How to Choose the Best Refurbished Monitor for Your Setup

A good monitor makes everything you do on a computer easier on the eyes and more productive, and buying refurbished gets you a better screen for less. Here is how to pick the right one for your space and the way you work.

Quick answer: for most people a 24 to 27 inch Full HD or higher monitor with an IPS panel and the right ports is the sweet spot. Go bigger or higher resolution only if your work needs it.

Key takeaways

Size and resolution matter most. 24 to 27 inch Full HD suits the majority of users.
IPS panels give the best colour and viewing angles for everyday work.
Check the ports match your computer before you buy.
Refurbished monitors offer excellent value and are widely available.

Size and resolution

A 24 inch Full HD screen is a great all-rounder for home and office. Step up to 27 inch or a higher resolution if you work with spreadsheets, design or many windows at once. Bigger is not always better, so match the screen to your desk and your eyes. A good monitor lifts any setup built on refurbished computers.

Use	Size	Resolution
Everyday office and study	22 to 24 inch	Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Spreadsheets and many windows	24 to 27 inch	Full HD or QHD (2560 x 1440)
Design and photo work	27 inch	QHD or higher, IPS panel
Dual-screen desk	Two matching 22 to 24 inch	Full HD on both

Panel type

IPS: best colour and viewing angles, ideal for general use and creative work.
VA: strong contrast, good for media.
TN: fast and cheap, mainly for competitive gaming.

For most buyers, IPS is the easy choice.

Check the connections

Make sure the monitor has a port that matches your computer, usually HDMI or DisplayPort. A monitor also turns a laptop into a proper workstation, so it is worth browsing our refurbished laptops for sale if you want a portable machine you can dock to a big screen.

Pro tip: if you would rather not add a separate screen at all, an all-in-one PC combines the computer and display in one unit, saving space.

Watch out: Many ex-corporate monitors have DisplayPort and VGA but no HDMI. If your computer only has HDMI or USB-C, budget for the right cable or adapter, and avoid VGA where you can because the picture is softer.

Do not forget the rest of the setup

A monitor works best alongside a comfortable keyboard, a good mouse and proper desk height. For the full picture, see our guide to the right keyboard, mouse and accessories.

Frequently asked questions

What size refurbished monitor should I buy?

For most people, 24 to 27 inches is ideal. Choose 24 inch for general use and 27 inch or larger if you work with lots of windows or detailed content.

Are refurbished monitors reliable?

Yes. A professionally refurbished monitor is tested and graded for condition. Buy from a seller that checks the panel for dead pixels and backlight issues.

Which connection do I need?

Most modern computers use HDMI or DisplayPort. Check your computer’s outputs and pick a monitor with a matching input.

The best refurbished monitor is the one that fits your desk, your work and your computer’s ports. Get the size, panel and connections right, and you will enjoy it every day for years.