Don't waste money on defective monitors. Our complete testing checklist helps you identify issues before purchase. Updated for 2025 with the latest panel technologies.
Quick Stats:
Dead pixels are the #1 reason for monitor returns. A single dead pixel in the center of your screen can ruin your experience, especially for photo editing or gaming.
Buyer Tip:
Most manufacturers allow 3-5 dead pixels before considering it defective. Buy from retailers with good return policies.
Many monitors fail to achieve their advertised refresh rates due to cable limitations or incorrect settings. Don't pay for 144Hz if you're only getting 60Hz.
IPS panels commonly suffer from backlight bleed, especially in corners. While some bleed is normal, excessive bleed ruins dark scenes in movies and games.
| Panel Type | Best For | Common Issues | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPS | Color accuracy, design work | Backlight bleed, IPS glow | $200-$800 |
| VA | Movies, contrast | Ghosting, slow response | $150-$600 |
| TN | Competitive gaming | Poor colors, bad angles | $100-$400 |
| OLED | HDR content, perfect blacks | Burn-in risk, expensive | $800-$3000 |
| Mini-LED | HDR, no burn-in | Blooming, expensive | $600-$2000 |
Budget: $300-$600
Budget: $500-$1500
Budget: $200-$500
Budget: $300-$700
27" at 1440p offers the best pixel density for most users. 32" is ideal for 4K content. Ultrawide 34" monitors are excellent for productivity but check game compatibility.
For screens under 32", 1440p is sufficient and allows higher refresh rates. 4K is worth it for content creation, 32"+ displays, or if you have a high-end GPU for gaming.
Zero dead pixels in the center viewing area. 1-2 stuck pixels near edges might be acceptable if the price is right. Most manufacturers allow 3-5 dead pixels under warranty.
Generally no, unless it includes zero dead pixel guarantee or accidental damage protection. Most monitor issues appear within the standard warranty period.
Don't wait until it's too late to return. Test within your return window.
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Test for dead pixels, backlight bleed, color accuracy, refresh rate, and input lag. Use our comprehensive testing tools to check all these aspects before making a purchase.
Spend at least 30 minutes testing different aspects. Check dead pixels for 5 minutes, test colors and uniformity for 10 minutes, and evaluate gaming performance for 15 minutes.
Most retailers offer 14-30 day return policies. Check for dead pixel policies specifically, as some manufacturers have different standards for acceptable defects.