How to Buy a Monitor on Black Friday: 10 Essential Accessories

Have you recently purchased, or are you considering buying, a new monitor during the Black Friday deals? If so, you’re probably wondering what comes next. While setting up most monitors is typically straightforward, enhancing your monitor’s functionality and user experience may require additional accessories.

Key accessories include a surge protector, a screen cleaning kit, and a USB hub. Additionally, choosing the right cable—whether HDMI or DisplayPort 1.4—is crucial. A monitor arm is also a valuable addition, as it allows you to position your monitor at the ideal angle, reducing neck strain and improving comfort.

While you could wait to purchase these items later, now is an excellent time to grab them—especially since many of them are likely on sale for the holidays. Here is a curated list of the ten must-have accessories you should consider acquiring.

• Surge Protector: Protect your monitor from electrical surges with a reliable surge protector. The SUPERDANNY Power Protector offers 18 power outlets along with 4 USB ports (2 USB-A and 2 USB-C) for just $27 on Amazon, making it an excellent investment.
• Screen Cleaning Kit: Generic cleaners can potentially damage your monitor’s screen, but a dedicated screen cleaning kit will help you maintain it safely. The 4-piece Altura cleaning kit includes everything you need, along with a gel for your keyboard. It’s currently available at 25% off on Amazon.
• USB Hub: A USB-C hub helps keep your devices connected and organized. The Anker 555 8-in-1 USB Hub has a diverse array of ports, including HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, an Ethernet slot, and both SD and microSD card readers, priced at $50 on Amazon.
• External Speakers: If your monitor has built-in speakers, you might find that external speakers can dramatically enhance your audio experience. The Creative Pebble V3 delivers clear and robust sound and is available for $35 on Amazon.
• HDMI Cable: For optimum performance, especially at resolutions like 1080p/240Hz or 4K/60Hz, a high-speed HDMI cable is crucial. The Monoprice HDMI cable is certified for compatibility across various devices and can be found for $18 on Amazon.
• DisplayPort 1.4 Cable: If you have a high-refresh-rate monitor, a DisplayPort 1.4 cable is your best bet. The Monoprice cable supports data rates up to 32Gbps and handles resolutions up to 8K@60Hz UHD, priced at only $7.50 for a 6-foot length on Amazon.
• Monitor Arm: For those looking to maximize desk space or achieve a more flexible display arrangement, a monitor arm is an ideal solution. The Huanuo Single Monitor Mount is affordable and straightforward to install at just $38 on Amazon.
• Webcam: If your monitor lacks a built-in webcam, consider purchasing an external option for video calls or streaming. The EMMET C960 4K webcam offers excellent quality and compatibility with platforms like Zoom, Teams, and Skype for $60 on Amazon.
• Privacy Filter: Safeguard your sensitive information with a privacy filter that limits screen visibility from certain angles. Sightpro’s privacy screens are well-reviewed and come in various sizes to fit your monitor, available on Amazon.
• Cable Management Clips: Keep your cables organized and minimize clutter with self-adhesive cable management clips, which come in small, medium, and large sizes. A 60-piece pack is priced at only $7.50 on Amazon (currently 25% off).

If you’re on the hunt for more tech deals this Black Friday, don’t forget to check out our other guides on accessorizing your laptop, desktop, smartphone, and tablet. Enjoy your shopping!