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Buying a used computer monitor: panels, ports and pixel checks

Used monitors are cheap because companies replace them in bulk, and a three year old office screen often works perfectly. Pick the size, resolution and connections you need, then check for dead pixels, backlight bleed and a missing power supply before you pay.

Updated October 2026 · vindje.com guides

Search terms Dutch sellers use

Size and resolution that make sense

At 24 inches, 1080p (1920x1080) looks fine. At 27 inches, 1440p (2560x1440) is the sweet spot for office work and gaming. 4K at 27 inches is very sharp for text and photo work but needs scaling on Windows and a stronger graphics card for games. A 34 inch ultrawide (3440x1440) replaces two screens for many people.

Gamers should look at refresh rate: 144 Hz or 165 Hz feels much smoother than 60 Hz, but only if your PC or console can push those frames.

Panel types

IPS panels have good colours and viewing angles; their typical flaw is 'IPS glow', a lighter haze in corners on dark images that is normal to a degree. VA panels have deeper blacks but can smear in fast motion. TN panels are cheap, fast and look washed out from an angle. OLED monitors are the newest: superb contrast, but burn-in risk if used for static desktop work for long hours.

Connections and stand

Check what your computer has. A monitor with USB-C that delivers power can charge a laptop and carry video over one cable, which is great for a home office. DisplayPort is needed for high refresh rates on many PCs. Older office monitors may have only VGA and DVI, which is a reason to skip them.

Business models from Dell (P and U series), HP (E and Z series) and Lenovo (ThinkVision) usually have stands that go up, down and rotate, plus a VESA mount for a monitor arm. Consumer monitors often tilt only. The stand alone is worth EUR 20-40 to you if your desk is shallow.

How to test at the pickup

Ask the seller to have it connected to a laptop, or bring your own with the right cable. Open full-screen colour images or a dead pixel test page in a browser.

Monitors that aren't worth it

Skip 4:3 and 5:4 office screens (1280x1024), monitors with only VGA input, and anything with a yellowed or flickering backlight. Curved budget VA monitors at 1080p and 27 inches look soft because the pixels are large. A cracked or pressure-marked screen can't be repaired at a sensible price.

Monitors with an external power brick are fine, but bricks get lost. Check the exact voltage and connector if the seller has to find it later.

Where the bargains are

Office clearance sellers (search 'bedrijfsontruiming' or 'partij monitoren') sell Dell and HP monitors in batches, usually tested and fairly priced. Sellers who list 'gaming monitor' with RGB lights tend to price high. Check the model number online for the original specs; a 'gaming' monitor may be 75 Hz.

If you want a specific combination, like a 27 inch 1440p screen with USB-C and a height-adjustable stand under 180 euro, describing it on vindje.com saves going through every listing's spec sheet.

What to pay second hand

ItemTypical asking price
24 inch 1080p office monitor (Dell P2419H or similar)EUR 40-70
27 inch 1440p IPSEUR 120-200
27 inch 4K with USB-CEUR 180-300
27 inch 1440p 144-165 Hz gamingEUR 130-200
34 inch ultrawide 1440pEUR 200-350

Rough Marktplaats asking prices in the Netherlands. Condition, age and season move them a lot.

Describe what you want in your own words and vindje.com searches Marktplaats in Dutch, then reads every listing and keeps only the real matches. For example:

27 inch 1440p IPS monitor with USB-C power delivery and height-adjustable stand, under 180 euro, within 15 km of Den HaagSearch Marktplaats like this

Questions people ask

Is it safe to buy a used monitor?

Yes, monitors are simple devices. Test it with colour screens for dead pixels and check every input before paying.

How many dead pixels are acceptable?

On a used monitor, one dead pixel near the edge is often tolerable if it's reflected in the price. Pixels in the middle of the screen get annoying fast.

Is backlight bleed a problem?

Mild bleed in a corner on a black screen is common on IPS and rarely visible in normal use. Bright patches visible on dark films are a reason to pass.

Can I charge my laptop from a USB-C monitor?

Only if the monitor supports USB-C power delivery and gives enough watts for your laptop. Check the model's specs before buying.

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