BenQ has continued to impress me with their monitors. As I have said time and time again with other monitors I have reviewed from BenQ; they hit way above their price range in functionality and performance - and one of the reasons they're often high on our list of the best monitors for photo editing and best monitors for video editing
The monitor stands are functional even on basic models, let alone their Ergo arms; they have the puck for dialed-in control, their display modes are great, the integrated DisplayPilot 2 app adds a crazy amount of functionality for Mac, and their port offering is insane. This is for a reasonable price and a highly versatile, clean-looking monitor. The PD3225U is no exception but another shining example of BenQ's abilities.
BenQ PD3225U: Unboxing & first impressions
BenQ's packaging is consistent and straightforward. Foam surrounds all sides of the monitor; the stand is disassembled, and all the cables you could need, documentation, and the puck controller. The setup was super easy. I unboxed the monitor, added my Vesa mount bracket for my monitor arm, attached the monitor to the monitor arm, plugged in my cables, and got to work. Even without professional calibration after setting up, this monitor has some beautiful colors. Personally, for my use, I rotate between M-Book for light photo touch-ups and when I want to see the deep blacks, and Display P3 for pretty much everything else.
On the right side of the monitor, there are some extra ports for easy access, plus a joystick controller if you don't want to use the DisplayPilot 2 app to make any fine-tuning adjustments to your monitor.
BenQ PD3225U: Design & build quality
Screen Size: 32 inches (31.5 inches)
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)
Color Accuracy: 99% sRGB, 99% Rec. 709
Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, USB hub
Ergonomics: Height, tilt, pivot, and swivel adjustments
Brightness: 400 nits
Contrast: 2000:1
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Ports: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 2x Thunderbolt 3, 1x USB-C, 1x USB-B, 3x USB-A, Headphone Jack
The PD3225U monitor is minimalistic and modern, boasting minimal bezels, a sleek black casing, and a high-quality parts list. If using the included stand, the base is steady, the height adjustment is significant, and the cable organizer is handy when keeping a clean workspace. BenQ says the monitor is made with 85% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. Further, the company prioritizes eco-friendly practices in product development, energy efficiency, and highly recyclable packing materials. That said, the packaging for this monitor can be fully recycled, and the monitor is set automatically to power off when nobody is using it.
BenQ PD3225U: In use
I've used this monitor as my primary display in my home office for the past month. I have not missed my other displays in the slightest while using this one, in fact, I'd be perfectly content if this was my only monitor.
As a tech reviewer, I rotate through monitors, peripherals, desks, chairs, and much more about as frequently as some people change their socks (no, seriously, I am constantly rotating what gear I am using that day to get a feel for all the products I test). So, I am used to bouncing between displays of different sizes, quality, aspect ratio, and resolution. While I have come to find the simple pleasure of a single, high-resolution, high-quality monitor, I have also learned that 32 inches at a 16:9 aspect ratio is a special combination that few other monitors seem to reach. It's one of my favorite size monitors, especially when it is high resolution. I have much real estate to spread out whatever I am working on without cluttering my workspace with another monitor or an open laptop. For those who do not share my love for the highest resolution, smallest font, and Mac Display settings set to "More Space," having a 32-inch display helps still fit quite a bit even with a lower resolution. While 27 inches still reign supreme when it comes to the best business monitors, for my money, 32 inches is where it's at.
If you've been looking for the best monitor for MacBook Pro, this one may well be it for you. As I mentioned, I have kept this monitor in Display P3 color mode, but changing back and forth and comparing colors with my M2 MacBook Pro or my M1 iPad Pro, while in M-Book color mode, the images are indistinguishable.
While testing, I appreciated the ease of using both the puck and the DisplayPilot 2 app to change colors, inputs, and various other settings. I also greatly appreciated the 90W power delivery via USB-C, which meant I could easily use this monitor without a docking station or adapters.
BenQ PD3225U: Final verdict
The BenQ PD3225U is a fantastic monitor for those who want high resolution, excellent color accuracy, great functionality, seamless Mac integration, and are willing to pay a premium price. Yes, for $400-$500 more, you could get an Apple Studio Display, but if you don't want to spend even more and desire the functionality of extra inputs, a larger screen, and Vesa brackets, this is a fantastic choice. Yes, this monitor is quite expensive, so it is not for everyone by any stretch of the imagination. Still, for those needing high-quality displays, the BenQ lineup of professional monitors, particularly the PD3225U, is worth strongly considering.
For more content creation displays, we reviewed the best monitors for graphic design.
