Free Monitors: Where To Find Them And How To Get Them

If you're looking for a free monitor, there are a few options you can explore. Online marketplaces like Kijiji and Gumtree often have listings for free monitors, although you may need to put in some work to get them functioning properly. For example, you might find a free monitor that won't turn on, but with a quick Google search, you can identify the issue and fix it for a low cost. Universities are also a great place to scout for free monitors, as they sometimes sell or throw away old equipment. Alternatively, you can check out local recycling depots and see if you can salvage any parts to repair a non-functioning monitor. Lastly, keep an eye out for sales or promotions at stores like Best Buy, as you might be able to snag a great deal on a new monitor without breaking the bank.

Online marketplaces

Facebook Marketplace

The Facebook Marketplace is a convenient platform to find free or low-cost items, including monitors. It is easily accessible through your Facebook account, and you can search for listings in your local area. People often give away monitors for free on Facebook Marketplace, so it is worth checking regularly for new listings.

Craigslist (CL)

Craigslist is another popular online classifieds platform that covers a wide range of items, including electronics. You can search for monitors by location and price, and you might find free or heavily discounted options. Keep an eye out for listings and be quick to respond, as items on Craigslist tend to get snapped up quickly.

EBay

EBay is a well-known online auction and shopping platform that offers a wide range of products, including monitors. While people usually associate eBay with bidding and buying, it is also a great place to find free items. Keep an eye out for listings that offer monitors for free, or try contacting sellers to see if they have any monitors they are willing to give away.

OfferUp and Letgo

OfferUp and Letgo are mobile-based marketplaces that allow users to buy and sell items locally. These platforms are worth exploring as people often list items for free or at low prices, including electronics such as monitors. You can search by location and category, making it easier to find what you're looking for in your area.

Amazon

While Amazon is primarily known for its extensive selection of new and used items for purchase, it can also be a source for free monitors. Keep an eye on Amazon's "Free Stuff" section, where you might find monitors or other electronics being offered for free. Additionally, Amazon often has deeply discounted monitors and other electronics, so you can find great deals if you're looking for a low-cost option.

When using online marketplaces, it is important to exercise caution and meet in safe, public places when picking up items. It is also a good idea to inspect the monitor before accepting it to ensure it is in working condition.

Educational institutions

Firstly, there are companies that offer free web hosting services and domain registration for educational institutions. This includes ICDSoft, which provides free web hosting and a free domain with popular extensions such as .com, .net, or .org. Their services are intended for use by primary, intermediate, or high schools, colleges, and universities for their official websites.

In terms of free monitors, one option is to search online marketplaces such as eBay or Kijiji. These platforms often have listings for free monitors, although they may be older models or require pickup. For example, on Kijiji, there are listings for free Samsung and Acer monitors, as well as other computer accessories.

Additionally, educational institutions can benefit from free software applications that can enhance the learning experience for students and teachers. The Free Software Foundation provides a list of high-quality free software that can be used in schools. These programs offer essential freedoms such as the ability to run, study, copy, modify, and redistribute the software. Examples of free software for educational purposes include e-learning platforms, video conferencing software, and classroom management tools.

Furthermore, some companies offer free trials or discounted rates for educational institutions on software and technology solutions. For instance, Dyknow offers a free monitoring solution for K-12 schools to manage student devices and increase engagement. VEDAMO provides a free virtual classroom platform with tools for gamification and classroom management. There are also free or low-cost software options available for specific functions, such as expense management, project management, and online backup.

By leveraging these opportunities, educational institutions can access free monitors and technology to support their operations and improve the overall educational experience.

Repairing and flipping

If you're looking to repair and flip monitors for a profit, there are several ways to source them for free or at a low cost. Here are some strategies to consider:

Online Classifieds and Forums

Websites like Gumtree, Craigslist, and Kijiji often have listings for free items, including computer monitors. People may be giving away monitors that are older models or have minor issues that they don't want to deal with. You can also find cheap monitors on these sites that may be easier to repair and flip for a profit. Keep an eye out for listings and be quick to respond, as free items are often claimed quickly.

University Surplus Centres and Move-Out Days

Universities often have surplus equipment that they no longer need, including monitors. Keep an eye out for sales or auctions where you can purchase these items at a low cost. Additionally, the end of the school year is a great time to find discarded items, as students move out of their residences and may leave behind old appliances and electronics.

Local Recycling Depots

Scavenging for parts at local recycling depots can be a great way to find free or low-cost monitors that can be repaired. You can also find capacitors and other components to fix specific issues. This option may require more time and effort, but it can be a good source for those with the necessary technical skills.

Computer Stores and Repair Shops

If you work at a computer store or have connections with local repair shops, you can keep an eye out for monitors that are brought in for repair or trade-in. Sometimes, a simple fix can bring new life to an old monitor, and you may be able to purchase it at a discounted price. Additionally, some stores may have relationships with suppliers or manufacturers, providing access to refurbished or returned items at a lower cost.

Online Marketplaces and Auctions

Online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon often have open-box returns or refurbished monitors available at discounted prices. Keep an eye out for deals, as you may be able to find monitors that just need a simple fix or cleaning to be as good as new. You can also find repair kits and soldering irons online to help with the flipping process.

When repairing and flipping monitors, it's important to have some technical knowledge and be comfortable with soldering and replacing components. Additionally, always test the monitors thoroughly before selling them to ensure they are in good working condition. With some effort and the right sources, you can find free or low-cost monitors that can be repaired and flipped for a profit.

Monitor cables

HDMI Cables

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables are versatile and widely used. They offer a fast and convenient way to transmit both audio and video signals between devices. HDMI cables are commonly used to connect video game consoles and DVD players to monitors or TVs, allowing for immersive big-screen experiences. They are also compatible with Xbox, PlayStation, and Blu-Ray devices. HDMI cables come in various lengths, ranging from 1.5 FT to 16 FT, ensuring you can find the right fit for your setup.

USB Cables

USB cables are another popular choice for connecting monitors, especially when using them as a second screen for laptops, desktops, or cameras. They offer the advantage of transmitting data, audio, and video through a single cable, making them highly versatile. USB cables are commonly available with USB Type-C connectors, which support high-speed data transfer and power delivery.

DisplayPort Cables

DisplayPort cables are specifically designed for connecting computers to display monitors or home theatre systems. They offer significant bandwidth for high-performance applications and support a maximum data rate of 17.28 Gbit/s over a 1-meter cable or 3-meter cable. DisplayPort cables are ideal for gaming, professional graphics work, and high-performance displays.

VGA Cables

VGA (Video Graphics Array) cables are an older standard that provides video-only transmission. They are typically found on older desktop monitors and devices. While less common today, VGA cables are still available for those using legacy equipment.

DVI Cables

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) cables are another video-only option, commonly used with various digital display equipment, including LCD monitors and projectors. They provide a high-quality digital picture and are HDCP-compliant.

When choosing monitor cables, it's important to consider the type of devices you're connecting and the specific ports they offer. Additionally, factors like cable length and bandwidth capacity should be taken into account to ensure optimal performance and a clutter-free setup.

Monitor accessories

Monitor Stands

Monitor stands are designed to improve the ergonomics of your setup, raising the monitor to a comfortable height and often allowing for tilt, swivel, and rotation adjustments. Some stands are designed for a single monitor, while others can accommodate two monitors, either side-by-side or stacked.

Monitor Mounts

Monitor mounts are similar to stands in that they allow for ergonomic adjustments, but they attach the monitor directly to a wall or desk, freeing up desk space. Some monitor mounts can also accommodate multiple monitors.

Monitor Arms

Monitor arms are adjustable mounts that attach to a desk and allow for a wide range of movement, including height, tilt, and swivel adjustments. They are designed to provide maximum flexibility in monitor positioning.

Monitor Cables

Monitor cables are necessary for connecting your monitor to your computer. Common types of monitor cables include HDMI, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, and VGA. Some monitors may also require adapters, such as HDMI-to-Mini HDMI or DisplayPort-to-HDMI, to connect to your computer.

Monitor Privacy and Anti-Glare Screens

Monitor privacy and anti-glare screens are designed to protect your privacy and reduce glare, making it easier to view your monitor in bright conditions.

Frequently asked questions