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It wouldn’t be Black Friday without budget monitors haunting my daydreams, and this year I’ve been thinking about lesser-known brands. Specifically, I wondered about the KOORUI models that often dominate the discount retailer’s seasonal sales, and thanks to their 240Hz 1080p model I can confirm that the company isn’t too cheap to be true.

I was a bit skeptical about the brand before diving into my testing KOORUI GN02 review. We’re talking about a company that somehow manages to sell a 1080p 240Hz display for less than $150 for most of the year, and discounts could make that screen even smaller when Black Friday Monitor Deals roll over Do you have a raised eyebrow? I’m not judging you, but the company passed my smell test without a hiccup.

I’m not exactly shocked that GN02 isn’t some kind of scam, and it’s not even the first time I’ve given an Amazon brand the benefit of the doubt. Last year, I took KTC G27P6 for a spin and discovered an OLED gaming monitor gem. Not only does it use the same panel as Corsair Xenon 27QHD240but it actually manages to pack in stereo speakers for a fraction less. Of course, the KOORUI model we tested this week isn’t in the same league as KTC’s bargain screen, but the same element of value applies to both.

What to expect when shopping for KOORUI monitors on Black Friday

As a monitor reviewer, recommending cheap monitors during Black Friday can be very difficult. I’d love to spend a lot of time looking at super cheap displays, but there are way too many discount brands to cover. So instead of tactically trying to check out panels I think will be of the most benefit to you, the reader, and the KOORUI 240Hz ticked that box this year.

From my time checking out the KOORUI GN02, I can confirm that the brand’s monitor doesn’t seem to suffer from any budget-related flaws. Issues that can occur with cheaper displays include slight bleeding or banding on the screen, neither of which was present on the 240Hz display. I’ve also experienced sync issues with displays in the past, but I was able to achieve maximum refresh rates on the panel using HDMI and DisplayPort with an RXT 4090 PC.

Other unfortunate screen issues that can occur with cheaper models are defects like dead/stuck pixels. Following a series of stress tests during testing, the KOORUI display still has a full array of pixels in good working order. In my experience this issue will normally occur fairly quickly, so the GN02 is in my good books for now.

In terms of build quality, don’t expect premium materials when you pick up a KOORUI display like the GN02. Don’t get me wrong, the display is mounted correctly and with no casting defects or misaligned devices. But, it feels a lot lighter than other 1080p models we’ve tested, which could be because the stand is mostly plastic.

When it comes to visual quality, KOORUI’s screens are pretty true to their specs. The GN02 notably uses a VA panel that actually boasts decent contrast, colors and brightness, but there are IPS and even mini LED alternatives that should theoretically deliver better results. There’s even an OLED display at Amazon right now, but I’d really like to get my hands on that version to see if the company can handle more complicated panels.

Are cheap Amazon brand monitors worth it?

When I use the phrase “Amazon pants”, I’m not referring to a monitor that the retailer put together themselves. Instead, I’m referring to the countless obscure numbers you’ll find when looking for screens, because there are a lot of them. Most of the time, these brands will give you very low prices while you shop, and it’s not always easy to decide whether to take a chance on a name you’ve never heard of.

Finally, I would suggest not jumping on a brand until someone you trust has tried it first. Of course, I’d suggest checking back with me on GamesRadar+ for reviews and insights, since it’s my job to deal with the uncertainty of obscure brands. So far, my hands-on experience with KTC and KOORUI monitors has led me to recommend two models along with a list of strengths and weaknesses, and I plan to give the green light to more discounted models in the coming year.

As for whether the cheap Amazon branded monitors are worth it, I’d say they absolutely can be. The problem is more about which options you can actually trust, and unfortunately there is no clear answer to this question. Even big names can find themselves in hot water due to technical issues or design flaws, and the only real way to save yourself from bad purchases is to do your homework before you click Buy.

Looking for more screen savers? Take a look at Black Friday 4K monitor deals and Black Friday curved monitor deals. If you’re looking for something bigger, stop by Black Friday TV Deals for living room options.