Updated Sep 7, 2026· 6 min read

Key takeaways

  • Excellent value: Black Friday pricing turns solid mid-range panels into standout bargains.
  • Options for every use: Office, everyday, and gaming picks all covered.
  • Eye comfort features: Flicker-free operation and low blue light across the lineup.
  • Adaptive sync: FreeSync support on gaming models keeps motion smooth and tear-free.

Black Friday is the single best time of year to buy a monitor, and the deals stretch far beyond the flashy flagship displays. Some of the smartest purchases hide in the everyday and mid-range tier, where reliable 100Hz office panels and fast 180Hz gaming monitors drop to prices that make upgrading a no-brainer.

This review walks through the monitors that consistently anchor Black Friday sales, from budget-friendly Philips and Acer office screens to Samsung’s popular Odyssey gaming line. We’ll help you decide which discount is worth your money and which specs actually matter for the way you use a display.

Our top picks

Top pickPhilips 24 Inch Computer Monitor FHD 100Hz VA VESA Flicker-Free, 241V8LB | 1920×1080 LED Monitor, 4ms GtG, Adaptive Sync, HDMI 1.4, Tilt Adjust, Low Blue Light, 4yr Advance Replacement WarrantyPhilips 24 Inch Computer Monitor FHD 100Hz
  • This 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp…
  • The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper…
  • The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents…
Check price on Amazon
Also greatAcer KB242Y - 23.8 Inch IPS Zero-Frame Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor | Tilt | Up to 120Hz Refresh | 1ms (VRB) | sRGB 99% | HDMI & VGA Ports | Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible)Acer KB242Y
  • Incredible Images: The Acer KB242Y G0bi 23.8" monitor…
  • Adaptive-Sync Support: Get fast refresh rates thanks to…
  • Responsive!!: Fast response time of 1ms enhances the…
Check price on Amazon
Also greatSamsung 27" Odyssey G5 (G51F) Series QHD (1440P) Gaming Monitor | 180Hz, 1ms, AMD FreeSync, HDR10, Height Adj Stand, Black Equalizer, Virtual Aim Point, Auto Source Switch+ (LS27FG512ENXZA)Samsung 27" Odyssey G5
  • QHD Resolution (2560 x 1440) has 1.7 times…
  • HDR10 provides brighter highlights and nuanced shadow for…
  • The 180Hz refresh rate minimizes lag for gameplay…
Check price on Amazon
ProductKey specs
Philips 24 Inch Computer Monitor FHD 100HzThis 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp…
The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper…
The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents…
Check price
Acer KB242YIncredible Images: The Acer KB242Y G0bi 23.8" monitor…
Adaptive-Sync Support: Get fast refresh rates thanks to…
Responsive!!: Fast response time of 1ms enhances the…
Check price
Samsung 27" Odyssey G5QHD Resolution (2560 x 1440) has 1.7 times…
HDR10 provides brighter highlights and nuanced shadow for…
The 180Hz refresh rate minimizes lag for gameplay…
Check price
Samsung 24" Odyssey G3180Hz refresh rate eliminates lag for exhilarating gameplay…
AMD Radeon FreeSync keeps your monitor and graphics…
Black Equalizer allows you to adjust dark areas…
Check price
Philips 22 Inch Computer Monitor FHD 100HzThis 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V…
100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games…
Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid…
Check price
msi PRO MP225 E12VLMSI's 21.45-inch Full HD VA gaming monitor (1920×1080)…
TÜV Rheinland certified Flicker Free and Low Blue…
120Hz high refresh rate delivers noticeably smoother motion…
Check price
Samsung 27" S3Experience stunning colors across the entire display with…
Stay in the action when playing games, watching…
Gain a competitive edge with optimizable game settings.²…
Check price
Samsung 27" Essential S3An immersive viewing experience with a curved monitor…
Stay in the action when playing games, watching…
Gain the edge with optimizable game settings
Check price

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

🎮 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

Watch: Black Friday Monitor Sale: Review & Buyer’s Guide — Video Review

Design & Build

The monitors that headline Black Friday tend to favor clean, functional design over flash, and that’s a good thing at these prices. The Philips 241V8LB and its 22-inch sibling keep things simple with slim bezels, a flicker-free VA panel, and a tilt-adjustable stand aimed at comfortable all-day office use. Acer’s KB242Y brings a zero-frame IPS look that’s more premium than its price suggests. On the gaming side, Samsung’s Odyssey G5 and G3 models add a more assertive stance, with the G5’s height-adjustable stand being a genuine ergonomic win. The MSI PRO MP225 rounds out the value end with a no-nonsense business build and VESA mounting for tidy desks.

Performance

Match the panel to the task and these monitors punch well above their sale prices. For productivity, the Philips 100Hz VA screens and the Acer KB242Y’s 120Hz IPS panel deliver smooth scrolling, low blue light, and comfortable text clarity that reduces eye strain over long workdays. The MSI MP225’s 100Hz refresh and adaptive sync make it a capable everyday performer too. Where things get exciting is gaming: the Samsung Odyssey G5 27-inch QHD panel combines 1440p sharpness with a 180Hz refresh, 1ms response, and HDR10, making it the standout for players who want resolution and speed together. The 24-inch Odyssey G3 keeps costs down with a fast 180Hz FHD panel and FreeSync, ideal for high-refresh 1080p gaming on a budget.

Pros & Cons

  • Excellent value: Black Friday pricing turns solid mid-range panels into standout bargains.
  • Options for every use: Office, everyday, and gaming picks all covered.
  • Eye comfort features: Flicker-free operation and low blue light across the lineup.
  • Adaptive sync: FreeSync support on gaming models keeps motion smooth and tear-free.
  • Basic stands on budget models: Some cheaper panels offer tilt only, no height adjustment.
  • VA viewing angles: The Philips VA panels look best viewed head-on.
  • Deals vary: Discount quality changes by retailer and exact model, so comparison shopping is essential.

Alternatives to Consider

If gaming is your focus, the Samsung Odyssey G5 QHD is the crown jewel of this group, offering 1440p at 180Hz for a price that’s hard to beat during the sale. Budget gamers should look at the Odyssey G3 for fast 1080p action. For pure productivity, the Acer KB242Y’s IPS panel gives the best color and viewing angles, while the Philips 241V8LB and MSI MP225 are dependable, wallet-friendly office workhorses.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are monitor deals actually best?

Black Friday and Cyber Monday typically offer the deepest annual discounts. Always compare against the price history to confirm a deal is genuine rather than a marked-up markdown.

Is QHD worth it over FHD?

For a 27-inch monitor, yes. QHD adds noticeable sharpness. On 24-inch screens, FHD still looks crisp and keeps frame rates higher on modest GPUs.

What refresh rate do I need?

100Hz is smooth for office work and casual use. For gaming, 180Hz like the Odyssey models delivers a clearly faster, more responsive feel.

Are VA panels good for gaming?

VA panels offer great contrast and deep blacks, which suit immersive games. Just check the response time, as some VA screens can show minor smearing in fast scenes.

Verdict

Black Friday monitor deals reward shoppers who know what to look for. For gaming, the Samsung Odyssey G5 QHD is our top recommendation thanks to its rare mix of resolution and speed, while the Odyssey G3 covers budget high-refresh needs. For work and everyday use, the Acer KB242Y and Philips 241V8LB deliver dependable quality at prices that make the sale genuinely worthwhile.

A
Aiden Cooper
We compare specs, materials and verified owner reviews before a product earns a spot. Rankings are never paid.

FAQ

When are monitor deals actually best?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday typically offer the deepest annual discounts. Always compare against the price history to confirm a deal is genuine rather than a marked-up markdown.
Is QHD worth it over FHD?
For a 27-inch monitor, yes. QHD adds noticeable sharpness. On 24-inch screens, FHD still looks crisp and keeps frame rates higher on modest GPUs.
What refresh rate do I need?
100Hz is smooth for office work and casual use. For gaming, 180Hz like the Odyssey models delivers a clearly faster, more responsive feel.
Are VA panels good for gaming?
VA panels offer great contrast and deep blacks, which suit immersive games. Just check the response time, as some VA screens can show minor smearing in fast scenes.
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 Sale: Review & Buyer’s Guide…Check price on Amazon