If you are a budding architect or engineer and are looking to upgrade your computer setup, buying a new CAD monitor is a great way to improve your workflow.
The amount of engineering and architectural setups running old monitors from seemingly the stone age is something we think needs to change.
We have compiled a list of our four favorite monitors for running AutoCAD and other CAD software, and why we think they are just the thing to help increase your productivity.
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Who Should Get This
If you are someone who uses AutoCAD or other CAD software for your profession, be it in an architectural or engineering field, these monitors will be great for you.
They are the perfect office monitor, with enough size and resolution to give you the control you need to work efficiently.
If you are simply looking for great office monitors, no matter what your profession, these are great for that as well.
With the large screen size, we have chosen monitors that allow easy multitasking, making your workday as functional as possible.
Best Monitor for AutoCAD: Our Picks
All of the following monitors have special traits that help them run AutoCAD better than similar options.
1. Philips 276E9QDSB
- Best for: Overall
- Key Features: 75 Hz refresh rate. Bright 27-inch display. Big without being bulky. Strong stand. HD resolution.
- Screen Size: 27 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- sRGB: 124 percent
Equipped with an excellent refresh rate and stunning resolution, this Philips monitor is an excellent item from one of the most reliable electronics companies on Earth. It has a sharp 27 inch screen, bright resolution, and a matte surface that looks great from all angles.
That combination creates a strong display that’s perfect for AutoCAD. On top of that, there’s free sync technology for better optimization and performance, full HD resolution, as well as some of the most accurate colors on today’s market.
If this stellar option has one downside, it’s that it doesn’t come with speakers. You can always fix that by getting add ons, but it is something extra you need to think about when making your final purchase.
2. Dell Ultrasharp U2719DX
- Best for: Resolution
- Key Features: Great screen and color quality. Strong display. 3-year warranty. Excellent pixel density.
- Screen Size: 27 inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- sRGB: 99 percent
If you’re using AutoCAD and need the absolute top of the line when it comes to image quality, the Ultrasharp is worth a look. As the name suggests, it delivers amazing images thanks to the 99 percent sRGB coverage, consistent coloration, and strong resolution.
That combination is then perfectly backed by a 60 Hz refresh rate, the vivid 27 inch screen, as well as great design quality. Dell is one of the leaders in the computer market, and this monitor shows why. A great fit for all AutoCAD users.
The stand could be a bit better, and you may experience some backlight bleed. However, both of those issues are easily overshadowed by the incredible display and images that jump off the screen.
3. LG 34UC800-B
- Best for: Ultrawide
- Key Features: Large display. USB 3.0 quick charge. Adjustable stand. Mount compatibility. Anti-glare screen.
- Screen Size: 34 inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 1440
- sRGB: 99 percent
A perfect ultrawide for all of your AutoCAD needs, the LG 34UC800-B is one of the most gorgeous and stunning monitors money can buy. Measuring a staggering 34 inches, the device can run any program in extreme, vibrant detail and looks great for all angles.
It also comes with USB 3.0 quick charge as well as anti-glare technology. Something else worth noting is the adjustable stand. That feature allows for even more versatility and helps you get the exact look you want.
This monitor is great if you want a large device, but the curve isn’t the strongest out there. That’s a minor nitpick, but it’s something to note if you go into this expecting to get an extreme curve that fully wraps around you.
4. Dell U3818DW
- Best for: Curved
- Key Features: Immersive display with infinity edge. Two PC compatibility. Bluetooth. High-def resolution.
- Screen Size: 38 inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 1600
- sRGB: 99 percent
If you’re in the market for a larger curved monitor, the Dell U3818DW is a perfect AutoCAD option. It’s incredibly immersive. Not only does the 38 inch screen bring you into the display, but the infinity edge adds an extra layer that other models can’t quite match.
It also has a 99 percent sRGB, Bluetooth compatibility, and a USB type C connection. This is one of the largest monitors you’ll ever find. Everything is incredibly vivid and sharp through the 3840 x 1600 resolution. It’s a solid, well-built device too.
Of course, size isn’t all perfect. Though the bigger screen looks stunning as you work, it also takes up a lot of room. If you’re someone who doesn’t have a lot of extra wiggle room to spare, this monitor might be too big of an endeavor.
5. BenQ PD2700Q
- Best for: Slim
- Key Features: Low blue light technology. Customized settings. DualView Function. Sleek design. Power saving mode.
- Screen Size: 27 inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- sRGB: 100 percent
The BenQ PD2700Q is a great monitor for AutoCAD users who want an excellent display and sharp coloration without a gigantic item taking up their desk. This option comes with plenty of the top of the line specs and a large display without ever being too overbearing.
The 27-inch screen feels extremely large, especially when paired with the DualView Function that allows you to split screen into two windows should the need arise. It also has eye care technology to prevent eye-strain by limiting blue light and flickering.
That being said, the monitor doesn’t have the cleanest audio. That won’t be a huge issue, as it still sounds pretty good most of the time, but pure audiophiles may want to upgrade the sound when they get the chance.
6. BenQ 32 Inch
- Best for: Premium
- Key Features: Deep, rich colors. Bright display. VESA mounts. Quick refresh rate. Fully customizable. Eye care technology.
- Screen Size: 32 inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- sRGB: 100 percent
If you have a higher budget and want a strong piece of technology, the BenQ 32 Inch is an all-star monitor that will bring your AutoCAD endeavors to life. The resolution is fantastic, the 32-inch screen gives you plenty of room to work, and the ergonomic design feels great.
The device is well-made, comes with eye care technology, and allows you to work on multiple projects at once through the intuitive KVM switch. You can even adjust the screen height to make sure you’re working in the best possible setting at the best possible angle.
As it has so many features, this is not a cheap monitor. Expect to pay quite a bit for it, but understand that such a price comes with an astounding amount of aspects you won’t find in any similar monitors whether they’re used for AutoCAD or not.
7. LG 27UK850-W
- Best for: Mac
- Key Features: Wide range of connectivity options. HDR 10 compatibility. Great response time. 3-side borderless design.
- Screen Size: 27-inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- sRGB: 99 percent
Apple users know that finding items compatible with their OS is not always easy. Luckily, for those who run AutoCAD on a mac, there’s the LG 27UK850-W. This monitor has an extremely high pixel density and resolution, two factors that help it match Apple’s Retina display.
Not only that, but it has HDR compatibility, a decent refresh rate, and a brightness that will stay visible even in direct sunlight. The 3-side virtually borderless design is another huge bonus. It looks great and is extremely functional due to the wide viewing angles.
As with the above monitor, this one is on the higher end of the price spectrum. Except to shell out a bit more when adding it to your set up. It may also show some light bleed after a lot of use.
What You Should Be Considering for a CAD Monitor
Size
Having a nice large monitor is generally a great thing, as long as the resolution is high enough. Anything above 1080p is great for monitors up to 32-inches, and the bigger screen will cut down on your misclicks and eye strain when doing tedious work.
Ultrawide
We have developed an extreme fondness of ultrawide monitors for productivity work That extra screen real estate on the sides is fantastic for opening other windows and multi-tasking or docking more tools to help get your work done quicker.
Color Range
While having great coverage of the sRGB color space is not a requirement for most CAD work, if you plan on rendering your models, having accurate colors will be more important.
Keep that in mind, as some monitors out there have extremely poorly calibrated colors.
Useful Tips
While many monitors have adjustability, getting your monitor to the proper height can be a difficult task.
The best thing you can do to remedy this is to buy a monitor riser. This will increase the height of your monitor to a level that is comfortable on both your eyes and your neck.
Another thing that could be super helpful for those long working hours is to buy a decent pair of computer glasses. This will allow you to block blue light coming from your monitor, allowing you to get better rest at night, and reducing headaches.
Conclusion
No matter which of the four monitors above you choose, you will get a great display capable of helping you do any CAD work that comes across your desk. With their high resolutions and large screen sizes, they will have you working to your full potential without issue.
Have you ever used an ultra-wide monitor? Do you prefer it to normal 16:9 aspect ratio displays? Let us know in the comments below.
