Best place to buy computer monitors: Top retailer choices

Finding the right monitor is only part of the buying process. Choosing where to purchase it can make a difference in price, delivery, return protection, warranty support, and access to open-box deals. Some stores are better for gaming displays, while others offer more professional monitors, refurbished models, or opportunities to inspect products in person. The best place to buy computer monitors depends on your budget, preferred brand, and willingness to shop online or visit a physical store. This roundup compares eight US retailers and manufacturer stores to help you find a suitable display without overlooking important purchasing conditions.

Quick verdict: where should you buy a monitor?

There is no single retailer that offers the best experience for every monitor buyer.

Best Buy is a strong all-around choice because it combines online shopping, physical stores, open-box inventory, and a relatively straightforward return process. Amazon is attractive for comparing models and prices across many sellers. Newegg is particularly useful for PC enthusiasts who want detailed technical specifications and monitor-specific return protection.

Micro Center is worth visiting when you want to inspect displays and speak with knowledgeable staff. Costco can offer attractive member-only deals, while B&H Photo Video is a useful specialist retailer for professional and creator-oriented displays.

How we selected these retailers

This roundup evaluates retailers rather than individual monitor models. The goal is to identify where different types of buyers can shop confidently.

Our selection considers:

• Product selection: Variety of brands, panel technologies, screen sizes, resolutions, and gaming specifications.

• Pricing opportunities: Promotions, clearance deals, open-box inventory, and refurbished products.

• Return policies: Available return periods, potential restocking fees, and conditions for defective displays.

• Warranty support: Access to manufacturer warranties and retailer protection options.

• Shopping experience: Physical locations, online filters, technical assistance, shipping, and pickup options.

Retailer policies were checked on November 2, 2026. Prices and promotional examples are dated observations, not guaranteed future offers.

No direct purchasing experience or independent retailer service testing was supplied. Recommendations are based on published retailer policies, available product catalogs, and purchasing features.

The eight best places to buy computer monitors

Best Buy — Best overall

Best Buy is a strong starting point for most monitor buyers because it combines a substantial online catalog with physical retail locations.

Its monitor selection covers several major categories, including:

• Standard Full HD office monitors.

• QHD gaming monitors.

• 4K displays.

• Ultrawide monitors.

• OLED gaming displays.

• Portable USB-C monitors.

• Professional productivity displays.

The biggest advantage is the opportunity to compare online listings with local store inventory.

That matters because monitor shopping is more visual than buying many other PC components. A monitor that looks impressive in its marketing images may have disappointing brightness, viewing angles, or reflections in a real room.

Visiting a store can help you evaluate the display size, panel appearance, stand, and available connectivity before ordering.

Open-box shopping is another reason to consider Best Buy.

The retailer sells customer-returned monitors at reduced prices, sometimes offering substantial savings on higher-end displays.

For example, its open-box listings have included Alienware QD-OLED gaming monitors and Samsung curved displays. Prices vary according to condition and local inventory.

Best Buy also has a useful return policy, although buyers should understand the applicable membership category.

The retailer also publishes special holiday return periods that can temporarily extend these deadlines. Marketplace purchases have separate limitations, particularly regarding membership extensions.

Advantages:

• Wide selection across major monitor brands.

• Physical stores for display inspection.

• Open-box and clearance opportunities.

• Online ordering with local pickup options.

• Access to Geek Squad services and protection plans.

Disadvantages:

• Standard return period is 15 days.

• Open-box condition varies.

• Membership may be necessary to receive extended return privileges.

• Third-party marketplace listings require additional checking.

Best for: Buyers who want a balance of selection, in-person shopping, open-box opportunities, and access to retail support.

My recommendation: Start here when you are unsure which monitor to purchase and want the option to see a similar display in person before committing.

Amazon — Best for selection and price comparison

Amazon is particularly convenient when you already know which monitor model you want.

Its marketplace includes displays from manufacturers such as ASUS, Acer, Samsung, LG, Dell, MSI, AOC, Gigabyte, and ViewSonic.

The main benefit is the ability to compare multiple sellers and product configurations in one shopping environment.

Amazon also makes it easy to compare:

• Screen size.

• Resolution.

• Refresh rate.

• Panel technology.

• Connectivity.

• Included accessories.

• New and refurbished condition.

The platform’s seller options can be particularly useful when a popular monitor is temporarily unavailable through traditional retailers.

However, the important distinction is who actually sells and fulfills your order.

Amazon identifies this information beneath the Buy Now section:

• Sold by Amazon and shipped by Amazon.

• Sold by a third-party seller and shipped by Amazon.

• Sold and shipped by a third-party seller.

These arrangements are not identical. Fulfillment by Amazon does not mean Amazon is the actual seller.

For most items, Amazon provides a 30-day return window, but buyers should check the specific monitor listing before ordering.

Amazon Renewed is another useful option for people considering refurbished displays. Eligible products are inspected and tested by qualified suppliers and assigned cosmetic condition grades.

Advantages:

• Extensive model and brand selection.

• Convenient price comparisons.

• New, used, and refurbished options.

• Amazon Renewed condition standards.

• Most eligible products have a 30-day return period.

Disadvantages:

• Third-party seller reliability varies.

• Different sellers may have different return arrangements.

• Not every listing includes identical accessories.

• Monitor warranty terms can differ significantly.

Best for: Buyers who know what they want and prefer comparing several sellers, configurations, and price offers without visiting multiple stores.

My recommendation: Compare the exact monitor model number and seller identity before ordering. Do not automatically choose the cheapest listing.

Newegg — Best for PC and gaming enthusiasts

Newegg is one of the most relevant shopping destinations for people building or upgrading gaming PCs.

Its monitor category is designed around technical specifications, which makes it useful when you already know what you need.

You can browse specialized categories such as gaming, OLED, curved, ultrawide, portable, and high-resolution monitors.

This is particularly useful when comparing features that are important for gaming:

• 144Hz, 180Hz, 240Hz, or higher refresh rates.

• G-SYNC compatibility.

• AMD FreeSync.

• IPS, VA, and OLED panels.

• DisplayPort and HDMI connections.

• QHD and 4K resolutions.

• USB-C display connectivity.

Newegg also has a distinctive monitor return policy.

Its published Zero Dead Pixel Policy allows customers to return eligible monitors, televisions, and display products with as few as one dead pixel within the applicable return period.

That is a meaningful advantage for buyers concerned about receiving a panel with defective pixels.

However, the return window still depends on the individual product listing. Newegg also sells products through third-party Marketplace sellers, whose specific terms need to be checked separately.

A useful current shopping example is the MSI PRO MP225 E12VL, a 21.45-inch Full HD monitor with a 120Hz refresh rate. Its Newegg listing showed a price of $69.99 during research, with alternate offers ranging from approximately $64.99 to $77.99.

That illustrates the retailer’s appeal for shoppers looking for affordable PC displays as well as premium gaming monitors.

Advantages:

• Strong gaming and PC hardware selection.

• Detailed technical product information.

• Useful category filters.

• Monitor-specific Zero Dead Pixel Policy.

• Competitive promotional prices on selected displays.

Disadvantages:

• Individual return windows vary.

• Marketplace seller policies require additional checking.

• Shipping costs and return conditions can differ.

• Not every monitor is available for immediate delivery.

Best for: Gaming PC owners, hardware enthusiasts, and buyers comparing detailed monitor specifications.

My recommendation: Put Newegg near the top of your comparison list when refresh rate, adaptive sync, ports, and pixel-defect protection are important.

Micro Center — Best for in-person monitor shopping

Micro Center is particularly attractive for buyers who want a specialized PC retailer rather than a general electronics store.

Its monitor selection includes models from ASUS, Acer, Dell, Samsung, MSI, LG, Gigabyte, and AOC.

The website allows shoppers to browse by:

• Gaming monitors.

• 4K monitors.

• Ultrawide monitors.

• Curved monitors.

• Full HD monitors.

• OLED displays.

• Price categories.

One interesting advantage is the availability of inexpensive and gaming-oriented monitors in the same product catalog.

For example, listings checked during research included a Samsung 24-inch Full HD 100Hz monitor for $79.99 and an Acer 23.8-inch Full HD 144Hz monitor for $74.99.

Prices can change, but these examples demonstrate the retailer’s usefulness when shopping for a second display or an affordable gaming monitor.

Micro Center also offers a meaningful return period for monitors. Under its current policy, the standard return period is 30 days for items outside the specifically listed 15-day product categories.

Monitors are not included in that shortened list.

There is one major limitation: Micro Center operates a relatively small physical-store network compared with Walmart or Best Buy. Its current US store locator lists approximately 30 locations, so in-person shopping is not practical for everyone.

Advantages:

• PC-focused product selection.

• Opportunities to inspect monitors in person.

• Good range of gaming and productivity displays.

• 30-day standard return period for monitors.

• Access to PC hardware specialists.

• Store pickup and local inventory checking.

Disadvantages:

• Limited store locations.

• Some inventory and pricing depend on individual stores.

• In-store purchases must be returned in person.

• Not as convenient for buyers without a nearby location.

Best for: PC builders who want to compare hardware in person and purchase a monitor from a specialist retailer.

My recommendation: Check Micro Center before buying a gaming monitor, especially when you have a store nearby and want to compare several models physically.

Walmart — Best for convenient shopping and budget monitors

Walmart is worth considering when price and convenience matter more than access to a specialized PC shopping experience.

Its monitor category includes products from Samsung, LG, Acer, Dell, ASUS, HP, Alienware, and other brands.

The selection also covers both everyday office monitors and gaming-oriented displays.

One benefit is the combination of online purchasing and local fulfillment. Depending on your ZIP code and the seller, some monitors may qualify for store pickup or relatively quick delivery.

Walmart’s return policy lists most consumer electronics, including monitors, in the 30-day category.

However, there is an important distinction between items sold directly by Walmart and Marketplace products.

Third-party Marketplace sellers can handle their own returns, shipping, and customer service. Some may also have additional restocking fees.

This is why checking the Sold by information is particularly important.

Walmart can also be useful for occasional online-only promotions, discontinued models, and inexpensive second monitors.

Advantages:

• Large selection of mainstream monitor brands.

• Budget-friendly product options.

• Store pickup on eligible items.

• 30-day return period for consumer electronics under the published policy.

• Easy comparison with other household purchases.

Disadvantages:

• Third-party Marketplace sellers vary.

• Product listings sometimes provide inconsistent specifications.

• High-end gaming monitor selection is less specialized than PC-focused retailers.

• Marketplace returns may involve different conditions.

Best for: Buyers who want an inexpensive everyday monitor, a secondary display, or a convenient purchase through a familiar retailer.

My recommendation: Walmart is a sensible option for mainstream Full HD and QHD displays, but check the exact seller before ordering.

Costco — Best for member-exclusive deals

Costco is not necessarily the first retailer most PC enthusiasts think about when shopping for monitors, but its online electronics selection can produce worthwhile deals.

Its monitor category includes gaming displays, 4K monitors, curved models, ultrawide screens, portable displays, and OLED products.

The retailer’s main attraction is competitive member pricing on selected products.

One particularly interesting example found during research was the Acer EK241Y P6bi.

The listing also specifies 99% sRGB coverage and a 1ms VRB response-time claim.

For someone looking for an inexpensive Full HD gaming monitor, this is an appealing configuration.

The product was listed as online-only, with standard ground shipping included in the displayed price.

However, Costco requires membership for ordinary member purchases, and its monitor selection changes over time.

Pay attention to the return policy as well. Costco’s published 90-day electronics exceptions specifically identify televisions, computers, cameras, and other listed products, but do not expressly name standalone computer monitors.

Do not assume that the 90-day television rule automatically applies to a computer monitor. Check the specific item and confirm its return conditions with Costco before purchasing.

Advantages:

• Competitive member-only offers.

• Occasional strong monitor specifications at low prices.

• Online delivery with shipping included on selected items.

• Manufacturer warranty information.

• A worthwhile option for value-conscious shoppers.

Disadvantages:

• Membership required.

• Smaller selection than Amazon or Best Buy.

• Some products are online-only.

• Monitor-specific return conditions need checking.

Best for: Costco members looking for a well-priced monitor or an occasional gaming display deal.

My recommendation: Check Costco before buying an inexpensive 1080p or entry-level gaming monitor. Its member offers can be particularly competitive.

B&H Photo Video — Best for creators and professional displays

B&H Photo Video is a specialist retailer that is particularly useful for buyers who need more than a standard gaming monitor.

Its monitor catalog focuses on technical display characteristics, with useful filters covering:

• Resolution.

• Panel type.

• Color gamut.

• Brightness.

• Refresh rate.

• Aspect ratio.

• USB-C power delivery.

• DisplayPort and HDMI connectivity.

• VESA mounting patterns.

• Stand adjustment.

These specifications are particularly important for photographers, video editors, graphic designers, and other creative professionals.

A good monitor for gaming does not necessarily make a good monitor for color-critical editing.

For creative work, buyers should pay attention to native color gamut coverage, factory calibration, color accuracy claims, resolution, uniformity, and available calibration controls.

B&H is also useful for displays with specialized connectivity.

For example, its listings have included Philips professional monitors with USB-C docking, HDMI, DisplayPort, and ultrawide resolutions.

That makes the store worth checking when your monitor needs to connect a laptop, charge devices, and provide a larger productivity workspace.

B&H offers a standard 30-day return policy for eligible purchases. However, returns have conditions involving the original packaging, accessories, and return shipping costs.

Advantages:

• Specialist monitor selection.

• Detailed technical specifications.

• Useful options for photography and video editing.

• Professional and ultrawide monitor categories.

• 30-day standard return policy.

Disadvantages:

• Less convenient for some general budget monitor purchases.

• Return shipping may be deducted from the refund.

• Smaller mainstream gaming selection than major electronics marketplaces.

• Some products may be more specialized and expensive.

Best for: Content creators, photographers, video professionals, and buyers who care about color performance and professional connectivity.

My recommendation: Compare B&H with Dell and manufacturer-direct listings when buying a monitor for creative work rather than selecting purely by refresh rate.

Manufacturer-direct stores — Best for brand-specific purchases

Buying directly from a monitor manufacturer can be useful when you have already selected a particular brand or product family.

It provides access to official product configurations, support documentation, warranty information, and manufacturer promotions.

Three particularly relevant options are Dell, Samsung, and LG.

Dell

Dell’s US monitor store covers personal, professional, UltraSharp, gaming, and Alienware products.

It is a particularly good destination for business displays and premium productivity monitors.

The current catalog includes models with:

• 4K resolution.

• USB-C and Thunderbolt connectivity.

• Height-adjustable stands.

• Professional color-oriented panels.

• High-refresh-rate gaming specifications.

• Ultrawide configurations.

Dell offers a standard 30-day return period for eligible consumer purchases, calculated from the invoice date. Its policy also provides a restocking-fee exemption for consumers purchasing for personal use, subject to the applicable conditions.

Samsung

Samsung’s US monitor store is particularly attractive for buyers interested in Odyssey gaming monitors, OLED displays, curved ultrawides, and ViewFinity productivity models.

The advantage is direct access to the manufacturer’s product range and official support information.

However, Samsung’s published monitor return policy has a 15-day return window from delivery and a 5% restocking fee for eligible non-defective change-of-mind returns.

That makes it important to check the policy before ordering.

LG

LG’s US monitor store offers UltraGear gaming products, UltraWide displays, UltraFine productivity models, and smart monitors.

Its return conditions also deserve attention. The published policy provides a 14-day standard window for non-defective returns, with a 15% restocking fee for qualifying returns made later within the 15–30-day period.

This can make third-party retailers with more flexible return policies worth comparing.

Advantages:

• Official product descriptions and manuals.

• Direct access to warranty information.

• Brand-specific product configurations.

• Manufacturer promotions and exclusive models.

• Direct customer support.

Disadvantages:

• Return windows can be shorter than those of general retailers.

• Restocking fees may apply.

• Some deals are available only through selected resellers.

• Not every manufacturer offers the same return experience.

Best for: Buyers who have already selected a particular Dell, Samsung, or LG monitor and want to purchase from the manufacturer.

My recommendation: Compare manufacturer-direct prices against Best Buy, Amazon, and Newegg before checking out. A brand’s official store is not automatically the best-value option.

How to choose the best place to buy computer monitors

The retailer matters, but your monitor requirements should determine where you shop.

For gaming monitors

If you need a 144Hz, 180Hz, 240Hz, or OLED gaming display, start with Newegg, Best Buy, and Micro Center.

These stores offer useful selections of gaming-specific monitors and make it easier to compare refresh rates, adaptive sync, resolutions, and panel technologies.

For high-end products, also compare manufacturer-direct stores from ASUS, Samsung, LG, and Dell.

A gaming monitor’s specifications should be checked carefully. For example, a 4K 144Hz monitor has different hardware requirements from a Full HD 240Hz model.

Also verify the actual refresh rate supported over each video input.

For office and productivity monitors

Dell, Amazon, B&H, and Best Buy are useful options for productivity-focused displays.

Look for features such as:

• IPS panels.

• Height-adjustable stands.

• USB-C connectivity.

• Integrated USB hubs.

• 1440p or 4K resolution.

• Good viewing angles.

• Appropriate color coverage.

A 27-inch QHD monitor can be an attractive productivity upgrade over a basic 24-inch Full HD display.

For laptop users, USB-C power delivery can reduce cable clutter by combining display output and charging through a single connection, provided the laptop and monitor support compatible standards.

For refurbished and open-box monitors

If you want to spend less, compare Best Buy open-box, Amazon Renewed, and Newegg listings.

These channels can provide access to higher-end monitor models at reduced prices.

However, always check the actual condition category and warranty.

A refurbished product should not be treated as equivalent to a new monitor simply because the product listing uses the same model name.

For professional color work

Photographers and video editors should compare Dell UltraSharp, LG UltraFine, Samsung ViewFinity, and professional displays available through B&H.

Look beyond the marketing terms.

The important specifications are native color gamut, calibration, resolution, brightness uniformity, color depth, and connectivity.

A monitor advertised as supporting HDR does not automatically provide professional HDR performance.

What to check before ordering a monitor online

Regardless of the retailer, examine the following details before completing your purchase.

When your monitor arrives, inspect the display immediately.

Check for dead pixels, backlight irregularities, physical damage, missing accessories, and connection problems.

Keep the packaging until you have confirmed that the monitor works correctly. This is particularly important for expensive displays because shipping a large monitor back without its original protective materials can be difficult.

Common mistakes when choosing a monitor retailer

Choosing the cheapest seller without checking returns. A small price difference is rarely worth giving up meaningful return protection.

Assuming all products on a marketplace are sold by the retailer. Check the actual seller and shipping information.

Confusing manufacturer warranty with retailer returns. A manufacturer warranty usually addresses qualifying defects, not every reason you might want to return a monitor.

Ignoring dead-pixel policies. Retailer policies differ, and some are more favorable than others.

Buying a refurbished monitor without reading its condition grade. Scratches, packaging, stand condition, and included accessories should be verified.

Assuming a store’s TV return policy applies to monitors. These are separate product categories in some retailer policies.

Ignoring delivery damage procedures. Report damaged screens quickly and retain photographs of the packaging and product.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best overall retailer for buying a computer monitor?

Best Buy is a strong all-around choice because it combines physical stores, online product selection, open-box options, and retailer support.

Amazon is another excellent option when you want to compare several sellers and monitor configurations.

Is Newegg a good place to buy monitors?

Yes. Newegg is particularly useful for PC enthusiasts and gamers because of its technical product filters and Zero Dead Pixel Policy.

However, check the eligible return window and seller information for the exact product.

Is it better to buy a monitor directly from the manufacturer?

Buying directly from the manufacturer provides access to official product information and warranty support.

However, manufacturer return periods and restocking fees can be less favorable than those of general electronics retailers.

Compare both options before deciding.

Where can I buy a gaming monitor at a good price?

Start with Newegg, Best Buy, Micro Center, Costco, and Amazon.

Compare the complete model specifications rather than looking only at the refresh rate or discount percentage. Check open-box and clearance options if you are comfortable purchasing products that have been previously returned.

Does Costco sell computer monitors?

Yes. Costco sells monitors through its US online store and selected warehouse inventory.

Its product selection includes Full HD, 4K, gaming, ultrawide, and other display categories. Membership is required for ordinary member purchases.

Is Amazon Renewed safe for monitor purchases?

Amazon Renewed provides a defined refurbishment program with inspection and testing requirements.

However, buyers should still examine the condition grade, specific seller, included accessories, and applicable Renewed Guarantee before purchasing.

Which monitor retailer has the best return policy?

There is no universal winner because policies vary by item and seller.

Micro Center offers 30 days for its general monitor category. Amazon allows most eligible items to be returned within 30 days. Walmart lists consumer electronics in its 30-day category. Best Buy’s standard period is generally 15 days, with longer periods for eligible membership tiers.

Newegg’s dead-pixel policy is particularly useful for display purchases.

Should I buy a monitor in person or online?

Buying in person is useful when you want to inspect display size, brightness, viewing angles, and build quality.

Online shopping usually provides more product choices and easier price comparisons.

A practical approach is to inspect the monitor in a store when possible, then compare the exact model number and complete purchase terms online.

Conclusion

The best retailer depends on what matters most in your monitor purchase. Best Buy is an excellent all-around starting point, Amazon offers broad selection, and Newegg is particularly attractive for PC enthusiasts. Micro Center is worth visiting for in-person shopping, while Costco can offer impressive member deals. B&H is better suited to professional display buyers, and manufacturer stores make sense when you already know which brand you want. Compare the exact model, seller, return policy, and warranty before ordering. A slightly better purchasing experience can be worth more than saving a few dollars on the monitor itself.