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Monitors are the one part of a desk setup that didn’t get more expensive in 2026. Memory costs pushed up PCs, consoles and graphics cards, but monitor prices mostly held steady and OLED gaming monitors kept getting cheaper.
That makes last year’s prices a fair target. A 27-inch 1440p OLED gaming monitor sold for about $499 last Black Friday, down from $799 to $899, and Dell’s 4K S2725QS dropped to $199.99.
So on November 27, I’d watch for an OLED or 4K monitor at or below last year’s price. Here’s what changed, what to expect and which monitor I’d buy for each job.
Black Friday 2025 vs 2026
These were typical Black Friday 2025 prices for the two monitor types most people shop for, and where each is heading this year:
| Monitor type | Example | Black Friday 2025 price | 2026 direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27-inch 4K IPS, 120Hz | Dell S2725QS | $199.99, down from $299.99 | Steady, with LCD panel costs edging up |
| 27-inch 1440p OLED, 240Hz | Samsung Odyssey OLED G6, LG 27GS93QE | About $499, down from $799 to $899 | Lower, as more OLED panels ship |
So for monitors, last year’s Black Friday prices are a realistic target again. That’s the opposite of graphics cards and consoles, where last year’s prices now look like the best case.
What’s Moving Monitor Prices in 2026
Monitors don’t carry much memory, so the shortage that hit PCs and consoles barely touches them. Three other changes matter more:
Many more OLED panels. Counterpoint Research expects OLED monitor panel shipments to grow about 45% in 2026, after a 96% jump in the first quarter compared with a year earlier. More panels mean more models competing for the same buyers, which keeps pushing OLED prices down.
LCD costs edged up. LCD monitor panel prices rose in spring 2026 on higher upstream costs. AOC also told its distributors in China about a price adjustment from August 1, 2026, citing chip and controller board costs. Expect budget IPS and VA monitors to cost a little more than last year.
Fewer people are buying new PCs. Counterpoint expects monitor shipments to slip about 2% in 2026, because memory-driven PC price increases are holding back upgrades. Fewer buyers usually means more promotions from monitor brands.
What to Expect This Black Friday
Monitor brands and retailers discount heavily every Black Friday, and this year the supply picture is on the buyer’s side. Here’s my outlook:
- Likely: 27-inch 1440p OLED gaming monitors at $499 or less from Samsung, LG, MSI, ASUS and AOC.
- Likely: 27-inch 4K IPS monitors around $200 to $250, matching last year.
- Possible: 27-inch 4K OLED gaming monitors well under their list prices, as more of them arrive.
- Unlikely: deep cuts on the newest high-refresh OLED models launched this year.
Prices worth jumping on:
- 27-inch 1440p OLED, 240Hz or faster, at $499 or less
- 27-inch 4K IPS, 120Hz, at $229 or less
- 27-inch 1440p IPS or VA, 165Hz or faster, at $150 or less
Which Monitor to Buy
Pick the monitor by what you do most. Text and spreadsheets look sharpest on 4K, games look best on OLED and a tight budget goes furthest at 1440p. I’d pick these:
AOC Q27G4XN
The AOC Q27G4XN is the budget pick for 1440p gaming on a tight budget.
- 27-inch 1440p VA panel at 180Hz
- Deep contrast for dark scenes, with slower response in fast motion than IPS
- Black Friday target: $150 or less
Dell S2725QS
For work, coding and mixed use, I’d buy the Dell S2725QS, because 4K at 27 inches keeps text crisp.
- 27-inch 4K IPS panel at 120Hz with AMD FreeSync Premium
- Built-in speakers and a slim white design
- Black Friday target: $229 or less, after last year’s $199.99
Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD)
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 is the gaming pick, with an OLED panel that makes fast motion and dark scenes look far better than any LCD.
- 27-inch 1440p QD-OLED panel at up to 360Hz
- 0.03ms response time for very clear motion
- Black Friday target: $499 or less
OLED panels can show burn-in from static images over time. If the monitor will spend long days showing taskbars and spreadsheets, check that the warranty covers burn-in or choose the Dell for work.
MSI MAG 272UP QD-OLED X24
The MSI MAG 272UP is the pick if you want 4K sharpness and OLED gaming in one screen.
- 27-inch 4K QD-OLED panel at 240Hz
- Sharp enough for text and fast enough for games
- Needs a strong graphics card to run new games at 4K
FAQs on Monitor Black Friday Deals
Will monitors be cheaper on Black Friday 2026?
Yes, for most types. Monitors weren’t hit by the memory shortage that raised PC and console prices, and OLED panel supply grew sharply in 2026, so last year’s Black Friday prices are a realistic target.
Why are OLED monitors getting cheaper?
Panel makers are shipping far more OLED monitor panels in 2026, so more brands sell OLED models and compete on price.
Is an OLED monitor good for office work?
It works, but static images such as taskbars can cause burn-in over long periods. For full-time office work, a 4K IPS monitor is the safer choice, or pick an OLED with a burn-in warranty.
Should I buy a 1440p or 4K monitor for gaming?
Choose 1440p for high frame rates with a mid-range graphics card. Choose 4K if you have a strong card, such as an RTX 5070 Ti, or if you also use the screen for text and work.
Did the RAM shortage raise monitor prices?
Not much. Monitors use little memory. LCD panel and controller chip costs rose a little in 2026, but OLED prices kept falling.
Final Remarks
This Black Friday is a good time to buy a monitor, unlike most PC parts. I’d aim for a 27-inch 1440p OLED at $499 or less for gaming, or the Dell S2725QS at about $200 for work.
If you write code or work with text all day, my best 4K monitors for programming guide goes deeper on that choice. And if a new monitor means you need more graphics power, my Black Friday GPU deals guide covers the cards.