Purchasing a digital signage screen for communication or advertising is an investment that pays for itself with better visibility, a smoother customer journey, and more effective communication. However, the most important thing to understand when purchasing is one thing: the total price is not the same as the price of the display.
In this blog, we will go over what the total price of a professional-level digital signage solution consists of, what price ranges are typically available for different implementations, what costs are associated with maintenance – and how to choose a solution that serves its purpose without surprise bills.
The price of digital signage does not just mean the screen: what does the total price consist of?
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) usually consists of these pieces:
- Digital display or LED solution, the price of which is affected by factors such as size, brightness, operating hours (e.g. 24/7), panel quality and operating environment (indoor/outdoor)
- External or built-in media player. Some digital signage displays work directly with the built-in media player (System on Chip, SoC), some require a separate media player.
- Content management system (CMS). Without this, content cannot be updated in a controlled manner, and scheduling, user rights, or remote management cannot be done properly. CMS is usually priced on a monthly basis.
- Installation and deployment: mountings, cabling, electricity, network connections, possible racks and protective structures. In outdoor areas, the installation costs are significantly higher than for basic indoor screens.
- Maintenance and lifecycle: updates, remote management, monitoring, maintenance and possible replacement devices.
- Content and the time it takes to create it. A digital screen without a content routine is a bit like coffee without caffeine: it looks the same, but no one wakes up.
When you take these into account from the beginning, the price of the digital signage screen becomes predictable – and the investment is truly worthwhile.
Would you like a rough estimate for your needs? Request a quick quote!
Digital screen price: size, resolution, brightness and operating hours
Size and resolution are easy to understand: bigger is usually more expensive. The price range for displays is wide – small indoor displays often cost hundreds of euros, while large, modular LED walls and demanding special displays can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of euros.
Resolution (Full HD / 4K): when does it really matter?
Resolution affects how text and graphics look, especially when viewed up close. For most info and advertising display applications, Full HD is more than enough. , especially if the viewing distance is several meters and the content is mainly clear images, videos and large text. If the screen displays a lot of small text, detailed schedules, product prices or data that needs to be read up close, 4K can improve readability and a finished impression.
However, resolution alone does not determine quality: if the brightness or panel is wrong for the intended use, 4K will not save you. A good rule of thumb is: choose the resolution according to the viewing distance and content, and at the same time invest in the right brightness and usage category.
Operating hours (16/7 vs 24/7): you pay for durability
Professional digital displays are often designed to run 24/7. For example, if the display is located in an office where it is not needed 24/7, you can choose a 16/7 or 18/7 display. It is intended to be turned off for part of the day, which is often a slightly cheaper price.
Brightness (nits): the single most important factor driving price and performance
If your screen is near a window or in a bright environment, you’ll need more nits. A basic screen will work just fine, but for a storefront or in bright light, you’ll need a “high brightness” device so that the content doesn’t fade to the point of being practically invisible.
Indoor display, outdoor display or LED wall? The location determines the price range
An indoor screen is often the most cost-effective way to get started. It is suitable for lobbies, corridors, stores, production facilities and staff rooms. Indoors, lower brightness and a lighter structure are usually sufficient.
Outdoor displays are more expensive because the requirements are increasing: brightness, temperature resistance, moisture and dust resistance, protective housing and mounting structures. Outdoors, you’re not just buying a screen – you’re also buying that it will be visible, work and last in varying conditions.
LED screens are a world of their own. LED can make sense when you want a large surface, impressiveness and modularity. The price is affected by factors such as pixel pitch, size, installation method and control solutions.
Read also the blog: LED screen price and other buyer questions »
When making a purchase, pay attention to at least these:
Brightness (Nits/Candelas): This is the most important differentiator. A basic display (approx. 350-500 nits) is sufficient for a meeting room, but a shop window requires a so-called High Brightness display (1500–4000 nits) to prevent the image from “disappearing” in sunlight. Bright panels are more valuable.
Operating time (16/7 vs 24/7): Professional digital signage displays are designed to withstand continuous use, even around the clock, unlike consumer TVs.
Durability (IP rating): Outdoor displays require a weatherproof, water- and dust-resistant enclosure and cooling system.
Refresh rate (Hz): If you are playing fast-paced video on your screen, a high refresh rate ensures smooth motion.
“Invisible” costs: software, content, maintenance and energy
The hardware alone is only part of the cost. For a digital signage solution to deliver value, it needs software, content, and someone to keep it running.
Note at least these:
- Content Management System (CMS): Cloud-based software, that allows remote management of displays, is typically priced on a monthly basis (e.g. around €10–50/month/display). Free solutions often have limitations (security, management, user rights, remote monitoring, support) that are not suitable for business use.
- Installation and mounting: Will the screen be mounted on the ceiling, wall, or floor? Professional mounting and electrical work are a one-time cost that is worth budgeting for (e.g. around €200–1000 depending on the complexity of the installation).
- Content production: Who updates the screens? Content production can be in-house, outsourced, or partially automated (e.g. news, social media, scheduled campaigns, data mining). Often, it is the content routine that determines whether a screen produces value or remains a “background canvas.”
- Energy consumption: Modern indoor displays are generally energy efficient, but bright special displays and outdoor solutions consume significantly more. Scheduling according to opening hours reduces consumption and extends the lifespan.
Additionally: a TV intended for consumer use may be inexpensive to purchase, but it is not designed for corporate information display use (operating hours, manageability, warranty and maintenance models).
Read more: Why is a basic TV not suitable for a digital signage display? »
Read also the blog: How does the location affects the effectiveness of the digital signage screen? »
Price examples: how much does an digital display cost?
The table below gives an approximate estimate of the prices of the equipment (VAT 0%).
| Display type | Size | Estimated price (purchase, VAT 0%) | Leasing (€/month, VAT 0%, from) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small digital signage display | 10”–43” | 500 € – 1 500 € | from €30/month |
| Large digital signage display | 55”–98” | 1 500 € – 5 000 € | from €60/month |
| High Brightness display (window screens) | typically 43”–75” | 2 000 € – 6 000 € | from €80/month |
| Large LED wall for indoor use | esim. 3 × 2 m | 7 000 € – 30 000 € | starting at 200 €/month |
Note: Prices are indicative. The final total price depends on the selected model, brightness, usage category, installation method, and whether a media player, CMS licenses, deployment, and maintenance are included.
Not sure if a basic digital signage screen is enough or if you need a high brightness model (or even an outdoor solution)? Book a 15-minute check up and we will recommend the appropriate screen type for your purpose.
One-time purchase or leasing, which is better?
Digital signage display can be acquired as a one-time investment or as a flexible service. One-time acquisition works best when the organization has the desire and expertise to run the entire thing itself: devices, updates, users, monitoring and content process. Many people manage this well, as long as responsibilities are clear. The service model (leasing / monthly payment) is suitable when you want to minimize investment costs and technical details
1. Kertahankinta (Capex)
The company pays for the devices upfront. This is suitable for organizations that want to own the device fleet and have a clear model for maintenance: updates, users, monitoring, and content process.
2. Leasing or service model (Opex)
This is the easiest way for many people to acquire digital displays today. Leasing lowers initial costs because a large one-time investment is not required. The service agreement can include, for example:
- Device insurance and warranty extension.
- Maintenance services and replacement equipment in case of malfunctions.
- Installation and support services
The monthly price of the leasing model is often set at €50–500/month per screen, depending on the configuration and the content of the contract. Honest note: the service model is not automatically cheaper, but it is often more worry-free. And worry-free is a surprisingly good ROI indicator, especially when there are multiple screens.
How to choose the right solution for your budget
The first step is to decide what the display is for. Is it to increase sales, reduce customer service workload, improve internal communications, or strengthen the brand? The goal determines the content, location, and technology.
Second, take an honest look at the environment. If the screen is in a window or in a bright lobby, the screen will require different specs than a solution for a windowless staff room.
The third step is to plan content. Who will update the content, how often, and where will it come from? Automation is your friend here. When some of the content is ready from sources (news, press releases, reporting, campaign calendar), the screen won’t be left idle.
Finally, ask for an estimate of the total price. Ask for a breakdown: hardware, installation, CMS, support and maintenance. When you compare apples to apples, the decision is easy.
A properly sized display solution is not an expense, but an investment that increases sales.
Digital display price: Frequently asked questions
It depends on whether you’re talking about just the software or the entire service. In a complete service, the monthly price is affected by the equipment, maintenance, contract content, and service levels.
If the display has a built-in intelligence (SoC), a separate media player may not be necessary. If the content is demanding (e.g. 4K videos, multiple content sources or integrations), a separate media player may make sense: it provides more power, ensures smooth playback and makes it easier to manage.
Usually the operating environment (outdoor vs. indoor), brightness requirement, usage category (e.g. 24/7), installation structures, and whether maintenance and monitoring are included in the service.
They often mean the same thing: a display that displays content. “Advertising display” emphasizes sales use, “digital signage display” also covers internal communication, other guidance and information.
The service life depends on the usage category and the time of use. Professional displays are designed for longer and heavier use. All devices supplied by FirstView have a minimum three-year hardware warranty.
Summary: a smart way to budget for a digital signage display
If you want a realistic budget for what a digital display will cost, do this:
- determine the purpose and location
- decide on a service model (own or as a service)
- ask the supplier for a detailed total price
And if you want to get straight to a working solution: FirstView builds digital signage systems so that devices, content management and maintenance form a sensible package.
Also check out these contents before purchasing:
Digital signage from an IT management perspective »
How can you recognize an easy-to-use digital signage software? »
Why do customers trust FirstView for their digital digital signage solutions? »
