Best Time to Buy Computer Monitors (2026 Guide)
Save 30-50% on Computer Monitors by timing your purchase right. Here's exactly when to buy.
Computer monitor prices are anything but static. They can swing by 30-50% depending on the time of year, new product launches, and major retail events. Savvy shoppers who time their purchases right can save hundreds of dollars on the same model they'd pay full price for just a few months later.
In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we'll break down month-by-month pricing trends, identify the very best times to buy (and when to avoid), and share expert strategies for landing the best deal. Whether you're upgrading to 4K, building a multi-monitor setup, or just need an affordable display for work, knowing when to buy is half the battle.
We'll also highlight top-rated monitors on Amazon with seasonal timing tips for each, so you can strike decisively when the price is right. Let's dive in!
Executive Summary
The best time to buy Computer Monitors is during Black Friday week (late November), when discounts of 30-50% are common on a wide range of models. If you can't wait, Amazon Prime Day in July and October back-to-school sales are also excellent windows. Avoid buying in early spring when prices are typically at their highest.
Why Timing Matters
Monitor prices fluctuate due to new model releases, seasonal demand, and major retail sale cycles. For example, a popular 27-inch 4K monitor that sells for $399 might drop to $249 on Black Friday and then climb back to $349 in January. That's a difference of $150 — enough to buy a second monitor or upgrade your setup.
Manufacturers like Dell, LG, Samsung, and ASUS refresh their monitor lines at CES in January and during mid-year tech events. When new models arrive, previous-year versions get deep discounts to clear inventory. Additionally, back-to-school season in August and September spikes demand, leading to temporary price drops on budget and mid-range monitors.
Retailers also use monitors as doorbusters at Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day, intentionally discounting popular models by 30-50% to attract shoppers. Missing these windows can cost you an extra $50-$300, depending on the monitor's price point.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday Week
Expected Savings: 30-50% off
Black Friday is the single most predictable time for monitor deals. Retailers clear out inventory before year-end, and monitors are among the most heavily discounted electronics. You'll see doorbuster deals on 1080p and 1440p gaming monitors, ultra-wide models, and even 4K displays. The discounts are deep because retailers know shoppers are specifically looking for high-ticket tech items.
New monitor models announced at CES in January also contribute to Black Friday clearance — last year's models are ripe for liquidation. Additionally, Cyber Monday extends the discounts with a focus on online deals, making it even easier to score a bargain from home.
What to Expect:
- Deep discounts (30-50%) on top-selling monitor brands like LG, Dell, Samsung, ASUS, and BenQ
- Bundle deals including cables, monitor stands, or extended warranties
- Doorbuster deals on popular 27-inch and 32-inch 1440p gaming monitors under $300
- Price matching between major retailers (Best Buy, Amazon, Newegg)
- Free shipping and extended return windows
- Limited stock on the best deals — early bird often wins
Alternative: Amazon Prime Day (Retail)
Amazon's Prime Day and its October counterpart are the next best windows. Amazon uses monitors as key deals to attract Prime members, often slashing prices on best-selling models. While the discounts may not be quite as aggressive as Black Friday, they are still substantial and occur at a time when many people aren't expecting great deals.
If you're not a Prime member, you can sign up for a free trial or ask a friend to help. The October Prime Day (often called Prime Big Deal Days) can be especially good for monitors since it's just one month before Black Friday, leading to early holiday price drops.
Worst Time to Buy
The worst time to buy a monitor is during the spring months of March through May, especially in April. Retailers are in between sale events, and new models are being announced but not yet discounted. The demand remains steady, so prices stay near or above MSRP.
Furthermore, after the back-to-school rush ends in September, prices stabilize and even rise. Unless there's a special deal, September-October can see price increases as retailers anticipate holiday demand. Buying a monitor in April is like paying retail while others are getting 30% off — you might miss out on savings of $100-$200 on a midrange monitor.
Another historically bad time is right after Black Friday and Christmas in early January. While some clearance deals exist, many shoppers buy monitors as gifts or for holiday gaming, and prices can stay elevated. If you're not focused on the CES clearance, early January can be a poor time to shop for new models that have just been announced.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Recommended Products
1. LG 27UP850-W 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor with USB-C
The LG 27UP850-W is a 27-inch 4K IPS monitor that offers stunning color accuracy, 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 spectrum, and a sleek, borderless design. It supports USB-C with up to 60W power delivery, letting you connect and charge your laptop with a single cable. This makes it perfect for creative professionals, developers, and anyone who loves a clean desk setup.
With its ergonomic stand, height and tilt adjustments, and HDR10 support, it's a versatile choice for both work and entertainment. The thin bezels make it great for multi-monitor setups, and the anti-glare coating keeps reflections at bay.
For those who want a premium 4K experience without gaming-level refresh rates, the LG 27UP850 is a sweet spot. It frequently gets discounted to $299 or lower during sale events, making it a popular pick.
Best Time to Buy: Best time to buy: Black Friday or Prime Day. Historically drops from $399 to $299 (25% off).
2. Dell S2722QC 27" 4K USB-C Monitor
The Dell S2722QC is a 27-inch 4K USB-C hub monitor that simplifies your workspace. It delivers sharp text, vivid colors, and has a refresh rate of 60Hz. The USB-C port offers 65W power delivery to charge laptops, and it also functions as a hub, with additional USB-A ports and a headphone jack.
Dell's build quality is excellent, featuring a sturdy stand with tilt, swivel, and height adjustments. The thin bezels allow for nearly seamless multi-monitor setups. The monitor also has two 3W speakers sufficient for casual listening.
If you're a fan of Dell's renowned warranty (3 years) and want a reliable 4K display for productivity, this is a great choice. It's frequently on sale for under $300 during Black Friday.
Best Time to Buy: The Dell frequently sees 30% off on Black Friday and Prime Day. Look for $249 pricing.
3. ASUS ProArt PA278CV 27" 2K Professional Monitor
The ASUS ProArt PA278CV is a 27-inch WQHD (2560x1440) monitor engineered for color-critical work. It boasts 100% sRGB/Rec.709 color gamut and is Calman Verified to ensure factory calibration accuracy. The included hardware calibration tool (with standard sensors) helps maintain precision over time.
The ergonomic stand offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments. A USB-C port provides 65W power delivery and video, while the daisy-chaining capability simplifies multi-monitor setups. It also has a built-in proximity sensor that automatically adjusts brightness to save power.
If you edit photos, design graphics, or work with video, this monitor delivers exceptional colors without breaking the bank.
Best Time to Buy: Look for 20% off during Black Friday or January CES clearance. $259 is a sweet spot.
4. Acer Nitro XV272U 27" QHD 144Hz Gaming Monitor
The Acer Nitro XV272U is a 27-inch QHD (2560x1440) IPS gaming monitor that strikes a perfect balance between price and performance. With a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms VRB response time, it delivers smooth gameplay in fast-paced titles. It supports AMD FreeSync, and it is G-Sync compatible too (unofficially). The speakers are surprisingly decent for a gaming monitor.
Its colours are vibrant, covering 95% DCI-P3, and the slim design with thin bezels makes it appealing. The stand is height-adjustable, but you might prefer a VESA mount for flexibility.
For under $300, this is one of the most popular gaming monitors on Amazon, regularly topping the bestseller lists.
Best Time to Buy: Prime Day and Black Friday often drop this to $199. Great value at that price.
5. Samsung Odyssey G5 32" QHD 144Hz Gaming Monitor
The Samsung Odyssey G5 32" curved gaming monitor offers a deliciously immersive QHD (2560x1440) VA panel with a 1000R curvature that matches human vision. The 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time are solid for competitive gaming. HDR10 support boosts contrast and brightness for better visuals.
The curved display wraps around your field of view, perfect for racing games and shooters. The core design is bold and minimal, with a unique stand that has a small footprint. It also supports AMD FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility.
If you want a large, immersive monitor without paying 4K prices, the Odyssey G5 is a big-time favourite.
Best Time to Buy: Frequently drops to $229 during Black Friday. That's a steal for a 32" 144Hz QHD monitor.
6. LG 32GN600-B 32" QHD UltraGear Gaming Monitor
The LG 32GN600-B is a 32-inch QHD (2560x1440) UltraGear gaming monitor with a blazing 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms MBR response. It's built for smooth, competitive gaming, and the IPS panel ensures vivid colors and wide viewing angles. With FreeSync Premium, screen tearing is virtually eliminated.
The monitor eschews RGB and fancy accessories, focusing purely on performance. It has a gaming design with a slight red accent. The stand is tilt-only, but it's VESA mountable. With HDR10 support, it can produce decent visuals in compatible games.
For gamers who want a large, fast screen without breaking the bank, this LG is a beast.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday often drops it to $229. Prime Day also brings discounts around $249.
7. BenQ PD2700U 27" 4K Professional Monitor
The BenQ PD2700U is a 27-inch 4K (3840x2160) IPS monitor that delivers factory-calibrated colors with 100% sRGB and Rec.709. It also offers the added benefit of HDR10, making it versatile for both creative work and entertainment. The exclusive BenQ Design to code features include a keyboard hotkey puck (to switch between modes) and a KVM switch for working with multiple computers.
The stand is fully ergonomic, with tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments. It has multiple connection options: DisplayPort, two HDMI, USB 3.1 hub, and a USB-C port with 60W PD. The CAD/CAM mode and animation mode are tailored for engineers and animators.
If you need a reliable 4K monitor with no compromises, the PD2700U is a solid investment.
Best Time to Buy: Usually drops to $349 or lower during Black Friday. That's when to jump.
8. HP VH240a 23.8" Full HD Monitor
The HP VH240a is a classic 23.8-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS monitor that offers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles for a very low price. It includes a height-adjustable stand (a rare feature at this price), VESA mount compatibility, and built-in speakers. The design is professional and sleek, with a 3-sided micro-edge display for a nearly borderless experience.
Connectivity is modest with HDMI and VGA inputs, but that's plenty for everyday use. The monitor is highly reliable and is one of the best-selling budget monitors on Amazon.
For a second monitor, a student setup, or a basic office task, you can't beat the HP VH240a.
Best Time to Buy: During back-to-school and Black Friday, it can fall to $79. Great deal.
9. ViewSonic VA2456-MHD 24" Full HD 75Hz Monitor
The ViewSonic VA2456-MHD is a 24-inch Full HD IPS monitor that works well for work and casual gaming. It offers a 75Hz refresh rate (better than the standard 60Hz) and AMD FreeSync support, which reduces tearing during gameplay. The 178-degree viewing angles ensure colors remain consistent from side to side.
It includes built-in speakers, multiple inputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA), and a comfortable stand with tilt. The design is slim and modern, with minimal bezels on three sides.
For an affordable yet dependable monitor, this ViewSonic is a reliable pick, especially if you want a slight gaming edge.
Best Time to Buy: Often drops below $90 during Black Friday and Prime Day. Wait for that.
10. Sceptre E248W-19203S 24" 75Hz Ultra Thin Monitor
The Sceptre E248W-19203S is a 24-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS monitor delivering sharp visuals at a rock-bottom price. It features a 75Hz refresh rate, which is a bonus for everyday usage, and is one of the thinnest monitors you can buy. The ultra-slim design with brushed metal finish looks sleek on any desk.
With multiple ports (VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort), it's versatile enough for older PC and modern laptops. The built-in speakers are adequate for casual use. Its VESA mount capability lets you set up a clean multi-monitor rig.
If you're after extreme value, this Sceptre delivers, making it a bestseller on Amazon.
Best Time to Buy: Can drop to $69 during Black Friday. An absolute bargain.
11. ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27" 165Hz QHD Monitor
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ is a 27-inch QHD (2560x1440) IPS gaming monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate (overclocked) and 1ms MPRT response. It combines high refresh rate with exceptional color quality, making it equally great for immersive gaming and content creation. ELMB Sync technology reduces motion blur even at high refresh rates.
The monitor supports both G-Sync and FreeSync, ensuring smooth gameplay without screen tearing on either NVIDIA or AMD graphics. The aggressive gamer design is complemented by a sturdy stand with ergonomic adjustments.
It is one of the most recommended monitors in the 'best 27 inch 1440p gaming monitor' category, frequently praised for its performance-to-price ratio.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday frequently sees it at $249. That's a $80 savings.
12. LG UltraGear 27GN950-B 27" 4K 160Hz Gaming Monitor
The LG UltraGear 27GN950-B is a 27-inch 4K (3840x2160) IPS gaming monitor with a blazing 160Hz refresh rate (overclocking) and 1ms GtG response. With HDMI 2.1 inputs, it supports 4K 120Hz on the PS5 and Xbox Series X, making it a future-proof choice. It also covers 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and is VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified, delivering bright, punchy visuals.
The monitor's agressive design includes a Hexagon RGB lighting ring on the back. The stand is ergonomic, and the picture quality is stunning. It uses Nano IPS technology for vibrant, accurate colors.
This is the ultimate monitor for 4K gaming, but it commands a premium price. It's also a fantastic choice for creators who want high-refresh 4K editing.
Best Time to Buy: Look for 20-30% off during Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day. $559 would be a great price.
Pricing Strategies
Wait for Black Friday
Add desired monitors to an Amazon wishlist and track prices with CamelCamelCamel.,Expect deals to start on Monday of Thanksgiving week; shop early doorbusters.,Compare prices across Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, and Staples — they often price match.,Use a credit card with cashback or price protection.
Buy during model refresh (January)
Identify the 2025 monitor you want before CES.,Check Amazon and retailer 'clearance' sections in mid-January.,Use price trackers to confirm the low is a true clearance price.,Be cautious: older models may have limited stock, but you can still grab a good deal.
Prime Day Shopping
Be a Prime member (or start free trial before the sale).,Monitor Lightning Deals early in the morning when they refresh.,Have chosen models ready on your wishlist to quickly add to cart.,Check 'Deal of the Day' and 'Prime Day Lightning Deals' ahead of time.
Back-to-school (August)
Look for sales at Amazon, Best Buy (with student discounts), and Target.,Combine with sales tax holidays in your state (some in August).,Select budget models like the HP VH240a or ViewSonic VA2456-MHD.
Buy refurbished or open-box
Check Amazon Warehouse Deals (open-box) and reputable sellers like Acer Recertified or Dell Outlet.,Read the condition: 'Like New' vs 'Very Good'.,Ensure a 30-day return policy and maybe a warranty.,Use Honey or Keepa to see previous price lows and ensure you're getting a real deal.
Set price alerts and wait for flash sales
Use CamelCamelCamel price alerts for desired ASINs.,Set a threshold price (e.g., 15% below the current average).,Enable Amazon's 'Save $5' notifications or Slickdeals alerts.,Check the site daily when alerts fire; flash deals often sell out fast.
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Bottom Line
The best time to buy a computer monitor is without a doubt the Black Friday week in November, when the combination of new-model overstock and holiday buyer frenzy produces the deepest discounts of the year. If you can wait until then, you have the best chance of saving 30-50%, often $100-$300 on a standard monitor.
However, you don't have to wait if you're flexible. Amazon Prime Day in July and October offers nearly as many bargains, especially on popular 27-inch 1440p and 4K models. August's back-to-school sales are perfect for budget 1080p screens. The key is to use price-tracking tools and set your target price before pulling the trigger.
The worst times to buy are March through May, when prices are highest. If you need a monitor urgently, consider refurbished or open-box to avoid paying full retail.
At the end of the day, a monitor is a long-term investment. Waiting a few extra weeks to catch a 40% discount is almost always worth the money. So set up your alerts, pick a few favorites from the list above, and strike at the perfect moment.
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Computer Monitors