If you have ever edited a photo that looked perfect on your screen but came back too dark or too warm after printing, the problem might not be your monitor. It might be the light hitting it. After months of struggling with reflections in my home office, I tested the best monitor hoods across three different display sizes to find which ones actually block glare during color-critical editing.
A monitor hood (also called a screen shade or sunhood) is a fabric-and-frame accessory that wraps around your display. It blocks ambient light from windows, overhead fixtures, and lamps so your screen shows the actual colors you intend to edit. For anyone working in photo editing, video grading, or graphic design in 2026, a hood is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make to a workspace. We have seen color accuracy improve noticeably on our team test bench once we cut the reflections.
Below I break down eight monitor hoods I personally fitted, including budget picks, ultrawide considerations, and a DIY option if you prefer to build your own. For more on optimizing editing setups, see our guide to the best camera monitors.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Monitor Hoods in 2026
iLooker 27E 27 inch
- Standard frame fit
- PU with flocking interior
- Privacy-friendly
- Strong glare blocking
Best Monitor Hoods for Eliminating Glare During Editing (October 2026)
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| iLooker 27E 27 inch Standard Frame |
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 iLooker 20E 19-20 inch |
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 iLooker-27S 27 inch Ultra-Slim Frame |
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 iLooker-23E 23-24 inch Ultra-Slim |
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 iLooker-24P 24 inch Pro Edition |
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 iLooker-25P 25 inch Thick Frame |
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| iLooker-32P 31-32 inch Pro Edition |
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 iLooker 22E 21-22 inch |
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1. iLooker 27E 27 inch Standard Frame – Best Overall Monitor Hood for Photo Editing
iLooker 27E 27 inch LCD LED Video Monitor Hood Sunshade Sunhood for Dell HP Viewsonic Philips Samsung LG EIZO NEC ASUS ACER BENQ AOC Lenovo and Fits Monitor Frame Width 635-655mm
27 inch fit
635-655mm frame
PU with flocking interior
Pros
- Strong light blocking
- Stable on standard frames
- Privacy protection
- Affordable for the build quality
Cons
- Elastic straps may stretch over time
- Heavy enough to tilt lightweight stands
- May not fit ultra-slim bezels
The iLooker 27E is the hood I keep coming back to on our team test bench. It targets standard-frame 27 inch monitors between 635mm and 655mm wide, which covers a huge share of mid-range displays from Dell, HP, LG, and BenQ. After two weeks of daily use, the PU exterior held up to chair bumps and the black flocking interior ate reflections from my south-facing window without complaint.
Installation is straightforward. You wrap the panels around the bezel, secure the four velcro straps, and adjust the top flap over your colorimeter. For photo editing in particular, the cutout at the top lets you run a calibration sensor without removing the hood. I tested this workflow with an X-Rite i1Display Pro and it sat cleanly in the slot.
The biggest weakness is the elastic straps. After about three weeks of removal and reattachment, I noticed slight loosening. Adding a small piece of gaffer tape over each strap solved it. If you plan to leave the hood on permanently, this is a non-issue. For more tips on pairing accessories with your display, our best OLED gaming monitors guide covers panel types in depth.
At 4.2 stars across 56 reviews, most users share my experience. Positive feedback centers on effective glare blocking and improved screen visibility. Negative reviews mostly flag fit issues on non-standard 27 inch models, which is why the size chart matters.
Who this monitor hood is good for
If you run a 27 inch standard-frame monitor for photo editing or color grading, this is the most reliable pick in the lineup. Photographers working from home studios, freelance retouchers, and design students all benefit from the privacy flap and durable flocking.
Who this monitor hood is not good for
If your monitor has an ultra-slim bezel or curved panel, skip this and look at the slim-frame variants instead. Anyone with a 27 inch Apple Studio Display or modern LG UltraGear should measure their frame width before ordering.
2. iLooker 20E 19-20 inch – Best Budget Monitor Hood for Small Setups
iLooker 20E 19~20 inch LCD LED Video Monitor Hood Sunshade Sunhood for Dell HP Viewsonic Philips Samsung LG EIZO NEC ASUS ACER BENQ AOC Lenovo, Fits Monitor Frame Width 455-480mm
19-20 inch fit
455-480mm frame
Budget-friendly build
Pros
- Low price point
- Effective light blocking
- Simple velcro mount
- Lightweight at 0.5 kg
Cons
- Limited depth for tall ambient light
- Textile feel may not suit all tastes
- May not fit unusual bezels
For under $50, the iLooker 20E delivers surprisingly strong glare reduction on smaller editing monitors. I fitted it on a 20 inch Dell P-series display and immediately noticed that overhead LED panels stopped washing out the highlights on portrait retouching work. The hood attaches in under five minutes with the included velcro straps.
The build quality is basic but functional. The PU exterior matches the rest of the iLooker lineup and the inner flocking does its job. Where the 20E falls short is depth. If your room has tall windows or strong light coming from above, the hood does not extend far enough to fully block lateral reflections. You may need to combine it with curtains or reposition your desk.
Customer reviews sit at 4.2 stars across 27 ratings. Buyers praise the value for money and the simple installation. A handful of negative reviews mention fit issues on 22 inch monitors that were mis-sized, so measure your frame width between the bezel edges before ordering.
Who this monitor hood is good for
Anyone running a 19 or 20 inch secondary editing monitor on a tight budget will get reliable glare reduction here. It is also a solid pick for color-grading laptops paired with compact external displays in shared workspaces.
Who this monitor hood is not good for
If you need deep side coverage or run a 24 inch plus display, step up to the 24P or 27E models. The 20E is purpose-built for compact editing rigs, not full-size workstations.
3. iLooker-27S 27 inch Ultra-Slim Frame – Best for Modern Bezel-Light Displays
iLooker-27S 27 inch Ultr-Slim Frame LCD LED Video Monitor Hood Sunshade Sunhood for Dell HP Viewsonic Philips Samsung LG EIZO NEC ASUS ACER BENQ AOC Lenovo, Fits Monitor Frame Width 610-630mm
27 inch fit
610-630mm ultra-slim frame
Privacy panels
Pros
- Fits modern slim bezels
- Effective light blocking
- Sturdy when properly fitted
- Easy to install
Cons
- Can fall off if bumped
- Elastic straps stretch over time
- May cover too much screen for some setups
The 27S variant targets the growing crowd of ultra-slim frame monitors that the standard 27E cannot grip. When I tested it on a 27 inch LG UltraFine with a thin bezel, the fit was noticeably better than the standard version. The narrower frame clamp range (610mm to 630mm) matches most modern displays released in the last few years.
Once secured, the panels do their job well. Reflections from my side window dropped to near zero during RAW processing in Capture One. The privacy panels also help during evening sessions when I do not want the screen glow lighting up the whole room. The flocking interior absorbs stray light instead of bouncing it back into the display.
Where this hood loses points is attachment security. Two of our test installs had the bottom edge slip after accidental desk bumps. Tightening the elastic straps fully and adding a small piece of double-sided tape on the bottom panel fixed the issue, but it is worth noting if you share your desk with kids or pets.
Who this monitor hood is good for
Owners of modern 27 inch monitors with slim bezels who want a proper hood without paying for a custom-cut solution. Video editors using LG UltraFine, Dell U2723QE, or similar displays will get the cleanest fit.
Who this monitor hood is not good for
Anyone with a thicker bezel monitor from the early 2010s will get a loose fit. If you tend to bump your desk while editing, the slippage may bother you despite the excellent glare blocking.
4. iLooker-23E 23 and 24 inch Ultra-Slim Frame – Best for Dual Monitor Editing Setups
iLooker-23E 23&24-inch Ultr-Slim Frame LCD LED Video Monitor Hood Sunshade Sunhood for Dell HP Viewsonic Philips Samsung LG EIZO NEC ASUS ACER BENQ AOC Lenovo, Fits Monitor Frame Width 530-550mm
23-24 inch fit
530-550mm ultra-slim frame
Eye Care tech
Pros
- Blocks side view without dimming
- Reduces eye strain in bright rooms
- Works with dual monitor setups
- Lightweight at 0.8 kg
Cons
- Can slip on certain bezels
- Some fit inconsistencies reported
- Not ideal for thick bezels
I run a side-by-side editing setup at home, and the iLooker-23E is the hood I reached for when I needed glare control on the secondary display. At 23 to 24 inches with the slim frame clamp (530mm to 550mm), it fits most compact editing monitors including Dell P2421, ASUS ProArt, and BenQ PD series.
The Eye Care technology claim is not marketing fluff. After switching to this hood, I noticed my eyes stayed fresher during six-hour editing sessions because the screen no longer reflected overhead lights back into my retinas. Side viewers also lose screen visibility, which is a nice bonus in shared offices.
The main complaint in reviews (and in my own testing) is occasional slippage. The velcro straps work well on most bezels but loosen on certain rounded-edge models. I added small adhesive hooks on the back of my monitor and reattached the straps there for a much firmer grip.
Who this monitor hood is good for
Anyone running a 23 or 24 inch ultra-slim monitor as part of a multi-display editing rig. If your second screen suffers from window glare that ruins color checks, this is an affordable fix.
Who this monitor hood is not good for
If your monitor has a thick bezel or non-standard rounded corners, the fit will be inconsistent. Curved monitors are also out of scope here.
5. iLooker-24P 24 inch Pro Edition – Best for Color Calibration Workflows
iLooker-24P 24 inch Pro Edition LCD LED Video Monitor Hood Sunshade Sunhood for Dell HP Viewsonic Philips Samsung LG EIZO NEC ASUS ACER BENQ AOC Lenovo, Fits Monitor Frame Width 550-565mm
24 inch fit
550-565mm frame
Pro Edition with cal port
Pros
- Built-in calibration port
- Good fit for 24 inch monitors
- Sturdy PU panels
- Excellent for photo editing
Cons
- Velcro may be short for some monitors
- Can get dislodged accidentally
- Initial chemical smell
The 24P Pro Edition is the hood I recommend to anyone running a hardware-calibrated workflow. The dedicated calibration port at the top lets you drop a colorimeter onto the screen without removing the entire hood. On our test bench, this saved about three minutes per calibration cycle compared to a non-Pro hood.
The 24 inch fit covers 550mm to 565mm frames, which is a sweet spot for EIZO ColorEdge, NEC PA, and BenQ SW series monitors. The PU panels feel thicker than the standard version and the flocking interior has a noticeably more uniform texture. Glare reduction was excellent across my morning and afternoon test windows.
Two issues came up during testing. First, the velcro straps are slightly shorter than the standard 24 inch hood, so on monitors with deeper bezels I had to extend them with my own straps. Second, there is a faint chemical smell out of the box that fades after about three days of ventilation. Not a deal-breaker but worth noting if you work in a small room.
Who this monitor hood is good for
Photographers and colorists who calibrate weekly with a colorimeter and want the most efficient workflow. The calibration port is the standout feature that justifies the Pro Edition price tag.
Who this monitor hood is not good for
If you never run a calibrator, you can save money with the standard 24 inch version. Anyone sensitive to chemical smells should air the hood out for a few days before installing it.
6. iLooker-25P 25 inch Thick Frame – Best Hood for Older Bezel-Heavy Monitors
iLooker-25P 25&24 inch Thick Frame LCD LED Video Monitor Hood Sunshade Sunhood for Dell HP Viewsonic Philips Samsung LG EIZO NEC ASUS ACER BENQ AOC Lenovo iMac Fits Monitor Frame Width 565-580mm
25 inch fit
565-580mm thick frame
Flocking interior
Pros
- Fits older monitors perfectly
- Durable construction
- Effective glare reduction
- Easy install
Cons
- Bottom strap can loosen with vibration
- Elastic may stretch over time
- Some alignment adjustment needed
If your editing monitor is from the 2015-2019 era with a chunky bezel, the 25P Thick Frame is the iLooker variant you need. The 565mm to 580mm clamp range covers older Dell UltraSharp, HP Z, and Lenovo ThinkVision displays that newer slim-fit hoods cannot grip properly.
Construction quality is solid. The PU exterior held up to daily handling during my four-week test and the flocking interior stays light-absorbent without showing wear. The hood blocks window glare effectively and I could tell the difference when reviewing shadow detail in Lightroom compared to using the screen bare.
The trade-off is the elastic strap design. On my test monitor, the bottom strap loosened slightly after repeated desk bumps. Threading a small zip tie through the elastic and around the stand solved the issue permanently. Once secured, the hood sat perfectly even with mechanical keyboard vibrations.
Who this monitor hood is good for
Anyone running an older 24 or 25 inch monitor with a thick bezel for editing work. Studio owners who upgraded their cameras but kept their 2017-era displays will appreciate the proper fit.
Who this monitor hood is not good for
If your monitor is brand new with a modern slim bezel, the 25P will be too loose. Go for the 25S or 27S slim-frame variants instead.
7. iLooker-32P 31 and 32 inch Pro Edition – Best for 4K Editing Monitors
iLooker-32P 31-inch & 32-inch Pro Edition LCD LED Video Monitor Hood Sunshade Sunhood for Dell HP Viewsonic Philips Samsung LG EIZO NEC ASUS ACER BENQ AOC Lenovo, Fits Monitor Frame Width 725-745mm
31-32 inch fit
725-745mm frame
Pro Edition
Pros
- Excellent fit for 32 inch monitors
- Quality PU finish
- Effective glare reduction
- Pro Edition calibration access
Cons
- Strap durability concerns
- Calibration flap needs force to open
- Inner material can scratch
- Top may slouch over time
For 4K editing monitors in the 31 to 32 inch range, the 32P Pro Edition is the most reliable hood I have tested. The 725mm to 745mm clamp range fits popular 4K displays like the BenQ PD3220U, ASUS ProArt PA32UCX, and Dell U3223QE. After installing it on my BenQ, color-critical work became significantly easier because the screen no longer washed out from my studio lights.
The Pro Edition calibration flap is a real time-saver. You flip it open, drop your colorimeter, run the profile, and close it back up. No need to remove the entire hood or lift the top panel. The matte screen finish pairs well with this design.
The honest downside is build consistency. A few reviews and my own second test unit showed slight slouching in the top panel after two months. Adding a small cardboard insert between the top panel and the monitor frame restored the rigidity. The calibration flap also takes more force than I expected to open and close, which is worth noting for those with grip issues.
Who this monitor hood is good for
Anyone running a 31 or 32 inch 4K editing monitor and wanting Pro-grade glare control without paying custom-cut prices. Video editors working on HDR content benefit the most from the calibration access.
Who this monitor hood is not good for
If you need a perfect long-term solution, consider a custom Photodon cut. The 32P is the best ready-made option for 32 inch monitors but it does have some durability trade-offs compared to industrial-grade alternatives.
8. iLooker 22E 21 and 22 inch – Best for Compact Office Editing Monitors
iLooker 22E 21~22 inch LCD LED Video Monitor Hood Sunshade Sunhood for Dell HP Viewsonic Philips Samsung LG EIZO NEC ASUS ACER BENQ AOC Lenovo, Fits Monitor Frame Width 505-525mm
21-22 inch fit
505-525mm frame
Lightweight
Pros
- Stays in place once fitted
- Effective glare reduction
- Quick delivery
- Good value for smaller monitors
Cons
- Size descriptions can be inaccurate
- May not fit all 21-22 inch models
- Some users receive wrong size
The 22E fills the gap between the 20E and 23E for compact editing monitors. With a 505mm to 525mm clamp range, it covers most 21.5 and 22 inch displays used in small studios and home offices. At 1.1 pounds, it is light enough not to strain smaller monitor stands.
Installation took me about four minutes. The PU panels wrap around the bezel cleanly and the velcro straps hold firmly on most flat-fronted monitors. Glare reduction matched what I saw on the 23E for side and overhead light sources.
The biggest caution here is sizing accuracy. Multiple customer reviews mention receiving the wrong size because the 21 to 22 inch label does not always match their actual monitor frame width. I recommend measuring the bezel width at the widest point (excluding the stand) before ordering and comparing to the 505-525mm spec.
Who this monitor hood is good for
Anyone running a 21.5 or 22 inch office-class monitor for editing on a budget. It is also a solid pick as a secondary hood on a dual monitor setup where the primary display already has its own hood.
Who this monitor hood is not good for
If your monitor is right at the boundary between 22 and 24 inches, skip this and measure carefully. A poor fit here will let ambient light leak in from the sides and defeat the purpose.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Monitor Hood for Your Editing Setup?
Picking the right monitor hood comes down to three things: accurate sizing, material quality, and the right mounting style for your display. Get these right and you will see a real difference in your color work. Get them wrong and the hood becomes an expensive piece of fabric on your desk.
Measure your monitor frame width before anything else
The single biggest mistake I see in forums is ordering by screen size alone. A 27 inch monitor can have a bezel anywhere from 580mm to 670mm wide depending on the brand and model year. Use a soft tape measure across the front bezel (not the stand) and round to the nearest 5mm. Match that number to the hood’s clamp range before you click buy.
Material and interior lining matter for glare control
PU (polyurethane) exteriors are the industry standard because they are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. The interior lining is where the magic happens. Black flocking absorbs stray light far better than smooth fabric or unfinished foam. Every hood on this list uses black flocking on the inner side, which is why they outperform cheaper alternatives.
Adjustable vs custom monitor hoods
Adjustable hoods (like the iLooker lineup) ship with velcro straps that fit a range of frame widths. They are cheaper, ship faster, and work well for most standard displays. Custom hoods (like Photodon industrial cuts) are made to your exact measurements, often with metal frames and rigid panels. They cost more but last longer and fit perfectly.
For most editors, adjustable hoods deliver 80-90% of the benefit at 30-50% of the price. Custom hoods make sense if you run a high-end reference monitor or a non-standard aspect ratio display.
Curved and ultrawide monitor hoods
Curved ultrawide monitors are the hardest displays to hood properly. Standard adjustable hoods leave gaps at the curve edges. If you run a 34 inch or 49 inch ultrawide, your options are a custom-cut foam hood or a DIY solution using black foam core board and flocking tape. There is no off-the-shelf hood in this list that fits curved ultrawides cleanly.
DIY monitor hood: a budget alternative
If you are on a tight budget, you can build a basic hood from black foam core board and black velvet or flocking fabric. Cut five panels (top, bottom, two sides, one optional top flap), wrap each in the flocking, and assemble with gaffer tape or industrial velcro. Reddit threads from r/photography and r/editors show examples that cost under $20 in materials and last a year or more.
Calibration port for colorimeter users
If you run a hardware calibrator like an X-Rite i1Display Pro or Datacolor SpyderX, look for Pro Edition hoods with a dedicated calibration flap. These save several minutes per calibration cycle and reduce the temptation to skip recalibration.
Environmental lighting checklist
Even the best monitor hood cannot fix a workspace where lighting changes constantly. Aim for consistent indirect lighting around 4500-5500K color temperature for photo editing. A hood works best when paired with controlled ambient light, not as a substitute for it. Cover windows with sheer curtains during daytime sessions and switch overhead fluorescents to daylight-balanced LEDs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a monitor hood and how does it work?
A monitor hood (also called a screen shade or sunhood) is a fabric-and-frame accessory that attaches to your display to block ambient light from windows, overhead fixtures, and lamps. By creating a physical barrier around the screen, it stops reflections that make colors look different on screen than they actually are.
Do monitor hoods actually reduce glare during editing?
Yes, monitor hoods significantly reduce glare during editing. After testing on our editing bench, we saw reflections drop to near zero on glossy panels and noticeable improvements in shadow detail and color accuracy when working near windows. For color-critical photo and video editing, a hood is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make.
How do I pick the right size monitor hood for my display?
Measure the front bezel width of your monitor at the widest point in millimeters, excluding the stand. Match that number to the hood’s clamp range. A 27 inch monitor can range from 580mm to 670mm wide depending on bezel style, so ordering by screen size alone often leads to poor fit. When in doubt, round up to the next size range.
Can you use a monitor hood on a curved or ultrawide display?
Standard adjustable monitor hoods do not fit curved or ultrawide displays cleanly because the curve leaves gaps at the panel edges. For curved ultrawides, your best options are a custom-cut foam hood, a Photodon industrial hood made to your measurements, or a DIY build using black foam core board and flocking fabric.
How do I build a DIY monitor hood for glare reduction?
To build a DIY monitor hood, cut five panels from black foam core board sized to wrap your display with about 2 inches of depth. Cover each panel with black velvet or flocking fabric using spray adhesive. Assemble the panels with gaffer tape or industrial velcro and attach to your monitor bezel with adhesive-backed velcro straps. Total cost is typically under $20 in materials.
Final Verdict on the Best Monitor Hoods for Eliminating Glare During Editing
After eight weeks of testing, the iLooker 27E remains our top pick for most editors because it delivers reliable glare reduction at a fair price and fits the most common 27 inch displays on the market. If you run a 4K monitor, step up to the iLooker-32P Pro Edition for the calibration flap and wider clamp range. On a tight budget, the iLooker 20E punches well above its price point for small editing setups.
Whichever hood you choose, measure your monitor frame before ordering and commit to consistent ambient lighting. The best monitor hoods for eliminating glare during editing will save you hours of color frustration and make your prints, exports, and grades look the way you intended. For more on optimizing your editing workspace, see our guides on the best camera monitors and best OLED gaming monitors.