Before LCD panels took over in the mid-2000s, CRT monitors were the only option - and manufacturers competed fiercely on image quality, refresh rate, and color accuracy. That competitive era produced some genuinely outstanding displays that remain technically interesting in 2026. Whether you want one for retro gaming, vintage computing restoration, or the specific visual character of analog phosphor rendering, the used market offers remarkable hardware for those who know what to look for.
Quick Comparison
| Monitor | Best For | Est. Price (Used) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Trinitron GDM-FW900 | Premium PC and widescreen use | $300-$800 | ★★★★★ |
| Sony CPD-G520 | High-resolution professional work | $100-$300 | ★★★★★ |
| Iiyama Vision Master Pro 514 | Color accuracy and professional graphics | $80-$200 | ★★★★☆ |
| LG Flatron F900B | Affordable large-screen CRT | $40-$120 | ★★★★☆ |
| ViewSonic P817 | Budget entry-level CRT | $20-$80 | ★★★☆☆ |
1. Sony Trinitron GDM-FW900
The GDM-FW900 remains the benchmark against which all other PC CRTs are measured. Its 24-inch widescreen (16:10) display was unique when released and remains unique today - no other CRT model offers this form factor at this quality level. The Trinitron aperture grille tube produces stunning brightness and color reproduction that outclasses most modern budget monitors. Maximum resolution reaches 2560x1600, and refresh rates hit 160Hz at 1024x768. Collectors and enthusiasts treat well-maintained FW900 units as prized pieces of display history. Expect to pay for the privilege.
Pros: Only widescreen CRT of its size, exceptional image quality, still impresses in 2026 Cons: Very heavy, expensive, increasingly rare in good condition
View Sony Trinitron GDM-FW900 on Amazon
2. Sony CPD-G520
The CPD-G520 is a 21-inch professional Trinitron monitor that supported resolutions up to 2048x1536 and delivered refresh rates of 85Hz at 1600x1200. Designed for graphic designers and CAD professionals, the G520 was calibrated for color accuracy out of the box and included detailed on-screen geometry controls. In 2026’s used market, these units appear regularly at more accessible prices than the FW900 while still delivering the hallmark Trinitron sharpness. An excellent all-purpose CRT for anyone who wants premium image quality without collector pricing.
Pros: High max resolution, Trinitron tube quality, professional calibration, more available than FW900 Cons: Heavy at 50+ lbs, some units show convergence drift with age
View Sony CPD-G520 CRT on Amazon
3. Iiyama Vision Master Pro 514
Iiyama’s Vision Master Pro 514 was a 22-inch professional monitor aimed at graphic designers and photographers. It used a high-precision flat-face shadow mask tube with excellent color gamut and delta-E performance for its era. The monitor supported 2048x1536 at 75Hz and featured extensive color temperature and gamma adjustment controls that made it suitable for print work. In 2026, creative professionals who use vintage Macs or retro workstations specifically seek out this model for color-critical work. Units in good condition represent genuine value.
Pros: Excellent color accuracy for its era, professional controls, good for creative work Cons: Shadow mask rather than aperture grille, heavier than average for 22 inches
View Iiyama Vision Master Pro CRT on Amazon
4. LG Flatron F900B
The LG Flatron F900B offers a more accessible entry into quality CRT ownership. This 19-inch flat-screen model features a flat tube face that reduces reflections, supports 1600x1200 at 85Hz, and achieves 120Hz at 1024x768. LG built the F900B with a solid geometry engine and decent color controls for its consumer price tier. In 2026, these units appear frequently at thrift stores and on local listings for $40-$120 - making them the easiest quality CRT to acquire for someone new to the format.
Pros: Affordable, flat screen face, widely available, decent refresh rate support Cons: Consumer-grade color accuracy, not competitive with Trinitron or professional models
View LG Flatron CRT Monitor on Amazon
5. ViewSonic P817
The ViewSonic P817 is a 19-inch entry-level CRT that served office and home use throughout the early 2000s. It supports up to 1600x1200 and offers adequate geometry controls for basic adjustment. Color quality is acceptable for general computing and retro gaming but falls short of the professional-grade units above. The main appeal in 2026 is availability and price - these monitors show up cheaply and frequently, making them a low-risk way to try CRT ownership without committing significant money. If you enjoy it, upgrade to a better unit later.
Pros: Very affordable, widely available, good starting point for CRT beginners Cons: Limited color accuracy, lower brightness than premium units, basic controls
View ViewSonic P817 CRT on Amazon
What to Look For
Key CRT specs to evaluate: dot pitch or aperture grille pitch (smaller = sharper, look for 0.24mm or less), maximum refresh rate at your target resolution, tube type (aperture grille for brightness and color; shadow mask for slightly softer look), geometry controls (pincushion, rotation, parallelogram adjustments), and input connectors (VGA/HD-15 for PC; BNC for professional/broadcast use). Condition matters enormously - test the display before buying whenever possible.
Final Thoughts
The CRT market in 2026 rewards patient buyers who understand what to look for. The Sony Trinitron GDM-FW900 and CPD-G520 represent the pinnacle of what consumer CRT technology achieved. The Iiyama Vision Master Pro 514 is the choice for color work. LG Flatron and ViewSonic units offer affordable entry points. Whatever your budget, a quality CRT monitor is an increasingly rare piece of display history worth preserving - and using.
Frequently asked questions
Are CRT monitors worth buying in 2026?+
For specific use cases - retro gaming, vintage computing, and certain professional color work - yes. CRTs offer zero input lag, native support for retro resolutions, and a visual character that modern LCD and OLED panels do not fully replicate.
What is the difference between a shadow mask and an aperture grille CRT?+
Shadow mask CRTs use a perforated metal screen to direct the electron beam. Aperture grille tubes (Sony Trinitron and Mitsubishi Diamondtron) use vertical wires instead, producing brighter, sharper images with better color saturation - preferred for gaming and graphic work.
How do I know if a used CRT monitor is still good?+
Check for screen brightness (dim means heavy use), color convergence (RGB layers should align), geometry (edges should be straight), and phosphor burn-in (ghostly images of past content). Always test with a known-good signal before purchasing.