Display testing, defect checks, and return-window evidence

Free screen tests for new monitors and everyday display problems

Use browser-based patterns to inspect dead pixels, backlight bleed, refresh rate, flicker, text clarity, color behavior, and image retention. Results stay on your device unless you choose to save a report.

Start New Monitor Checkup Browse All Tests Read Warranty Guide Build Defect Report

New Monitor Return Check

Run the short checkup, record visible defects, then create a report before the retailer return period ends.

Dead pixelsUniformityBurn-in riskPDF report

Warranty Evidence Prep

Mark defect locations, attach photos, generate a PDF report, and copy a support message template.

Screen mapPhotosPDF reportMessage copy

Eye Strain Review

Check common comfort issues such as flicker, text clarity, viewing distance, and uneven brightness.

FlickerText clarityDistanceUniformity

What this site is built for

FreeScreenTest focuses on practical display decisions: whether a new monitor has visible defects, whether a setting is misconfigured, and what evidence is useful before contacting a retailer or manufacturer.

The tests are educational browser checks, not lab certification. For warranty, medical, or professional color decisions, confirm findings with the manufacturer, retailer, or a calibrated measurement device.

Review method

  • 1. Inspect: run visual patterns in fullscreen when possible.
  • 2. Record: save local history or export a report when defects are visible.
  • 3. Verify: compare results with official manuals, retailer terms, and current warranty pages.
  • 4. Retest: repeat after cables, refresh rate, brightness, or color settings change.

All display tests

Choose a focused test by defect type, comfort issue, performance check, or color setup.

Dead Pixel Test

Defects

Display solid colors to locate dead, stuck, or bright pixels before a return window closes.

Uniformity Test

Defects

Check for visible brightness shifts, backlight bleed, IPS glow, and panel tinting.

Backlight Bleed Test

Defects

Inspect dark-screen edge glow and corner leakage in a controlled viewing setup.

Refresh Rate Test

Performance

Measure browser frame timing to confirm that the display is running near its expected Hz.

Response Time Test

Performance

Use motion patterns to compare ghosting, overshoot, and pixel transition behavior.

Input Lag Test

Performance

Run click and keyboard timing checks for a practical responsiveness baseline.

Flicker Test

Comfort

Use camera-based patterns to look for PWM flicker and brightness-related eye strain triggers.

Text Clarity Test

Comfort

Compare font rendering, subpixel layout, scaling, and readability across common text samples.

Viewing Distance Calculator

Comfort

Estimate practical viewing distance from screen size, resolution, and use case.

Gamma Calibration

Color

Check grayscale visibility and gamma behavior before adjusting monitor settings.

Color Temperature Test

Color

Compare white point presets from warm to cool and identify obvious color cast issues.

Gradient Banding Test

Color

Look for visible banding, posterization, and poor tonal transitions in gradients.

Contrast Ratio Test

Color

Review black level, white clipping, and near-black detail using stepped patterns.

HDR Test

Color

Check browser-reported HDR support and compare HDR-oriented highlight patterns.

Burn-in Test

Defects

Inspect OLED and other panels for image retention using high-contrast test screens.

Viewing Angle Test

Panel

Compare color and contrast shifts when viewing the panel from different angles.

Multi-Screen Alignment

Panel

Align edges, scale, and color consistency across dual or triple monitor setups.

Screen Info

Panel

Read browser-visible resolution, pixel ratio, color gamut, orientation, and viewport details.

How guides are written

Practical scope: guides focus on what a user can check at home with a browser, camera, receipt, and monitor settings.

Policy caution: warranty summaries are starting points. Always verify the current official terms for the model and region.

Privacy: checkup history is stored locally in the browser. Reports are generated client-side unless you share them yourself.

Choose by situation

Use the path that matches the decision you need to make.

I might return this monitor

Check dead pixels, uniformity, backlight bleed, and image retention, then build a private defect report.

Run checkup Build report

Games feel wrong

Verify refresh rate, response time, input lag, and flicker before changing GPU or monitor settings.

Open gaming guide

Text or colors look off

Review text clarity, color temperature, gamma, gradients, and panel uniformity before deeper calibration.

See test order

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about testing your monitor, display defects, and calibration.

What is a screen test?

A screen test is a diagnostic tool that checks your display for defects, performance issues, and calibration accuracy. Common tests include dead pixel detection, refresh rate verification, color accuracy, and backlight uniformity. These tests help ensure your monitor, phone, or tablet is functioning properly.

How do I test my monitor for free?

FreeScreenTest offers 18 professional display tests completely free. Simply choose a test from the homepage, click "Start Test", and follow the on-screen instructions. No signup, download, or payment required. All tests run directly in your browser on any device.

What is a dead pixel and can it be fixed?

A dead pixel is a pixel that remains permanently black (off), while a stuck pixel shows a single color (red, green, or blue). Dead pixels cannot be fixed as the transistor is completely broken. Stuck pixels can sometimes be fixed using pixel exercise programs. Most manufacturers have dead pixel policies for warranty returns.

How do I check my monitor's refresh rate?

Use our Refresh Rate Test to verify your monitor is running at its advertised speed (60Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz, etc.). The test measures actual FPS in real-time. Make sure to set your monitor to the correct refresh rate in Windows/Mac display settings before testing.

What is backlight bleeding?

Backlight bleeding is light leakage from LCD monitor edges, most visible on black screens in dark rooms. It's especially common on IPS panels. Some edge glow is normal, but excessive bleeding (visible 5cm+ from edges) may warrant a warranty return.

What's the difference between IPS, VA, and TN panels?

IPS panels offer best viewing angles and color accuracy but may have backlight bleed. VA panels have superior contrast and black levels but slower response times. TN panels are fastest (best for gaming) but have poor viewing angles and colors. Use our Viewing Angle Test to identify your panel type.

What is the best color temperature for a monitor?

6500K (D65) is the industry standard for accurate color work, matching daylight. 5000K is warmer and easier on eyes for long sessions. 9300K is cooler and brighter but less accurate. Use our Color Temperature Test to calibrate your monitor to your preferred setting.

How do I calibrate my monitor at home?

Start with our Gamma Test (target 2.2), then Color Temperature Test (target 6500K), followed by Contrast Ratio Test. Adjust monitor settings (brightness, contrast, color) until tests show optimal results. For professional calibration, a hardware colorimeter is recommended.

What is input lag and why does it matter?

Input lag is the delay between your action (click/keypress) and the screen updating. Low input lag (under 10ms) is critical for competitive gaming. TVs often have 50-100ms lag. Use our Input Lag Test to measure your display's responsiveness.

How can I tell if my monitor supports HDR?

Use our HDR Test to check if your monitor supports HDR10 and wide color gamuts (P3, Rec.2020). The test also detects peak brightness capability. Note: HDR must be enabled in your operating system settings first for the test to work properly.

Ready to inspect your screen?

Start with the new monitor checkup or open a focused test from the full list.

Start Checkup