getting washed out, especially with its outstanding brightness of 350 cm/m2. No matter what your setup looks like or how much you like moving around in your chair, you’ll always get the best display possible.
In order to prevent eye strain, the monitor comes with Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free Tech. Decreasing the emission of blue lights is a game-changer, and it’ll significantly boost your productivity once you get used to it.
Additionally, the monitor comes with a unique mode called CAD/CAM that is developed for CAD software programs, including Auto CAD. It adjusts the screen’s color contrast, brightness, and colors to ensure the best screen possible while you’re designing.
It also has a Darkroom mode that adjusts the screen’s brightness, so you can work comfortably, even in dark rooms without straining your eyes.
The PD2700Q offers versatile connectivity options, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB 2.0 ports.
Final Verdict
The BenQ PD2700Q is one of the most popular monitors on the market, and I can definitely see why! This best monitor for CAD has an excellent screen resolution, eye-care technologies, and a slim design that is perfect for Auto CAD. Not to mention, it has a mode called CAD/CAM that’ll take your designing processor to the next level. Pair this with one of these best laptops for AutoCAD and you are good to go!
2. Philips 276E8VJSB : Best Value for the Money
Another excellent monitor for CAD is the Philips 276E8VJSB. The 27-inch monitor boasts eye-care technology, exceptionally high display resolution, and narrow bezels for the most comfortable screen possible. Not to mention, all that comes at a very affordable price!
The 276E8VJSB is a quality monitor with its display resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels on a 27-inch screen size, making for 163 PPI. Such pixel density is a lot higher than average, guaranteeing a beautiful, crisp display at all times.
What’s more, this high end best monitor for CAD comes with a brightness of 350 cd/m2 and 1000:1 in color contrast ratio, so you can rest assured that your monitor will stay bright and clear, even during the daytime.
The IPS panel of this second best monitor for cad secures viewing angles of 178/178 degrees and 5 ms of response time. The monitor also has a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Such specs are usually found on high end and best monitor for coding that cost a fortune.
It’s worth mentioning that this best monitor boasts an ultra-narrow bezel, slim design that’ll boost any designer’s setup. It also has MultiView that allows you to view your work from multiple devices simultaneously, which is a massive advantage if you’re a multi-tasker like myself.
If you find yourself suffering from eye strain after spending the entire day working on your design, you can say goodbye to that thanks to the monitor’s Flicker-Free Technology and LowBlue mode which is found in best monitors to reduce eye strain with these ideal brightness and contrast settings for eyes.
Sadly, the monitor has two major disadvantages. Firstly, it doesn’t have a VESA mount, so if you’re looking for a monitor to mount like these vertical computer monitor, the 276E8VJSB is not for you. Secondly, it doesn’t come with built-in speakers, which takes away from the monitor’s versatility.
Lastly, the monitor supports HDMI and DisplayPort connectivities, but not USB.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking to get the best 4K UHD best monitors that’ll fit comfortably on your desk, the 4k uhd 276E8VJSB is the one you’re seeking. In addition to its slim design and narrow bezels, the monitor is comfortable on the eye and eliminates eye strain and fatigue without costing an arm and a leg.
3. LG 29WK600-W : Best Ultra Wide Monitor
With an aspect ratio of 21:9, the LG 29WK600-W is one of the best ultra wide monitors for cad on the market. When it comes to working with CAD, such a wide display is a massive advantage, especially if you’ll be working on large-scale projects.
The ultra wide monitor is 29 inch in screen size, quite large, so it can be quite restricting if you’re tight on space. You need a large desk with lots of free space that would fit the monitor. However, once you find the perfect spot for your monitor, it’s a pleasure to look at.
The monitor boasts multiple features that no other monitor on this list can match, like its HDR 10. You’re guaranteed a sharp, crisp image quality, so you’ll be able to see as many details as possible on your design.
Additionally, if you’re into gaming and have a cheap gaming laptop under 400, the screen supports AMD’s FreeSync technology that matches your monitor’s refresh rate to whichever game you’re playing.
However, we’re here to talk about CAD, not gaming; for that, the ultra wide screen has a display resolution of 2560 x 1080 pixels resolution with an IPS panel. It has viewing angles of 178/178 degrees, quite essential in such a large screen. Also, it can tilt from -5 up to 15 degrees.
What’s more, the 29WK600-W has 5 ms response time and a 75 Hz refresh rate, so your designing processor will be taken up a notch because of how smooth and seamless the monitor’s display is. Not to mention, it comes with Flickerless technology to further boost your productivity.
It’s worth mentioning that the monitor has slim-bezels, which allows for a multi-screen display if, for some reason, you feel like you need to expand your setup specially for online schooling.
I have to admit, though, the monitor’s display resolution is not good enough for its large size. The display isn’t as sharp as I’d hoped. Nonetheless, that shouldn’t be a huge issue when working with Auto CAD because you won’t be reading text or dealing with codes anytime soon.
For connectivity, you can display onto your monitor via DisplayPort or HDMI only, quite limiting, to be honest.
Final Verdict
Ultrawide screens are a tremendous addition to your setup that can significantly boost your productivity; for that, the LG 29WK600-W is your best monitor for cad bet. In addition to its affordable price, the 29-inch monitor is easy on the eye with its small bezels and 75 Hz of refresh rate.
4. BenQ PD3200U : Premium Pick
Spending some extra money on a high-quality monitor is an investment rather than a luxury, especially if it’s on the BenQ PD3200U. The premium-level monitor is every designer’s dream thanks to its exceptionally high specs.
First and foremost, the monitor has a clear, crisp display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. When combining its 4K uhd resolution with its 32-inch screen, you’d get 137 PPI resolution, excellent for Auto CAD or any other CAD software.
The large monitor boasts an IPS panel that has large viewing angle of 178/178 degrees so you can spin or move in your chair, and the image quality will stay sharp and crisp from any angle.
What’s more, it secures a beautiful display even in direct sunlight with its brightness of 350 cd/m2 and AQColor space Technology.
Speaking of technologies, the monitor supports Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free eye-care technologies so you can work on your projects for hours on end without suffering from eye fatigue.
Much like the previous BenQ monitor, the PD3200U has a special mode that boosts your CAD experience, called CAD/CAM, as well as DualView display. You’re guaranteed to get the best color contrast, brightness, and color space possible at all times similar to the best 24 inch monitor under 150 usd.
For every multi-tasker out there, this monitor supports Keyboard View Mouse (KVM), which allows you to work on multiple different tasks simultaneously and effortlessly.
In order to further ensure a beautiful display, the monitor has 4 ms of response time and 60 Hz of refresh rate, quite average, honestly, but just perfect for designers.
If you’re picky about how your monitor ergonomics, the PD3200U is entirely adjustable to match your preferences. It has tilt angles of -5 to 20 degrees, swivel angles of 45 degrees in both directions, and a pivot of 90 degrees, so you can rest assured that this monitor for CAD will not restrict you in any way.
Final Verdict
The BenQ PD3200U is any designer or architect’s dream thanks to its CAD/CAM mode and large screen size of 32 inch resolution. It can really immerse you into your task and keep you focused for hours, especially with its eye-care technologies. Using the PD3200U is a pleasing experience.
5. LG 27UK850-W : Perfect For macOS
If you’re a Mac user, you’re well used to the quality Retina displays that is quite hard to match in this space. Also, you’re probably aware of how difficult it is to get some external devices to connect to your Mac. That’s why the LG27UK850-W is here to save the day.
The monitor comes with a screen resolution of 3840 x 2160p, quite high for a 27-inch resolution monitor. Its pixel density is 163 PPI, so you’re guaranteed a high-quality displays that is crisp and sharp.
Additionally, the IPS monitor boasts a brightness of 350 cd/m2, high enough for the image to stay visible, even in direct sunlight. It also has large viewing angles of 178/178 degrees.
It’s worth mentioning that the monitor comes with HDR 10 and AMD’s FreeSync, much like the previous LG monitor. However, this one is not ultrawide as its aspect ratio is 16:9, the most common aspect ratio across the market.
The monitor also has 5 ms of response time and 60 Hz of refresh rate, both quite average, but they’ll get the job done. CAD doesn’t require a high refresh rate or an exceptionally low response time, to begin with.
If you’re planning to build a multi-monitor setup, the LG27UK850-W is perfect! It has a three-side virtually borderless screen, meaning it has narrow, almost non-existent, bezels on three sides of the monitor.
Besides, with its Flicker Free Tech, you can say goodbye to eye strain and guarantee your eye’s comfort at all times.
What’s more, the monitor has tilt angles from -5 to 20 degrees so you can adjust the screen according to your setup or seating position.
Lastly, the monitor boasts multiple ports for connectivity, including USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, and an audio jack.
Final Verdict
If you’re always having trouble trying to connect your laptop or desktop to external devices, the LG LG27UK850-W is the one for you. It’s quite easy to set up, especially for Macs. Additionally, it comes with multiple ports, including USB-C, which isn’t commonly found on monitors for cad.
How to Pick a Monitor for AutoCAD
Picking the best monitor for CAD software is not an easy task. There are multiple factors that could make or break your next monitor, which you might not be aware of for cad software.
Read the following section carefully and make sure you understand every aspect in order to reach the righh decision possible.
Size
Choosing the perfect size of your next best Monitor for CAD software can be quite tricky. There are no strict rules that you can follow; it heavily depends on your setup for cad software.
For example, if your setup is quite large, meaning you’ll be far from the monitor, you’d need a massive monitor, around 30 inch or even larger.
On the contrary, if your office is quite small and a large CAD monitor is an overkill, you can always go for a 24-inch resolution monitor. Just keep in mind that it might restrict you when working on the software because you won’t be able to see the whole design, especially if it’s a large project.
Personally, I believe 27-inch monitors are great, most convenient option. They’re not large enough to take lot of space over your desk and look bulky, nor are they too small space that they’ll restrict your designing process. They are also included in best computer monitor for recording studio.
Display of monitors for cad
A lot of factors fall under the umbrella of the screens, most importantly, the resolution.
Keep in mind that the resolution and aspect ratio alone are not a significant factor. For example, a 32-inch screen size monitor for cad work with a screen resolution of 2560 x 1440p ips monitor would be significantly different from a 24-inch screen size one with the same resolution.
You need to make sure the screen’s PPI is quite high, anywhere higher than 100 is good enough for Auto CAD. However, if you want to take it a step further, you can go for a CAD monitor with 160 PPI or even higher for cad software.
What’s more, if you’re building a multi-monitor setup, it goes without saying that you need to go for monitors for cad with narrow bezels.
Panel
Even though there are different types of monitor panels and each one has its own pros and cons, all the products on this list have IPS panels. Coincidence? No.
IPS panels offer everything you need for designing on Auto CAD. Starting off with their vivid color gamut, yet sharp work screen. You’ll be able to see all your lines clearly without any blurring.
Additionally, IPS panels usually have wide-viewing angles for work, so you can sit comfortably at your desk and move around as much as you want, and your image will stay as sharp as ever.
For Auto CAD, you definitely need to go for an IPS monitor panel.
Eye-care Technologies
Flickering screens and blue lights are among the most significant issues that our generation has to face especially interior designers or engineers who spend hours on end staring at a monitor. That’s why some new technologies have been developed to battle eye strain.
Well, I strongly recommend going for a CAD monitor with low blue light emissions so that you can spend more time working on your design without suffering from eye fatigue.
Moreover, you should get the best monitor for cad with Flicker-Free design and technology, which shouldn’t be hard to find. Most monitors for cad these days are flicker-free.
Response Time and Refresh Rate
To be entirely fair, a design monitor’s refresh rate and response time are not critical factors when it comes to picking the best monitor for CAD, in particular.
Well, If a monitor’s refresh rate is high, you’ll be getting a smoother screen while you’re scrolling or watching videos or during work, which can be a pleasure on its own.
Similarly, a monitor’s response time is a huge factor when picking one for gaming, not for CAD.
I’d say just don’t worry about these factors, as long as you’ll only be using your monitor for CAD, or for designing in general.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Curved Monitors Good for CAD Software?
I wouldn’t say yes, to be honest. Curved color screen monitors will make your straight lines look curvy, which could be a huge distraction, especially if you’re not a CAD software expert. Generally, I recommend staying away from curved monitors when it comes to professional work unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
What Monitor Size is Best for AutoCAD?
Well, 27-inch screen size best monitors are ideal for CAD software. You can clearly see your entire design on one screen, but they’re not too large that they’ll look ridiculous in a small office.
Are IPS Panels Good for AutoCAD?
Definitely! IPS panels screen have excellent, vivid color gamut that’ll make your designing experience a lot more delightful. Additionally, they have wide viewing angle and excellent color contrast, so your color screen will stay sharp and crisp at all times and from any viewpoint during work.
Final Words
Well, by this point, you should have a general idea of what you’ll be looking out for in your next color monitor. I’ve walked you through everything you need to know, and you’re now ready to make your final purchase! Before you do that, though, here’s a quick recap of my top three picks.
First of all, the BenQ PD2700Q deservingly earned its title as the best monitor for CAD work. With the best resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and 350 cd/m2 of brightness; you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a high-quality monitor for cad at a very affordable price.
What’s more, if you’re looking for the best monitor for cad that’s worth a lot more than its actual price, the Philips 276E8VJSB is your best bet for monitors. It’s incredibly comfortable on the eyes with its Flicker-Free and Low Blue Light technologies. Not to mention, it boasts a beautiful 4K uhd color screen.
Lastly, the LG 29WK600-W is for all the designers work out there who love widescreen best monitors. It comes with HDR 10, FreeSync, and slim bezels, so you’d be getting the most comfortable color screen possible. Additionally, it’s quite affordable!