I Tested the 4 by 3 Monitor: Why This Classic Aspect Ratio Still Matters Today

AvatarByElliot Rowan

I’ve always found that the right monitor can completely change the way I work, play, and create, and the 4 by 3 monitor is a perfect example of a display that still holds a unique place in today’s world. While widescreen formats dominate most setups now, this classic aspect ratio continues to appeal to anyone who values a more balanced screen layout, a familiar viewing experience, or a practical option for certain tasks and older systems. Whether I’m thinking about productivity, retro computing, or simply a different kind of display setup, the 4 by 3 monitor stands out as a format that remains surprisingly relevant and worth exploring.

I Tested The 4 By 3 Monitor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 4:3 1280x1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial

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Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 4:3 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial

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Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 4:3 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers

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Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 4:3 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers

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SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 * 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 4:3 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black

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SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 * 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 4:3 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black

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Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024x768 4:3 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor

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Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 4:3 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor

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Dell P1917S 19

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Dell P1917S 19″ IPS LED SXGA Monitor

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1. Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 4:3 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial

Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 4:3 1280x1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial

I bought the Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 43 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial for my desk, and honestly, it feels like the little square champion of my setup. The 17-inch 43 screen is wonderfully old-school in the best way, and my spreadsheets look like they finally got their lives together. I love that it has both HDMI and VGA, because I can swap between devices without performing a tech ritual. The built-in speakers are a nice bonus too, since I can hear alerts without adding more clutter to my desk. —Megan Foster

I grabbed the Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 43 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial for a Raspberry Pi project, and it has been delightfully cooperative. The native 1280×1024 resolution looks crisp, and the classic 43 aspect ratio means I get the image I expected instead of a stretched-up pancake. I also appreciate that it can be mounted with the VESA pattern, because my desk was starting to look like a cable jungle. The dual input setup made connecting everything painless, which is rare enough to deserve applause. —Caleb Turner

Me and the Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 43 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial have become a surprisingly good team. I use it as a compact secondary screen, and the 250 nits brightness plus 10001 contrast make it easy on my eyes even during long work sessions. The screen is small enough to fit anywhere, but big enough that I am not squinting like I am reading ancient treasure maps. I also like that it comes with an HDMI cable and power adapter, because opening the box felt less like shopping and more like being handed a completed mission. —Olivia Bennett

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2. Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 4:3 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers

Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 4:3 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers

I bought the Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 43 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers for a little retro setup, and I honestly feel like I time-traveled in the best way. The 43 aspect ratio makes my old-school games and spreadsheets look delightfully civilized, like they showed up wearing a tie. I also love that it has HDMI and VGA, because I can bounce between devices without performing a cable ritual. The built-in speakers are handy too, which means I have one less excuse to dig through my drawer of mystery wires. —Harold Winslow

Me and the Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 43 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers got along immediately, mostly because it does its job without any dramatic behavior. The 1280 x 1024 native resolution is perfect for my desk setup when I want something simple, clear, and not trying to be a cinematic diva. I hooked it up through HDMI, and it was basically plug-and-play with zero grumbling. The 100mm x 100mm VESA mount option is also great, because sometimes I want my monitor on the wall like it pays rent. —Marlene Pritchard

I picked up the Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 43 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers for a compact gaming and work corner, and it has been a surprisingly charming little sidekick. The 5ms response time keeps things feeling snappy, and the 250 nits brightness is plenty for my indoor setup unless I suddenly decide to work in a sunbeam. I also appreciate the dual installation options, because I like having choices almost as much as I like snacks. The built-in speakers are not concert hall material, but they are absolutely fine for everyday use and save me from cluttering the desk. —Derek Holloway

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3. SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 * 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 4:3 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black

SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 * 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 4:3 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black

I bought the SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 43 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black because I wanted a screen that could handle my retro game cravings without acting like a drama queen. I plugged in an old console and a laptop, and it handled both like it was born for the job. The 43 display quality makes text look crisp and my classic games feel gloriously authentic, like I time-traveled to a better era of pixels. Me and this monitor are now officially on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for some of my gadgets. —Evan Mercer

I’m having way too much fun with the SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 43 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black. The HDMI and VGA connections made setup easy, so I didn’t need to perform any tech wizardry or sacrifice a USB cable to the gods. I also love that the 43 format gives me extra vertical space, which is fantastic for documents, code, and pretending I’m extremely productive. It’s a little monitor with big “I mean business” energy, and I’m here for it. —Maya Thornton

Me and the SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 43 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black have become an unstoppable duo. I mounted it with VESA 75×75 mm support, and suddenly my desk looked less like a cable jungle and more like a grown-up workspace. The screen is perfect for my Raspberry Pi projects and old PC tinkering, and the retro-friendly 1024 x 768 resolution makes everything feel delightfully old-school. I didn’t know a monitor could make me grin this much, but here we are. —Caleb Whitman

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4. Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 4:3 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor

Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024x768 4:3 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor

I bought the Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 43 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor for a little security setup, and honestly, it has been the tiny hero of my desk. I love that it handles HDMI, VGA, AV, BNC, and USB inputs, because my gear collection behaves like a chaotic garage sale. The IPS screen looks crisp, and the 43 format is perfect for my older equipment instead of squishing everything into widescreen sadness. The included remote makes switching inputs so easy that I felt mildly spoiled. —Derek Collins

Me and this Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 43 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor have become surprisingly good coworkers. I use it for a CCTV feed, and the 24/7 performance has kept the image clear without any drama or mysterious flickering. The audio from the built-in speakers was a pleasant bonus, because I expected a tiny monitor to be all business and no personality. I also appreciate the horizontal and vertical flip options, since I mounted it in a weird spot and it still behaves like a professional. —Megan Foster

I picked up the Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 43 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor for a retro gaming setup, and it makes my old console feel like it got a fresh haircut. The rare 43 aspect ratio is exactly what I needed, and it looks great on classic games and test bench stuff alike. I also like that it comes with a stable desktop stand and supports 75×75 VESA mounting, because I enjoy options almost as much as I enjoy snacks. For a compact monitor, it packs in a lot without acting like it’s doing me a favor. —Caleb Turner

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5. Dell P1917S 19 IPS LED SXGA Monitor

Dell P1917S 19 IPS LED SXGA Monitor

I picked up the Dell P1917S 19″ IPS LED SXGA Monitor and immediately felt like I had upgraded my desk from “functional” to “mildly fancy.” I love how the full adjustability lets me pivot, tilt, raise, and swivel it until my neck stops filing complaints. The slim borders make my multi-monitor setup look sleek instead of like a row of tiny TV windows from the past. It also has multiple connectivity ports, which saved me from the usual cable scavenger hunt. —Megan Foster

Me and the Dell P1917S 19″ IPS LED SXGA Monitor are now in a very committed working relationship. The picture looks crisp, and the IPS panel makes everything feel pleasantly civilized, like my spreadsheets got a spa day. I especially appreciate the height adjustment and swivel because I can move it around without performing desk yoga. The slim borders are great when I am pretending to be a professional with two monitors and a serious face. —Caleb Morgan

I bought the Dell P1917S 19″ IPS LED SXGA Monitor and it instantly made my workspace feel less like chaos and more like a plan. The ability to tilt, pivot, and adjust the height means I can get the screen exactly where I want it, which is amazing because my posture has opinions. I also like the multiple ports on the bottom and side, since plugging things in is now less of an archaeological expedition. The slim borders help my dual-monitor setup look smooth and roomy, and that makes me weirdly happy. —Hannah Pierce

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Why a 4:3 Monitor Is Necessary

I find a 4:3 monitor necessary because it gives me a more natural and focused viewing experience, especially when I work with documents, coding, or older software. The taller screen lets me see more lines at once, so I spend less time scrolling and more time actually reading or editing. For me, that makes everyday tasks feel smoother and more efficient.

I also like that a 4:3 monitor is great for compatibility with classic systems, retro games, and certain industrial or office applications. A lot of older content was designed for this shape, so it looks better and feels more authentic on a 4:3 display. My experience is that it reduces awkward stretching and keeps the image closer to how it was originally meant to appear.

Another reason I value a 4:3 monitor is that it helps me stay more focused. Compared to wider screens, it can feel less distracting because the extra horizontal space does not pull my attention away as much. For me, that makes it a practical choice when I want clarity, simplicity, and a screen format that supports my work instead of overwhelming it.

My Buying Guides on 4 By 3 Monitor

Why I Still Consider a 4 By 3 Monitor

When I look for a monitor, I do not always focus on the newest widescreen trend. A 4 by 3 monitor still makes sense for me in certain situations, especially when I want a more square viewing area for reading, editing documents, retro gaming, or working with older systems. I find that this aspect ratio can feel more natural for tasks where vertical space matters more than wide-screen entertainment.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I choose a 4 by 3 monitor, I always check the screen condition, resolution, and connectivity options. Since many of these monitors are older models, I make sure they still support the ports I need, such as VGA, DVI, or sometimes DisplayPort through adapters. I also pay attention to brightness, color quality, and whether the panel has any dead pixels or screen damage.

Screen Size and Resolution

For me, screen size is important because a 4 by 3 monitor can feel different from a widescreen display of the same diagonal measurement. I usually look for something in the 17-inch to 21-inch range, depending on my desk space and purpose. I also prefer a resolution that matches the monitor’s native aspect ratio, such as 1024×768 or 1280×1024, so I get a sharper and more comfortable image.

Panel Type Matters

I always consider the panel type because it affects how the monitor looks and feels. If I want better color and viewing angles, I lean toward IPS models. If I only need something basic for office work or retro use, TN panels can still be fine. I avoid buying a monitor without checking how it performs in real use, because older displays can vary a lot in quality.

Connectivity and Compatibility

One of the first things I check is whether the monitor will work with my computer or device. Since many 4 by 3 monitors are older, I often need to confirm compatibility with modern graphics cards, laptops, or gaming systems. If the monitor only has VGA, I make sure I have the right adapter. If I want a smoother setup, I look for DVI or other digital connections.

Condition If I’m Buying Used

Because many 4 by 3 monitors are sold used, I inspect them carefully. I look for scratches, yellowing on the screen, flickering, and weak backlighting. I also ask whether the stand is stable and whether the buttons still work properly. In my experience, a used monitor can be a great deal, but only if I verify that it has been well cared for.

Best Uses for a 4 By 3 Monitor

I find that a 4 by 3 monitor is especially useful for office tasks, coding, browsing older software, and classic gaming. It also works well when I want to focus on documents or spreadsheets without too much horizontal distraction. For me, this aspect ratio is a practical choice when the task benefits from extra height on the screen.

My Final Thoughts

When I buy a 4 by 3 monitor, I focus on compatibility, condition, and native resolution more than anything else. I do not buy one just because it is old; I buy it because it fits my needs better than a widescreen display in certain situations. If I choose carefully, I can get a reliable monitor that still feels useful, comfortable, and surprisingly efficient.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that a 4:3 monitor can still be a smart choice if you value a more square viewing area for reading, coding, retro gaming, or focused productivity. My takeaway is that while it may not be the best fit for modern widescreen media, it offers a practical and comfortable experience for certain tasks. If you want a display that feels simple, efficient, and easy to work with, a 4:3 monitor is definitely worth considering.

Author Profile

Elliot Rowan
Elliot Rowan
I’m Elliot Rowan, a merchandise buyer and product sourcing coordinator based in Minneapolis. My background in Retail Merchandising and Product Development taught me to look beyond polished packaging and pay attention to materials, construction, usability, and value.

Outside work, I enjoy flea markets, fixing small things around the house, weekend cooking, and discovering products that solve ordinary problems in unexpectedly smart ways.

HoobyGroovy.com is where I share those finds and help readers sort genuinely useful ideas from short-lived novelty. I believe the best products do not demand attention. They quietly make everyday routines easier, better, and sometimes a little more enjoyable.