Buy Monitors: Cheap Price Tricks Revealed

If you're looking to buy a monitor on a budget, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, decide what you'll be using it for. For example, if you're a gamer, you'll want to look for a monitor with a high refresh rate and low response time. On the other hand, if you're a video editor, you might prioritize a larger screen with 4K resolution. You can often find good deals on monitors from brands like Acer, Samsung, and Dell on sites like Amazon, Best Buy, and eBay. When shopping, pay attention to the specifications, such as screen size, resolution, response time, and connectivity options. With a little research, you can find a great monitor that fits your needs and your budget.

Look for discounts and sales

If you're looking for a new monitor, keeping an eye out for discounts and sales can help you save a significant amount of money. Here are some tips to find the best deals:

• Monitor deals websites: Websites like Slickdeals, Laptop Mag, and RTINGS.com often feature the latest monitor deals and sales from various retailers. They provide information on price discounts, specifications, and customer reviews, making it easier to find the best offers.
• Retailer websites: Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg frequently offer discounts and sales on computer monitors. Keep an eye on their websites, as they often have dedicated pages for deals and promotions. You can also sign up for their newsletters or create an account to receive notifications about upcoming sales events.
• Price comparison: When you've decided on a specific monitor model, compare prices between different retailers. Prices can vary, and you may find the same monitor at a lower price on a different website. Additionally, some retailers offer price-matching policies, so if you find a lower price elsewhere, they may match or beat it.
• Seasonal sales: Monitor prices can fluctuate throughout the year, and retailers often have seasonal sales. Keep an eye out for holiday sales, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end-of-season clearance events. These sales events can offer significant discounts on monitors and other electronics.
• Refurbished or renewed monitors: Consider purchasing refurbished or renewed monitors. These are typically monitors that have been returned and then inspected and restored to full working condition. They are usually offered at a discounted price, and some retailers provide warranties for renewed products, ensuring that you still get a quality product.
• Bundle deals: Sometimes, retailers offer bundle deals where you can get a monitor at a discounted price when purchased with a computer or other accessories. Keep an eye out for these deals, especially if you're planning to buy multiple items.
• Student and membership discounts: If you're a student or a member of a specific retailer's loyalty program, you may be eligible for additional discounts. Many retailers offer exclusive deals and promotions for students or members, so be sure to take advantage of these opportunities.
• Coupon codes and promo codes: Before finalizing your purchase, search for coupon codes or promo codes that can be applied to your order. These codes can often be found on coupon websites or even the retailer's website. They may offer a percentage-based discount, a fixed amount off your purchase, or other perks like free shipping.
• Price drop alerts: Sign up for price drop alerts on websites that offer this feature. You'll receive notifications when the price of a monitor you're interested in drops, allowing you to take advantage of sudden discounts or limited-time deals.
• Trade-in programs: Some retailers and manufacturers offer trade-in programs where you can get a discount on a new monitor by trading in your old one. This option is worth considering if you have an older monitor that you no longer need.

By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can increase your chances of finding a great deal on a monitor that suits your needs and budget.

Consider buying a refurbished monitor

Refurbished monitors can be a great way to save money, but they do come with added risk. If you do your research and ensure you're protected, you can find a great deal on a monitor.

Refurbished tech is often items that have been opened and returned to the manufacturer for whatever reason. Reputable companies like Laptops Direct and Dell offer a wide range of these products and have robust systems in place for dealing with refurbished goods.

When buying a refurbished monitor, it's important to use a reliable retailer that offers warranties and guarantees that the product has been thoroughly tested and is in working order. While you'd hope not to run into any issues, you are well within your rights to return refurbished monitors if they aren't what you were promised.

Amazon, for example, offers a programme called "Amazon Renewed", which offers refurbished items at reduced prices. Each monitor comes with a one-year warranty, and Amazon-qualified suppliers have tested the item. According to Amazon, these devices should "work and look like new" and come with a thorough cleaning process.

When ordering a refurbished monitor, you'll likely be getting a previous model, so make sure that the model you are buying has everything you need – things like ports, stands and other display features can differ from model to model.

While choosing the right retailer is vitally important, you also want to make sure you order the correct item and get what you paid for. Once you receive your monitor, check that it meets the specifications, including making sure there isn't more wear and tear than promised and that it's in full working order.

A key thing to look out for is any dead pixels. There will be a small dot on the screen where a pixel has stopped functioning, and this can be very off-putting. If the retailer's terms stated that the monitor should be in full working order, then you should be entitled to a refund or replacement.

In summary, buying a refurbished monitor can be a great way to save money, but it's important to do your research and choose a reputable retailer. Make sure to check the item once you receive it and be aware of your rights if the product is not as promised.

Compare prices on different websites

When looking to buy a monitor at a cheap price, it is always a good idea to compare prices across different websites. This ensures that you get the best deal possible and do not overpay for a product. Here are some tips to help you compare prices effectively:

• Identify the specific monitor model you want: Search for the exact model number on different websites to easily compare prices. This way, you can be sure that you are looking at prices for the same product.
• Consider the shipping costs: When comparing prices, don't forget to factor in the shipping costs. Some websites may offer free shipping, while others may charge a fee. Make sure to calculate the total cost, including shipping, before making your purchase.
• Look for price-matching policies: Some websites have price-matching policies, where they will match or beat a lower price found on a competitor's website. Take advantage of these policies to get the best price.
• Check for discounts and coupons: Before checking out, look for any applicable discounts, coupons, or promo codes that could lower the price further. Websites often have sales or promotions that can help you save money.
• Compare the features: In addition to the price, make sure to compare the features and specifications of the monitors. Sometimes, a lower price may mean fewer features or lower quality. Make sure you are getting the best value for your money.
• Read reviews: Checking reviews from other customers can give you valuable insights into the quality and performance of the monitor. This can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you are getting a good product at a cheap price.
• Amazon: Amazon offers a wide variety of monitors from different brands, including Dell, HP, Asus, and LG. You can easily compare prices, read customer reviews, and look for deals and discounts.
• Best Buy: Best Buy is an electronics retailer that offers a range of computer monitors at different price points. You can compare prices, read reviews, and check for deals and promotions.
• PCPartPicker: This website allows you to filter and compare monitors based on various specifications, such as screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and response time. You can also set price alerts to notify you when the price of a monitor drops.
• Versus: Versus is a website that allows you to compare monitors based on various features and specifications, such as screen size, panel type, and response time. You can also see prices from different retailers to find the best deal.
• PCGameBenchmark: This website offers a monitor comparison tool that allows you to search for monitors based on price, brand, screen resolution, screen size, refresh rate, and response time.

Opt for a smaller display

Opting for a smaller display is a great way to save money when buying a monitor. While bigger screens can be more impressive, they can also be uncomfortable if placed too close to your eyes. Smaller monitors are also a good option if you have a small or slim desk, as they can be positioned closer to you without overwhelming your field of view.

A 24-inch monitor is a good choice if you're looking for something compact. This size is still reasonably large and can be a great way to save money, with decent options available for under $200. However, keep in mind that a 24-inch monitor with a 1080p resolution may appear grainy or pixelated. For a sharper image, look for a monitor with a 1440p resolution.

If you want something with a little more screen real estate but don't want to go too big, a 27-inch monitor is a great middle ground. This size offers a good balance between screen size and comfort, and is ideal if you have a typical home office desk. A 27-inch monitor with a 4K resolution will give you a sharp and crisp image, but if you're on a budget, you can opt for a 1440p resolution to save some money.

When it comes to panel type, IPS is the most common and offers good colour accuracy and viewing angles. VA panels are another option and provide better contrast and darker black levels than IPS, but may have more limited viewing angles. TN panels are typically the most affordable but offer lower colour accuracy and poor viewing angles, so they are not recommended unless you are a hardcore gamer who prioritises fast response times.

Choose a monitor with fewer features

When looking to buy a monitor at a cheap price, it is important to consider the features that are most important to you. If you are looking for a monitor with fewer features, you can prioritize finding a model that meets your basic needs without the extra bells and whistles. Here are some tips to help you choose a monitor with fewer features:

• Determine your primary use for the monitor. If you are mainly using it for general tasks such as browsing the web, viewing emails, or working with office applications, you may not need advanced features.
• Opt for a smaller screen size. Monitors with smaller displays, such as 22 or 24 inches, tend to be more affordable and have fewer features than larger models.
• Look for models with TN (Twisted Nematic) panels. TN panels are typically more affordable and offer faster response times, making them suitable for competitive gamers. However, they may compromise on color accuracy and viewing angles compared to IPS or VA panels.
• Consider a lower resolution. Monitors with lower resolutions, such as 1080p or 1440p, are usually more affordable and have fewer features than 4K or higher-resolution displays.
• Choose a monitor with essential connectivity options. Look for models with HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA connections to ensure compatibility with your devices. You may not need advanced connectivity options like USB-C or Thunderbolt unless specifically required.
• Avoid additional features like built-in speakers, USB hubs, card readers, or webcams, as these can increase the price.
• Consider purchasing a used or refurbished monitor. You can often find monitors with fewer features at lower prices on secondhand markets or from refurbished sellers.
• Compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase. Compare the features and prices of different models to find the best value for your needs. Reading reviews can also help you identify any potential issues or compromises with monitors that have fewer features.

Remember that while choosing a monitor with fewer features can save you money, it's important to ensure that it still meets your basic needs and provides a satisfactory user experience.

Frequently asked questions