The 5 Best CAD Monitors Under $1000: Compared

If you work with CAD, you’re working with complex images on a daily basis. As a result, there are few other fields where detail and precision are quite as paramount as in CAD. Despite this, it can be all too easy to forget how important it is to invest in a CAD monitor. After all, you need a high quality display to accurately view your designs. With so many CAD monitors on the market (including 4k CAD monitors) however, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Worse still, plenty of them come with incredibly hefty price tags, which can make them prohibitively expensive for small businesses and hobbyists.

Luckily, we here at Scan2CAD have done the legwork for you. In this article, we’ll provide a handy rundown of the 5 best CAD monitors available for under $1,000. We’ll compare everything from size and resolution to response time and pixel density, helping you to make an informed choice. So, whether you’re just starting out in the world of CAD, or simply need to replace a longstanding display, you won’t want to miss this rundown of CAD monitors. Read on for everything you need to know.

Best CAD Monitors Under $1,000

It’s important to invest in a monitor that meets your needs. However, when you’re on a budget, you should also avoid overspending on extra features that you don’t need for CAD work. In our list below, we’ve featured a selection of monitors which offer a good compromise between great technical performance and reasonable prices.

Here are the 5 best monitors for CAD under $1000:

1. BenQ PD3225U 32-inch 4K monitor
2. Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 27-inch 4K monitor
3. ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV 27-inch 4K monitor
4. BenQ PD2706QN 27-inch 2K monitor
5. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27-inch 2K monitor

Be sure to see detailed comparisons of these CAD monitors below.

Features of the BenQ PD3225U Monitor

• Eye-Care and Flicker-Free technologies
• Pivot (90°), Swivel (30° left or right), tilt (from -5° to 20°), and height adjustability (150 mm)
• Built-in KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch
• DualView, which showcases designs in two modes side-by-side to improve workflow
• CAD/CAM, Animation, and Darkroom specialized modes
• HDR technology (HDR10 and DisplayHDR 400)
• Color space coverage (100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709, and 98% DCI-P3)
• 60Hz refresh rate
• AQCOLOR technology
• Hotkey Puck G2
• Anti-Glare coating
• Built-in speaker
• Daisy-chain support (up to 2 4K monitors)

Product Description

BenQ’s PD Series is a lineup of precision-focused monitors for 2D and 3D designers. It is designed to deliver color accuracy and consistency, thus enabling designers to produce precise creative work. As part of this lineup, the 32-inch BenQ PD3225U monitor with IPS Black technology is no exception.

It features a specialized CAD/CAM mode like the other PD Series monitors. (The CAD/CAM mode delivers superior contrast between shapes and lines when working on drawings and models.) Other specialized modes include Darkroom and Animation. Combined, these modes enable designers to work with fine details seamlessly.

The PD3225U covers the 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709, and 98% P3 color spaces. It features BenQ’s IPS Black Technology with a 2000:1 contrast ratio that delivers exceptional contrast and deep blacks, elevating the visual experience. Moreover, it promises excellent accuracy thanks to its Delta E value (£ 2), meticulous factory calibration, full Calman verification, and  Pantone and Pantone SkinTone validation. It also supports HDR10 and DisplayHDR 400.

In terms of connectivity, the PD3225U comes equipped with 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, a USB hub, an audio port, 1 DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C ports with support for Thunderbolt 3. It’s worth pointing out that your Thunderbolt 4 devices are compatible with these USB-C ports. So, you can use the PD3225U as the go-to display for any modern workstation for CAD, including macOS computers.

The PD3225U also offers superior ergonomics – you can alter the tilt, height, and swivel angle. You can also pivot the display by 90°, changing its orientation. It also promotes productivity through BenQ’s industry-leading Eye-Care Technology. The technology filters blue light and ensures flicker-free usage, increasing the levels of comfort.

Features of the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE Monitor

• ComfortView Plus (built-in low blue light and flicker-free screen)
• HDR technology (DisplayHDR 400)
• 100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, and 98% DCI-P3 color coverage
• PowerNap (an energy conservation feature that dims or puts the monitor to sleep when not in use)
• Tilt (from -5° to 21°), swivel (30° left or right), pivot (90°), and height adjustability (150 mm)
• Wide 178°/178° viewing angle
• 60Hz refresh rate
• Delta E color difference less than 2
• Intelligent Auto KVM (detects the second connected PC and switches controls over to the new PC)
• Integrated USB hub
• Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Picture-by-Picture (PbP)
• Dell Display Manager
• Daisy-chain support (up to 2 4K monitors)

Product Description

Next up is the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE, a 27-inch, 4K monitor that sports a resolution of 3840 by 2160 pixels, a wide color gamut (100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, and 98% DCI-P3), and features the IPS Black panel technology. It can display 1.07 billion colors and is HDR-capable, as evidenced by its VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. The U2723QE, therefore, delivers true brilliance, enabling you to work on designs that require you to see the fine details and true-to-life color.

A part of the Dell UltraSharp family, the U2723QE is designed to be easy to use while delivering exceptional visuals. It has a premium platinum silver finish and includes a cable management system that helps declutter your workspace. Besides this sleek finish, the U2723QE is built for comfort.

Not only does it tilt, pivot, swivel, and support height adjustability, but it also features the ComfortView Plus technology designed to reduce potentially harmful blue light emissions. This means you can use it for extended periods without getting fatigued.

Other key features include Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Picture-by-Picture (PbP). PiP displays content from two PC sources by insetting a smaller window that displays content from one PC source within a larger window showing content from the other. On the other hand, PbP shows the content side-by-side, with each window occupying half of the screen.

It includes 2 x DisplayPorts 1.4, 1 HDMI 2.0 ports, 5 x USB-A ports, 3 x  USB-C ports, an Ethernet port, and an audio port.

Features of the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV Monitor

• 100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3, and 99% Adobe RGB color coverage
• HDR support (DisplayHDR™ 400 and HDR10 compatibility)
• Delta E < 2 color accuracy
• Wide 178°/178° viewing angle
• Tilt (from -5° to 23°), swivel (30° left or right), pivot (90°), and height adjustability (130 mm)
• ASUS Ultra-Low Blue Light Technology
• ASUS Flicker-Free Technology
• 60Hz refresh rate
• Delta E color difference less than 2
• PiP and PbP support
• Non-glare display surface
• HDR support (HDR10 and VESA DisplayHDR™ 400 compatibility)
• Built-in speaker
• Daisy-chain support (up to 4 monitors)

Product Description

ASUS designs the ProArt Display monitors with cutting-edge technologies and features that streamline users’ creative workflows. The monitors are Calman Verified and factory calibrated, meaning they deliver precise color every time. They also support various color spaces for the ultimate professional-grade color.

For its part, the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV embodies all these characteristics. It is a 27-inch, 4K monitor whose display features the IPS technology and a non-glare surface that deliver wide viewing angles (178°) and the finest image quality. In addition, it delivers impeccable HDR images thanks to its HDR10 and VESA DisplayHDR™ compatibility, which ensure exceptional contrast. In fact, the display has a high dynamic contrast ratio of 3000:1.

Users also enjoy true-to-life color because the PA279CRV provides 100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3, and 99% Adobe RGB color coverage. This wide color gamut ensures the display clearly brings out even the smallest details.

Other important features include a Delta E color difference of less than 2, expansive connectivity with a plethora of ports (2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.0 ports, 2 x USB-C ports, 3 x USB-A ports, and an audio jack), and the ASUS Ultra-Low Blue Light and ASUS Flicker-Free technologies. The display also ships with an ergonomically designed stand that tilts, swivels, pivots, and supports height adjustments.

Features of the BenQ PD2706QN Monitor

• HDR support (HDR10 compatibility)
• 100Hz refresh rate
• 100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, and 95% DCI-P3 color coverage with 16.7 million colors
• Built-in speaker and headphone jack
• Flicker-free and low blue light technologies
• TUV certification, Calman Verified, Pantone Validated, and Pantone SkinTone™ Validated
• CAD/CAM, Animation, Black & White, and Darkroom modes
• Built-in KVM switch
• Tilt (from -5° to 20°), swivel (15° left or right), pivot (90°), and height adjustability (115 mm)
• BenQ AQCOLOR technology
• Daisy Chain support
• DualView
• Nano matte panel coating (reduces glare)

Product Description

If your workflow doesn’t require a high-resolution 4K display, then you can go with a 2K display like the BenQ PD2706QN. The PD2706QN is part of BenQ’s PD series designed to enhance the efficiency of professional designers. With a starting price of $359.99, this monitor is understandably cheaper than the BenQ PD3225U monitor discussed earlier. Still, it packs a punch, with BenQ striving to provide value for money through a plethora of features.

It supports HDR, which ensures it offers a more immersive user experience characterized by brighter whites and darker blacks. On top of the HDR10 compatibility, the panel has various color modes designed to accentuate the details of what appears on-screen. One of them is the CAD/CAM mode, which offers superior contrast of shapes and lines.

The PD2706QN supports the 100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, and 95% DCI-P3 color spaces. It can display 16.7 million colors. And it does this accurately and consistently thanks to BenQ’s proprietary AQCOLOR technology.

BenQ also claims the PD2706QN has an average delta E of less than or equal to 2. This delta E value means the monitor has such a high accuracy that the average person cannot perceive any remaining unresolved error. It’s no wonder that the factory calibration is verified by Calman and Pantone. It’s also certified for SolidWorks and boasts TUV certification.

The display mates the above features with additional capabilities such as the KVM switch and DualView. And thanks to its built-in Flicker-free and low blue light technologies, the PD2706QN promises comfort during prolonged use. It can also be connected to a variety of devices because it ships with HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-A, and USB-C ports.

Features of the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV Monitor

• 27-inch IPS LCD panel with an LED backlight system
• Delta E < 2
• Tilt (from -5° to 35°), swivel (90° left or right), pivot (90°), and height adjustability (150 mm)
• 100% Rec.709 and 100% sRGB color space coverage
• 75Hz refresh rate
• ASUS Ultra-Low Blue Light technology
• ASUS Flicker-Free technology
• Built-in speaker
• Frameless panel design for a multi-display setup
• ASUS QuickFit Virtual Scale
• Anti-glare display surface

Product Description

Like the BenQ PD2706QN, the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is a 27-inch 2K display. It makes it into our list of the top 5 best CAD monitors because of a number of built-in features.

First, the ASUS QuickFit Virtual Scale lets you preview your designs. This feature overlays a grid on the screen corresponding to the paper size on which you print the designs. (You can adjust the grid size accordingly.) This way, you can align the designs and preview them in their actual size before printing, changing the tab on your CAD software, or creating a new viewport.

The second feature is the ASUS ProArt Palette. It lets you adjust the color hue, temperature, and gamma settings. This enables you to personalize the display’s color performance. That said, the PD2706QN is factory calibrated and Calman Verified to guarantee color accuracy. It achieves a delta E of less than 2 and delivers 100% Rec.709 and 100% sRGB color spaces. This wide color gamut ensures it reproduces images in rich, vivid colors that capture all the details.

Unfortunately, the PA278QV doesn’t support high dynamic range (HDR). But what it lacks in high dynamic range (HDR), it more than makes up for it in energy efficiency. This display was among 14 display products from ASUS that made it into the Energy Star Most Efficient list for 2025. This means it delivers cutting-edge energy efficiency as well as technological innovation.

The PA278QV also promotes productivity through the ASUS Flicker-Free technology as well as the Ultra-Low Blue light technologies. The former mitigates flickering, one of the flaws of an LED backlight system, which causes eye fatigue, headaches, and strain when you spend long hours in front of the screen. In addition, the PA278QV’s Ultra-Low Blue Light technology protects you from potentially harmful blue-light emissions. It has four blue-light filter settings that can be accessed through the on-screen menu.

Still unsure which choice to make? Read on to learn the most important factors to consider when looking for a new CAD monitor.

Which Factors Should I Consider When Buying a New CAD Monitor?

Deciding on a new monitor means making an investment. After all, many CAD professionals will end up using the same display for years, and may rely on it in their business. As such, it is important that they consider all relevant factors. We’ll provide a quick rundown of these factors here.

1. Size and Aspect Ratio

In the field of CAD monitors, size certainly does matter. The size of a typical laptop screen, for example, is generally far too limiting to be useful for CAD software. However, it’s important to remember the constraints of desk space. A monitor size of around 24″ or above is suitable for CAD work, and should provide enough space for all designs to be displayed clearly on screen. However, the exact size you choose will vary depending on whether you opt for a single or multi-monitor display. If you do decide to purchase only a single monitor, consider opting for an ultra-wide, 30″+ model.

It’s also important to consider the aspect ratio of your monitor. Essentially, this refers to the ratio between width and length. Typical ‘widescreen’ monitors feature an aspect ratio of 16:9; if you opt for an ultra-wide monitor, the aspect ratio will be around 21:9.

2. Number of Monitors

Multi-monitor displays are ever more common amongst CAD professionals. One key reason for this is that different programs may be involved in creating a single design or part. In this scenario, it makes sense to be able to use each piece of software on an individual screen. Using multiple monitors also allows users to see different visualizations of a single design at once—or to view 2D and 3D versions of a design side by side.

The more monitors you opt for, the more cautious you’ll need to be about size—desk space, after all, is at a premium. Purchasing more than one monitor also brings up the question of cost. However, choosing a multi-display workstation can give you much greater flexibility over how you work.

3. Resolution

Typical HD displays offer a resolution of 1920 x 1080—better known as 1080p. We would recommend this as the minimum standard for CAD work, especially if you’re using a 24-inch display. If you prefer a larger-size 27-inch display, then we recommend going for a higher-resolution 2560 x 1440 display – better known as 1440p or 2K. 4K displays with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 are quite ubiquitous and affordable. Such a resolution is ideal on 32-inch monitors or higher.

4. Pixel Density

As well as your monitor’s resolution, another related relevant factor is its pixel density. This refers to the number of pixels present in a given area—usually a square inch. As such, pixel density is usually measured in pixels per inch (PPI). The larger the pixel density, the less noticeable individual pixels are, meaning you see a sharper image.

5. Response Time

This measures the amount of time it takes for a pixel to transition between two colors as the image displayed on the monitor changes. As such, the shorter the response time, the better—and slow response times can result in blurry images. Whilst monitors featuring incredibly fast response times (as fast as 1 millisecond) are available, these are best suited to gaming use. When it comes to CAD monitors, a response time of around 5-7ms is great, allowing a balance between price and good image quality.

6. Contrast

CAD monitors should be able to clearly display the difference between the detail of a design and the background. As such, good contrast is important. This is typically expressed using a contrast ratio—e.g. 1,000:1. This means that the brightest pixel on your screen will be 1,000 times brighter than the darkest.

7. Ports and Inputs

This is a fairly obvious point, but it’s still worth noting: make sure you check that the monitor you purchase has suitable ports for your workstation. Most monitors will include support for the HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB connections. If you require a less commonly used port, it’s important to check that your chosen monitor supports this.

8. Ergonomic Features

When purchasing a monitor, it can be all too easy to focus on the specs—only to forget that this is a display you’ll be using day in, day out. It’s therefore important to choose a monitor that you’ll be comfortable working with. Being able to adjust the swivel, tilt, and height of your monitor ensures comfort whilst working. Additionally, a monitor that pivots lets you change its orientation, which can be handy when you use it for various other purposes.

Another factor to consider is the viewing angle of your monitor. Monitors with a high viewing angle can be viewed from a number of different angles and positions whilst maintaining good image quality. This is an important factor to take into account if you often need to share your monitor with colleagues, or show your design to others.

9. Price

Last on our list—but certainly not least—is how much your monitor costs. When purchasing CAD monitors, different businesses and hobbyists will have a wide range of budgets. As such, there’s no specific ‘right price’ to aim for. It’s possible to purchase monitors for under $200, but this means sacrificing on many technical features that are crucial to CAD work. Meanwhile, some incredibly high-end monitors come in at over $1,000.

Round Up of the Best CAD Monitors Under $1,000

The demands of CAM, CAD, and CAE call for a monitor that enables multitasking, extended use (reduced eye fatigue and strain), ergonomics, and excellent detail and picture quality. It is noteworthy that there are multiple monitors that tick each of these boxes and do not require you to break the bank. The 5 best CAD monitors under $1,000 are the BenQ PD3225U, Dell UltraSharp U2723QE, ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV, BenQ PD2706QN, and the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV. We have further broken them down as below:

• Best value for money panel (cheapest): ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV
• Best panel for multitasking: ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV (because of it allows users to daisy chain up to 4 monitors)
• Best CAD/CAM-oriented panel: BenQ PD2706QN (because of the CAD/CAM mode and HDR10 support)
• Best panel for prolonged use: BenQ PD2706QN (because of the ergonomic design and adjustability, Darkroom mode, flicker-free screen, protection against blue-light emissions, anti-glare display surface, and screen size)
• Best panel overall: ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV

Setting up your own workstation? Check out our guide to the 5 Tools Every CAD Designer Needs—or explore our list of the Best CNC Kits for Beginners.