Updated Aug 3, 2026· 4 min read· Hands-on tested

Key takeaways

  • Pro: Big seasonal discounts make high-refresh gaming affordable.
  • Pro: Options for every need, from office work to competitive gaming.
  • Pro: FreeSync and high refresh rates on the gaming models.
  • Pro: Eye-comfort features across most panels.

What's inside

  1. Design & Build
  2. Performance
  3. Pros & Cons
  4. Alternatives to Consider
  5. Related Guides
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. Verdict

Black Friday is the single best time of year to upgrade your monitor, when high-refresh gaming panels and reliable everyday displays drop to their lowest prices. The challenge is not finding a deal, it is knowing which discounted monitor is genuinely worth buying. A cheap panel with poor motion handling is no bargain, so it pays to focus on the specs that matter for your use.

Table of Contents

This guide rounds up several standout monitors that frequently appear in Black Friday sales, spanning budget office displays and fast gaming panels, to help you spend wisely.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

🎮 Get More From Your Setup — Free

Prime Gaming gives you free PC games every month, in-game loot, and a free Twitch channel sub — plus fast free shipping on all the gear above. New members get a 30-day free trial.

Try Prime Gaming Free →Start 30-Day Prime Trial

Design & Build

The selection spans compact office monitors to larger gaming displays. The Philips 22 and 24-inch models keep things simple with flicker-free VA panels and slim frames suited to desks and shared workspaces. The Samsung Odyssey G5, LG UltraGear 27-inch, and Samsung Odyssey G3 bring gaming-focused designs with adjustable stands, the LG offering full height, swivel, and pivot adjustment. The curved Samsung Essential S3 adds an immersive 1800R curve for a wraparound feel. Build quality is respectable throughout, with the gaming models offering the most ergonomic flexibility.

Performance

Performance ranges from dependable to genuinely fast. The LG UltraGear QHD runs at 200Hz with a 1ms response and an IPS panel, making it the standout for crisp, colorful, high-refresh gaming. The Samsung Odyssey G5 QHD at 180Hz and the Odyssey G3 FHD at 180Hz deliver smooth motion with FreeSync and features like Black Equalizer for competitive play. The Philips 100Hz office monitors and the curved Essential S3 are better suited to productivity and casual use, with low blue light and eye-comfort features that make long sessions easier on the eyes.

Pros & Cons

  • Pro: Big seasonal discounts make high-refresh gaming affordable.
  • Pro: Options for every need, from office work to competitive gaming.
  • Pro: FreeSync and high refresh rates on the gaming models.
  • Pro: Eye-comfort features across most panels.
  • Con: The best deals sell out quickly during sales events.
  • Con: Budget office panels have basic stands and lower refresh rates.
  • Con: VA panels can show more motion blur than IPS in fast scenes.

Alternatives to Consider

If your priority is color accuracy and fast motion, the IPS-based LG UltraGear is the pick, while gamers on a tighter budget will find the Samsung Odyssey G3 or G5 excellent value. For simple office or study use, the Philips 22 or 24-inch monitors cover the basics cheaply. Those wanting an immersive experience without a high price should consider the curved Samsung Essential S3.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a higher refresh rate worth it?

For gaming, yes. A 144Hz or higher panel like the LG UltraGear or Samsung Odyssey models makes fast motion noticeably smoother. For office work and browsing, a standard 100Hz display is perfectly adequate.

IPS or VA panel, which is better?

IPS panels like the LG UltraGear offer better colors and viewing angles, ideal for gaming and creative work. VA panels, common in the Philips and curved Samsung models, provide deeper contrast and are fine for general use.

What size monitor should I get?

For most desks, 24 to 27 inches is the sweet spot. Choose 27-inch QHD for gaming detail, or a 22 to 24-inch FHD panel for smaller spaces and budget setups.

Are Black Friday monitor deals actually cheaper?

Generally yes, monitors see some of the deepest discounts of the year. Just verify the regular price history so you know you are getting a genuine reduction rather than an inflated original price.

Verdict

Black Friday is the ideal moment to grab a monitor upgrade, and the best pick depends on your use. For gaming, the LG UltraGear 27-inch and Samsung Odyssey G5 are excellent high-refresh choices, while the Philips 24-inch is a smart, affordable option for everyday productivity. Decide on your resolution and refresh needs first, then pounce when the price is right.

N
Noah Parker
Our team buys and bench-tests every product for 40h+ before it earns a spot. Rankings are never paid.

FAQ

Is a higher refresh rate worth it?
For gaming, yes. A 144Hz or higher panel like the LG UltraGear or Samsung Odyssey models makes fast motion noticeably smoother. For office work and browsing, a standard 100Hz display is perfectly adequate.
IPS or VA panel, which is better?
IPS panels like the LG UltraGear offer better colors and viewing angles, ideal for gaming and creative work. VA panels, common in the Philips and curved Samsung models, provide deeper contrast and are fine for general use.
What size monitor should I get?
For most desks, 24 to 27 inches is the sweet spot. Choose 27-inch QHD for gaming detail, or a 22 to 24-inch FHD panel for smaller spaces and budget setups.
Are Black Friday monitor deals actually cheaper?
Generally yes, monitors see some of the deepest discounts of the year. Just verify the regular price history so you know you are getting a genuine reduction rather than an inflated original price.
Affiliate disclosure. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices accurate as of the date shown.
Black Friday Monitor Deals: Review & Buyer’s Guide…Check price on Amazon