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
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.
Support Record 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 color-critical decisions, confirm findings with the manufacturer, retailer, or a 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.
Recommended first checks
Start here if you just unboxed a monitor or noticed a visible display issue.
Defects
Dead Pixel Test
Display solid colors to locate dead, stuck, or bright pixels before a return window closes.
Defects
Uniformity Test
Check for visible brightness shifts, backlight bleed, IPS glow, and panel tinting.
Performance
Refresh Rate Test
Measure browser frame timing to confirm that the display is running near its expected Hz.
All display tests
Choose a focused test by defect type, comfort issue, performance check, or color setup.
Dead Pixel Test
DefectsDisplay solid colors to locate dead, stuck, or bright pixels before a return window closes.
Uniformity Test
DefectsCheck for visible brightness shifts, backlight bleed, IPS glow, and panel tinting.
Backlight Bleed Test
DefectsInspect dark-screen edge glow and corner leakage in a controlled viewing setup.
Refresh Rate Test
PerformanceMeasure browser frame timing to confirm that the display is running near its expected Hz.
Response Time Test
PerformanceUse motion patterns to compare ghosting, overshoot, and pixel transition behavior.
Input Lag Test
PerformanceRun click and keyboard timing checks for a practical responsiveness baseline.
Flicker Test
ComfortUse camera-based patterns to look for PWM flicker and brightness-related eye strain triggers.
Text Clarity Test
ComfortCompare font rendering, subpixel layout, scaling, and readability across common text samples.
Viewing Distance Calculator
ComfortEstimate practical viewing distance from screen size, resolution, and use case.
Gamma Pattern Check
ColorCheck grayscale visibility and gamma behavior before adjusting monitor settings.
Color Temperature Test
ColorCompare white point presets from warm to cool and identify obvious color cast issues.
Gradient Banding Test
ColorLook for visible banding, posterization, and poor tonal transitions in gradients.
Contrast Ratio Test
ColorReview black level, white clipping, and near-black detail using stepped patterns.
HDR Test
ColorCheck browser-reported HDR support and compare HDR-oriented highlight patterns.
Burn-in Test
DefectsInspect OLED and other panels for image retention using high-contrast test screens.
Viewing Angle Test
PanelCompare color and contrast shifts when viewing the panel from different angles.
Multi-Screen Alignment
PanelAlign edges, scale, and color consistency across dual or triple monitor setups.
Screen Info
PanelRead 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: support and return decisions depend on current retailer or manufacturer terms.
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.
Games feel wrong
Verify refresh rate, response time, input lag, and flicker before changing GPU or monitor settings.
Text or colors look off
Review text clarity, color temperature, gamma, gradients, and panel uniformity before deeper tuning.
See test orderFrequently 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 browser-based visual check for display issues such as dead pixels, refresh-rate mismatch, text clarity, and uneven brightness. It is useful for home inspection, but it is not a lab measurement.
How do I test my monitor for free?
FreeScreenTest offers browser-based display checks for common monitor issues. Choose a test from the homepage and follow the on-screen instructions. No signup, download, or payment is required.
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 visible light leakage from LCD monitor edges, most noticeable on black screens in dark rooms. Some glow can be normal depending on panel type and viewing angle; document severe cases and compare them with official support terms.
What's the difference between IPS, VA, and TN panels?
IPS, VA, TN, and OLED panels have different viewing-angle, contrast, and response characteristics. A browser test can show visible behavior on your own screen, but exact panel type should be confirmed from the manufacturer or model documentation.
What is the best color temperature for a monitor?
6500K is a common neutral reference point, while lower values look warmer and higher values look cooler. Use the Color Temperature Test as a visual comparison, then confirm critical color decisions with proper measurement tools.
Can I tune my monitor at home?
You can use the Gamma, Color Temperature, and Contrast Ratio tests as visual references while adjusting monitor settings. For color-critical work, use a hardware colorimeter or another measurement workflow.
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 the HDR Test to check browser-reported HDR behavior and view HDR-oriented patterns. Browser checks cannot certify peak brightness or full HDR performance; confirm those details with device specifications or measurement tools.
Ready to inspect your screen?
Start with the new monitor checkup or open a focused test from the full list.
Start Checkup