Monitors

How to Buy a Monitor: Screen Size, Panel, Refresh Rate

Updated 21 October 2026

Start with the task

A monitor for spreadsheets and documents and a monitor for shooters are different purchases. For office work and study, a Full HD IPS of 24–27 inches is enough. For games the refresh rate (144 Hz and above) and a fast response time matter. For design and photography you need accurate colour and a wide gamut, and programmers like big screens and high resolution, as they get more room for code.

Panel, resolution and size

IPS gives good viewing angles and colours, VA gives deep black and contrast but can smear motion, and TN is fast and cheap but with poorer colours. OLED gives a rich picture but costs more. Resolution should match the size: on 27 inches 2560×1440 looks sharper than Full HD, and 4K makes sense if your graphics card can handle it. Curved monitors are loved for immersion, while flat ones are better for graphics work.

What to check on a used monitor

The main risks are dead pixels, backlight bleed at the edges, burn-in on old models, uneven brightness and a delay when switching on. Ask to see the monitor on a white and a black background. Check the ports (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C), the stand and the cables. A warranty from the seller is very useful here.

What to put in your request

• screen size: for example 27 inches;
• what for: office, study, games, design, video editing, programming;
• new or used;
• resolution: Full HD, 2K, 4K;
• refresh rate: 60, 144, 165 Hz and so on;
• panel type: IPS, VA, OLED, TN; curved or flat;
• model: for example Dell P2723D;
• warranty, delivery, budget.

Example: “I need a new 27-inch IPS monitor, 2560×1440, 144 Hz, for games and work, with a DisplayPort connector and a warranty of 12 months or more. Courier delivery to Adelaide, budget up to A$310.”

How to compare offers

Compare the panel, not only the size: two models of the same size can differ a lot. Look at what's in the box: cables, stand adjustment, VESA mount. Ask about the policy on dead pixels. For a large batch, say for an office, discuss the total price right away.

How it works on BlaBlaPrice

You describe the monitor you need in a request on BlaBlaPrice, and sellers reply in the chat with price, warranty and delivery. They see their place and often improve their terms. The best-value offer is shown first, with reviews of the seller next to each. Your phone number is hidden, and it is free for buyers. More in the “How it works” section.

With a monitor you may also need graphics cards or peripherals.