When is the Best Time to Buy a Monitor? [2024 Guide]

If you're in the market for a new monitor, timing your purchase can make a significant difference in how much you'll spend. In 2024, there are several key periods when you can expect to find the best deals on monitors for gaming, productivity, or general use. Let's dive into the details of when and why these times are optimal for monitor shopping.

The Best Time to Buy a Monitor

Here we round up the best times of the year to buy a monitor for you:

Black Friday and Cyber Monday: The Prime Shopping Events

Black Friday (November 29, 2024) and Cyber Monday (December 2, 2024) remain the most significant shopping events of the year, offering substantial discounts on a wide range of electronic items, including monitors. These events are widely recognized as prime opportunities to snag great deals on high-quality displays.

During Black Friday 2024, we can expect to see impressive discounts on various monitor models. For instance, the AOC U2790VQ, originally priced at $249.99, might be available for $209.99. High-end gaming monitors like the Samsung Odyssey Ark could see significant price drops, potentially going from $2,700 to $1,799.99. Budget-conscious shoppers might find deals like the LG 27UK500-B, normally priced at $350, available for just $200.

January and February: Post-Holiday Clearance

The months of January and February present another excellent opportunity to purchase monitors at discounted prices. During this period, manufacturers typically restock their supplies, and retailers often lower prices to eliminate older inventory. This creates a perfect storm for bargain hunters looking to upgrade their display setup.

Late January is particularly advantageous due to Super Bowl promotions. While these sales primarily target TV purchases, they often extend to monitors as well, especially larger models suitable for both gaming and viewing.

Amazon Prime Day: Mid-Year Deals

Amazon Prime Day, scheduled for July 11-12, 2024, offers another chance to find great monitor deals. While this event is primarily for Prime members, many discounts extend to non-members as well. It's an excellent time to look for deals on various monitor types, from budget-friendly options to high-end gaming displays.

Back-to-School Season: August and September Savings

The back-to-school period, which runs from mid-July to mid-September, is another prime time for monitor deals. Retailers offer sales on school and office-related supplies, including monitors suitable for students and professionals alike. This period can be especially good for finding discounts on productivity-focused monitors.

Best Monitor Deals for September 2024

As we approach September 2024, keep an eye out for these hot deals on monitors:

1. Samsung 49-Inch Odyssey G9: This massive ultrawide gaming monitor offers an immersive experience with its curved display and high refresh rate. Originally priced at $1300, it's available for $800, a 38% discount.

2. LG 34-Inch 34WP65G-B: Great for productivity, this monitor boasts high resolution and an IPS display. Priced at $269, down from $400, it's a 33% savings.

3. Samsung 57-Inch Odyssey Neo G9: For those seeking cutting-edge technology, this OLED monitor offers stunning visuals. It's available for $1600, marked down from $2500, representing a 36% discount.

4. Samsung 34-Inch ViewFinity S50GC: Designed for creators, this monitor supports HDR10 and is available for $219, down from $350, a 37% savings.

5. Koouri 34-Inch 34E6UC Ultrawide Curved Monitor: An affordable option for those wanting an ultrawide experience, priced at $290, down from $499, offering a 42% discount.

These deals showcase the variety of options available, from budget-friendly choices to high-end displays for gaming and professional use.

Prime Day Monitor Deals 2024: The Best Display Discounts

Amazon Prime Day 2024, held on July 16-17, offered some of the year's best monitor deals. While the event has passed, many discounts are still available, making it a great time for those who missed out during the main event.

Some of the best deals still available include:

1. Samsung 49-Inch Odyssey G9: Now priced at $800, down from $1300, offering a massive 38% discount on this ultrawide gaming monitor.

   

2. LG 34-Inch 34WP65G-B: Available for $269, reduced from $400, this productivity-focused monitor offers great value with its high resolution and IPS display.

   

3. Dell 27-Inch S2722QC 4K: Priced at $237, down from $370, this high-quality 4K monitor offers excellent value for all usage scenarios.

   

These ongoing discounts provide an excellent opportunity for those who missed out on Prime Day to still secure great deals on quality monitors.

Major Holiday Weekends for Monitor Deals

Labor Day and Memorial Day stand out as excellent times to purchase a new gaming monitor in 2024. These holiday weekends typically feature significant sales events across various retailers, providing consumers with ample opportunities to find great deals on monitors and other electronics.

Labor Day (September 2, 2024): Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and coincides with back-to-school shopping season. This overlap creates a perfect storm for monitor deals, especially on models suitable for both gaming and productivity. Retailers often use this holiday to clear out inventory before the holiday shopping season, resulting in substantial discounts on a wide range of monitors.

Memorial Day (May 27, 2024): As the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day weekend is another prime time for electronics sales. Many retailers offer significant markdowns on gaming monitors during this period, making it an excellent opportunity for gamers looking to upgrade their setups before the summer gaming season.

During these holiday weekends, you can expect to see deals from major retailers such as:

1. Amazon: Offering up to 40% off on a variety of monitors, including budget, gaming, and 4K displays.
2. Best Buy: Providing up to 30% off on productivity and gaming monitors tailored for various consumer needs.
3. Newegg: Featuring up to 70% off on gaming PCs and accessories, including budget-friendly monitor options.
4. Walmart: Regularly updating monitor sales spanning various models.

When shopping during these holiday weekends, keep an eye out for bundle deals that may include accessories like webcams or storage solutions. For example, you might find discounts on items like the Logitech C920x webcam (potentially 35% off at $49.99) or the Seagate Game Drive 2TB for PS4 and PS5 (possibly 20% off at $99.99).

Seasonal Deals: January and February Monitor Sales

January and February are particularly favorable months for purchasing new monitors in 2024. There are several reasons why these months present excellent opportunities for consumers:

1. Post-Holiday Clearance: After the holiday shopping season ends, retailers aim to clear out old inventory to make room for new products. This leads to significant clearance events where older models of monitors are sold at discounted prices. On average, you can expect discounts of 20% to 30% off on select models during these clearance events.

2. CES Influence: The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in early January, showcases upcoming tech products. This event often leads to price drops on existing models as companies prepare to launch new products. For instance, at CES 2024, multiple OLED monitors were announced, including 32-inch, non-curved QD-OLED options. This shift in product offerings typically results in older models of LCD and conventional monitors seeing price reductions.

3. Super Bowl Discounts: Late January sees retailers anticipating increased sales of displays leading up to the Super Bowl. While primarily focused on TVs, these discounts often extend to monitors as well.

4. End of Season Sales: February features end-of-season sales targeting customers looking for bargains as retailers further reduce inventory.

Some notable deals and products to look out for during this period include:

• Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor: A 39.7-inch monitor with a resolution of 5120×2160 and a 120 Hz refresh rate, featuring USB-C connectivity and a high pixel count suited for both work and play.

• Dell U2723QE: A new 27-inch, 4K monitor featuring IPS Black technology for enhanced contrast, priced at $599. It includes a USB-C port with 90W power delivery and a KVM feature for switching between devices.

When shopping during these months, consider the following tips:

• Look for older versions or refurbished products: Post-CES announcements often lead to significant savings on previous models, with discounts ranging from 10% to 25% off compared to launch pricing of new models.

• Evaluate your needs: Compare features to determine if newer models offer just cosmetic changes or significant enhancements that justify their higher prices.

• Consider size recommendations: A minimum size of 24 inches is recommended as a baseline, with 27 inches being a popular choice for balancing space and resolution.

Springtime Monitor Deals: Discounts on Displays for Productivity and Gaming

Spring 2024 brings a wave of exciting monitor deals, particularly during the Amazon Big Spring Sale from March 20th to March 25th. This period offers extensive discounts on monitors suitable for various uses, including gaming, productivity, and general computer use. Here's a comprehensive guide to some of the best deals:

Gaming Monitors:

1. Acer Nitro XV240Y: A 1080p monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, priced at $179.99 (was $249.99), offering a 30% discount. It features AMD FreeSync support and a 1ms response time.

2. Samsung Odyssey Ark: This massive 55-inch curved gaming monitor is available for $1,999 (was $2,999), a $1,000 discount. It's great for immersive gaming and cloud gaming, with high color accuracy.

3. LG UltraGear 45GR75DC: A 45-inch ultra-wide curved display with a 5,120 x 1,440 resolution and 240Hz refresh rate, priced at $899 (with occasional flash sales for $799). It's designed for both gaming and productivity.

4. Dell Alienware AW2523HF: Featuring a 360Hz refresh rate, this monitor is available for $499.99 (was $699.99). It offers G-Sync compatibility and a 1ms response time for fluid gameplay.

Productivity Monitors:

1. Asus ProArt PA248QV: A 24.1-inch monitor with 1920 x 1200 resolution, priced at $239.99 (was $299.99), offering a 20% discount. It's 100% factory-calibrated for excellent color accuracy, ideal for photo and video editing.

2. LG UltraFine 24MD4KL-B: A 23.7-inch 4K monitor priced at $599 (was $799), offering a 25% discount. It features Thunderbolt 3 connectivity and is ideal for Mac users.

3. Samsung ViewFinity S60A: A 27-inch 1440p monitor available for $429.99 (was $499.99), offering a 15% discount. It features an ergonomic design with a height-adjustable stand and vibrant color reproduction.

4. BenQ PD3220U: A 32-inch 4K monitor priced at $1,199 (was $1,699), offering a 30% discount. It supports HDR10 and is factory calibrated for high color accuracy.

General Computer Monitors:

1. HP P27v G5: A 27-inch 1080p monitor priced at $189.99 (was $251.99), offering a 25% discount. It features VGA and HDMI inputs and is designed for office work with a blue light filter.

2. ViewSonic VA2456-MHD: A 24-inch 1920 x 1080 monitor available for $139.99 (was $194.99), offering a 28% discount. It features an IPS display and ultra-thin bezels for multi-monitor setups.

3. Acer EZ321Q: A 31.5-inch 1080p monitor priced at $249.99 (was $319.99), offering a 22% discount. It features an IPS panel and tilt adjustments for ergonomic viewing.

Additional Deals:

• Logitech C920x Webcam: Available for $49.99 (was $79.99), offering a 35% discount. It features Full HD video recording and an integrated microphone.

• Seagate Game Drive (2TB): Compatible with PS4 and PS5, available for $99.99 (was $124.99), offering a 20% discount. It's perfect for expanding game storage.

• TP-Link Deco AX3000: A mesh WiFi system available for $199.99 (was $279.99), offering a 30% discount. It provides excellent coverage throughout the home.

These spring deals offer a unique buying opportunity with discounts reaching up to 50% on a wide range of monitors suitable for various needs. It's an excellent time for consumers to enhance their gaming setups, work environments, and multimedia experiences.

Edge Question: Should You Wait for Black Friday to Buy a Monitor?

The decision to wait for Black Friday to purchase a monitor in 2024 depends on several factors. While Black Friday (November 29, 2024) traditionally offers some of the best deals of the year, it's not always the optimal choice for everyone. Here's a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of waiting for Black Friday, along with alternative options to consider:

Pros of Waiting for Black Friday:

1. Significant Discounts: Black Friday typically offers the deepest discounts of the year on electronics, including monitors.
2. Wide Selection: Retailers often have a broad range of models on sale, from budget options to high-end displays.
3. Bundle Deals: You might find attractive bundles that include monitors with other peripherals or accessories.

Cons of Waiting for Black Friday:

1. Limited Stock: Popular models may sell out quickly, especially for doorbusters or limited-time deals.
2. Overwhelming Options: The sheer number of deals can make decision-making difficult.
3. Potential for Impulse Purchases: The pressure of limited-time offers might lead to hasty decisions.

Alternative Times to Consider:

1. Amazon Prime Day (July 11-12, 2024): Offers exclusive deals for Prime members, often extending discounts to non-members as well.
2. Back-to-School Sales (Mid-July to Mid-September): Good for deals on monitors as students prepare for the academic year.
3. January and February: Manufacturers often restock during these months, leading to discounts on older inventory.
4. Cyber Monday (December 2, 2024): Often features online-exclusive deals that might be missed during Black Friday.

Factors to Consider:

1. Urgency: If you need a monitor immediately or your current one is non-functional, waiting might not be practical.
2. Specific Model: If you're eyeing a particular model, research its price history to determine if Black Friday is likely to offer the best deal.
3. Budget: Determine your budget and monitor prices throughout the year. If you find a deal that fits your budget before Black Friday, it might be worth taking.

Tips for Making a Decision:

1. Set Price Alerts: Use price tracking tools to monitor the cost of desired models throughout the year.
2. Research Historical Prices: Look at past Black Friday deals to get an idea of potential discounts.
3. Consider Older Models: When new versions are released, prices on older models often drop significantly.
4. Evaluate Refurbished Options: Refurbished monitors can offer significant savings with warranties comparable to new products.

Overall, while Black Friday can offer exceptional deals, it's not always necessary to wait if you find a good price earlier in the year. Keep an eye on prices throughout the year, especially during the alternative sale periods mentioned, and be ready to act when you find a deal that meets your needs and budget.

Monitor Compatibility: How to Know if a Monitor is Compatible with Your PC

Ensuring compatibility between your monitor and PC is crucial for optimal performance. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you check compatibility:

1. Identify the Total Number of Displays: Determine how many monitors you wish to connect. Connecting two displays is generally more straightforward than three or more.

2. Check Available Ports on the PC: Examine the ports available on your motherboard and discrete GPU. Common ports include HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, and VGA. Some motherboards may have multiple ports or only a single one, depending on the model and manufacturer.

   

3. Evaluate Monitor Capabilities: Check the input ports available on your monitors. Supported ports typically include HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, and VGA. For daisy-chaining monitors, ensure they support DisplayPort 1.2 or Thunderbolt with MST compatibility.

4. Consider Connection Methods: A direct cable connection is usually the most reliable. Choose between HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA cables based on your available ports. For wireless setups, you'll need a Miracast-compatible monitor and a Wi-Fi-enabled PC.

5. Connect the Monitors: Start with a powered-off computer and monitor. Connect each monitor using the appropriate cables, then turn on the monitors followed by the PC. Using high-quality cables is crucial for stable and high-resolution outputs.

6. Adjust BIOS Settings (if necessary): If you have a discrete GPU and integrated graphics, you may need to access BIOS settings and enable multi-display support.

7. Configure Display Settings in OS: For Windows 10 and 11, right-click on the desktop, go to Display settings, and identify each monitor. You can choose to duplicate displays, extend displays, or use the second screen only.

8. Fine-Tune the Arrangement: Drag and drop display icons in the display settings to correspond with their physical layout on your desk. This ensures a natural cursor flow between screens.

9. Adjust Resolution and Orientation: Scroll down in the display settings to adjust resolution and scaling for each monitor based on their native specs.

10. Troubleshooting Common Issues: If a monitor is not recognized, click the 'Detect' button in Display Settings. Check cable connections and try other ports if necessary. Ensure your graphics drivers are up-to-date, as outdated drivers can cause recognition issues.

    

When considering monitor requirements, look for a minimum Full HD (1920x1080) resolution for clear visuals. A refresh rate of 60Hz is standard, but higher rates (120Hz+) are favorable for gaming. IPS panels provide better color reproduction and viewing angles.

For graphics card requirements, a discrete GPU is ideal for reliable performance. Examples include the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT.

By following these steps and considering these specifications, you can ensure that your new monitor is fully compatible with your PC, providing the best possible performance and user experience.

FAQs

Q: What is the best time of year to buy a monitor?

A: The best time to buy a monitor typically falls around major shopping events and certain periods throughout the year. Black Friday and Cyber Monday, occurring in late November and early December, often offer the most significant discounts on monitors and other electronics. However, other excellent times to find deals include January and February (post-holiday clearance sales), Amazon Prime Day in July, and back-to-school sales in August and September. Additionally, major holiday weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day frequently feature good monitor deals.`

Q: How often do monitor prices drop?

A: Monitor prices tend to fluctuate throughout the year, but there are some predictable patterns. Generally, you can expect to see price drops during major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day. Additionally, prices often decrease when new models are released, which typically happens in the first quarter of the year following CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in January. Throughout the year, retailers may offer periodic sales or discounts, especially during holiday weekends or end-of-season clearances. It's also common to see gradual price reductions on older models as they become less current. For the most accurate picture of price trends, it's advisable to use price tracking tools or regularly check prices on models you're interested in over several months.

Q: Are monitor prices expected to drop in 2024?

A: Monitor prices in 2024 are likely to follow similar patterns to previous years, with some potential for overall price reductions due to technological advancements and market competition. We can expect to see significant discounts during major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day. Additionally, as newer technologies like OLED and mini-LED become more prevalent in the monitor market, prices for these advanced displays may start to decrease, while older LCD models could see further price drops. The introduction of new features and higher refresh rates in mid-range monitors might also lead to price reductions in existing models. However, global economic factors, supply chain issues, and demand fluctuations can all impact pricing, so it's important to keep an eye on market trends throughout the year.

Q: What features should I look for when buying a new monitor in 2024?

A: When buying a new monitor in 2024, there are several key features to consider based on your needs:

1. Resolution: At minimum, look for 1080p (Full HD). For productivity or high-end gaming, consider 1440p (QHD) or 4K (UHD) options.

2. Refresh Rate: For general use, 60Hz is sufficient. For gaming, aim for 144Hz or higher for smoother motion.

3. Panel Type: IPS panels offer better color accuracy and viewing angles, while VA panels provide better contrast. TN panels are budget-friendly with fast response times.

4. Response Time: Lower is better, especially for gaming. Look for 5ms or less for general use, 1ms for competitive gaming.

5. HDR (High Dynamic Range): This feature enhances contrast and color range. Look for DisplayHDR certification for guaranteed performance.

6. Adaptive Sync: Technologies like FreeSync or G-Sync reduce screen tearing in games.

7. Connectivity: Ensure the monitor has the ports you need (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C).

8. Ergonomics: Features like height adjustment, tilt, and pivot can improve comfort.

9. Size: Choose based on your workspace and needs. 24-27 inches are common for desktops, while ultrawide or larger displays offer more screen real estate.

10. Color Accuracy: For professional work, look for monitors with high color gamut coverage (sRGB, Adobe RGB, DCI-P3).

Remember to prioritize features based on your specific use case, whether it's for general productivity, professional work, or gaming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing when to buy a monitor can help you save money and ensure you get the best value for your investment. Whether you're looking for a gaming powerhouse, a productivity workhorse, or just an everyday display, keeping an eye on key sales periods like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, New Year Sales, Amazon Prime Day, and Back-to-School deals will give you a significant advantage. Don't forget to do thorough research and consider your specific needs before making a purchase. Share this guide with friends or family who might benefit from it and leave a comment below if you have any tips or experiences to share about buying monitors!